At least she kept all four wheels on the ground this time....

Which law is it that says if anything can go wrong, it will? Ahhhh yes, Murphy's law....

So this evening Betsy was getting ready to leave for work. We bid her farewell, and I continued on making dinner. Two seconds later she walks back into the house and says those four words no parent wants to hear...."I hit the mailbox." Her father responded with, "YOU HIT WHAT????" We went outside and were greeted with the above picture. Now, you see how the van was parked, and where the mailbox is. How she managed to do this is beyond reason. I'm guessing the radio station needed to be changed, or perhaps she got a call on her cell. She swears she was "not doing anything", so I guess we will never know.  She is not even finished with her payments on the new tires and rims....that girl is going to be paying us off for years!

Oh, and here's the kicker....when she got to work she found out they had given her the wrong schedule. She is off tonight. After finding that out, John didn't want the dinner I cooked. He opted for Prilosec and Jack Daniels instead.

And so....tomorrow we will be taking our beloved van to a body shop for an estimate. I'm guessing at least $900 if not more.  She got the bumper, the light and the quarter panel. If nothing else when doing a job, she does it thoroughly!

 

Hey....an update!

I had to post some pics of Hayley's artwork. The class took VanGogh's "Starry Night", and divided it into equal parts. Each child was given a section to paint, and then they put them all together to make the entire painting. I thought that was a really cool idea. Hayley got the bottom corner which included log cabins....which means that my mother, who collects cabins, will be the lucky recipient of this painting. No fair! But....I get the pinch pot....which I absolutely love. She made it to match my kitchen, with yellow(ish) checks and cherries. It's so cute....and honestly, it was the best one out of the class! (No, I'm not too biased!)

As you can see, my leg is healing. I do think the stitches could have been pulled a little tighter....still, it's getting better and doesn't hurt like it used to. Truth be told, the bruise hurt worse than the cut. I'm just glad it's all healing and things are getting back to normal. I can finally walk in the morning without feeling the pull from the stitches. I have to admit though, it is kinda fun going shopping and seeing the looks on little kids faces when they see my leg. More than a few have stopped in awe, coming near enough to touch me. Of course I remind them to stay near the shore at the beach....the sharks are bad this year....I'M KIDDING....kinda....

We have enjoyed four years in this house with no one behind us. We finally have the backyard just the way we want it. Not a blade of grass to be cut, pristine landscaping, perfectly placed perennials....and now the people behind us decide to build a new house wayyyyy back on their property. Alllll the way back to our yard. Well, gee....thanks. It's actually not as far back as our fence, but it will definitely lessen our privacy. I've got construction workers outside my window by 6 am every morning....and unfortunately they are the ones with keggers, not six-packs. Dang, I just can't catch a break! Of course, once they actually start building the house the buff, tanned, hard bodies should arrive. I imagine it would be rather hard keeping your balance on the roof with a belly the size of a beach ball....

I had a picture of the pineapple all ready to go....but it's on my other computer. It hasn't grown very much....the green top has gotten taller, but that's it. We've had a lot of rain, so maybe it'll grow a bit this week. I wonder how big it will get. I almost bought one at the store the other day....$4.99! That's ridiculous. Of course, in three more years I'll have another one....which I suppose technically would make it $2.50. However, I'm not planning on living here in three years, and who knows if the next owners will be partial to pineapple? So, I suppose it's sliced Dole for me from now on....

Tonight we are going to a vbs program at church in which Hayley will be singing and performing. I'm looking forward to it. It's not our church, but Hayley is involved heavily through her little friend. Everyone knows here there, which makes it nice. She has networked more since we've moved here than I have! LOL....

JB is going deep sea fishing Saturday. He geared up today at Walgreens....2 bottles of Propel and a package of Dramamine. I hope he does well....I know I wouldn't. Apparently they go about 20 miles off shore and spend the day on a boat. Not my idea of paradise....that's for sure. I think he's hoping to see a shark....just as long as he doesn't catch it and expect me to clean it!

