I've been good and not gambled all month but today's the day. I love to gamble but I'm smart enough to know I can't afford to do it more often than once a month while I'm home and going to the large casinos. In Florida, they have the small internet casinos and I can afford to go there more often.
Mary, Faye and I are going on an overnight jaunt to Fallsview because Mary got a free room. We do this occasionally in the summer and it's like a mini vacation. Mary gets the odd free room but she sometimes prefers to go with her husband rather than with Faye and me. Go figure!
I got an important job done yesterday...the front garden weeded and planted...so I feel justified in spending today at the slot machines. Both Faye and I received meal vouchers for today and tomorrow so we'll eat well and be able to treat Mary as well. We usually take advantage of the free stage shows that Fallsview offers but we're not doing that this time.
I'm still thinking about Kim and her sweet Baker. I know Kim's heart will be heavy for quite a while because she loved that little dog so very much. Time will ease the pain, though, and she'll always have happy memories of Baker.
Life is full of both happy and sad days, exciting and boring days, and we just have to survive it all. Make good memories as often as you can because you never know when memories will be all you have.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
RIP Baker
Poor Kim got a terrible shock today when she went home from work. Baker had passed away. She'd been such a sick little dog for a long time and I'd worried that she wouldn't even last the weekend that I took care of her. She and Bailey have been constant, if not loving, companions for about 10 years and I hope Bailey won't be too lonesome without her. Baker was Kim's favorite and I know she'll always miss her.
We become very attached to our pets and they hold a special place in our homes and hearts, maybe not as close as children but quite near that. We learn their personalities, their likes and dislikes. We want to please them as much as they please us.
Kim phoned Nick to come and take care of disposing of Baker because she just couldn't do it herself. Nick, ever strong and capable, took the dog to a veterinarian who will handle her disposal. It's not much different than when a person dies. The remains need to be either buried or cremated and Kim chose cremation which is the wise choice.
I know that Kim won't replace Baker with another dog. It was David who needed to surround himself with the pets that Kim didn't really want but she came to love Baker especially. Now she only has Bailey who seems to be healthy as a horse and ready and able to give her all the love that a pet is capable of giving.
I'm hoping they'll be able to console each other.
We become very attached to our pets and they hold a special place in our homes and hearts, maybe not as close as children but quite near that. We learn their personalities, their likes and dislikes. We want to please them as much as they please us.
Kim phoned Nick to come and take care of disposing of Baker because she just couldn't do it herself. Nick, ever strong and capable, took the dog to a veterinarian who will handle her disposal. It's not much different than when a person dies. The remains need to be either buried or cremated and Kim chose cremation which is the wise choice.
I know that Kim won't replace Baker with another dog. It was David who needed to surround himself with the pets that Kim didn't really want but she came to love Baker especially. Now she only has Bailey who seems to be healthy as a horse and ready and able to give her all the love that a pet is capable of giving.
I'm hoping they'll be able to console each other.
Weeding Day
My front garden is full of weeds that have not been tended to since last fall. My excuse is that we've had too much rain but on good days I just haven't felt like weeding. Today is the day, though. At least this morning is!
Once the weeding is done, I'll go to the nursery and buy the last of the plants...mostly portulaca for the sunny front of the house but something entirely different for the few shady planters in the back yard. I've been very good this year about cutting back on annuals.
My precious grandson, Nick, is coming later this afternoon to cut the grass so my yard should look darned good when it's all finished. It's such a good feeling for me to have a pretty yard, more so than it is to have a spic and span clean house. My mother and grandmother were spotless housekeepers but that doesn't apply to me. I attempt neatness but don't look too closely. My mother-in-law, Ferne, had the same approach to life that housework can wait if there's something more interesting to do.
My lady ancestors didn't blog, Swedish weave, gamble, drive, or play on the computer so they had more time than I do to clean house. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Once the weeding is done, I'll go to the nursery and buy the last of the plants...mostly portulaca for the sunny front of the house but something entirely different for the few shady planters in the back yard. I've been very good this year about cutting back on annuals.
My precious grandson, Nick, is coming later this afternoon to cut the grass so my yard should look darned good when it's all finished. It's such a good feeling for me to have a pretty yard, more so than it is to have a spic and span clean house. My mother and grandmother were spotless housekeepers but that doesn't apply to me. I attempt neatness but don't look too closely. My mother-in-law, Ferne, had the same approach to life that housework can wait if there's something more interesting to do.
My lady ancestors didn't blog, Swedish weave, gamble, drive, or play on the computer so they had more time than I do to clean house. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Good Dogs
Baker and Bailey have been especially good, except for the pee, barf and escape. Each event happened just once so, besides that, the dogs have been quieter than normal and, as usual, no great trouble to have around.
Dogs have been good companions for man for thousands of years. They really ask very little of us and they give back so very much. It's sad to think of but they'll even take abuse and still love us. We give our pets human names and that's because their place in the family becomes almost like that of a loved and cherished child.
Baker and Bailey sleep at night in a wire cage but it has a big, cushy pillow inside to make it more comfortable for them. They get special doggy treats once a day that's an added expense for Kim that isn't really necessary...but she loves her doggies.
One winter I bought them little coats so they wouldn't get cold when they went out for walks. I think there are even little boots available for dogs, too. We also buy Xmas presents for our pets because we don't want them to feel left out when everyone else is opening gifts on Xmas morning. LOL!
Pets are a comfort to us because they are always there and regard us as their betters. They don't judge us like people do. We're their pack leader and are accepted by them unconditionally. It's kind of a boost to the ego to get such devotion and admiration without half trying, isn't it?
Dogs have their own personalities, too. Baker thinks you're invading her space but Bailey just loves everyone and will line her tummy up for you to rub your foot on. Baker loves kim but that's the only person I've ever seen her become attached to. Bailey, on the other hand, would trot off with anyone who was nice to her. My dog, Corky (gone but never forgotten) especially loved people dressed in white. Who knows why? Maybe he'd learned that people in white clothing didn't appreciate him and his black fur coming too close and he couldn't stand the rejection so he always pressed himself agains anyone wearing white. Weird dog!
Bailey and Baker went outside for their pee and are now sitting patiently at the door to be let in. They're inside dogs but it's kind of nice out this morning and it's dry on the deck so I'm leaving them there for a while. I can't see it as normal for dogs to prefer being inside to being outside. Corky was like that, too. I'd put him out and he'd come back and lay his head on the step and watch me with begging eyes instead of romping around the great outdoors.
We do love our pets, though, and I think it's mainly because they love us in return. They say you can't buy love but it's readily available in the form of our furry friends. There's one waiting for you at your local SPCA.
Dogs have been good companions for man for thousands of years. They really ask very little of us and they give back so very much. It's sad to think of but they'll even take abuse and still love us. We give our pets human names and that's because their place in the family becomes almost like that of a loved and cherished child.
Baker and Bailey sleep at night in a wire cage but it has a big, cushy pillow inside to make it more comfortable for them. They get special doggy treats once a day that's an added expense for Kim that isn't really necessary...but she loves her doggies.
One winter I bought them little coats so they wouldn't get cold when they went out for walks. I think there are even little boots available for dogs, too. We also buy Xmas presents for our pets because we don't want them to feel left out when everyone else is opening gifts on Xmas morning. LOL!
Pets are a comfort to us because they are always there and regard us as their betters. They don't judge us like people do. We're their pack leader and are accepted by them unconditionally. It's kind of a boost to the ego to get such devotion and admiration without half trying, isn't it?
Dogs have their own personalities, too. Baker thinks you're invading her space but Bailey just loves everyone and will line her tummy up for you to rub your foot on. Baker loves kim but that's the only person I've ever seen her become attached to. Bailey, on the other hand, would trot off with anyone who was nice to her. My dog, Corky (gone but never forgotten) especially loved people dressed in white. Who knows why? Maybe he'd learned that people in white clothing didn't appreciate him and his black fur coming too close and he couldn't stand the rejection so he always pressed himself agains anyone wearing white. Weird dog!
Bailey and Baker went outside for their pee and are now sitting patiently at the door to be let in. They're inside dogs but it's kind of nice out this morning and it's dry on the deck so I'm leaving them there for a while. I can't see it as normal for dogs to prefer being inside to being outside. Corky was like that, too. I'd put him out and he'd come back and lay his head on the step and watch me with begging eyes instead of romping around the great outdoors.
We do love our pets, though, and I think it's mainly because they love us in return. They say you can't buy love but it's readily available in the form of our furry friends. There's one waiting for you at your local SPCA.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Me and the Dogs
The house is so quiet except for the odd murmur from the dog at my feet (Bailey). Baker has disappeared somewhere, probably under the sofa where she likes to sleep. It's another damp and cloudy day in paradise.
I'd thought about going yard saleing for a few hours but it's still awfully wet out there and I actually had to turn the furnace on last night to take the chill out of the house...at the end of May, for heavens sake!
