Lazy day....

    + = My dinner tonight.

 

I obviously couldn't find a "chicken soup" graphic, so I compromised. My soup is simmering on the stove right now and smells wonderful. I managed to stay in bed this morning....even watched a movie. Little Darlings was on....remember that one? From 1980 starring Kristy McNichols and Tatum O'Neil. I had never seen it, so I figured I'd rest while enjoying a blast from the past. It was pretty good. I love watching old movies like that, trying to remember things from my childhood....striped knee socks, silky running shorts, and the oh-so-fashionable barettes wrapped with ribbon. You would wear them on either side of your feathered bangs....lovely! LOL

I have just finished cleaning up the place, doing a load of dishes, and I'm going to do the ironing. I'm feeling slightly better than yesterday, which is good. Tonight is supposed to be "birthday shopping night", although I'm not sure if it is still on, as Betsy will be babysitting into the evening. I was hoping that they would go, and that dh would take them out to dinner so that I wouldn't have to cook. But, I'm looking forward to my soup.

My grandmother stopped by today. She is on a mission for cheese. While we were in North Carolina, she bought the best cheese....it was white and soft and mild and creamy....and we didn't save the freaking label. I am thinking it was gouda, but not the smoked kind. We both went out on Monday and bought what we thought was the same kind....but it wasn't. Wee one took one bite and said, "Uh, mom, that isn't it." *Sigh. So now I have a $5.95 block of cheese that the girls don't like. I'm sure dh will eat it....he loves cheese. In any case, Nana is out shopping right now, hoping to find it. Of course, she is getting on in years, so if she does manage to find it, she will either A.) eat it all and throw away the wrapper or B.) eat it all, throw away the wrapper and forget she bought/ate it. I am going to try the gourmet shop and see if they carry it. Of course to shop there, I'm going to have to go on a day that I feel good, as you have to be dressed up to go in there. I will probably have to park in the adjacent "radio shack" parking lot, as I do not drive a Lexus/Beamer/Cadillac suv, and I doubt they would appreciate the humor of my Homer Simpson antennae topper. I don't usually shop there....obviously....but I'll bet they have the cheese I'm looking for.  I should go in and ask where the "Kraft singles" are....that'll get 'em talking!

Boy, the house is quiet right now. I should be lying down, relaxing with a hot cup of tea or coffee to soothe my throat. I think I will do just that....

I feel like crud....

Boy, I have felt like crud all day. I went from waking up tired, to exhausted. I hate when I get like this. It's like walking around in a daze....constantly trying to stay awake. I did manage to clean and do some sewing. I finished my ironing and the girls....yet have a pile of dh's to do. I can't rest comfortably if I know I have work to do. I was looking forward to spending the evening in bed, but I couldn't with that dang ironing staring at me. I still have quite a bit left, but at least I started it. Dinner was spinach quiche (a new recipe), maple sausage, and strawberries and blueberries. I have to say, although I didn't feel hungry, it sure was good. The girls actually had two pieces each, which surprised me. They said the recipe was a keeper. I did take pics....and they laughed at me....but I'm too dang tired to post them.

Wee one had a friend spend the night last night....and she didn't leave until after 5 this afternoon. I do believe she was here for 24 hours. Tomorrow Betsy is babysitting for them all day, and wee one will probably be over there. WooHoo....a freebie day during the summer. Gotta love those....

I am still trying to get used to the routine again, after being on vacation. I still feel a bit of the "relaxation glow", yet know that I need to get back into the groove. In about 2 weeks, wee one will get her 4th grade class assignment. I can not believe she is going to be a 4th grader. Where has the time gone? I have her kindergarten picture on the fridge....as well as a picture of she and Betsy when they were 3 and 9. I can't believe my babies are getting so big. I miss those days when mommy was the center of their worlds. I suppose every mother goes through baby withdrawl....it just hurts so much.

Okay, enough of the whining. I've got to get some sleep here. Goodnight....

Pics of the trip....

Here are a few of the pictures I took on our vacation. Upon viewing them, I have come to the conclusion that I am NOT a photographer. Blurry, dark....*sigh. Here's hoping the ones I took on the regular camera turned out better.

I think I have a cold. Who gets a cold in 100 degree weather? I got up this morning and was thinking, why am I so dang tired? Why does my head hurt, my sinuses pound and my eyes feel grainy? The feeling has lasted all day, and I've been sneezing too. However, I managed to clean the house, do 5 loads of wash, go to the post office, pick up my mom's car so dh can take it in tomorrow to get the air fixed, go grocery shopping, fix dinner and now, wee one is having a friend spend the night. At least I know she will not be bored this evening. Betsy is in her room watching a movie, and dh is sacked out in front of the tv. I still have a mound of bills to pay, a checkbook to balance and clothes to put away. The vacation is definately over.

I can't believe it will be July in 2 days. That means on Saturday I will have to change my "about me" section. I will be 35. A true "mid-thirties" woman. My last year to check the little "25-35" box on surveys. The age I thought was so old when I was a teen. It's the age of hair dye, botox and the first signs of the dreaded "bleeding lipstick lips". I will be five years from 40, ten years from 45 and fifteen years from the big 50. It's amazing that I am getting older....because I don't feel it. I'm not complaining, mind you....just wondering where the time went. My teen years are gone....my babies are growing up....I'll have a 20 year old in four years for pete's sake. Well, okay, there's something to be happy about. I'll only be 39 with a 20 year old....lol.

John was just in Betsy's room, speaking in a hushed voice. I am assuming he is questioning her about what I would like as a gift. You would think the man I've been married to for 16 years would know what I like by now. Sheesh. Sometimes I wonder....I never have trouble buying him gifts. I suppose that is because I pay attention. How freaking hard is that? Oh well....I suppose I should just be happy he remembered.

 

I'm home....and I'm soooo sleepy....

Not even this cup of joe could perk me up right now. (This graphic is for you Cheezy....I know it makes you laugh!)

We got home around 3:20, and left at 8:00am. Not bad since we were following the guys, pulling a trailer with four motorcycles strapped on. The vacation was wonderful. I feel so refreshed, although I am tired. It is strange how you can ride in a car all day long, and still be sleepy. However, we did stay up till midnight every night, so that might have something to do with it.

