What Did You Do Today?

[gja1000]

Yep Betsi, I bet you have a great time.

We had a busy time here at the hospital this morning. They took Gary to another floor to a shower room with a chair. It's the first time he had been out of bed since last Fri, so he was very weak, but he did really good. He was able to transfer from bed to wheelchair and then when we got to the shower room, there was a toilet inside, so he sat on the toilet and had a bowel movement (he's been on the bedpan since last Fri -wouldn't he just DIE if he knew I told you that. LOL!). Then he transferred to the shower chair, did his shower himself, and then transferred back to the wheelchair. Needless to say, he is passed out asleep back in his room now, but he sure feels a lot better after a good shower and head scrubbing.

His procedure to place the catheter is at 3:00 and they will do dialysis after that. He will have to stay in ICU at least till tomorrow, and maybe till Fri. It just depends how he does with dialysis. The plan is to have cardiac rehab get him up and around tomorrow and through the weekend and then get him out of the hospital the first of next week. His cardiologist would like him to go to a rehab center for a week of rehab, but he probably won't go for that. We'll see.

[Lindsey]

Diana, there was mayonnaise on the sandwich. The meat was cooked well (I checked that with my first bite!) so it must have been the mayonnaise. I don't even like mayo and I normally order things without it if I know it comes with it! But I didn't know, because I never eat at Burger King.

Luckily my face was all that burned! I was wearing a hoodie with the hood up , and sunglasses on. I do have a sunglass tan now! You can't see it too badly when I wear makeup so it should be easy to keep covered until it evens out lol! Luckily there was no tan on my neck or my hands lol! The rest of me was well covered in a bunch of other sweaters, and a sleeping Kash :D It was his first boat ride!

Gayle, what sort of rehab would Gary do in a rehab centre? Would it be just to get him up and moving?

[gja1000]

Whew! Lindsey, I'm glad your tan is easily managed! I know you will be spectacularly beautiful, no matter what.

The rehab will just be to get him stronger, just walking, showering and the like. He had not been doing much of anything for a few weeks before he came into the hospital so he is very debilitated now. He just needs to get his strength back.

[2tiredmom]

Gayle, I hope Gary is doing better tonight. That has to be hard on you too.
I am keeping you all in my prayers.

[gja1000]

He is doing better tonight. They pulled off a lot of fluid from the dialysis so he should feel better soon. He had some trouble breathing this evening, but I think that is resolved.

[DianaB]

That's good to hear. I'm sure Gary feels better with the fluid off. I hope that he's able to get his strength back quickly and get back home. I'm sure he's very weak after being in bed for several days.

Gayle, make sure you're taking care of yourself. Start drinking some Ensure and carry some granola bars or something like that with you. Thanks so much for the updates on Gary. Just remember that Gayle is important too!!!


We had our last Alley with the kids tonight. It's our last for a couple of months. We went to a park and played the Mass Organized Chaos game!! It's so crazy!! Everyone has a card that tells them something to do......like find three friends and play leapfrog.......or pretend to make a phone call with your shoe......or get shaving cream on you and give someone a hug!! There's lots of shaving cream, water, bananas, and other things!! Even the adults are part of the game so......yes, I ended up with shaving cream all over.....I did miss out on the water part because I was in charge of the camera......taking a video of what was going on and also the kids had to come to me and act like a monkey while eating a banana!! It was a perfect evening for doing it and I had a blast!!

[Janet]

So glad Gary is feeling better and they got so much fluid off. Has anyone from PT been in to exercise his arms and legs? Praying for you both and wish I could be there with you.

Diana...you always have so much fun doing the craziest things with the kids. I don't think I've been anywhere even as a kid that did what you all do. I'm glad you have such a great time.

[gja1000]

Hi All! Gary is making progress! He got up in the chair for about an hour and a half. He was really tired but he did good. They got off another 2 liters today. His abdomen is still pretty distended, but it should go down in time. He gets his IV stopped tomorrow and gets to move to a regular room.

Yes Janet cardiac came by today and gave him some chair exercises to do. They will probably get him up to walk tomorrow. He's finally making progress!

[Janet]

Yay!! I'm so glad! Doing the chair exercises will help build him up. Mom would always refuse unless I was with her and made her do them.

[DianaB]

Janet, we do have fun!! Glen and I have both tried to be fun when we were raising our kids and now it's our kids who are fun.......and we tag along. The game we played is just that Chaos!!! There's nothing like having a kid come up with shaving cream all over him and he wants a hug!!! Cool!!

Also, in the Alley skit I played an old woman who continually was harassed by some young kids. I loved it!! On the last skit I took three other older women (my Mom was one) and we got the skit kits back with silly string, wet toilet paper balls, and a squirt gun.....that had LOTS of water (I had that one!!) The kids loved it and we got them as well!!

Karley and Kiley go to Wichita tonight to run one of their races. Glen and I aren't going. I would love to but Glen's busy working and we have other things going on.

I worked on the hosta beds yesterday and was so sore that I didn't sleep well last night and took ibuprophen first thing this morning. In a little while I'm going to Jaci's and we're going to plant a few hostas in her yard. She's really gotten into flowers and planting things. I'm planning on spending some of the day at her house.

[Janet]

I went to the pee dr. this morning and they did this test where they fill my bladder up and make me cough to see about leakage. Looks like I have to have that mesh thing put in to hold my bladder up. Not really looking forward to it. Once the dr. gets the results then they will call me with the details.

I have to go to a funeral viewing this evening. Our neighbor (my husband's life long friend), his father passed away. I knew him very well and it is just going to be so sad there. His birthday was the day before mine so I always remembered it. He was a very nice man.

[DianaB]

Janet, I have some mesh in me. After Jaci was born I had my tubes tied and a few months later I developed a hernia......after a year it came back......it was soooo painful!! Anyway, the doctor put mesh in so it wouldn't happen again. I don't have any problems with it.

[Janet]

Sorry you had to have it done, but it's great you've not experienced any problems. I know I will have it done, this peeing everytime I turn around is getting old. I want to be normal again....well for me anyway...lol.

Yesterday I had such a great time. I drove up to Logansport (about 30-35 minute drive) to my friend Diane's house. From there we went to Kokomo shopping. She is getting ready to go on vacation next month and her son is getting married in September and she was wanting some new clothes. I'm surprised she didn't fall exhausted on the floor. We went to quite a few stores and she tried on soooooooo many clothes. We just had a really great time. We also went out to lunch at the Outback. I really screwed up too...I ate almost a whole bloomin onion myself, ate my tilapia and veggies and drank a really cold beer. I felt fine the rest of the day, but boy this morning.....I feel so stuffed. Don't know why I do that. Seems like if I'm going to pay to go out and eat...I get what I want and suffer later. I'm learning that this feeling is not of my liking and it's just not worth it in the end. I had finally broke 240 and weighed 239, now...I'm back up to 242...what a dummy I was. Hopefully I will remember how I feel this morning and not let that happen again.

[Lindsey]

I had such a busy weekend!

On Saturday we got the flower girls measured for their dresses, and did tons of shopping! We had them help us pick out some kid toys at the dollar store for some kids' activity baskets at the wedding :) We got little plastic maracas, feather boas, animal masks, some coloring books and crayons, and we have some glow bracelets at home for them too!

After we dropped the kids off at home, we went to the mall for some power shopping lol! We had two hours on the parking meter and managed to get gifts for the bridesmaids, flower girls, groomsmen, a little tux for our ring bearer, and a gift for another friend's wedding in a couple of weeks!

Then we stopped at a spa for another set of gifts for our MC's (two female friends of ours, about my age)

There was one more stop for our wedding cake topper and thank-you cards for my bridal shower, and then we decided we had another hour to spare, so we test drove some vehicles :) We were not interested in the Buick Enclave anymore but the salesman had one at a "great price" so we gave it a try. We still love the ride but are unsure about the issues!!! We also test drove a Ford Edge which was more comfortable for me because I feel like the Enclave is gigantic! I'd be more comfortable in the Edge to drive in the city for sure. But at almost the same price, the Enclave has so much more room and luxury. So we'll keep thinking about it!

On Sunday I went through all my shower gifts finally! I wrote all of the thank-you's which took a couple of hours because I tried to make each one personal. It's tough when you're writing 30 of them one after the other! Anyways, then I washed all of the kitchen items and put all of the new towels in the wash. Scott and I spent the evening going through the kitchen, rearranging, and taking out old stuff to throw out or put in next year's garage sale, to make room for all the new stuff!!

[DianaB]

I'm proud of you, Lindsey, for taking the time to send thank you notes. It's something that is dying out here. Personally I think that it's a very appropriate thing to do so Good for You!!!

It sure sounds like things are coming along rather quickly!! The wedding will be here before you know it!!

Yesterday afternoon Amy and Dae Lynn planned an afternoon at the river. So they went with the kids, Feyn went with Elijah, and Glen and I went. I went late because I ended up taking a nap with the house being empty!! They swam and cooked foil packs in the coals.....plus smores!! Yum!! It was so nice outside!!

Today, I went and took flowers to the cemetery. I have my Dad, and both sets of grandparents at our city cemetery. It's so hard to believe that they've been gone as long as they have. I miss them all so much and I wish that they could all see the kids and grandkids and how we're doing. I had the greatest grandparents except for one grandpa that I really had no respect for and don't miss. I also have a baby that I miscarried before I had Jaci and it's buried at the old farm house so I also took flowers there. Glen went with me to the cemetery where his parents and grandparents are buried. They had just set a headstone for his parents that looked really nice.

Dae Lynn's with Damon so I have the whole house to myself!! I'm working on laundry.......and in a little bit Reuger's getting a haircut!! I gave Jazzi one on Saturday and she doesn't even look like herself!! I cut her short because she was so matted. Everything was catching in her hair and was making it a mess. I've got a dress on her today and she looks so cute......like a girl again!!

Glen and I went out to eat on Saturday evening at our favorite steakhouse. Our 38th anniversary is on June 1st and since we were dressed up (we went to a wedding) we decided to just go ahead and celebrate. The steaks were yummy!! And then we went to Wal-mart (you always go to Wal-mart if there's one nearby!!!). Oh.....and then we went to Cherry Berry!!! It's an ice cream store!! So good!!! Today......it's back on the diet!!!!

[judy]

What a nice way to spend your anniversary weekend Diana!

Lindsey, you are always so energetic! The wedding is sooo soon!! Did you post any shower pix yet?

My friends were here for the weekend. Lesa was 50, and her hubby made a big party. It was so much fun. I loved seeing all of my summer friends, and they will be back in a month. The weather has been beautiful, so we have been at the pool. The kids slept over and went swimming too. In fact, I went to the pool today, visited with a couple of people who are still here, and came home before the storm we are having.

[judy]

I also get to read my Kindle at the pool, which is so relaxing! We have a book club over the summer, and guess which book we are doing first.....

Fifty Shades of Grey!!! It is pornography! It's terribly written, very repetitious, and I would not recommend it to anyone. There are one or two parts of the story line that I do want to know, but I could wait a year or two, and then Google a summary of the book and be just as happy!

I'm also reading "The Night Circus," which I am really enjoying. I have an audiobook on my gps, something like "Before I Go To Sleep," which is okay. I have another one ready on there too. I forget the name.

[Janet]

I have been cleaning out closets for the last two days. I am going to have a booth next month and try to sell as much as I can. I did the 3 closets in my room and then helped Rick go through his clothes in his closet. He's not big on cleaning anything, but did help. We're still not done with it..he has so much stuff stuffed in there it's unbelievable. It's going to take quite some time to get his done.

Tomorrow I'm planning on getting to Ricky's room, but I think I'll run to town first and get a few groceries.

Sounds like you're enjoying the warm weather Judy. So glad your friends are coming back.

[gja1000]

Hi everyone! It's so nice to hear what everyone is doing. Today has been a really hard day. I had to talk with one of Gary's long time friends here in Austin. He had not kept in close contact with Gary the past few years, and so he was heartbroken about his death. He was a blubbering mess and so was I. That is just so hard. It just makes me feel so badly and I still feel weak and nauseous. I don't think I could ever have gotten through a funeral. I know the gathering on the 23rd will be hard too, but I think some time passing between now and then will help.

i've been cleaning my house, it is very bad since I was at the hospital so much these past few weeks. I absolutely can't stand to see any medical equipment at all, it makes me so sad. Seeing Gary's things is fine, but medical things, medicine, and the like just sends me over the edge.

Brooke and the girls will be here Friday afternoon and they will stay several days. Bryan and Abi's boyfriend will come Sat/Sun to help sort through some of Gary's tools and things. His shop is a mess since he has not been able to take care of things for such a long time.

I have a kingsize TempurPedic bed that Brooke and Bryan are going to take home with them. My bedroom is kinda small and I don't need a king size bed. Hopefully, we will get lots of things sorted through this weekend.

I'm going to go sit down and watch the NBA basketball playoff game. I need some distraction.

[JJJ]

Gayle I'm glad your family is going to be with you and you will be busy for a while.

[Janet]

I'm sure you'll be running into quite a few people in the future that won't know of Gary's passing. It's really hard going over it so many times. You're right that it may be a bit easier on the 23rd, sometimes it helps waiting, sometimes it doesn't. I just pray it's not too hard for you, if it is..let someone know.

Gayle, except for the mattress and Gary's medical things...I do wish you'd wait some time for letting anything else go, including the tools. You may find out that you'll need them sometime. If there are 'doubles' of anything, it would probably be okay to let it go, but you really need to not rush into anything yet. As hard as I know it is, please wait for a little while yet, at least until the fall.

I wish I was there to help you. I wish I would have waited a bit longer instead of being rushed by my brother. There are still some things I think about that I wish I would have kept, but it's too late now. So my advice to anyone is to not rush into going through everything. Take your time.

Today I went to town for a few groceries. I get so upset at how much everything costs. Ricky loves Banquet Popcorn Chicken and now the bag is smaller, weighs less and costs more. I honestly don't know (between gas and groceries) how much more our budget can take. Leaves little for anything else.

I was going to start in on Ricky's room, but I'm just not feeling it today. I feel like my mind is running and I just can't seem to settle down. I want my Mom really bad today...my heart aches and I cry at the least little thing. Glad I'm here by myself so I can just let it all out.

[DianaB]

Gayle, I can't imagine how hard this all is for you. I'd be a real basket case. I'm glad that your family is being around.......helping you through this. I'm sure that Gary's memorial service will be hard but you'll have a little while to prepare for it emotionally and maybe by then it won't feel quite so bad. Hugs!!

Janet, you are such a busy person!! I wish that I could clean like you do......but then again you don't have little kids around......to help!! Right!!!

I did get a lot done yesterday and the day before. I cleaned my bathroom completely yesterday which took quite a bit of time......and the day before I worked on laundry and some other cleaning.

Today I have to drive to another town and get some combine parts for Glen. He's getting ready for wheat harvest.

Judy, I hope you have a good time with your friends......and sitting by the pool!! It sounds so relaxing!!

[Lindsey]

Gayle I can't imagine how hard this all is. I just want to be able to give you a hug!!

Judy, I am not even sure who was taking pictures at the shower! I don't have any though lol. I wish I could be sitting by a pool every day!! It hasn't been that kind of weather though!

It's finally warming up again here. We've had frost the last few nights, and a few rainy days! We're lucky though, there was SNOW in the south of the province on the weekend!!!! I think I will buy some flowers and seeds and do some planting this weekend! I hope the frost is gone for good!

I am going to be really busy in the next few weeks! Only 5 and a half weeks left until the wedding and tons of stuff left to do there! On top of that, we've been keeping busy with training the dogs. Their final obedience class and test is this Monday and I'm sure they will FAIL with flying colors lol!!! Kash just will not lay down on that cold concrete floor, and when I force him into the position, he will not let his little boy bits touch the ground, so his back end is twisted around and legs spread for the world to see lol!! He is supposed to hold the position for 3 minutes but he gets up probably every 30 seconds. Oh well! The floor really is cold lol!

[gja1000]

Janet, I completely understand and I agree with you. The only tools I am moving out right now are the huge saws and the like. I won't have a pickup for very long and I need to get them moved now or I will have to ask someone to help me later. These are not things I could ever use, these are professional things like a huge table saw, sander, grinder, band saw, jigsaw, chop saw, and things like that. They need to be given away to Bryan or to other family or sold. I will keep Gary's hand tools, at least some of them.

Today was a better day in some ways. I went to school and thankfully, there weren't a lot of faculty there. Everyone was so kind and so supportive. I got lots of hugs and lots of support. I know there'll be lots more to come. I won't see some faculty till August, so it will be a long time before everyone gives me their condolenscences. There was only one blip. One faculty, had been on vacation and had not yet read her email, so she hadn't read the notice of Gary's death. She came in to my office and asked if he was still in the hospital. That was not easy, but we got through it.

[DianaB]

Lindsey, will Kash lay on a rug maybe? I can understand if the floor is cold but maybe a nice rug will help.

Gayle, I'm sure that it's going to be hard for awhile.......meeting people who haven't heard about Gary and having to retell. That will be part of the healing process though......and having people love on you as well.

Yesterday was interesting!! I had to run to another town and get combine parts for Glen. It ended up that I had to pull a trailer because one of the parts was a sickle bar for the combine........it was the width of a combine header!! It still ended up hanging off the end of the trailer.

While I was in this other town I went to some flea markets.......you know it's compensation for helping out!!! I found a lot of stuff I liked but actually bought very little!! Still it was nice to go!!

Then I stopped at Wal-mart because Dae Lynn had a whole big list of things we needed. It ended up that I was gone over 6 hours!! It was nice to NOT have the kids around for awhile!!

Last night we finally got some rain......well, we actually got some the other day but it wasn't much. We got a little over an inch.....YAY!! The corn was really needing it.

OH.......and most importantly.......I got a text message.......and Feyn and Tammy are having a BOY!!! Feyn called later to tell me but I told him that I already knew.......Kiley had sent me a text. He said that they had probably sent out a million of them already!!! I ran into them at Wal[mart and everyone was excited about a boy......and Elijah had a HUGE smile!!! How exciting!!!

Dae Lynn's cleaning at the church today so I have the kids and it's too muddy outside at the moment to play out there. so we'll see how it goes. They may have to go down and play in the basement until things dry out a little. Dae Lynn put training pants on Dean so that means that Grandma has to stay on top of taking him to the bathroom. Bummer!!!.......but I will say he's doing pretty good.........as long as I remember to take him!!! LOL

[gja1000]

I had a good day at school today. I had my first class of summer school. My students brought me flowers, cards and lots and lots of hugs. I felt so loved and supported. The girls will all be here tommow. I can hardly wait.

[Blueyes]

YAY!! I'm back on the forum! It was making me crazy not to be able to post. Thanks so much Janet for getting Admin to fix things for me! You are the BEST:D

Gayle, I'm so glad going back to school wasn't as bad as you thought. I know your family will be glad to get back to you.

I'm getting my house ready for our family reunion next weekend. We have it at the community center here, and there is always quite a crowd. I will have 6 house guests from Houston staying the weekend. It's my cousin Debi and her family, and she's been staying with me during family reunion for years and years. It's kinda fun, but a lot of work.

I picked out new flooring last week. I won't get it installed until I get back from Seattle the end of June, unless I can talk Mike in to getting it done while I'm gone. I would sure love to miss that mess, lol!

[Gina]

Gayle I am glad that you are keeping busy like Janet mentioned do things slowly at your own pace. I don't blame you for getting rid of the medical stuff you don't need those reminders. You have a loving family and your job keeps you busy. In time you will know when your ready to pack and give things away. So happy your students made you feel good yesterday your a good person. :)

Diana congratulations on the great news of a future grandson :) When is she due ? Happy Anniversary too!

I am not always on so it will take me time to read what everyone is up to. So if I leave anything important out forgive me lol

I mentioned on FB in the Best Friends forum that I am having an eye problem. I had a procedure done two weeks ago called cryogenics . I was bleeding in my retina and this procedure is done to stop the bleeding, actually they froze the retina. I go back to retinal dr next Wed. wish me luck. He did tell me I may have to do it two more times it is suppose to shrink the tumor and stop the bleeding. I have a few blood vessels that formed a knot in my eye. I cannot stay on line to long for my eyes get tired and I have floaters and the screen makes it more visible. NEVER A DULL MOMENT!! GEESH

Glad that your back in Betsi !

[DianaB]

Gina, I'm sorry about your eye. That's a big worry! I hope that everything goes according to plan and gets well.

Betsi, It's good to have you back on!! I want to say that's happened before but I don't remember if it was me or someone else!! Memory is getting so bad!!