Time to go fight the traffic and enjoy an evening of off key singing, stale cookies and weak orange kool-aid. Ahhhh, can life get any better than this?*

 

 

Garth Brooks?

 No, I'm not going to go all Garth Brooks on ya...."This is my farewell tour, I'm done!"...."Hey ya'all, I'm back and I've decided to tour again."...."This is it, I'm retiring!"...."Okay, one more album!"....

I have to say I was more than surprised by all of the amazing comments and e-mails I have received. You have all touched my heart in a way that I can't begin to describe. I was truly amazed at the feeling of love and friendship....and I thank you all so very much.

That being said, I think I'm having withdrawls from not posting. I've decided that stopping cold turkey may have not been the way to go....and I've yet to find a "journaling patch" to help with the cravings. As a matter of fact, the pharmacist at Walgreens looked at me rather strangely when I asked.

Soooo, the only thing I can think to do is periodically post, and continue as a small part of this journaling community. I won't pressure myself to crank out an entry a day or even a week....just when the mood strikes. I think that may be the answer....I need my space to vent and feel like someone is actually listening! Therefore....you can keep me "on alert" if you like....

Anyhoo....

Hayley finished up her art camp on Friday. She did a great job and had a great time. This week she is doing vacation bible school every day. I'm telling ya, that kid has a busier schedule than I ever have. She's really been enjoying the summer....without a peep from the three witches. She's been hanging out with the girl downthe street, having sleep overs and playing in the rain. It's been so nice to see her happy and care free....

Betsy is basically sleeping, eating, and working. Oh the life. I don't think I could handle that. I've never seen anyone sleep like she does. If perpetual napping were a career, she'd be tops in her field. Hopefully the work schedule will pick up soon....she's got over half to go on her "tire and rim replacement" payment plan.

My injury is getting better every day. I'm gonna have quite the scar though. I knew that doctor was not pulling the sutures tight enough when he was stitiching me up....and three of them fell out halfway through the healing process. Okay, maybe it was because I shaved a little too close and cut a few....but still! The other ones that I didn't hit came loose. My ten days were up on Sunday, so I decided to perform the removal myself. It was pretty easy....I just snipped and pulled. No one wanted to watch though....wimps.

The weather has been rainy....and the hurricane is weakening. I can't believe it's that season already. I did take advantage of the "no sales tax" offers for hurricane supplies. Yes, Yankee Candles are considered supplies. I mean come on, who wants to be in the midst of 100 mph winds with a generic candle that loses it's scent in the first hour? If my house is going to be destroyed, I'd at least  like to leave a shell smelling of Tropical Mango Passion.

And so, that's the update. I shall continue so that no one is left hanging, wondering....

"Will Betsy be able to keep all four wheels on the pavement this summer...."

"Will Hayley ever get out of the pool...."

And most importantly....

"What about the PINEAPPLE????"

The end....

I'm not quite sure how to start a final entry....

It's been a great ride here in j-land. I've met some spectacular people and have made, what I know to be, lifelong friends. We have become like a family....sharing tears, laughter, joys and hurts. We protect each other's kids like they are our own, and laugh at inside jokes as though we've known each other all our lives. I've learned that online friends are just as true as "real life" friends. I will never forget the outpouring of love from all of you when my father died, and even when we lost our Percy. I have an entire scrapbook of cards and e-mails from people I've met in j-land who cared enough to send their sympathies. Now if that isn't true friendship, I don't know what is. I know so many of the people that read my journal....but there are many that I do not know. I'd like to ask, if you have been reading and never commented, please do now so I know who you are! I want to remember all of my friends....

You know,  there comes a point in which you just need to move on. Lives change, people change, priorities change. Things in my life are changing so rapidly, I can barely keep up. And when it's no longer a joy to write every day, but a chore....it's time to stop. Kinda like Seinfeld....it was a great run but stop at the top of your game, leave 'em with something to laugh about. So that being said....here is what I did on Thursday....

