Wow! Didn't mean to get bogged down in the tirade of the other post!
This has been a pretty great weekend. We did drive out to the Triple Cross Cowboy Church last evening for the wedding of friend Sharon Foy Cofer to Steve Doody. Neat, homey wedding. and best of all reunited with friends from long ago. Steve is in the Baggy Bottom Boys band, and I know Sharon from my Poly days. But I had not made the connection of Sharon and others of my youth until I saw a video of the BBB playing at Avenue L Baptist Church. Then it hit me -- Eugene Montgomery is a part of the BBB, and his family also went to Ave L. My family had connections with Ave L since the early 60's...I used to play the piano there! The current pastor is the son of the original pastor (Luke the dad, David the current). So I looked around me at the wedding and I'm surrounded by my early life! It was fantastic. then I discovered that David and Debbi have other connections to some of my friends - Denise and Gary King. The Kings are involved in the annual production of The Littlest Wiseman at the Scott Theater and have been for about 19 years; David and Debbi's daughter Cayce has been in the same production for a about 7 years! So, it was old home week.
Today I slept late -- first time since retirement. Didn't get up 'til 10 o'clock. It was wonderful. Then Bennie and I got to snuggle for a while (Bennie = mini doxi). After working the online jigsaw puzzle and messing around much longer than I should, I headed out to a quilting retreat in far Benbrook off of 377. Dadgum, I missed the cut off and was almost to Cresson before I realized my mistake. But I got to spend a wonderful few hours with the quilting group. It was soothing to the soul. I didn't take quilting to work on but did take some new crochet (afghan) that I am doing for the donation pile. Hopefully I'll finish it some day! All the ladies were so much fun. Thankfully one of them is an expert with the use of a serger, and better than that she doesn't live very far from me! I received a serger from my friend Debbi H. -- brand new, in the box, never been opened. I've still got to pay her for it.
Speaking of paying Debbi. I finally got her paid for all the things she gave the girls a few months ago...dining room furniture, sofa, washer/dryer, and I can't remember what all else. Girls don't know Debbi and I made a deal...I just told them she was going to donate it if they didn't want it, so they contacted Debbi and went to get it. I had Debbi keep a list of what they took and then she and I settled on a price. I paid her out over time. it worked out -- girls got what they needed; Debbi made a little cash.
I digress.
We were going to a New Year's Eve party tonight but we got there too early -- and heaven knows how that happened - we'll be the ones who are late to our own funeral. Anyway, we both thought it started at 7 and so we got there at 6:52. There were cars parked all over the place outside so we thought we were on time. turns out those cars were not for the party but must have been neighbors. Hostess opened the door a crack and let us know the party didn't start until 7:30! I was totally embarrassed. We told her we would come back later. But after getting back in the car we decided to go on to a favorite restaurant close by (Prima's) where we had wonderful Italian food and to much wine. We discussed returning to the party or going on to Stumpy's in Arlington. After reading reviews of Stumpy's (several of our friends were going there and there were enough reservations for us to join in), we decided it probably wasn't a place where we would be comfortable, was a bit too far for us to drive on a NY's Eve and try to get back home. So, we elected to come on back home, kick off the shoes, not go anywhere else, and just do our own thing. SO, here we are. I wish I had stayed at the quilting retreat!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, December 31, 2011
New Year's Eve. What do I hope for the New Year? Forgiveness. Forgiveness for being the weak, stupid person that I am; forgiveness for all the obvious things as well as the things that I don't see that I have done or am doing. And I wish/hope for peace - in all it's many dimensions. And I hope for strength to do the one thing that I know I must do. And I hope for God's intervention in my life that I can become a better me.
Those are the things I hope for myself. As always, every day I pray for my beautiful children and grandchildren. I hope for each and every one of them the greatest year they have ever known - peace, joy, happiness, financial prosperity, love, physical health. They will forever be the best things that ever happened to me and for them I always wish the best and the desires of their hearts. I wish I was better at conveying that to them in reality instead of always making a mess of things.
There is something that bothers me greatly - and that is that my daughters believe I dislike their step mother. I don't. I dislike my ex husband...I still cringe any time I am around him. I can't stop that - it just IS. Maybe I should be able to control that, but so help me I've tried. As my friends know, I just wonder how their step mother has endured it all these years. I was in my 20's when all of that happened so very long ago - too young, immature, stupid, and there is much of it that I (thankfully) have forgotten. But it is not the step mother, it is the ex. It took several years after all the emotional stupidity of the 70's, sessions in counseling, classes in psychology, etc., for me to realize that I was not unhappy over the divorce, I was glad that was over. I was merely mourning the loss of a dream. Once I came to terms with that, it didn't matter any more.
Coming to terms didn't make me the perfect person, I continued to make many mistakes. Remarriages, failed relationships, always trying to better our financial situation. Finally came to terms with that thru the comment of a beloved professor who told me in a straight/direct way that I was marrying beneath me, and clutching for life rafts that did not exist. That I could never improve my situation by depending on someone else. I needed to become a whole person myself.
Boy, didn't mean to get into all this! But in wishing for my children and grandchildren I just can't help but look back over the many, many mistakes I made as their mother and wishing things had been different - no, wishing I had been different. So for each and every one of them I wish them peace, joy, and love.
I will never reach perfection. I wish I could. I will always be a work in progress. And will always need God's grace and forgiveness as well as the forgiveness of my children and others. I am who I am; and I know God knows that. And I know He chose me to be the mother of my children for a reason, and I thank Him for that. They were the greatest gifts.
Those are the things I hope for myself. As always, every day I pray for my beautiful children and grandchildren. I hope for each and every one of them the greatest year they have ever known - peace, joy, happiness, financial prosperity, love, physical health. They will forever be the best things that ever happened to me and for them I always wish the best and the desires of their hearts. I wish I was better at conveying that to them in reality instead of always making a mess of things.
There is something that bothers me greatly - and that is that my daughters believe I dislike their step mother. I don't. I dislike my ex husband...I still cringe any time I am around him. I can't stop that - it just IS. Maybe I should be able to control that, but so help me I've tried. As my friends know, I just wonder how their step mother has endured it all these years. I was in my 20's when all of that happened so very long ago - too young, immature, stupid, and there is much of it that I (thankfully) have forgotten. But it is not the step mother, it is the ex. It took several years after all the emotional stupidity of the 70's, sessions in counseling, classes in psychology, etc., for me to realize that I was not unhappy over the divorce, I was glad that was over. I was merely mourning the loss of a dream. Once I came to terms with that, it didn't matter any more.
Coming to terms didn't make me the perfect person, I continued to make many mistakes. Remarriages, failed relationships, always trying to better our financial situation. Finally came to terms with that thru the comment of a beloved professor who told me in a straight/direct way that I was marrying beneath me, and clutching for life rafts that did not exist. That I could never improve my situation by depending on someone else. I needed to become a whole person myself.
Boy, didn't mean to get into all this! But in wishing for my children and grandchildren I just can't help but look back over the many, many mistakes I made as their mother and wishing things had been different - no, wishing I had been different. So for each and every one of them I wish them peace, joy, and love.
I will never reach perfection. I wish I could. I will always be a work in progress. And will always need God's grace and forgiveness as well as the forgiveness of my children and others. I am who I am; and I know God knows that. And I know He chose me to be the mother of my children for a reason, and I thank Him for that. They were the greatest gifts.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
So glad Christmas is over/past. Now days it is such a painful time. This year was no different. DH took gifts to his dad/step-mother, and to his son's family. Like my family, it is not a good relationship. DH has never seen his grandson and he is now 2 years old.
We got everything ready for my daughters' families and took it over on Christmas Eve. It was VERY obvious we were not wanted there. But, we did get to see both sets of grandchildren and drop off gifts. I was thrilled that all the children seemed glad to see us. Well, not the 2 year old - she was asleep, bless her baby heart. It was quite painful knowing that the two daughters want absolutely NOTHING to do with me. and it was very painful to read something my youngest daughter posted later about having had to see us.
That posting was on the heal of her text response to me when I inquired if we should deliver gifts Christmas Eve or wait until after Christmas. Her remark told me it was up to me - she couldn't contend with it right now. So, we decided we wouldn't deliver at all. Later that day we received a text message from my oldest daughter that if we wanted to deliver gifts to the children we could, that she would be home until 5. Of course the reason they couldn't make time for us is because they were having the big Christmas party with their dad and stepmother and family (I raised these kids as a single mother on a shoe string with absolutely no help or input from him...now he's the great FATHER.) The christmas celebration I had for years and years with my children was taken away from me and given to the dad and step mother. My youngest daughter even claims her step mother as her MOTHER on her FB page. And my oldest daughter has gone so far as to tell me that I am NOT her family, and that I am to have nothing to do with her or her children.
Thankfully my oldest child, my son, is always wonderful. But, he doesn't live in the same state as us and it's too far to drive and too expensive to fly there for holidays. So Christmas was, as it has been for several years now, very hard and very painful. I am always so glad when it is past.
We were invited by my niece to come to their home for Christmas Day. thankfully we didn't have to spend it alone. Bless you my beautiful niece. We got to see my most of my oldest brother's family. and it may be the last time we get to do that since my oldest brother is not well at all. My nieces and I spent a lot of the day crying, and my oldest brother did what he used to do when I was very young - couldn't stand it because I was crying. But, we got past that and had a great time. My two nieces had been at bingo on Christmas Eve and sent me a text telling me to bring "10 pounds of peanut butter fudge!" They were teasing, but I decded to do it anyway - well, not quite so much, but still pnut butter fudge. I told them one of these days I'm going to give them the dang recipe but they don't want it, just want me to bring it. That's what they remember of Christmas's long ago when they were younger - I always made the candy; their mom makes the fantastic from scratch chocolate pies that are to die for.
And then it was Monday - what would be a holiday week for me, but now I'm retired so NO holiday. We began on this house with a vengence. So dirt, nasty, cluttered, horrible. We have spent the entire week working on the den. We gave away the kitchen table and chairs, moved the table and chairs from the den into the breakfast area. nobody ever comes to our house anyway - we don't need two dining spaces. Then we dismantled the rest of the den. We have had this huge wall entertainment center for 10 years and I have been sick of it for at least 5. With it in use the only way we can set te couch is in the middle of the room which means there is absolutely no room in the den. We moved the center piece to the master bedroom and put the side pieces on separate walls in the den to use as curio shelves. Earlier this year we had the bar wall raised and the bar top changed to a pony wall cap instead so that we can actually use that wall for the television. We don't yet have a low tv stand for the tv but we moved it to that wall anyway and used the sofa table as a stand for now. We had to have AT&T come out and hook up all the televisions again. The price will be worth it. They also had to change out all the old cable wiring because we've been having issues - we have AT&T Uverse. Way too expensive for what it is.
We've spent 4 days and are not yet finished with the den. We tok everything out of the entry closet. Not really a coat closet. When the house was built I had that closet made deeper into the garage so it is a much larger closet. It is where we keep the Christmas crap. That closet was a disaster. Someone in this house just opens the door and throws crap of all kinds in there. All that had to be cleaned out.
Yesterday we spent scrubbing the kitcen floor tiles. Toda we swept, swiffed, mopped, and put orange glo on the hardwood floors in the entry hallway and den. DH is PO'd because I am not allowing him to wear his nasty shoes in the house. He tends to go grunging in the garage and in the back yard where there is mud and dog doo and then come traipsing back into the house. I've had enough of it. No more. He can take his shoes off when he comes in the house. I've been telling him for years.
DH is beginning to regret that I have retired. I have been giving warnings for the 3 years he has been home that the house is going to be put back into shape - he's not happy about it. But at least the den area is beginning to look better. Still need to buy new sofa/chairs for in there, tables, and a tv stand, but all in good time.
Tomorrow we finish the den -- tables need to be cleaned with Murphy's Oil Soap (I don't like polish because it attracks dust). Still have some crap to go thru/put up. But I'm beginning to feel like the house is once again mine. Got so very much more to do.
But tomorrow will be a short work day. We are going to a wedding at the Triple Cross Cowboy Church tomorrow evening so we will have to leave here about 4:30 so we can make a stop at the square in Granbuy and then head on to the church. It will be a great wedding and party. The Baggy Bottom Boys will be entertaining (look 'em up - you'll be surprised).
We have a party to go to Saturday night (New Year's Eve), and then a New Year's Blackeye Pea part on Sunday afternoon. Then on Monday we will start back on the house.
The work has been good for us - I am already terribly sore from the exercise of moving things and mopping!!!
We got everything ready for my daughters' families and took it over on Christmas Eve. It was VERY obvious we were not wanted there. But, we did get to see both sets of grandchildren and drop off gifts. I was thrilled that all the children seemed glad to see us. Well, not the 2 year old - she was asleep, bless her baby heart. It was quite painful knowing that the two daughters want absolutely NOTHING to do with me. and it was very painful to read something my youngest daughter posted later about having had to see us.
That posting was on the heal of her text response to me when I inquired if we should deliver gifts Christmas Eve or wait until after Christmas. Her remark told me it was up to me - she couldn't contend with it right now. So, we decided we wouldn't deliver at all. Later that day we received a text message from my oldest daughter that if we wanted to deliver gifts to the children we could, that she would be home until 5. Of course the reason they couldn't make time for us is because they were having the big Christmas party with their dad and stepmother and family (I raised these kids as a single mother on a shoe string with absolutely no help or input from him...now he's the great FATHER.) The christmas celebration I had for years and years with my children was taken away from me and given to the dad and step mother. My youngest daughter even claims her step mother as her MOTHER on her FB page. And my oldest daughter has gone so far as to tell me that I am NOT her family, and that I am to have nothing to do with her or her children.
