Early up - still have much to do around here. Still cleaning things out. Met youngest daughter and her children at mexican restaurant for lunch. They came to the house for a couple of hours spent going through some boxes of old papers/pictures/stuff from childhood. Daughter took part of the things home with her and we separated some things to throw out/donate and discovered there's a box of CRAP that I need to go through and throw out. But YEA! Stuff is still moving out the door!!! I'm determined to get the mess out of this house and only have what we actually need/use remain. We need to be using the space we have for the things we really enjoy.
We went to see Barbra Streisand's new movie, The Guild Trip, this evening. Ok flick, but it would have been just as nice to see it on television.
Ken went to work yesterday but the owner/boss sent everybody home yesterday afternoon. He was supposed to work today and tomorrow and next Monday but received a call this evening advising not to return until next Wednesday. SO, no extra $$ for him next Friday. I think he's quite disappointed, but at least he will have time at home. In fact, maybe we'll just sneak off somewhere for a day or two. Wish we knew somewhere to go!
That's about it. I'm bushed. It's been a full and stressful December. Hope everyone is getting some rest.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
This has always been the day to remember a cousin, Nelson Johnson, who was born December 26, 1946. Sadly Nelson died in 2010 from complications of being sprayed with agent orange while serving in Vietnam while serving in the U.S. Marines back in the 1960's. Rest in Peace, Nelson.
It seems holidays bring both joy and sadness, and Christmas Day was no exception. Ken and I were up early, enjoyed coffee and a breakfast casserole, opened presents (we got exactly what we wanted - surprising, isn't it?), and then made goodies to take to niece Peggy's house for our Kilgore family gathering. It was so much fun to see everybody again. Since we talk to family all the time, one would wonder what we could possibly have to talk about when we see them, but it's just fun. Even though we all live a stone's throw away from one another, the holidays are still about the only time we get together.
We got back to our house about 4:00 p.m., rested a bit, and then I started cleaning up the mess around here. Still have a lot to do -- the dining room table is the goal for today! Gotta get that thing cleaned off!!! It has been stacked to the hilt for weeks (months?). What to do with boxes that I may need later for packing things to send to son who lives out of town???? I don't know but I am NOT throwing them away. I will have to hide them or Ken will throw them out.
So, the horrible thing about Christmas Day -- I received a FB message sometime Christmas evening advising that a cousin's husband had been killed when the tornado in Louisiana hit causing a tree to fall on their house. It hit where he was sitting. So, when one reads the news story about the 53 year old man killed in the tornado in Louisiana, that's my cousin's husband. Prayers for this family definitely needed.
I "met" this part of our family via the internet - a cousin contacted me because she, too, is involved in family research. Turns out we're not that distantly related. The cousin I communicate with is Rebecca Calhoun Allar. It is her sister's husband who was killed and their home destroyed (trailer). Unfortunately another sister and her husband also lived in a trailer behind the one where the tree fell. Their home was also destroyed in the tornado. Becky lives about 70 miles from where this happened, but all in northern Louisiana. May the good Lord bless and keep them.
This Christmas was rather strange. We haven't had our own children and grandchildren in our lives in several years...we had to bow out of the constant drama that was going on for self preservation, and as a result we were disowned by them...shunned, written off. Therefore it was a bit strange to have communication with one of the daughters throughout the latter part of the month of December even though it was just suggestions as to what to get each grandchild for Christmas. She thanked us for gifts and that was appreciated. The real shocker was to receive a thank you message from her sister who lives next door to her and who does not bother to speak to me even if she sees me. Have no idea if either daughter will continue communication now that the season is over. I've invited them to brunch at the tea room tomorrow and one daughter has responded in the positive. The other daughter has not responded at all. Whatever decision is made is ok.
That's it for now unless something interesting happens. I need to get busy. Have a great "day-after-Christmas-Day."
It seems holidays bring both joy and sadness, and Christmas Day was no exception. Ken and I were up early, enjoyed coffee and a breakfast casserole, opened presents (we got exactly what we wanted - surprising, isn't it?), and then made goodies to take to niece Peggy's house for our Kilgore family gathering. It was so much fun to see everybody again. Since we talk to family all the time, one would wonder what we could possibly have to talk about when we see them, but it's just fun. Even though we all live a stone's throw away from one another, the holidays are still about the only time we get together.
We got back to our house about 4:00 p.m., rested a bit, and then I started cleaning up the mess around here. Still have a lot to do -- the dining room table is the goal for today! Gotta get that thing cleaned off!!! It has been stacked to the hilt for weeks (months?). What to do with boxes that I may need later for packing things to send to son who lives out of town???? I don't know but I am NOT throwing them away. I will have to hide them or Ken will throw them out.
So, the horrible thing about Christmas Day -- I received a FB message sometime Christmas evening advising that a cousin's husband had been killed when the tornado in Louisiana hit causing a tree to fall on their house. It hit where he was sitting. So, when one reads the news story about the 53 year old man killed in the tornado in Louisiana, that's my cousin's husband. Prayers for this family definitely needed.
I "met" this part of our family via the internet - a cousin contacted me because she, too, is involved in family research. Turns out we're not that distantly related. The cousin I communicate with is Rebecca Calhoun Allar. It is her sister's husband who was killed and their home destroyed (trailer). Unfortunately another sister and her husband also lived in a trailer behind the one where the tree fell. Their home was also destroyed in the tornado. Becky lives about 70 miles from where this happened, but all in northern Louisiana. May the good Lord bless and keep them.