Gayle, I'm so happy that your students were so kind to you!! It shows how much you're loved and cared for!! I know that you'll enjoy having your family around you. I'm sure they help you keep your mind off of missing Gary. Hugs.....Girlfriend!!!

The baby is due in October I believe......early October but I don't have a date.

Dae Lynn and the kids, Amy, and I went in to some garage sales this morning. It was a lot of fun going with the girls. We found some pretty good stuff......of course, it helps to be at the garage sales early instead of waiting until Saturday. There's a few more tomorrow but I don't know if I'll go or not. We'll see.

It's been rainy and cool today so I haven't gotten much done. I notice that when it's cloudy I don't work well. I must need sunshine!! The temps got down in the 40's last night!!! I can't believe that after it's been so hot!! Weird!!

[Marilyn]

Hello everyone!! I'm trying to make a comeback on 4WT. There is so much to catch up on! Everyone has been so busy! I'm afraid to comment on too much for fear of leaving anyone out, but her goes.....

Diana, congratulations on your new grandson, due in October! And on your anniversary!

Lindsey, I'll have to catch up on your wedding? It must be very soon! Hope all in going very well!

Gayle, you know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I can't imagine the emotions you must be experiencing. Sincerest hugs to you!

Janet, so good to reconnect with you! So sorry about your mom. Mine passed in 2000, and there are still times when I'd like to talk with her, and I'm sure she would love to see Emma. Time does soften the hurt.

Judy, sounds like you are in for some interesting reading! I've read part of the Vampire Huntress series by L.A. Banks. I enjoy vampire stories, and these are very interesting but there were so many pages I had to skim read due to all the graphic intimate scenes that I stopped after the sixth book. I'd like to follow the story, but it would probably be considered porn and it was just too much!

Gina, so hope your eye problems are resolved very very soon! Our sight is so precious anything that threatens is so concerning!

I worked today as usual. I have to travel to New Jersey about 4 times a year, and next trip, probably in July, I may need to go to Philidelphia, too. There is a prospective new customer with US headquarters there so may have to go convince him how wonderful we are. :). In a couple of weeks we will begin a push into the Eagle Ford Shale Play in south Texas, so will get to learn a new industry and different way of doing business? Never a dull moment! After work today I went to a coworkers home and picked some fresh sweet corn. They planted about three weeks late so it's just getting ready. Yum! Wish y'all could join us and have a feast!

This weekend is marathon clean! Karen, Carlton & Emma are moving to Texas next week! To San Antonio actually Selma, a suburb. They won't close on their house until the 14th, so will be putting their things in storage and spending a few days with us. We are soooooo excited that they will be so close! Carlton has a month of leave before reporting to Fort Sam, so we hope to get lots of Emma time!

[Marilyn]

Oh, and Betsi! So hope all goes well with your reunion, your trip to Seattle! And that your flooring goes in well and looks great!

[gja1000]

Whew! we have worked all yesterday evening and all day today. But we have gotten soooo much done. Gary's shop looks great, we have everything separated out amongst fishing, hunting and carpentry. It's all organized and looks great. I'll be taking some things to OK when I go for Gary's get together to give to his sons. The rest of his things I'm going to go through slowly like Janet suggested. There's no hurry.

I'm going to turn our office into a bedroom. Gary and I both had computers in there, but I'm giving Gary's computer to Abigail. I decided I could move my computer desk to my bedroom because the kids are taking the king size bed and with a regular sized bed in here, the computer desk will be just fine. I'm going to put 2 twin beds in both the bedroom. That way I'll have beds for Brooke, Bryan, Abi and Emma to sleep in when they come to visit. That will be much better. I think I'll be really comfortable having my desktop computer right here in the bedroom. If I can't sleep I can get up and get on the computer. LOL!

We have worked really hard this weekend. I'm really happy with all that we got accomplished. Now, I can work leisurely sorting through things and deciding what to do with them. I am going to take some of Gary's hand tools, some fishing rods, and a few other mementos that I know he would want his sons, aunt, uncle and sisters to have, to OK when I go up this month.

I'm tired but so pleased with all that we got done.

[Marilyn]

Gayle, so glad you had such a productive and rewarding day. I'm sure it helps to stay busy and make plans for the future. I'm sure Gary's sons and family will really appreciate your thoughtfulness!

We got up early and cleared the remaining decorating items out of the Parade Home. The cleaning people were just arriving when we finished to prepare for the owners to move into their new home.

The rest of the day was spent doing laundry and cleaning. I did take time to go to the farmer's market. So today we ate fresh sweet corn picked yesterday, fresh purple hull peas, home raised tomatoes and cantaloupe. I bought a few pickling cucumbers, too so I can put up a few jars of dill pickles. Don't think I'll find any fresh dill though. There wasn't any at the market, so may have to use dill seed this year.

Tomorrow after worship I hope to steam clean carpets. No rest for the wicked as the old folks used to say!

[DIANE W]

Gayle, i am so glad you have had help getting sorted with the tools etc, it makes the job easier too with being able to chat as you work.

I just wanted you to know i am thinking about you all, it is so so hard, but take each day at a time - you will get through it.

[Janet]

You all were busy Gayle to get a workshop in order....especially a man's workshop...lol I'm so glad you're pleased with the outcome. Gary's sons are going to be so happy to have some of their father's things. You are so thoughtful. I am also glad you're going to take your time with the other things. Plenty of time, it will also help keep you busy when all you want to do is think.

As with the computer....that's exactly what I do. If I can't sleep, I either get on my laptop or iPad.


Marilyn...we have a Farmers Market here too, but it's not as good as I would like. There is a guy that drives a small van around to small towns and I've been buying off of him. I honestly have never tasted fresher and better tasting veggies and fruits. He comes to a small little burg about 15 minutes from me on Wednesdays so I always look forward to see what he has.

Yesterday I went to an auction. I'm so glad I did. I bought a new couch (I think it's called Micro Suede), it's a chocolate brown color and is beautiful. It's only 2 months old and I bought it for $300. Their neice told me they paid $1200 for it. I also bought a beautiful dining room table and chairs that were a couple of months old also for $70. I'm just so happy. I've not been able to find some good deals for quite some time and the first thing I wanted to do... was show Mom. Anyway....as soon as I get them in the house I'll take some pictures. Right now the dining room set is still in the van and the couch is sitting in the garage. When both the guys are home this evening we'll bring them in. Ricky had to work, Rick is in working on the rental house and I'm trying to get things caught up here. It was a very good day yesterday.

[Lindsey]

Yesterday Scott and I spent the whole day in the city again. We did a lot of shopping for wedding stuff again! We had to go to the liquor store and try to get an estimate of what we need to buy because we're running our own bar. Then we went to an engraving store and bought a little pewter piggy bank train for our ring bearer with his name and our wedding date on it. I also found little heart shaped jewelry boxes and I had those engraved for our flower girls too, to put the jewelry I bought them in it! Then we headed to a book store and bought our minister a $50 gift certificate and a little book of inspirational quotes that has a gift card holder in it :) I know he gets paid from our church fee, but I know it's not a whole lot and we wanted to do something a little extra too!

We also did some test driving again! We found a 2009 Ford Edge in our price range with pretty low kms. We've decided to stay away from the Enclave because the ones we can afford are 08 or 09 and they have lots of major issues, according to what we can find online! After test driving the Edge I think I feel more comfortable in it, especially for city driving. Anyways, this one has navigation, the vista sunroof, memory seats, heated leather, everything we wanted! Except a factory tow hitch. The salesman told us that Ford does not do factory tow packages for Edges, but we googled it later and they do! We could put on our own tow hitch but it wouldn't tow nearly as much. We're thinking we'll get a small trailer in the next couple of years and use it for hauling yard waste to the dump etc. and we are hoping for new kitchen appliances in the next couple of years too that we'd need to haul with a trailer. So we'll have to see if an aftermarket hitch would do that much for us.

Today I'm just doing some chores and working on some more wedding stuff. Scott is labeling the wine bottles today, and I'm going to print out some fun questionnaires for our guests (such as, how many kids will we have?) so we can keep them and look at them years down the road :) In the meantime, we have "Jukebox Oldies" on tv playing through the house, laundry being washed, and a beef roast being cooked in my brand new slow cooker from my mom :D I love Sundays!

[Gina]

Lindsey how exciting when is the wedding ? I am sure that you are plenty busy these days..

[Lindsey]

It's July 7th Gina! Coming up too fast lol! I don't know where the time went!

[gja1000]

Lindsey, you are getting so close! It's so much fun to be "with" you while you take care of all the wedding details. I love it.

Janet, your day at the auction sounds like so much fun and you found so many great things!!! I can't wait to see pictures.

The kids left about noon today, Abi had to play volleyball at 5:30 and they live about 3.5 hours away from Austin. It was hard to see them go. I have a lot of things to do, but still I love them being here.

I bought a bed. YAY! The kids were going to take the tempurpedic king bed home, but then Bryan realized that our king bed was actually two separate twin extra long beds, so he took them apart and put them in the guest room. They fit perfectly and they are REALLY nice beds, so my houses guests will love sleeping on them. I already had one twin bed in the other bedroom, so I only had to buy another twin bed, instead of THREE! Yay again! I bought a full size bed for me. I didn't want it to take up too much room in my bedroom since I moved my computer in here. I found a really nice bed, I hope I like it. Both beds will be delivered tomorrow, so everything will be ready for the kids to come back soon! This weekend Brooke and Bryan slept in the king bed. Abi slept on the twin bed, I slept on the couch and Emma slept on a pallet on the floor. Next time, everyone will have their own bed!

I had one really hard moment today. Our renters always make the rent check out to Gary and Gayle Acton. I don't know why but they did. So, of course when I received the June rent check, it was made out to both of us. I decided to take it by the house and tell them about Gary and ask then to make another check out to me. I knew the wife had a reoccurrence of breast cancer, but we hadn't been over there in a couple of months, so I didn't know how she was doing. I knocked on the door and one of the sons answered. I told him I needed to talk to him and he asked me to come in. I was standing in the hall and told him that Gary had passed away and he was so kind and he hugged me and told me how sorry he was. He asked me to come in and sit down and when I went in to the living room, I could see the flowers everywhere and instantly I knew that his mom had also passed away. Turns out it was just a few days before Gary. Oh dear, we both cried and consoled each other. They are such a wonderful family. There is the father, two sons out of HS and a daughter who is 14. Whew! That was hard. One son had been working during the day and another working in the evenings so that someone would always be home to take care of the mom. The son I was talking to had been working in the evenings but he said he was transferring to days so he could be home in the evenings to spend more time with his sister. I thought that was so sweet.

Janet, I was thinking of you as I went into our rent house. I want you to know that I am so lucky though, our house was SPOTLESS. I didn't call or anything before I went over and I am so pleased with house nice it looked. The wood floors looked better than MINE! We have stained concrete in the back part of the house, so they should be fine. I know lots of other things can happen, but I was so relieved to see the house looking so wonderful.

[gja1000]

Got my new bed today and it is nice and comfy! I think I'm going to like it a lot. I got the twin bed too and it is nice also; however, the twin sheets I had did not fit it :( so I had to run out and get some. Ross, a discount store, had some really nice 350 thread count for $10.

[DIANE W]

Wow thats really good a price for 350 thread count Gayle..... I really do like good quality bedding, i have some 400 and 650 thread, and once used to good quality -cheaper just wont do, but i paid a lot of money for my bedsets, the cheapest was £50 and that was at a discount of 45% as well.

I am glad you are getting sorted with the house, it will be so much better now everyone having their own beds.

I know it is very hard for you, but i am thinking about you and praying too.

Take care of yourself.

[DIANE W]

Today has been a beautiful day, lovely and sunny and warm, so i bought some plants for my hanging baskets that i have at the front of my holiday home. I have six baskets and i bought some lovely plants, yellow and orange marigolds, blue lobellias, double hanging petunias, pink and white that are perfumed and are gorgeous, and some others i cant recall the names of - i am not very good with names of plants. So i came home and planted them up and they look really nice (i will take some pictures once they get growing and fill out a little), i have lots of leftover plants, so i will take them home and do my 2 baskets that i have on the front of my house.

We are away (at holiday home), until Sunday 10th, and i am just relaxing and chilling out. I have had a problem with my eye though, very swollen and wow painful in my head and ear, had to go to the hospital and they gave me some anti-biotics as they said it was an infection - been on them now for 3 days and the swelling is going down, but the pain is still there, feels like someone is jabbing a needle into my ear.

My uncle has been in the hospital as he suddenly went off his legs and couldnt walk, also had pain in lower back, he was finally admitted to hospital 2 weeks ago - what a job i had though as he kept refusing to go. I had to be very firm with him in the end, as he couldnt stay at home unable to mobilize, he is now in rehab, so i felt i needed a break away, it is very tough working, looking after him and my family too, i think thats what caused me to feel so ill lately.

I am going to enjoy my week off work and brace myself for going back home.

[gja1000]

I went to dinner with a cousin who only lives about 20 miles from me. We talk on FB and play Words with Friends and Draw Something, but we don't see each other that often. She is actually from my step side of the family so I was never super close to her, but she is a really really nice person, so we had a nice time together.

[DianaB]

Gayle, it seems like you're keeping busy getting things all in order. It will be nice to have beds for everyone when they come and visit.....It sounds like you got a really good deal on sheets. I shop at Ross when I go to Muskogee and visit my Aunt. It's a cool store!!!

How sad to find out that not only had Gary passed but also your renter. I'm sure it was nice to see that the house is being kept up.

Oh Diane.....I'm so sorry that you're ear is causing you problems. My Mom had an ear infection that made the whole side of her face swell. I hope it gets better soon!! Get lots of rest at your holiday home!! It sounds so nice!!

Marilyn, it's so good to have you back!! You've been missed!! You are so busy.....I can't believe how much you travel!!!

Nothing much going on here.

[Janet]

Yesterday I worked my 'you know what' off and now I'm so sore. I started by cleaning the hutch that was given to me. It was so dirty that it looks like a different hutch. I can't believe how long it had been since I moved furniture and dusted. There was so much dust I'm totally embarrassed to admit. I use to be such a picky house keeper, but not anymore. I would be if it was just me, but for now...not so much.

I will be posting pictures of the furniture I bought in the pictures forum.

[gja1000]

You did do a lot Janet. Don't overdo it and get your neck flared up. I'm so cautious for you because Gary would sometimes do something that would flare up his neck.

I'm trying to get my house straightened up too after all the moving. Janet, you talk about dust bunnies - whew! I had them too!!! But they are all cleaned up now. I put my mom/grandma's quilts on the twin beds - well one of them still has the bedspread that Abi picked out when she stayed with me last year, so I won't change that one. I put my grandmas very old chenille bedspread on my bed. It is so pretty. I'll have to get some pictures.

The oxygen company is coming today to take away all of the oxygen equipment. I'll be glad when it's gone.

I've got some errands to run today also. I'm having my students do their class today online today so I don't have to go to school, but I am going for a bit this afternoon. One of my former students is applying for med school and asked me to write her a recommendation letter. I did that and submitted to this online center, but for some reason it is not showing up so I've got to go to school and try to resend it. It's OK. For some reason I don't have much energy today and if I didn't have anything to do I might just sit in front of the TV all day. Blah!

[Janet]

I did over do it Gayle, but so far I my neck area hasn't bothered me. Just ache all over.. :) Aren't those dust bunnies horrible. I had them flying all over the place. This just isn't me to let things get that dusty. But I just don't have the 'want' like I use to and definitely don't have the strength or stamina to move everything without aching for days.

I would love to see your grandmother's bedspread...I love chenille. I bet everyone will love having a bed to stay with you...how nice.

It will be sad for you I'm sure, but at the same time, you not having to see the oxygen equipement everyday. Let yourself grieve over another step. Not easy, I know...I'm still having a difficult time.

Yesterday I put some things in the hutch. It looks so nice with pretty glassware in it. Today, I think I'm going to go through the kitchen cabinets and see what needs to go. There are some things I'm sure I just don't need or want anymore. I have a booth rented for the flea market on the 16th so I'll have a place to take them and see if they will sell.

[gja1000]

Did you get your cleaning done yesterday Janet? I spent the day running around doing errands. I have class this afternoon, but i have a guest speaker, so that will be easier than doing class all by myself.

[Janet]

Yes I sure did. Cleaned all the kitchen cabinets and mopped the floor. It looks so nice I almost hate keeping the dogs in there...lol.

Today, I'm tackling Ricky's room. It is going to be so dusty and dirty in there. I wanted him to help go through things, but he has to work. So, I'll get it all cleaned and we can go through it later. I know there are some things I could take to the flea market so it has to be done before the 16th.

Well I guess I'd better get busy or I won't be able to move.

[DianaB]

Sorry it seems like I've been missing but I typed out a long post and then my computer got disconnected and I lost the whole thing and I didn't have time to repost it. My cord is loose and my battery won't charge, in spite of trying all I can to get a good battery. I've found out that it's an actual flaw in Dell's computers at the time I bought mine. UGH!!!

Janet, you are a go-getter!! Always getting so much done!!!

Your hutch was so pretty!! I'm sure you'll have fun arranging things in it!! Just don't over-do like Gayle said.

Gayle, it sounds like you're getting things back in order. I'm sure that every step is painful but is a move ahead. The family will enjoy having a room and a bed now when they come and visit!!

I'm trying to get my bedroom in order. It's been a mess ever since Dae Lynn moved in. I have some things that I don't have room to store in the closet and refuse to take them to the basement so they've just sat in my room. I'm getting so tired of it so I'm trying to get something done about it. Plus, I've got some stuff for the flea market and I'm pricing it to get it in the store. I don't make much but it is a little considering I hardly ever put anything in. I really should do better.

[Janet]

Okay....another couple rooms done. I cleaned and rearranged Ricky's room. It hasn't had a good cleaning in so long I'm embarassed to say. Now it looks so nice, but the cat sure wasn't happy with me at first...lol. She's okay now and all the kitties are happy too. We'll go through his things over the weekend or on his days off which are Monday and Tuesday. As long as it's done before the flea market on the 16th.

I was on a roll so when I got Ricky's room done, I cleaned the guys bathroom. I want to tell you that it was the most gross job I've done in a long time. Neither one rinse the shower walls down when they are done with a bath or shower and the walls were just so dirty. They don't clean or brush out the toilet either and I thought I was going to vomit. Whenever someone came over I would have them use my bathroom. Now we'll see how long it lasts. I will be going in there every evening and telling them what needs done before they go to sleep. There is absolutely no sense in letting it get that bad. They will just have to start calling me the bathroom cop....LOLOL.

Now I'm sitting in a chair with nice cold water cooling off before I go take a bath and relax. I'm exhausted and so sleepy.

[DIANE W]

Janet you are so organised, you make me tired just reading what you are doing, your house is going to be all gorgeous and orderly when you are done.
You are giving me reasons to get stuck in myself when i get back home, we are still away until Sunday..... its bliss.

Diana.... i was wondering where you were, i have looked for your posts, hoping everything is going ok at home with everyone, and you are getting time out to relax.

Gayle... glad you are ok, i am thinking of you, i agree with the others, it will be better for you when the medical equiptment is all gone, sounds like you are keeping yourself busy and getting organised at the same time. You and Janet are putting me to shame:D

[judy]

Wow! You all have been so busy! I feel like a slug, I am so lazy! I'm feeling very tired lately. I have been eating tons of sugar candy, and I think that might be making me tired. I must stop!!!!

My little Kassidy turned 10 on Tuesday! No more babies in the family! She really always will be the baby, but she is growing up so soon! Mackenzie will be 15 on June 15th! They are both such good girls! They do very well in school, have great values, and are such a pleasure to be with. The boy who Mackenzie has liked all year, it turns out, has liked her too! I don't know if anything will come of it, but I am so happy for her. It's so good for her self esteem. He is a really nice boy too. He is very bright, and is graduating, even though he is only 16. He is an athlete, and they met when doing the school play. I believe his family is also pretty religious too. She has good taste!

I have some boring chores to do that will take me about 3 days but I have put them off for so long that I don't even care if I do them or not anymore.

Gayle, I think you are doing such a good job of organizing and getting rid of stuff. I remember my aunt giving my cousin his dad's tools when he died. He was so thrilled! It is a very intimate gift for a man to get tools from somebody he loved. I still have my father's hammer, and his big stapler (including the staples), his meter stick, and probably a thing or two more. How sad that your renter passed away! You are in my prayers.

Janet, I have to go look at your new furniture pix! What great deals you got!

And congratulations Diana! A baby boy!!! How wonderful! How is Dean doing with his training? How is Karlie doing?