The drive home was beautiful....and sad. I always hate leaving my aunt. She is one of those people that just shine. You can't help but love her from the moment you meet her. She has no enemies, and everyone is a friend. She's alone now, as her creep of a husband left her in the midst of her recouperation. I am always in awe of her, and how she handles things. Her knees don't bend, her broken elbow was never mended, so it hangs at a 45 degree angle, and she can't touch her head with that hand....yet she travels alone to her clients offices and carries on with a will that inspires. She flies and drives hundreds of miles....over mountains and back. She has many friends, yet somehow seems so alone. I love the time we spend with her....and it makes it hard to leave. But, we go every other month or so, so that gives us all something to look forward to.

Why is it that the clothes in our suitcases seem to multiply on the trip home? I have tons of laundry....where did it all come from? Well, I have some clue....wee one's idea of unpacking is grabbing every stitch of clothing in her suitcase, and dumping it in the laundry....it's so much easier than folding it and putting it away. She had outfits that she hadn't worn....yet they are mixed in with dirty stuff that I am way too lazy to pick through.

Dh is watching tv and snoozing. He pulled his back loading or unloading the bikes, we aren't sure which, and is whining about it. I suppose that means I will have to go in there, open the Tylenol, get a glass of water, and place the pills in his lilly white hand so he can take them. Why is it that he would rather sit there and complain for a half hour, rather than take the 20 seconds to get the medicine? Oh yes....he's a freaking MAN.

Betsy is already at a friends house. She unpacked, swam for three minutes with her sister, took a shower and left. Oh to have that energy again. Although, after being gone for 6 days, I just want to be home....in my own house....in my own bed....even if it is in the most freaking hot state in the lower 48.

Audio entry

I can't sleep....

I can not believe I just wrote a huge entry....and it wouldn't let me save it. That's it....I'm going to bed.

Cul-de-sac races....

::imagnine a picture of a car::

We have had a very full day today....we went to the mall and shopped for a bit, did some sight seeing, had lunch at a Chinese buffet (jealous, Sully???? lol), and then off to some more shops. However, we were home in time for the car races that are held every night here in the cul-de-sac (cds from here on in, as it's a long word to type....)

My aunt lives in the end condo in a cds, and there is quite a group of people that live here. S is a lovely woman of 73, never married and had a government job all her life. K lives alone, and has never been married. His mother just passed away at the age of 89, and he is going to move into her condo and sell his. He has a schnauzer who is his "baby", and he takes him inside when the bigger dogs come out, with the promise of tv and treats. P was married for over 20 years and is now "playing for the other team". He is a character who is recouperating from a recent heart attack....sitting in his chair drinking gin and 7-up. Margaret is in the nursing home for a bit, after a fall that broke her hip, right after surgery, and David who was given 0% chance survival rate because ther were not an available liver....until one morning when they got the call that one had been found, and it was a match. He is healthy and happy now. And then there is my aunt who survived rolling her suv, being thrown out at 70 mph, suffering massive closed head injuries, 8 rods in one leg, 5 in the other, a broken neck, elbow, arm, lost her spleen....yet was walking and traveling with her work less than a year after her miraculous survival. (her doctor's words...."she shouldn't be here") She just recently fell and broke her arm just above and below the fused broken elbow, but dang it, she is dealing.

The group in the cds is known as the "survivors". Every evening garages open, lawn chairs come out, and they sit....laughing and talking, petting the various dogs and cats....and racing the cars. These are little matchbox-like cars that can be charged and run by remote control. As soon as we arrived, my aunt said wee one had to get one to be a part of the nightly fun....so off to walmart we went. Armed with a silver pickup racer, wee one has managed to beat all the guys....they love her. P said to me tonight, "That child just loves life, doesn't she?" They call the little piles of dirt the "sand dunes", the pebbles are "boulders", the pile of sticks and leaves is the "rain forest", my aunt's driveway is "Mt. Everest", and the pot hole is the "grand canyon". We went out around 7, and came in at 9:30.

It's like living in the past here. Sitting around, talking about the neighbors....their lives, kids, work. All of these people take care of one another. They actually care what happens. P went in to refresh his drink, and was gone over 15 minutes. K went to make sure he was okay, we wanted to make sure he didn't have another heart attack. It makes you feel good to see people that actually care about each other....that don't run into their homes and slam the doors at the end of the day, trying to avoid human contact.

I don't know if it's the neighborhood, or the mountains, or (more realistically), the fact that these people have all survived illness and accidents....and realize that life is for living. Whatever it is, it's fun and it's heartwarming....and it's a blessing to see.  

 

Audio entry

Hello from North Carolina!!!!

;o)

Hey....guess who has access to the internet? Yeah, that's right....ME!

First, an apology to Gretchen....I forgot to mention that I would be waving to her while going through GA....I can't believe I forgot her, as we went through Savannah! So, Gretchen, I did wave!

It is absolutely GORGEOUS here! There is very little humidity and it's actually cool this evening. I am in heaven. My hair is full and bouncy and behavin....I haven't sweat all day....even slept with the windows open! We just got back from dinner, and had the best creme brulee cheesecake....it was like there was a party in my mouth, and everyone was invited....

We spent the day in downtown Asheville. We went to our favorite place....Mast General Store. They have candy by the barrell. You pick up these little buckets and choose from all different kinds....peanut butter cups, bull's eyes, vanilla caramels, rock candy, sky bars, bit o'honey....the list goes on and on. We did pretty good....only $35 worth! LOL....wee one is a bit hyper this evening.

The guys are all here with their motorcycles, getting ready for the trip tomorrow. They will be traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Honda Hoot....they are all looking forward to it.

As for us girls, I don't know what we will do....but whatever it is, boring or fun, you can be sure I will tell you all about it!  Until then....

On the road again....(I know, I know....how original)

Well, I am almost finished packing....have three things to iron, the floors are vacuumed, the toilets scrubbed, and I even mowed the lawn! I tell ya....I am exhausted! I'm actually looking forward to sitting on my butt for 6 1/2 hours in the car.

