What Did You Do Today?

[judy]

I ended up just staying in all weekend. I was so saddened by the events of Friday, I just didn't have the oomph to go out.

Jessie had a talk with the kids, and they are frightened. I do not know what she should say to them. When she was young, I didn't put the news on TV, but with the social media now, that wouldn't matter anyway.

[DianaB]

I'm just posting to say that I'm here. I'm having an awful day today and I don't really feel like saying much right now. I'll be back soon. I will say that Damon has asked Dae Lynn for a divorce. I'll talk more about it later.

[gja1000]

Oh Diana, I'm so sorry they are having trouble again. Be strong, this is such a bad time of the year for problems. Check in when you can.

[judy]

Diana, I am so sorry! I will keep you all in my prayers.

[Janet]

Oh no....I'm so sorry for this to be happening and so close to the holidays. Praying Dae Lynn is handling it okay and is now ready to move on. She doesn't deserve this.


Still not much going on here. I did finally get our 4 ft pre-lit Christmas tree down from the attic last night, but haven't put it up yet...lol. Ricky and I both thought it would be too much of a hassle with the cats so we are not going to decorate it....lol. It will still be pretty with the lights.

Little upset with the spouse (not so unusual), he bought a gun safe. I know it will be safer to have the guns in there, but he doesn't need that many guns to begin with. I thought he should keep it locked in the garage, but he's planning on putting it in his room. It weighs 400 lbs. I'm not happy about it, but I'm a little afraid to say much. He is in that Cowboy Shooters club, but I still don't think he needs that many guns. It's also upsetting since I've been struggling to pay bills at times, that he has the money to buy the guns and the safe. Oh well....enough of that...same ole same ole.

I have most everything bought for Ricky for Christmas. Tomorrow is his birthday and he always requests an Eclair cake, so of course I'll make him one. They are so easy and sooo good.

I've gained back some of my weight...not happy about that, but will try again once the holidays are over. Don't know why I keep overeating and eating the bad foods, except for the fact I love to eat! :)

[judy]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICKY!!!:bday::bday::bday:


I know you don't want him spending the money, but I think a gun safe is an excellent idea! With so many shootings of innocent people lately, the guns are locked away. If anyone broke in, they could not get their hands on guns. Rick is a responsible person, but, as we know all too well, there are too many out there who might know he is an avid gun collector and try to get their hands on his guns!

[gja1000]

I was checking back today to see if Diana had updated the situation with Dae Lynn and Damon. I feel so sorry for her, I wish it weren't happening.

Janet, Gary was the same way, he had waaaaaaaay tooooooo many guns. We were fortunate to have the money to buy them, but still it is ridiculous how many he had. I still have them except for a couple I have given away to Bryan and Gary's best friend. I have a big gun safe in my bedroom too. If you keep a safe in a place that isn't heated and cooled like the garage, you have to keep a dehumidifier in the safe or the guns will rust because they will sweat with the temperature changes. Rick probably knows that so it's best he keeps the safe in the house. I keep one of those pretty foldy screen things around the safe so you can't see it when you walk into the bedroom. I put all my important papers in there and I put my jewelry in when I travel.

I have felt funky today, not sick just funky. I didn't go into school, I can work from home this week because there's not much going on. So really I've been cooking and knitting more than working. LOL!

I've been getting some of Gary's hand tools gathered up to take to his sons after Christmas. I think that might be contributing to my funky mood. Gary had TEN of everything and he had EVERY tool known to man. Well, that is an exaggeration but he had A LOT of tools. So I am trying to get together as many of the hand tools as I can and still keep the things I might need or Bryan might need if he does something around the house for me. But there are GOBS of things that no one but a master carpenter would use, so there are LOTS of things to gather up. Both Gary's sons are in, or have been in, the house remodeling business, so they can use the tools or sell them or whatever.

IT IS 82 FREAKING DEGREES HERE RIGHT NOW!!! I've been making bread and I AM HOT! :mad: Thankfully, there is a cold front coming in tonight and it will only be in the 50's tomorrow :D. We have had such up and down weather!!! My tomatoes are almost all ripe, I only have a few more green ones on the vines and I'm going to bring them in tomorrow morning as it's supposed to freeze tomorrow night. I put a blanket over them with a light bulb last week when it was cold, but I'm done with that so they are all coming in tomorrow, green or not.

[Lindsey]

I have not been back to check in for a while! I have been keeping up with you all though.

Diana, I just want to say I'm so sorry for Dae Lynn and Damon.

Janet, I think a gun safe is a great idea too. Here, it is illegal to have any guns in your house NOT in a locked safe. My dad has two rifles (and is getting one more for Christmas - my brother's friend goes hunting with my family and my dad is the type of guy who always lends out his new things and uses his old one!), and they are locked in a safe at all times in the house. I feel so awful about what happened down there last week :( One of the little girls recently moved there from Winnipeg so that has been big news here too. One thing that has been glaringly evident from reading forums and comments on news stories, is that the whole view of guns in general is one huge difference between many Americans and most Canadians. So I definitely have my own views on that, but I will keep it to myself!