Thankfully my oldest child, my son, is always wonderful. But, he doesn't live in the same state as us and it's too far to drive and too expensive to fly there for holidays. So Christmas was, as it has been for several years now, very hard and very painful. I am always so glad when it is past.
We were invited by my niece to come to their home for Christmas Day. thankfully we didn't have to spend it alone. Bless you my beautiful niece. We got to see my most of my oldest brother's family. and it may be the last time we get to do that since my oldest brother is not well at all. My nieces and I spent a lot of the day crying, and my oldest brother did what he used to do when I was very young - couldn't stand it because I was crying. But, we got past that and had a great time. My two nieces had been at bingo on Christmas Eve and sent me a text telling me to bring "10 pounds of peanut butter fudge!" They were teasing, but I decded to do it anyway - well, not quite so much, but still pnut butter fudge. I told them one of these days I'm going to give them the dang recipe but they don't want it, just want me to bring it. That's what they remember of Christmas's long ago when they were younger - I always made the candy; their mom makes the fantastic from scratch chocolate pies that are to die for.
And then it was Monday - what would be a holiday week for me, but now I'm retired so NO holiday. We began on this house with a vengence. So dirt, nasty, cluttered, horrible. We have spent the entire week working on the den. We gave away the kitchen table and chairs, moved the table and chairs from the den into the breakfast area. nobody ever comes to our house anyway - we don't need two dining spaces. Then we dismantled the rest of the den. We have had this huge wall entertainment center for 10 years and I have been sick of it for at least 5. With it in use the only way we can set te couch is in the middle of the room which means there is absolutely no room in the den. We moved the center piece to the master bedroom and put the side pieces on separate walls in the den to use as curio shelves. Earlier this year we had the bar wall raised and the bar top changed to a pony wall cap instead so that we can actually use that wall for the television. We don't yet have a low tv stand for the tv but we moved it to that wall anyway and used the sofa table as a stand for now. We had to have AT&T come out and hook up all the televisions again. The price will be worth it. They also had to change out all the old cable wiring because we've been having issues - we have AT&T Uverse. Way too expensive for what it is.
We've spent 4 days and are not yet finished with the den. We tok everything out of the entry closet. Not really a coat closet. When the house was built I had that closet made deeper into the garage so it is a much larger closet. It is where we keep the Christmas crap. That closet was a disaster. Someone in this house just opens the door and throws crap of all kinds in there. All that had to be cleaned out.
Yesterday we spent scrubbing the kitcen floor tiles. Toda we swept, swiffed, mopped, and put orange glo on the hardwood floors in the entry hallway and den. DH is PO'd because I am not allowing him to wear his nasty shoes in the house. He tends to go grunging in the garage and in the back yard where there is mud and dog doo and then come traipsing back into the house. I've had enough of it. No more. He can take his shoes off when he comes in the house. I've been telling him for years.
DH is beginning to regret that I have retired. I have been giving warnings for the 3 years he has been home that the house is going to be put back into shape - he's not happy about it. But at least the den area is beginning to look better. Still need to buy new sofa/chairs for in there, tables, and a tv stand, but all in good time.
Tomorrow we finish the den -- tables need to be cleaned with Murphy's Oil Soap (I don't like polish because it attracks dust). Still have some crap to go thru/put up. But I'm beginning to feel like the house is once again mine. Got so very much more to do.
But tomorrow will be a short work day. We are going to a wedding at the Triple Cross Cowboy Church tomorrow evening so we will have to leave here about 4:30 so we can make a stop at the square in Granbuy and then head on to the church. It will be a great wedding and party. The Baggy Bottom Boys will be entertaining (look 'em up - you'll be surprised).
We have a party to go to Saturday night (New Year's Eve), and then a New Year's Blackeye Pea part on Sunday afternoon. Then on Monday we will start back on the house.
The work has been good for us - I am already terribly sore from the exercise of moving things and mopping!!!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Wow, this past week has been a whirlwind. So much to do at work, yet my last day is this coming Thursday. I don't figure I will get it all done before I leave. Oh, well.
Wednesday was my baby granddaughter's birthday; we took her birthday bag of gifts to her house Wed. night. Instead of leaving the bag on the front porch we were invited in and got to say hello to my 8 year old grandson and to the 2 year old granddaughter. We got to stay long enough to watch the baby open her gifts. This daughter lives next door to my other daughter, so I was pleasantly surprised when my other 3 grandchildren came over as well (ages 12, 11, 8). I have not seen them in over 2 years. My other daughter also came over before we left.
It was very awkward, very strange. It was like being with strangers. But I was so thrilled to get to see them all. It was a wonderful. Unfortunately it meant the next day we had to take back all the clothing articles we had purchased for them for Christmas! They've all grown so much that not a thing we had purchased would ever fit them. we've decided we won't buy anything like that for them! We will probably just give them gift cards.
Yesterday was BUSY! We got up early, got package ready to mail to son and family, actually got thru the line at the post office, went to grocery store, stopped at Dollar Tree, and then came home to rest (lol) a bit. Last night we went to a Christmas party...we all contribute to the food for these. The hostesses set the menu and send out the recipes. I am trying to learn to cook and had never before done fresh asparagus. But, I got thru it - learned how to break off the woody ends, blanched them, put them in the ice water bath, made the marinade, and actually did an ok job. They blanched a bit too long for finger food, but they were sure good!!
Today I had two Christmas shindigs to attend - One for our quilting group (cookie/goodie exchange), and then an ornament exchange. That meant I got up at the crack of dawn this morning and made cookies -- first I made chocolate chip, then I made peanut butter. I made enough to send a big tin of cookies to my son's family so hopefully we'll get those mailed in the morning.
I have done zilch Christmas shopping - well, almost zilch. I've got to get busy. I don't usually work this last work week of the year, but am having to this year since my last day on the payroll is this week. That means I'm going to have to make my way to the malls and toy store after work every day! Sure hope to heck I get it all done. Would be easier if I knew what to buy everybody!!
I am looking for a redneck wine glass for my husband -- one of those Mason Jar stemmed wine glasses.
Until next time -
Wednesday was my baby granddaughter's birthday; we took her birthday bag of gifts to her house Wed. night. Instead of leaving the bag on the front porch we were invited in and got to say hello to my 8 year old grandson and to the 2 year old granddaughter. We got to stay long enough to watch the baby open her gifts. This daughter lives next door to my other daughter, so I was pleasantly surprised when my other 3 grandchildren came over as well (ages 12, 11, 8). I have not seen them in over 2 years. My other daughter also came over before we left.
It was very awkward, very strange. It was like being with strangers. But I was so thrilled to get to see them all. It was a wonderful. Unfortunately it meant the next day we had to take back all the clothing articles we had purchased for them for Christmas! They've all grown so much that not a thing we had purchased would ever fit them. we've decided we won't buy anything like that for them! We will probably just give them gift cards.
Yesterday was BUSY! We got up early, got package ready to mail to son and family, actually got thru the line at the post office, went to grocery store, stopped at Dollar Tree, and then came home to rest (lol) a bit. Last night we went to a Christmas party...we all contribute to the food for these. The hostesses set the menu and send out the recipes. I am trying to learn to cook and had never before done fresh asparagus. But, I got thru it - learned how to break off the woody ends, blanched them, put them in the ice water bath, made the marinade, and actually did an ok job. They blanched a bit too long for finger food, but they were sure good!!
Today I had two Christmas shindigs to attend - One for our quilting group (cookie/goodie exchange), and then an ornament exchange. That meant I got up at the crack of dawn this morning and made cookies -- first I made chocolate chip, then I made peanut butter. I made enough to send a big tin of cookies to my son's family so hopefully we'll get those mailed in the morning.
I have done zilch Christmas shopping - well, almost zilch. I've got to get busy. I don't usually work this last work week of the year, but am having to this year since my last day on the payroll is this week. That means I'm going to have to make my way to the malls and toy store after work every day! Sure hope to heck I get it all done. Would be easier if I knew what to buy everybody!!
I am looking for a redneck wine glass for my husband -- one of those Mason Jar stemmed wine glasses.
Until next time -
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Today is Sophie's (my baby granddaughter) 2nd birthday. I'm not permitted to be her grandmother, was told not to attend her baby shower, never received notice of her birth, have been told not to have anything to do with her, my grandson, or my daughter. Long story - life of pure drama. It hurts, I cry, but it is what it is. But I saw a quote today that I really love.
"Never force yourself to have a space in anyone's life, because if they really know your worth, they will surely create one for you."
So, Happy Birthday, Sophie. I hope your day is lots and lots of fun. Grammy wishes only the best surprises for you.
"Never force yourself to have a space in anyone's life, because if they really know your worth, they will surely create one for you."
So, Happy Birthday, Sophie. I hope your day is lots and lots of fun. Grammy wishes only the best surprises for you.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Life has been busy. Let's see, last time I was meeting friend Denise for coffee at Starbucks. Had a great time, as always. We spent about 3 hours getting to talk girl talk and discussing our little foo foo doggies and making clothes for them. Denise sent me home with a beautiful pink hoodie for Luci as well as a dress she had made for her Mina when she was little, along with some patterns. Now to find the time to sew them!
We were getting ready to go to St. David's in the Meadow on Sunday. We had a great time - we look forward to that service every year. David always opens the service and then we have some Christmas music, then Tonya reads the age-old story of the birth of Jesus, then we have a "sermon" (really just a speach) by the New Passage Sunday School teacher, Bill Lanford, then some more music. This year we had a full house!
The potluck lunch was great as always. Everybody brings the most wonderful food, and this year there was a smoked brisket and a turkey.
After lunch there is the hilarious "chinese" gift exchange. And the gift exchange is a mix of good gifts and white elephant exchange. And it is always fun. This year I received a broken snow globe (threw it away before we left), and Ken received a wig and a pair of satin high heel shoes dyed blue!!! Guess what will be rewrapped and taken back next year!!! I got a picture of him with the wig on and loaded it on to facebook.
It's been a busy week! I spent Friday at Baylor All Saints Hospital in the kidney transplant clinic. Everything still looks good. I told them I can't return for more visit due to the layoff and retirement effective January 1. They have work arounds, so I'll be followed in Fishbach's private practice instead of the clinic, and Yango told me that if it comes to groceries or paying them that they will waive their fee! The social worker has applied for a grant for me to get meds this month, and she gave me a card to use for getting reimbursement for one of the rejection meds.
Still trying to get Christmas shopping done but don't have a clue what to get. We wet to Macy's on Saturday, but I'm having buyer's remorse (we just can't afford what we bought), and I'm taking some of it back this week. We still need to go to the book store. My problem is, I want to buy the world for my children and grandchildren.
I have completed making 6 Christmas vests!!! They are SO cute (at least I think so). Thus far I've completed one for granddaughters Madison, Chloe, and Sophie; and for grandsons Nathan, Jacob, and Jevan. I am going to get started on one for Courtney - I had to wait for the pattern to get here. She's a tiny mite so had to FIND a pattern for hers. I know whatever I make will be too big for her!!! I've attached ribbon to the girls' vests for closing, but can't figure out what to do for closing the boys' vests! All of them are reversible, and I'm thinking I'll make one buttonhole on theirs and then sew a button on each side of the vest - of course that means on one side the button will be on the WRONG side for a boy!
Tomorrow I have to shop for granddaughter Sophie's birthday - it's on Wednesday. Can't afford to buy her things until tomorrow, so it means we will have to make a trip to their place one night after work. And again, leave it on the front porch and ring the bell. I don't know what we will do about all their Christmas things (bags) -- I'm afraid they will be stolen.
Well, that's it for now. Gotta go take care of laundry and get ready to go to work tomorrow. Only have this week and next left before I'm off for good! I am so frightened of being without a job!!!
We were getting ready to go to St. David's in the Meadow on Sunday. We had a great time - we look forward to that service every year. David always opens the service and then we have some Christmas music, then Tonya reads the age-old story of the birth of Jesus, then we have a "sermon" (really just a speach) by the New Passage Sunday School teacher, Bill Lanford, then some more music. This year we had a full house!
The potluck lunch was great as always. Everybody brings the most wonderful food, and this year there was a smoked brisket and a turkey.
After lunch there is the hilarious "chinese" gift exchange. And the gift exchange is a mix of good gifts and white elephant exchange. And it is always fun. This year I received a broken snow globe (threw it away before we left), and Ken received a wig and a pair of satin high heel shoes dyed blue!!! Guess what will be rewrapped and taken back next year!!! I got a picture of him with the wig on and loaded it on to facebook.
It's been a busy week! I spent Friday at Baylor All Saints Hospital in the kidney transplant clinic. Everything still looks good. I told them I can't return for more visit due to the layoff and retirement effective January 1. They have work arounds, so I'll be followed in Fishbach's private practice instead of the clinic, and Yango told me that if it comes to groceries or paying them that they will waive their fee! The social worker has applied for a grant for me to get meds this month, and she gave me a card to use for getting reimbursement for one of the rejection meds.
Still trying to get Christmas shopping done but don't have a clue what to get. We wet to Macy's on Saturday, but I'm having buyer's remorse (we just can't afford what we bought), and I'm taking some of it back this week. We still need to go to the book store. My problem is, I want to buy the world for my children and grandchildren.
I have completed making 6 Christmas vests!!! They are SO cute (at least I think so). Thus far I've completed one for granddaughters Madison, Chloe, and Sophie; and for grandsons Nathan, Jacob, and Jevan. I am going to get started on one for Courtney - I had to wait for the pattern to get here. She's a tiny mite so had to FIND a pattern for hers. I know whatever I make will be too big for her!!! I've attached ribbon to the girls' vests for closing, but can't figure out what to do for closing the boys' vests! All of them are reversible, and I'm thinking I'll make one buttonhole on theirs and then sew a button on each side of the vest - of course that means on one side the button will be on the WRONG side for a boy!