This Christmas was rather strange. We haven't had our own children and grandchildren in our lives in several years...we had to bow out of the constant drama that was going on for self preservation, and as a result we were disowned by them...shunned, written off. Therefore it was a bit strange to have communication with one of the daughters throughout the latter part of the month of December even though it was just suggestions as to what to get each grandchild for Christmas. She thanked us for gifts and that was appreciated. The real shocker was to receive a thank you message from her sister who lives next door to her and who does not bother to speak to me even if she sees me. Have no idea if either daughter will continue communication now that the season is over. I've invited them to brunch at the tea room tomorrow and one daughter has responded in the positive. The other daughter has not responded at all. Whatever decision is made is ok.
That's it for now unless something interesting happens. I need to get busy. Have a great "day-after-Christmas-Day."
Monday, December 24, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
Good day. Started off good - we loaded Ken's Beetle with Christmas gifts to deliver to my daughters and grandchildren. Managed to make contact and drove to the home of one daughter and dropped off the gifts (daughters are next door neighbors). It was nice to see the daughtger and her children. We stayed about 30 minutes - we never stay long. On the way home we stopped at Mexican Inn (I had not had breakfast or lunch), a decision I later regretted but it was great eating. We took home some of their salsa, guacamole and pico to use to make pinwheels (tortillia roll ups) for Christmas gathering at my niece's house tomorrow.
Ken dropped me off at home then ran the store errands - I'm making rum balls for tomorrow as well and we were out of rum. But, he also had to go to the grocery store because no matter how many dang times we go to the store we are always out of something.
We made some stuff for the roll ups that is very good but leaves an afterburn! Whoo! They are really good. But, for the faint of heart we also made some "mild" ones.
I put on the Christmas Eve stew this morning, so that has made the house smell great all day - driving the dogs crazy. I haven't had any of it - afraid to eat.
This evening we stopped everything and went downtown to First United Methodist - I've been a member there since 1975 and Ken has been since 2002. The service was beautiful as always and very uplifting. I'm so glad we went. (We married in the courtyard garden in 2002.)
Now Ken has gone to bed and I've got to get the breakfast casserole ready to put in the oven first thing in the morning. It's going to be a good Christmas. (Then on Wednesday maybe we'll take back all our gifts to one another and get the money back - lol.)
Love to all, have much to do before bed. Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas.
Ken dropped me off at home then ran the store errands - I'm making rum balls for tomorrow as well and we were out of rum. But, he also had to go to the grocery store because no matter how many dang times we go to the store we are always out of something.
We made some stuff for the roll ups that is very good but leaves an afterburn! Whoo! They are really good. But, for the faint of heart we also made some "mild" ones.
I put on the Christmas Eve stew this morning, so that has made the house smell great all day - driving the dogs crazy. I haven't had any of it - afraid to eat.
This evening we stopped everything and went downtown to First United Methodist - I've been a member there since 1975 and Ken has been since 2002. The service was beautiful as always and very uplifting. I'm so glad we went. (We married in the courtyard garden in 2002.)
Now Ken has gone to bed and I've got to get the breakfast casserole ready to put in the oven first thing in the morning. It's going to be a good Christmas. (Then on Wednesday maybe we'll take back all our gifts to one another and get the money back - lol.)
Love to all, have much to do before bed. Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Wow! I thought today would be easy! NOT!
Needed to go to Wally World for some last-minute things. Intended to take money from savings account via ATM but only after I gathered up everything so I would know how much I needed. Got through gathering very quickly - only had some last-minute things to grab. Calculated what I had and went to the ATM machine -- sign says, "This ATM is not working." Dang! Now I had a choice - I could have used the $$ in my checking account and then figure out how to get the $$ out of savings to put back but that would mean a trip to Arlington - and CU is not open tomorrow. Or, I could call the house to see if Ken had suggestions - and he did! Since I was at the store close to home he put on shoes, went by the nearby bank, and brought the $$ to me.
To explain WHY all this ridiculous maneuvering was necessary, stupid me never electronically transfers $$ from the savings account...only TO it. So, as I've been shopping I've been going home and transferring money from savings to checking to cover purchases. I had NO idea only 6 transfers per month are allowed! But apparently there is some government regulations regarding that kind of stuff. So, I had maxed out my 6 allowable transfers. I learned that when I went to transfer funds yesterday. BUT the same stupid rules allow a person to withdraw from the account. Just makes it more complicated to do things.
Anyway, got that business done and made the purchases -- actually got finished in relatively short time. Went by Dollar Tree to get gift boxes -- had none. So, I made a decision and got gift bags. They will have to do...at this point I no longer care. (lol)
Next I took off down the road to Hulen Mall so I could return some things to Macy's...things I had bought myself and then had buyer's remorse and took them back...I don't need them and I used equal amount of funds on purchases for others. Amazingly I finished at Macy's very quickly and was on my way again. I headed to Albertson's and got a few things to tide us over until the day after Christmas...the one thing I cannot do without is Zero Coke - I'm addicted. I also bought some ham steaks for us for Christmas evening, and supplies to make a hashbrown casserole for breakfast Christmas morning. For Christmas Eve I will put on a crockpot of stew. We will go to church Christmas Eve night and then spend Christmas Day at my nieces. The family has decided to keep the meal simple this year -- finger foods. So I'm making some cream cheese/rotel roll ups, cookies, and some candy. That's about it.