I have turned off all my journal alerts....I'll just pick up where I left off when I get home Sunday. I will be waving to Sully as we travel through GA, and to Kim in SC, as we turn off I-95. I don't know anyone who lives in NC....so I won't be waving there.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a great week....I'll call in when we are on the road....later gators!

 

Stuff....

 

Ahhhh, relaxation. I've been going a mile a minute all day, and it feels good to sit down for a bit. I just finished cleaning out my makeup carrier....my brushes are clean, the pencil shavings are gone, and the lipstick smudges are history....nothing but shiny cosmetics as far as the eye can see. I went out today and purchased some mascera, foundation and powder, lip gloss and eyeshadow. Why does it seem that it all runs out at once? I've always been fascinated by makeup. My aunt introduced me to it as a child, and since the age of 12 I have rarely been seen without my face on. I don't wear tons, but enough that if you saw me without it you would ask if I felt alright, because I seem pale. The one thing I could never live without, my cosmetic of choice would be my lipstick. I love lipstick. You will NEVER see me without it. It's so versitile; have to run to the store early in the morning? Lipstick and sunglasses. Bus stop? Lipstick and sunglasses. It just makes me feel good. Of course, I can't wear lipstick without first putting on my Natural Ice lip balm. My lips actually get thirsty if I don't put it on. I layer it on every night before bed....why? Because I don't ever want those "old lady lips". You know the ones....with the dry lines around them that the lipstick seeps into as the day goes on. I've been slathering the goop on at night for as long as I can remember....we're talking 7 or 8 years old. I must have had a bad experience in my childhood where an old woman kissed me and I saw the lips....

I'm also fanatical about tweezing. I can not have stray hairs around my eyebrows. The arches must form a perfect half moon....yes, I've been known to measure them. It is one of the first things I notice when I meet someone....are the eyebrows groomed. I'm not judgemental about it....just curious. I think everyone has something they notice when they first meet someone. Teeth, eye color, hairstyle....whatever.

I've been washing and packing today. Dh gave me a list of what needs to be packed, (however, I wonder why if he can write it, he can't do it....), and I have a few things still in the wash that I will finish up tomorrow. The grass will have to be cut when we return, as it hasn't stopped raining long enough to dry out. We will most likely come home to a jungle! The dog has his babysitters in order, and I bought him some food today. It's funny, but I think he knows when we are leaving. He gets upset, and sits in the corner, ignoring us. Poor guy. Actually, I wouldn't mind taking him....but I don't know how well he'd do on the long ride.

Well, it's after ten, and dh is going to bed. I'm gonna finish up here and head there myself. If I don't write tomorrow, I'll be sending in audio entries from the road....now there's something to look forward to....weather reports from somewhere other than Jacksonville....yippee!

Father's day and other goodies....

I apologize if anyone got two alerts for this entry....it's just that I had to reboot twice to get the dang pictures up and I wasn't going to chance loosing them!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful father's day. We had a lovely time. This morning my family and my sisters went to church, and it was a lovely service. We then came home and rested for a bit, before heading out to mom's for lunch. She cooked a great meal....ribs and fresh green beans, mashed potatoes and angel food cake with strawberries. It was a hit! After eating the guys opened gifts and we generally sat around and talked. We ended up watching "Bruce Almighty", which, I have to say was excellent. My girls are spending the night at mom's tonight, so John and I went home....with a stop for a gallon of milk and, obviously, sundaes. (We are soooo naughty!) The guys had a great father's day, and my dad especially enjoyed having the family around him.

Since we've been home I've done two loads of laundry, a load of dishes, and cleaned out the fridge. I'm waiting on another load to come out of the dryer....and if I'm really feeling adventerous, I've got ironing. I told you I'd start stressing about the trip! I have looked up the temps in NC, and it's going to be in the mid 80's. Here's hoping the humidity won't be so bad in the mountains!

Well, the buzzer on the dryer is going off, so I must continue my chores....on this day of rest. Have a good one!

Audio entry

Audio entry

Odds & Sods....

Just a few random photos that I took today. It was so hot out that the pool water was actually warm. So much for a refreshing dip in the pool!

Dh and I went to Wal-Mart last evening, and stocked up on things for the trip. Taking him with me to that store, I've learned, is a HUGE financial mistake. I realized this upon entering the store, as a dazed look came over him. He somehown managed to zero in on the automotive department almost immediately....and was off. I had to practically run to keep up. He leisurely strolled up and down the aisles, trying to decide what to buy. I finally went off by myself to get some of the things I needed, or we may have still been there. As I approached the basket, I swear to you, it's contents had doubled. I asked him if we really needed all that stuff, and his response...."I NEVER get to go shopping."  You can bet your butt I'll remind him of that statement, the next time I need milk and he is to lazy to run out for some.

He finally decided he was done looking at oil and filters and other stupid stuff men enjoy looking at, and we were off to the important things....deciding if I should get the rooster rug or the cafe rug. (I ended up with the cafe rug). He then wanted to buy a new pair of sunglasses. Man, it was like shopping with a teenager! I steered him away from the $17 pairs to the $9.99 rack, and he chose the first pair I gave him to try on. (BTW, they were the same style as the more expensive ones....I wonder if he realizes just how much money I save him on impulse items?)  By the end of the shopping, he was whining for beef jerky. I told him, "I said no! And if you don't be good, I'm not taking you for ice cream!" (I got a few high fives from the other wives with this comment....and he got a few "oh, yours is like that too?" looks from the husbands)....we got out of there spending a lot more than I wanted to....but it was done.

Actually, we did have a good time together....and while he was loading the car, I went to my favorite clothing store and bought two new outfits for our trip....see? Everything worked out just fine....

Good Friday morning....

Okay, for some reason there are two pics of the same thing up there....and I am not going to mess with taking one down. *Sigh. So far today I have done.....nothing. I have so much to do, yet I'm being lazy. Must be the summer weather. Seems the humidity comes out, and my oomph goes in. We have a big week coming up, so naturally I'm all stressed. I have to:

pick up sisters from airport
cook for father's day
get my dad his gift
finish all laundry/ironing
pack
do a "good cleaning"
make sure all the bills are paid
sort out Percy's babysitting schedule
etc., etc.