I've had my morning coffee and played on the computer for a few hours and now I'm thinking that it isn't right to have done nothing worthwhile and still not be dressed at 9:30 in the morning. Granted, I'm not bored but just ill at ease for wasting time. There's so much work that I could be doing but the dismal weather makes me lazier than normal.
Hmmm!
Note: This is what happened next...my neighbor knocked on the door to tell me my dog was loose (Bailey). Apparently there's a hole under the fence and that's how she got out. She didn't go far and obediently came into the house when I called her. So then I get dressed in one of my favorite blouses and go out in the yard to find the hole. I found it easily but I don't think she was responsible for digging it out. Anyway, I scrambled behind the deck to somehow close up the hole when my nice blouse caught on a nail and ripped. The only little ray of sunshine in this story is that my shutter which had been ripped off and damaged by the winds was still there and that's what I used to block the hole. Oh yes, and then I went yard saleing and found a ride-on bike for $3 and a toy car ramp for $1. Nolan will be happy! I also got a bag full of beanie babies for Joann. She'll be happy, too!
I'd thought about going yard saleing for a few hours but it's still awfully wet out there and I actually had to turn the furnace on last night to take the chill out of the house...at the end of May, for heavens sake!
I've had my morning coffee and played on the computer for a few hours and now I'm thinking that it isn't right to have done nothing worthwhile and still not be dressed at 9:30 in the morning. Granted, I'm not bored but just ill at ease for wasting time. There's so much work that I could be doing but the dismal weather makes me lazier than normal.
Hmmm!
Note: This is what happened next...my neighbor knocked on the door to tell me my dog was loose (Bailey). Apparently there's a hole under the fence and that's how she got out. She didn't go far and obediently came into the house when I called her. So then I get dressed in one of my favorite blouses and go out in the yard to find the hole. I found it easily but I don't think she was responsible for digging it out. Anyway, I scrambled behind the deck to somehow close up the hole when my nice blouse caught on a nail and ripped. The only little ray of sunshine in this story is that my shutter which had been ripped off and damaged by the winds was still there and that's what I used to block the hole. Oh yes, and then I went yard saleing and found a ride-on bike for $3 and a toy car ramp for $1. Nolan will be happy! I also got a bag full of beanie babies for Joann. She'll be happy, too!
Dennis' Birthday
Dennis would have been 74 years old today. I think he would not have been too happy that he had reached such an old age but I also think he would have liked to be around to see all that's transpired in the almost 6 years since his death.
Yes, there are sad and frightening times in our lives but if we keep our thoughts positive our lives can be good ones aside from the trials and tribulations. I've read that troubles just make you stronger and that has proven true over my life. If you can survive what is thrown at you, you are better prepared to survive PERIOD!
Dennis missed out on the birth of his two greatgrandsons who also missed out on a rewarding relationship with him. He could have taught them so much. I always say that Dennis was the most intelligent man I ever knew and there has been no reason for me to think differently since his death.
And, yes, he did miss out on a lot of important things since his passing in 2005 but he left behind a wonderful legacy in his children, grandchildren, and even the two little greatgrandchildren he never saw, one who looks an awful lot like him.
Yes, there are sad and frightening times in our lives but if we keep our thoughts positive our lives can be good ones aside from the trials and tribulations. I've read that troubles just make you stronger and that has proven true over my life. If you can survive what is thrown at you, you are better prepared to survive PERIOD!
Dennis missed out on the birth of his two greatgrandsons who also missed out on a rewarding relationship with him. He could have taught them so much. I always say that Dennis was the most intelligent man I ever knew and there has been no reason for me to think differently since his death.
And, yes, he did miss out on a lot of important things since his passing in 2005 but he left behind a wonderful legacy in his children, grandchildren, and even the two little greatgrandchildren he never saw, one who looks an awful lot like him.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Met the Author
First things first...I got Yip and Yap (really Baker and Bailey) yesterday morning to keep for the weekend because Kim is off to her ladies weekend. I forgot to warn the neighbors but I'm sure they know by now that the dogs are here. I've never cared too much for Baker before because she's a prima dona but she's not well and it breaks my heart to see her move so slowly. She's losing weight and just not acting like her old self. One of those dogs peed on the rug, too, but no-one will own up to it, just looked at me with big innocent doggy eyes.
Now to the fun stuff. Faye and Gary picked me up about 5 P.M. to take me to meet Val and Kyran for dinner. I hadn't seen Kyran since she was a little girl and now she was a published author!! Faye suggested we take our "Planting Dandelions" book so Kyran could autograph them for us and I'm so glad she did.
We first went to Val's to pick up any of the girls who happened to be there but only got Leah because the other two were working. I love Val's girls..they are so loving and nice. Then off we went to the restaurant where Carson works for dinner...she doesn't work for HER dinner but that's where we were going to have OUR dinner. LOL!
Adam, Yvonne, Avry, and Sydney were there so I got to see Sydney for the first time. She's 4 months old and has the wildest, reddish hair you've ever seen. She's adorable with fat little cheeks and such a great temperament. At one point, Yvonne put her in her little carseat to have a nap and she covered it with a blanket. A while later she asked Leah to see if the baby was awake yet and darned if she wasn't wide awake behind the blanket and not fussing at all.
Val and Kyran took too long to arrive so we all ate without them. I had what I thought were sliders but they were like little sandwiches filled with sausage and stuff, good but odd.
Val finally texted Yvonne to say we should all just go to her house and they'd meet us there. They were actually at Val's when we got there and meeting Kyran as an adult was almost like meeting an old friend. I already knew her pretty darned intimately from reading her book and had seen lots of pictures and videos of her. She is really a beautiful lady but surprisingly tiny, not short but delicate build.
I see a lot of her mother in her looks and mannerisms, too. I've always thought that Kyran looked more like her father but there's much of Marilee there, too.
Val's friend, Carol, was at the house, too, so we made quite a rowdy bunch, drinking wine and yakking. The women pretty well outnumbered the men so they didn't get to say much. LOL! Without being pretentious, Kyran told us what it was like to be an author and what was expected of her, like booksigning. She's new to this but has gathered a network of friends who are also authors who have kindly helped her along the way.
It was a pretty riotous evening with lots of laughter and even some information about Spanx and how to secretly remove it before crawling into bed with a prospective lover. I don't need this information but it sure was a funny conversation.
Val's girls, Evann and Carson, arrived home from their jobs and joined in. Leah was tied up with Avry all evening and Avry just wore her older cousin right out. Baby Sydney spent a good deal of the time sleeping in Carson's arms. I just love that the cousins in our family are so darned close. Anyway, Leah got so tired that she looked like death but Avry was wide awake and still wanting to play. When Adam and Yvonne left, I'm sure Avry fell asleep before the car left the block, though.
We finally all said our goodbyes, with lots of hugs, and Faye, Gary, and I headed home through the rainy night. I love my extended family!
Now to the fun stuff. Faye and Gary picked me up about 5 P.M. to take me to meet Val and Kyran for dinner. I hadn't seen Kyran since she was a little girl and now she was a published author!! Faye suggested we take our "Planting Dandelions" book so Kyran could autograph them for us and I'm so glad she did.
We first went to Val's to pick up any of the girls who happened to be there but only got Leah because the other two were working. I love Val's girls..they are so loving and nice. Then off we went to the restaurant where Carson works for dinner...she doesn't work for HER dinner but that's where we were going to have OUR dinner. LOL!
Adam, Yvonne, Avry, and Sydney were there so I got to see Sydney for the first time. She's 4 months old and has the wildest, reddish hair you've ever seen. She's adorable with fat little cheeks and such a great temperament. At one point, Yvonne put her in her little carseat to have a nap and she covered it with a blanket. A while later she asked Leah to see if the baby was awake yet and darned if she wasn't wide awake behind the blanket and not fussing at all.
Val and Kyran took too long to arrive so we all ate without them. I had what I thought were sliders but they were like little sandwiches filled with sausage and stuff, good but odd.
Val finally texted Yvonne to say we should all just go to her house and they'd meet us there. They were actually at Val's when we got there and meeting Kyran as an adult was almost like meeting an old friend. I already knew her pretty darned intimately from reading her book and had seen lots of pictures and videos of her. She is really a beautiful lady but surprisingly tiny, not short but delicate build.
I see a lot of her mother in her looks and mannerisms, too. I've always thought that Kyran looked more like her father but there's much of Marilee there, too.
Val's friend, Carol, was at the house, too, so we made quite a rowdy bunch, drinking wine and yakking. The women pretty well outnumbered the men so they didn't get to say much. LOL! Without being pretentious, Kyran told us what it was like to be an author and what was expected of her, like booksigning. She's new to this but has gathered a network of friends who are also authors who have kindly helped her along the way.
It was a pretty riotous evening with lots of laughter and even some information about Spanx and how to secretly remove it before crawling into bed with a prospective lover. I don't need this information but it sure was a funny conversation.