Tonight we are delivering to my husband's family...we don't look forward to it. We try not to go in, preferring just to drop off and leave. Hopefully we can get by with that tonight.
I dread the next two days. Only the lonely understand what I mean. There's absolutely nothing like having to live through holiday after holiday without family while watching the rest of the world laughing, playing together, celebrating. Each year I pray only to get Christmas Eve and Christmas Day behind me so that once again I can pretend that everything is ok. Last year I didn't bother to get out of bed - there was no reason to. This year I pray for the strength to have a better day.
Other than that - Merry Christmas Eve Eve!
Needed to go to Wally World for some last-minute things. Intended to take money from savings account via ATM but only after I gathered up everything so I would know how much I needed. Got through gathering very quickly - only had some last-minute things to grab. Calculated what I had and went to the ATM machine -- sign says, "This ATM is not working." Dang! Now I had a choice - I could have used the $$ in my checking account and then figure out how to get the $$ out of savings to put back but that would mean a trip to Arlington - and CU is not open tomorrow. Or, I could call the house to see if Ken had suggestions - and he did! Since I was at the store close to home he put on shoes, went by the nearby bank, and brought the $$ to me.
To explain WHY all this ridiculous maneuvering was necessary, stupid me never electronically transfers $$ from the savings account...only TO it. So, as I've been shopping I've been going home and transferring money from savings to checking to cover purchases. I had NO idea only 6 transfers per month are allowed! But apparently there is some government regulations regarding that kind of stuff. So, I had maxed out my 6 allowable transfers. I learned that when I went to transfer funds yesterday. BUT the same stupid rules allow a person to withdraw from the account. Just makes it more complicated to do things.
Anyway, got that business done and made the purchases -- actually got finished in relatively short time. Went by Dollar Tree to get gift boxes -- had none. So, I made a decision and got gift bags. They will have to do...at this point I no longer care. (lol)
Next I took off down the road to Hulen Mall so I could return some things to Macy's...things I had bought myself and then had buyer's remorse and took them back...I don't need them and I used equal amount of funds on purchases for others. Amazingly I finished at Macy's very quickly and was on my way again. I headed to Albertson's and got a few things to tide us over until the day after Christmas...the one thing I cannot do without is Zero Coke - I'm addicted. I also bought some ham steaks for us for Christmas evening, and supplies to make a hashbrown casserole for breakfast Christmas morning. For Christmas Eve I will put on a crockpot of stew. We will go to church Christmas Eve night and then spend Christmas Day at my nieces. The family has decided to keep the meal simple this year -- finger foods. So I'm making some cream cheese/rotel roll ups, cookies, and some candy. That's about it.
Tonight we are delivering to my husband's family...we don't look forward to it. We try not to go in, preferring just to drop off and leave. Hopefully we can get by with that tonight.
I dread the next two days. Only the lonely understand what I mean. There's absolutely nothing like having to live through holiday after holiday without family while watching the rest of the world laughing, playing together, celebrating. Each year I pray only to get Christmas Eve and Christmas Day behind me so that once again I can pretend that everything is ok. Last year I didn't bother to get out of bed - there was no reason to. This year I pray for the strength to have a better day.
Other than that - Merry Christmas Eve Eve!
Friday, December 21, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
The day is almost over ... the world has not come to an end today thus far. Of course, in Eastern countries it is already the 22nd of December. But then again, the Mayan's never said the world would end on December 21, 2012...that was just when they stopped working on the calendar. Maybe something tragic happened and they couldn't continue work on it...maybe the person doing it died and the job wasn't passed on to someone else. Of course our belief is what the Bible says - that no man knows the day nor the hour. But based on what we see around us that happening in the world, it sure seems close at hand!
Been really busy - been Christmas shopping. Not spending a bunch of moolah on anyone, but with so many it takes money and time to do it all. I am about worn out. Thankfully son and family requested all cash - that granddaughter is graduating from high school this next spring and they are saving for a graduation trip - maybe to the islands or something. So, check was easy to mail. Unfortunately the news from them is that they having received the package with the cookies and candy yet nor the small box with some trinket gifts for them plus their card. Hope to heck none of it is lost in the mail.
I still need to finish Ken's Christmas stuff and maybe pick up one more thing for a certain grandchild. But first thing tomorrow morning I have to bathe Bennie (can't do it unless Ken is at home because he is too heavy for me to lift in/out of the tub - but I'm getting stronger!) Want to get that over early. I went by the vet this afternoon and picked up their flea meds. I found flea dirt on Luci last night so first thing that happened this day was she got a bath, towel dried, brushed, blow dried, hair in pony and new shirt on. She can't have the flea med until tomorrow ... vet wants to wait for 24 hours after the bath. We take no chances with her since the horrible experience of last June. We'll do the same 24 hour wait for Bennie. If I thought I would get away with it, I would bathe the cats - but I can't - I'm not ready to be killed!
We were invited to a granddaughter's band concert earlier. We went, but did not sit with the family. My ex did, of course - he is the great white father now that they are grown and all the responsibility is over. Anyway, I was glad to be invited. We didn't stick around after the concert but left immediately afterwards, dropped some things off on their front porch, then headed back to Fort Worth. There has been some communication with the granddaughter's mother (my daughter) since then, but mostly about what to get the children for Christmas. That's been helpful. That's the most anyone has said to me in 4 years. Guess I'll take what I can get.