Linds, once this wedding is over, you are going to have withdrawal! It is so exciting!

I may walk the dogs tonight, or do some of these boring chores. Or, I may do nothing, and feel like a slug again.

[Janet]

Janet you are so organised, you make me tired just reading what you are doing, your house is going to be all gorgeous and orderly when you are done.
You are giving me reasons to get stuck in myself when i get back home, we are still away until Sunday..... its bliss.

Diana.... i was wondering where you were, i have looked for your posts, hoping everything is going ok at home with everyone, and you are getting time out to relax.

Gayle... glad you are ok, i am thinking of you, i agree with the others, it will be better for you when the medical equiptment is all gone, sounds like you are keeping yourself busy and getting organised at the same time. You and Janet are putting me to shame:D

I would love to see any pictures of your vacation place Diane. I bet it's lovely.

[DianaB]

OOoooo......pictures would be so nice, Diane!!

Janet, there you go working circles around me as usual!! I was so tired from being up so late last night that I slept most of the afternoon and am still looking forward to going to bed!! I'm not used to being up much passed midnight!!!

Judy, your grandchildren are growing so quickly!! Mackenzie is about the same age as my older granddaughters......and I'm not ready for boyfriends either. Kera has one and Amy has had so many problems with her about the boyfriend. The twins, Karley and Kiley, don't seem to be too interested at the moment.......and Papa likes it that way!!!

Yes, we are having a boy!!! The due date is October 23. The doctor has moved it back a couple of times and this is where it's now at. I can't wait!!

Dean's potty training is going fair........he's ran into to tell me that he needs to go "poop" only to find out that he's already gone........but that's a good step. It's always an arguement after that because Dae Lynn gives him gum........he thinks that he needs some just because he told us!! He will go if we take him.....but doesn't recognize the need to go himself......but he's quite a bit ahead of other kids his age so we're not pushing it.

Dae Lynn took the kids to the pond this evening and with a life jacket on Dean can kick and paddle and swim around by himself!! That's pretty good for a two year old. We have always had our kids and grandkids swimming without a jacket around the age of four and he may be a little ahead of that too!!

I forgot my Aunt Marva and her husband, Jack, are coming to stay with us this weekend. Totally forgot!! Jack has a class reunion here in town and my Mom and step-Dad are going to be out of town so they are staying with us. It will work out well because Dae Lynn is going to be gone for the weekend with Damon. They are going to World's of Fun in Kansas City. She's going to straighten her room and I'll get the sheets washed tomorrow and back on the bed. I wish you could all meet my Aunt Marva......she has a personality that doesn't know a stranger and is a lot of fun......you'd all enjoy her!!

[Janet]

Did you take the dogs for a walk last night Judy? I would be too afraid now that you've seen a bear cub. Your grandkids are growing so fast, it's just unreal! I know how proud you are of all of them...they're great talented kids.

Diana, from all that you've written and told me about your Aunt Marva...I would love to meet her. She sounds like my kind of people.

Well I think I'm done cleaning for awhile. I still need to do the back/mud room, but it can wait for now. I'm still so sore I can hardly move. I just don't understand why. I would think I would have worked some of the soreness off, but no...it hasn't happened. It's really bad when after sitting down I get up...my hips hurt so bad that I have to stand up slowly and get my balance before I can start walking. Once I'm up and moving I'm okay. Getting old sucks!!!

Today I'm not going to do a whole lot of anything. I need to go to town and pick up the rent at Mom's house and I'm going to do an inspection while there. Then I'll need to go to the bank and deposit the rent. Most likely I'll come home and do absolutely nothing...lol.

[DianaB]

With Marva coming I'll be spending my day cleaning!! Such fun!!!

[DIANE W]

Its so lovely to read what everyone is doing each day, its so interesting to be part of your lives.

Today we found a lovely country park, right by the riverside, we met a lady and her young dog - Rufus he is a cocker-poo (cocker spaniel X poodle mix), we started to walk, and she stayed with us throughout our walk, found out she had lost her husband last year, and all about her family too - a lovely lady.

Now as i have said before i never let Harvey off his lead with other dogs around, but today i did and he played with Rufus on a open stretch of grass, chasing and playing so nice... it was wonderful to see them. We will definitely be going there again, its only about 4 miles from us too, next time we will take a picnic and make a day of it. Harvey has been fast asleep since we got home - he is really shattered, bless him. Tomorrow i am going to give him a trim with clippers (he wont like that at all), i am going to attempt the puppy cut, and do his nails again, i last did them a few weeks ago and i will take the ends off as i am afraid of cutting too much at one go.

I am still on my anti-biotics, but my eye is definitely getting better, its still very itchy and sore, but better too?

[DianaB]

I'm glad that your eye is getting better, Diane. Your day at the park sounds so nice and relaxing.......how nice that you made a new friend as well!!

Marva and Jack got in late last night.....because they went to a part of his class reunion first. They ate breakfast and lunch with us then left again for reunion activities and I think that they have something going on tomorrow as well. We've had such a good time visiting and showing off Dean!! He's really kept them intertained!! This afternoon I've just watched tv and took a nap because we were up late last night visiting after they came in.

Glen's busy with wheat harvest. It's in full swing in our county so all of the farmers are so, so busy!!

[gja1000]

Oh Diana, I love wheat harvest, it's my favorite time of the year at home. I love watching the combines in the field and the trucks lined up waiting to dump at the elevators!

[Janet]

Hope you've had a great weekend with your aunt and her husband. Sounds like they were pretty busy.

So far today I've gone to town to get some groceries and then very little else...lol. Guess I'm saving up my strength to tackle the work needing done in the rental house. I'll be heading in there tomorrow and not looking forward to it. I'm really trying to talk Rick into selling it. We won't get back what we've got in it, but I'm just not into taking care of it anymore. I'm worried it will become a money pit in years to come. Not sure what we'll do, but we need to decide something.

[gja1000]

Diana, I bet you had a great weekend with your aunt. When you talk about her, I can tell how much you love her and love being with her.

Janet, I can only imagine how much you are not looking forward to going to the rent house. I think about our rent house too and feel so grateful that we have great renters. But I imagine when they move out, I will sell the house. I really don't want to be a single woman with rental property!

I've had a long and sorta lonely weekend. Actually I've done quite a few things, but when I'm home, I feel lonely. It's odd, but I know I'll feel better in time. My neighbor came over for a couple of hours yesterday and that was nice. Her dad (who lives in another town) used to have a car dealership, and now he helps people to sell vehicles and other things. She offered to have her dad sell the vehicles, trailer and boat. It felt really great to have options. She also knows someone who might be interested in the travel trailer. I have another friend who's husband might be interested in the boat. This is the part of all of this I really hate - selling things. I know I'll get through it, but it is just yucky!

[Janet]

You're right Gayle, I'm not looking forward to it at all. I do think I have Rick pretty much talked into selling. He's saying we should go ahead and rent it out but try to sell it at the same time that way it won't be sitting empty. We'll see, have to get it fixed up first.

I'm so sorry your weekend wasn't the greatest. Do you think you're ready to sell your camper? Mom pulled hers till she was 85 or 86 years young. She enjoyed camping so much and I know you enjoyed it too. I liked hearing about beautiful places you parked it. Take your time.

I have been wanting to ask you how Rex and Rowdy were doing. Are they sticking a little closer to you? You haven't mentioned them and I'm sure they miss Gary too.

You are so right though about selling things being yucky. I hated having the auction but I hate even more that I let my older brother push me to have it so soon. Oh well, it's over and done with now.....everything about it is yucky!

[DianaB]

It was so nice having Marva and Jack here. The weekend seemed really short and they were busy with his class reunion so it didn't seem like we really had much time with them. Jack and Glen had some good visits so maybe next time Glen will go with me to Marva's. Jack's always been so busy with work but he recently retired so he's a lot more relaxed and more fun to be around.

Gayle, I hate to hear that you're selling the camper and stuff. I understand why.......I just hate to see it go. There's really not a reason to keep it if you're not going to use it though.

I'm glad that you're neighbor came and visited you. I hate to hear that you had a lonely weekend but sadly you're going to have those. Gary was such a huge part of your life and I'm sure you feel lost without him there with you. I think that you're handling everything so well.......I would be a basket case!!

Wheat harvest is a neat time of year! I love to see the fields ripe with the grain swaying in the wind!! This year is a bumper crop year. Everyone is having a really good crop this year which is really nice for the farmers. Makes us wish that we would have planted more. Glen and Feyn got done with our wheat harvest yesterday now we're ready to start planting soybeans.

Janet, I'm so sorry about your rental being torn up. I know that I've probably said that before but I know how hurt you are by it. I don't know about the housing situation there but houses aren't selling well here so renting may be a better solution for you right now. You should talk to a realtor about how things are selling. They should be able to give you an idea on what the market's doing. Is it something that Ricky would be interested in living in? I know that he's been looking for a house........how about a rent-to-own? It could be the solution for both of you!!

Nothing much going on here......again!! I think that Dae Lynn has some plans. She had enrolled in a jr. college to take a course this summer and since things aren't going to work out she has to go to the college to opt out in person. She'll be leaving after the kids go down for a nap. Then she's cleaning the church tomorrow......and on Wednesday she and Damon are going on a vacation to Branson with Damon's Dad, sister and her family. Dae Lynn's worried about how that will go but she'll have her car there in case she needs a break from them. We took a ski trip once with all of Glen's family and his Mom was a BEAR. I swore that I would NEVER do that again......and I didn't so I can understand her worrying about it.

Glen was going to Mermot Springs next weekend but we're not sure that they're going now. The water isn't very clear so the visibility isn't good so they might just go to Beaver Lake. In that case I'll just stay home and enjoy the peace and quiet.

I forgot to add that while I was having Dean take a bath this weekend.......I went in the living room to rest for awhile while he played in the water.........and he obviously gave my Kindle a dunk in the water. I keep it in the bathroom by the toilet and he had even set it back in the same spot that I had it. I found it after he had already gone to bed and water was dripping out of it. I poured some alcohol in it but the next day it wouldn't turn on so I've poured some more in it and Dae Lynn now has it in the refrigerator.........??????? Anyway I'll try it later but I'm afraid that it's shot. :(

[Lindsey]

I have been reading but I have been so busy I haven't posted much!!

Last week for my birthday, I told Scott not to do anything or get me anything because we are saving for the wedding. He texted me at lunch and told me to come let him in the side door of my office. Well I have to go through two doors to get there and the first one locks and I didn't have my keys with me so I told him I can't go that way. I said just come in the front door! He texted and said come to the front door, he's waiting outside. I was getting annoyed becuase I was working through lunch so I could leave early! Anyways, I got up anyway and walked to the front door. He wasn't there. He wasn't outside. He wasn't down the side of the buildling. I came back to my desk, confused, and I was going to text and tell him to just come in by himself becuase he's obviously not here yet. But when I got to my desk, there was a vase of bamboo and flowers, a birthday card, and a jewelry box. My boss was laughing and said he saw him the whole time! He was hiding behind a pillar in the office when he was texting me, and I walked right past it on my way out the door!!! He left immediately after putting it all on my desk :) Oh and in the box were a pair of diamond stud earrings!!! I told him not to get me anything, and he gets me DIAMONDS??? I mean, I'm not complaining, but I didn't need them lol. They are beautiful though :) I am wearing them right now.

On the weekend we went down to visit his parents and attend a friend's wedding. While we were there, we bought an SUV lol. We decided it was our wedding gift to each other!!! It's an "ice blue" Lincoln MKX with black leather interior. It is MORE than what we wanted! It has a vista sunroof, 6 CD changer, bluetooth, voice commands, rear dvd in the headrests, heated and cooled front seats, heated back seats, power everything, memory seats, backup sensors, tracking headlights that turn when you turn the steering wheel!!! It's all so cool because I always drive cheap vehicles lol! And even better - this one cost LESS than the Ford Edge we were going to buy a week earlier!!! It's a year older and does not have navigation which the Edge had but still, it's affordable and not something we thought we'd ever be able to have!

Scott even let me drive it home last night! I put Kash and Lucy's crate in the back, and Layla on the floor of the back seat. Layla was crying most of the way. She got quiet for awhile and I heard her scratching, and then I couldn't feel her anymore. She started screaming again, and I realized she somehow wedged herself under the seat and then cried because she was stuck. I had to signal to Scott to make an emergency pit stop in a Walmart parking lot to squeeze her out! I have no idea how she got under there in the first place. We couldn't get her back out that way! Scott had to pull her out the side with the door open. He took her in his car for the rest of the trip and said she was a perfect angel for him. Of course she was! Wouldn't you be, sitting on front seat after that trauma? Lol.

We got home really late last night. I didn't get to bed until midnight! I hate getting home that late on weekends and then having to go to work in the morning again. It feels like I didn't get a weekend because there wasn't even time to wind down at home!

[DianaB]

Scott is a definite keeper!! How sweet!!

I saw a picture of your car on FB.....VERY nice!!! I'm so happy for you!!!

Poor Layla.......I wonder how she got stuck? At least she was able to let you know that there was a problem. Poor little girl.

[Janet]

Since Ricky was off today and I had already cleaned and rearranged his room, we went through the closet and drawers. Something's we are saving and are packed up, the rest we are selling at the flea market.

I did find someone to paint the rental house next weekend. Rick will be there on Saturday while I'm at the flea market and then we'll both be at the house on Sunday. I'll be painting the lower kitchen cabinets and try to get as many windows cleaned as I can. After the painting is done I'll clean the carpets and have the new bedroom floor installed. I'll be so glad when it's done and we get it rented until we (Rick) decide to sell it or not. Way too much work.

I just can't seem to do much anymore without getting so sore I can hardly move. It's got to get better. The rest of today, I just gave a quick walk through in our house, made sure things were where they should be. Tomorrow I have to go buy all the paint and supplies and take them to the house. Sure hope there is some summer left for me to enjoy.

[DianaB]

You are soooo busy, Janet!! I'm sure that you'll have everything back to better than it was in no time!! You are so good at setting goals and doing them!!! I wish that I was better in that area.

GOOD NEWS.........I got my Kindle to turn on and work again!!!! I kept trying to turn it on yesterday and had pretty much figured that it was shot. I kept looking at it to see if there was a reset button but I couldn't find one so I just held the button that turns it on and off down and just held it there for a long time and pretty soon it turned on!!! I was so happy!! I really like my Kindle and really didn't feel that I had the money right now to replace it........and I sure didn't want Feyn and Tammy to find out that it was ruined since they were the ones who had gotten it for me. Yay!!! I'm so happy!!!

Dae Lynn has gone into the church to clean so I just have Dean for awhile. He's so good you hardly know that he's here........except when he's getting into things!! :)

Glen's trip to Mermot Springs is changed to Beaver Lake because the clarity of the water is better at Beaver Lake so Janet and I won't be able to meet after all. I'm just going to stay home and enjoy the peace and quiet while everyone is gone. Actually, if I can get my carpet shampooer back then I think that I'll shampoo carpets while Dae Lynn and the kids are gone. They look really, really bad.

[gja1000]

I've had a good day! I had class this afternoon and my students are just so sweet. I always feel so much better after spending the afternoon with my students. This evening an old friend called and we talked for an hour. She lives in Oregon. We went to grad school together in the early 90's and we only see each other every few years, but when we talk, it's so nice, especially tonight. She lost her husband very suddenly and unexpectedly not long before we met.

[Janet]

It's so good that your students make you feel so good Gayle. You must be as special to them as you are to us. Isn't it great to have friends from way back and when you speak...it's like you meet with each other all the time.

This morning I took all the boxes of items for the flea market to the garage with the other stuff. That way it's all there and ready to load into the van on Friday. Everything is priced and ready to be sold. Only thing left is to take my desktop computer out there, I bought it in '92 so it's time to say goodbye to it...lol. I've already taken everything off of it that should be taken off.

Then...I dusted and ran the sweeper and as usual, doing laundry. I'm trying to keep everything done up since I'll be busy over the weekend. I'm tired just thinking about the weekend. Sure hope I don't forget anything .

I did find someone to paint the inside of the rental house for me. I've known her since we were little. She was in my younger brother's grade at school. I trust her completely and know she'll do a good job. Rick will be there with her on Saturday because he has to re-set the toilet and do other odds and ends. We'll both be there on Sunday and I'll be painting the lower kitchen cabinets.

It's been cooler and just beautiful out the last few days, but still so dry. We haven't had any rain since the first of May and are not expecting any until maybe next week. I love sitting out of a morning drinking my coffee.

[gja1000]

Spent much of the day "on hold". I called the federal retirement personnel dept, social security, and the VA to report Gary's passing. I'll tell you, that is not pleasant. But I will say everyone I talked to was really nice to me. An interesting note regarding the VA. The recording said there was unusually long phone waits and did I want someone to call me back. I had just done that with social security and they called me back in 10 minutes. When I said OK to a call back from the VA, I got a message to say that someone would call me back JUNE 19th at 11:15AM :eek: are you kidding me! What if you really needed some information quickly? I'm not in any hurry, so I took the time, but I think waiting 6 days for a call back is ridiculous.

[Janet]

Most people you speak with on the phone are so compassionate, at least that is what I found out. Waiting that long to get a call-back is ridiculous, but what can you do?

Guess I'm ready to start my day. Need to run to the bank and get change for the flea market and I just thought I'd buy a small roll of small trash bags to use to put items in when sold. Then I'm not sure what I'll do, maybe start loading the van up...I don't know.

[gja1000]

I hope you have a fun time at the flea market and sell lots of things. I think it's cool that you have that option!

I have class this afternoon and I'm feeling really tired today. I slept OK last night, not sure why I feel so fatigued. Oh well, I'll get through it. I have a guest speaker for the first hour, then I will present for about an hour, then I'll have the students work in their groups for the rest of the class, so it won't be too fatiguing.

My kids are coming tomorrow! YAY! We have a long list of things to accomplish this weekend, but it's not so much that we won't have time to play a bit.

[Janet]

This morning I went to town to get change for the flea market. Then I went to the rental house and trimmed all the bushes. Got most of it picked up, but I was hurting and shaking so bad so I went home. The renters left an old refrigerator so I posted it on FB that if anyone wanted it to contact me. Someone did and I drove back to town so they could pick it up.

Came home, took out the two back seats and loaded up all the flea market items in my van, then took a nice long shower and then ate some spare ribs that I had in the crock pot. They were soooo good.

Now I'm sitting in bed wishing I wasn't so sore, whenever I move.

[DianaB]

Gayle, your students sound so nice......and I'm glad that your friend stopped by. You both have a lot in common right now and can be support for each other. You'll have a nice busy weekend with your kids there. I know that you need them around to help you out......both mentally and physically.

Janet, wish that I could run up to your flea market!! It sounds like fun!! You've got everything under control with the rental and soon you'll have it all ship-shape!!

I have plans of cleaning while everyone is gone. Today I'm shampooing carpets. The kids have been so hard on them and they look just awful. A couple of days ago I picked up twigs and sticks out of the yard and started mowing yesterday. I didn't get done so I have that to finish up. Then I also started cleaning off my desk in the office. It is stacked HIGH with stuff. Glen takes whatever he doesn't want on his desk and turns around and stacks it on mine. GRRRRRrrrrrrrr!!!!! So I just leave it a mess......but I started cleaning it off a while back and didn't get it finished so I'm trying to finish that job. It won't stay clean because Glen will still pack stuff on it but, Oh well.........

I have some other jobs I wanted to get done as well but I'll be doing good to get them all done. I am so enjoying the peace and quiet and having time to myself. I didn't realize how much I was missing it.

[gja1000]

We are sitting in the backyard around the fire ring roasting marshmallows. Yep, it's 90 degrees. Yep, it's hot. But the kids are having fun.

[gja1000]

And we are having a weenie roast tonight!

[DianaB]

Sounds like fun, Gayle!! I'm glad that you're enjoying having your family there and it's not all work but you're taking time to relax!!

[Janet]

Sounds like a great time, wish I was there too...I love a good weenie roast.

[gja1000]

How was the flea market, Janet?

[Janet]

Very disappointing. It was in the 90's and so hot that not many people were out so I only made $37.50. So not worth my time. Didn't sleep well at all last night so I'm getting ready to go to bed. In the morning I have to go to the rental house and shampoo carpets...fun time...lol

[gja1000]

It's hard when it's so hot outside. I know I don't spend much time at outdoor events in the summer, just too hot. It was pretty hot here today too. We had outdoor things we had to do so everyone was soaked. I think we've all taken 2-3 showers today.

We had our weenie roast tonight. It was fun. Why is it that hotdogs roasted over an open fire taste so darned good!