Tomorrow I have to shop for granddaughter Sophie's birthday - it's on Wednesday. Can't afford to buy her things until tomorrow, so it means we will have to make a trip to their place one night after work. And again, leave it on the front porch and ring the bell. I don't know what we will do about all their Christmas things (bags) -- I'm afraid they will be stolen.
Well, that's it for now. Gotta go take care of laundry and get ready to go to work tomorrow. Only have this week and next left before I'm off for good! I am so frightened of being without a job!!!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
My grandson Jacob's 8th birthday was Thursday. We bought his gifts, bagged them, then after work on Wednesday we drove them to Mansfield. I don't have a clue where my daughter (his mother) lives, and since my two daughters don't speak to me and I'm not allowed to have anything to do with the grandchildren, all I can do is leave things on the porch of my youngest daughter, ring the door bell, leave a text message and drive off. I never hear from them as to whether or not the gifts are received or even given to the grandchildren. There has never been a thank you from any of them so I have no way of knowing.
So, life goes on. It hurts, I cry, I get depressed, and for a couple of days I'm non-functional. And then I have to move on. I pray that none of my children ever experience these kinds of actions.
I made a Christmas vest for my 2 year old granddaughter, Sophie. I've seen her only one time in her life - she has no clue I exist. But, as I tell Ken, we will continue to do the right thing anyway. The vest is really cute -- the outside is from the Christmas fabric I used to make my daughter's Christmas dress in 1990, the lining is Christmas kitty fabric.
I have vests to make for my other granddaughters as well, but I cut one of them out only to discover I had cut the pattern the wrong way on a one-way designed fabric! Ken went yesterday and picked up some more fabric so I'll get that done this weekend.
I've made a new Christmas dress for Luci - my foo foo doggie. She's a real hottie in it.
Gotta run - I'm heading to have coffee with friend Denise at Starbucks, then got to get home to get ready for St. David's in the Meadow tomorrow morning. Ken got the crazy gifts yesterday so we gotta get those wrapped and then figure out some kind of food to take with us. Always fun at St. David's...little church out northwest of Weatherford, single room, pot belly stove in the center of the room. Friend David McKenna purchased the property when it was decommissioned by the Methodist church several years ago. Its adjacent to his property and he was afraid someone would purchase the church property and destroy it, or else put in a pig farm or something!
Have a great Saturday.
So, life goes on. It hurts, I cry, I get depressed, and for a couple of days I'm non-functional. And then I have to move on. I pray that none of my children ever experience these kinds of actions.
I made a Christmas vest for my 2 year old granddaughter, Sophie. I've seen her only one time in her life - she has no clue I exist. But, as I tell Ken, we will continue to do the right thing anyway. The vest is really cute -- the outside is from the Christmas fabric I used to make my daughter's Christmas dress in 1990, the lining is Christmas kitty fabric.
I have vests to make for my other granddaughters as well, but I cut one of them out only to discover I had cut the pattern the wrong way on a one-way designed fabric! Ken went yesterday and picked up some more fabric so I'll get that done this weekend.
I've made a new Christmas dress for Luci - my foo foo doggie. She's a real hottie in it.
Gotta run - I'm heading to have coffee with friend Denise at Starbucks, then got to get home to get ready for St. David's in the Meadow tomorrow morning. Ken got the crazy gifts yesterday so we gotta get those wrapped and then figure out some kind of food to take with us. Always fun at St. David's...little church out northwest of Weatherford, single room, pot belly stove in the center of the room. Friend David McKenna purchased the property when it was decommissioned by the Methodist church several years ago. Its adjacent to his property and he was afraid someone would purchase the church property and destroy it, or else put in a pig farm or something!
Have a great Saturday.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Thanksgiving weekend...we spent a very quiet thanksgiving at home, taking it easy, doing absolutely nothing, didn't even get dressed. when I bought groceries last Sunday I picked up some ham steaks and that's what we had for lunch (neither of us like turkey). Ken got to watch football and I got to sew - it was a great day. Didn't hear from any of the kids/grandkids, but that's not unusual.
If anyone had ever told me that the children I raised and loved and who were so loving growing up would turn out to be so cold, unforgiving, and inconsiderate, I wouldn't have believed it. But being alone on all holidays is not new. Since my two daughters left things have been this way. (My son is AF, so he doesn't live close.) If and when I ever got to see them it was only when for some reason they could not be with the other side of the family. Even when I was single I was left alone on all major holidays and spent the das crying and depressed. I refuse to do that any more. So Ken and I decided to enjoy the day and do our own thing.
Not too terribly long ago I told Ken that since I'm retiring the end of this year that I wanted to get myself a "foo foo" doggie - a little bitty toy dog - one I can dress up like a girl in pink collar, harness, dresses. I wasn't planning to get one until January, but we started looking. We fell in love with a teeny tiny 7.5 week old female Maltese and brought her home on November 12. Oh my gosh, it's like having a new real baby in the house! She doesn't sleep all night, and she's a live wire, faster than greased lightening, but smarter than all get out. She's all white with undertones of pink, with tan/lemon ears. Her face is tinted pinkish brown because of the overflow of tears which stain the face. Hopefully this will improve when the teething is complete.
She had her first visit with our vet a week or so ago - and believe it or not, Ken took her in her pink carrier with her pink blanket, etc. And she loves her Daddy - just like the other fur children in the house. And the other fur children are adjusting to her. She's been good for Bennie Joe (doxie) who will be 6 years old on December 17. She's actually got him up, running and playing. and that's a good thing - he needs the exercise. And she's catching on to potty training, too. She's helping to enforce training for Bennie. She knows exactly what outside means, and starts running in circles when she needs to go. Of course she's so little that she's still having accidents in the house so it's constant clean up duty. But she's also figuring out what a pee pad is for. We wish we didn't have to have one of those, but our old spaniel, Maggie, was trained by somebody to use one of them. We hate it and would much rather they let us know when they need to go outside. (Can't have a doggie door - we have cats, too.)
So, what else has been happening? Well, I'm so busy at work I don't have time to stop and clean out my crap so I can leave my employment! I've got hot jobs to do -- they've discovered they do not have someone to take my place or my co-harts place -- no one knows how to do what we do. We've been telling them for a very long time. After all, I'm 63, and my partner's about 81. The back ups that we had are leaving, too. I finally told the execs I would be willing to stay, but that I want to go thru the layoff process so I get the severance, want to officially retire, and then come back as consultant or part time. There's no way I want to continue the current employment. I'm tired, burned out, ready to go. My partners been there 56 years, and if I add up all my time I've been there 44 years. Time to go.
I went to a job fair -- dang, I don't want to get hired!! I'm looking for part time, easy work. I do not want project management and the headaches that go with it.
Let's see, I haven't really been doing any sewing the last few months - not since I went to a class where I was told everything I was doing was wrong. But earlier this year I made a Christmas quilt for my youngest daughter out of the Christmas bear fabric from the dress I made for back in 1990. I actually entered it into a show in August. I pulled out the judges remarks from that show and they weren't so bad - not nearly as haughty as the instructor I had! So, I got out the fabric from my oldest daughter's dress from that same year and am just about finished making a quilt top for her. It's really cute -- it's Irish chain pattern. I'm trying to get it completed today so that I can take it to work with me on Monday. The long-arm quilter lady that I use is located close to work. I want to get this one professionally quilted like I did the one for my youngest daughter. While that's being done I will work on the pillows to go with the quilt. I put a rod pocket on the back of the first one so that it can hang on the wall instead of being thrown on a chair or sofa. The youngest daughter has dogs and this is not meant to be a dog blanket. It's actually not even supposed to be washed as it is considered an "art" quilt. So, better to hang it.
Not sure yet I will even give these to the girls for Christmas. We don't have the funds to buy Christmas for kids/grandkids this year. All our "discretionary" funds go toward prescriptions now days. And, since I gave everybody homemade gifts last year, I think I would be embarassed to do that again this year. None of my children are the kind who particularly care for the "homemade" stuff - preferring new electronics/gadgets instead. I can't afford those so we probably just won't do gifts at all. I had several things in mind, but honestly, I just can't see doing all the work on things nobody wants.
What else is happening? Ken goes to court on Monday - we're not expecting the outcome to be too bad. He's been enrolled in a program with MHMR most of this year, is still under the close watch of a psychiatrist, is careful to take his medicine, but still tends to explode at a moment's notice. And he still gets "hung up" on things. And I notice that his memory is worse. Unfortunately, on top of everything else, his diabetes and that dang pump he wears are defeating him. Seems to be a never ending battle.
We went to "movie" night at the home of friends Jim and Terrie last night. The social group we belong to, After 5.0, got together with good food and wine to watch the Sordid Lives. I had never seen it before but it was funny. OMG, reminded me so dang much of my own redneck/hillbilly family!!! Perhaps our drama is not exactly the same, but it is exactly the way our family would carry on!!!
That's about it for now. I'm going to grab some lunch (left over ham?), and then get back to working on the quilt top. All I have left to do is press itand then sew on one more border. I have the cutest backing fabric to go on it -- cats and kitty Christmas fabric. Ken picked out the backing fabric over a year ago -- it reminds us of my daughter and all her beloved fur babies. Unfortunately she had to give them all up when she went thru an emotional/physical/financial downturn in life. So the fabric will be in memory of Batman, Thunder, Max, and Ginger.
So long 'til next time.
If anyone had ever told me that the children I raised and loved and who were so loving growing up would turn out to be so cold, unforgiving, and inconsiderate, I wouldn't have believed it. But being alone on all holidays is not new. Since my two daughters left things have been this way. (My son is AF, so he doesn't live close.) If and when I ever got to see them it was only when for some reason they could not be with the other side of the family. Even when I was single I was left alone on all major holidays and spent the das crying and depressed. I refuse to do that any more. So Ken and I decided to enjoy the day and do our own thing.
Not too terribly long ago I told Ken that since I'm retiring the end of this year that I wanted to get myself a "foo foo" doggie - a little bitty toy dog - one I can dress up like a girl in pink collar, harness, dresses. I wasn't planning to get one until January, but we started looking. We fell in love with a teeny tiny 7.5 week old female Maltese and brought her home on November 12. Oh my gosh, it's like having a new real baby in the house! She doesn't sleep all night, and she's a live wire, faster than greased lightening, but smarter than all get out. She's all white with undertones of pink, with tan/lemon ears. Her face is tinted pinkish brown because of the overflow of tears which stain the face. Hopefully this will improve when the teething is complete.
She had her first visit with our vet a week or so ago - and believe it or not, Ken took her in her pink carrier with her pink blanket, etc. And she loves her Daddy - just like the other fur children in the house. And the other fur children are adjusting to her. She's been good for Bennie Joe (doxie) who will be 6 years old on December 17. She's actually got him up, running and playing. and that's a good thing - he needs the exercise. And she's catching on to potty training, too. She's helping to enforce training for Bennie. She knows exactly what outside means, and starts running in circles when she needs to go. Of course she's so little that she's still having accidents in the house so it's constant clean up duty. But she's also figuring out what a pee pad is for. We wish we didn't have to have one of those, but our old spaniel, Maggie, was trained by somebody to use one of them. We hate it and would much rather they let us know when they need to go outside. (Can't have a doggie door - we have cats, too.)
So, what else has been happening? Well, I'm so busy at work I don't have time to stop and clean out my crap so I can leave my employment! I've got hot jobs to do -- they've discovered they do not have someone to take my place or my co-harts place -- no one knows how to do what we do. We've been telling them for a very long time. After all, I'm 63, and my partner's about 81. The back ups that we had are leaving, too. I finally told the execs I would be willing to stay, but that I want to go thru the layoff process so I get the severance, want to officially retire, and then come back as consultant or part time. There's no way I want to continue the current employment. I'm tired, burned out, ready to go. My partners been there 56 years, and if I add up all my time I've been there 44 years. Time to go.
I went to a job fair -- dang, I don't want to get hired!! I'm looking for part time, easy work. I do not want project management and the headaches that go with it.
Let's see, I haven't really been doing any sewing the last few months - not since I went to a class where I was told everything I was doing was wrong. But earlier this year I made a Christmas quilt for my youngest daughter out of the Christmas bear fabric from the dress I made for back in 1990. I actually entered it into a show in August. I pulled out the judges remarks from that show and they weren't so bad - not nearly as haughty as the instructor I had! So, I got out the fabric from my oldest daughter's dress from that same year and am just about finished making a quilt top for her. It's really cute -- it's Irish chain pattern. I'm trying to get it completed today so that I can take it to work with me on Monday. The long-arm quilter lady that I use is located close to work. I want to get this one professionally quilted like I did the one for my youngest daughter. While that's being done I will work on the pillows to go with the quilt. I put a rod pocket on the back of the first one so that it can hang on the wall instead of being thrown on a chair or sofa. The youngest daughter has dogs and this is not meant to be a dog blanket. It's actually not even supposed to be washed as it is considered an "art" quilt. So, better to hang it.
Not sure yet I will even give these to the girls for Christmas. We don't have the funds to buy Christmas for kids/grandkids this year. All our "discretionary" funds go toward prescriptions now days. And, since I gave everybody homemade gifts last year, I think I would be embarassed to do that again this year. None of my children are the kind who particularly care for the "homemade" stuff - preferring new electronics/gadgets instead. I can't afford those so we probably just won't do gifts at all. I had several things in mind, but honestly, I just can't see doing all the work on things nobody wants.
What else is happening? Ken goes to court on Monday - we're not expecting the outcome to be too bad. He's been enrolled in a program with MHMR most of this year, is still under the close watch of a psychiatrist, is careful to take his medicine, but still tends to explode at a moment's notice. And he still gets "hung up" on things. And I notice that his memory is worse. Unfortunately, on top of everything else, his diabetes and that dang pump he wears are defeating him. Seems to be a never ending battle.