This is the right side of my knee. I had another "golden retriever/laundry basket related injury". The first, if you remember, was back in '99 when while holding a basket of laundry, I tripped over Percy, catching myself on my hands and somehow breaking my elbow severely enough to need surgery and pins. This time I was stepping over the baby gate set up to keep London out of the dining room, whilst trying to miss tripping over the laundry basket I had just set down. Unfortunately, I caught my foot in the plastic squares of the gate, and caught my leg on a metal antique grocery basket (hey, it looks really nice in the dining room!). It started out as a scratch then turned into a scrape....ending up in a 1/4 inch deep by 1/4 inch wide gash.

My mother was over when it happened. We had been in the pool and I suggested we go to lunch. We got out and she left through the garage, at which time I attempted to climb over the gate. I don't remember much....however I found myself on the floor in searing pain. I heard her open the door and ask if I dropped something....she didn't hear me (because I couldn't talk) so she left again. Then she decided she had better recheck....and found me on the floor. She took one look at it and said we had better go to the emergency clinic. So, being the woman you all know I am....I hobbled into the bedroom, changed clothes, did my hair, put on fresh makeup and set out for the doctor's office. Seven stitches and a tetanus shot later, I was all fixed up. Of course, now I have a saucer sized bruise on my left thigh, a bruise on the toe I got caught on the gate, and bruises all up and down my left arm. I'm not sure what I hit on my way down....as it all happened so fast. I'm on antibiotics now, since the metal was old and we don't want an infection. I'm sure I'll be fine but I think I'll be taking the gates down. Today Betsy's boyfriend was over and guess what he did? Yeah....tripped over the gate. I'm also thinking that maybe next time I should go with a different breed of dog....and perhaps hire someone do do my laundry....

 "I'm out baby....I'm out!"

PLEASE say a prayer....

I am sitting here in stunned silence. Please, please say a prayer for Gretchen and her family. Her young son, while waiting at the bus stop for his brother, was hit by a car and killed. I found out via Julie in her journal.

I will be praying for Gretchen and her family....for strength to get through this horrible situation, to know and feel God's protective arms around them, and for peace in their hearts and minds while trying to answer the question "why".

Gretchen, Ben, Caitlin and Justin....you are in our thoughts and prayers. We all love you and are praying for you and your angel Matthew. God bless you all.

 

*Here is a link to the obituary. There is an online guestbook if you would like to leave a message for the family.

And so it ends....

Do you hear that? You know what that sound is???? It's the sound of kids all around here, sleeping in on their first morning of summer vacation! So why, you ask, am I up at this ungodly hour? Because although my children know it's summer vacation, my lil' Lon-Lon does not. Now I know why we paid so much for her....she apparently came with a built in alarm clock. Every morning between (and I've kept track of this) 6:23 and 6:27, she pops her head up next to me, pawing and whining at me because it's time to go out. This morning was no exception. Seems no one told her she can sleep in now. And of course the girls are snoring away....so it's up to me to continue on with the morning routine. Take her out, bring her in, feed her, wait 15 minutes then take her out again.

Anyhoo....Betsy ended up staying home yesterday, on her last day of school. I didn't mind though, as on Tuesday, all incoming seniors were told they could leave at 10:00 if they were done with their finals. She was, which made yesterday a waste of time. She started her vacation out as she traditionally does....sleeping until 12, getting up, eating something, then laying down again until work. She was scheduled until close last night, but she picked up something heavy and pulled a muscle in her shoulder....and the pain travels down her arm to her fingers. She iced it and took medication....but was still in so much pain she couldn't brush her hair. Ahhh, what a lovely welcome to summer....

Hayley, however, did go to school and had an okay day. Unfortunately the girls are still ignoring her, and she said that at the end all three of them were hugging each other, saying they'd miss one another....and completely ignored her. I think I forgot to mention that the two girls who did not call her wrote apology notes. They had statements in them such as, "my e-mail was obnoxious", and "nasty e-mails don't solve problems, they create them." Gee, wonder who fed them those lines???? It's been a tough end of the year for Hay....and I'm just sick watching her spirit take such a hit. She told me that her former best friend is having abig party this weekend....and she wasn't invited. I know, I know....it's over, move on....but still, it makes me so angry....but for Hayley, I'm letting it go and focusing on the positives. I'm going to have to really work on building up middle school, and the new people she will meet. I know in my heart she will be fine....but I have to say I'm a little nervous that my baby is moving up!