I have been so busy. Since we started working with the exchange students, it feels like we have no spare time. I guess we started right when monthly reports were due so we had most evenings used up with interviews and reports and trying to help them work through issues. It's just been plain busy, and I am much more emotionally invested in them than I thought I would be.

I can't believe it is less than a week until Christmas! I didn't wrap presents until Sunday night, which is pretty late for me! Tomorrow night I still have the house to clean, and Friday night Scott's sister and her family are staying the night on their way home. We will be heading to Scott's parents' house on Saturday morning. Friday night I am also making a cheese ball and spinach dip to take down for appetizers over the weekend!

Hopefully we can come home on the 26th or 27th. We don't have to be back at work until the 2nd, and we just got our building permit in the mail today so I hope we can get a good start on our laundry room!!

[Janet]

I'm not upset about the safe in general, I think all guns should be in a safe. I'm upset because he's not a 'collector'. He just wants them because his cowboy friends have them. I'm not going to say exactly how many he has, but I will say,it's absolutely ridiculous. I have one handgun and my dads 410 shotgun. I don't need more than that. He doesn't need more than two either....it's dangerous and irresponsible, only one can be shot at a time. A trigger lock would work, plus he already has a safe that a couple handguns fit in. He doesn't need more guns.




Just wanted to clarify.....Rick is too irresponsible....not everyone.

[judy]

Can't say I blame you, Janet. If you are having trouble, as we all are, keeping up with the bills, Rick should be your partner in this. If he can afford guns and gun safes and other "man toys,' you shouldn't give him supper! (unless he provides you with a deer or two that he got by hunting)!

I just like the idea of a gun safe, and responsible gun owners.

[DianaB]

I'll catch up on the threads later. I just wanted to say that I posted in the safe section because of all that's going on.

[DIANE W]

I'll catch up on the threads later. I just wanted to say that I posted in the safe section because of all that's going on.

Diana.... I am so sorry this has happened, i have been watching out for your update, it is really sad, i hope Dae Lynn is ok, she will get through this, she has good strong family beside her.

Take care, sorry i dont understand what safe section means??????

[Janet]

Today we have a 2-hour school delay. I would rather have the whole day only because the delays kind of screw everything up. The wind here is deafening. We did get some snow, but from what I can see out the window, I can still see the grass, so I don't think we got much at all. I'm glad....I really don't care for snow at all....only in pictures!

I'll be on vacation after today and don't have to go back until January 8th. Yay!!! I hope to get some things done, but I'm not going to hold my breath....lol. I tend to get real lazy on vacations.

[gja1000]

Janet, we had that horrible wind for 2 days here too. It was just awful! It broke off a limb from my redbud tree.

Well, this is my last day of work too. I have off till the 7th. I'm pretty much ready for Christmas, but as soon as I say that, there will be something I forgot! I have a Christmas party to go to tomorrow afternoon, then I have to pick up a honey baked ham, then pack to go to Houston. Mom and I are leaving Sunday morning.

[2tiredmom]

Another STRESSFUL day here. I had a blood test yesterday for my thyroid. It has not been right for a while. So every 3 months i have a blood test. Dr office called me today and said dr wants me tohave an MRI ASAP. My levels were way off...
SO go on the 26th for that. He wants to check out my brain......Checking Pit GLand. Have dr appt on the 28th. I am on vacation. So not looking forward tothis...I am claustophobic really bad......So i get to take valium before the MRI.
Hubby is on vacation too so he will be taking me. Merry Christmas everyone.

[Janet]

Sorry you're so worried, I know it's hard not to be. Keep your faith focused where it should be and it will help. Glad Gary will be there to help you. As always, you're in my prayers.

[gja1000]

Oh Linda, so sorry this is going on right now, but it's best to get it checked out quickly. Thyroid is so wonky, it can really get out of whack for, what seems like, no reason. Then viola, it's within normal limits again. It's really hard to get a handle on. Do you take any thyroid medicine like synthroid? Keep us posted!

[gja1000]

I am baking some today and knitting. There is a Christmas party I could be going to right now, but I just don't feel like talking to a bunch of people I don't know. The host is a good friend of mine, but she will have a house full of people that I don't know, so I don't thnk I'm going to go. I'm just uncomfortable with people I don't know and I'm just not feeling very festive right now anyway. So, I'm just going to stay home and cook and knit.

Why is it that so many bread recipes are just not quite right. I have a bread recipe that turns out perfect every time. But everytime I follow someone else's bread recipe, it's not right! :mad: I'm making cinnamon bread and I could tell that the recipe didn't call for as much flour as the bread recipe I usually use, but I thought, oh well, this is the Pioneer Woman's recipe (great cook, I might add), so it must be right. Nope. The dough was a gooey mess even after I added the extra flour she said I might have to add. So I added more, kneaded more (in my Kitchenade mixer) and it STILL was a gooey mess. So I kept adding flour till it was bread dough consistency. I hope it turns out!!! This happened with a recipe for Amish bread I tried a few days ago. I had to add WAY more flour than the recipe called for. Why does that happen to me???