No idea when we will drive over and drop the packages off on their porch...there's no family gathering any more. We just do a drive by, drop off, leave. Same with Ken's biological son/family. We will finish up theirs tomorrow and hopefully get it dropped off as well. We don't actually go to their house -- afraid of being shot. We just drop off at Ken's dad and they pick up from Ken's dad's. We are ready for the gifting part of Christmas to be behind us because participating in this nonsense is very painful.
So, what else? Ken's new job. He has gone to work part-time for a family-owned/operated metal building company in Burleson. Working 3 days per week. They are nice to him. He got paid today - he got a Christmas bonus! Not a huge amount, but definitely a nice surprise!
I've decided I'm NOT going to do sub teaching any more. Either I get a job teaching in a different environment, or I don't teach. I've been thinking about applying at Macy's or something. That would mean being on my feet, but it would also mean continuing to build up my stamina. Or maybe a job at Wal-Mart. I don't want to work full time, however. Just want to work at something about 3 days/20 hours per week.
That's it. Nothing more to tell. Hope everyone is ready for Christmas celebrating.
Been really busy - been Christmas shopping. Not spending a bunch of moolah on anyone, but with so many it takes money and time to do it all. I am about worn out. Thankfully son and family requested all cash - that granddaughter is graduating from high school this next spring and they are saving for a graduation trip - maybe to the islands or something. So, check was easy to mail. Unfortunately the news from them is that they having received the package with the cookies and candy yet nor the small box with some trinket gifts for them plus their card. Hope to heck none of it is lost in the mail.
I still need to finish Ken's Christmas stuff and maybe pick up one more thing for a certain grandchild. But first thing tomorrow morning I have to bathe Bennie (can't do it unless Ken is at home because he is too heavy for me to lift in/out of the tub - but I'm getting stronger!) Want to get that over early. I went by the vet this afternoon and picked up their flea meds. I found flea dirt on Luci last night so first thing that happened this day was she got a bath, towel dried, brushed, blow dried, hair in pony and new shirt on. She can't have the flea med until tomorrow ... vet wants to wait for 24 hours after the bath. We take no chances with her since the horrible experience of last June. We'll do the same 24 hour wait for Bennie. If I thought I would get away with it, I would bathe the cats - but I can't - I'm not ready to be killed!
We were invited to a granddaughter's band concert earlier. We went, but did not sit with the family. My ex did, of course - he is the great white father now that they are grown and all the responsibility is over. Anyway, I was glad to be invited. We didn't stick around after the concert but left immediately afterwards, dropped some things off on their front porch, then headed back to Fort Worth. There has been some communication with the granddaughter's mother (my daughter) since then, but mostly about what to get the children for Christmas. That's been helpful. That's the most anyone has said to me in 4 years. Guess I'll take what I can get.
No idea when we will drive over and drop the packages off on their porch...there's no family gathering any more. We just do a drive by, drop off, leave. Same with Ken's biological son/family. We will finish up theirs tomorrow and hopefully get it dropped off as well. We don't actually go to their house -- afraid of being shot. We just drop off at Ken's dad and they pick up from Ken's dad's. We are ready for the gifting part of Christmas to be behind us because participating in this nonsense is very painful.
So, what else? Ken's new job. He has gone to work part-time for a family-owned/operated metal building company in Burleson. Working 3 days per week. They are nice to him. He got paid today - he got a Christmas bonus! Not a huge amount, but definitely a nice surprise!
I've decided I'm NOT going to do sub teaching any more. Either I get a job teaching in a different environment, or I don't teach. I've been thinking about applying at Macy's or something. That would mean being on my feet, but it would also mean continuing to build up my stamina. Or maybe a job at Wal-Mart. I don't want to work full time, however. Just want to work at something about 3 days/20 hours per week.
That's it. Nothing more to tell. Hope everyone is ready for Christmas celebrating.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
Had Ken wake me up when he left for work this morning - then promptly went back to sleep -- didn't wake up 'til after 10 a.m. Oh, well, not like I really have to do anything!
Made a batch of the easy peppermint bark and let it cool while I was waking up. finally made it out the door a little after noon and went to the post office to mail the tin of cookies/candy to Colorado to my son and his family. Now to get the rest of their stuff put together tomorrow so I can get it mailed off! Thank goodness that's all I'm doing this year in the way of getting things to people! I will have a few things for my two daughters' families but nothing like in past years, and I'm not too concerned about getting those packed and mailed. The way things are right now, I will probably do with those packages what I've done with some other things - get them boxed or bagged and just put them in the front bedroom so that someday when I'm dead and gone maybe someone will get their stuff to them. I'm just not going to disrespect myself again by making arrangements to drop off things as I've done the past 3 Christmases. I finally got THAT message loud and clear last year. (Made a run through the toy department tonight, looked at everything and the prices and considered buying things for the kiddos, but then I thought about the fact that I haven't been allowed to have anything to do with these children in 4 years -- why am I concerned about buying gifts for them? So, I left the store.) We're not buying for Ken's dad/step-mother this year either...they made it pretty clear they want nothing to do with us; and we're not buying for Ken's son's family either - for the same reason. Being disowned by both sides of the family is certainly saving us bucks this year.
SO, now need to make a batch of cookies to take to my kidney doctor -- he's a cookie 'holic, but like me doesn't need to be. And need to get a cookie bucket made up for the housekeeper. Other than that I need to finish a little bit of shopping for Ken - then I'll be done. We're still trying to figure out what we are going to do about Christmas Day -- we may just drive up to Win Star for the day -- it will beat sitting around here being depressed! and we see no point in cooking all that food for just the two of us.