[Janet]

Not sure why they are so good, but they are. Maybe it's the fun, the people and eating them outside.

At the flea market yesterday, it was nice seeing a few peopleI haven't seen for a long time. It would have been much better if it wasn't so hot. This was the first time I participated in a flea market, so I really thing they are much more fun to attend rather than have a booth...lol. Live and learn.

[gja1000]

I can see advantages to both - attending and having a booth. You probably got to see lots more people by having a booth, than you would if you'd just attended. But it's more fun to attend and be able to mingle and look at the other booths. Do they do this in the spring/fall when it is cooler. You'd have more customers then too.

We had a fun time at our weenie roast last night. A couple of friends of Abi's from Austin came over and the kids played kickball in the yard and cards after the weenie roast. I know Abi enjoyed seeing them.

We have had a very productive weekend, although I feel badly for my Brooke and Bryan. Bryan has worked all weekend, and today is father's day and also today is their anniversary. They picked this weekend to come up though, so I guess they don't mind. They are talking about going out for lunch for their anniversary, but today is Father's Day, so it might be tricky finding a place to eat without a looooong wait.

[Lindsey]

What a weekend! On Friday there were storm warnings and I left work early to get home to be with the pups. It was very weird. Dark black sky on one side of the road, and sunshine and clear on the other. There were tornado warnings for a good portion of the province. We actually left work when we heard some had been touching down near our town. It had passed when we got home but we got another storm not long after with wind and pounding rains. I said to my bridesmaid "Maybe God is trying to tell me something... food poisoning for my bridal shower and tornados when my friends are travelling for my stagette!" She said no, God is just giving me adventure lol! She said maybe something will happen the wedding day too... I was like "Yeah, maybe I'll be struck by lightning" lol!

Anyways, that night we had my family out for a barbeque (Scott was a good sport and stood out in the rain while we visited inside!). Then after they left, my matron of honor showed up after her 5 hour drive. We had a good visit that night!

Saturday we went to the city and bought and picked up all the alcohol for our permit bar at the wedding. We are storing it in my grandma's garage for now! Then we got our marriage license, and did some shopping. The little girls tried on their flower girl dresses, and one does not fit AT ALL. We can not do up the zipper. I will have to call tomorrow first thing and see what our options are.... it's only 3 weeks until the wedding and I don't know if a new one will be here in time.

Last night, a bunch of my friends took me out for a really nice dinner at a really nice restaurant. Then we all went out to the bar, and I had to put on my "Buck a Suck" shirt :eek: By midnight I had all of the candies off my shirt, enough money to cover drinks for the rest of the night, and all of my other tasks done!!! I had to be kissed on the cheek by 5 guys, pull out chest hair :eek::eek: (one of the girls had a friend who volunteered, and another girl had tweezers in her purse lol!!!), get a guy's number (they obviously knew it wasn't for real, my shirt said BRIDE across it and I was wearing pink devil horns LOL). In the end it was SUCH a fun night, and the girls I was with just made it so much better because they all pitched in to help me finish my tasks lol!

I feel much better today than I expected... I was up and ready to see my friend off for her return home this morning, and Scott and the puppies are all still fast asleep! I guess now that the stagette hurdle is out of the way, I am finally prepared to get married lol!

[gja1000]

Yay! My kids are staying till tomorrow. Bryan has to go to San Antonio for a meeting tomorrow, so the girls are staying till tomorrow! (happy dance).

[DianaB]

Janet, I'm sorry that your flea market sale didn't go as expected. Maybe if you planned it when it wasn't so hot....spring or fall. I would have come if I'd have been there!!

Gayle, it sounds like you had another good weekend with family around.....and still around!! I'm sure that Abi enjoyed seeing some of her old friends again!!

Lindsey, I have no idea what a "Suck a Buck" shirt is?????? It sounds like you had a good time though and that's what counts!!

Well.....today I'm going to finish shampooing carpets. I just have my bedroom left to do so it shouldn't take too long.

Glen got home from his trip scuba diving and had had a good time. Feyn and the kids all got certified while they were there!! The instructor had Glen and his buddy, Logan, do some things in the water for him.....and Glen wondered if he wasn't training them in some recovery training. I think that would be really hard to do when it was bodies. I really enjoyed my time home alone even if I was busy!!!

[gja1000]

Oh Gosh! the kids left this morning and all I can do it cry. I just want to curl up in a ball. I've been teary eyed when I left them or they went home, but today is the worst. I just feel so sad, shaky and lost. Thankfully, friend just invited me to go to dinner tonight, I need to get out of this house and do something else. Why oh why does this have to be so hard.

[Blueyes]

Oh Gayle, I'm so sorry. I think your shock is just beginning to wear off. It seems that adjusting to being at your house by yourself would be the hardest thing. Maybe at some point you can move closer to your kids. I wish there was something I could do to ease your pain.

I'm going to Dallas tomorrow to catch a plane to Seattle to see Dustin and Joy. I haven't seen them in 8 months, since I fell down their stairs and hurt my knee. I can't wait to see them, but I'm sick of having to get on a plane every time I want to see my kids.

All of you try to behave while I'm gone:p I'll check in when I can!

[DianaB]

Betsi......you are becoming quite the traveler!! Paris and now Seattle....again!! Have fun with the kids and enjoy yourself! STAY OFF OF THE STAIRS!!!

Oh Gayle, I'm so sorry. I wish that I could just pop myself down there at a moments notice! I'm sure that when the kids leave is the hardest moment......having an empty home all to yourself. I'm so glad that you've got plans with a friend!! Maybe you can have your granddaughters come and stay with you a little bit before school starts again. I'm sure they'd love to stay with Grandma too!!! Hugs!! I'm here if you need to chat!!! Just call me!!!

[Lindsey]

Oh Gayle I wish I could be there with you too!!

Betsi have fun in Seattle!!!

Diana... the shirt is one my matron of honor made for me... the front says BRIDE and the back says A Buck A Suck.... and then she safety pinned a whole bunch of Lifesavers candies to it. She made sure she kept them away from any embarassing areas! I had to go around the bar (thankfully with some girls who are more outgoing than me lol) and get guys to give me a dollar for a candy. The original meaning is the guy has to suck at it until it was gone, but I let the girls know I thought that was disgusting! So while we went around to these groups of guys, one friend would hold the shirt out (so they weren't actually against me) and make them bite it off. If they were really shy, we'd just take one off. Lots of guys were paying for their friends to do it so they'd be embarassed. It was less embarassing for me when it was embarassing for the guy lol!!! In the end I made about $40 I think and it paid for drinks for my girls and I!!!

[lynne b]

Oh Gosh! the kids left this morning and all I can do it cry. I just want to curl up in a ball. I've been teary eyed when I left them or they went home, but today is the worst. I just feel so sad, shaky and lost. Thankfully, friend just invited me to go to dinner tonight, I need to get out of this house and do something else. Why oh why does this have to be so hard.

Gayle, I am so sorry you are feeling like this, i hope you getting out with your friend helped. My mom's favorite saying was " i wish i could wave a magic wand and make everything better for you" i wish i could do this for you.
Hope you have a better day today, hugs to you!!

[gja1000]

Thank you everyone. It did help a lot to go out with my friend. We had a great visit! I felt much better. I have class today so it will be a busy day. That's always good!

[Janet]

Gayle...I know it's going to happen from time to time, but I wish it didn't have to happen to you. It was good that your friend invited you out...and at just the right time. So good to know that it helped you feel a little bit better. We're always here for you....anytime.

Yesterday I was busy in at the rental house. I organized the kitchen area that Rick had all the cleaning and repairing tools so now it's where we can actually see the stuff..lol. I don't know how he gets anything done with having to spend so much time looking for something. I was able to clean the carpet in the main bedroom...what a freak'n mess. It took so long to get all the yuk up and make it look good again. I put handles back on the kitchen cabinets since we painted them. It's really shaping up. I hurt so bad today and was planning on calling the dr. here in a bit. I'm hoping I can get in on Thursday since he's not in on Wednesday. Just not sure what to say except I hurt and cry all the time. That ought to give him a lot to go on..lol.

Today I get my hair cut at 11:30...it as grown out so much so I'm anxious to get some of it off.

[DianaB]

Yay!! Our home phone and internet is back on!! It's been off since yesterday......I was so anxious for it to be back on!!

I had such a busy day yesterday.......I shampooed the carpet in my bedroom.......mowed the yard.......cleaned the kitchen.......swatted 1,000 flies (I don't know where they are all coming from!!) and went swimming at the pond. Whew!!! I was so sore by the time I went to bed so I took a sleeping pill. I find that when I hurt I don't sleep very good. Also, I stubbed my little toe, the one I broke last summer, and I think that I've broken it again. Bummer!! It's all bruised and sore.

Today I've got laundry to work on. I've been feeling so good lately and feeling like getting some things done.....it's about time!!

Janet, you'll have that rental back in shape in no time!! You are so amazing at getting things done.

Lindsey....what a fun idea for a shirt. I would have definitely been embarassed!!

[JJJ]

BIG HUGS to you Gayle. Glad to hear your keeping busy.

Lindsey that sounds like so much fun. You must have some crazy girlfriends. I don't think I could have done that. Wow, $40 payed for all your drinks. Alcohol must be cheaper up there than down here.

Done with my morning test and now I have to finish my homework. No wonder I rarely come to this section. I have a boring life and not much to say :o

[Lindsey]

Janet, I hope you get in to the doctor soon! And I hope you get some relief from the pain as soon as possible.

Diana, I'm glad you have your internet and phone back! That's a long time to go without!

Well it didn't pay for all of our drinks, becuase I didn't get rid of most of those candies until midnight and we left at 1:30 lol! Plus there were only 6 of us out, and one was staying sober :) So it bought us a drink or two each and I had some money left over lol :D But yes, my friends are pretty outgoing lol!

[Janet]

Got my hair cut a little while ago...looks okay..not the same as last time, but okay. Everytime I've called the Dr. they've been busy so I left my name and number and hopefully they'll call back soon. Sometimes when this has happened, they've forgotten to call me back.

Sounds like you were working hard yesterday Diana. I love getting things accomplished...just not how it makes these bones ache...lol.

[Janet]

Dr. didn't call me back so now I will have to wait until Thursday to call. I will call first thing and hopefully get an appt.

Not sure what I'm going to do today besides Rick's laundry. Suppose to be hot again and I don't like being outside when it's this hot. I could go in to the rental house and see what else I can get accomplished...I'll see how much energy I have this afternoon. Need to get a few odds and ends done around here first.

Hope you all have a great day!

[gja1000]

I had a much better day yesterday! My students always lift my spirits. I also took mom out to dinner on my way home from school. Then we had to stop by Walgreens to get her a few things. We leave Fri. Morning for Gary's get together on Sat. We will stop by a cousin's house on the way on Fri and spend the night there, then on to the lake Sat. morning for the gathering. It will be hard, but I'm looking forward to seeing all of his family.

[Janet]

I'm not sure if you had seen it or not...and I hope nothing is wrong, but I haven't read anywhere about how Rex and Rowdy are doing. If I've missed something I'm terribly sorry.

[gja1000]

You haven't missed it, I don't thnk I've mentioned them. They are doing OK. Rex was not as attached to Gary or to me for that matter. He is a sweet sweet guy, but generally does his own thing. Rowdy was the one who sat on Gary's lap everyday. He is OK. I'm watching him carefully - he is eating well and playing - but - he looks at me so quizzically sometimes and I know he's trying to ask where "dad" is. I try to sit down and sit still for an extended period of time every day or night so he can sit on my lap. I'm not one to sit still for long - I rarely watch movies because I can't sit still for 2 hours. LOL! But I'm really trying to sit with him and pet him. Gary rubbed his belly and back a lot, so I'm trying to do that too. He was used to Gary being gone for extended periods of time (fishing for a month or gone to the deer lease), but of course, he always came back, so I'm sure Rowdy knows something is wrong and is waiting for him.

I feel so badly that I'm not taking them with us this weekend. I'll have to load my suitcases Thrusday night (we leave Fri. morning) because if I load the suitcases and then leave at the same time, they will go ballistic. They are fine when I leave for work in the morning. We have a routine and I say (in the same tone of voice), "You boys be good, I'll be back". I've said this to them ever since we've had them and they usually don't even get off the couch when I leave the house saying those words. BUT if you leave with suitcases, OMG! :eek: they are just beside themselves, jumping, barking, and crying. It just breaks my heart. A lady who comes to the house to stay with them will be here over this weekend to stay with them. They like her and she will sit on the couch with them the whole time.

[DianaB]

Oh, Gayle, how sad that Rowdy is missing Gary. I'm sure that's hard for you. They DO know when you're leaving. I know for us it's on Sunday morning when we go to church. I don't ususally get up and spend so much time getting ready to leave.......but they've figured it out. They don't eat very much or drink because they know that they're going to be in their kennel until we get home. It sounds like you have a wonderful sitter to be with the boys while you're gone!!

I'm glad that you're anxious to see Gary's family. It will be a hard weekend but they'll be there to love and support you. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

I have two kids that are ready to drive me crazy!!! They have been arguing, tattling, hitting, and screaming. Dae Lynn and I have both about had it. She took them over to Damon so they could ride in the tractor for awhile but by the time they got there the tractor had broke down so she brought them back home. At least it's almost time for naps!!!

I worked on laundry yesterday and I'm planning on finishing it up today and working on getting my bedroom back in order from shampooing the carpet. It's so hard to do while the kids are around!!!

[Janet]

Today I rearranged Rick's room. It was pretty much thrown together when Mom moved into my room so now it's all organized and looking like a guys room now. He is much happier and wanting a small desk. I told him find one and buy it.

Also got all the laundry done and put away. Decided not to do anything with my desktop right now so I set it up on the computer desk that was Mom's. I really should have gone to the rental house, but I just had things I wanted to get done here.

[DianaB]

Gayle, you're in my thoughts and prayers today. I know that it will be a bittersweet day. Hugs, Girlfriend!!!

I went to garage sales today but didn't find much. There were a lot of them but I wasn't looking for baby stuff or toys!!

Dae Lynn and Damon and the kids have gone to Wichita so I have the house all to myself today!! However.....with it being quiet I just want to take a nap!! Later I'm going down to the pond and swim!!

[Janet]

Today I went to the rental house and worked. Got the back room all cleaned up, washed the paneling in the dining room, painted the drawers in the bedroom and helped Rick rehang the front screen door. Neither of us will be there tomorrow. I'm going to (maybe) give the dogs a bath and Rick is going to one of those Cowboy Shoot things.

Ricky gets off at 6 this evening so when he gets home I want to go out to eat....either at Pepe's or Main Street Pub. I'm hungry.

[Lindsey]

Sounds like you got a lot done today Janet!

I got up at 6:30 because Scott was getting "kidnapped" from bed by his friends. They took him to Edmonton today. I haven't even spoken to him yet at all since last night, but I don't think I should be calling or texting during his stag party. Maybe I will text him tonight before I go to bed just to say good night and I love him. I don't want his friends to think I'm needy, but it really bothered me that I didn't get a chance to say good bye this morning before he left.

After I got over it, I drove to the city. I had to stop at the insurance place to renew my drivers license. I am so getting married at the wrong time lol! I had to get a new picture taken today. I guess after I'm married and change my name, I have to go get another new picture taken and pay an extra $10! I should have gotten married a month sooner lol!

Then I headed to a walk-in clinic for a prescription because I'm between doctors right now and the doctor I am meeting with next week will not do prescriptions on the first visit. After that, I headed to PetSmart for some "grass saver" treats for the pups, and then went to Micheal's craft store for a clip to attach my flower to for my veil :) Finally, I stopped at Walmart to fill my prescription and bought a couple of cheap new bikinis for our honeymoon!! :D

When I got home I planted 10 planters full of flowers, and two more with tomato plants. I also pulled all the weeds in the front yard because it was getting VERY overgrown!!! I finally just came back inside and I am exhausted!

Oh yeah I forgot to mention, I finally sold my motorcycle!!! A younger guy bought it, and he paid in cash and took it home on Thursday. What a relief!

[Janet]

Went to Main Street Pub last night for supper, it's on the downtown square. I had the Tilapia again and we all shared a sampler plate. It was sooo good. After all the work I did yesterday I was really hungry and looking forward to eating out.

Today I was going to give the dogs a bath, but didn't do a darn thing....lolol. Tomorrow I'll be in at the rental house so maybe I'll bathe them on Tuesday.....or not.

[gja1000]

Hi everyone. I made it home late this afternoon. I had a good visit with my family and Gary's family. Saturday was a pretty hard day, but it got easier as the day went along. It was hard leaving today. Everyone begged me to come back soon, they are afraid I won't be a part of their family anymore. I have very little family of my own, so I know I'll go visit them often.

[DianaB]

Gayle, I knew that this weekend would be hard. You've been in my thoughts and prayers all weekend. I'm glad that you'll stay in touch with Gary's family. You all need each other.......and you're a part of their family......a death doesn't change that.

Lindsey, it sounds like everything is coming along!!! The BIG day will be here soon!!

Janet, You've had a busy week and I don't blame you for taking a day off or going out to eat!

I went to garage sales on Saturday. There were a lot of them in town but I didn't get much at all. It was disappointing. Dae Lynn and Damon went to Wichita with the kids because Damon needed new glasses so I had the day to myself!!

On Sunday after church there was a church picnic up at the lake. After we ate a bunch of us went swimming. It was a really hot day and the water felt really good. Our pastor took his boat and there were a couple of seadoos but mostly the kids were on them. We had a really good time.

[Janet]

Gayle I'm glad you're home safe and that you were able to be with family...remembering Gary. It would be good to stay in touch, like Diana said...you're all family and death doesn't change that. It shouldn't anyway.

Today I was in at the rental house cleaning carpets again. I also swept out the basement and wiped down all the cop webs. I'm so tired of going in there, but after Rick lays the linoleum in the one bedroom, I'm going to clean the carpets again and try to get out the spots that didn't come up the first time, then I'll be done. I'll be glad too.

[DianaB]

You'll have it all ship shape in no time, Janet!! I'm sure that you're tired of being there but you'll be glad that you got it all ready. Have you decided to sell or rent?

[Janet]

I would rather sell, but Rick wants to keep it and rent it out. Either way..we have to rent it for awhile anyway. Everything will be completely paid off in June '13, so we'll just have to see. I'll probably just keep nagging till I get my way....lolol

[gja1000]

I'll be glad when you are done with the work too, Janet. I know you'll find good renters this time! Then things will be OK.

I have class today, but attendance is optional as the students are working on a group project and I don't care if they work at school or somewhere else. They are to notify me if they are at school so that I can come by and check in with them to see if they need help. Only one group has notified me they will be in class - there will probably be more, but they probably won't let me know till later.

I have a telephone appt with the Social Security administration at 12:45 (one of those appts you get TOLD you have, rather than getting to schedule). That's only 15 mins before my class and since the students are working in groups anyway, that will be OK.

Now talking with the Veterans Administration is another thing :mad:. I had my appt with them last week. One of the things they said is that as the widow of a disabled vet who died of a service connected illness (heart failure), that I would receive his full disability check for the month of May (the month he died) and I also received a letter saying the same thing.

So over the weekend I received the check made out to me. I hadn't put it in the bank yesterday before the mail came, and in the mail was a letter from the VA that says I am NOT entitled to receive his disability payment for May and there was a form to send them back the money. So, of course, I've got to talk to the VA to see what to do. When I called yesterday the first telephone appt I could get was Thursday right in the middle of my class. So I waited till this morning to call back and the first appt. I can get is still during my class. :mad: So I'm going to have to wait a while longer before I call back. S.I.G.H.

[DianaB]

Oh Gayle, what a hassle!! I hadn't even thought about dealing with all of that!!! My heart goes out to you!! There's nothing worse than dealing with government things!! Hang in there you'll get it figured out.

Well, I finally got a few things carried out of my bedroom and taken down to the basement. I really hated storing my sewing machine down there but I really don't have anywhere else to store it with Dae Lynn and the kids having the extra bedrooms. Oh well.....at least the basement is dry. Now I just need to straighten it up and dust the furniture and it will look pretty good......better than it has since Dae Lynn moved in. I also have some antique picture frames that I want to put something in and hang up. I've got some ideas it's just sitting down and getting it done.

The weather is HOT. We got up to OVER 100* yesterday and we're suppose to be that way for awhile. Glen's worried about another drought.......the joys of farming!!!

With it that warm the pond will be really nice......can we say SWIMMING!!!!!.........Yes!!!!!!