Val's girls, Evann and Carson, arrived home from their jobs and joined in. Leah was tied up with Avry all evening and Avry just wore her older cousin right out. Baby Sydney spent a good deal of the time sleeping in Carson's arms. I just love that the cousins in our family are so darned close. Anyway, Leah got so tired that she looked like death but Avry was wide awake and still wanting to play. When Adam and Yvonne left, I'm sure Avry fell asleep before the car left the block, though.
We finally all said our goodbyes, with lots of hugs, and Faye, Gary, and I headed home through the rainy night. I love my extended family!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Old Feet
I have a pedicure about once a month because...well, because I really like them. Today I had one and came home feeling great about my nice feet and fresh nail polish. But then I took some pictures to put on this blog and discovered, not for the first time, that my feet aren't very attractive anymore.
I remember when I felt terrible about every other part of my body but was sort of proud of my pretty feet. I couldn't afford pedicures in those days but those feet would have looked spectacular all gussied up. Now I wonder when they went from pretty to pretty gross. I couldn't get one picture of my feet that looked nice enough to publish and it's making me wonder if I should be drawing attention to the gnarly things with bright pink nail polish.
But if I've learned nothing else in my life, I've learned to live with what I've got and not waste time whining for something I can't have. So I'll continue to have my pedicures and painting those gnarly toes pretty shades of pink and proudly display them in sandals. Like it or leave it.
I remember when I felt terrible about every other part of my body but was sort of proud of my pretty feet. I couldn't afford pedicures in those days but those feet would have looked spectacular all gussied up. Now I wonder when they went from pretty to pretty gross. I couldn't get one picture of my feet that looked nice enough to publish and it's making me wonder if I should be drawing attention to the gnarly things with bright pink nail polish.
But if I've learned nothing else in my life, I've learned to live with what I've got and not waste time whining for something I can't have. So I'll continue to have my pedicures and painting those gnarly toes pretty shades of pink and proudly display them in sandals. Like it or leave it.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Tim Horton's...Not So Good
Tim Horton's restaurants are one of the mainstays of every living Canadian who loves coffee. The restaurants can be found on approximately every 4th block in the city and most have drive-through service as well as sit-in. They are clean and the service is usually fast and efficient.
That's why, today, at my local Tim Horton's where I visited for the first time, it seemed like the staff had gone a little whacky. Mary and I walked in to a fairly quiet establishment and I ordered a walnut crunch donut and a large coffee, half coffee and half milk. Mary ordered a chocolate iced donut and a medium coffee with 4 milks and 1 sugar. The young waitress seemed very distracted and seemed to mess up what she was keying into the cash register. Then she began to repeat what we had ordered...a large double/double...!! Mary and I looked at each other and decided she was taking orders for the drive-through but, no, she was just at the end of her shift and unable to concentrate on our order. So we told her once more what we wanted and she apparently keyed it in correctly but then handed the cash register over to an older lady and walked away.
The older lady seemed just as distracted as the young lady because she couldn't understand our order. We explained it again and she pointed off to the side and walked away. What?? Did she want us to go to another counter? Well, at that counter was a clerk carrying on a loud and lengthy conversation with a few people who were in line behind us...they seemed to know each other.
Our clerk passed quickly by and again told us, in passing, to go to the next counter so we did. Our order was delivered there and handed to us rather cooly, if I do say so myself.
Now, if we had complained, what exactly would we have said? "How many times do we need to give a simple order?"; "Please speak directly to us and don't just point when you're telling us to go to another counter."; "Try looking as though you're happy to see us because it's our patronage that pays your salaries." But we said none of those things. The way we will respond is by never going to that Tim Horton's again.
Coffee and donuts were good but the service was not. I really hate to see our beloved Tim Horton's restaurants go downhill like this.
That's why, today, at my local Tim Horton's where I visited for the first time, it seemed like the staff had gone a little whacky. Mary and I walked in to a fairly quiet establishment and I ordered a walnut crunch donut and a large coffee, half coffee and half milk. Mary ordered a chocolate iced donut and a medium coffee with 4 milks and 1 sugar. The young waitress seemed very distracted and seemed to mess up what she was keying into the cash register. Then she began to repeat what we had ordered...a large double/double...!! Mary and I looked at each other and decided she was taking orders for the drive-through but, no, she was just at the end of her shift and unable to concentrate on our order. So we told her once more what we wanted and she apparently keyed it in correctly but then handed the cash register over to an older lady and walked away.
The older lady seemed just as distracted as the young lady because she couldn't understand our order. We explained it again and she pointed off to the side and walked away. What?? Did she want us to go to another counter? Well, at that counter was a clerk carrying on a loud and lengthy conversation with a few people who were in line behind us...they seemed to know each other.
Our clerk passed quickly by and again told us, in passing, to go to the next counter so we did. Our order was delivered there and handed to us rather cooly, if I do say so myself.
Now, if we had complained, what exactly would we have said? "How many times do we need to give a simple order?"; "Please speak directly to us and don't just point when you're telling us to go to another counter."; "Try looking as though you're happy to see us because it's our patronage that pays your salaries." But we said none of those things. The way we will respond is by never going to that Tim Horton's again.
Coffee and donuts were good but the service was not. I really hate to see our beloved Tim Horton's restaurants go downhill like this.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Blogspot Gremlins Are Back
The last time they lost this one and I thought I was a genius by cleaning out my cache and restarting the computer. It worked perfectly. Just a while ago I discovered that they'd lost this one again so I repeated the procedure and was pleased to see that it's back...but the other one has disappeareared. Good grief!!
Today the cable man came and made a few changes...all I know is that there are two boxes added to my T.V.'s It has something to do with digital. I decided to ask the young man, who seems to be an expert in his field, why, when I came home from Florida last spring, both of my T.V's remotes could no longer either start the T.V.'s or turn them off. I could still use the remotes to adjust volume and change channels, though. The T.V.'s are different brands with different remote controls. The expert said he'd never heard of such a thing so it just must have been a coincidence. I don't believe this. What I do believe is that these experts don't know everything.
I wanted to ask him about my problems with Blogspot but didn't even know how to phrase the question. He'd probably tell me it had something to do with sunspots or military balloons. Isn't that what the "experts" tell us when we spot a flying saucer?
Today the cable man came and made a few changes...all I know is that there are two boxes added to my T.V.'s It has something to do with digital. I decided to ask the young man, who seems to be an expert in his field, why, when I came home from Florida last spring, both of my T.V's remotes could no longer either start the T.V.'s or turn them off. I could still use the remotes to adjust volume and change channels, though. The T.V.'s are different brands with different remote controls. The expert said he'd never heard of such a thing so it just must have been a coincidence. I don't believe this. What I do believe is that these experts don't know everything.
I wanted to ask him about my problems with Blogspot but didn't even know how to phrase the question. He'd probably tell me it had something to do with sunspots or military balloons. Isn't that what the "experts" tell us when we spot a flying saucer?
Family Writer
We have a family member who is now a published author and we're all so proud of her. She got her chance by blogging...but comparing her blog quality and mine is like comparing a Mercedes to a clunker. She has skills that are far beyond anything I could hope for but I think I know the reason for that. She inherited her writing ability from her father who was a well-known writer and poet but my ancestors apparently couldn't pass on that particular gene to me. So I have been cheated.
Seriously, I'm so happy for Kyran and it's nice to be able to follow her success even as a voyeur. I wish her a lifetime of having her books published and loved by everyone who reads them.
"Planting Dandelions", by Kyran Pittman, has gotten great reviews and I really think it should be made into a movie. This book is the only one I've read completely in one sitting for years. Reading makes me sleepy but not this book!
I don't have a whole lot of followers to encourage to go out and buy her book but, whoever is out there, go for it. She's a brand new talent unlike any other writer!
Seriously, I'm so happy for Kyran and it's nice to be able to follow her success even as a voyeur. I wish her a lifetime of having her books published and loved by everyone who reads them.
"Planting Dandelions", by Kyran Pittman, has gotten great reviews and I really think it should be made into a movie. This book is the only one I've read completely in one sitting for years. Reading makes me sleepy but not this book!
I don't have a whole lot of followers to encourage to go out and buy her book but, whoever is out there, go for it. She's a brand new talent unlike any other writer!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Holiday Monday
I planted these pretty little violas a little while back when I just had to plant something and it was too early for Impatiens. Picture #1 shows a slightly retarded growth due to the damn squirrels trying to dig them up but picture #2 shows a nice, bushier pot of violas.I'm still in the process of planting and will be for a few more weeks as I fill in spots. It's such an enjoyable chore that I really like to spread it out as long as I can. I'm actually planting fewer flowers each year but the old standbyes like impatiens, begonias, geraniums, and portulaca remain my favorites. I'll only be planting portulaca at the front of the house because they love the sun and don't mind being dried out.
Mary is coming in on Wednesday to go plant shopping and that's when I'll get the one and only big hanging pot that I'll purchase. It's fun to watch little plantlings grow big over the summer but it's also nice to have one beautiful pot that's in full bloom right at the start. My theme this year is mainly pink and white so I'll get those colors plus a lot of trailing blues, I hope.