That's it for today...nothing to report, as usual. God bless.
Made a batch of the easy peppermint bark and let it cool while I was waking up. finally made it out the door a little after noon and went to the post office to mail the tin of cookies/candy to Colorado to my son and his family. Now to get the rest of their stuff put together tomorrow so I can get it mailed off! Thank goodness that's all I'm doing this year in the way of getting things to people! I will have a few things for my two daughters' families but nothing like in past years, and I'm not too concerned about getting those packed and mailed. The way things are right now, I will probably do with those packages what I've done with some other things - get them boxed or bagged and just put them in the front bedroom so that someday when I'm dead and gone maybe someone will get their stuff to them. I'm just not going to disrespect myself again by making arrangements to drop off things as I've done the past 3 Christmases. I finally got THAT message loud and clear last year. (Made a run through the toy department tonight, looked at everything and the prices and considered buying things for the kiddos, but then I thought about the fact that I haven't been allowed to have anything to do with these children in 4 years -- why am I concerned about buying gifts for them? So, I left the store.) We're not buying for Ken's dad/step-mother this year either...they made it pretty clear they want nothing to do with us; and we're not buying for Ken's son's family either - for the same reason. Being disowned by both sides of the family is certainly saving us bucks this year.
SO, now need to make a batch of cookies to take to my kidney doctor -- he's a cookie 'holic, but like me doesn't need to be. And need to get a cookie bucket made up for the housekeeper. Other than that I need to finish a little bit of shopping for Ken - then I'll be done. We're still trying to figure out what we are going to do about Christmas Day -- we may just drive up to Win Star for the day -- it will beat sitting around here being depressed! and we see no point in cooking all that food for just the two of us.
That's it for today...nothing to report, as usual. God bless.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Lazy, lazy, lazy! I've partially cleaned the kitchen - much to do in there...wherever in the world does all the stupid paperwork come from! It's everywhere! In piles. Hopefully most of it has outlived its usefulness and can be thrown away. I culled out a stack on Thursday and lo and behold I found another stack in its place today! Ken is the king of piling things! and I'm certainly not any better -- except I just scatter it instead of piling it!
SO, today I've made peanut butter cookie dough which is currently chilling in the frig. I'll make cookies in a while because I have to ship to my son tomorrow. Don't have all their stuff ready to mail (or anyone else's for that matter), but need to get this part on its way.
I found some really cute small Christmas buckets (metal pails) at Hobby Lobby a week or so ago so last night I filled those with Christmas candy (store bought/wrapped) so those are ready to go to the grandchildren. We ordered the fudge from Swiss Colony this year so that has been shipped. Other than that we've bought an ornament for each of the children and grandchildren but 've got to figure out how to pack those. This year we are not making a trip to anyone's home on Christmas Eve to deliver. That proved to be really awkward last year so we won't do that again this year. Best just to stay distant. Kinda like putting your hand on a hot stove -- you learn pretty quickly!
I've got one gift for each of my daughters, my son and daughter-in-law have requested cash only so that one is really easy to send, we do the same for my step son and his family, so basically all we have to do is get a gift or two for the local grandchildren (and I always try to send something to my granddaughter in Colorado something in addition to the cash - but at 17 she puts the cash to good use!).
So, that leaves Ken. What in the world do you buy for someone who doesn't need anything? He wants a new computer but that's not happening. He can buy that out of his own paycheck. Did I mention that he went back to work? Part time, accounting, for a company in Burleson. May or may not be permanent. Owner has Ken watching over what's happening -- not real sure what Ken's job is because the owner's daughter is doing books and the wife/mother is doing payroll. But, money while it lasts! And he's GONE 3 days a week!!! Plus he has group on Tuesday and works at the mission on Thursday - so he's out of my hair 5 days a week!!!
As a substitute teacher, many of my days spent with pre-k, kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade, I am totally saddened by the shootings in Connecticut. I thought about the little ones I've had in classes and I know I felt like an old mother lion just when I thought some of them were being mistreated by the sub librarian. And I thought about the classrooms in which I've taught - no way out of them except the main door...no windows to crawl out of, no way to escape. How in the world would I protect those little babies? In the situation in Connecticut, I'm probably a bad person because I am glad the shooter is dead.
That's about it for today...nothing to tell. Things are pretty much the same as always. Hope everyone had a great weekend.
SO, today I've made peanut butter cookie dough which is currently chilling in the frig. I'll make cookies in a while because I have to ship to my son tomorrow. Don't have all their stuff ready to mail (or anyone else's for that matter), but need to get this part on its way.
I found some really cute small Christmas buckets (metal pails) at Hobby Lobby a week or so ago so last night I filled those with Christmas candy (store bought/wrapped) so those are ready to go to the grandchildren. We ordered the fudge from Swiss Colony this year so that has been shipped. Other than that we've bought an ornament for each of the children and grandchildren but 've got to figure out how to pack those. This year we are not making a trip to anyone's home on Christmas Eve to deliver. That proved to be really awkward last year so we won't do that again this year. Best just to stay distant. Kinda like putting your hand on a hot stove -- you learn pretty quickly!
I've got one gift for each of my daughters, my son and daughter-in-law have requested cash only so that one is really easy to send, we do the same for my step son and his family, so basically all we have to do is get a gift or two for the local grandchildren (and I always try to send something to my granddaughter in Colorado something in addition to the cash - but at 17 she puts the cash to good use!).