We went to "movie" night at the home of friends Jim and Terrie last night. The social group we belong to, After 5.0, got together with good food and wine to watch the Sordid Lives. I had never seen it before but it was funny. OMG, reminded me so dang much of my own redneck/hillbilly family!!! Perhaps our drama is not exactly the same, but it is exactly the way our family would carry on!!!
That's about it for now. I'm going to grab some lunch (left over ham?), and then get back to working on the quilt top. All I have left to do is press itand then sew on one more border. I have the cutest backing fabric to go on it -- cats and kitty Christmas fabric. Ken picked out the backing fabric over a year ago -- it reminds us of my daughter and all her beloved fur babies. Unfortunately she had to give them all up when she went thru an emotional/physical/financial downturn in life. So the fabric will be in memory of Batman, Thunder, Max, and Ginger.
So long 'til next time.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Yesterday was my Friday off. Had an appointment for a CT scan of my heart. This is the second appointment for this since my last appointment with the heart doc. I went for the first appointment but had a panic attack due to my claustrophobia. I took a pill this time before I went - I was determined to get thru it. Didn't happen. I panicked big time - the first time with just the technician and me in the room, and then he called my husband back and put the big heavy apron on him. I still couldn't do it. when the guy moved me toward the big donut I went beserk and clawed my way up and out of that thang!!! I grabbed my jacket and purse and ran. I don't know what I'm going to do - I just can't do it. and the sick thing? I've done them before!!! They've tried to put me in a MRI but I wasn't able to do that for dang sure.
Not much more to say -- I'm tired, stressed, worried, terrified we won't be able to make it financially when I retire. But there is no way I can work any longer...I am defeated by my physical health even though for the most part I feel good and want to do fun things!!!
Going shopping this weekend for granddaughter Chloe. Sweet beautiful Chloe will be 11 this month. I wish I were allowed to see her, but I'm not. But it doesn't keep me from loving her and wanting to see her!
So, til next time - live life to its fullest, stay safe, and be blessed by God.
Not much more to say -- I'm tired, stressed, worried, terrified we won't be able to make it financially when I retire. But there is no way I can work any longer...I am defeated by my physical health even though for the most part I feel good and want to do fun things!!!
Going shopping this weekend for granddaughter Chloe. Sweet beautiful Chloe will be 11 this month. I wish I were allowed to see her, but I'm not. But it doesn't keep me from loving her and wanting to see her!
So, til next time - live life to its fullest, stay safe, and be blessed by God.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Haven't been on here in a while! Lots has happened, but I guess nothing too important. My daughters still have absolutely NOTHING to do with me -- will not answer phone messages/text messages/emails. Other than that, life has continued and been busy.
Oldest grandson, Nathan, turned 8 on September 27. We drove to their house and handed off gift bag. DH had birthday on Oct. 20 - I surprised him with a cake at his monthly high school luncheon. Youngest daughter had birthday on November 4 -- I mailed her things. Son had a birthday on November 5 -- mailed his but he lives out of state so that would be the only way to get it there!
Work has been hard because I am trying to get tasks completed before leaving. My time at work has been extended -- last work day will be December 22; last official day on payroll will be December 25 (Merry Christmas!). Retirement officially begins on January 1, 2012. This is three years longer than I intended to work full time. Trying to get ready for the big official day has been brain draining. Guess wouldn't be so tough if didn't care so much. I am going to miss my job and the wonderful people I work with...although most of us who have worked together for so long are leaving at the same time!
Trying to figure out the maze to get retirement papers filed, choose after-retirement insurance, etc., is a job to itself! Ours is a little crazy since I'm not 65, and since DH is not either -- but he's on Medicare due to disability so trying to figure out supplemental insurance and pharmacy coverage for him plus weigh all the differences in plans, etc., has been an eye opening education!!!
Not sure how long I'm going to be happy staying at home. I've always liked my job. and I've worked all my life...I'm pretty sure I'm going to be bored by the end of six months!
I've been attending the outplacement workshops (since I accepted voluntary layoff, I'm allowed to use the resources). Wow, what a difference is expected in resume writing now days!! But, as one who has interviewed potential employers over the years, if someone handed me one of the modern resumes to review, I would reject it automatically. It's too crowded, way too much information on the page, looks like a technical document -- and heaven knows I've read plenty of them...but not all the way thru before my eyelids started slamming shut!!!
I've continued to practice some cooking skills. Have learned that I can make cookies -- have no idea why I was so afraid of it. Yesterday I made one of Barefoot Contessa's recipes -- Seafood Chowder. We invited our friends Bill and Joan over to experience it (Joan's a real cook -- works with the cooking classes at Central Market; and Bill's the mayor of a nearby city; so inviting them was pretty daring on my part!). Joan and I decided there are THINGS that need to happen to make the chowder better. SO, if you look up the recipe, make these changes. Use more flour to make the roux - the 1.5 tbs wasn't enough. Also, use some Old Bay seasoning in it - otherwise it's a little lifeless. And use more pepper. And more Heavy Cream for sure!!! But the seafood itself was very good...would have been excellent in a seafood boil!
I'm searching for a little fluffy dog...I want something that's not going to get more than about 4-5 lbs in weight, something with fluffy/long hair that I can put bows in. Want a girl - one I can dress up. Yes, I've gone crazy in my old age. We already have a dachshund (6 years old) and a spaniel (about 12 years old), and two cats. All animals have to be able to travel with us because we plan to hit the road shortly after retirement and since we don't have any reason to come home unless we want to, we have to take them with us!!!
Anyway, I'm working from home today, just finished a HUGE project and sent it out for inputs/comments. I'm expecting it back Nov. 15, but right now I have brain drain.
My short break is over, so I have to get back to work. We have more family birthdays and the holidays coming up. I hope I get thru them this year without crying all the way thru them because of missing my adult children and grandchildren. we haven't decorated in several years since no one comes anyway. I'm thinking this year we'll change that and get on with life.
Ya'll take care!!
'Til next time!
Oldest grandson, Nathan, turned 8 on September 27. We drove to their house and handed off gift bag. DH had birthday on Oct. 20 - I surprised him with a cake at his monthly high school luncheon. Youngest daughter had birthday on November 4 -- I mailed her things. Son had a birthday on November 5 -- mailed his but he lives out of state so that would be the only way to get it there!
Work has been hard because I am trying to get tasks completed before leaving. My time at work has been extended -- last work day will be December 22; last official day on payroll will be December 25 (Merry Christmas!). Retirement officially begins on January 1, 2012. This is three years longer than I intended to work full time. Trying to get ready for the big official day has been brain draining. Guess wouldn't be so tough if didn't care so much. I am going to miss my job and the wonderful people I work with...although most of us who have worked together for so long are leaving at the same time!
Trying to figure out the maze to get retirement papers filed, choose after-retirement insurance, etc., is a job to itself! Ours is a little crazy since I'm not 65, and since DH is not either -- but he's on Medicare due to disability so trying to figure out supplemental insurance and pharmacy coverage for him plus weigh all the differences in plans, etc., has been an eye opening education!!!
Not sure how long I'm going to be happy staying at home. I've always liked my job. and I've worked all my life...I'm pretty sure I'm going to be bored by the end of six months!
I've been attending the outplacement workshops (since I accepted voluntary layoff, I'm allowed to use the resources). Wow, what a difference is expected in resume writing now days!! But, as one who has interviewed potential employers over the years, if someone handed me one of the modern resumes to review, I would reject it automatically. It's too crowded, way too much information on the page, looks like a technical document -- and heaven knows I've read plenty of them...but not all the way thru before my eyelids started slamming shut!!!
I've continued to practice some cooking skills. Have learned that I can make cookies -- have no idea why I was so afraid of it. Yesterday I made one of Barefoot Contessa's recipes -- Seafood Chowder. We invited our friends Bill and Joan over to experience it (Joan's a real cook -- works with the cooking classes at Central Market; and Bill's the mayor of a nearby city; so inviting them was pretty daring on my part!). Joan and I decided there are THINGS that need to happen to make the chowder better. SO, if you look up the recipe, make these changes. Use more flour to make the roux - the 1.5 tbs wasn't enough. Also, use some Old Bay seasoning in it - otherwise it's a little lifeless. And use more pepper. And more Heavy Cream for sure!!! But the seafood itself was very good...would have been excellent in a seafood boil!
I'm searching for a little fluffy dog...I want something that's not going to get more than about 4-5 lbs in weight, something with fluffy/long hair that I can put bows in. Want a girl - one I can dress up. Yes, I've gone crazy in my old age. We already have a dachshund (6 years old) and a spaniel (about 12 years old), and two cats. All animals have to be able to travel with us because we plan to hit the road shortly after retirement and since we don't have any reason to come home unless we want to, we have to take them with us!!!
Anyway, I'm working from home today, just finished a HUGE project and sent it out for inputs/comments. I'm expecting it back Nov. 15, but right now I have brain drain.
My short break is over, so I have to get back to work. We have more family birthdays and the holidays coming up. I hope I get thru them this year without crying all the way thru them because of missing my adult children and grandchildren. we haven't decorated in several years since no one comes anyway. I'm thinking this year we'll change that and get on with life.
Ya'll take care!!
'Til next time!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
Labor Day weekend! Wow! This has been a good one. I was off Friday, so this is has been a 4-day weekend for me...a chance to rehearse retirement!!! That's coming up really fast -- November 29 will be my last work day, at least at my long-time employer. Not sure yet how I feel about that - many mixed emotions. I've been a recognized player in my particular chosen field for quite some years - going to feel odd to be unemployed. But, I've been looking for other work...something easy, part-time, not another career.
So, what's been happening? August was full of quilting/sewing classes and I guess I got burned out 'cause I haven't touched anything resembling sewing in a couple of weekends! I'll get back to it, just needed a break.
It has been way too hot to do anything here in Texas, but now that it's September we're hoping for cooler weather and rain. Texas is on fire everywhere it seems. We need rain so badly. We've lost about all of our landscaping due to the drought.
Friday morning we went to IHOP for breakfast and then on to the grocery store. I don't normally do the shopping, but I have grown sick of the nasty stuff DH has been putting together and calling meals! I don't want to see anything that resembles any kind of pasta or sauce again for a very long time. To avoid that I put together a menu and bought groceries and have been cooking this weekend. I made a really good tuna salad for sandwiches...DH complains because I don't put globs of mayo but otherwise he likes it. It's made with tuna, diced apple, green onion, boiled egg, almonds (or pecans), and sometimes I use pickle relish. I don't eat pickles so this is added to the part eaten by others, not mine!
Yesterday we went to West, Texas to the Westfestival. Oh, my God! It was so hot. We went through the vendor areas, had a lemonade with sausage on a stick, and shared a funnel cake. We saw it all in a couple of hours and then went back to the car. We had to break down and load the scooters (both mobility scooters) and the heat got us really badly as we did it. I didn't think Ken was going to recover. We sat in the car in the A/C for a few minutes before we were able to drive off. and then K got choked on a drink he was sipping to try to rehydrate and got into a coughing spasm. That coughing spell went on for what seemed a good half hour, with us having to pull over in the downtown area of West because he couldn't continue to drive. Thankfully we were finally able to continue. We stopped at the bakery in West for potty break but we bought no breads, pastries, etc. We usually buy several items and then throw them away a few days later because we don't eat them! I decided not to do that this time.
I didn't get to sleep Saturday night until about 2 a.m., had a bad night, and then woke up to slamming doors, the dogs barking, etc. Yep, Ken gets up early and he makes so much noise and causes the dogs to make so much noise that there is no sleep for anybody around here. I got up in a really nasty mood.
I planned to make peanut butter cookies today (meaning Sunday, which was really yesterday but I haven't gone to bed yet and it's almost 1 a.m.). I couldn't just go in the kitchen to make cookies, I first had to CLEAN the kitchen. You see, my husband doesn't work, but he doesn't DO anything while I'm gone to work either. Oh, he puts the dishes in the dishwasher but he has no idea that cleaning the stove, countertops, sinks, faucets, etc., is part of cleaning the kitchen.
Anyway, finally got the kitchen cleaned, started getting out ingredients, figured out that I had no soda. Ken went to the store so I wouldn't have to. I made a royal mess making that dang cookie dough! The big mixer (inherited when my MIL passed away) wasn't strong enough to mix the dough and the beaters work in the center of the bowl and weren't doing anything. I finally gave up, electing to use my hand held mixer -- not to be found. Finally spotted it in the cabinet way above the stove/microwave in the back behind pitchers. No way could I get it down. Had to get K to get it -- I fail to understand why things I use get put way up in the sky like that!!! I am 5'5" tall, NOT 6'3". But he never thinks about that. I used to have a little ladder that I kept in the kitchen because it's how I got things down - but youngest daughter walked out with that many years ago. The replacement we have is not nearly as sturdy.
Cookoes got made, cooked to perfection, taste wonderful, kitchen cleaned back up. I napped on the sofa and didn't wake up until almost 5 o'clock!! I made chicken and rice - cooked the chicken with pineapple, a little brown sugar, lemon juice, Worchester sauce, a splash of orange juice, and a box of Herb and Butter rice. Fixed some steamed vegetables with it and called it dinner. and now I have stew mix in the crockpot slow cooking through the night so it will be ready for tomorrow. I don't plan to cook anything but breakfast in the morning.
Monday (today/tomorrow - it is, after all, after 1 a.m.) I plan to do my laundry so I can go back to work, and then sew all day. I dread going back to work...it seems so pointless but I still have things I have to do. It's really going to be hard to say goodbye...unfortunately, even if I stayed, it wouldn't be the same. You see, the people I've worked with for such a long, long time are leaving, too.
Ok, now off to bed - where I will toss and turn until at least 3 a.m. Goodnight all.