[DianaB]

I don't know about what goes wrong with your recipe. I have just a couple of bread recipes that I use for the same reason!! I can make bread but it's not my speciality!!

I can understand about not going to the party. Some times I don't mind talking with strangers and other times I really don't feel like it. It is an effort to talk to people and keep conversing with them especially when they don't try to carry their side of the conversation. I understand completely!!

We've had sooooo much going on that I don't even remember what's gone on the week. We didn't have our kids' church program last week because several of our main characters and Amy were all sick so we did it this morning. The practices were so awful that I really didn't think that they'd pull it off but they did!! I was so proud of the kids!! There were a couple of places in the play that weren't suppose to happen......like a little bench got tipped over and had to be sat back up......so Karlie informed everyone that "That was not part of the program!" so everyone had a laugh out of that!! Then since she was an angel she got to climb a ladder to be above the nativity.......well.....she climbed clear to the top......touching the ceiling and was waving to everyone!! I had to motion her to go back down a couple of steps!! Again laughter!!

After church Dae Lynn and the kids....and Glen and I went to my Mom and Art's for leftovers. They had Christmas with Art's family yesterday and had a lot of food left. I think that Mom also wanted to hear for herself what all had happened to Dae Lynn.

Glen and I did make it to Wichita on Friday. I got to go to my favorite antique mall while he went and shopped for some stuff. Later I went to Hobby Lobby and got some things to hang on the walls in Jaci's room. I got the curtains up and with the stuff on the walls it's looking really cute!! I have a few more things to do before I'm done. I found a cubby shelf at the antique mall that I really wanted but it ended up that it wasn't for sale. I was not happy!! Oh well.....that means that I can still look.

I've watched the kids a lot with everything that's gone on with Dae Lynn and Damon so it's been hard to feel like I'm ready for Christmas. We're just giving money to the kids and grandkids so I don't have any wrapping to do. Glen and I decided that our cruise is good enough to consider it our gift. I haven't been anywhere to buy him anything and we're both pretty good about buying what we need for ourselves so we're not trading gifts.

I had Kera come over this afternoon to do some cleaning. It will help keep the stress off a little better. I still need to pick up but at least it's dusted, swept, and the bathrooms have been cleaned.

I can't remember if I mentioned that we went to Feyn's church last Sunday and watched his kids in their Christmas program. All 4 of them were in it......Baby Jed was Baby Jesus!! He played his part well!!! It doesn't usually work out that we can go because our programs usually fall at the same time so we were tickled to get to see them this year! They have so many people that we know in their church that it's almost like we have two churches!!

Tomorrow I'm going to pick things up and start cooking. The kids are all coming over here for lunch on Christmas and I think that most of them can stay all day!! Glen's trying to come up with some games and stuff to play so it should be a good day!! Mom and Art will be here too!!

In case I don't make it back on here tomorrow......I love all of you and I hope you have a Merry Christmas!!!

[Janet]

Today, I started my spring cleaning, my bedroom is completely done now. I can tell I'm getting way to old to move furniture around even with those easy glide coaster things. Tomorrow morning will be the real test I guess....if I can move...lolol. I sure hope I can because I have a hair appointment at 9:00 in the morning.

I'm not spring cleaning the guys rooms....they can do it. I've tried getting them to help once I get started...basically all they have to do is go through things and either keep it or throw it away and they never finish the job. So...I'll just keep their doors shut. :)

Sorry I haven't been here much, nothing really has been going on and you all know me after all these years that the seasonal depression thing sucks. It will get better, always does one way or another.

[gja1000]

Janet, you have so much energy. I need to move all the furniture in my house and clean under it! I'm going to do some cleaning over my break, but I prolly won't move my furniture!

I'm so sorry you are feeling down, I wish we lived closer so we could visit!

[gja1000]

Up early this morning, well.......not really THAT early. LOL! I'm not going to make my trip to Oklahoma to see Gary's family. The weather up there is just too iffy. There is a forecast for some freezing rain today and then a big chance of snow on Monday. So, I've just decided to stay home. There is no sense in me getting out on the busy roads this weekend if the weather is going to be bad. I'll miss seeing Gary's sisters, but his oldest sister who lives in Kansas City is not coming down either. So, we'll just have to get together when the weather is better.

It's OK, I have a lot of things I need to do around here and out in the yard. i need to have a little bit of landscaping done but I've been so hesitant to do it because of the lack of rain the past 2 years. But I think I'm ready to maybe get started, even if I don't plant all the plants I might want. I just don't want to get into a situation where I have to spend a lot of money on water. I know I'll be planting things that are low water usage, so I just want to be careful. I've found someone who I think can help me figure out a design and what to plant, and also put in the beds and drip irrigation. So, maybe I can spend some time this week thinking about that.

I also need to find some new jeans for my mom. She's gained some weight and her jeans are looking pretty bad. So, I'm going on a shopping run today to see if I can find her some jeans. Shopping, YAY!