Next week JB and Hay leave for their Indiana trip. I can't believe it's only 5 days away! They are looking forward to it, as is his mom. She has everything planned from the menu to activities to which jobs she needs done around the house since her son will be there for a few days! LOL....it should be fun for them. The annual car show that we always went to just happens to be that weekend (convenient, eh?), so they are planning a trip there. Hayley loves that kind of thing, so she will be excited. Actually, I used to love it too....and sitting here thinking about it makes me miss it as well....

Well, it's Friday which means....cleaning day! Woohoo! LOL....I've got to get things organized for the weekend, since Monday is a holiday. Oh, who am I kidding....I'll be cleaning on Monday too. We don't have any big plans....I think we are taking my sister and her husband to the beach on Sunday. That should be interesting being that my sister is white as a ghost and will be spending the day on a Florida beach under intense sunlight. Hmmm, perhaps I should go stock up on noxema and aloe vera today. I have a feeling we are going to be needing it. We haven't been to the beach yet this year, so I'm looking forward to it.

Well, it's after 7....time to get a move on around here. I'll bet I can get all of my cleaning done before either of them wake up. I'll bet I could vacuum around them and they wouldn't wake up....happy summer!

Random pics and thoughts....

Well, instead of coming in on Friday, my sister and her husband are coming tomorrow. Good thing for her I didn't have plans and can pick her sorry butt up!!!! LOL....she decided she would "surprise" my mom and come two days early. Wouldn't it have been a "surprise" if no one could have gotten her? LOL....save those peanut bags from the plane Jody....you are in for a long wait! So now they will be here for a week and 3 days....I hope I can stand it that long! (Hahahaha Jody....I dissed you! lol....no really, I am looking forward to seeing you....kinda....lol)....

Anyway....only two more days until school is officially over. Today Hayley had her 5th grade picnic and awards ceremony. She got a trophy, pin and certificate for being part of the safety patrol, and a citizenship award as well. She was thrilled! She said the picnic was a lot of fun too. It must have been because when she came home from school and took her shoe off, she dumped out a pile of sand! LOL....ahhhh, the joys of living in Florida....

Betsy is finished with finals, and did a great job on all of them. She had a final project to do in her English class; a report on drive in theaters. It was so good that the teacher asked if he could keep it and use it as an example of how the report should be done....for his classes next year! How cool is that? I was very proud of her. I took her bathing suit shopping today, but we didn't find anything that fit right. I suppose we will be going out again this week, to find just the right one. We had a nice time together, shopping and talking and laughing.

I actually went swimming for the first time this year, yesterday. My mom came over and got in....and I thought, what the heck....I got in with her and we spent a good hour and a half "bonding"....lol. It really was a nice time. We talked about all sorts of things....my dad mainly. She is finally able to talk about him at length, without much crying. Of course she tears up now and again, but mostly we laugh about the funny things he woulddo, and smile remembering how wonderful he was. The water was rather cold getting in....I chose to enter with the classic slow approach. Two steps down, then "One, two, HOLY *&$^#@!" lol....but after a few minutes it was fine. We had a 99 degree day, so now it's more like bathwater....which is fine by me! I can't wait to get to the ocean though. Maybe one day next week....

It already feels like vacation has started around here. The kids are out past 8, and everyone seems to be living in their bathing suits. I can also tell by my wash....I've done about 73 loads of towels in 3 days! For some reason, the people in this house think that they can only use a beach towel one time before throwing it into the wash (in the wrong color basket no less!). I'm going to have to give a "summer wash" and general refresher course to the occupants of this household....classes will include "Close the patio doors, we aren't air conditioning the neighborhood - 101" and "Concussions and You; why you should dry your feet before coming inside from the pool and walking on my highly waxed ceramic tile floor".

Alrighty....I'm off to tuck Hayley in, grab the phone from Betsy and sit myself on the porch with my laptop and earphones. Night all!