My belief is that a garden should mostly take care of itself so that we have lots of time to enjoy them without working too hard to maintain them. My newfound love of hostas reflect that belief because there isn't much to do with them except admire them as they come back larger every year.
Some perennials such as shasta daisies and poppies are almost impossible to get rid of. I've tried to eliminate them from my front garden but they won't give up so I decided to enjoy their early flowers and then cut them right down to the ground. They are so prolific that they choke out other plants that I'd prefer to keep. Another perennial that irks me is coridalis (not sure if that is spelled right). Thankfully it has shallow roots so I just yank out the ones I don't want. They seem to breed like rabbits, though, and pop up all over the place once you've planted just one. The lady who gave the first plant to me told me that the year after I planted it. Thanks, maam!
Don't think I'm really complaining. I've pretty well got my garden the way I want it and there's no way to escape weeding. It's all part of the big picture. I love flower gardens so therefore I weed.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Geraniums and People Gathering
This is a picture of one of the Martha Washington geraniums I planted. I think the color is outstanding and can't wait to see what this plant looks like when it's full of blooms. I'll be taking them to Florida with me, too, so I can enjoy them for a long, long time. I had a busy morning...phone call from my friend, Sylvia, from Nova Scotia, visit from my grandson, Matt, and then a quick visit from my neighbor, Denise, who brought me a "Bob the Builder" truck for my backyard toy collection. By the time Sharon called for me to meet her, it was pouring rain. We met at Tim Horton's for coffee but I was back home by 3 P.M. with another load of flowers to plant.
The afternoon turned out nice and sunny so the planting got done fast and, since the dirt was already wet, I didn't even have to water them. I spent some quiet time out in the yard just taking in the scenery. My neighbor, John, called over the fence to let me know if I ever needed help with anything I was to let him know. Sometimes my world is a little bubble of peace and contentment and, believe me, I'm thankful for everything nice that comes my way.
I've always thought of my sister-in-law, Faye, as a gatherer of people because she draws so many into her life. I guess I've learned from her in a way because in later years I've managed to draw some awfully nice people into mine.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
He's Perfect
I looked after Nolan for a few hours this afternoon and he was a perfect child as usual. I'd yard saled in the morning and bought him a little workbench for the backyard and he loved it...it cost $1. We filled his dumptruck with water and he washed his hair and tummy and then spent 20 minutes pushing it around the tree. What a great attention span he has!I must have taken 50 pictures of him but he was always on the move so the above is the best of the lot. The bottom picture was taken when I put his bowl on my head. This seems to be the only way to get his sweet little face in a picture.
We played outside on this gorgeous warm and sunny May day for a couple of hours but I knew he needed an afternoon nap so, at 3 P.M., I told him to pack his stuff away and we'd go inside for a nap. He cleaned everything up and willingly came inside. I dressed him again and put him up on the sofa with one of his cars and he was asleep within 10 minutes. Did I say he's perfect?
This child who carries my genes means so much to me. I want him to remember me as an elder who loved him with all her heart. It's very important to know you're loved and the more who love you, the more blessed you are.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Nolan's Treat Jar
Nolan is not a dog but my 22 month old greatgrandson. When I saw this dog treat jar at a yard sale I thought it was the cutest thing and knew Nolan would love it. When you lift the head to open it, it barks. I do feel a little funny about using it for Nolan's cookies but he can't read and he loves being barked at while he grabs a cookie or two. I should be able to use it for about 4 more years.Sunshine and 3 Deep Pink Geraniums
The sun has shone all morning and I'm getting a bit giddy with happiness. It got me out to dig up dandelions and hose down the deck, patio, and driveway, too. Then I went to Canadian Tire where I bought 3 hot pink geraniums that were on sale...I don't buy too many of them because they're sort of expensive and I'm trying to cut down on what I spend on flowers every year. I shouldn't begrudge myself geraniums, though, because I take them to Florida with me in October where they seem to live forever.
I also wanted a sweet potato vine that was advertised but they were out. I can get those somewhere else. Sweet potato vines are gorgeous fillers for any large pot because they're prolific and their lighter green foliage looks so pretty trailing down the side of the pot.
It's so nice to have warm, sunny weather to play in the garden. This is one of the greatest pleasures that we can have. Watching the little plants take hold and grow into large and colorful decorations makes me very happy.
Tomorrow I'll go shopping for some more plants until, by the middle of June, I should have all I need. It's fun to shop bit by bit so I can take my time deciding just what I want and where I want it. This pattern halfway keeps me from buying more than I actually need and it gives me plenty of time to change my mind a half dozen times.
I also wanted a sweet potato vine that was advertised but they were out. I can get those somewhere else. Sweet potato vines are gorgeous fillers for any large pot because they're prolific and their lighter green foliage looks so pretty trailing down the side of the pot.
It's so nice to have warm, sunny weather to play in the garden. This is one of the greatest pleasures that we can have. Watching the little plants take hold and grow into large and colorful decorations makes me very happy.
Tomorrow I'll go shopping for some more plants until, by the middle of June, I should have all I need. It's fun to shop bit by bit so I can take my time deciding just what I want and where I want it. This pattern halfway keeps me from buying more than I actually need and it gives me plenty of time to change my mind a half dozen times.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
I'm Depressed
I've fought the good fight but this rain day after day has finally gotten to me. If I don't see sunshine soon, I think I'm going to scream. Honestly, what we've had and are going to get is indecent...no-one can survive with their wits intact if we don't see the sun regularly.
I'm sick of being stuck indoors and would probably suffer being rained on if only it was warmer. Every time my furnace comes on I seethe with anger about the cost and also the fact that it's even needed at this time of year. I don't want to be angry but there's no way I'll be cold, either.
According to the weather report, we'll have sun and warmth on Saturday but rain all the next week. I'd escape but there's no place to go. This is the summer that I planned to clean out my sewing room of all the crafts I'll never use again and this would be the perfect time to do that but I can't rouse myself from my misery to get it done. Grey days do that to me. My only real escape seems to be the computer but even that gets boring after a while.
Sigh!
I'm sick of being stuck indoors and would probably suffer being rained on if only it was warmer. Every time my furnace comes on I seethe with anger about the cost and also the fact that it's even needed at this time of year. I don't want to be angry but there's no way I'll be cold, either.
According to the weather report, we'll have sun and warmth on Saturday but rain all the next week. I'd escape but there's no place to go. This is the summer that I planned to clean out my sewing room of all the crafts I'll never use again and this would be the perfect time to do that but I can't rouse myself from my misery to get it done. Grey days do that to me. My only real escape seems to be the computer but even that gets boring after a while.
Sigh!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Sayings That Mean Something
I love fridge magnets. Most of the ones I have are of sayings that mean something to me and this group above are on the far side of my fridge where not many but me sees them. The first one, "Do not cry over anything that cannot cry over you", was one that helped me through my depression and sort of echoed what my counselor had tried to teach me. It's not a fridge magnet but a clipping.
The second one, "I don't do anything in particular but I do it well", really says it all about me. I'm eclectic in my tastes and in my personality.
The 3rd one, "I worry about things I can do nothing about. It's my hobby", is a reminder to me to stop doing just that.
#4, "Boat, a hole surrounded by water into which you throw money", was aimed at my husband who had a sailboat. I just keep this one as a reminder of him.
#5, "Setting a good example for your children takes all the fun out of life", makes me smile every time I look at it because my poor children have to take me as they see me. I am what I am and I'm good enough!
I have stickers on my washer with other sayings that tickle me when I read them. I sometimes think I must be related to the cartoonist who writes Maxine sayings because they reflect a lot of my own beliefs.
It's good to be able to laugh at ourselves and my preferred choice for fridge magnets are ones that make me giggle. Somehow or other, they have to have some relevance in my life, even if it's derogatory.
Entitlement
A man murders his ex-wife, stabbing her repeatedly and then almost severing her head from her body. Where do men like this get the idea that they have the right to murder a woman they once loved but who no longer wants them?
A young man (20 years old) on a skateboard decides it would be wise to ride it on a busy street right into a busy intersection and is run into and killed by an unsuspecting car driver. Where did he get the idea that he could do whatever he wanted with immunity?
A mother gives her 8 year old daughter Botox to erase a few unwanted lines, hoping this will enhance her chances to be an 8 year old beauty queen. Why does she think she has the right to inject poison into her child?
A young woman driving 75 miles an hour on a highway takes time to send text messages and loses control of her car. Where did she get the idea that the missile she was driving didn't need her full attention?
A powerful and important elderly man chases down an underling to forcibly satisfy his sexual urges. Where did he get the idea that he has more rights in this world than the next person?
Is this a fatal flaw in all human beings that we never really get over the idea that we're the center of the universe and the world should bow to us? Do we really all believe in our hearts that we are unique and exceptional with the entitlement of doing whatsoever we choose? I do believe that most of us feel this way but understand that there are rules and laws that make us behave in a civilized manner. Just think what hell on earth it would be with no laws to keep us reined in.