So, that leaves Ken. What in the world do you buy for someone who doesn't need anything? He wants a new computer but that's not happening. He can buy that out of his own paycheck. Did I mention that he went back to work? Part time, accounting, for a company in Burleson. May or may not be permanent. Owner has Ken watching over what's happening -- not real sure what Ken's job is because the owner's daughter is doing books and the wife/mother is doing payroll. But, money while it lasts! And he's GONE 3 days a week!!! Plus he has group on Tuesday and works at the mission on Thursday - so he's out of my hair 5 days a week!!!
As a substitute teacher, many of my days spent with pre-k, kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade, I am totally saddened by the shootings in Connecticut. I thought about the little ones I've had in classes and I know I felt like an old mother lion just when I thought some of them were being mistreated by the sub librarian. And I thought about the classrooms in which I've taught - no way out of them except the main door...no windows to crawl out of, no way to escape. How in the world would I protect those little babies? In the situation in Connecticut, I'm probably a bad person because I am glad the shooter is dead.
That's about it for today...nothing to tell. Things are pretty much the same as always. Hope everyone had a great weekend.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Been totally worthless the last two days...just feel exhausted for some reason. Yesterday I made it to the store, finally, at about 2:00 p.m. Had to buy some groceries - we've been out of just about everything. I've slept an awful lot - and that worries me. The doctors have told me that when the "end" comes around that I will start wanting to sleep a lot, then a lot more, and then I will just go to sleep...death from kidney failure is pretty quiet. Of course I'm also told that I'm stressing over that for no reason because they don't think that's what I'm experiencing...but who knows.
BUT, just in case, I'm trying to get some things summed up/completed. I've recently gone through some boxes and papers and mailed off some things to the kids. As I come across things I will now send packages. These are things like pictures, report cards, various paperwork that is about each of the kids. Time for them to decide if they want to keep them...I am resentful that my own dad never allowed me to have any of my personal things. As a result I have very little of my school pictures, pictures of me as a child, and such.
Anyway, 'nuf of that. One of the things I'm trying to complete is my "social" stuff. I am a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution through my gggg grandfather, James Kilgore, Sr. of Darlington, South Carolina. However, James' son and grandson, my gg and ggg grandfathers - Samuel and Matthew Kilgore, were civil war soldiers from Jones County, Mississippi. For a long time I have been working on paperwork to complete my application for the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Julia Jackson Chapter, here in Fort Worth, Texas. I have finally submitted the application so am now just gathering the documentation to send to the Registrar. I should have that completed some time this week. I did not take teacher assignments for last Thursday and instead went to the December meeting and luncheon of the UDC that was held at the Fort Worth Women's Club. Very nice - met some nice ladies. Some of these are also in the Mary Isham Keith chapter of the DAR - the chapter I belong to. They also meet at the Women's Club.
Although I was invited years ago to become a member of the Etta Newby Club (FW Women's Club), I never accepted and thus the UDC meeting is the first time I have ever been in that beautiful mansion here in Fort Worth. It is gorgeous. And the food was scrumptious. Think I'll go again. Think I might get the hang of this retirement thing after all. I always said what I was going to do in my retirement was meet friends for lunch at the club for shrimp salad! I was just teasing, but now maybe not so much!
In connection with family history, I've been working with the Jones County, Mississippi, genealogy society and need to complete the book I'm working on that will be placed in their library. The Kilgore roots in Jones County run deep even though my great grandfather and great grandmother migrated to Texas. Even after that migration family members continued to go back and forth to Jones County, and some of them stayed there rather than here in Texas (after all, we still had lots of family in Jones). I still communicate with family in Jones County even today. And my dad continued to go back to Jones County for reunions. Anyway, because my ggg grandfather was a sheriff in Jones County back in the day (he died in January 1863, so it's been a while!) the society wants a compilation on the family history. My distant cousin and I have been working on this for a while (she's in her late 70's). Believe it or not, her name is Dorothy while mine is Dorthy. We also have another cousin by the name of Dorothy. Kinda like my brother Darryl and my other brother Darryl. So, I want to get this wrapped up and get on to something else.
Right now I am going to take a shower and shampoo my hair - first time I've felt like it in a couple of days. I'm a little "rank." After that my goal tonight is to make two Christmas pillows for my daughter Megan. I made Brandi's last year but haven't given them to her. This year it is what they will get because we just do not have the funds to spend for big major gifts for everybody.
So, I'm off to fight the dragons - whatever and wherever they are. Take care; God bless.
BUT, just in case, I'm trying to get some things summed up/completed. I've recently gone through some boxes and papers and mailed off some things to the kids. As I come across things I will now send packages. These are things like pictures, report cards, various paperwork that is about each of the kids. Time for them to decide if they want to keep them...I am resentful that my own dad never allowed me to have any of my personal things. As a result I have very little of my school pictures, pictures of me as a child, and such.
Anyway, 'nuf of that. One of the things I'm trying to complete is my "social" stuff. I am a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution through my gggg grandfather, James Kilgore, Sr. of Darlington, South Carolina. However, James' son and grandson, my gg and ggg grandfathers - Samuel and Matthew Kilgore, were civil war soldiers from Jones County, Mississippi. For a long time I have been working on paperwork to complete my application for the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Julia Jackson Chapter, here in Fort Worth, Texas. I have finally submitted the application so am now just gathering the documentation to send to the Registrar. I should have that completed some time this week. I did not take teacher assignments for last Thursday and instead went to the December meeting and luncheon of the UDC that was held at the Fort Worth Women's Club. Very nice - met some nice ladies. Some of these are also in the Mary Isham Keith chapter of the DAR - the chapter I belong to. They also meet at the Women's Club.