[Janet]

I think that all the things one has to deal with after someone passes is so confusing and tiring. So many calls, appts...decisions.

So far today I have groomed and bathed 3 dogs....2 more to go, but I neeeded a break. Then I will have all the stuff to put up and get the house back in order.

Suppose to be really nice today temp wise, but then tomorrow and for the next few days it's going to be up near 100 degrees. I'm so not good with hot! Thank goodness the rental house has air conditioning because I'll be back there on Thursday.

[Lindsey]

It has been very warm here too. It's been around 35 degrees Celsius with humidity which is about 95 degrees Farenheit.

We have become tornado alley! I think it was last week or maybe the week before... 8 tornadoes touched down on the same day, most of them within an hour of my town.

Yesterday there were severe thunderstorm warnings and today there are more tornado warnings. There are storm chasers up here from the southern states, saying these could be the worst storms in the province's history. I just want to get home safely after work! I have so much to do and these storms are getting in the way of my plans lol.

Anyways, I have been busy with wedding, and that's about it.

[gja1000]

I just heard that it is officially 109 in Austin. WHEW! Thank goodness for good air conditioning.

Well what do you know, I got to talk to the VA TODAY!!! When I called them back trying to get an appointment after class on Thursday, I got a recording saying the wait time was 30 minutes, but if I wanted to leave my number, they would call me back when I got to the top of the wait line. WAHOOOO!

When they called me back I found out that I DO get to keep the check they sent over the weekend. Turns out they direct deposited Gary's check on June 1 AND they sent me the check over the weekend - so both checks were for May, thus, I was double paid and they will simply retract the check out of my account that they direct deposited. Now, wouldn't it have been easier to just let me keep the check they had ALREADY DEPOSITED, rather than sending me a paper check and then retracting the direct deposit check??? Oh well, everything is OK and I have a check that I didn't expect to get. I thought they would NOT pay for the month Gary died, but they did, so that is a gift in my eyes!

[gja1000]

Busy day! I'm getting ready to go to the bank to do some business. Next to the insurance agent's office to check on a better (lower price too) policy for our rental house. Then to school for a bit, then out to lunch with a couple of colleagues. Next I have to go to the Parks and Wildlife department to submit the paperwork to get Gary's boat title put in my name. Then probably back to school for a little work time. And last, out to dinner with a friend. I like days like this, keeps my mind from wandering.

[DianaB]

Ah....everyone is soooo busy!! We haven't had much going on here. I've been working on my bedroom......hanging some of my little dressers and cabinets on the wall. Dae Lynn and I went and swam in the pond for a little while. I'm getting ready to go out and water flowers. Our temps have been over 100* too. That's too hot for us this time of year. We don't usually get that hot until July.

[Janet]

We'll be climbing to 100 tomorrow and the next day. That's just too hot, soni think I'll be staying in. I'm suppose to go to the pee dr tomorrow, but I'm canceling. I don't want to be heading to Indianapolis alone and risk car trouble with all the construction going on there. I'm not sure I'm going to reschedule.

[gja1000]

Hi everyone! It's summer and everyone is so busy. I haven't seen Judy on here for ages and I miss her. Betsi is with her son and dil in Seattle, so it's somewhat quiet in here. But all is well, they will be back.

I got all the things done on my "busy day list" yesterday. I also got some other good news that my cousin's daughter in New Mexico is going to try to buy my FJ Cruiser. I hope they can get the loan. She said they might have to sell a car before they can get the loan, but I'm not in any hurry, so that should be OK. Another cousin says she is going to buy the pickup and the travel trailer. A friend of Gary's says he wants the boat. So, that's all the large ticket items I have to sell! WHEW! I hope they all work out. I still have an 18 foot flat bed trailer, but I won't have any problem selling that if no one that I know wants to buy it.

Two friends and I are having a "girls day out" tomorrow. These are the women that I go on a "retreat" with (really means skipping work and shopping or what not, LOL! - actually we don't "skip" work, we just arrange our schedules so that we don't have anything scheduled on the same day so we can get away at the same time - funny how that works out. LOL!) a couple of times a year. We are going to a little town about 30 miles from Austin where they have all sorts of little shops and antique stores. It will be fun - but it is dastardly hot so we are going early so we can come home by the middle of the afternoon when it is so so so hot.

I know everyone is too hot all around the country. At least we are used to having hot weather in the summer and I know many people who are having hot weather are not used to it. Our problem is that we had a really nice spring & early summer, temps were in the high 80's low 90's up until BAM! it was over 100 and it was 109 on Tuesday!!! :mad:

[gja1000]

I'm suppose to go to the pee dr tomorrow, but I'm canceling. I don't want to be heading to Indianapolis alone and risk car trouble with all the construction going on there. I'm not sure I'm going to reschedule.

So what is up with not rescheduling??? Have you tried Kagel exercises? You have to do them regularly for about 3 months before you see any improvement. Also, there is a medication called Detrol that helps some women with leakage.

[Janet]

Since I've lost weight, it's not happening as often or as much as it did. I still wear a pad though. The tests did show leakage, but I'm really afraid of complications. I know some have gotten along just fine, but within the last week, I've had two tell me they had problems. I've been doing the exercises but feel losing the weight has really helped.

The main reason I decided to cancel today is it's suppose to get to 102 degrees and I have to drive over an hour to Indianapolis. There is so much construction and the stopping and waiting scares me a bit of over heating. I know....probably just an excuse, but I don't want to drive down there by myself again. So I think I'll put it on the back burner for now.

It's wonderful Gayle that you have people (family) wanting to buy the larger items. If you're not planning on using them again, then you might as well sell.

I had stopped recording what I've been eating for the last week so today I've started back on MyFitnessPal.com. Everyone needs a break now and again so I took one. Now I'm ready to get back on track and take more weight off.

[Lindsey]

Janet, I started using MyFitnessPal too!

It looks like all of our storm warnings are done for now. There were two tornadoes that touched down a couple of nights ago and huge wind gusts yesterday that took down trees, barns, power poles, and even some light poles in the city. There was golf-ball sized hail in the city but luckily it missed us. Tons of people have car damage and house damage from that. It was putting holes in people's siding, and the wind was taking shingles off the roofs. Our house held together, thank goodness!

I am working from home today because my office is having a big golf tournament that I am not golfing in. I kind of hate golf, and it was expensive to sign up, AND I don't want to risk getting tan lines this close to the wedding lol! So since nobody is in the office anyway, I thought I might as well bring my work home! I have Kash snoring on my lap, Layla snoring on the floor beside me, and Lucy in the back of the house asleep in her crate (I can't hear her snoring, but she's not much a snorer anyway lol!)

[DianaB]

Lindsey, now you know what it's like to live in Kansas!! LOL We really keep an eye on the weather when there's rain coming in because you never know what to expect. I'm glad that you're house didn't get any damage.

Gayle, I'm glad that you're getting things sold off to the family. I know that it will mean more to you knowing that they have it instead of strangers.

Have a good time with your friends!! It sounds like fun.....I would to go too!! I want to go to the Dump if I ever come down there. One of my Aunts used to live there and for her birthday she was taken there and said it was so much fun. You'll have to let us know if you buy anything special!!

Janet, I understand about canceling the appt. if you're doing better. I know that since I've lost weight I don't have nearly as much trouble with leakage as I was....and good luck with the loosing weight. I've been swimming about everyday so I'm hoping that I'll start losing again too. Hugs!!

[Janet]

Thanks Diana...even if you don't lose lbs you'll be losing inches swimming. Wish I had a place to swim. We use to have a pool, but it was so much work...a lake or pond would be so nice.

[gja1000]

I had a good day today. I had the last face to face class with my students. They still have two online classes to do and I have 11 papers to grade which will come in next week.

My daughter had a minor wreck today. It could have bee really bad, but it turned out to be OK, and even a little funny. Brooke, Abigail and Emma were coming home from the beach. Abi was surfing and did well till she got stung by a jellyfish. It wrapped around her calf, so it covered a larger area. But she is tough.

Then on the way home, they got sideswiped by an expedition going 70 MPH. That would have scared me to death. Brooke said they were just driving along when the SUV was on top of them. To make matters worse, the vehicle didn't stop, and when Brooke a looked, it didn't have a tag. So she just followed it and honked and got beside them and waved and finally they pulled over. They did not speak English so communication was difficult. Brooke called the police before she got them stopped and they were therebpretty quickly. They had just bought the car so it had paper tags but they were not on the vehicle. So if Brooke had not gotten them to stop, they could have gotten away. She said she was prepared to follow them till they stopped.

Here's the funny part. Since they had been at the beach, they were all in swim suits. Now my daughter is about 60 lbs overweight. Plus, in her words, "Here I am standing on the side of the road for 45 minutes in my swimsuit looking like a beached whale and because we'd been to the beach, I had sand in my hooha. It felt soooo good - NOT"

Now, this is funnier because a few years ago, Gary and I ran out to get something (can't remember what) and Gary was in his pajamas. We were sitting perfectly stopped at a red light when a car from the other lane ran the red light, hit a car which slammed into Gary and I. The kicker was the driver of the car that ran the red light jumped out of the car and ran. We were at an extremely busy intersection and because the driver ran, we were there a loooong time, AND GARY WAS IN HIS PAJAMAS. Everyone who saw the wreck, including us of course, had to give our account to the police and Gary is standing in the intersection for a loooooong time in his pajamas! Lol! So we have always joked about having a wreck in your pajamas, now we'll have to add swim suits to that.

[Janet]

I have heard that getting stung by a jellyfish is really painful. I m thankful I don't know first hand but I'm Abi is tough! Brooke must be one heck of a brave lady....with all the nutcases out there not sure it was a good idea to follow them...lol. Glad it all worked out except for her car. Your family will now have another laugh with the swim suit...lol. Next time she'll probably make sure she has a cover up handy. :)

[gja1000]

Janet, Brooke said the same thing after it was all over, that perhaps following them was not the best idea. But she did. She also said she could see women in the vehicle, so it wasn't like it was a car full of men only. And she said all she could think was that if she didn't get them stopped, there would be no way to verify what had happened, because everyone that "saw" the accident happen was long gone. I'm glad it worked out for the best.

Last night Brooke texted me asking when I was coming to Houston. I said I had no commitments, I could come any time. I thought she might be wanting me to come this weekend but I wasn't sure. So, I said I could come at any time, even next weekend when I planned to go to OK, because I can go up there any time too. She never said she wanted me to come this weekend but finally she asked if I had class next Tuesday, which I don't, and then she said, "Well you could come for a long weekend". So, I'll be driving down tomorrow morning and staying till tuesday, or whenever (feels funny to not have to have definite plans on when I HAVE to return home from a trip). Brooke always tries to "stay strong" (wonder where she gets that :roll eyes:) so I guess she didn't want to say she needed me to come down this weekend. But I know that accident had to shake her up badly because she had both of the girls with her. I hope "MOM" can be of some help.

[DianaB]

I had to laugh at Brooke having sand in her "hooha"!!!! LOL At least she's laughing!! And thankfully the accident wasn't a really bad one. I've heard that Mexicans there don't always have insurance and they will run after an accident. It's a nice feeling when our kids still need their Mama's nearby!!

Sorry about Abi's jellyfish sting. I've heard that's painful!! I think that it's vinegar that you're suppose to pour over it.....but I don't remember for sure.

I've had a stressful morning......Dean got into one of Karlie's craft things and poured blue and red ink all over the carpet!! I was soooo upset but thank goodness it did come out easily. I just shampooed the carpets a couple of weeks ago.....then yesterday had to clean up a glass of milk that Dean spilled in the SAME place where the ink was spilled. Needless to say I was in a pretty bad mood by the time Dae Lynn got home!! NOW they are taking a nap......I sure hope it's a long nap!!!

I'm going to run over to Feyn and Tammy's later today. Karley had surgery on her knee the other day and she's not feeling too good. She broke her leg when she was 5 and it was in the growth plate......last year they put something in the good leg to stop it from growing so the leg that was broken could catch up. It worked perfectly only now the thing they put in was bothering her so they took it out. After this hopefully everything will be fine. Feyn and Tammy have done a great job of taking her to the doctor all of these years and keeping tabs on how it was going.

Then later I plan on swimming. I missed going yesterday because I went to Elijah's last ball game. It was so hot but one of my classmates was there and we had a good visit!!

[Janet]

That Dean....lol....such a boy!!! I bet you just about went crazy until you saw it was coming out of the carpet okay.

Today was another hot one and I didn't do a whole lot at all. Very early this morning I did two loads of clothing before it got up into the 90's. Then when Ricky got back from getting a hair cut, we went to town and drove by a couple of houses to see if he might be interested in them...you know...location wise. He's wanting to look at a couple, but he's going to have to make the phone calls...I'm not doing it. He's very capable and needs to do this on his own.

The rest of the day was just piddle type things around the house. Tomorrow, I head to the rental house and get all the carpets cleaned one more time. We are pretty sure we have found some nice people to rent the house, but we'll see. I will have to wait until Monday to check out their application and verify employment..etc. We should have the house done in another week or so...just not sure.

[gja1000]

We had a nice day shopping with the girls. We had a lot of fun shopping and giggling quite a bit! We ate a late lunch at the Salt Lick. Its a BBQ place and the food was great! Then we had an ice cream cone on the way home. I haven't eaten so much in a long time.

I'll be leaving early in the morning to go to Houston. Can't wait to see everyone.

[DianaB]

I went to garage sales and bought some really cute purses to put in the flea market along with some other things. I didn't find much for myself.

When I got home Dae Lynn and the kids were in the pond so I hurried up and changed my clothes to join them but by the time I got there they had already gotten out so I swam a lap or two by myself. I swam last night and this morning I could really tell it!!

We have a young friend from church that just got married and they are having a reception this evening so Glen and I are planning on going. It should be a good time.

[Janet]

Is this the flea market you have your booth at? You haven't mentioned it for quite some time...how's it doing?

[gja1000]

I made it to Houston about 10:30 this morning and we've been running since. It's only 9:00P and I am tired! It's so good to be with the kids.

[gja1000]

It's raining buckets here and getting ready to (or fixin' to as we say in Texas) rain in Austin. My poor yard sure needs it. I have been watering less this spring/summer to save money and encourage stronger root growth (when you water less the roots have to grow more in search of water. Ultimately, with a bigger/stronger root system, it helps the grass need less water.

We have ANTS in the house here in Houston! My daughter uses only natural/organic products and I can't find anything to kill them (she's still in bed). I have some spray at home that is a very strong peppermint oil spray, that kills ants on contact, but I can't remember where I got it.

[Janet]

We finally got some rain here too and I loved it. BUT...of course the humidity was worse. Our yard is so brown it's sad. We never water it, so it must have a great root system..lol.

Whenever we have ants, I just spray Raid Ant Killer, works like a charm.

[Lindsey]

We are still battling ants in our yard. I've noticed they've just started coming into the house too. I bought some strong foamy chemical stuff with a long rod you're supposed to put down into each of their hills. We have sooo many hills! But it's supposed to work. My parents are taking the dogs home with them after the wedding until we're back from our honeymoon, so the day before we leave I am going to spend my day going around the yard with that can of foam!! Hopefully it kills all the ants and is washed away by the time we bring the dogs back.

I am so busy with everything right now. Yesterday we cleaned the top two floors and a good portion of the first floor. I mean, we vaccuumed, washed floors, washed windows, dusted, and I even rearranged our closet to fit the spinning shoe rack my parents got me for my birthday (they know me so well lol!!)

This morning, Scott got up early and said he had to go to ball... I totally forgot he said he would play today. I got up after he left and did a bit of cleaning downstairs, and then I texted to ask when he'd be home (I was getting hungry and was going to make lunch for us both!) he said he's sorry, they actually have to play two games and the second is at 5:00! He said he should have just drove himself so he could come home in between. So that kind of sucks because we had a lot to get done today! I'm trying to do as much as I can on my own.

Our friend from Australia gets here tomorrow! I'm so excited to see her! She is staying the night with us, and she's coming into the city with us on Tuesday while we go to work, so she can do sightseeing (I told her there's not much to see, but she said she's okay with shopping, and she loves Guess and a new Guess store just opened lol). Anyways, Tuesday evening she is catching a plane to Calgary, and Wednesday morning she's catching a bus from there to Banff for some sightseeing. That's mostly because we told her she can't come to Canada and just be here, or she'll hate it lol! She needs to see more of the country so she'll want to come back! Banff is one of my favourite places so I hope she loves it! She's staying in Calgary Thursday and coming back to Saskatoon Thursday evening, pretty late. We need to pick her up at 11:40 pm at the airport, then drive back out to our town to go to sleep, and get back to the city early in the morning to start decorating our reception room at the hotel! It is going to be such a whirlwind week!

[DianaB]

Rain.....wish we could have some too!! Our crops could really use it as well as our yard.

Lindsey.....you have such a busy week ahead of you!! Wish I was there to help with the decorating!! I won't be at the wedding physically but my heart is there!! I'll be thinking good thoughts for you all week long. Remember.....don't get too stressed. Take some time to have fun with your friend!!

I'm at the hospital with Jaci now. They have a computer that I can get on in the waiting room.....Cool! They've taken her back to a room so we're waiting to join her. She's really nervous. Nate and his Mom, Jan, are here with us as well and Glen's coming later. He wasn't planning on it but Jaci asked him last night if he was coming and he knew that she wanted him here. The doctor is going to clip some skin possibly to help the uterus to be able to expand the next time she gets pregnant. I don't understand having a heart shaped uterus?? But she's in good hands.

[Janet]

We are still having high temps and humidity. I'm sure the rain helped some, but it sure doesn't look like it. The grass is so brown and crunches when you walk on it. The corn....it's so sad to see it. There was an article in the paper this morning saying the corn crop is stunted (we could see that) and it's not looking like it will be able to come out of it. It just looks so thirsty. I feel bad for our neighbors and well, all the farmers.

Keeping Jaci in my prayers Diana, let her know she has prayers coming from Indiana.

[gja1000]

Abigail had physical therapy this morning. She has a knee botheromg her and it's just tendonitis, nothing major. So Brooke and I too Emma to a park next to the water with a playground. We had fun. These little boys came and Emma was playing with them when one of them pushed her down. It didn't hurt her and she just came over to us, but wasn't crying or anything. Two of the boys playing came to tell the dad that the 3rd boy pushed Emma down. The dad actually made the boy who did the pushing apologize to Emma, then he came over to Brooke and apologized. I was impressed!

Then we went to two Ross stores (discount) and I found a pair of capris and another set of nice full sheets. We ate lunch at Chipolte and it was really good. Now we are home resting and getting ready to fix dinner. I'm going home in the morning. I've had a great time, but I'm ready to sleep in my own bed.

[DianaB]

Jaci did really good yesterday. The doctor had really good news for her. The D & C went well with no problems. The doctor then looked at Jaci's heart shaped uterus and had talked about clipping some of the seam that joined the two lobes but after looking at it she said that there wasn't a problem with it and that there shouldn't be any problems with that in future pregnancies. Jaci has one lobe that is larger than the other. The doctor did say that sometimes having the two lobes will cause a baby from turning face down for delivery. That's not a problem anymore with sonograms. It was all good news!!

I stayed with Jaci the rest of the day at her house and came home late last night. Nate didn't want her to stay home alone today since they live quite a ways from anyone so she's at his Mother's house taking it easy.

Today I'm watching the kids while Dae Lynn's cleaning the church. I have a feeling it's going to be a loooooonnnnnnnnnngggggggggg day!!!

[Lindsey]

Diana, I wish you were here too to help out lol!!!! And that is such great news for Jaci!!!

Yesterday we picked up our friend from the airport and it was so surreal to have her here!!!! We ran across the airport to each other and had a big group hug (she and Scott and I) lol! When we got her luggage in the vehicle and started driving away, she kept reaching up and poking our shoulders and saying it's so weird she can touch us now instead of just seeing each other through a computer screen lol! We took her for a little tour of the city, ran some errands, and had lunch (we made her eat a Canadian specialty - poutine - and she loved it!)

Then we pretty much lounged at home for the rest of the day! We skyped with her mom and sister, and she spent lots of time with our dogs (she misses hers back home!) and had some good talks and a lot of laughs!

This morning I brought her to work for an hour until the mall opened, and then she headed over there. Scott is having lunch with her right now and I am taking off early today to meet with her again. After supper we're taking her back to the airport for her little side trip!

I feel like so much is going on at once! Our friend came, our wedding is in 4 days, our honeymoon is in a week!!! I was planning to pack for that on the weekend but didn't even get started! I am just so busy!