I'm not saying that most of us are violent, just that most of us are egotistical in our self importance. We might not act out in selfishness but we'd like to. For instance, yesterday I stood in a long line and wished I could just walk up to the front and get my business done quickly. I wonder if I would have if I didn't know that it was wrong and that the other people ahead of me in line would justifiably raise hell. We need laws to keep the world running smoothly or else there would be chaos every day everywhere. Human beings are inherently self absorbed.
Why else would I be writing this blog? LOL!
A young man (20 years old) on a skateboard decides it would be wise to ride it on a busy street right into a busy intersection and is run into and killed by an unsuspecting car driver. Where did he get the idea that he could do whatever he wanted with immunity?
A mother gives her 8 year old daughter Botox to erase a few unwanted lines, hoping this will enhance her chances to be an 8 year old beauty queen. Why does she think she has the right to inject poison into her child?
A young woman driving 75 miles an hour on a highway takes time to send text messages and loses control of her car. Where did she get the idea that the missile she was driving didn't need her full attention?
A powerful and important elderly man chases down an underling to forcibly satisfy his sexual urges. Where did he get the idea that he has more rights in this world than the next person?
Is this a fatal flaw in all human beings that we never really get over the idea that we're the center of the universe and the world should bow to us? Do we really all believe in our hearts that we are unique and exceptional with the entitlement of doing whatsoever we choose? I do believe that most of us feel this way but understand that there are rules and laws that make us behave in a civilized manner. Just think what hell on earth it would be with no laws to keep us reined in.
I'm not saying that most of us are violent, just that most of us are egotistical in our self importance. We might not act out in selfishness but we'd like to. For instance, yesterday I stood in a long line and wished I could just walk up to the front and get my business done quickly. I wonder if I would have if I didn't know that it was wrong and that the other people ahead of me in line would justifiably raise hell. We need laws to keep the world running smoothly or else there would be chaos every day everywhere. Human beings are inherently self absorbed.
Why else would I be writing this blog? LOL!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Looks Like Snow
I took this picture of the deck just a few minutes ago, around 8 P.M. It's funny how much this looks like snow but it's really just the cherry blossoms that fell out of my neighbor's tree. If it ever stops raining I'll get rid of them with the leaf blower.Note: Lisa brought me some interesting cable information that wasn't shown to me at the cable company. It showed that I could get most of my programs plus internet and phone for $100 per month. So I went back over to the cable company and stood in a long line before being able to ask a clerk what I would lose if I accepted this program. She was very informative and carefully explained it all to me. It turned out that I'm paying for channels that I never watch so I took the $100 program less the faster internet and plus one group of channels that I often watch and it ended up costing me the full $100 plus taxes. I'll be saving close to $30 per month after all is said and done. The biggest thing I eliminated were the movie channels and the sports channels, no loss at all to me. This all came with the bonus of having the rate frozen for 3 years. Whoopee!
Thanks again, Lisa!
Elvis Bear
This is the latest edition to my Elvis collection, a gift from Lisa and Anna, my young neighbors. Lisa brought it over yesterday and said they knew I'd love it as soon as they saw it. I'll say it again, I have the best neighbors in the world!
The little bear is dressed in a red shirt with silver belt and cape and it dances and plays a long rendition of "Blue Suede Shoes" when you press it's foot. I'm going to keep it right on the computer desk so it will give me a happy lift every time I look at it. So cute!!
We also made plans for Lisa, Anna, Kim, and I to go out for dinner on Thursday to that great Greek restaurant we went to last year.
Lisa told me her family is taking another trip to China this fall but she isn't interested in going. I think she'll enjoy those few weeks to herself and it also helps her get ready for the day she moves into a home of her own. I've come to love these girls like daughters but life does go on and I understand that sometimes we have to just let go of our loved ones and let them fly away to their own destination. We can only hope that they will come back to see us occasionally.
Anyway, I'll always think of Lisa and Anna when I look at Mr. Elvis Bear and remember the good times we've had together. They've added a lot of fun to my life over the years.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Rain
What with the constant rain and cold winds, you'd almost think it was early April instead of mid May. It's getting me down a bit but not as much as I would think. At least the rain is doing wonders for the lush greenery that is emerging everywhere. I especially love the canopy of tree branches that spread across the back deck and make it look like a forest retreat.
The few flowers I've planted so far, geraniums and violets, are still alive but the violets are looking kind of wilted from the cold. Geraniums are very hardy and the only thing that seems to affect them adversely is frost. I'm hoping and praying that the weather doesn't deteriorate that far!
The cable company is coming this morning to do something...I don't know what and I'm just too confused by them to care much any more. They've changed the way they bill you and my new cost was going to be about $150 per month for T.V., internet, and phone. I cancelled call waiting which saved me about $4.00 and now my new bill will be just over $152 per month. I am so utterly confused. When I was over paying my bill, the office was full of people equally confused. It seems this is the new way for companies to enhance their profits...confuse us until we give up and pay whatever they ask. This works especially with us seniors.
I came out of the office considering going back to Bell but Faye is really fed up with Bell and is considering using cable. See what they do to us!!
Well, other than having the cable people do something to my service today, it's a free day with nothing else to worry about. I can play on the computer, do weaving, read a book, or watch mundane T.V. I just can't play in the garden, not until the weekend from what the weatherman tells us.
The few flowers I've planted so far, geraniums and violets, are still alive but the violets are looking kind of wilted from the cold. Geraniums are very hardy and the only thing that seems to affect them adversely is frost. I'm hoping and praying that the weather doesn't deteriorate that far!
The cable company is coming this morning to do something...I don't know what and I'm just too confused by them to care much any more. They've changed the way they bill you and my new cost was going to be about $150 per month for T.V., internet, and phone. I cancelled call waiting which saved me about $4.00 and now my new bill will be just over $152 per month. I am so utterly confused. When I was over paying my bill, the office was full of people equally confused. It seems this is the new way for companies to enhance their profits...confuse us until we give up and pay whatever they ask. This works especially with us seniors.
I came out of the office considering going back to Bell but Faye is really fed up with Bell and is considering using cable. See what they do to us!!
Well, other than having the cable people do something to my service today, it's a free day with nothing else to worry about. I can play on the computer, do weaving, read a book, or watch mundane T.V. I just can't play in the garden, not until the weekend from what the weatherman tells us.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Cold, Rainy May?
Above is the new backsplash tile I bought for the kitchen. It's sure a lot brighter than the old tile, not white but an off-white that should look really nice when it's installed.
So this morning I dragged myself out into the cold, wet mid May day at 6:45 A.M. to go to Home Depot which I thought opened at 7 A.M. It doesn't open on Sundays until 8 A.M. so I went over to Tim Horton's for breakfast...I wasn't even hungry but how else do you pass an hour on a cold, rainy Sunday morning?
At 7:45 A.M., I was sitting in my car at Home Depot, along with about 2 dozen other people looking for those Sunday only bargains. It turned out they were all there to buy gas grills or wheel barrows and I was the only one who braved this crappy day to save $50 on a ceiling fan. There must have been over a hundred boxes of those darned fans available, too.
Anyway, my little pile of stuff sits waiting for the handyman. He doesn't know about the fan yet but I don't think he'll mind.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
I'm Back!!!
I haven't been able to post on this blog for the last few days because Blogspot had some sort of problem and it really screwed up my blogs. This one, Pat's Moments, is my main blog that some of my family members follow but the other one is under a different name and e-mail address. Somehow, the only blog I was able to pull up on both e-mail addresses was that other one. I have no idea how that could happen but little old computer illiterate me just solved my problem.
This is what I did. I cleaned out all the cache and then restarted the computer. Voila! That brought me back to "Pat's Moments" and I'm thrilled to death. I was on the verge of calling in my computer people, Lisa and Anna, but I managed to do it myself. Good for me!!
When I have computer problems, I can't even call the help line...Blogspot or my server...because I can't explain my problem. I end up sounding like an idiot and can hear the frustration in the voice of whatever poor soul is trying to help me. Lisa and Anna know better. They just jump in and see what's wrong and then they fix it. They don't bother me with technical questions because they know they'd be wasting their breath.
Now I hope I'm all set to carry on with my regular blog and it doesn't disappear again. I'm too yappy to do without a blog to sound off on and I'd really miss checking to see who has read it and being excited when I see it's someone from a faraway country who has stumbled upon it.
What's happened lately? Well, I bought some pretty tile for the kitchen backsplash and have it sitting in the diningroom waiting for my handyman to get back from his trip to England. Tomorrow, I'm rising very early to get to Home Depot by 7 A.M. when they open so I can buy a ceiling fan that is half price for Sunday only. I really love bringing about even small improvements on my house.
Now, if only Don would get the heck back home and get started!
This is what I did. I cleaned out all the cache and then restarted the computer. Voila! That brought me back to "Pat's Moments" and I'm thrilled to death. I was on the verge of calling in my computer people, Lisa and Anna, but I managed to do it myself. Good for me!!