Although I was invited years ago to become a member of the Etta Newby Club (FW Women's Club), I never accepted and thus the UDC meeting is the first time I have ever been in that beautiful mansion here in Fort Worth. It is gorgeous. And the food was scrumptious. Think I'll go again. Think I might get the hang of this retirement thing after all. I always said what I was going to do in my retirement was meet friends for lunch at the club for shrimp salad! I was just teasing, but now maybe not so much!
In connection with family history, I've been working with the Jones County, Mississippi, genealogy society and need to complete the book I'm working on that will be placed in their library. The Kilgore roots in Jones County run deep even though my great grandfather and great grandmother migrated to Texas. Even after that migration family members continued to go back and forth to Jones County, and some of them stayed there rather than here in Texas (after all, we still had lots of family in Jones). I still communicate with family in Jones County even today. And my dad continued to go back to Jones County for reunions. Anyway, because my ggg grandfather was a sheriff in Jones County back in the day (he died in January 1863, so it's been a while!) the society wants a compilation on the family history. My distant cousin and I have been working on this for a while (she's in her late 70's). Believe it or not, her name is Dorothy while mine is Dorthy. We also have another cousin by the name of Dorothy. Kinda like my brother Darryl and my other brother Darryl. So, I want to get this wrapped up and get on to something else.
Right now I am going to take a shower and shampoo my hair - first time I've felt like it in a couple of days. I'm a little "rank." After that my goal tonight is to make two Christmas pillows for my daughter Megan. I made Brandi's last year but haven't given them to her. This year it is what they will get because we just do not have the funds to spend for big major gifts for everybody.
So, I'm off to fight the dragons - whatever and wherever they are. Take care; God bless.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
I'm worn to a frazzle! Had a full day with third graders. Except this was a third grade from somewhere outta space! First of all, there was no lesson plan to be found, just some vague instructions for the beginning of class, then a couple of lines about what to do for the spelling test and the reading worksheet. Fortunately the team teacher (also 3rd grade, next door) came to help me out a minute and we were able to put together a "day" for the students. Her class and the one I had switch at mid day.
From the beginning these kids decided Substitute Teacher Syndrome would be appropriate behavior for the day. And I actually asked them if this was the way they behaved for their regular teacher. they said no. I was totally unprepared for the absolute defiance from some of the students. They would not sit down, they would not respect me nor their co-students, they got out of their chairs and went wherever they wanted in the room even while I was trying to teach. They hit, shoved, cursed one another, and at one point did the same to me. At one point it became necessary for me to get assistance from the other teacher and we had to remove a student. This class was the epitome of every classroom one has ever seen on television where the students were totally out of control - chair overturned, desks moved, total disregard for order.
As I said, I thought it was me. At my break I went to the teacher's lounge. There were other teachers in there - I was about to the breaking point. I told them I had totally lost control of the class, even though I had a parent volunteer in the class to assist me! Between us we couldn't get the class under control. Another sub was in the lounge as well - she was having the same problem. We discussed with the other teachers that according to our training we were not to use "drill sargeant" actions with them (don't raise the voice, use only positive reinforcement, etc.). The regular teachers told us the only way they get order in the classroom is by totally ignoring the training and taking charge. They said the people who put that training together apparently have never been in one of our classrooms, and that they deal with these actions every day and that it is not just a substitute teacher problem. They say it is an epidemic...that children now days will not listen, will not respect, will not pay attention, do whatever they want to. They told us it is totally out of hand.
Anyway, to make a long story longer, at recess I was approached by some of the regular teachers wanting to know if I would be willing to come back to sub again. I was kinda surprised. but they told me I was actually doing a good job. And, of course, they have a hard time getting subs...no one is willing to come put up with it! I laughed. I told them I'm willing to sub for them as long as there are other teachers around who will step in to help me when it gets rough like it did that morning. They told me that was no problem - that they do it all the time! So I'll probably be going back to that school.
I'm signed up to teach a different class on Friday - different school. Middle school. I hope I survive. But tomorrow I'm taking a break - having lunch at the Fort Worth Women's Club. Both the DAR and the United Daughters of the Confederacy meet at the FWWC...it will be nice to go so something a little sweeter than the classroom today.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
A GOOD day! I've learned to appreciate each and every GOOD day!!!
Yesterday was grandson Jacob's 9th birthday. I wasn't invited, of course, and I didn't get to see him - also of course. But, I thought about him all week and got his gift cards mailed last Thursday and hopefully he got them. I'll never know, but I've decided to be ok anyway.
Ken went to the store for me early this morning...to get supplies for making Christmas goodies. Today was quilting club Christmas party. I made some peppermint bark and peanut butter fudge. The bark was/is good; the fudge is good but it overcooked a bit and set up a little "dry." the good thing is, it won't matter! Ken and I will dip it in chocolate and it will be just fine. As for the peppermint bark, we like to drop a bit of that in a cup of coffee. This was our favorite drink when we were out camping...I think it will taste just fine out on the back porch.