[Lindsey]

Christmas just didn't feel Christmas-y to me this year. I didn't think it would be SO different from my family, but it is. My family is pretty celebratory all the time, but especially at Christmas. There are always friends stopping by, drinks and cheers all around, and ALWAYS Christmas movies on in the background! With Scott's family, it was just like any old time we get together. We just sat around the house. They watched tv and movies (regular ones, not Christmas - except for one night I asked if we could watch one Christmas movie so we did, but they weren't at all interested). On Christmas eve I asked Scott if we could go drive around to look at lights. His parents weren't interested so the two of us went. But otherwise, it just didn't feel like anything special.

Oh and even when we went to his sister's house to open gifts, I couldn't believe how nonchalant it all was. We made both of our sets of parents a photo book of our wedding. We spent hours online, going through our hundreds of professional photos and making it perfect before ordering. His dad opened it, looked through it, handed it to his mom (we were sitting beside her) and she glanced through it and said "Hmm. So did you get this done by the photographer?" Scott said "No we did it ourselves online" and she said "Oh. Hm." and put it in her bag of stuff and continued watching everyone else. No "thank-you" or "it's great, I love it" or anything. Just "Hm" My parents tried calling me a few times throughout the day and I was able to talk to them once when we went back to Scott's parents' house to let the dogs out. I talked to everyone who was there (my brother, my parents, my grandma) and they all gushed about how they loved the gifts and thanked us so much and wished us all Merry Christmas!

I guess there is always next year. We'll be with my family then and it will feel more normal to me.

We got home on the 26th and didn't even think to go upstairs until bedtime. Scott went up first and then ran downstairs, back up, and downstairs again... finally I found out our furnace wasn't working and it was freezing upstairs (we have two furnaces - one heats the basement and main floor, the second heats the upper floors). He couldn't get the pilot light to go back on. We called the 24 hour line for the energy company and a guy showed up at around 12:30 am. He couldn't figure out why it wasn't working, but at least there were no issues with the gas (Scott turned it off but wanted it checked). He said best bet would be calling a furnace guy in the morning. So we froze overnight, and in the morning Scott called a few people. When one guy finally showed up, it turned out to just be some debris in some hose that was blocking airflow. He blew it out and it worked perfectly. Thank goodness! He didn't even charge us for it.

Yesterday we picked up construction materials because Scott is starting on our laundry room build today. I also bought tons of groceries so I can make some use of my days off - I am making 5 hashbrown casseroles, two pots of spaghetti sauce, a pot of chili, as much as possible of hamburger soup, a roaster full of cabbage rolls, and sweet and sour beef (we eat it over rice) in the next TWO days :eek: Either I'm in over my head, or I'm housewife of the year :D I want to portion everything out and freeze it so we can have good homemade meals on days when we are short on time after work!

[gja1000]

Lindsey, it's always hard when you marry and spend some holidays with your in-laws. Their traditions are never just like yours. It's always a lot more fun with your own family. But you make the best of it and like you did by requesting a Christmas movie, you try to show them how to have a little fun on Christmas. When you have children, maybe you will decide to have Christmas at your house, so that "Santa" comes to your house. Then you can have some celebrations before or after Christmas with your families. Or maybe your families will decide to come to your house for Christmas. At some point, you may want to have Christmas with Scott and you children in YOUR home. Gary and I went to my daughter's house for Christmas ever since her daughters were old enough to look for Santa to come. We loved it and I still love watching the girls get up and rush to see what Santa brought them (the 16 year old still has to pretend for the 6 year old. LOL!).

[gja1000]

Janet!!! You inspired me!!! I got up this morning thinking that I really needed to work out but I really didn't want to but I really needed some exercise. So Janet, I thought of you and all the cleaning you did this week - so I did it too - instead of exercising, well I DID get my exercise moving furniture, vacuuming, and cleaning and polishing the hardwood floors. I only did the living room but it took quite a while and I got a clean living room and a good workout!

Thanks Janet, you're my inspiration! :p

[Janet]

LOLOL....anytime Gayle. I have been spending a lot more time in my room....it looks so clean!!! Next I will tackle the living room and dining room. I really should paint the hallway, but not sure I want to tackle that. Honestly....after moving all that stuff around in my room, painting the hall should be a breeze. :)

Glad you were able to get so much done.

[Lindsey]

Gayle, I overheard Scott talking with his mom before Christmas about future Christmases, and she suggested that we do a 3 year rotation - one year at their house, one year at my parents' house, and host one at our own house. Afterwards I told him that I don't want to schedule our Christmases for the next 20 years! I thought that after we have a family of our own it would be nice to just have our own family Christmas, without having to travel every year. We will do next year with my family for sure (we won't have our own by then!) and after that, we'll just see what happens. Scott said his family traveled every year for Christmas - they'd normally drive all the way out to the coast to visit family in BC, or just around the province to visit family closer by, but never had a Christmas at home. When I grew up, most Christmases were just my parents, my brother, and myself. Sometimes grandparents would visit, and sometimes it would just be us alone. Maybe 3 times in my 18 years living at home, we may have gone somewhere else for Christmas. I guess we just see Christmas differently!