When I have computer problems, I can't even call the help line...Blogspot or my server...because I can't explain my problem. I end up sounding like an idiot and can hear the frustration in the voice of whatever poor soul is trying to help me. Lisa and Anna know better. They just jump in and see what's wrong and then they fix it. They don't bother me with technical questions because they know they'd be wasting their breath.
Now I hope I'm all set to carry on with my regular blog and it doesn't disappear again. I'm too yappy to do without a blog to sound off on and I'd really miss checking to see who has read it and being excited when I see it's someone from a faraway country who has stumbled upon it.
What's happened lately? Well, I bought some pretty tile for the kitchen backsplash and have it sitting in the diningroom waiting for my handyman to get back from his trip to England. Tomorrow, I'm rising very early to get to Home Depot by 7 A.M. when they open so I can buy a ceiling fan that is half price for Sunday only. I really love bringing about even small improvements on my house.
Now, if only Don would get the heck back home and get started!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Losing Things
I don't understand how I can keep losing or misplacing things. I try very hard to be organized and yet some of the most obvious things just disappear. Before leaving for Florida in the fall, I brought 3 medium sized totes up to the diningroom and gradually filled them with items I wanted to take with me. I decided to make copies of a book full of Swedish weaving patterns to take and then piled them into a tote along with a book on embroidery. I have no idea what happened to those because I could never find them again either at the trailer or here at home. I can only assume I put them somewhere "for the time being" and have just forgotten where.
I also bought about a dozen little girl pendants to add to the ones I sell and couldn't find them for a whole month. I half remembered putting them inside a bag that would be coming home with me but couldn't remember which one. It could be that I just have too much stuff so no wonder things get misplaced.
I know I get ahead of myself, planning for some future time when an item will be needed and that's why I have such a large assortment of crafts and books. Today I'll shop for tile that won't be used for at least a month but I like to know it's here in case the handyman has a spare moment to install it. I borrowed a book from Mary last fall and still haven't read it but I plan to. I bought a large assortment of oil paints, easel, and canvases for when I get the urge to paint...but that was about 3 years ago. There is a definite pattern here.
Part of my problem is that I'm impatient and don't want to have to wait too long to satisfy a whim. If I suddenly get the urge to do some folk art, the paints had better be right there or the urge will quickly pass and I'll be on to something else that caught my attention. Satisfying my impatience means I have to have a lot of stuff on hand and that's what gets me into a mess. The past few years, as I decluttered and discarded, I had to admit that there wasn't much of a chance that I'd ever use many of the items I'd saved and stored so that made it easier to get rid of them.
This isn't the case with the pattern copies and it's bugging me wondering where the heck I put them. Maybe my surroundings need a bit more decluttering.
I also bought about a dozen little girl pendants to add to the ones I sell and couldn't find them for a whole month. I half remembered putting them inside a bag that would be coming home with me but couldn't remember which one. It could be that I just have too much stuff so no wonder things get misplaced.
I know I get ahead of myself, planning for some future time when an item will be needed and that's why I have such a large assortment of crafts and books. Today I'll shop for tile that won't be used for at least a month but I like to know it's here in case the handyman has a spare moment to install it. I borrowed a book from Mary last fall and still haven't read it but I plan to. I bought a large assortment of oil paints, easel, and canvases for when I get the urge to paint...but that was about 3 years ago. There is a definite pattern here.
Part of my problem is that I'm impatient and don't want to have to wait too long to satisfy a whim. If I suddenly get the urge to do some folk art, the paints had better be right there or the urge will quickly pass and I'll be on to something else that caught my attention. Satisfying my impatience means I have to have a lot of stuff on hand and that's what gets me into a mess. The past few years, as I decluttered and discarded, I had to admit that there wasn't much of a chance that I'd ever use many of the items I'd saved and stored so that made it easier to get rid of them.
This isn't the case with the pattern copies and it's bugging me wondering where the heck I put them. Maybe my surroundings need a bit more decluttering.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Bug Man Cometh
Last year I had such a bad infestation of centipedes that I either had to hire a darned good bug man or I had to sell the house. Looking through the yellow pages of the phone book, I found EMBRO who promised free repeat visits if the first spraying didn't eradicate the problem so that's who I called. They came and sprayed once, twice, three times, and then on the 4th spraying it finally killed off all those awful bugs. I couldn't have been happier.
I planned on using them again this year even if I saw no bugs at all but I did see one. I had already called EMBRO to spray and and I'm so glad I did. I can't live in a house with bugs and I know how well these people do their job. I wish I'd done this years ago and then I wouldn't have lived in fear for so long.
They came and sprayed today so now I feel protected and much more comfortable living here. I'm the kind of person who doesn't even like to see bugs outside let alone inside the house so I know I did the right thing by hiring this company.
I planned on using them again this year even if I saw no bugs at all but I did see one. I had already called EMBRO to spray and and I'm so glad I did. I can't live in a house with bugs and I know how well these people do their job. I wish I'd done this years ago and then I wouldn't have lived in fear for so long.
They came and sprayed today so now I feel protected and much more comfortable living here. I'm the kind of person who doesn't even like to see bugs outside let alone inside the house so I know I did the right thing by hiring this company.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Time Well Spent
I wandered out in the backyard early this morning expecting to need a jacket but was able to work all morning without one. Spring has sprung! I pulled the small tables and chairs out of the tool shed and gave them all a bath before putting them in place on the deck and patio. Once they were dry I covered the chairs with the clear plastic covers I'd just bought at the dollar store...I hope they hold up at least for the summer. This is a steel town and the air is dirty and this makes the chairs dirty overnight so I thought the covers would make sense.
I also planted the geraniums and violets I'd bought the other day, then dug up some of the ground cover from the back of the yard to decorate the rail planters. I'll add impatiens to these planters later on in the month. My choice of color for deck impatiens this year is white and deep pink...I spent way too much time last year searching for purple or lilac impatiens. I'm also going to try to scale down the number of planters I use this year because the cost of annuals is getting awfully high.
Just doing that bit of work in the yard makes it look so homey. I'm really liking not having to cut that darned lawn so now all my work outside will be with the plants and tidying up occasionally. Nice.
Donna came over for our Swedish weaving afternoon. She's working on her second afghan and this one is a lilac fabric with variegated lilac yarn. It's beautiful! She's so much more at ease doing the weaving now because she knows what she's doing and it shows. She moves from one set of patterns to another with ease. I'm so glad she's taken an interest in it and it's also a nice afternoon to spend with her, too. Faye usually comes but today she's off on a romantic picnic with Gary. Hmmm! Hard to believe she'd rather do that than sit here and yak with me and Donna. LOL!
I also planted the geraniums and violets I'd bought the other day, then dug up some of the ground cover from the back of the yard to decorate the rail planters. I'll add impatiens to these planters later on in the month. My choice of color for deck impatiens this year is white and deep pink...I spent way too much time last year searching for purple or lilac impatiens. I'm also going to try to scale down the number of planters I use this year because the cost of annuals is getting awfully high.
Just doing that bit of work in the yard makes it look so homey. I'm really liking not having to cut that darned lawn so now all my work outside will be with the plants and tidying up occasionally. Nice.
Donna came over for our Swedish weaving afternoon. She's working on her second afghan and this one is a lilac fabric with variegated lilac yarn. It's beautiful! She's so much more at ease doing the weaving now because she knows what she's doing and it shows. She moves from one set of patterns to another with ease. I'm so glad she's taken an interest in it and it's also a nice afternoon to spend with her, too. Faye usually comes but today she's off on a romantic picnic with Gary. Hmmm! Hard to believe she'd rather do that than sit here and yak with me and Donna. LOL!
Monday, May 09, 2011
At The Hospital
Kim has been anemic for quite a few years so her doctors sent her for tests at Mac this morning. She was going to be sedated for them so I drove her and waited FOR HOURS in the waiting room. I was well prepared, though. I took my Swedish weaving afghan to work on, a book to read, and 2 bottles of water.
While I was waiting, a young man sat next to me with his arm in some sort of cast. He told me that he'd been working snow plowing this past winter when he had to get under it to fix something and it had fallen on his arm. He was very lucky he hadn't lost it but a good surgeon had put it all together, save a few nerves, and that's what he was back at the hospital for today. It just amazes me that the ability to reconnect severed nerves only takes day surgery.
I don't think of doctors or surgeons as gods but I do admire and respect their fantastic abilities to fix us mortals when we're damaged or sick. I also don't begrudge them a fantastic salary to go with those fantastic abilities because most of them deserve every cent they make.
Kim sailed through her procedures and was hungry enough to want lunch so we went to Swiss Chalet. She hadn't eaten in about 24 hours but her throat was a little sore from the endoscopy so she only ate half her meal. No bother...I'm just glad that she passed the tests.