I'm terrible with trips. I save everything for the last minute, then run around like a mad woman trying to finish everything. But, I do my best work last minute, so I suppose I should just relax.

Wee one just finished a healthy breakfast of leftover Spanish rice and chicken casserol. She is a carb addict! She usually has chicken noodle soup for breakfast, which I will never understand. Certain foods are not meant for morning consumption.....if it's normal to eat for lunch or dinner....it isn't meant for breakfast. However, I love making a breakfast dinner. You know, eggs and sausage or sometimes waffles at 6 pm. I usually do that in the winter, though.

I keep seeing strange cars turning around in our cul-de-sac this morning. Someone must be having a garage sale. That is the only downside to living in a cds.....as you know we've had our mailbox knocked down as well as a semi turning around in our front yard, destroying the sod. *Sigh. I still like the quiet of living at the end of the street. Hmmmm, I wonder who is selling things, and I wonder if they have anything decent? I love garage sales. Probably the snoop in me....pawing through peoples stuff. I always feel guilty, though, if I dont' buy something. Strange.

I really should get up and start my morning....the house isn't cleaning itself....

Shopping at the mall....

I just got back from the mall with the girls....we went shopping for John for father's day. What did I get, you ask? Well....here's the rundown:

From the girls:

the movie "Next Friday"
the movie "Friday after Next"
the movie "Undercover Brother"
a box of Maurice Lanell "pinwheel" cookies (his favorite)
a box of thin mint candy

From me:

a solar lighted address stone (I don't know why....it was an impulse buy)"
and my personal favorite, a 5 foot cardboard cutout of Homer Simpson to put outside his office
at work. WooHoo!

As you can see, father's day is just a fun, goofy gift day.  I know he will love all of it.  I still have to get my dad something. He is extremely hard to buy for, especially since his disease. Yesterday when I was watching him, I asked him what he would like. His speech is very slurred, so I had to strain to hear. I heard "expired" "mom" and "power screwdriver like John".  When I put it all together, he said, "I would like one of those power screwdrives like John has, so your mom will have something to fix things with when I'm expired." I tell ya, it broke my heart to hear it....but I just laughed and told him that was a crazy thought, he will be here a long time, and if I get him a power screwdriver, HE has to use it. He laughed when I said that. We had a really nice day together. We watched a Lifetime movie together called "Holy Joe", (very cute, btw), and then he took a nap. When my mom came to pick him up, I know he was ready to go as he doesn't feel safe unless he's in his own home....although mine is a close second. My sisters will be here on Saturday from Indiana, so we will have a "family" celebration. My dad is really looking forward to it.

After the mall we ran to the Dollar Tree for gift bags, and of course, 12 other things that weren't necessary! I love going in there because I tell wee one, "You can pick out ANYTHING you want here!"  I wonder how much longer it will be before she realizes how long I've been scamming her? Then we went to the grocery store and picked up a few items for dinner. I have to say, it was a great day with the girls. They actually had fun together, and enjoyed our trip. Amazing. No fighting over who got the front seat either. That makes it nice....

Oh, yes, I forgot. While at the mall we stopped at Build-A-Bear.  This store is for people who have nothing better to do with $20. You pick out a stuffed animal body, choose a sound to put in it, fill it with stuffing (with the help of a sickening sweet employee), and a heart (which they make the children hold, wish on, rub on, twirl with, etc. before putting it in the animal).  You then move from that station to the "bathing" station, where you are given a brush and forced air to "fluff" them up, and then it's on to the clothes. Holy smokes....I have never seen such a selection of clothes for dolls! Leather Harley jackets, boots, cowboy hats, leis and grass skirts....all on hangers with plastic....even underwear! You could easily walk out of there spending $50. When the girl told wee one the clothes were extra I told her, "Well then, I guess your frog is going to leave the store naked!" Today was the debut day for the frog stuffed animal....so we had to get it. I will say, she paid for it with her own money....right before we left for the mall, I asked her if she had her wallet to pay for the frog. She said yes, and that she had $10. I told her, "Honey, $10 is not going to be enough....it will be at least $18 before tax." You know what she said to me? "Well, that's where YOU come in...."

 

 

Rainy days and Tuesdays....

Here are the random pics I couldn't get to work yesterday. Weren't they worth waiting for? Uh-huh....(man, she needs a life, huh?)

Today I did something I know I am going to regret. It needed to be done, and I did it....and I know that from now on I am going to pay the price for my actions. But what was I to do? The job needed doing....yes, I vacuumed and backwashed the pool by myself. I did it all alone, and very well. I actually scrubbed the sides, swept the deck and poured in the chemicals as well. I blew it. Now that dh knows I am capable....I have inherited the job. Crud. It wasn't bad because the sun was under the clouds, and I got in the pool to do it, which made it a lot easier. But still....he knows I can do it. *Sigh.

Let's see, what else did I do today....well, I shampooed the livingroom and dining room carpets. Seems that I gave the dog his pills too late, and he ended up having a seizure next to the desk this morning. So.....I cleaned him up, gave him a bath, and cleaned carpets. They turned out very nice....and they smell so fresh! I also made a very nice dinner....roast with red potatoes, peas, and yams. Everyone enjoyed it. I'm waiting for the dining room carpet to dry, so that I can move the table and chairs back. I also started my wash, but that isn't going to get done until tomorrow.

I keep forgetting Father's day is Sunday. I have to get a gift for my dh and my dad. I have NO idea what to get my dad. But I know what I'm getting dh....as I've said before, he is infatuated with the movie "Friday" (we bought it a few weeks ago), so I am going to get him the movie "Next Friday". He will love it! And the girls will get him a steeringwheel cover for his new truck. Hmmmm, should I go with Spongebob or flames? My car has The Simpsons, so I don't want to repeat that....

Well, wee one has been standing here chanting "are you done" for the past five minutes, so I had better go....good evening all!

Early morning musings....