[Janet]

I'm so glad Jaci has rec'd good news from the Dr. What a relief for everyone! It's good for her to take it easy and just rest. How is your day going??? lol...are they being good children for you?

[gja1000]

Lindsey, you make me tired just reading about all that you are doing. Lol! It's so cool that your friend from Australia arranged her vacation to attend your wedding. I sure wish I could be there! It would be so great to see you walk down the aisle. So I will settle for hearing all about it and the honeymoon when you get back.

I came home from Houston today, it was a nice drive and it's not too hot today! Miracle. I just got back from the farmers market. I got okra, sourdough bread and a small watermelon. I have a very small steak I'm going to grill later, along with okra. Yum! I'm hungry already.

I received the paperwork to apply for Gary's life insurance. I think this is the last set of paperwork I have to complete and send in. At least I hope so! It's not easy.

We had a fun time in Houston. We went shopping, the kids rode jet skis, i made cookies, we cooked some really good meals, and we watched movies. It's so much fun to be with Abi and Emma.

[gja1000]

Watching Gone With the Wind.

[Janet]

Love Gone With the Wind! It has always been one of my very favorite movies.


Worked at the rental house today and I'm pretty much done. All carpets are now clean, walls are painted and cleaned. Have cleaned the whole house. Only thing left is painting the floor of the enclosed front porch, laying the wood look linoleum in the small bedroom and maybe painting the basement walls. They are only 4 feet high with storage above. I have a friends son painting the exterior so we are almost done and probably should be by the end of the weekend. I sure hope so.

[gja1000]

Gone With the Wind is one of my favorite movies too. I've read the book about a hundred times. I can pick up the book and open it anywhere and read for hours. Its like an old friend.

[DianaB]

I saw where Gone with the Wind was on last night but missed the first part so I didn't watch it. I haven't seen it for years.....but I do have it on DVD......maybe I should pull it out and watch it sometime.

I'm glad that you're about done with paperwork, Gayle. One more less thing you have to stress about. And....I'm glad that you had a good time with your family. You need that right now.

Some okra sounds so yummy!!! The girls have some planted but it's not producing much yet......soon!!!

Molly is so afraid of the fireworks!! You'd think that living in the country we wouldn't hear much but she picks up any little sound and then she's biting at the back door. She's got one corner completely chewed off. Last year the guys set off some really big things at Amy's house and it must have really frightened her because that's when all of this started. She's been in the house a LOT the last few days and we're planning on just keeping her in the house tonight. Thank goodness I have a baby gate and it works perfectly at keeping her in the utility room.

Any one have plans for today? Glen and I are just going to stay home.....I think. We had a friend who always had a big 4th party and barbeque and he lived right by where they shoot off fireworks but he passed away a few months ago so I think we're just going to stay home and maybe go swimming this evening. With all of the drama going on in our family lately I really don't feel like being with any of them.

[Janet]

We don't have any plans. The guys have been in the garage working on vehicles and I've been in the house where it's cool. It's suppose to get up to 99 today and then for the 100 every day up to and including Saturday. I'm so tired of the humidity, it feels so much hotter. I want to be able to enjoy being outside again.

I wouldn't mind going out to eat someplace nice and relaxing, but I doubt it will happen. We'll see. Hope you all have a nice holiday.

[gja1000]

Diana, one of my Yorkie boys, Rex, is very afraid of fireworks. I have one of those thunder shirts and it really helps him, but he is still afraid. At least he doesn't shake in the back of the closet all night. I'm going to stay home with him this evening because he would be really scared if I left.

I went out shopping a bit today, lots of stores having good sales. I only bought a pair of capris. Now I'm home and thinking about what to fix for dinner. Chicken I think!

[gja1000]

Oh, I forgot to say I went by the Toyota dealers and drove a Prius Wagon. I think that's what I'll get when I get all the vehicles sold. I really liked it. It's bigger than the Prius car, both inside and outside. But it only get 43 in town and 40 on the road, whereas the smaller car gets 53/50. I'd like to get the better gas mileage, but I think I need the room (it has LOTS more cargo space to carry things in the back), since I won't have a pickup to haul things. Anyway, I liked it and liked driving it.

[Janet]

Even though I'm so thankful for what the 4th of July stands for, it has to be one of my least favorite holidays. Having to listen to the popping, whistling and crackling of fireworks all day long is so annoying. They should only be allowed the evening of the 4th. The dogs don't mind them near as much as I do...lol. Old age setting in huh? LOLOL

Gayle I really like the look of the Prius. I'd like to have something different. I have always loved my Dodge Caravan....can haul darn near anything. Nice ride too. It's just starting to have some slight issues and it does need to be painted. My husband was going to do this when we bought it, but of course, never did. So I'm ready to trade it off. The vehicle I'm wanting is a Honda CRV. They last forever and have good gas mileage. Trouble is...I don't want payments and I don't have enough to pay for one outright. I'm also looking at Ford Fusions. I really don't know what I want other than the CRV.

Today we have to attend a funeral service. Rick's Aunt Patti (his father's sister) passed a few days ago and today is the visitation and service. Patti is going to be so missed....I really loved her. She and her sister Dorothy (who also has passed) had the loudest funniest laughs. You always knew their laughs whenever you heard them, no matter where you were. It just makes me so sad to know that the family is down to just a few now. Rick still has an aunt (mother's sister) and uncle (dad's brother) and that's it. There are still cousins, but none really get together...all spread out and busy with their own families and kids and grandkids. Doesn't even have siblings close...all out of state except for one step-sister.

I have no aunts or uncles left. Have a couple of cousins, but not many. Of course there are my two brothers, but haven't seen or spoke to them since February except for Jerry. Spoke to him when he came to get his inheritence check at the lawyers. That's it. So...really.....no more family except for us. So many are missed, mostly Rick's side...they were all such a hoot at family get-togethers.

Also had a friends father who passed, but the service is at the same time only at a different funeral home so I won't be able to attend. It's going to be so hot and humid again today with a record temp of 102. The heat index will be horrible.

I got up early this morning and cleaned the carpet in the hallway and family room which will soon be our dining room. When I let the dogs out of the kitchen before, they had missed the pad and there were some stains that I couldn't get up very well so I finally got the big carpet cleaner out and now it smells so fresh and clean. I was so afraid someone would come out and see it. Now they are not allowed out of the kitchen. Wish I could find homes for them but I definitely won't let Joey go...he's my baby and Ricky doesn't want to let Gidget and Ozzie go. He'll take them with him when (and if) he ever moves. Brenna I have listed on some FaceBook sites for sale and I'm just not sure what to do about Emilee. I don't want her, but feel guilty to rehome her since she's been here the longest. Hopefully Brenna will sell soon...I'm so tired of her barking. If it wasn't so hot out, they would be outside.

Well, I need to get a few other things done and then get ready for the the service this afternoon. Everyone try to stay cool.

[gja1000]

Janet, I know you are so tired of the dogs barking and making a mess. My guys mark in the house, but only sprinkles here and there. Since we have all tile and wood, it's not a problem, just a wipe up now and then. Of course, that is why we ripped out the carpet because we knew we couldn't stop their marking. I could keep belly bands on them, but they hate them so much. Anyway, I understand. I hope you can re-home some of them.

i'm going back to OK tomorrow and will likely come home Monday or Tuesday. Gary's sisters begged me to come back this weekend as they will all be at the lake. It's a good time to take some things up there for everyone. It's not much, but things like fishing poles, pictures and the like that his family will want.

I will get together with my family on Sunday. It will be nice to see them. I'm not sure the last time I saw my (step) sister, brother and sister in law. I think a niece and her family may be there too.

I'll have my iPad but there is no cell signal or wireless at Gary's sister's house so I probably won't be able to post till Sunday evening. Ya'll be good!

[gja1000]

Thought I was going to pass out when loading the metal lawn furniture. It was that it was heavy, just bulky and then it took a while to tie it all down. I had to come in and sit in front of the fan with a cold drink!!!

[Janet]

My boys will turn around so we can put the belly bands on them.....lol...they are so use to them. I'm hoping to get some wood looking linoleum for the dining room and hallway. That should help with the girls. I'm just dogged out..lol. I want some time for me now. It will help when Ricky gets a place of his own, because he wants Gidget and Ozzie and the cat.

I don't think I could have done anything too physical today as hot as it was. I know you don't need to be told, but be careful.....you're loved!

The service was very nice for ricks aunt. I was surprised though that there were not very many visitors. She was loved by so many so maybe it was the heat that kept people away.

This evening....after I cleaned the hallway carpet, Joey threw up on it....it seems I'm the only one here that cares how things look...lol....not the guys and definitely not the dogs...lol. Good thing I hadn't cleaned up the carpet cleaner yet....lol

[gja1000]

Lol! Janet, Rowdy threw up on me and the couch night before last. :o

[Blueyes]

Sometimes dogs are such a pain! I just took the carpet out of my house and got laminate that looks like slate through my kitchen, den, hall, and bathrooms. I got the dark wood in my bedroom. Mike wanted carpet in his bedroom, so we got different carpet for in there. My dogs are good about going outside to potty, but two of them are big and track in dust. I painted Mike's bedroom green today. Got a comforter from the Bass Pro Shop with deer and fish and crap on it, so I matched the green in that. I'm so glad to have it done!

I have been back from Seattle for a week. It was so nice and cool up there I hated to leave. I don't have any plans to go anywhere in the near future, and I'm so glad. I'm a homebody, but I have to travel if I want to see my kids:rolleyes:

Jim and Teresa (my brother and sil) bought a barge yesterday. We are going to the lake with them tomorrow to take it for a ride. I think it will be lots of fun!

Janet, try to stay cool. That kind of heat is dangerous, especially when you aren't used to it.

Gayle, I think about you every single day. Please be careful going to OK. I know everybody will be glad to see you.

[DianaB]

Gayle, I hope you have a good time with Gary's family this weekend. How nice!!

Janet, I saw where you had Brenna for sale on FB and I was surprised. I do know that you're tired of the dogs barking and I understand. Mine have gotten worse. I'll work on it more after Dae Lynn and the kids move out.

As for the carpet.....try having two little kids live with you for awhile!!! LOL I'll send Dean over and you'll appreciate the small messes that your dogs make!!!

Betsi, so glad that you're back home. I bet you wanted to stay if it was cooler......maybe we should ALL join you there!!! Glen has a cousin that's in Washington State somewhere!!

Well....it's hot here too!! The grass is getting crunchy! I refuse to water it because it's mostly weeds......and bare spots!! I'm having a hard time keeping the flowers watered and this morning I finally set up the soaker hoses. That should help.

I'm trying to get some things priced to go into the flea market. Since I cleaned the bedroom they're all sitting on the dining room table and it's time to get it cleaned off!! I've got some purses and some things.......but the girls keep picking stuff out of the sale pile!!! Oh well.....I got it all cheap enough!!

We've been swimming pretty much every day.......now if I could just get my diet under control and start losing weight again. I'm ready!!!

[gja1000]

Hi Guys, I made it to OK fine and it's good to see everyone. I don't have wireless or very much cell signal at my sil's house, but it's better this morning, so hopefully I can send this post.

Betsi, thank you so much for thinking of me everyday, I so appreciate your thinking of me everyday, I need it.

Diana, Janet, I understand about needing rain for the crops, we lost almost all our cops last summer in Texas.

Diana, I love flea markets, I wish I were there to shop your market.

We are having a nice time here at Gary's sister's place. It's hot but we have a good AC. lol!

[DianaB]

Gayle, have a good time!! You deserve some time to laugh and have fun......and share memories of Gary!! Hugs!!

I went to garage sales this morning with Karlie. She was good for me but she and Dae Lynn have been having some problems. I hope they get ironed out soon. I found some more "stuff" for the flea market. I had loaded up a few boxes of stuff that I had priced but the flea market is closed for a few days so I'll have to take it in next week. Bummer.....I was soooo ready to get it out of my way!!

I didn't make it swimming yesterday but I sure am going today!! Have I mentioned that I absolutely love to swim????!!! LOL

While I was in town I went by a cousin's house and she was outside so I stopped and saw her. I haven't seen her since her Dad passed away. She has a brother that has been on drugs so badly that he has literally fried his brain and has to live in an assisted home. Her Mom was an only child and she doesn't have any close family on that side of the family. Our Dads were brothers so the only close family she has is me.......and well, my brother, but he's a lot like her own brother. She does have a son that just graduated from high school. Anyway I wanted to let her know that we're family and if she needs anything she's to let us know. I don't want her to think that we don't care......and I told her that I want her to come to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter......times when families get together. I think that she appreciated the concern.....but she's very independent so I really don't think that she'll ever call for anything. It will make me feel better to stay in touch with her though. She's a sweet lady......loud.....like her Mother but still sweet!!!

[Janet]

Diana....you are so good to let your cousin know that she is welcome to join your family for the holidays. Now you'll just have to see if she'll take you up on your offer.

I worked at the rental house all day Saturday. Cleaned the carpets again and general cleaning. I think it's all done now. Now to chose a renter. We have quite a few to choose between and it's not going to be easy....what a group! Hopefully we make the right choice, but honestly...you never know for sure. I was really sore by the time I got done so headed home to shower. Just settled down and my friend called and wanted me to join her and her mother for dinner at Mainstreet Pub so I did. It was nice, but I probably should have stayed home...I was so sore and tired.

Sunday I cleaned out my garage. After the flea market awhile back, everything was unloaded in the garage and I have a loveseat and chair out there that needs dumped and there was no room for my van. Now there is! If feels so nice to see everything back where it should be and my van too. I really wish I could find a different vehicle. When I finished the garage...I mowed the yard. Ricky did help with the trimming, but the jerk I'm married to was in the garage making bullets. Thanks for all the help hubby!!!

Today I went to town to get a little bit of food for the week. Ricky started his new job at Raisor Ford this morning. He has been looking forward to it for 2 weeks now. With this job he'll work the same hours every week and work every other or every 3rd Saturday and then only till noon. He's not gonna know what to do with normal work hours and much better pay. I'm so happy that he is happy. He'll be working as a mechanic, but when an opening comes open for a diesel mechanic, he'll transfer to that department and even more pay. Can't wait to see how his first day went.

I'm been trying to find a different job myself. I like the time driving the bus gives me, but I need more money. I'm not good at the ebay thing and when I list something for sale on a FB site, I get no responses. So, I'm trying to find something that will have insurance and then quit the bus driving or find something that will work with driving the bus so I'll be able to keep my insurance. I also don't want to work weekends very much....never did for some reason. I'm checking online for right now, but I'm hoping to get up to the courthouse tomorrow, they are needing a file clerk part-time and maybe it would work with my bus driving.

[DianaB]

I swear, Janet, that you could clean circles around me!!! I know that I say this alot but you are so good at getting things done!!

I'm sure you'll be careful and get some good renters in your house this time. Just don't let Rick make the decision!! LOL If I know you, you have everything all ship-shape and move in ready!! You're good landlords!!

Tell Ricky congratulations on his new job!! How nice that he'll make better wages and will have more time to himself!! Maybe he'll find a house soon too!! He's a good kid!!!

Yesterday we had church and afterwards there was a Relay for Life dinner. It was chicken and noodles with mashed potatoes so I definitely went off of my diet for that!! It was so good. I'm really struggling with staying strictly on my diet. I can do pretty good but I'm finding that it's awful easy to cheat here and there.

After church we came home and Mom and Art came out too. They live a ways from town and when we have evening church it's easier for them to just stay around rather than drive back and forth. I had talked to Mom a while back about how they want things divided up between Art's family and ours.....and where she wanted to be buried. Morbid....I know.....but still things I need to know. With my Mom being divorce and Art having a place with his first wife.......anyway, they had talked about it and had a place in mind. She did tell me that they are going to make a will and Art's oldest son, Mike, and I will be executors of it. That's good. Mike is pretty easy going and I think that we could get along. I've told Mom that there is some furniture that was my Grandparents that I want back on this side of the family.....and of course, I get all of Mom's jewelry. There's not a lot else that I'm interested in. I hate talking to them about all of it but I really need to know what their wishes are in some areas.

It's funny because we visited and we all took naps!! Dae Lynn and the kids weren't here so it was nice and quiet!! Then we had evening church and afterward we went to Pizza Hut with friends. It was a nice and relaxing day!!

Hopefully Dae Lynn will get her papers today that let her know about her loan. She's so nervous. I so hope that things work out!!

[judy]

I know I have been "missing in action lately." I have missed you all, and always keep you in my heart. I have been so busy, and quite stressed and cranky!

Max needed knee surgery. He came home on Saturday from Cornell Veterinary School. He has had luxating patellas for a couple of years no0w, but his ACL tore, and his knee was so out of the joint that it was on the side of his knee. He was walking on 3 legs when I took him to the vet.

It is a 3 hour ride, and he was there for almost a week. It cost a fortune! I will pay it out, with no interest....luckily! I have to do his rehab exercises soon.

He will be fine. I was just so worried. Jess and the kids had pertussis (whooping cough), and the Bd. of Health contacted me to go to the doctor for antibiotics. It is very contagious. I did not tell everyone I came in contact with. I cannot even remember all of the people I was with, but I did not catch it, so I wasn't contagious. It is a big problem what with parents opting out of vaccinating their children.

We had the heat wave everybody else had, but it cooled down today. I can't think of what else has been going on here. My car is acting up again! The stick shift needs to be checked. I just had the damn thing fixed! I am very unhappy with this car's gear shift and wish I could get another car. Not now!!!

I have been unhappy lately. I don't know why though. I will figure it out. I think I am bored. Jess and the kids have their own lives, for which I am glad. My summer friends are here, and that is wonderful. The pool is lovely. I think I feel that I am just too self involved. When I was teaching, I always had people to give to, which I really don't have now. Maybe I'll find some volunteer work to do.

[Janet]

Judy I've missed you and posted on our FB page. I wish you would have let us help you carry the struggle. Poor Max, how did his ACL tear? Did he jump, fall? Joey has luxating patellas too, but not real bad. Don't know when it happened but when I groomed him I could tell. As much as it would kill me, I wouldn't be able to afford the surgery so I pray it will never have to be done. I bet you sure did miss him.

Are Jess and the kids okay now? So relieved you didn't catch it, it can't be good.

Wish there was something I could do to make you feel better. You know I'm here if you need me.

[judy]

Thank you Janet! I haven't been on FB much either.

Sometimes when I get into a funk, I retreat for a bit. Anyway, I am back now, just in time to see Lindsey's wedding pix.

You are so busy! You're in a cleaning frenzy! Nobody get in Janet's way...she'll just polish you up, and you better not get dirty!

Jessie is also getting rid of a lot of the dogs. Too many dogs can be such a chore!

I like the three. Right now, Annie and Sophie arre having their morning wrestling match. Max is in his crate, poor guy. I'm keeping him on his pain meds. I think they trained him at Cornell! He only wants to go outside now! We will see once he gets out of his crate.

How are the kittens?

[DianaB]

Judy!! It IS good to have you back!!

I'm so sorry to hear about Max's knee. I know that you must have missed him terribly and was so worried. I hope that he gets better soon. I'm sure the girls have missed him too!!

I'm glad to hear that Jessie and the kids are doing ok. There has been a warning in Kansas about whooping cough too. I think that the whooping cough vaccine is one of the hardest to take. I know that Amy had problems with it when she was little so it's often taken out. I'm so glad that you didn't get it......what a worry.

You know that we're here for you no matter what's going on!! Even in you're in a blue funk!!!

We got a little rain last night......what a relief!!! We got .8 at the house and about .5 around in the fields. It was really spotty.....so some places got some and some got none. At least it's a break in the weather. Hopefully there will be some more coming and it won't be so hot.....of course, this is July and I'm sure the weather will climb back into the 100's!!!

[Janet]

This morning I went to the rental to take a few pictures, see how the exterior painting was coming along and to show two separate families the house. Neither one showed up or called. So I'm about ready to make a decision on who we'll rent to.

We have a shared drive with the house next door which is also a rental. We've told the renters that that can not block the drive, but they continue to do so. The people we have painting were ready to start on the side where the driveway is and that darn car was there. I knocked on the front door...no one came. Went to the back door....no one came. Just as I walked up toward the front again, I heard someone coming out the back door. I must have woke him up because he had an attitude. He started in on me and he messed with the wrong person.....bad mistake. Had a bit of a yelling match...mostly him. I calmly told him he needed to get it through his head that he can not block the driveway and that he had been told twice, what part didn't he understand. He said he was gonna put a fence down the middle of the drive and I just told him to go ahead, we had already filed a complaint with the police and he'd just be wasting his money. Then he began to rant and rave and it really hit a nerve and I came right back at him. Stupid jerk. He then said he was going to call the police, I said please do, I'll be waiting. Also told him that the girl (Sandy) painting the house...she was within his sight was a corrections officer so make all the threats he wanted. After a little while when the police didn't come, I knew he was all mouth so I called them. Sandy was shocked that I stood up to him the way I did. It was probably stupid, but I will not tolerate that kind of behavior from anyone.