I was tired when I got home so I wasted the beautiful afternoon by having a long nap. It's possible that this means I'll have trouble sleeping tonight, darn it. I had to take a Tylenol PM last night to make sure I'd sleep and I think it might have still been in my system today. I slept like a log last night and woke to the alarm this morning feeling like I wanted a couple more hours before getting up. I only take Tylenol PM once in a while such as when I've had 3 or 4 sleepless nights or the night before I know I have to be alert the next day. It works well for me but probably wouldn't if I took it on a regular basis.
Oh well, if this is the worst thing I have to deal with today, then I have no right to complain, do I?
While I was waiting, a young man sat next to me with his arm in some sort of cast. He told me that he'd been working snow plowing this past winter when he had to get under it to fix something and it had fallen on his arm. He was very lucky he hadn't lost it but a good surgeon had put it all together, save a few nerves, and that's what he was back at the hospital for today. It just amazes me that the ability to reconnect severed nerves only takes day surgery.
I don't think of doctors or surgeons as gods but I do admire and respect their fantastic abilities to fix us mortals when we're damaged or sick. I also don't begrudge them a fantastic salary to go with those fantastic abilities because most of them deserve every cent they make.
Kim sailed through her procedures and was hungry enough to want lunch so we went to Swiss Chalet. She hadn't eaten in about 24 hours but her throat was a little sore from the endoscopy so she only ate half her meal. No bother...I'm just glad that she passed the tests.
I was tired when I got home so I wasted the beautiful afternoon by having a long nap. It's possible that this means I'll have trouble sleeping tonight, darn it. I had to take a Tylenol PM last night to make sure I'd sleep and I think it might have still been in my system today. I slept like a log last night and woke to the alarm this morning feeling like I wanted a couple more hours before getting up. I only take Tylenol PM once in a while such as when I've had 3 or 4 sleepless nights or the night before I know I have to be alert the next day. It works well for me but probably wouldn't if I took it on a regular basis.
Oh well, if this is the worst thing I have to deal with today, then I have no right to complain, do I?
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Lisette
I really believe some people don't have the right temperament to drive a car and this could be the root of Lisette's problems. She just had her 3rd accident in (I think) two years and this one could have finished her off but she escaped with nothing more than a few bruises and a cut on her toe.
She was driving down the highway to celebrate Mother's Day with Shelley and she accidently knocked her eyeglasses off. This led to a chain of events where she leaned down to find them, swerved partly off the road and then over-corrected. This, in turn, caused her to fly off the highway and roll her car 2-3 times. It was a miracle she wasn't killed.
Lisette is a smart girl but she's like her Grampa...brilliant but ditzy at the same time. She accepts that she won't and shouldn't be driving for a good long while and that, when she's ready, she'll take an in-depth driving course so that her driving skills will be vastly improved from what they've been up until now.
All of us who love her are very grateful that this didn't turn out to be the tragedy it so easily could have. My head is still reeling from the shock of what happened and how lucky we all were.
She was driving down the highway to celebrate Mother's Day with Shelley and she accidently knocked her eyeglasses off. This led to a chain of events where she leaned down to find them, swerved partly off the road and then over-corrected. This, in turn, caused her to fly off the highway and roll her car 2-3 times. It was a miracle she wasn't killed.
Lisette is a smart girl but she's like her Grampa...brilliant but ditzy at the same time. She accepts that she won't and shouldn't be driving for a good long while and that, when she's ready, she'll take an in-depth driving course so that her driving skills will be vastly improved from what they've been up until now.
All of us who love her are very grateful that this didn't turn out to be the tragedy it so easily could have. My head is still reeling from the shock of what happened and how lucky we all were.
Flowers From Cindy
The nicest present anyone can give me is flowers. This beautiful bouquet came from Cindy, my equally beautiful #2 girl. Thank you, my darlin'!
Saturday, May 07, 2011
Saturday Morning
Saturday mornings used to be hectic for me because I'd be waking early and rushing off to yard sales. Nowadays I still wake early but spend the morning playing on the computer and tidying up. I realized this morning that I need to start receiving the newspaper, though, because that's part of any morning...sipping coffee and reading the news. I kind of balked at renewing my subscription because it's a downer to read about all the nasty stuff going on in the world but I'm feeling out of the loop by not knowing what's happening.
It rained a bit last night so my nice clean deck has a sheen of dampness on it. It looks so darned nice! I wonder if it would hurt to plant a few pansies...they tolerate any cold temperatures we might still get. Yes, that's what I'll buy today and plant. I knew I'd have to!
It's very quiet in the house because I have no T.V. on as I usually do. It's just me sipping my coffee and tapping on the keyboard. Soon I'll have to get myself moving, though, because my huge job today is to plant a few pansies and maybe buy that African Violet that I've been wanting for the house. Then it will be a domino game tonight at Faye's with her and Gary, Donna and Frank.
Life is good.
It rained a bit last night so my nice clean deck has a sheen of dampness on it. It looks so darned nice! I wonder if it would hurt to plant a few pansies...they tolerate any cold temperatures we might still get. Yes, that's what I'll buy today and plant. I knew I'd have to!
It's very quiet in the house because I have no T.V. on as I usually do. It's just me sipping my coffee and tapping on the keyboard. Soon I'll have to get myself moving, though, because my huge job today is to plant a few pansies and maybe buy that African Violet that I've been wanting for the house. Then it will be a domino game tonight at Faye's with her and Gary, Donna and Frank.
Life is good.
Friday, May 06, 2011
An Afternoon With Nolan
This baby brings such joy to my life. I love him with all my heart and I'll make sure he knows that every chance I get.
He's almost reached the grand old age of 22 months and his choice of toys has changed since the last time he was here a week or so ago. His favorite used to be a Mickey Mouse swirly wand and a little bus full of plastic gingerbread people. Today he played solely with his little cars.
He ran them along the floor and sofa but removed them from the coffee table when I asked. He was perfectly behaved and didn't honor me with one of his stinky poops. He waited to do that at Gramma Kim's house...sweet boy.
When I noticed him begin to lay down on the floor instead of racing around playing, I knew he was ready for his nap and it was easy to coax him up onto the sofa to lay down and doze off with my afghan to warm him.
He's about as perfect as they come.
Repairs Started
Don, the handyman, arrived early this morning to start the first item on my list, new front door handles. The inside doorknob had broken right off and wasn't worth fixing so I had to buy the whole kit...front latch, inside doorknob, and deadbolt. The rest of the things on my repair list will have to wait until Don returns in 2 weeks from his trip to England.
I get my darlin' boy, Nolan, this afternoon because his parents have gone out of town for a wedding. Kim will pick him up after work and then has him all weekend and I know he's going to be spoiled rotten. That's our right, though, and his pleasure. He's a lucky little boy to be loved so much.
I didn't sleep well at all last night so I'll have to nap this morning. Nolan is a very active baby and it wouldn't do for GG to fall asleep while he's up and about.
I'll post later about my fun afternoon!
I get my darlin' boy, Nolan, this afternoon because his parents have gone out of town for a wedding. Kim will pick him up after work and then has him all weekend and I know he's going to be spoiled rotten. That's our right, though, and his pleasure. He's a lucky little boy to be loved so much.
I didn't sleep well at all last night so I'll have to nap this morning. Nolan is a very active baby and it wouldn't do for GG to fall asleep while he's up and about.
I'll post later about my fun afternoon!
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Clean Deck and Patio
Well, Nick got here this morning and began powerwashing the patio...what a tremendous difference! I think Dennis might have done it 8 years ago because he's been gone for almost 6 years now. Hard to believe.
Anyway, Nick cleaned the patio and then the deck which also looks terrific and makes me want to start filling the planters with flowers. Then he cut the front lawn (back lawn is still short) and dug up that big old Hosta for me to separate. He took one piece home and I transplanted 2 pieces, one in the front garden and one in the back, but left one piece in it's normal place. I love transplanting perennials because it's ecologically sensible.
I've spent most of the day working on Nicole's afghan so I'm in a very good mood. Everything might not be perfect in my world but I have so very much to be thankful for.
Anyway, Nick cleaned the patio and then the deck which also looks terrific and makes me want to start filling the planters with flowers. Then he cut the front lawn (back lawn is still short) and dug up that big old Hosta for me to separate. He took one piece home and I transplanted 2 pieces, one in the front garden and one in the back, but left one piece in it's normal place. I love transplanting perennials because it's ecologically sensible.
I've spent most of the day working on Nicole's afghan so I'm in a very good mood. Everything might not be perfect in my world but I have so very much to be thankful for.
I'm Getting Old
I did a little bit of physical work yesterday cleaning up the deck and patio...really not much...and my muscles hurt something terrible. I'm sure it didn't happen this fast last year. It was late afternoon and I'd been pretty busy all day so maybe that's why. It got me wondering again if I should stay in this house, though.
There is always work involved when you live in a house. Housework isn't a big problem for me because I live alone and I'm fairly neat so things don't get messed up fast. Gardening is a joy for me but cutting the grass is not. Nick is going to start cutting it this year for me and that is a bigger relief than I would have imagined. That will leave me free to play with my garden and just do some trimming now and then outside. I love to get out there and plant or transplant, bringing nature's color to my own little yard.