Don't you hate it when something wakes you up before you are ready to be awake, and you can't get back to sleep? Hence this entry....it's 5:something am, and dh got up to get ready for work. As he did, the dog started twitching, hard enough to shake the bed and I realized I had forgotten to give him his pheno pills....so I get up and get them, and dh comes into the kitchen because he forgot his towel for his morning shower. So, being the kind woman I am, I go get him his towel. Of course, on the return trip to the bedroom, I pass the computer and decide to check my mail.... So, here I sit at an ungodly hour, typing an entry.   However, this time I'm being smart about it. I am typing it in an e-mail so that if my journal doesn't work, I don't have to slam the desk in frustration after furiously clicking "save" until my fingers bleed. This happened twice last night, so I'm not taking any chances. Not only that, but my ygp wouldn't work either, and I had some really interesting pictures to share....well, okay, they weren't that interesting. In fact, they were pretty pathetic as I was just randomly snapping pics around the house. I know, I know....I'm nutty....   Speaking of nuts, the squirrels continue to congregate in my backyard, eating the birdseed. The first thing I do when I wake up is look out the window and check for my cardinal family....and all I ever see are the squirrels. They seem to meet every morning for breakfast around the feeder. I should set out little cups of coffee for them....packets of sugar or splenda....maybe those little creamers you get at restaurants....I like looking at them, however, I haven't seen my birds in a while. I need dh to go out there and raise the feeder up, so the little critters can't get to it. I put a mostly empty jar of peanut butter out there, on the advice of my mother who said that they squirrels would go after that....however when I checked on it fifteen minutes later, the jar was 8 feet away under the swing, and the squirrels were back at the feeder....little smartaleks....   I hear wee one snoring from here. During the summer she never sleeps in her room. She sleeps either in: Betsy's room on the pull out couch; my room on the floor or loveseat; on the floor in the family room....where she is now. The summer for her is like one really long sleep-over. Once school starts, she'll be back in her room. But until then, she's all over the place. When she sleeps in the family room, I let her put Nickelodeon on, and tell her she can stay up as late as she wants watching cartoons.  She is excited, gets all her pillows and blankets and camps out for a night of tv freedom....and is asleep in ten minutes. Ahhh, to be a kid again.   Well, dh is getting ready to leave, and I am going to try to go back to bed. Good morning....

Weekend Update....

Can you guess what we did this weekend? Come on, take a guess....yup, we went to see Garfield the Movie. It was very cute....however, if it weren't for Bill Murray as Garfield, it would not have been very good. Some cartoons are just not meant to be turned into "real life" pictures. We went to the 12:20 show, which ended up being $21 for the four of us. Not bad....however....the snacks which included three drinks (two small, one med.), three small popcorns and a small order of nachos.....came to a whopping $29! Absolutley ridiculous. And here's another nugget of info that blew my mind....you could pay at the snack bar with a credit card. When did this happen? Is this a new thing or have I just been living under a rock somewhere? A credit card for popcorn? Sheesh!

After the movie we went and visited with my parents for a bit. They were enjoying a leisurely day in front of the tv....which is all my dad can do now. He is slowly becoming housebound, and with the deterioration in movement and eyesight, tv is about all he does when he isn't sleeping. Poor mom has become housebound along with dad. She can't leave him, for fear he will try to get up and walk, and end up falling. This disease has a high fatality rate from falls. It also is marked with severe exhaustion, which makes for a very long evening for mom, when dad turns in at 6:00. I signed her up for a free trial of People PC, since her service provider is so bad lately. She did send me a "test" e-mail, so I think she is getting the hang of it!  Way to go mom!

Yesterday the girls and I stayed home and cleaned while dh worked. When he got home Betsy took off for her Saturday night out at the movies with friends, and wee one, dh and I headed out for Borders. We browsed a bit, and bought a few things. Wee one bought The Waterboy dvd, (she and Betsy love Adam Sandler), and I bought the season 2 dvd of Strangers With Candy....omg....too hilarious. I loved that show. I have watched all the episodes since I bought it. I also got two workbooks for wee one, so she can keep learning over the summer. You would think she would have balked at that, but she has been working in them since last night....

I'm not sure if we have any plans for this week. I know on Wednesday I'm watching my dad for a bit, while my mom takes her girlfriend to the doctors (they only have one car and dh couldn't get the day off), and then they are going to stop at a home decorating store. I'm so glad mom has a new friend. Maybe I'll make rice krispy treats and kool aid for after their outing! LOL....she would love that. Other than that, I don't think we have any pressing engagements. The girls are bugging me to start painting their rooms, so I need to start thinking about that. I just haven't been in the painting mood lately. I suppose a trip to Lowe's is in the near future.....

Money jar update....

As of a few minutes ago, wee one reported that we have $101 in the "mad money" jar. Not bad....the girls think we should divide it between them. I think I should cash it and not tell anyone. Wee one has spent hours, lying on the floor counting endless pennies. She has always been like that, able to entertain herself with anything....buttons, erasers, whatever.

I have to say that I was so proud of her yesterday. She was getting ready to change the channel to cartoons at my mom's house, when the Reagan services began. She stopped, and began watching with my parents. She had many questions, and they explained to her as best they could what she wanted to know. She watched for 2 hours with them until I came to pick her up. As we got into the car, she wanted to listen to it as we drove home. She knew that the services in California started at 8 in the evening, and planned her tv schedule around it.

At about 9 she asked me to turn on the station. I told her I was watching something and she said, "Come on mom, it's history!" She then went into the kitchen and sat on a stool, watching. She updated me every so often, letting me know the plane was late, then when it arrived, and then when they had begun. Finally, I decided to join her in the living room. We ended up watching the services together. After hearing his children reminise about their childhood, and how much he loved God and Heaven, she said to me, "You know mom, people shouldn't be afraid to die. It's going to be wonderful up there." I can't tell you how sweet it was to hear my child say that.

Right now we are trying to decide what to do this evening. Dh had to work today, so he is vegging on the couch. I wanted to go somewhere, anywhere! I'm sick of sitting here.