You guys are making me jealous with your clean houses :( Mine is in a bad state for now lol. The breakfast nook has become a dumping ground while we do renovations to the future laundry room. We've also made it the dog "home base" because they used to be where the construction zone now is! So it's a big mess... and we're having company tonight! :eek:

Scott didn't know I was taking a picture :D

7183

[gja1000]

Lindsey, I think you are wise to just wait to have your family and then work to create your own Christmas at your house. I think it should be where the kiddos are located and then the grandparents can visit if they want. That's not to say that you can't travel once in a while, but take it from someone who moved away and had to travel for lots of holidays the past 30 years, it's no picnic - you really want to just stay home!!! You'll work it out, I know you will.

And I want you to know that you inspired me too, Lindsey. I've cooked all day! I like to cook a lot all at once, and then freeze it, just like you. So, after I read about all your cooking, I decided to do that too. I made homemade spaghetti sauce from my homegrown tomatoes. I ripened them wrapped in newspaper and when I got back from Christmas in Houston, they were ready to use. I ate some for dinner tonight and kept some in the fridge for tomorrow, then I froze the rest. I have a vegetable soup in the crockpot and I have enchalidas in the oven. That's it for today, but I might cook something else tomorrow.

[Lindsey]

That sounds so good Gayle!! I have never used homegrown tomatoes in sauce, I always just use them from a can lol. I managed to get the casseroles, spaghetti sauce, and sweet'n'sour beef done yesterday. I have hamburger soup and chili cooking now. I planned to make cabbage rolls today but the cabbage wasn't ready. I normally freeze it and thaw it before using the leaves. I don't think I froze it long enough (1 day) because when I thawed it, the whole head of cabbage still looked and felt fresh :rolleyes: I didn't want to take the time to boil it while trying to make two more meals today, so I just put it back in the freezer for another day!

[gja1000]

I use dough to make my cabbage rolls, I'm thinking you use the leaves to make the rolls. That sounds like a lot of work!!! LOL!

My enchalidas were really good!!! I'm going to post the recipe in the recipe thread. They are low fat enchiladas and they are GOOD!

[Lindsey]

Lol yes, I roll them in the cabbage leaves! I've never seen them made with dough! That sounds interesting!

[gja1000]

The recipe using dough is in the 4WT recipe thread, 12 threads down, called Easy Cabbage Rolls.

[judy]

All this cooking! It ll sounds delicious! I used to cook on Sundays and freeze it when I was working and Jessie was a teenager.

I'm on weight watchers right now, and I'm not cooking. I bought some lean cuisine dinners and have been popping them into the microwave. I'm running out, so I will have to start cooking dinner again soon. There is too much snow to go out shopping today! I lost about 5 pounds, so it is working well. I like weight watchers.

I'm really bored! The snow is beautiful, but I won't go anywhere. My friends are here, so maybe I'll go visit one of them today. We're having a New Year's party tomorrow night. I am excited! We're having lobster! Yummmmmm! Everyone is making a dish, but I have decided not to worry about it anymore. They all know I don't cook, so nobody expects me to bring anything, but I always felt bad that I didn't have a dish to bring. I would bring wine. If I can get out tomorrow, I will buy a bottle of champagne. If not, oh well!

I didn't get the kids over this vacationist because of the snow. It has been a nice, quiet week.

I will try to walk the dogs in the snow later. They enjoy it, and with the three if them, I have to get them out or they have too much energy. I enjoy it too, and it is exercise.

[gja1000]

Good for you Judy! I wish I could lose 5 lbs! I like WW too, it always seems to work well.

I've just had a quiet day, didn't feel very well this morning, no appetite and just felt off. So, I ran a couple of errands and then just watched TV and laid around the rest of the day. I feel like a sloth! LOL! I feel fiine now, so I don't know what was up with me this morning. I'll just be watching football and basketball for the next couple of days. I'll really be a sloth by the time Wednesday rolls around!

[Janet]

I groomed and bathed the dogs, they needed it so bad. Then mopped the kitchen, cleaned the bathroom where I bathed them and then had to clean my room again because that's where I groom them. I'm so tired, but not able to fall asleep as yet. Tomorrow they guys have to work....yay....I get the house to myself again, at least for the day.

I need to run to town tomorrow and run a few errands. Roads are not the best, but have driven on worse. Just need to take my time. We are suppose to get another 1-3 inches of snow tomorrow afternoon.

[gja1000]

Lindsey, would you share your recipe for hamburger soup?

[Lindsey]

Gayle, I will! I'll put it in the recipes section right away :)

I have been so lazy! Yesterday I slept in, and Scott worked on the laundry room. We have framed walls up now! Last night we went out for a fancy meal and tried going to a movie. Well, it was sold out when we got there and the next one wasn't on until 10:50. We thought we'd wait a few hours.

So we went to visit our friend for a while, who was Scott's best man at our wedding. I mentioned before in the prayers needed section about him. He has gone through multiple rounds of chemo in the last months. It was very weird to see him without any hair. I haven't actually seen him since the wedding because the other times Scott visited him, I was sick and wanted to keep my germs away. Anyways, he is doing well and will be heading to Seattle in the coming months for a stem cell transplant. He is excited to get it over with and be done with cancer once and for all!