They told me I was doing the right thing...to talk to the landlord (I had a call in to him right after the altercation) but he hasn't called me back yet. The officer that came said after I talk to the landlord to call him and let him know what was said. Also...if the car was ever blocking the drive again to call the police. Just so happened this office is the nephew of a friend of mine and he also has a rental with a shared drive. I'll tell you...the next door neighbor guy is a tattooed hooligan that deal drugs so I'm anxious to see what his landlord has to say about him causing trouble and threatening me. Time will tell.

[DIANE W]

Oh Janet that is just awful that you had to deal with all that............. i am glad the police were helpful to you, and hope that the landlord will back you up.

Do you know what i think if he doesnt and you are stuck with the likes of him as a neighbour at your rental, then i would definitely sell, or you face dealing with all sorts of issues on a regular basis - best to just get rid of the house.

Be careful Janet........ he sounds a right rough one, you watch yourself.

[gja1000]

Janet, so sorry you had such a terrible encounter. That sounds just awful. I'm glad you called the police.

I made it home from OK today. I had a good visit with my family and Gary's sisters. But it's good to be home!

JUDY I'VE MISSED YOU! I'm sorry about Max and that you are having a hard time. You know, research shows that people do best in retirement when they have a meaningful purpose in life. Of course, that is different for everyone. Is there a community college close by? Since you are ABD, I bet you could teach a class. You mentioned volunteering, that might be good. Whatever you decide, it need to be meaningful and purposeful to you. If not, it will just be a drudgery.

[DianaB]

Oh Janet!!! I'm glad that you called the police!! I probably would have just cried!! It sounds like he'll get that lesson learned with all of the excellent people who had around!! Good for you!!!

It's just another day here. I've got a lunch date with a friend in town. We do this every few weeks or so. We both have stressful families and it's just a way of getting out and sharing. Believe me......I have a LOT to share!!!

[judy]

Oh my, Janet! This guy sounds like Jessie's crazy neighbor who has access rights to her driveway. I hope he leaves!

Thanks, Gayle. I don't know what I want to do, but I will find something. Somehow, volunteer work does not do it for me. Neither does teaching!

[judy]

It's Brandon's 11th birthday!~ I'm going over there now for birthday cake!

[gja1000]

I'm all finished with my summer class. I'm sure glad I taught it and now I'm glad its over! :) I still have a lot of things to do at school, getting ready for fall, but I can do them at my own pace and take some time off to travel a bit. I think I told you that I am going to Breckenridge CO with a couple of colleagues next week. It will be good to get out of the heat and into the mountains for a few days. The temperature is 39 there right now. :eek: Guess I'd better pack a jacket.

[DIANE W]

Ooooh Gayle, bet that sounds a lovely temperature, have a great time with your friends.

[Blueyes]

Gayle, try to have fun in CO. I can only imagine how much you miss Gary, and how different your life must be without him. I admire the way you are pushing yourself to carry on. Love you!

[gja1000]

Betsi, some days, some hours, some minutes, it is so hard. I'm so lonely sometimes at night, my life seems so quiet. Right now, I'm trying to find things to keep me occupied. I have to just push on, it's too sad to just wallow in my sorrow. My friends have been so great, inviting me to lunch and dinner or to go places. I don't know what I'd do without them. My kids too have been so good to me.

[lynne b]

Betsi, some days, some hours, some minutes, it is so hard. I'm so lonely sometimes at night, my life seems so quiet. Right now, I'm trying to find things to keep me occupied. I have to just push on, it's too sad to just wallow in my sorrow. My friends have been so great, inviting me to lunch and dinner or to go places. I don't know what I'd do without them. My kids too have been so good to me.

Gayle, I am so sorry you are sad, i pray for you often. It's hard to imagine you being this way, you have always been everyone's rock, we could always turn to you for support and advise and now you are the one hurting.
So glad you have such good friends and family there to help you get through this.
Sending big hugs to you.

[DianaB]

Gayle, I too am thankful that you have such great friends. I wish that I was there to spend some time with you too. Who knows, one day I will!! I feel bad that you're lonely at times but that's to be expected. Hugs! I'm just a phone call away!!

Breckenridge will be beautiful this time of year. I was there snow skiing years ago. There's neat little shops there and I hope they're open so you can enjoy them!! Definitely pack a jacket and jeans!!!

After our late night last night I'm just chilling today!! I've had a couple of cups of coffee and will probably take a nap later today. I might take a swim later too.

[paula1961]

Gayle, I think of you often. I can understand somewhat what you are going thru as my Mom is going thru the same thing. She still has extremely hard days even after a year and a half. Sending hugs to you.
I hope you can enjoy yourself on your trip.:)

Today I have done absolutely nothing except for one load of laundry. It's been rainy and gloomy here all day and I am ashamed to say that I haven't even gotten out of my p.j.'s:eek:

[DianaB]

I love days when I don't have to get out of my pj's!!! It doesn't happen much because that's always when I have the most company!!

Paula, I'm so sorry to hear that you're Mom is still having such bad days. Does she have friends that take her out and do things? Can she find something to get involved in? I can imagine that it's still very hard for her but something to help take her mind off of her loss might help. Hugs!!!

[paula1961]

Yes Diana.....she has friends to do things with and she is still very active in church.......but she still grieves so much. She has several really close friends but she still misses Daddy so much. It's sad......he was all she ever knew...and she can't seem to get past that. They were married for 53 years. She does okay tho..most days..just on occasion..she calls me crying. It just takes time I suppose.

[Janet]

Gayle I know it's all part of the process, but I don't want you to be sad.

I haven't done much today either. I did fill out 8 copies of the claim against our previous renters, I'll turn that in on Monday. Also gathered information needed for court whenever that may be. I don't want to wait until the last minute. Did some laundry and gave myself a mani/pedi. Tomorrow I'll be home while Ricky works and Rick plays cowboy...blah! On Sunday we will meet with the people we've chosen to rent the house and do an inspection.

I think my friend Diane will be stopping by tomorrow afternoon for a visit, so that will be nice.

[DianaB]

I went to garage sales on Saturday and I bought a lot of nice clothes to put in the flea market. They have a clothes section in the back and since people will be looking for school clothes I've been picking some up. I got them all priced. I usually wash them but they were all pretty clean and I would hope that people would wash them when they get them home. It worked really well since Dae Lynn and the kids were at Damons.

Sunday we had church and then we went out to eat with my Mom and Art then they came back here until church. All we do is visit some then everyone naps!!! Except......Dae Lynn and the kids came home so nap time was short!!

We went to evening church then was invited for ribs at a friend's house afterwards with several other couples. We have a friend that smokes meat and it's delicious and they had some left overs from having family over.....YUMMMMmm...........

At the moment Glen and Dae Lynn are trying to figure out what to do with their loan. It's not pretty and I'm staying out of it. Glen's going to have to make his own decision on this......I'm not helping.

We're leaving at 3 to go to a lake to swim with some of the kids from church. We usually do this and it's a fun time. This lake has a nice sand beach so the kids can build sand castles and stuff!

Tomorrow I won't be on here.....Glen and I are leaving EARLY for Wichita. He's got a part for the boat that needs to be rebuilt and he found someone to do it if we get it there early enough. Then we're going to shop and do some things. I have a list of gifts that I need to get .......wedding shower and baby shower gifts. I also need to get a gift for a little girl who broke her arm (3rd time) that's in my Sunday School class.......also some groceries from Sam's Club. Whew.........Makes me tired just thinking about it all!!!

[judy]

Gayle, I am so sorry for your sadness. I know you will be okay, but until you get to the light at the end of the tunnel, there is still that dark tunnel to go through.

You are in my heart.

I also miss Gary. You spoke about him so lovingly, that I loved him too.

[gja1000]

Oh Judy I loved him so much, I still love him so much, I'm so happy you could tell that. You are right I will get through this, but that dark tunnel is sucky.

[Janet]

I so wish I could make things better for you Gayle.

Yesterday was just a plain old hard day for me. But it's over and today is a new day. I was suppose to get a hair cut this morning, but it was cancelled so I'm scheduled for next week. Really didn't quite need one yet so I'm glad it was cancelled.

Today I'm going to finish filling out an application I have for a filing clerk position at the courthouse and then turn it in. Also at 7 this evening we are looking at a house for Ricky. We've looked at it before and loved it. All the others we looked at just didn't compare. It also went down in price and for Ricky...that's a good thing. He is going to offer a little lower and see what happens. I really hope this works out for him.

Other than that....we are suppose to break another heat record. I'm really getting so tired of the heat and almost....ALMOST look forward to the cold weather.

[gja1000]

We made it to CO this morning at 7:00AM. Yes our plane left Austin at 6:00 and we had a non stop flight so with the time change we got off the plane at 7:00 CO time. It was a beautiful drive up to brekenridge, but it is very dry in CO too. It's OK up here at Breckenridge, it is the monsoon season so it is raining a little bit everyday. It's so cool and beautiful, but of course I miss Gary terribly. My friends are great though, they are taking good care of me.

[Blueyes]

Being in heat like that just makes you feel bad all over! Our summer hasn't been as brutal as usual, but it's coming fast.

We have had a busy week. Mike really needed something newer to drive, so we got him a 2010 Ford Expedition with 36K on it. It had brand new tires, a great extended warranty, leather seats, and dvd player, but no more bells and whistles. We were going to get something new and smaller and more fuel efficient, but noooo... this is his 3rd Expedition in a row. It's been a long time since we've had a car payment, but we sure do now!

Mike has a heart cath Friday. His chest has been hurting and he's been feeling bad, so the doc always goes straight to a cath because a stress test has NEVER shown a thing on Mike. He had a chest xray and blood work done this morning. This afternoon the nurse called to say his blood sugar is 480 and his kidney function is off. He had blood work done 2 weeks ago with his PCP and everything was fine. Well, his triglycerides were high, but they always are. The kidney thing is new. Anyway... I hope his arteries are clear, or at least can be opened with a stent. He has 11 of them already:eek:

I'm doing ok, except I'm getting fatter by the day. That's what happens when I eat everything in sight:p I miss my kids sooo much, and it's only been 2 1/2 months since I've seen them. I just need to to feel those arms around my neck. Thank God for Skype!

[gja1000]

Oh Betsi, I'm so sorry Mike is feeling badly. I hope they can help him. Gotta get that blood sugar under control and the kidney issue cleared up ASAP. Please let us know how things go. I know you saw the news about Angie's dad, it does not sound good.

I'm glad you found mike a new car, I bet he will enjoy it.

Take care of yourself.

[Blueyes]

Glad you are safely in CO, Gayle! I can't imagine how much you miss Gary, especially in a place like that, that he would have enjoyed so much. I'm worried about Angie's dad, too. It sounds so bad. There are some things that I wish you and I didn't know any thing about..

[Lindsey]

Hi everyone! I will need to catch up later but I just wanted to check in and say I'm home :) We flew in late last night and were up for something like 28 hours (with little naps on the flights) and it was so nice to be in my own bed again! I am just finishing up some laundry this morning and then we are heading out to my parents' house to pick up the dogs!!! I miss them so much my heart hurts thinking about it. I am so excited to see them again!!!

[Blueyes]

Thanks for letting us know you are home safe and sound. I sleep better when I know my kids are where they are supposed to be:D

[DianaB]

Ah.....Lindsey......I can't believe that the honeymoon is over all ready!! It seems like you just left!! I hope you had a good time and took lots of pictures!!

Gayle, I hope that you have a wonderful time in CO. It's such a beautiful state!!

Betsi, I'm so sorry to hear that Mike's having problems. Please keep us posted on how he's doing.

Glen and I had a good time in Wichita......it was sure hot though!!

It's been rainy today and while we haven't had much here, some have been posting that they've had a little. Hopefully the fields got some!!!

We're getting ready to leave tomorrow for the cabin on Tablerock Lake for my family reunion. It's the one that we usually go to this time of year. Glen's excited this time because he's going to scuba dive!! His dive buddy, Logan, and his wife are going with us. We've been friends with them for years so we'll all have a good time. Teresa knows quite a bit of my family so she'll feel comfortable with them. We'll be back home sometime on Sunday. I have so much to do to get ready!! Ugh........

[Janet]

Glad you're back safe and sound Lindsey, but Wow....sure went by fast!

Gayle I hope you had a great time in CO and that you took some pictures. I don't think I've seen much from that area.

Betsi, I will keep Mike in my prayers. Please keep us informed.

Today my cousin Kevin came out and spent the afternoon with me. Kevin has been researching his dad's (my mother's) side and I had some pictures I wanted to give him of relatives of long past. Some I kept, but made copies for him, others I let him have. I also gave him our grandfathers bible. He was really happy to receive it. We talked about so many things and I had such agreat time.

Tomorrow, I have phone calls to make concerning a house that Ricky is wanting to put an offer on, hope I can get everything done so I can enjoy part of the weekend.

[Blueyes]

Mike's heart cath went well, and all of his stents are open. The small branches off of the main arteries are blocking up. They are too small to treat with anything but medication, and he's been taking that for years. Sooo.. nothing new, which is always good news:) He has so much scar tissue in his groin from multiple caths that they have a really hard time getting the line to go in to even do the test. It was a long day in the hospital, but we get to sleep at home tonight! He'll be as fine tomorrow, just a bit sore.

Thank for the prayers and well wishes, everybody!

[gja1000]

So glad all the stents are open! Did they mention to limit the activities that are causing his chest pain, or do they want him to keep going as usual? I know you are relieved to be home.

[Blueyes]

No, but when his chest hurts, he stops. He's determined to do what he wants to while he can. I know you understand:o

[gja1000]

Yes, Betsi, I do understand, but at the same time, I don't want him to do any more damage to the heart. It's such a delicate balance!

[Janet]

Betsi, I do hope that Mike knows his limitations and will not overdo it. It's also great that he has you to make sure he doesn't.

Yesterday we were in at the rental house signing the lease with the new tenants. They seem to be good people and I checked them out thoroughly. One never knows though and just prays for the best.

I also stopped and looked at a house that Ricky may be interested in. He and his Dad will go look at it today. The guy is selling it himself so we're not sure how to go about this. I think Rick is going to talk to our favorite realtor and get his advice on this.

Something kind of strange happened to me Friday evening. I was sitting in the recliner watching something on TV when I felt like my jaw was feeling a little different. Almost like I had a toothache way in the back. My teeth didn't hurt and my bite seemed to be okay so I didn't really think much of it. When I got up to go to the bathroom, I saw myself in the mirror and the right side of my jaw was all swollen. It's right in front of my ear lobe and down a bit. It feels hot at times and yesterday I could close my bite on that side, but it hurt and didn't feel like it was closed. I was checking on-line and saw something called TMJ and even though it sounds very much like that, it doesn't in some aspects. Last night I took some ibuprofen and when I woke up this morning, it wasn't sore at all, but still swollen. I was going to go to urgent care to be on the safe side, but no Drs were in so I'm just waiting to see how it is on Monday. Not sure why these things happen to me. Guess all of my negative thinking draws it nearer to me. Gonna have to stop that!

The temps are suppose to go back up into the 90's again and be humid this week. We did get some good rain, not sure how much, but it made the weeds grow and some of the grass. I really wouldn't mind a week of rainy weather. This heat is awful. I don't see how you Texas people put up with it, of course, you all probably don't know how we put up with such bad winters.....me neither... :)

[judy]

Welcome home Linds!!! I am so excited to hear about your honeymoon! When do you go back to work?

Betsi, I am praying for Mike, as always. He is right to do what he can as long as he can do it. My mother was that way, and so is Jessie. I mentioned that something she was doing with the kids was too much physical work for her. She didn't miss a bit, and just told me "No, I want to do it." I really respect her for that, and anyone else who has physical problems.

Gayle, welcome home too. It is good that you got away for a few days!

Diana, have a wonderful family reunion! That sounds like fun!

Janet, maybe you got a bug bite??? I hope whatever it was is now gone!!

I am just hanging out, going to the pool, relaxing. It's too hot to do much, and I enjoy having my friends here in the summer.

Went to a camp show Friday night. Mackenzie was a CIT at a drama camp, and it was so much fun! What a great bunch of kids. One is cuter than the next, and there were 2 boys who are really talented! Of course, Mackenzie singing blew everyone away. She amazes me! What a voice!


I haven't been going to Jessie's much. The kids haven't slept over in about a month either. Kass still has a very bAd cough from the pertussis, and the kids have been going to camp. I expect that they will spend some ti e here in August when camp is over. Kassidy can't stay in the pool too long. She starts coughing. Brandon has become very problematic. Mackenzie was telling me that she and Kass keep away from, him. She said that Steve is influencing him too much. They are some pair! Steve lays around all day. or does nonsense work around the work. (He built a koi pond). Brandon lays around on his xbox all day. I worry about him a lot! Steve is a terrible role model for him to copy! Thank God the girls take after Jessie!

I hope she gets him under control this year. He missed months of school last year. She has her work cut out for her, and probably let it go too far with allowing Steve to have control over him. These things creep up on you though, so I can understand it.

[Janet]

Your grandkids are at such a great age. I bet the girls are just a hoot to be around. If you're worried about Brandon then I'm sure you have reason to be. I hope Jessie can get him turned around before it's too late. It's just so sad that Steve is not the role model he should be.

Did you mention to Jessie about shaving their ears early? I really hope it helps, the puppies always look so cute with their ears up early, but heck...they're cute anyway.

[gja1000]

Hi Everyone, I made it home late this afternoon. We had a good time, mostly just relaxed, browsed the little stores in town, did some sightseeing, listened to the rain and thunder and enjoyed the cool weather. It was in the low 70's during the day and 40-50's at night. It was glorious. Here are some pix.

1. a bronze statue in downtown Breckenridge
2. My view as I rode up the mountain in the chair lift
3. My favorite view sitting by the river. I think I was eating breakfast at a little french bakery when I took this
4. Columbine, Colorado's state flower

[gja1000]

A couple more pictures.

1. an old wagon with pretty flowers,
2. opps, double picture - me on the ski lift again

[Janet]

Oh my gosh Gayle......the view in that 3rd picture is beautiful!! I don't think I've seen any place that beautiful in person. I'm glad you're home safe and sound and that you had a nice trip.

[Lindsey]

Great pictures Gayle!

We've been trying to get back to normal. On the weekend we did TONS of yard work because it needed it! I weeded and Scott cut grass and we cut some branches off the tree and pulled out some shrubs along the house that were half dead. When Scott was trying to cut out the roots, he cut the underground sprinkler line :eek: We were planning to completely redo the sprinkler sysem in the next few years, but I guess we might as well do it now! So we'll call around and get some quotes.

Today is my first day back at work. We still have a whole room of wedding stuff at home that we just piled before leaving before the honeymoon. We'll have to go through that as soon as we can. We're getting a little closer to normal! I will update the wedding thread with more stories later :)

[DianaB]

Betsi, I'm so glad that Mike is doing better. I know that his health is a worry for you.

Gayle, I'm so glad that you had a good time. Colorado is beautiful no matter what time of year you're there.

Judy, I'm sorry that one of the kids is still fighting whooping cough but I'm glad that they're about over it.

Enjoy your time by the pool because it seems like it just doesn't last long enough!! I'm enjoying swimming so much right now and I wish that it could last much longer!!

We made it back from Tablerock Lake last night. We had a really good time......visiting and swimming!! Teresa already knew several of my family so she fit right in really well........and of course they all made her feel welcome!! Glen and Logan took off one day to scuba dive with the boat and were gone ALL day!! Everyone was worried except for Tereas and I!! They finally got back to the cabin around supper time! Come to find out they had gone clear to the dam.......over 100 miles away!!! Plus.....the lake is big enough that they got lost twice!! Silly men!!! At least they had a good time!! The next time they went scuba diving they didn't go nearly as far!! Ha Ha!!

We just mostly visited and swam......one of the girls sells jewelry so we had a jewelry party and then split the free hostess jewelry so we were all able to get a free piece of jewelry and one half price!! It worked out really well!! Anyway....it was still nice to get back home......except that the kids are about to drive me crazy!!!!

[Janet]

So glad you had a good time Diana......being in the water sounds so refreshing!