Betsy went to the movies so at least one of us is having fun. Man, I really have been a crab lately. My hormones must be all jumbled up. Who knows....

Friday blahs....*warning: this entry may cause severe yawning due to boredom factor*

Okay, I know the graphic is huge, but I'm too tired and don't feel good enough to figure it out. I hate it when sites that I'm used to using, change everything and I have to re-learn. Don't they realize that I am just lazy enough to learn only what I need to get by? Sheesh.

To update, I'm tired, achey, grainy-eyed, and generally crabby. I'm sure I have wee one's virus. I'm just glad I got it before our trip to NC. Now, if I can just keep dh and Betsy from getting it. I've been rather snappy today, and emotional.

 I watched the Reagan services today, and was teary eyed more than once. It was amazing to see the love and respect this man received. Margaret Thatcher gave such a moving speech....I can't imagine anyone not becoming weepy as she spoke. Such eloquence. I was also very moved by our President's words. I think he did an excellent job. My heart goes out to Nancy, as she finishes this last leg of her emotional and exhausting journey.

I did do all of my ironing today....I forgot about that. As I was doing it, wee one sat at my feet, counting out pennies, dimes, nickles and quarters from our spare change jar. She is up to $31, with about 3/4 of the bottle to go. She loves busy work like that. She just came in here to hug me, and her hands smell like pennies! LOL.

Well, I'm getting tired sitting here....I'm going to go lie down for a bit. By the way, I have been reading all of my journals on my alert list....but I haven't posted comments....I'm sorry....I'm falling so far behind! I will start again tomorrow....I promise! Take care all....

http://www.maggieco.com/html/detail.cfm?ID=667&Category=1       This is a piece done by one of my favorite artists, Erika Oller. I love her paintings, they are so happy and whimsical. I wish I had the talent to paint like that. Oh well....maybe some day I will learn.  Today was a day filled with running around. I went to the store, took Betsy to her friend's house, stopped at Walgreens for the dog's prescription, went to the grocery store, back home to write my entry in the Community Storybook, made dinner, then went to my parent's house to put up some rails for my dad, so that he's able to walk to the bathroom at night.  Now, I am sitting here, trying to relax. I feel like crap. My eyes are burning, I'm exhausted and need to sleep. I also do not know why my journal entry is self centering as I type.   My Animation Factory is still not working correctly, and I have yet to call about it. They owe me two free days so far. Possibly three, depending on what time I call tomorrow. I hate it when a website has a specific area to contact them with concerns, and then they blow you off and don't respond. What's the point?   Well, I think I'm going to hit the hay. My kids are both gone for the evening, and I am going to take advantage....goodnight all....    

Sick kids, spaghetti and free graphics....

Yes, this is a repeat graphic....because my subscription at Animation Factory is not working properly. It seems they have changed their format, and I am listed under the "free" category, instead of the $59 "gold" category that I have paid for. I have sent an e-mail and if I get no response by tomorrow, they can expect a call from a dissatisfied journalist! What is it with the internet lately? My service has not been good for the past two weeks, now my graphics are taking a dive....sheesh.

Wee one had a raging fever last night. I spent two hours rubbing her down with cool washcloths. She finally began to cool off around midnight, and was able to sleep until morning. She has a stuffy nose and sore throat as well. Her fever returned once today, but it wasn't as bad as last night. She spent the day in her jammies, playing with a huge bucket of toys that was stuck in her closet. She found the tooth fairy pillow she had been looking for, along with a plastic set of bowling pins. She also had three nectarines and two bowls of jello with whipped cream on top....the kid has it made, I tell ya. I even made her favorite dinner of spaghetti. She said it was marvelous. She also updated her journal (listed on the right under Wee One), and said a nice thing about her mom.....*enter collective "awwwww" here.

Right now I'm feeling yucky. My head seems full, I'm dizzy, tired....I have a feeling I may be coming down with wee one's bug. I did all the laundry today, and cleaned the house in case I feel cruddy tomorrow morning. I didn't get out to do my errands, since Betsy has been at her boyfriend's all day, and wee one didn't feel like getting out. I really need stamps. I should send dh to get them for me. Of course, he will complain....but hey, that's what lunch hours are for, right?

Dinner and snails....

Obviously I was bored last night, and decided to photograph dinner as I made it. It was too hot for anything heavy, so I made fried chicken salad. It turned out pretty well....everyone enjoyed it.

Then next few pictures are from today. This is wee one's friend who, whenever she is over, finds a myriad of critters; tree frogs, lizards, dragon flies, and snails. (And yes, they are "catch and release" only) They have such a good time together, I love having her over. They swam together, ate lunch, played inside, took the butterfly net outside and ran around....truly a lazy summer day. Oh to be young and frivolous again!  Unfortunately, I must have picked up Brianna's virus from Kara's entry....and passed it on to wee one, as right now she is covered up, shivering, with a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. Poor baby. She is also watching her most favorite show....Full House. She is obsessed with it. She watches an hour in the morning, and an hour at night. Becky is getting ready to have the twins, and wee one can't wait. It's funny how she is so into the show, becuase when Betsy was a baby, the show was popular and people always said she looked just like "Michelle Tanner from Full House".

I am looking forward to my stint as writer for the Community Storybook. However, I am surrounded by wonderful and talented writers, and I hope I am able to contribute something as good as they have.

Well, I hear wee one calling...."Mommy....I need someone to take care of me...." She always knows just what to say.

Last night....

The play and dinner last night was a lot of fun. We saw "Lost in Yonkers". I had no idea what the story line was, and it ended up being very entertaining. The kids really had a good time. They got a table right next to the stage, got special drinks....we sat on the fourth level, and had a marvelous view. The food was okay, nothing to write home about....but I would go again, just for the show.

I spent the day shopping for a top to go with the pants I was wearing. The store I wanted to go to didn't open until 1:00, which I didn't realize, so I was there two hours early. I went into Marshalls and bought a back-up top, in hopes of finding what I really wanted when the store opened. I sat in my car for twenty minutes, waiting for them to open the store and what happens? The girl leaves the key at home and has to go retrieve it. Forget it....I went home with a top I really didn't want....which is why there are no pics of me in there. I hate that! I wasted $20. Oh well....I probably would have wasted it on something else anyway.