We finally got to the movie and I ate a ton of popcorn :) We drove home at 1:30 am in heavy heavy fog :( Luckily we made it home safely.

Today we are working on the laundry room some more. I am going to make deviled eggs shortly to take over to our friends' house tonight for a little New Years get-together. One more day off tomorrow and then back to work Wednesday! :(

[gja1000]

Hey Lindsey, I found it in the soup thread of the recipe forum!

[Shada]

Happy New Years everyone!
Yes Lindsey, please share your recipe.. sounds good!
Gayle your enchalidas sound wonderful! I will be making them... I just finished a crockpot full of Cheesy Chicken Pasta bake... my own recipe. Will be taking it to my brothers to celebrate the New Years for my dish.
Judy you ever think of cheese and crackers for your dish? Or lil' smokies in barbeque sauce? Simple, yet always enjoyed.... best thing is no cooking! Lots of little things to do without actually cooking, and no guilt for you!

Yummmmm... I love my recipe. I was into Sam's Club years ago and they were giving out samples of a dish like this.. I thought I could make it and here is what I came up with. Now it is my signature dish that I am always asked to bring to gatherings. Here it is:

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake
1 1/2 lbs. - Penne Pasta cooked and drained
1 - 13oz. can Chicken Breast drained
1 - 10oz. can Creme of Chicken soup
1 - 4oz. can diced Jalapeno Peppers undrained
3/4 large block of Velvetta Cheese
Milk (enough to make creamy)
Combine all ingedients and heat until cheese is melted and creamy.
Makes approx. 4-5 qts.

I make mine in a Crockpot.
The jalapeno peppers can give a little hot heat to this. If you don't like the hot, you can use 1 - 4 oz. can of green chiles which adds flavor without the heat.

If you try it, I hope you enjoy it!

Happy New Year!!!
May the coming year bring us all continued health, happiness, acceptance, and above all peace and contentment in our hearts.

[gja1000]

Lindsey, the hamburger soup is on the stove simmering!

Shada, you cheesy chicken pasta bake sounds YUMMY!

[judy]

Last night was our New Year's Eve party. It was a wonderful night, being with friends. We had lobster!!! YUMMMM!

Today, I am doing nothing! Mabe I will read or watch a movie.

[DianaB]

SHADA.......It's so good to see you back on here!! You've been missed!!!

Actually, I haven't been on much either. Sorry!!

We had a good Christmas. Glen and I decided not to buy gifts for each other because there just wasn't anything that we needed so we're considering the cruise our Christmas present to each other. The kids gave us a few presents and that was enough. We gave each of our family money this year. It seemed really odd not to shop for them. It did help relieve the stress that I get plus I didn't have to wrap the gifts either. The only gifts I bought was for Mom and Art and they were just little gifts. It was a good day with the family and they all got to stay ALL day. Their in-laws all had their Christmas's early or were doing them the next day.

We've had a couple of parties at Glen's brother's house.....a Christmas get-together and New Year's. Glen's sister, Brenda, is here and we always get together more when she's here.

We've had so many get-togethers from church and family that we're ready to stay home. I'm tired of making "finger foods" as well!!! LOL

This morning Glen and Logan left to go to Beaver Lake for their annual scuba dive on New Year's day!! I have a feeling that this will become a tradition. Any way I have the house to myself, which is nice!! We have a little snow on the ground.....not enough for me......but still it's nice!!

Reuger got a hair cut yesterday and Jazzi's going to get trimmed up soon. It will be nice having them look nice again. I'm afraid that I let them get too scruffy looking before I get them groomed.

[gja1000]

Diana, when is your cruise? You are cruising to the Caribbean, right?

I know what you mean about too many get-togethers. I have had those sort of Holiday seasons and by the end, I just wanted to stay home and never eat anywhere but home again. Of course, that usually only lasts a week or so. :D

I took down my Christmas things which didn't take too long. I love my little decorations, they made me feel better, so it was kinda sad to take them down. But I'm glad to have everything put away so I don't have to think about doing it! LOL! My outdoor decorations are little lighted snowmen. There are 8 of them and they stand up on stakes in the ground. We had a little rain yesterday and today so when I pulled the stakes up they were a bit muddy. So, I just left them laying on the ground and will put them away tomorrow after the mud dries and I can wipe it off. Actually I took a paper towel and wiped off most of the mud so that all that is left should dry quickly and easily brush off. The little snowmen come off the stakes and I have boxes for them. I'll put the away tomorrow and then get them up in the attic.

I organized the tax stuff for mom and me. I didn't get anything ready for the accountant, just got everything organized into folders so that when the time comes, I can find everything. I also made folders for 2013 to keep things organized for next year. Everything is so much simpler without mountains of medical papers for Gary. I just put all that into a big bag and will put it in the attic. You never know when I might get a bill for Gary a year later. I just got a bill last month for a procedure he had in August of 2011. I have no clue why it took so long for me to get the bill. I haven't received a bill for anything at all related to his last hospitalization, and it has been 7 months since he passed away. You'd think everything would be settled by now, but who knows.