So, what's been happening? August was full of quilting/sewing classes and I guess I got burned out 'cause I haven't touched anything resembling sewing in a couple of weekends! I'll get back to it, just needed a break.
It has been way too hot to do anything here in Texas, but now that it's September we're hoping for cooler weather and rain. Texas is on fire everywhere it seems. We need rain so badly. We've lost about all of our landscaping due to the drought.
Friday morning we went to IHOP for breakfast and then on to the grocery store. I don't normally do the shopping, but I have grown sick of the nasty stuff DH has been putting together and calling meals! I don't want to see anything that resembles any kind of pasta or sauce again for a very long time. To avoid that I put together a menu and bought groceries and have been cooking this weekend. I made a really good tuna salad for sandwiches...DH complains because I don't put globs of mayo but otherwise he likes it. It's made with tuna, diced apple, green onion, boiled egg, almonds (or pecans), and sometimes I use pickle relish. I don't eat pickles so this is added to the part eaten by others, not mine!
Yesterday we went to West, Texas to the Westfestival. Oh, my God! It was so hot. We went through the vendor areas, had a lemonade with sausage on a stick, and shared a funnel cake. We saw it all in a couple of hours and then went back to the car. We had to break down and load the scooters (both mobility scooters) and the heat got us really badly as we did it. I didn't think Ken was going to recover. We sat in the car in the A/C for a few minutes before we were able to drive off. and then K got choked on a drink he was sipping to try to rehydrate and got into a coughing spasm. That coughing spell went on for what seemed a good half hour, with us having to pull over in the downtown area of West because he couldn't continue to drive. Thankfully we were finally able to continue. We stopped at the bakery in West for potty break but we bought no breads, pastries, etc. We usually buy several items and then throw them away a few days later because we don't eat them! I decided not to do that this time.
I didn't get to sleep Saturday night until about 2 a.m., had a bad night, and then woke up to slamming doors, the dogs barking, etc. Yep, Ken gets up early and he makes so much noise and causes the dogs to make so much noise that there is no sleep for anybody around here. I got up in a really nasty mood.
I planned to make peanut butter cookies today (meaning Sunday, which was really yesterday but I haven't gone to bed yet and it's almost 1 a.m.). I couldn't just go in the kitchen to make cookies, I first had to CLEAN the kitchen. You see, my husband doesn't work, but he doesn't DO anything while I'm gone to work either. Oh, he puts the dishes in the dishwasher but he has no idea that cleaning the stove, countertops, sinks, faucets, etc., is part of cleaning the kitchen.
Anyway, finally got the kitchen cleaned, started getting out ingredients, figured out that I had no soda. Ken went to the store so I wouldn't have to. I made a royal mess making that dang cookie dough! The big mixer (inherited when my MIL passed away) wasn't strong enough to mix the dough and the beaters work in the center of the bowl and weren't doing anything. I finally gave up, electing to use my hand held mixer -- not to be found. Finally spotted it in the cabinet way above the stove/microwave in the back behind pitchers. No way could I get it down. Had to get K to get it -- I fail to understand why things I use get put way up in the sky like that!!! I am 5'5" tall, NOT 6'3". But he never thinks about that. I used to have a little ladder that I kept in the kitchen because it's how I got things down - but youngest daughter walked out with that many years ago. The replacement we have is not nearly as sturdy.
Cookoes got made, cooked to perfection, taste wonderful, kitchen cleaned back up. I napped on the sofa and didn't wake up until almost 5 o'clock!! I made chicken and rice - cooked the chicken with pineapple, a little brown sugar, lemon juice, Worchester sauce, a splash of orange juice, and a box of Herb and Butter rice. Fixed some steamed vegetables with it and called it dinner. and now I have stew mix in the crockpot slow cooking through the night so it will be ready for tomorrow. I don't plan to cook anything but breakfast in the morning.
Monday (today/tomorrow - it is, after all, after 1 a.m.) I plan to do my laundry so I can go back to work, and then sew all day. I dread going back to work...it seems so pointless but I still have things I have to do. It's really going to be hard to say goodbye...unfortunately, even if I stayed, it wouldn't be the same. You see, the people I've worked with for such a long, long time are leaving, too.
Ok, now off to bed - where I will toss and turn until at least 3 a.m. Goodnight all.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
It's almost midnight, I'm about to turn into a pumpkin. Tomorrow is my Friday off - I will spend it in a class learning how to do freezer paper applique for quilting. Our quilting group will be making a sun bonnet sue group quilt which will be donated. But, I will learn how to make the block and then be able to make a quilt of my own.
Yesterday I received the company "invitation" to volunteer to leave employment. I've decided I'm going to do it. I was only going to work another year or so anyway. The concern has been the cost of insurance. We'll put away the amount of the premiums from the severance package so that we can reimburse ourselves the amount that is held out of the retirement check each month. My other big concern is I am so afraid of being homeless. I was homeless a very long time ago when my children were very young and I had no where to live. I am just terrified of not having the funds to pay for food and shelter. I know that sounds crazy, because we should have plenty, but it doesn't take much for medical to eat up every dime.
So, we are going to buy a pre-owned motorhome from the severance money - nothing fancy - but something so that I will know that we will always have a place to live. It would be hard, but I just need that security!!! At least that's what we're thinking right now...that could turn into purchasing a mobile home and property.
Saturday I will go to the second session of the quilt class I started last weekend. I haven't had time this week to work on any of it, but the instructor assures us that's ok. We're going to be learning different ways of adding borders and trim this week, and learning different ways to actually quilt the tops we make.
My last day at work will be November 29 of this year; retirement benefits will begin December 1. I've got to get all the paperwork completed and submitted. I've got to study them this weekend - I brought them home with me. Now that I've made the decision, even though I'm frightened of being without a job, I am getting somewhat excited. At least two of my co-workers are taking the opportunity as well. So we are a smiling group this week. Next week I'll begin to clean out my things and start handing off years of stuff to someone else. I think my give a hoot is busted.
It's been a good couple of weeks. No real problems on the homefront. Must confess I'm wondering how my time will be occupied after retirement, but we've got some plans. Get back to the gym during the morning, fix some good meals for a change, visit some art galleries and museums, take some interesting classes at TCC, have lunch with friends, slow down and take life easy. No more jumping up, hitting the shower, throwing on clothes, grabbing purse and lunch and running out the door.
Goodnight folks - God bless you in every way.
Yesterday I received the company "invitation" to volunteer to leave employment. I've decided I'm going to do it. I was only going to work another year or so anyway. The concern has been the cost of insurance. We'll put away the amount of the premiums from the severance package so that we can reimburse ourselves the amount that is held out of the retirement check each month. My other big concern is I am so afraid of being homeless. I was homeless a very long time ago when my children were very young and I had no where to live. I am just terrified of not having the funds to pay for food and shelter. I know that sounds crazy, because we should have plenty, but it doesn't take much for medical to eat up every dime.
So, we are going to buy a pre-owned motorhome from the severance money - nothing fancy - but something so that I will know that we will always have a place to live. It would be hard, but I just need that security!!! At least that's what we're thinking right now...that could turn into purchasing a mobile home and property.
Saturday I will go to the second session of the quilt class I started last weekend. I haven't had time this week to work on any of it, but the instructor assures us that's ok. We're going to be learning different ways of adding borders and trim this week, and learning different ways to actually quilt the tops we make.
My last day at work will be November 29 of this year; retirement benefits will begin December 1. I've got to get all the paperwork completed and submitted. I've got to study them this weekend - I brought them home with me. Now that I've made the decision, even though I'm frightened of being without a job, I am getting somewhat excited. At least two of my co-workers are taking the opportunity as well. So we are a smiling group this week. Next week I'll begin to clean out my things and start handing off years of stuff to someone else. I think my give a hoot is busted.
It's been a good couple of weeks. No real problems on the homefront. Must confess I'm wondering how my time will be occupied after retirement, but we've got some plans. Get back to the gym during the morning, fix some good meals for a change, visit some art galleries and museums, take some interesting classes at TCC, have lunch with friends, slow down and take life easy. No more jumping up, hitting the shower, throwing on clothes, grabbing purse and lunch and running out the door.
Goodnight folks - God bless you in every way.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Today is a work day. My company is laying off people, and today I learn whether or not I will get an invitation to volunteer to go out. I'm torn - I've worked for the company most of my life since I was 19 years old. But I've been there many long years and am ready to go home -- just afraid of no income.
We've been busy - the Fort Worth Quilt Guild Show was the weekend of August 5 and 6 (Friday and Sat). Wow, that was a lot of work. we went to drop off my things for the show only to learn that the fellows who were supposed to unload the trailers (poles, braces, etc.) had left and the trailers were not unloaded. We stayed for a while and in the 110 degree heat Ken worked himself to a sugar low unloading. Fortunately some of the women who came also helped, as did one older fellow (yep, older than us!) and one young man. The other women sat on their behinds in the quilt room yacking!!!
We finally left for a bit - Ken needed food - but we went back and Ken helped set up the poles and braces and hung quilts. We all finally left, leaving quilts to be hung on Thursday. Neither of us went back on Thursday. The show was nice -- not as fancy as Trinity Valley but nice. I didn't put anything in the judging division, mine were just "filler" quilts. The Christmas quilt I made for daughter Brandi was hung with some of the prize quilts. I made it out of left over fabric from her Christmas dress back in 1990. I won't ever give it to her because she and her sister don't want anything to do with me and certainly don't want any reminders of their childhood growing up with me. Long story, sad story, but it happens. I love them anyway - it just hurts.
So, back to Colorado. We headed back to Texas, I cried most of the first day because I miss my son and his family so much. We stopped in Rotan, New Mexico again - already worn out, knowing we had to face the long drive back to Amarillo from there. We shopped a bit, ate a bit, then headed out. Oh, my gosh, the road went on and on and on as did the heat and the construction and the misery! We made up our minds we will not drive it again...we'll save $$, fly to Denver, rent a car!! But we finally made it back to Day's Inn East where we collapsed for a bit and then we called the limo and went back to the Texas Steakhouse -- more because we wanted to shop their gift shop than because of the food!
Back at the hotel we went for a swim then packed up some and crashed. We were not looking forward to the drive the next day. As we were leaving the hotel the Casey Anthony trial verdict was about to be announced so we were a bit late in leaving, wanting to wait until it was announced. We finally had to leave anyway. We learned of the horrible outcome via a Facebook announcement. How terrible that this young woman could get by with what she did!!!
The drive home was long, hot, long. We stopped in some small town (Clarendon or Childress?) at a gas station that turned out to be more of a variety store. I bought 3 fabric pieces (2 yards each). Only yardage I purchased on the trip - others were fat quarters. We continued on and the road seemed to become never ending. It didn't take us any more time than what we planned, it just seemed to take a very long time.
So, we got home, we hugged Tamara and the doggies/kitties, and then we crashed. Thank goodness we decided to come home on Wednesday instead of waiting until the weekend. It took all weekend to recover enough to go back to work!
On Monday morning I checked in from home and found the email announcing layoffs at work, approximately 1500 will be going out the door. Requests for volunteers will come out mid-August (today), volunteers will have a certain amount of time to say yes or no. If not enough volunteers come forward, then involuntary notices will be given out in September. I'm 19 months from full retirement - haven't yet decided about taking the package, but I'm ready to retire...just concerned about insurance and the reduction of income.
And so, that's about it for now. I went to a quilting class on Saturday, taught by Jonquelle Jones. She worked us to death, but I learned how to make a couple of different blocks. That evening we went to a "party" at friend Pam Thomas' home on Saturday evening. Yesterday (Sunday) we slept in (til 11:30 for me!), piddled around here, and then went to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner. Now time to head back to work.
We've been busy - the Fort Worth Quilt Guild Show was the weekend of August 5 and 6 (Friday and Sat). Wow, that was a lot of work. we went to drop off my things for the show only to learn that the fellows who were supposed to unload the trailers (poles, braces, etc.) had left and the trailers were not unloaded. We stayed for a while and in the 110 degree heat Ken worked himself to a sugar low unloading. Fortunately some of the women who came also helped, as did one older fellow (yep, older than us!) and one young man. The other women sat on their behinds in the quilt room yacking!!!
We finally left for a bit - Ken needed food - but we went back and Ken helped set up the poles and braces and hung quilts. We all finally left, leaving quilts to be hung on Thursday. Neither of us went back on Thursday. The show was nice -- not as fancy as Trinity Valley but nice. I didn't put anything in the judging division, mine were just "filler" quilts. The Christmas quilt I made for daughter Brandi was hung with some of the prize quilts. I made it out of left over fabric from her Christmas dress back in 1990. I won't ever give it to her because she and her sister don't want anything to do with me and certainly don't want any reminders of their childhood growing up with me. Long story, sad story, but it happens. I love them anyway - it just hurts.
So, back to Colorado. We headed back to Texas, I cried most of the first day because I miss my son and his family so much. We stopped in Rotan, New Mexico again - already worn out, knowing we had to face the long drive back to Amarillo from there. We shopped a bit, ate a bit, then headed out. Oh, my gosh, the road went on and on and on as did the heat and the construction and the misery! We made up our minds we will not drive it again...we'll save $$, fly to Denver, rent a car!! But we finally made it back to Day's Inn East where we collapsed for a bit and then we called the limo and went back to the Texas Steakhouse -- more because we wanted to shop their gift shop than because of the food!
Back at the hotel we went for a swim then packed up some and crashed. We were not looking forward to the drive the next day. As we were leaving the hotel the Casey Anthony trial verdict was about to be announced so we were a bit late in leaving, wanting to wait until it was announced. We finally had to leave anyway. We learned of the horrible outcome via a Facebook announcement. How terrible that this young woman could get by with what she did!!!