I spent today cleaning, wee one is at her friend's house swimming, and Betsy is walking around saying she's bored. How can she be bored? She slept till 11, then I made her clean her room and the bathroom, and now I've got some really fun laundry for her to fold. What more could a teenager ask for? If she's so dang bored, she should go get a job. Anyway....

That's it from hot and humid Florida. What I wouldn't give for a cool, crisp autumn day right about now....

My husbands latest problem....

As I mentioned in a previous entry, I bought new pillows for our bed. I have a queen sized bed, but always buy king sized bedding for the "extra comfort" factor. Needless to say, the shams are always folded under, due to my small pillows. Well, this time I decided to splurge and bought king sized pillows. What a difference! They are wonderful. So, I have the pillows in the shams, and two regular pillows, each, underneath. (I like a lot of pillows at night).

After our first night on the pillows, dh wakes up and says he didn't sleep well. I ask him why and he says, "I have pillow confusion." What???? I ask him what he means and he says, "Well, with the new pillows, I can't figure out how to sleep. I'm used to my old pillow, and now I have to choose." Oh brother :rmfe:. I go out, buy new, fluffy, comfy pillows....and he's complaining? Typical man. I asked him this morning how his sleep was....and unfortunately, he is still suffering from "pc". This is just one of the many syndromes he is suffering from. Here's a few of the others:

Inability to fill our forms or "IF": When presented with a form to fill out, must ask spouse questions such as, "When is my birthday, what is our zip code, how many months have I worked at my present job?"

Aroma Neglect or "AN": Repeatedly failing to warn spouse of noxious fumes eminating from the bathroom; these tend to be strong enough to knock one out upon entering the room.

and my personal favorite....

Internet Annoyance or "IA": Somehow he is able to know the exact moment I sit down/have a great journal entry flowing/am in the middle of an important instant message....and just has to tell me some interesting fact ("Guess what I just saw on tv!") or needs my assistance NOW ("What shirt should I wear to work tomorrow?").

He is suffering from "IA" at this moment, so I am going to end this entry since I CANNOT HEAR MYSELF THINK!!!! Arrrggghhhhhh!!!!!

 

 

Scenes from a Mall....

This Sunday evening we are going to a dinner theatre for a company party. We will be seeing "Lost In Yonkers" and having dinner. I'm looking forward to it....however, the downside is that living in Florida, you get used to "casual dressing" which of course means.....everyone needs something to wear.

Wee one is easy, as she has lots of cute $10 sale dresses in her closet. I love that age where you can go to the store and pick out a dress, and they don't care what it looks like, what color it is, etc. Dh was relatively easy. We went to Belk, and I picked out some nice shirts so he has a selection and can feel like he actually dressed himself. Two down, two to go. I already have the pants I want to wear, I just need to get a top.....which of course I couldn't find anywhere in the entire freaking mall. I was looking for a black, wrap around top....which no one seems to carry. So, I suppose I will go with my "old faithful" white top. Three down....and now for Betsy *enter ominous music here.

Betsy is beautiful. Betsy has a knock out figure. Betsy covers her beautiful, knock-out figure in baggy t-shirts, jeans and black and white converse shoes. She wonders why at 15 she is still offered children's menus at restaurants....I should begin by saying she feels dressing in anything pink or yellow is "preppy" and she prefers the understated "black". She already has the pants which are kaki capris (omg, I can't believe she bought those to begin with!) and we are looking for a top. We go through racks of shirts, and as I hold up various styles and colors, all with a smile on my face saying, "What do you think of this one, honey?" she gives me a grimace "noooo", a frown "ewwww", or an eye roll "please". I keep telling myself to keep calm, be nice, she just wants to look good. It works until she grabs the nearest black top.....and I go off. "Fine, forget it. If you want to dress like crap, go ahead. Pick it out yourself and pay for it yourself....I'm done!" And I stomp off like a bratty kid. No one can push my buttons like she can, and I think she knows it.

I cool down by the time we get to the open area of the mall, and we go into a teen shop. I knew as we stepped inside that she wouldn't want anything in there....the entire store was pink and frilly and full of barely-there tops. We move on to the next and the first thing I show her.....she likes. *clutching chest.

We pick up two tops and she goes to try them on. As she is doing so, I look around the store. It's pretty depressing. Dance music is blaring through the speakers, young, neubile girls flitting about.....and there I stand with the realization that I couldn't fit into the biggest article of clothing they had! As I'm scanning the place, I notice two women who were definately in the WRONG store. One is a woman in her 60's, who is trying on a tube top. Hand to God, this is what she is wearing. The girls helping her decide which one to purchase were really being nice. I have to give them props....they didn't start laughing until the door was shut on her dressing room. She ultimately decided on both the beige top and the PINK SEQUINED one. Then of course there was the mother shopping with her teen daughter. Mom was sporting the "Dorothy Hammil" do, and teardrop glasses.....along with a belly shirt and hip huggers. What she didn't realize was that wearing a "belly shirt" means you have a toned belly to show off, not 4 inches of flab, and hip huggers are supposed to "hug" not "suffocate". But I digress....Betsy actually found a top, and it's gorgeous. Baby blue with a shoelace effect down the front, accented with little gems. I was so happy with her purchase, I got her a matching necklace. After we got home she tried on the entire outfit and she looks beautiful!

Of course now she needs shoes....

Random pictures....

I thought I would post some random photos today, as I don't have much to talk about!  We got up late this morning, and instead of doing my usual Friday cleaning (gasp!), we decided to run some errands. We headed out for Wal-Mart, and met my mom and dad there. I had to get new pillows, deodorant, shampoo, windex, and various other sundries. My mother decided to purchase some Pringles for my daughters....in the new "limited time only" ketchup flavor. Now, for those of you who have never had these, please, save your money. O-M-G....they were HORRID!!!! They should call them "Spaghetti-O Chips". That's what they tasted like! Chips dipped in spaghetti-o's. (which, by the way, make me gag!)  I'm still trying to get the taste out of my mouth....