I'm going to work for a little while tomorrow. I need to do a little work on a project. I don't plan to strain myself though :D a couple of hours should be about right! School doesn't actually start till the 15th, but we have meetings and the like next week. So I thought I should get a few things done this week before the craziness arrives.

I hope everyone has a Happy New Year! Did you eat your black-eyed peas? I fixed some but I don't really like them, no matter what I do to disguise the taste. But I ate some, goodness knows I need some good luck in 2013!

[gja1000]

WHEW! good to see 4WT open instead of Maltese.com! :D

OK girls, I've been complaining about it being HOT for the past few months, and it HAS BEEN. But now it's too cold (for Austin). Really I don't mind the cold but I don't have warm enough clothes! I had to dig into my deer hunting clothes to find some WOOL SOCKS -MY FEET ARE FREEZING! I know, I know, I'm a wimpy southern girl. And I know it will warm up in a day or so but dang! I went to Ross (a discount clothing store) and found a pair of corduroy pants. They sure do feel good! :D

I went to work today for a few hours. It was good to be back, but now I'm tired!:eek: I'm gonna have to get my stamina back, I've been a sloth for too long.

I worked out with the personal trainer this morning. We are just working on stretching and flexibility, so nothing too tough. I need to increase my cardio workout, and I will, but I have to take it easy or I just ache all over. We focused on my hamstrings today because they give me fits! They hurt so bad, even when I just go for a walk. They feel good today so I am making progress.

I brought all my work home and I think I'll work from home tomorrow and maybe Friday too. The students don't come back till the 15th, so there isn't any reason I can't work from home. My only problem is staying focused and getting some work done. Oh well, I don't have any deadlines looming, so if I goof off some, it won't matter. :D But I'll regret it later when those deadlines ARE looming!

[Janet]

I'm glad too Gayle. Looks like they have everything switched, so I hope there are no problems.

We've been going through a cold spell here and it's been in the single digits. That's way too cold for me. By the time you go somewhere, do whatever, the car is cold again..lol. I don't like shivering and driving...I know...I'm nuts.

I'm ready to get back to driving the bus, I'm bored staying home. I did get my bedroom all cleaned very thoroughly, but have run out of steam for cleaning right now. I have sent out more resumes and received a few replies that they received them, so I hope they will call for an interview. The are both for office work in a hospital in Lafayette. I'm keeping my fingers crossed although it is very scary to think about changing jobs in this economy. I'm just trying to start taking bigger steps toward what is best for me.

I would love to have a personal trainer...how fortunate you are! I was thinking of joining the "Y" or a 24/7 exercise place in Rossville (real close to me), but I'm trying to save money. I have been exercising and dancing here at home and started watching my diet again. Hoping I can stick with it.

Looking forward to a bit warmer temps within the next week...weatherman is saying near 50 again...yay!!! So wanting to be warm again and to be able to see green grass instead of this white stuff that's on the ground.

We go back to school on Tuesday so it won't be much longer. I think it's been too long of a break, would rather have a longer spring break instead of being stuck inside so much.

Well, I've been busy all day getting tax info gathered so that is all done, now just have to wait for all the information they send through the mail.

I have a roast and potatoes and carrots in the new crockpot Ricky got me for Christmas and I've just heard my dryer buzzer. Time to fold some clothes and hop in the bath before the guys get home.

[judy]

We are having a cold spell too, Janet. I heard it was -6 in a nearby town this morning! It is sunny though, so I am happy. Doesn't your car heater warm you up? Mine keeps me toasty. I also have seat warmers. They are really good to warm you up, but after a while, you feel like you have a cooked tush! Maybe you can put a heavy lap blanket on while you are driving, or even a thick towel.



Keep warm everyone! I put up my thermal curtains yesterday, and will do the kitchen later. The towels are by the patio door to keep the drafts out, and it helps. My heating bill is so high though!

[DianaB]

We're cold here too. We got a little bit of snow the beginning of the week and a lot of it's still here. It's just been too cold for it to melf off and I think that what has disappeared is just freeze dried away. Of course I'm not out in the cold much.

I have a lunch date today with a friend, Rita. We both have family problems so every once in a while we get together and have lunch. I have a lot to tell her this time!! She knows that things are bad and that Damon is in jail but she doesn't know much more.

I heard yesterday that my DIL, Tammy, has been talking to people about what's going on with Dae Lynn. That means that rumors will be going around town that's not correct. Tammy has a way of twisting the truth when it comes to things like this so I'm already upset with her without even hearing what she's said. Unfortunately this is a common problem with her.......and then she wonders why we don't always believe what she says. Oh well...........

Dean is his ornery little self!! But oh so cute!!! I can't believe that he's about to be three in March!!

I have both of the dogs groomed so my next project is to take down my Christmas tree. It's such a big tree and there are so many ornaments on it that it takes awhle to get down. Thank goodness I didn't get many other things out so once the tree is down I'm pretty much done.