The drive home was long, hot, long. We stopped in some small town (Clarendon or Childress?) at a gas station that turned out to be more of a variety store. I bought 3 fabric pieces (2 yards each). Only yardage I purchased on the trip - others were fat quarters. We continued on and the road seemed to become never ending. It didn't take us any more time than what we planned, it just seemed to take a very long time.
So, we got home, we hugged Tamara and the doggies/kitties, and then we crashed. Thank goodness we decided to come home on Wednesday instead of waiting until the weekend. It took all weekend to recover enough to go back to work!
On Monday morning I checked in from home and found the email announcing layoffs at work, approximately 1500 will be going out the door. Requests for volunteers will come out mid-August (today), volunteers will have a certain amount of time to say yes or no. If not enough volunteers come forward, then involuntary notices will be given out in September. I'm 19 months from full retirement - haven't yet decided about taking the package, but I'm ready to retire...just concerned about insurance and the reduction of income.
And so, that's about it for now. I went to a quilting class on Saturday, taught by Jonquelle Jones. She worked us to death, but I learned how to make a couple of different blocks. That evening we went to a "party" at friend Pam Thomas' home on Saturday evening. Yesterday (Sunday) we slept in (til 11:30 for me!), piddled around here, and then went to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner. Now time to head back to work.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Thursday evening, August 4, 2011
BORING day at work today. Lots of folks on vacation and today was one of those "watching the clock" days. Finally left at 5:30.
Tonight's quiet - we're both worn out, and Ken has already gone to bed. I was going to work on my sewing room some but really don't have the moxie to do that today.
Before I continue the trip to Colorado tale, I forgot to mention that late last year or early this year, can't remember which, Ken and I decided we wanted to host a really nice party for all of our friends. We were planning to pay for it, host it somewhere very nice if we could find a venue, have some beautiful various music, food, etc. We mentioned it to some of the people in our social organization, the After 5.0 Connection, and the next thing we knew we lost all control over it. It became their Valentine party. Althought it was held at Diamond Oaks Country Club, it was anything except what we had envisioned. We were wanting some wonderful country club type music - some soft, easy listening music, some great country music, a little old time rock and roll, etc. Its definitely not what we got. As it is, we attended anyway, smiled, danced once or twice, and excused ourselves to go home early. It actually worked out ok as I had just been discharged from the hospital from a pneumonia bout and didn't feel like being there anyway!!
I told about the trip to Fredericksburg in a previous post, but forgot to mention that twice on the trip we happened upon conversations in the main house and overheard "friends" discussing us and apparently they were all "making the best of" our being along with the gang. So, for the most part we stayed to ourselves during the trip, and we got up very early on the last day and came home. We probably won't go on another trip with the same group. In fact, these are the same After 5.0 folks mentioned in the above paragraph, so we have not done anything with the group since returning to Fort Worth. Fortunately we have other outlets for socializing.
Now, back to the trip to Colorado. We had breakfast at the Days Inn breakfast buffet then packed up and headed out. Instead of driving up to Dumas and on to Dalhart, we took a different road to cross over to 87/287 to head to Dalhart. Now anyone who is vaguely familiar with Ken knows that he freaks out if he doesn't know exactly where he is -- he is NOT an adventurer. I had it all mapped out on the map app on my phone, so I wasn't worried, but he was just about out of his mind. Top that with the fact that both of us suffer from digestive system problems and it was a 29 mile trip headed for disaster! It was a pleasant enough ride - not a bad road. But Ken was losing it big time, and my intestines were screaming and telling me they were not going to wait until we reached a McDonald's somewhere! We ended up having to pull off into the grass on the side of that country road, open the car doors for a bit of shelter for me so that I could drop my clothes and leave a deposit!!! This is NOT unusual for me - I try very hard not to eat if we are going to be on the road, because I fight this battle all the time. And always afterward I am nauseated for hours afterward, and the only thing that helps at all is a zero coke and crackers.
We were able to continue on and connect with the road to Dalhart where we stopped and I was able to get a zero coke and bugles. Then we set out on the most awful part of the trip to Colorado -- heading across the state line into New Mexico and the long drive to Raton, NM. Oh, gads, that drive is horrible. The road goes on and on and on and on, seems never ending, is bumper to bumper traffic, road construction is everywhere making it impossible to drive even 50. It is about a 6.5 hour drive from Amarillo to Colorado Springs on a good day, but it is about 6.5 hours from Amarillo to Raton, NM when the road is the way it currently is -- and there's not a THING between Amarillo and Raton!
We crossed into mountain time, and finally reached Raton where we stopped at a restaurant gift shop. We were ready for lunch - they were stll serving breakfast but they allowed us to order lunch. I ordered a chicken salad sandwich and couldn't eat it -- it was awful. I had some cottage cheese and fruit so ate that and drank some tea. Then we looked around a bit taking a break from the road, and then crawled back into the car to head north on I-25 toward Colorado Springs - a 2.5 hour drive.
The wild fires had swept through Raton Pass the week before, so we saw all the burned trees on the mountains. We passed Trinidad, and stopped at a station in Pueblo for gas and break. We finally made it to the Howard Johnson's off of Academy Drive at about 2. My daughter-in-law and granddaughter met us at the hotel. Since we couldn't check in they took us to the Air Force Academy to see the chapel. I had a difficult time getting around (altitude) but we got to see it as well as some young recruits being trained, going through their marching maneuvers. My son is AF and works at the Academy.
Since we were tired, Nicky took us back to the hotel to check in, helped us get all unloaded and to the room, and we were all done when Chris (son) arrived after work. It was so wonderful to see all of them. We went to Chili's for dinner (so nice and cool), and then went back to the hotel so we could rest. We decided we would get together the next morning.
The next morning we had breakfast at the hotel and were eating when we got a message from Nicky. they wanted us to check out of the hotel and come stay at the house instead. We didn't think we should do that because we didn't want to put anybody out of a bed. They insisted. So, we checked out of the hotel and finally found our way to their house (we had never been there before). Such a beautiful place and looks just like them...just so sweet and so neat/tidy. It was cute when we drove up because their two dogs came running out of the house. We had never met Lily before, but Bogie knew exactly who we were and came bounding out to greet us. He's been like another grandchild, and now Lily is, too.
After settling in a bit, we all decided we wanted to go to Estes Park, Colorado. that's about a 2.5 hour drive! So we loaded up and headed for the mountains. We went to the Stanley Hotel where we had a very nice lunch in their beautiful dining room, and then we caught the shuttle to go into the little mountain town to wander the stores. I thought I would be alright, but the altitude zapped me - I wasn't able to get around, had to sit at every bench and wall. We finally gave it up and caught the shuttle back to the hotel and started home. I ruined everybody's day with my inability to get around.
On Sunday the kids took us over to the mountain area around the Broadmoor Hotel where the ladies championship golf tournament was going to be. Part of the area was all blocked off but it was really neat seeing the area. The deer and elk come right into the yards and eat the shrubs, etc. And there was news on tv that night that a bear had been there as well as a mountain lion.
Chris also drove us up to old Gold Camp Road, the very narrow old road around the mountain where you're barely able to keep the entire car ON the road without falling over the cliff side. The views here are magnificent and we got lots of pictures. Mostly, I just enjoyed being with my kids. I miss all of them - even the two here - so very much. Not a day goes by that I don't think about each and every one of them. They are always in my heart and on my mind.
we had lots of fun, ate way too much -- restaurants, cooked out, enjoyed ourselves. We got to meet Courtney's friend Kolby as well as his mother and little sister. And we got to climb the stairs in the house up to the master bedroom they made us sleep while they piled into Courtney's room and put her on a mattress on the floor in the office. Exactly what we had not wanted them to do!!! That's why we had hotel reservations. But, they insisted.
Nicky had to go to work on Monday, and Chris was going to have to go back on Tuesday. Chris took us back to a quilt shop so I could get some fat quarters as souvenirs, and then took us to the gift shop back at the Academy. After that we begged to just go back home and rest - we knew we were going to have to head back to Texas the following morning.
To be continued next time.
Tonight's quiet - we're both worn out, and Ken has already gone to bed. I was going to work on my sewing room some but really don't have the moxie to do that today.
Before I continue the trip to Colorado tale, I forgot to mention that late last year or early this year, can't remember which, Ken and I decided we wanted to host a really nice party for all of our friends. We were planning to pay for it, host it somewhere very nice if we could find a venue, have some beautiful various music, food, etc. We mentioned it to some of the people in our social organization, the After 5.0 Connection, and the next thing we knew we lost all control over it. It became their Valentine party. Althought it was held at Diamond Oaks Country Club, it was anything except what we had envisioned. We were wanting some wonderful country club type music - some soft, easy listening music, some great country music, a little old time rock and roll, etc. Its definitely not what we got. As it is, we attended anyway, smiled, danced once or twice, and excused ourselves to go home early. It actually worked out ok as I had just been discharged from the hospital from a pneumonia bout and didn't feel like being there anyway!!
I told about the trip to Fredericksburg in a previous post, but forgot to mention that twice on the trip we happened upon conversations in the main house and overheard "friends" discussing us and apparently they were all "making the best of" our being along with the gang. So, for the most part we stayed to ourselves during the trip, and we got up very early on the last day and came home. We probably won't go on another trip with the same group. In fact, these are the same After 5.0 folks mentioned in the above paragraph, so we have not done anything with the group since returning to Fort Worth. Fortunately we have other outlets for socializing.
Now, back to the trip to Colorado. We had breakfast at the Days Inn breakfast buffet then packed up and headed out. Instead of driving up to Dumas and on to Dalhart, we took a different road to cross over to 87/287 to head to Dalhart. Now anyone who is vaguely familiar with Ken knows that he freaks out if he doesn't know exactly where he is -- he is NOT an adventurer. I had it all mapped out on the map app on my phone, so I wasn't worried, but he was just about out of his mind. Top that with the fact that both of us suffer from digestive system problems and it was a 29 mile trip headed for disaster! It was a pleasant enough ride - not a bad road. But Ken was losing it big time, and my intestines were screaming and telling me they were not going to wait until we reached a McDonald's somewhere! We ended up having to pull off into the grass on the side of that country road, open the car doors for a bit of shelter for me so that I could drop my clothes and leave a deposit!!! This is NOT unusual for me - I try very hard not to eat if we are going to be on the road, because I fight this battle all the time. And always afterward I am nauseated for hours afterward, and the only thing that helps at all is a zero coke and crackers.
We were able to continue on and connect with the road to Dalhart where we stopped and I was able to get a zero coke and bugles. Then we set out on the most awful part of the trip to Colorado -- heading across the state line into New Mexico and the long drive to Raton, NM. Oh, gads, that drive is horrible. The road goes on and on and on and on, seems never ending, is bumper to bumper traffic, road construction is everywhere making it impossible to drive even 50. It is about a 6.5 hour drive from Amarillo to Colorado Springs on a good day, but it is about 6.5 hours from Amarillo to Raton, NM when the road is the way it currently is -- and there's not a THING between Amarillo and Raton!
We crossed into mountain time, and finally reached Raton where we stopped at a restaurant gift shop. We were ready for lunch - they were stll serving breakfast but they allowed us to order lunch. I ordered a chicken salad sandwich and couldn't eat it -- it was awful. I had some cottage cheese and fruit so ate that and drank some tea. Then we looked around a bit taking a break from the road, and then crawled back into the car to head north on I-25 toward Colorado Springs - a 2.5 hour drive.
The wild fires had swept through Raton Pass the week before, so we saw all the burned trees on the mountains. We passed Trinidad, and stopped at a station in Pueblo for gas and break. We finally made it to the Howard Johnson's off of Academy Drive at about 2. My daughter-in-law and granddaughter met us at the hotel. Since we couldn't check in they took us to the Air Force Academy to see the chapel. I had a difficult time getting around (altitude) but we got to see it as well as some young recruits being trained, going through their marching maneuvers. My son is AF and works at the Academy.
Since we were tired, Nicky took us back to the hotel to check in, helped us get all unloaded and to the room, and we were all done when Chris (son) arrived after work. It was so wonderful to see all of them. We went to Chili's for dinner (so nice and cool), and then went back to the hotel so we could rest. We decided we would get together the next morning.
The next morning we had breakfast at the hotel and were eating when we got a message from Nicky. they wanted us to check out of the hotel and come stay at the house instead. We didn't think we should do that because we didn't want to put anybody out of a bed. They insisted. So, we checked out of the hotel and finally found our way to their house (we had never been there before). Such a beautiful place and looks just like them...just so sweet and so neat/tidy. It was cute when we drove up because their two dogs came running out of the house. We had never met Lily before, but Bogie knew exactly who we were and came bounding out to greet us. He's been like another grandchild, and now Lily is, too.
After settling in a bit, we all decided we wanted to go to Estes Park, Colorado. that's about a 2.5 hour drive! So we loaded up and headed for the mountains. We went to the Stanley Hotel where we had a very nice lunch in their beautiful dining room, and then we caught the shuttle to go into the little mountain town to wander the stores. I thought I would be alright, but the altitude zapped me - I wasn't able to get around, had to sit at every bench and wall. We finally gave it up and caught the shuttle back to the hotel and started home. I ruined everybody's day with my inability to get around.
On Sunday the kids took us over to the mountain area around the Broadmoor Hotel where the ladies championship golf tournament was going to be. Part of the area was all blocked off but it was really neat seeing the area. The deer and elk come right into the yards and eat the shrubs, etc. And there was news on tv that night that a bear had been there as well as a mountain lion.