Today I went to town to have lunch with a friend. We use to work together years ago and have been in touch through Facebook. We spent 3 hours for lunch and still didn't run out of things to talk about. I had such a great time catching up.

[2tiredmom]

Sounds like everyone is having a busy summer in one way or another. I have all of you in my prayers at night.
Yesterday my boss and i had a meeting in Middlebury which is Indiana Amish Country. Great meal. We put on a skit for about 30 to 40 other county recorders.
Got alot of laughs and it was fun.
Back to work today and Doctor appts tomorrow for me and my hubby..
Hope everyone has a great weekend.

[gja1000]

Hi Linda, its good to see you here! I think you mentioned in another thread that you got some rain. I sure hope so. It is so terrible to have such hot temperatures and no rain.

I'm leaving for New Mexico tomorrow. My cousin in Albuquerque is buying Gary's Toyota FJ Cruiser and I'm driving it out to her. I'll stay a few days and then fly home. I have a lot of family in NM so I'm really looking forward to seeing all of them. I'll have my iPad so I'll check in when I can.

[Janet]

You are quite the traveler there Gayle... :) Just stay safe and have a great time. Glad you'll be checking in...I always worry about everyone.

I really didn't do much at all today. Did go to town to meet the bat guy so he could take down the net. There was no bat, so with all the holes sealed, it will die without food and water. The renters were not there but I called and let them know we would be getting the net.

[2tiredmom]

Thanks Gayle, So glad you are keeping busy. Going to be a long day here. But that's okay.

[judy]

Janet, how is your mouth?

I'm going for a massage this morning. My neck and shoulder are bothering me too much to ignore, so I better get there before I have to really go for treatments! I love a massage, but it is expensive! Better than suffering though!

Gayle, have aq good time! The OK pix are beautiful!

It's raining now, but might be sunny this afternoon. You just can never tell up here, and have to just go with the flow. I hope I can go in the pool. I agree with you Diana. Being in the water is just so wonderful! It's also the best way to cool off, especially if the water is a bit cold.

Mackenzie slept over two nights ago, and we had a wonderful time. Kass has asthma, which is why her cough is lingering. The doctor says it will more than likely go away as she gets older. He is a very good pediatrician.

[Lindsey]

I got through my first week back in the real world. It felt like the longest work week ever!

Tomorrow is Scott's birthday :) Hopefully he likes what I got him. It's our first birthday as a married couple lol. I finally got to shop in the "Birthday - Husband" section of the card aisle hahaha

[gja1000]

I bet you are tired Lindsey, you've been running running running for weeks!

I'm in Roswell NM tonight. I drove 10 hours today. That's my butt limit.

[Blueyes]

Gayle, watch out for aliens!

[judy]

I was thinking the same thing, Betsi!

Linds, that is so cute! I hope Scott's birthday is wonderful. What did you buy your husband?

It was raining yesterday and today, but I went to the pool for a bit when it cleared up. Of course, my friends came over too! We know what fun the pool can be, even in a light rain!

[Janet]

I'm taking a medication for my swollen jaw, Judy. Hope it works.


Lindsey, tell Scott happy birthday!!

[Lindsey]

I hope your jaw feels better soon Janet!

You are such a traveler Gayle!

I bought my husband a remote control helicopter hahaha! When I bought it, the guy at Best Buy wondered if it was for a nephew. I said nope, it's for my husband. Then he asked if my husband has Benjamin Button syndrome where he keeps getting younger :( Nope, I guess he's just childish! Oh well, he loved it! But he flew it twice and he broke it, so we are taking it back tomorrow. Maybe we can get a new one. There was some plastic piece that just snapped right off, and it is supposed to be the "best" so I wasn't happy about that. It wasn't cheap!!!

Tonight I took him out to eat at a really nice place! He had prime rib and I had honey garlic ribs. Mmmmmm! After that, we headed to the race track to watch a bunch of races! His coworker races stock cars so it was cool to see someone we know! He won too!

[gja1000]

Betsi, I just barely escaped the aliens in Roswell. I triple locked my door and they pounded on it to get in, but I stood my ground and I guess they got sombody else, cuz I'm still here ;).

Lindsey, we bought a remote control helicopter AND a remote control flying duck for our son-in-law who is older than Scott. Like Scott, he LOVED them! I don't think guys ever outgrow things like that, and we wouldn't want them to either! I hope you get one that works!

I made it to Albuquerque about 10:30 yesterday morning and then we took off for Santa Fe shortly thereafter. We went to Spanish market, a big festival where individual artists have a booth with Spanish inspired art. There are way over 100 booths (but we didnt see them all). I prefer Indian market which occurs in August, but Spanish market was fun too, and it was great being in Santa Fe.

My cousin's house in Albuquerque is in the foothills of the Sandia mountains on the east side of the city. She has a HUGE picture window in the family room that faces the mountains. It is such a spectacular view. Last night we watched a family of quail, mama, papa, and 9very tiny baby chicks, scratching and eating in the yard, only about five feet from the house. So beautiful!

[judy]

How beautiful that must have been, Gayle! You are so busy! Good for you...you are a smart, strong woman!

Linds, one of the grandpas buy my grandson a remote plane or car every year so that all of the men can play with it! That salesman is a buzzkill!!!

It's raining again. I could do some laundry, bathe Annie, and I am listening to The Age of Miracles, an audiobook, for my next book disccussion group. It is so boring!

[Janet]

Not doing a whole lot today. Last night Rick and I went to town to the Hotdog Festival. There are lots of flea market booths and food booths and even a stage with entertainment right on the downtown square. We walked around the square once and then went to the Main Street Pub for supper. I had the Tilapia...it was so good. Rick was getting on my nerves so bad that we didn't stay and came back home.

This morning I started doing laundry and cleaned up a nice old oak table I bought at the auction yesterday. I'm not sure what kind of table it is, kind of like an end table, but I love it and only paid $20 for it.

I was invited to go to concert today, but just didn't have the desire to go. I know I'm missing some great entertainment, but with Ricky working all the time now and looking for a house, I'm taking advantage of our time together. I really enjoy being with him. He is so funny.

[DianaB]

Sorry that I've been MIA!! It's been pretty busy here and when things do slow down Dean makes it impossible to be on the computer for long!! That child is into everything!!

Still have been going to the pond almost everyday to swim!! So nice!! Judy, I see that you're staying cool the same way!! Enjoy!!!

This last week had everyone out of town at one time or another. Glen and I were gone last weekend. Feyn, Tammy, and the kids left a week ago for San Antonio and are expected back this evening. Jaci and Nate went to Wyoming to visit some friends then traveled on to Yellowstone and made a big circle. They were gone almost a week. Amy's family and Dae Lynn's family have both been out of town. Whew!! It's been hard keeping up with everyone!!

While Amy's family was out of town yesterday I dog-sat their little poodle, Toby! He's a cutie!! Reuger treats him like he's in heat and absolutely won't leave him alone.......and while that's going on Jazzi's snapping at him. Poor little guy! So....Reuger spent most of the day in his kennel and with him locked up Jazzi was a lot better. He's probably a little over a year old and was so playful and cuddly! You could tell that he was ready for them to come back home.

Gayle.....you're on the go so much! One of these days I'm coming down there and just follow you around!! You do so much interesting stuff!! I hope you're having fun!!......and I'm glad that the Aliens didn't get you!!

Lindsey, the guys are NEVER too old for toys!! I still buy Glen things like that!! I have found that anything that flies only makes one flight!! Maybe two if you're lucky!! They are a waste of money......sad but true!!

Janet, How's the jaw feeling? And how is Ricky's house search coming? Is he getting serious about this house? We're waiting for news!!

Linda and Betsi.....we need to hear more about what's going on. How is Mike feeling since his surgery?

[Blueyes]

Hi everybody! Mike is doing just fine. He has more good days than bad, so that's a good thing.

I went wedding dress shopping this week with my niece, Casey. We found a beautiful dress for her backyard wedding, which is Oct. 27th. She and Micah are head over heels in love. They are both 32, and ready to get married and start a family. I'm so happy for them! Casey has always been like a daughter to me, and I love her dearly!

I spent this week redecorating a night stand for my room. It was one of those brown wooden things that I have had for 35 years, lol! It almost went to the dump, but it came out really cute!

[Blueyes]

Oh, and here is a picture of Casey and Micah:D I took the picture of her dress with my phone, so it's not very good but at least you can see it. This one is 2 sizes too big, so imagine it actually fitting:p

[DianaB]

OOOOOooooooo.......I love your nightstand!! How pretty!! I'm glad that it didn't go to the dump!!

Your niece is a very beautiful girl and her dress is just lovely!! I'm sure that the two of you had a good time going dress shopping!! I can understand because I have a special aunt too!!

[2tiredmom]

WOW is everyone busy or what? Betsi, Lovely couple and pretty dress. Gayle
have a good time sounds like fun. Janet hope you are feeling better. I am a little down right now. Gary my hubby left a few minutes ago to make the trip back to wisconsin for work. Dustin and his new bride are here till Thursday and then he (Dustin) has to go back to work at the Blind School in Indy. Jennifer our youngest is at work thank goodness. She needs all the hours she can get. Then she is off to college. We move her in an apartment on August 15.
Today I worked outside. Tore out 3 bushes that have been here for 20 plus years. It was time. Have redone most of my landscaping in the front of the house. I would post pics but i do not know how. Have a great evening everyone.
Diana it sounds like you have been busy too.

[Janet]

Betsi, I really love the night table, it's beautiful. What a great idea! Your nieces dress is so pretty and so is she...gorgeous!

You sound busy too Linda. I need to get some shrubs trimmed, but wanted to wait until it was a bit cooler. I really need to clean the windows on the house, maybe I'll try to get That done this week.

My jaw is much better, swelling has gone down so it's not very noticeable. So glad to see Monday coming, I really like the peace and quiet.

[Blueyes]

Janet, I'm sorry Rick got on your nerves at the festival. When I started reading your post, I thought that maybe you had a good time with him:o That is sooo NOT fun!

I need to do some things outside, too, but it was 104 today. I stayed in all day until my brother called me to walk across the street so his granddaughters could show me their new bunny. So I ended up giving the bunny a pedicure because she was scratching the kids, lol! Then we ate popcorn and watched the Olympics for awhile, then I came home. Tomorrow I'm taking Kirby to get his summer haircut. He stays inside most of the time, but he's easier to bathe with short hair. He does sleep in bed with me every night, and I'm not sleeping with a stinky dog:p

[Janet]

Betsi...he always gets on my nerves....LOLOL...don't think that will change for right now...lol. I did get to see old friends and aquaintences...that's why I go anyway.

Today I went to the bank for my son to see exactly what size home loan he can get. He's not going to be happy, so he'll either have to settle for a fixer upper or we could probably get him one. It's just not in my mid-range plan to have my name on another loan. Everything we have will be paid off in June of 2013...not too far off and I would rather it stayed that way. I need to watch out for myself at this age and time in my life for whatever decisions I need to make.

I do have to say that I am already sick of the Olympic news. It's on all the time. Now...I don't mind a special here and there or on the news, but this 24 hour coverage on TV is for the birds. Not everyone wants to watch it. Okay...here it is...I won't be able to watch Days of Our Lives until August 13th...lol. There!!! I said it!!!

I can't believe that it's almost time to start back to driving the bus. August 14th is our first day and I'm just not ready. ;)

[DianaB]

I was wondering when your school started. I think that Dae Lynn has to start the 15th but the kids start the next week. Since she works at the school she has to go in for meetings and to get things ready.

I'm trying to get things around so I can drive over......not this week but next week. I'm not sure of the date because I'm driving Dae Lynn's car for fuel economy and she needs to get new tires on and have them balanced. She should have it done sometime this week......hopefully. Then I can come and visit before school starts and before she moves!! I hope that Linda and Lynne can meet us somewhere while I'm there!!

[Janet]

I'm sure Linda would love to if she can, if Linda cant make it down, maybe we can head her way. I know you'd love her. I know I just can't wait to see you, whether it's here or Illinois or anywhere in-between.

As you know, Lynne won't talk to me anymore so probably won't want to be near me either...her loss!

[DianaB]

Ok....I have a date......August 9th I can leave here so I'll be there late that evening. As for Lynne......I'll invite her to come and see if we can all get together anyway. I would still like to meet her. Maybe we can meet on Saturday or Sunday somewhere. Does that work for you?

[Janet]

That works!! Glad you can come all the way, I was planning on meeting you, so whatever works best for you. I just want to see you, I don't care where.

Maybe Lynne will tell you what happened and we can all get together anyway. I know you'll like her.

[judy]

How exciting Janet and Diana! You will lhave a wonderful visit, and it will be so good for both of you to have some time together! I wish I could join you!


Betsi, your neice has your beautiful blue eyes!

[Janet]

I really wish you could join us too. Oh heck.....pack the dogs and come. I wish everyone could come.

[Blueyes]

That sounds like so much fun!

Thank you Judy! I have 3 beautiful nieces with those same pretty blue eyes, which we got from my sweet Mom.

[Janet]

Yesterday I worked hard enough lolol...so today I'm not doing a whole lot. It's suppose to tie a record of 98 degrees today so I'm just gonna stay in where it's cool.

[DianaB]

Our temps are running over 100* right now. Last night about 9:30 it was still 90*. Too hot!! We are so ready for some rain. We do have some small chances over the next few days so hopefully we'll get some and cool down a little bit. Our airdale, Mollee, has been in the house quite a bit. She's starting to show her age and the heat is really hard on her so we're putting her in the utility room with a baby gate. She goes right over and sticks her nose on the airconditioning vent!!

It's been crazy here lately!! Dae Lynn's been Miss Suzy Homemaker......she's been canning like crazy!! She has pickles going.....cucumber apple rings.....apple butter.....freezing grated zucchini and probably other things that I'm not thinking of. The garden's going like gang busters!! I think that she's going to quit soon so she can start packing.

Karlie had a friend come and play with her a couple of days ago. They mostly played in the horse tank!! Of course, Dean was keeping up with them every step of the way! We were surprised at how well he was doing with the extra water in the tank. We've kept it pretty low for him because we weren't sure how he would handle it. Anyway, Isis spent the night as well. She is a very sweet little girl and we'll probably have her back again. It was so cute because I think that Dean got a crush on her. Yesterday morning he was standing beside her when he turned his head and grinned. then he said "I love her"!! She WAS very nice to him.

I went to the beauty shop yesterday and got my hair cut. It was really long.....clear down passed the middle of my back.......longer than my granddaughter's hair......and gray!! Not very becoming!! Anyway I now have it highlighted and it's a little longer than shoulder lenght. It looks VERY different!!

We had a meeting last night for the Alley. It's getting ready to start again here in a few weeks. We went over rules and problem areas. I'm not sure that I'm ready quite yet but I do have a floating part. I just go where I'm needed so that's not too bad. Mostly my part is discipline which I really don't enjoy but someone has to do it. Believe me.....I can be quite strict!

I've still been swimming.....not quite everyday but close. The pond is down about 3 feet.....from evaporation and using it to water the garden. It fills pretty easy when we get a rain so it's no problem. The pond used to be 16 feet deep in it's deepest part but it's filled in some since we've built it.

[gja1000]

Hi guys. I'm still in New Mexico. I'm on my phone today so it's hard to post. I posted some pix in Best Friends on FB since I can't post pix here with my phone.

[DianaB]

I saw the pictures! It looks like you're having a nice relaxing time! I sure hope you're as relaxed as you look anyway. The mountains were beautiful as well as the little girl that was with you!!

You're missed on here but I'm happy that you're with family and resting.

[Janet]

I'm really loving the pictures Gayle. I never would get to see all these beautiful places if it wasn't for you and the other ladies here. Man....I need to get out more!


I am getting out of the house this evening for a little while. It's really hot...97 degrees so I may change my mind, but I'm planning on going to an auction this evening. There are some really nice things there that I wouldn't mind looking at and bidding on, so we'll see. I've really enjoyed going to the auctions here recently.

[Blueyes]

I am in Houston today with Mike and my sil, Teresa. Mike wanted to come to the big hunter expo, so Teresa and I came with him to hang out at the hotel pool. We swam all afternoon, ordered pizza to the room, and now we are all lying in bed watching the Olympics. Houston is about three and a half hours south of where we live, so that's not too bad. We'll go home tomorrow.

[judy]

The pictures are beautiful Gayle!

That sounds like a nice, relaxing weekend, Betsi!

It is sooo hot here! The pool is nice, but it's just too hot at night. There is a heat alert for today. Jessie wanted the kids to sleep over anyway, but I said no. Kass has asthma, and last year when they slept over in a heat wave, nobody slept. They are coming tomorrow and I told them they can stay all day Monday too.

I'm having a party in a couple of weeks for my friends here. I was going to have steak, burgers and hot dogs, but I don't want to be at the grill all night. My friend Bob offered to barbeque, but I don't want him to have to do that. What nice people I have as friends here! I'm not inviting everybody. I'm just having the friends I'm closest with. I think I am going to check at the supermarket and see what they have. I like to bring ready made food in when I have a party. I will buy the liquor, and drink fixings, soda, etc. My friends are going to bring some side dishes and Lesa makes the best Key Lime pie I ever had! I am looking forward to it! I haven't entertained here yet, and I am always going to their parties. I really want to reciprocate, and I like entertaining anyway. I think it might be expensive, but it's only once.

Max is doing well, although he is still crated. He is used to it, and he has lost 2 pounds already!!! I have to keep his weight down according to the surgeon.
I think little Miss Sophie is in heat! I should post some pix of the dogs. I will get to it soon.

[Janet]

Judy, your party sounds like it will be very nice. Sometimes having it catered is cheaper and nicer than having to do the work...lol. A lot of people hear have hog roasts and there is a company that will deliver a whole, half or whatever amount you'd like. Sure wish I lived closer I would invite myself to your party... :)

Glad you posted about Max, I was wondering about him and kept forgetting to ask. AND YES....you do need to post some pics of them soon.


The auction just didn't pan out last night. The pictures on the website looked really nice, but it mostly looked like junk in person. Besides the fact that it was so freak'n hot I wouldn't have been able to stand it in there with all the people. I looked around and then just came home.

Today so far I've paid bills and watered some flowers and a tree I planted. It's so hot again today you can't hardly breathe. The weather guy is calling for some bad storms this evening and during the night. I don't care...I want rain and I want to stand out in it.

[judy]

I agree! I would love to stand out in the cool rain! Sorry about the auction!

[Janet]

Well this evening....I got pi$$3ed. We haven't gotten any rain yet, but we did get quite a bit of wind. Wind took a couple more limbs off our willow tree. We really need to get it down soon before it does damage to our house during a storm. Anyway...Rick had been out in the garage most of the day...cleaning ? fiddleing! and drinking!

I thought he was walking a bit off, but it's hard to tell with him sometimes. Well Ricky was going to go out and take the large limb out to the back and asked his Dad to help him. He went out with Ricky and one of his slippers came off. He couldn't stand to get it back on so fell on the ground. Needless to say...I told him if it EVER happened again...he was out of here. He just looked at me...I honestly don't think he understood a word I said. I told him he'd better knock off the drinking or he's going to be alone. Asked him if he was proud of falling in front of his son.

Life sure is fun here...lol. Don't worry Diana....he won't be here over the weekend.

[gja1000]

Hi everyone, I made it home today about 5:00. I had to take a shuttle van home today from the airport since I drove the Cruiser out to NM and flew back, I didnt have a car at the airport and had to take the shuttle van home. It felt so strange for Gary to not be there to pick me up. I didn't cry though when I thought about it so I'm making progress.

I've been watering since I got home. My yard looks pretty bad, but with a little water, it will be OK. We are not as hot down here as it is up north. It's only 100 here, not 110 like it is just a little way north. The AC at my cousin's in Las Cruces where I've been since Wed. was not working properly and it was 100 there too (but VERY low humidity). In fact one day it went off about 1:00PM and didnt start working again till about 9:00PM. Whew! It was pretty hot, but not unbearable like it is with higher humidity. It worked OK both Friday and Sat. The bad thing is that it is a brand new AC, just installed last Wed, but I think it was installed incorrectly and the installer went on vacation. What AC guy goes on vacation in Aug????? :mad:

I'm getting up early in the morning to go to Houston to get my baby boy dogs and see my sweet girls! I'll spend the night and then come home Monday. AND IM DONE TRAVELING! (for awhile at least).

[gja1000]

Oh I forgot to say that Judy, your party sounds fun! I need to have a get together too for my friends. They've done so much for me, I need to show them how much I appreciate them.

Janet, I can only imagine your disgust with Rick. He was probably too drunk to comprehend what you said to him. I hope things get better for you soon.