The sun has finally begun to shine, warming up the weather, and that will get me itching to buy the annuals. I just remembered that there is a huge hosta I need help digging out and transplanting...I hate needing that help, darn it.
Nick is coming over today to powerwash the deck and patio and that's why I wanted it cleaned up for him. I'm afraid I'll have to impose on him to dig up that hosta, too. He's my eldest grandson and one of the nicest young men in the world. I'm not prejudiced because he's my grandson, either.
I don't mind growing old and dealing with wrinkles and grey hair but I do not like losing physical strength. I'm hoping my soreness from yesterday isn't a sign that I'm getting too feeble to work in my garden. Now, that would really be a pain in the butt!
There is always work involved when you live in a house. Housework isn't a big problem for me because I live alone and I'm fairly neat so things don't get messed up fast. Gardening is a joy for me but cutting the grass is not. Nick is going to start cutting it this year for me and that is a bigger relief than I would have imagined. That will leave me free to play with my garden and just do some trimming now and then outside. I love to get out there and plant or transplant, bringing nature's color to my own little yard.
The sun has finally begun to shine, warming up the weather, and that will get me itching to buy the annuals. I just remembered that there is a huge hosta I need help digging out and transplanting...I hate needing that help, darn it.
Nick is coming over today to powerwash the deck and patio and that's why I wanted it cleaned up for him. I'm afraid I'll have to impose on him to dig up that hosta, too. He's my eldest grandson and one of the nicest young men in the world. I'm not prejudiced because he's my grandson, either.
I don't mind growing old and dealing with wrinkles and grey hair but I do not like losing physical strength. I'm hoping my soreness from yesterday isn't a sign that I'm getting too feeble to work in my garden. Now, that would really be a pain in the butt!
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Renovations 2011
This might be the tile I choose for the kitchen backsplash but I still have some shopping around before I make up my mind. I think the true color is lighter beige than what shows here and it's also polished stone (shiny). I was a little shocked when I saw the price of tile these days because I haven't bought any in a while. It doesn't matter. Life is so darned short and the present tile in the kitchen has been there possibly more than 30 years. I'd like a change.I'm making a few changes this summer and the biggest will be a bathroom in my bedroom. I'm not looking forward to the mess it will make while it's being built but I'll spend most of the time up at Joyce's if she'll have me. I'm assuming the work will take 4 or 5 days. I might be dreaming but that's what I'm hoping.
It's exciting to have work done on your house. I suppose we never get over building and rebuilding our nests, do we?
Shelley and John have finally purchased their new home and it's out of this world beautiful. I asked if one of the bedrooms would be painted lilac and white but she said white only and I could add a few lilac knicknacks. I'm okay with that. It will be fun to go shopping with her for those...I wouldn't want to choose anything she didn't really like.
Life is good, isn't it?
Life
I envy the people who can sail through life with never a ripple in their path. My path has been filled with bumps and detours, mud and muck. When I look at some of the crap I've survived, I have to believe I had a strong spirit to do so.
I sit here today, proud possessor of a host of people who love and respect me, and I know I did a few things right in my life. For any wrong I've done anyone, I apologize but, hell, I ain't no saint but I'm no devil, either. I make mistakes just like everyone else on this earth and I'm through beating myself up for them.
I think one of the biggest mistakes I made in life was to put my husband before my children...and before myself. Marrying so young at seventeen means my normal maturity process was stunted. No, you don't grow up fast when you marry and have children at seventeen. You miss a whole bunch of years that are needed to mature naturally. In any case, my children missed out by not having a mature and stable mother but what's done is done and can't be changed now.
I loved my children dearly and wanted the best for them but I kept getting sidetracked by a rocky marriage I couldn't seem to make right. All of this brought an incipient depression into fruition and we all had to deal with that over at least 25 years. Not my fault, you might say? Well, no, but it was my role in life to provide a better childhood for my children and I wasn't able to do it. Somehow, they grew up to be good, productive citizens in spite of it all and I'm proud of that.
There are days when I really do beat myself up for any mistakes I made in life but today is not one of them. Today reality has kicked in and I know who and what I am. And I'm okay with it.
I sit here today, proud possessor of a host of people who love and respect me, and I know I did a few things right in my life. For any wrong I've done anyone, I apologize but, hell, I ain't no saint but I'm no devil, either. I make mistakes just like everyone else on this earth and I'm through beating myself up for them.
I think one of the biggest mistakes I made in life was to put my husband before my children...and before myself. Marrying so young at seventeen means my normal maturity process was stunted. No, you don't grow up fast when you marry and have children at seventeen. You miss a whole bunch of years that are needed to mature naturally. In any case, my children missed out by not having a mature and stable mother but what's done is done and can't be changed now.
I loved my children dearly and wanted the best for them but I kept getting sidetracked by a rocky marriage I couldn't seem to make right. All of this brought an incipient depression into fruition and we all had to deal with that over at least 25 years. Not my fault, you might say? Well, no, but it was my role in life to provide a better childhood for my children and I wasn't able to do it. Somehow, they grew up to be good, productive citizens in spite of it all and I'm proud of that.
There are days when I really do beat myself up for any mistakes I made in life but today is not one of them. Today reality has kicked in and I know who and what I am. And I'm okay with it.
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Fighting a Losing Battle?
Every day I awaken and begin to think about my troubles and every night I crawl into bed and continue beating myself up. I'm becoming so tired of this. When you're feeling down, it wears you out physically and mentally because you are struggling each day to put on a facade of normalty. I'm getting awfully tired.
Each day you think that, well, you survived yesterday so just suck it up and try for another day. Maybe things will look brighter soon and you'll be back to your old self. You carry on with plans and events just as before thinking that by carrying on your usual routine you'll drag yourself out of your funk. There's a fine line between success and failure and I'm riding that line.
Sad events, like an old friend passing away, pull you down further than they would have if you weren't already down. Happy events don't have the power to bring you up far enough. I keep looking at the title I chose for this blog and it's making me mad. That is actually a good sign! I swore I'd never let anyone bring me down to depression again and I've just renewed my vow. I'm back in the fight...hope I win.
Each day you think that, well, you survived yesterday so just suck it up and try for another day. Maybe things will look brighter soon and you'll be back to your old self. You carry on with plans and events just as before thinking that by carrying on your usual routine you'll drag yourself out of your funk. There's a fine line between success and failure and I'm riding that line.
Sad events, like an old friend passing away, pull you down further than they would have if you weren't already down. Happy events don't have the power to bring you up far enough. I keep looking at the title I chose for this blog and it's making me mad. That is actually a good sign! I swore I'd never let anyone bring me down to depression again and I've just renewed my vow. I'm back in the fight...hope I win.
Monday, May 02, 2011
Sandy
Sandy was my neighbor 2 doors down for over 40 years until she and her husband sold their house and moved to a retirement community nearby. She passed away on Saturday from a massive stroke and it's hard to believe she's no longer here.
We were good neighbors for all those years but not close friends. I don't know why because I liked her a lot...she was a quiet spoken woman but very friendly and with a great sense of humor. We just seemed to be busy in separate ways, I guess. I was sad to see her and her husband sell their house and move away but I understood that we'd come to that stage of life when living in a house with stairs can be a drawback. I'm okay so far but you never know about a neighbor's health issues.
Before Sandy moved she came up to the house and gave me a huge hug, so nice because she'd never done that in all the years prior. We promised each other that I'd come to see her new house once she was settled but the invitation never came and I forgot about it. Sadly, that's the way it usually goes when casual friends move away. Every time I drove past the community she'd moved to, I'd tell myself I really needed to give her a call but then the thought slipped away and off I went about my business. And now it's too late.
Now I'll think of Sandy occasionally and remember what a nice lady she was but I'll always be sorry I never made that phone call.
We were good neighbors for all those years but not close friends. I don't know why because I liked her a lot...she was a quiet spoken woman but very friendly and with a great sense of humor. We just seemed to be busy in separate ways, I guess. I was sad to see her and her husband sell their house and move away but I understood that we'd come to that stage of life when living in a house with stairs can be a drawback. I'm okay so far but you never know about a neighbor's health issues.
Before Sandy moved she came up to the house and gave me a huge hug, so nice because she'd never done that in all the years prior. We promised each other that I'd come to see her new house once she was settled but the invitation never came and I forgot about it. Sadly, that's the way it usually goes when casual friends move away. Every time I drove past the community she'd moved to, I'd tell myself I really needed to give her a call but then the thought slipped away and off I went about my business. And now it's too late.
Now I'll think of Sandy occasionally and remember what a nice lady she was but I'll always be sorry I never made that phone call.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
In The Quiet Moments
It's in the quiet moments that you are forced to face your failures. It's in those moments that you realize that the mistakes you made in life have led to this day and there is absolutely nothing you can do to change it. You can try to concentrate on the good you've done in those years but that doesn't erase the failures. So you accept it and carry on the best way you can.
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