Chris also drove us up to old Gold Camp Road, the very narrow old road around the mountain where you're barely able to keep the entire car ON the road without falling over the cliff side. The views here are magnificent and we got lots of pictures. Mostly, I just enjoyed being with my kids. I miss all of them - even the two here - so very much. Not a day goes by that I don't think about each and every one of them. They are always in my heart and on my mind.
we had lots of fun, ate way too much -- restaurants, cooked out, enjoyed ourselves. We got to meet Courtney's friend Kolby as well as his mother and little sister. And we got to climb the stairs in the house up to the master bedroom they made us sleep while they piled into Courtney's room and put her on a mattress on the floor in the office. Exactly what we had not wanted them to do!!! That's why we had hotel reservations. But, they insisted.
Nicky had to go to work on Monday, and Chris was going to have to go back on Tuesday. Chris took us back to a quilt shop so I could get some fat quarters as souvenirs, and then took us to the gift shop back at the Academy. After that we begged to just go back home and rest - we knew we were going to have to head back to Texas the following morning.
To be continued next time.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Ken and I joined the Fort Worth Quilt Guild this year, and I've been getting things ready for the annual show. I've made several small quilts, including one for one of my daughters using the left over fabric from her Christmas dress from 1990. Had to have all of this ready to be delivered to the show place yesterday between 4-6 p.m. I've worked like a wild woman gettng it all done. Then when I get there some witchy woman at the check-in desk attacked me because I hadn't done something right on the tags identifing them! Well, I picked them up, packed them back in the big bag, said, ok, I'll just take them back home. The other ladies sitting at the table said, no, no, let's check them in. So, I said ok, but Iwill not deal with this person - is there someone else? So, I worked with a wonderful person who helped me. As Ken and I were walking out of the room, several fellow quilters came out and told Ken and me that they had not know she was going to work the table, and that she is just like that and to let it go.
we had intended to stay as volunteers for setting up for the show, and it's a good thing we did. The high school boys that were hired to unload all the heavy bases and steel rods left. Ken and one elderly gentleman plus some of the ladies had to unload the trucks - piece by heavy piece. In the horrible 110 heat. They nearly died. It took a couple of hours to do. We finally left, Ken had to have food and drink. We ate at Red, Hot and Blue and then we went back and Ken helped set up poles and hang backdrops, etc., etc. He was exhausted and we left. I don't think he's going back tomorrow to help!!
To continue the saga of our spring and summer thus far...
Since the beginning of the year we have battled financial difficulties, fought law suits that were unwarranted and won, faced several times when we thought about throwing in the towel and separating, rediscovered old friends and high school friends, renewed many acquaintances and been living life. Ken has become very involved with his Arlington Heights High School class of 1966, has lunch with several friends every week at least once, and I likewise have become involved with the Poly class of '66 and '65. We are both enjoying the heck out of renewing friendships and making new ones.
In addition, we have both continued to fight health issues, which we expect to continue as long as we are allowed to live on this earth. Ken is enrolled in a certain program to fight some of his personal inner battles, and I've been in counseling since March 2009.
In May we invited cousins and family to come to the house for a get together...only 3 people showed up but we had a grand time!
Ken and I also joined the Fort Worth Quilt Guild...he doesn't exactly quilt, he's an enabler for my love of fabrics, quilt making attempts, and my love of vintage sewing machines. In March we went to College Station for the Texas Sewing Machine Roundup -- where I bought a very nasty Singer 500A! Never seen so much tar and nicotine on anything. Took us almost a month to take that thing apart, let it set with Go Jo on it to melt off the nicotine and tar, and then clean it and put it back together.
We later went to the Treadle On gathering in Greenville, Texas where I sucessfully did not purchase another machine (hand crank nor treadle). But we had a great time at both. I currently own 11 machines and am being watchful about other machnes I purchase - trying not to purchase anything except particular ones I'm hunting. And only ones in great condition.
In May we went to Las Vegas, stayed at the Imperial Palace Hotel, had a great time wandering up and down the streets, went to Hoover Dam, went downtown to see old Las Vegas, and managed to come home without spending more than about $50 between us in the casinos! We loved seeing the wonderful hotels -- the Paris and Bellagios were our favorites. Food was terribly expensive, but we had a great time, but I doubt we go back again. On Saturday night we were accosted at the elevator at one of the street bridge crossings. Thanks to a wonderful couple who had to have been cops on vacation, we made it out of the situation and got back to the hotel.
For Memorial Day weekend we decided to head to Eureka Springs, Arkansas! I had never been and wanted to see it. What a drive!! Very tiring. Ken was acting up the entire trip - couldn't figure it out. Anyway, we saw about everything there was to see, went to Christ of the Ozarks, the Crown Thorne chapel, the old downtown (where I refused to buy anything because it is all Chinese junk), went to the Bible Museum, saw the passion play. Ken was acting worse and worse. His pump was acting up, he was out of insulin, we went to Berryville to the Walmart pharmacy where the pharmacist helped him, but Ken was getting worse and there is no dealing with him when he gets like this. When I woke him up on Monday to come home he was confused, disoriented, throwing up, out of it. I managed to get us in the car and on the road. We drove through the Pea Ridge battle ground but he threw up all the way through it. He continued to throw up all the way to Rogers, Arkansas where I stopped to get Pepto Bismol before we headed out again. He was having me stop every mile or so. I finally had to get a dirty shirt out of the bags and just let him throw up going down the road. I wanted to take him to the hospital, he wouldn't hear of it. I was driving 85 miles an hour to try to get somewhere. I finally pulled off the road in Sallisaw, Oklahoma and tried to talk him into going to the hospital - he wouldn't go. He was getting weaker and weaker with each mile and obviously dehydrated. We hit 75 and headed south. Longest drive I've ever been on. 75 was crowded, bumper to bumper, 5 miles/hour, took forever to get to Texas. Stopped in Dennison for a break and gas. Ken got out to go to the men's room. He never came back so I went looking for him. He was unable to stand up by himself. He and I both thought he had had a stroke. He refused the hospital, wanted to come to FW. Two hefty fellows each took a side and took him out to the car and put him in. From there I hit the gas and didn't slow down...finally making it to Dallas and driving through that town at 85-90 miles per hour and on to Fort Worth. I thought the trip would never end, but it ended when I stoppped at the ER at Harris Hospital.
All I could think about on the return trip was the movie Vacation where the older lady died and they had her on top of the car! I could just see Ken dying on me on that horrible trip.
Ken was seen immediately in the ER, his pump was taken off of him, lab work was done, hydration was started. Turns out his pump was NOT working, his glucose was not low - it was extremely high (normal is 75-125; his was 700+). A feedbag of insulin was added to the hydration along with an antibiotic because of the extreme high white count. He was admitted to the hospital. The ER doc told me I had done the right thing - that he wouldn't have made it much longer. So, Ken got to spend the week in the hospital.
SO, after that, what? Let's see, we had a wonderful time at the Poly '65 mini reunion in June. Then on 29 June we headed for Colorado Springs, CO where my son Chris and his wife Nicky live with their daughter Courtney (16). We drove from Fort Worth to Vernon, Texas where we had breakfast, bought gas, and headed for Groom, Texas. Here we stopped at the Cross of the Plains, a wonderful attraction. We took lots of pictures. This place has the very large cross that can be seen for several miles, and the stations of the cross around it. And there is the crucifixtion, the last supper, the tomb with the angel above it, and more. This place was not out of our way as we were heading to Amarillo for the night. We followed 287 and then took 287 up to I-40 (about 17 miles) and then west to groom to Cross of the Plains. From there it was a straight shot on I-40 to our hotel - Days Inn East.
In Amarillo we took a limo to the famous Texas Steakhouse for dinner. This limo is furnished by the restaurant free of charge (except tips). They have long horns on the front of the limos!! We had our picture taken in the huge rocking chair in there, visited the gift shop, enjoyed our time. We had arrivedin Amarillo about 2 p.m., eaten lunch at I-Hop next door, napped, then gone to dinner. We were attempting to allow ourselves to be rested on this trip. Good thing, cause the next phase of the trip was awful!
To be continued next time.
we had intended to stay as volunteers for setting up for the show, and it's a good thing we did. The high school boys that were hired to unload all the heavy bases and steel rods left. Ken and one elderly gentleman plus some of the ladies had to unload the trucks - piece by heavy piece. In the horrible 110 heat. They nearly died. It took a couple of hours to do. We finally left, Ken had to have food and drink. We ate at Red, Hot and Blue and then we went back and Ken helped set up poles and hang backdrops, etc., etc. He was exhausted and we left. I don't think he's going back tomorrow to help!!
To continue the saga of our spring and summer thus far...
Since the beginning of the year we have battled financial difficulties, fought law suits that were unwarranted and won, faced several times when we thought about throwing in the towel and separating, rediscovered old friends and high school friends, renewed many acquaintances and been living life. Ken has become very involved with his Arlington Heights High School class of 1966, has lunch with several friends every week at least once, and I likewise have become involved with the Poly class of '66 and '65. We are both enjoying the heck out of renewing friendships and making new ones.
In addition, we have both continued to fight health issues, which we expect to continue as long as we are allowed to live on this earth. Ken is enrolled in a certain program to fight some of his personal inner battles, and I've been in counseling since March 2009.
In May we invited cousins and family to come to the house for a get together...only 3 people showed up but we had a grand time!
Ken and I also joined the Fort Worth Quilt Guild...he doesn't exactly quilt, he's an enabler for my love of fabrics, quilt making attempts, and my love of vintage sewing machines. In March we went to College Station for the Texas Sewing Machine Roundup -- where I bought a very nasty Singer 500A! Never seen so much tar and nicotine on anything. Took us almost a month to take that thing apart, let it set with Go Jo on it to melt off the nicotine and tar, and then clean it and put it back together.
We later went to the Treadle On gathering in Greenville, Texas where I sucessfully did not purchase another machine (hand crank nor treadle). But we had a great time at both. I currently own 11 machines and am being watchful about other machnes I purchase - trying not to purchase anything except particular ones I'm hunting. And only ones in great condition.
In May we went to Las Vegas, stayed at the Imperial Palace Hotel, had a great time wandering up and down the streets, went to Hoover Dam, went downtown to see old Las Vegas, and managed to come home without spending more than about $50 between us in the casinos! We loved seeing the wonderful hotels -- the Paris and Bellagios were our favorites. Food was terribly expensive, but we had a great time, but I doubt we go back again. On Saturday night we were accosted at the elevator at one of the street bridge crossings. Thanks to a wonderful couple who had to have been cops on vacation, we made it out of the situation and got back to the hotel.
For Memorial Day weekend we decided to head to Eureka Springs, Arkansas! I had never been and wanted to see it. What a drive!! Very tiring. Ken was acting up the entire trip - couldn't figure it out. Anyway, we saw about everything there was to see, went to Christ of the Ozarks, the Crown Thorne chapel, the old downtown (where I refused to buy anything because it is all Chinese junk), went to the Bible Museum, saw the passion play. Ken was acting worse and worse. His pump was acting up, he was out of insulin, we went to Berryville to the Walmart pharmacy where the pharmacist helped him, but Ken was getting worse and there is no dealing with him when he gets like this. When I woke him up on Monday to come home he was confused, disoriented, throwing up, out of it. I managed to get us in the car and on the road. We drove through the Pea Ridge battle ground but he threw up all the way through it. He continued to throw up all the way to Rogers, Arkansas where I stopped to get Pepto Bismol before we headed out again. He was having me stop every mile or so. I finally had to get a dirty shirt out of the bags and just let him throw up going down the road. I wanted to take him to the hospital, he wouldn't hear of it. I was driving 85 miles an hour to try to get somewhere. I finally pulled off the road in Sallisaw, Oklahoma and tried to talk him into going to the hospital - he wouldn't go. He was getting weaker and weaker with each mile and obviously dehydrated. We hit 75 and headed south. Longest drive I've ever been on. 75 was crowded, bumper to bumper, 5 miles/hour, took forever to get to Texas. Stopped in Dennison for a break and gas. Ken got out to go to the men's room. He never came back so I went looking for him. He was unable to stand up by himself. He and I both thought he had had a stroke. He refused the hospital, wanted to come to FW. Two hefty fellows each took a side and took him out to the car and put him in. From there I hit the gas and didn't slow down...finally making it to Dallas and driving through that town at 85-90 miles per hour and on to Fort Worth. I thought the trip would never end, but it ended when I stoppped at the ER at Harris Hospital.
All I could think about on the return trip was the movie Vacation where the older lady died and they had her on top of the car! I could just see Ken dying on me on that horrible trip.
Ken was seen immediately in the ER, his pump was taken off of him, lab work was done, hydration was started. Turns out his pump was NOT working, his glucose was not low - it was extremely high (normal is 75-125; his was 700+). A feedbag of insulin was added to the hydration along with an antibiotic because of the extreme high white count. He was admitted to the hospital. The ER doc told me I had done the right thing - that he wouldn't have made it much longer. So, Ken got to spend the week in the hospital.
SO, after that, what? Let's see, we had a wonderful time at the Poly '65 mini reunion in June. Then on 29 June we headed for Colorado Springs, CO where my son Chris and his wife Nicky live with their daughter Courtney (16). We drove from Fort Worth to Vernon, Texas where we had breakfast, bought gas, and headed for Groom, Texas. Here we stopped at the Cross of the Plains, a wonderful attraction. We took lots of pictures. This place has the very large cross that can be seen for several miles, and the stations of the cross around it. And there is the crucifixtion, the last supper, the tomb with the angel above it, and more. This place was not out of our way as we were heading to Amarillo for the night. We followed 287 and then took 287 up to I-40 (about 17 miles) and then west to groom to Cross of the Plains. From there it was a straight shot on I-40 to our hotel - Days Inn East.
In Amarillo we took a limo to the famous Texas Steakhouse for dinner. This limo is furnished by the restaurant free of charge (except tips). They have long horns on the front of the limos!! We had our picture taken in the huge rocking chair in there, visited the gift shop, enjoyed our time. We had arrivedin Amarillo about 2 p.m., eaten lunch at I-Hop next door, napped, then gone to dinner. We were attempting to allow ourselves to be rested on this trip. Good thing, cause the next phase of the trip was awful!