After that we went to Winn-Dixie for some groceries. I don't shop there except for the sales....they had some really good deals on meat today. I got $40 worth of pot roast and chuck steak for $17. Not too bad....gotta love the buy one get two free sales! Of course, now I have to cook some nice dinners....

I got four new pillows for our bed. I'm anxious to try them out. Yes, that is an excuse to take a nap....dh just got home. Now I can take pics of the new truck to post. Tonight we are going to the mall, as Belk is having a big sale and I've got some good coupons. You know, I prefer shopping day to cleaning day!

 

It's Thursday....yippee skippy.....

Today, I thought I would post pictures of what we are doing, and various other things around the house. How interesting, huh? Once again wee one is swimming with her friend, Betsy is talking on the phone and I'm sewing. Do you see a pattern forming here? I do....and it's a pretty boring one at that. *Sigh.

Yesterday I started working with wee one on reading comprehension. I found some great websites with online games dealing with grammar and math. I am going to have to work with her all summer to catch up on what she missed during the year. It's really pretty rotten that I have to do the teacher's job. I pray that she gets a good 4th grade teacher this year. You can bet your bum I'm going to be on the lookout for any suggestion that she isn't getting top notch learning. I had wee one write down for me, how she felt about last year because she was having trouble expressing herself about it. This is what she wrote:

"Things that I don't like about school in 3rd grade: Well, I
feel like I'm not learning anything because this year I had
two teachers. One had to quit being a science teacher and
become a teacher, and the other was very nice. The first
teacher was the science wone, well, she didn't really know
what to do all year and I thought that was band and also
I didn't learn anything that I had to do. Well, my other
teacher was nice but when she explaind it, it seemed hard
and whenever I had a problem wrong I would kind of cry in
my arms. I really didn't like thisyear at all. It was always
party after party every day. I hated those classes and I wish
I'm going to be in a better class next year, I really do!"

Now, I ask you, what kid should have to go through this in third grade? I mean, if a nine year old knows she isn't learning, shouldn't the teacher? It just makes me so angry. I should send this letter to the principal and "suggest" my daughter get the best teacher in the 4th grade! Hmmmm, I think maybe I will do just that.

Anyway, I should get back to work. The soup has been eaten, and they are now on to cake....Pillsbury Funfetti Cake....it's the family's favorite! I made it last night for dinner and there are 3 pieces left....

Lazy, summer days in journal land....

It's been a slow day here in journal land. I can usually count on at least fifteen or so new entry alerts in my mail box, but not today. I forget that kids are still in school in most of the country. Year end parties and festivities are still going on, and excitement runs rampant among the children as they wait for summer vacation....we are into week #2 of summer vacation here, and let me tell you, the excitement has worn off already. Wee one told me today that she can't remember what day it is....(unfortunately, I can never remember what day it is during the entire year!).

Betsy received her report card in the mail today. She got all B's, and I'm quite proud of her. She was in gifted classes this year, and the work was extremely hard. She studied at least three times a week, which for her is a lot. She is one of those lucky kids who don't have to crack a book, yet still gets an A. I was looking through her math book, and I couldn't believe freshmen were learning these things. Of course, I can't remember how many quarts are in a gallon....

I made an exceptionally good dinner tonight....and I wasn't even trying. I was rummaging around the pantry at around 4:30, and found a box of oven ready lasagna noodles. On the side was a recipe where you mixed ricotta cheese, mozzerella cheese, egg and spices, then roll it in the noodles and cook it with sauce and cheese on top. It turned out wonderfully! I tossed a salad and had rolls with it....it was a hit. Dh and Betsy cleaned their plates. My little italian food lover was at her Grammy's, so she missed out on my masterpiece. However, I'm sure she will have some for lunch tomorrow.

We ended up taking the truck for a spin to my parent's house. It started to storm, so wee one decided to come home with us. She was panicky that it would storm and she would be scared and need me.....how sweet! Of course, half way home she decided she really wantedto stay, and was mad for the next hour. Some Breyer's vanilla and Hershey's syrup fixed her right up! I had some too, in my British mug.....mmmmmm.

Hey, I just got an e-mail saying I was being featured in the Women's Community. I didn't even know there was one. I am a small blurb at the bottom with a link to my journal. How cool. Thank you Alice Mask, Assistant Program Manager, AOL Communities, Inc. I appreciate it! I'm also on Local Talk. Monica was featured there last week, and had a wonderful picture of her family, along with a link to her gambling boat entry. I loved that entry. But then, everything Monica writes is fun and exciting. I wonder how they decide to put people on these pages. I wonder how you get a job with AOL, choosing people to be on these pages???? LOL....

Well, enough rambling for this evening. It's after 11 and almost time for Family Guy. I love that show. Goodnight all.....sleep tight.....don't let the bed bugs bite....

I can't think of a subject....

It's Tuesday, 2:07pm. I'm in the middle of cleaning, Betsy is on the phone, wee one is at Grammy's house. Not much to say, but I thought I might write anyway.

It always happens like this. I'll be on a good cleaning roll, I'll get to my desk, start to dust the keyboard and like magic....I'm online! What is it with me? I can't help it....I'm drawn into signing on and checking on things. It's turning into a growing obsession. My mom asked me the other day, "What did we do with our time before the internet?" You know, I'm not sure.

Dh just called. He is going to leave the office a bit early to pick up the truck. Then we are going to take it for a spin. I still haven't figured out what I'm going to cook for dinner. I haven't even finished cleaning the kitchen! I still have to sweep and mop. I also have to get going on the wash, and my sewing. I must have slept wrong on my arm last night becuase I have a numb spot between my first and second finger. It isn't weak, just numb. How odd. Usually when I pull something in my back it's my little finger and ring finger that go numb. *Sigh.

I have to catch up on my bills too. Just entering some into the checkbook. I hate doing that. I used to keep track of it with Microsoft Money....but I don't anymore.

Hmmm, I have no funny little stories to tell, no humorous anecdotes....so, I suppose I will get back to my cleaning. I hope everyone is having a lovely Tuesday.