Our little Christmas party was fun -- I love being with these ladies...they are all so smart, intelligent mind blowing women. It feeds my brain as well as my soul to be with these ladies. They are mostly employed by or retired from my former employer so they truly are bright women, plus they are talented, crafty women. I keep hoping that just being with them will somehow make me better at the simply things I do!
Anyway, we play a dice game - have no idea what it is called - Left, Right, Center. Everyone gets chips. In turn each one throws the dice. The player must do whatever the dice show when they are thrown. If one indicates left, a chip is given to the person to the left; same with right; and if one says center, a chip is placed in the center of the table. The last person with chips left wiuns the game. Some pretty neat prizes are given out after each game.
Today I got a fat quarter that has coffee cups/kitcheny things on it. It will be perfect for making a half apron! I will need to add some sashing to each side as well as to the bottom; and will need to make the waist band and ties as well as the pocket out of something different. I've been wanting to make a new apron, and this is perfect for that.
The other prize I got is fabric to make one of those fast pillowcases like I made for all the various members of the family for Christmas 2010. It's cupcake fabric with some plain brown for trim along with some dot fabric for the pillowcase top. These are so easy to make - should take about an hour or less. Directions say to wash the fabric first - not sure I want to do that (lol). I love unwashed fabrics! But experience tells me these 100% cotton pillowcases wrinkle like all get out! I made some for Kenneth out of University of Texas fabric...they always need to be ironed...I'm not into ironing!
This evening we went to Chili's - we shared a burger and salad. I needed something to counter all the SWEET from the party. Oh, my, it was all good. And I love the coffee at Susan's house -- it's perked coffee...and I can certainly tell the difference in it and drip coffee. Kenneth found my percolator (sp?) and I think I'll make a pot of decaf for tomorrow evening after dinner. Ken will be gone all day tomorrow with his playmates to celebrate friend Chuck's birthday (it's a guy lunch/party) so I'll be spending tomorrow alone. Maybe I'll finally finish cleaning the den and get a few Christmas things out. No one's going to be at our house, but maybe we will feel better about Christmas if we put out a few things.
That's about it - I need to do a few things then crawl into bed. I hope I sleep - I usually don't and get back up but I'm tired so maybe I will. Maybe I'll dream of my kiddos again. I think my wishing they would show up at the front door to surprise me is working it's way into my dreams. That's not going to happen, but oh, well. It's better than nightmares.
And so, the end of another weekend.
Yesterday was grandson Jacob's 9th birthday. I wasn't invited, of course, and I didn't get to see him - also of course. But, I thought about him all week and got his gift cards mailed last Thursday and hopefully he got them. I'll never know, but I've decided to be ok anyway.
Ken went to the store for me early this morning...to get supplies for making Christmas goodies. Today was quilting club Christmas party. I made some peppermint bark and peanut butter fudge. The bark was/is good; the fudge is good but it overcooked a bit and set up a little "dry." the good thing is, it won't matter! Ken and I will dip it in chocolate and it will be just fine. As for the peppermint bark, we like to drop a bit of that in a cup of coffee. This was our favorite drink when we were out camping...I think it will taste just fine out on the back porch.
Our little Christmas party was fun -- I love being with these ladies...they are all so smart, intelligent mind blowing women. It feeds my brain as well as my soul to be with these ladies. They are mostly employed by or retired from my former employer so they truly are bright women, plus they are talented, crafty women. I keep hoping that just being with them will somehow make me better at the simply things I do!
Anyway, we play a dice game - have no idea what it is called - Left, Right, Center. Everyone gets chips. In turn each one throws the dice. The player must do whatever the dice show when they are thrown. If one indicates left, a chip is given to the person to the left; same with right; and if one says center, a chip is placed in the center of the table. The last person with chips left wiuns the game. Some pretty neat prizes are given out after each game.
Today I got a fat quarter that has coffee cups/kitcheny things on it. It will be perfect for making a half apron! I will need to add some sashing to each side as well as to the bottom; and will need to make the waist band and ties as well as the pocket out of something different. I've been wanting to make a new apron, and this is perfect for that.
The other prize I got is fabric to make one of those fast pillowcases like I made for all the various members of the family for Christmas 2010. It's cupcake fabric with some plain brown for trim along with some dot fabric for the pillowcase top. These are so easy to make - should take about an hour or less. Directions say to wash the fabric first - not sure I want to do that (lol). I love unwashed fabrics! But experience tells me these 100% cotton pillowcases wrinkle like all get out! I made some for Kenneth out of University of Texas fabric...they always need to be ironed...I'm not into ironing!
This evening we went to Chili's - we shared a burger and salad. I needed something to counter all the SWEET from the party. Oh, my, it was all good. And I love the coffee at Susan's house -- it's perked coffee...and I can certainly tell the difference in it and drip coffee. Kenneth found my percolator (sp?) and I think I'll make a pot of decaf for tomorrow evening after dinner. Ken will be gone all day tomorrow with his playmates to celebrate friend Chuck's birthday (it's a guy lunch/party) so I'll be spending tomorrow alone. Maybe I'll finally finish cleaning the den and get a few Christmas things out. No one's going to be at our house, but maybe we will feel better about Christmas if we put out a few things.
That's about it - I need to do a few things then crawl into bed. I hope I sleep - I usually don't and get back up but I'm tired so maybe I will. Maybe I'll dream of my kiddos again. I think my wishing they would show up at the front door to surprise me is working it's way into my dreams. That's not going to happen, but oh, well. It's better than nightmares.
And so, the end of another weekend.
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