To be continued next time.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
It is hotter than all get out here! It was 110 degrees today; the A/C is working overtime! So hot that there are power issues in Fort Worth and where I work is requesting that folks unplug all unused items, wear cooler clothing, and telecommute if possible. So, I worked from home today. Fortunately it is a quiet week and I didn't have meetings today.
So what's been happening since I last posted a real message? Lots, but probably not important to anybody but me (us).
I was in and out of the hospital during the fall and even in December. Being a kidney transplant patient isn't much fun because the immune system is kept so far down that there is no way to fight off illness. So, to the hospital for me!
Thanksgiving was a very lonely, but we lived through it. The Christmas season was fun. I sewed and sewed and sewed and sewed and finished everything I had planned. We went to several holiday gatherings and attended the annual Christmas in the Country at the little church out NW of Weatherford, Texas. It is now owned by our friend David McKenna because it is adjacent to the land he owned originally. He didn't want someone else purchasing it after it was decommissioned as a Methodist church so he bought it and the land it is on. So, we have a Christmas Sunday out there in December -- he and Liz clean it up, the pot belly stove is lit, we all take pot luck food for dinner after service, and then have a Chinese Christmas exchange. We always have a great time. This year we came home with a used kitchen disposal which we immediately put in the trash!!! I think we have a used toilet seat around here somewhere that we're going to take next year wrapped in fancy packaging. This year we took nice things (I made a lap quilt and Christmas pillow cases).
Ken had his final neuro surgery and was relieved of the horse collar he had been wearing for almost a year. thank goodness - he was really tired of that.
On Christmas Eve I had all the bags packed for the family and so we drove to Grand Praire and dropped off packages for my two daughters and their families. They don't have anything to do with me and I'm not allowed to have anything to do with the grandchildren either. It is a very painful situation and I miss them terribly, but it is what it is. Because it was raining, we were allowed to go into the house to leave the bags and gifts, and we actually got to see my grandson Jacob. He is so beautiful. We also got to see his baby sister who was born in 2009 and whom we had never seen before. I got to hold her for a few minutes, but then we had to go because we had many places to go before nightfall. I cried after leaving there because I knew I would not get to see them again - and I haven't been allowed to. I didn't get to see my other daughter and her family -- all gifts were left at the home in Grand Prairie and then distributed to the rest of the family.
I could dwell on that, but I am choosing not to. There are issues on BOTH sides of the fence, and apparently they are just so HUGE that they can't be overcome. I have always loved them, will always love them, will miss them forever, and will always hope that things change. But there is hurt and pain on both sides of the fence.
We didn't decorate for Christmas - there wasn't any need for just the two of us. Maybe we'll feel better about that in a year or so. For Christmas dinner we joined other friends at the home of Candy and Mike Copeland. We had a nice time.
We spent New Year's Eve and New Year's Day at home. We don't like to get out with the crazies so we stay home and enjoy a quiet time.
I landed in the hospital again in January - pneumonia one more time. This time I thought I was going to die...turned out I didn't. Good thing, because it got worse later!
We decided to finally have the kitchen overhauled/renovated/ repaired. We called our friend Mike Young who came gave us an estimate and talked to us about design. We had much done. First, we had the interior of the lower cabinets overhauled. In several of them we had custom pull-out shelves installed so that we can actually get to the things in the cabinets! In the other lower cabinets we had shelving extended so that we have two good shelves in each cabinet. We had the countertops replaced. We were going to replace with granite but where we live we would never get the return on the investment, so we chose to go with the rolled formica that looks like granite. We had a new special order stainless sink installed...it is one of those farm-house sinks with the small vegetable sink on the right side. We also had a new disposal installed and it's on the side under the small sink. We wish we had put it under the large sink -- so, we are going to have another one put in under the big sink!! We also had slate tile installed as backsplash. Ken and Mike wanted to talk me out of that but I really like it and it grew on them, too!
We also had our "bar" raised -- it separates the kitchen from the den. We didn't use it as a bar and didn't want it as a bar. So we had it raised so that it is a pony divider wall. The reason we had it raised instead of just changing the top to a non-bar top is because we had a custom cabinet built in the breakfast area that was supposed to be the same height as the bar wall but turned out taller (it separates the breakfast room from the den). To make them even, we raised the bar wall instead of having the cabinet remade. That cabinet is really nice and is the perfect size inside for things like appliances.
We also had another custom unit built and installed. It is a bar cabinet in the corner of the breakfast room and has a custom upper cabinet unit over it. Perfect for storing seldom used items.
We had tile floors installed in 2010. We really like the kitchen.
Our wood floors in the den needed some work due to stains from our wonderful doggies in the past. Mike decided he could repair them so we decided to go with it. Unfortunately the original installers had done such a good job of gluing them down that it was impossible to get them up and do the "cut in" repairs. Mike and his helper finally had to get jack hammers in there to get the floor out and were never successful in getting all the glue and such off the concrete slab. In the meantime, dust, cement, debris, whatever is flying all over the house, on the furniture, in the furniture, in the air system, etc. And the glue and stain odors are extremely strong.
I became so weak I couldn't get out of bed the last day they were working. Finally that evening Ken forced me to the car and took me to the emergency room where he wheeled me in to the reception desk and told them in no uncertain terms that I had to have oxygen. Yep, pneumonia again, but this time 10 times worse than January. I was in the hospital for about a week.
The day I came home I could tell there was still dust and dirt everywhere. I could breathe it. Even though Mike had cleaned up, I could tell. Sure enough, I put on a mask and sat in the den floor with ken and we began to pull furniture out of place and it was everywhere. We spent my first night home from the hospital cleaning up piles and piles of debris, dust and dirt. Ken cleaned the return air vent and changed the filter.
In March we decided to plan a vacation since we had not had a vacation since 2003 except for short weekend trips or work related trips. We decided to plan for Las Vegas since Ken had never been there. So, we scheduled a trip for 12-15 May.
In March or April, can't remember which now, we went to Fredericksburg, Texas with a group of friends. It's called the annual wildflower trip but there were no wildflowers this year. we stayed at the Country Inn and Cottages located outside of F. It's a converted ranch. Lots of deer and very peaceful. We went into F., but we were content to stay out at the ranch where every evening the owner comes out about 5:30 or so and starts to feed the deer and the belted cows and the bull (hand raised/friendly). Its like watching something out of National Geographic watching the deer coming from everywhere around - jumping fences, crossing the road, running out of the woods and down the hill. They are so close you can walk out to them to take pictures and they don't get spooked.
On the back side of the property are Elk. There is a fence but they come right up to the fence and will lay down there. So one gets a very close up view of them as well.
There is also a swimming pool on the property, two hot tubs, the very big main house, several cottages, a former winery that has been turned into a cabin with 3 bedrooms, and the former chicken houses which have been turned into motel type rooms (small). All of them are nice - we were assigned to the former winery which we shared with friends Phil and Myra, Pam and Patsy.
I will continue the tale of our spring and summer thus far in a different post.
So what's been happening since I last posted a real message? Lots, but probably not important to anybody but me (us).
I was in and out of the hospital during the fall and even in December. Being a kidney transplant patient isn't much fun because the immune system is kept so far down that there is no way to fight off illness. So, to the hospital for me!
Thanksgiving was a very lonely, but we lived through it. The Christmas season was fun. I sewed and sewed and sewed and sewed and finished everything I had planned. We went to several holiday gatherings and attended the annual Christmas in the Country at the little church out NW of Weatherford, Texas. It is now owned by our friend David McKenna because it is adjacent to the land he owned originally. He didn't want someone else purchasing it after it was decommissioned as a Methodist church so he bought it and the land it is on. So, we have a Christmas Sunday out there in December -- he and Liz clean it up, the pot belly stove is lit, we all take pot luck food for dinner after service, and then have a Chinese Christmas exchange. We always have a great time. This year we came home with a used kitchen disposal which we immediately put in the trash!!! I think we have a used toilet seat around here somewhere that we're going to take next year wrapped in fancy packaging. This year we took nice things (I made a lap quilt and Christmas pillow cases).
Ken had his final neuro surgery and was relieved of the horse collar he had been wearing for almost a year. thank goodness - he was really tired of that.
On Christmas Eve I had all the bags packed for the family and so we drove to Grand Praire and dropped off packages for my two daughters and their families. They don't have anything to do with me and I'm not allowed to have anything to do with the grandchildren either. It is a very painful situation and I miss them terribly, but it is what it is. Because it was raining, we were allowed to go into the house to leave the bags and gifts, and we actually got to see my grandson Jacob. He is so beautiful. We also got to see his baby sister who was born in 2009 and whom we had never seen before. I got to hold her for a few minutes, but then we had to go because we had many places to go before nightfall. I cried after leaving there because I knew I would not get to see them again - and I haven't been allowed to. I didn't get to see my other daughter and her family -- all gifts were left at the home in Grand Prairie and then distributed to the rest of the family.
I could dwell on that, but I am choosing not to. There are issues on BOTH sides of the fence, and apparently they are just so HUGE that they can't be overcome. I have always loved them, will always love them, will miss them forever, and will always hope that things change. But there is hurt and pain on both sides of the fence.
We didn't decorate for Christmas - there wasn't any need for just the two of us. Maybe we'll feel better about that in a year or so. For Christmas dinner we joined other friends at the home of Candy and Mike Copeland. We had a nice time.
We spent New Year's Eve and New Year's Day at home. We don't like to get out with the crazies so we stay home and enjoy a quiet time.
I landed in the hospital again in January - pneumonia one more time. This time I thought I was going to die...turned out I didn't. Good thing, because it got worse later!
We decided to finally have the kitchen overhauled/renovated/ repaired. We called our friend Mike Young who came gave us an estimate and talked to us about design. We had much done. First, we had the interior of the lower cabinets overhauled. In several of them we had custom pull-out shelves installed so that we can actually get to the things in the cabinets! In the other lower cabinets we had shelving extended so that we have two good shelves in each cabinet. We had the countertops replaced. We were going to replace with granite but where we live we would never get the return on the investment, so we chose to go with the rolled formica that looks like granite. We had a new special order stainless sink installed...it is one of those farm-house sinks with the small vegetable sink on the right side. We also had a new disposal installed and it's on the side under the small sink. We wish we had put it under the large sink -- so, we are going to have another one put in under the big sink!! We also had slate tile installed as backsplash. Ken and Mike wanted to talk me out of that but I really like it and it grew on them, too!
We also had our "bar" raised -- it separates the kitchen from the den. We didn't use it as a bar and didn't want it as a bar. So we had it raised so that it is a pony divider wall. The reason we had it raised instead of just changing the top to a non-bar top is because we had a custom cabinet built in the breakfast area that was supposed to be the same height as the bar wall but turned out taller (it separates the breakfast room from the den). To make them even, we raised the bar wall instead of having the cabinet remade. That cabinet is really nice and is the perfect size inside for things like appliances.
We also had another custom unit built and installed. It is a bar cabinet in the corner of the breakfast room and has a custom upper cabinet unit over it. Perfect for storing seldom used items.
We had tile floors installed in 2010. We really like the kitchen.
Our wood floors in the den needed some work due to stains from our wonderful doggies in the past. Mike decided he could repair them so we decided to go with it. Unfortunately the original installers had done such a good job of gluing them down that it was impossible to get them up and do the "cut in" repairs. Mike and his helper finally had to get jack hammers in there to get the floor out and were never successful in getting all the glue and such off the concrete slab. In the meantime, dust, cement, debris, whatever is flying all over the house, on the furniture, in the furniture, in the air system, etc. And the glue and stain odors are extremely strong.
I became so weak I couldn't get out of bed the last day they were working. Finally that evening Ken forced me to the car and took me to the emergency room where he wheeled me in to the reception desk and told them in no uncertain terms that I had to have oxygen. Yep, pneumonia again, but this time 10 times worse than January. I was in the hospital for about a week.
The day I came home I could tell there was still dust and dirt everywhere. I could breathe it. Even though Mike had cleaned up, I could tell. Sure enough, I put on a mask and sat in the den floor with ken and we began to pull furniture out of place and it was everywhere. We spent my first night home from the hospital cleaning up piles and piles of debris, dust and dirt. Ken cleaned the return air vent and changed the filter.
In March we decided to plan a vacation since we had not had a vacation since 2003 except for short weekend trips or work related trips. We decided to plan for Las Vegas since Ken had never been there. So, we scheduled a trip for 12-15 May.
In March or April, can't remember which now, we went to Fredericksburg, Texas with a group of friends. It's called the annual wildflower trip but there were no wildflowers this year. we stayed at the Country Inn and Cottages located outside of F. It's a converted ranch. Lots of deer and very peaceful. We went into F., but we were content to stay out at the ranch where every evening the owner comes out about 5:30 or so and starts to feed the deer and the belted cows and the bull (hand raised/friendly). Its like watching something out of National Geographic watching the deer coming from everywhere around - jumping fences, crossing the road, running out of the woods and down the hill. They are so close you can walk out to them to take pictures and they don't get spooked.
On the back side of the property are Elk. There is a fence but they come right up to the fence and will lay down there. So one gets a very close up view of them as well.
There is also a swimming pool on the property, two hot tubs, the very big main house, several cottages, a former winery that has been turned into a cabin with 3 bedrooms, and the former chicken houses which have been turned into motel type rooms (small). All of them are nice - we were assigned to the former winery which we shared with friends Phil and Myra, Pam and Patsy.
I will continue the tale of our spring and summer thus far in a different post.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Been quite some time. Much has happened. I will spend time later today writing. Right now I'm wondering WHY I'm awake when I didn't go to sleep until 2 a.m.!
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