[gja1000]

My kids called yesterday about 3:00 and said, "We're coming to Austin!". They arrived about 8:00 and it has been non-stop chaos ever since. I'm so glad they are here though. It has been a few days since I'd done anything fun. the weather is really yukky though, cold and rainy, but that's OK!

I finally dug out some wool socks, my warm Ugg
boots and a couple of sweat shirts. I'm feeling a little warmer now. Janet, I was going to mention the driving things that Judy mentioned, putting a blanket over your lap when you get into the car. I find that really helps. I have heated seats in my new Prius. Best. Invention. Ever. for cold weather. Mine get so toasty though, I have to turn them off after a while. Since I can now keep my car in the garage, which i have NEVER been able to do, I find that it's not so bad getting into it when it's cold, or hot for that matter. When I had my car outside I would go out and start it first to get it warm, but with the price of gas these days, that's not very cost effective.

Well the kids are starting to rustle around. We'll be going out to their favorite Mexican restaurant for breakfast soon. Better get myself ready.

[DianaB]

Gayle, enjoy your family!!! What a fun time!!

Our heater in our Tahoe has problems with staying warm. It's warm sometimes but not always.......same with the airconditioner......it's not always cold but sometimes runs as hot as the heater in the summer. It's been a huge fustration to us. We've had it in the shop and have it scheduled to go in again for that and some other problems. Personally I think that it's time to trade it in. I'm tired of dealing with it. However......I will say that my seat warmers do work!!! Thank goodness!!

[judy]

How wonderful that the kids are here, Gayle!!! Enjoy every second!

Diana, I remember that Tammy does gossip. I guess you cannot change her, but maybe you could talk to her? This involves the children, and gossip follows people. Actually, she needs to be slapped! I'm sorry! Of course you would never do that, but shame on her! The girl needs a good whipping!

I have been finding deer foot prints in the morning around my house. There has been fresh snow every morning, and this has been going on for about 3 days. Somebody told me to put out apples. I cut one up, and the deer prints are right up to a half eaten apple on my steps!

If only I could take a picture! I was driving yesterday and saw 2 deer on my hill, and then about 9 or 10 deer, all together, crossing the road down on the highway. It was beautiful. I have never seen that many together - usually there are 3 together. These are the deer who survived hunting season, and I was so happy for them.

I probably should not feed this deer, but I am going to!! It will eat my trees come Spring. So worth it! (I might be complaining in the warm weather though!)

[gja1000]

I love watching deer, Judy. Even though Gary liked to hunt them, he also loved to watch them. I'd love to live where they regularly came up into my yard.

[Janet]

I get to see deer just about every morning that I'm driving the bus, they are all over the place and I love to see them. The kids know if I slam on the brakes, it's because a deer ran across the road in front of me. They love seeing them too. I can also see them in the field across the road.

I do have a story though of when Ricky was little, about 3 or 4 I think. We were in the kitchen and I looked out and there was a deer out by his swingset. It was so fun to have it right in our yard. Well...the next morning he woke up and knew that his daddy was out hunting. Ricky walked to the kitchen window and climbed up in the chair and then started crying. I asked him what was wrong and he said he was wanting to watch daddy hunt....lol. So darn cute!!!! Of course his daddy was out in the woods.

I just went out to get the mail and on my way back in I saw some footprints by the front window in the snow. Not sure what they are, but I think they are squirrel. I've seen one out by our evergreen trees. Here in a bit I will google and see if that's what they are. If so...I need to get some corn set out for it.

[judy]

Here is a picture of deer tracks Janet. Now I know that I do not have a deer, I have rabbits! I found a picture of rabbit tracks.....who knew their feet were so huge? They live under my walk, but I haven't seen them lately. In summer, my hill always has a rabbit or two running around.

I'll take a picture of the tracks tomorrow to show you.

Gayle, I never faulted anybody for hunting deer. Gary, or any hunter, isn't being cruel. It is important to weed out the herd. Ir's survival of the fittest. If there are too many deer. there is not enough food. It is kinder to kill them with one shot than to let them starve to death. Also, a lot of people up here eat the venison.

I think a lot of the people who are against any guns at all live in cities. Hunting is very important in rural areas.

Just saying.....

[Janet]

I'm not sur ill have to go back out and check again, but those look like what I have. I may have rabbit tracks instead of squirrel.

[gja1000]

We had a fun time today. We went to the University women's basketball game and had a fun time. Then we went to Gattiland to eat - that's a pizza, pasta, salad buffet place with kids games. We sat in the media room so we could watch the Texan/Cincinatti football game. The kids had a ball. Then Emma (6 year old) and I went to see my mom while my daughter Brooke and Abi and her boyfriend went shopping. So a fun time was had by all. They are still shopping and Emma and I are watching cartoons on one TV and basketball on another. Again, a fun time by all!

[judy]

I think I saw deer tracks in the back today....They look just like the picture I posted.

I did so much between yesterday and today. I put up thermal curtains, dug out part of the deck, filled all the bird feeders, cleaned out my silverware drawer, (can't tell you how many kitchen gadgets I have in there! did a wash, washed all the silverware and gadgets, cleaned out my pj drawer, took out the winter tops I will actually fit into and like, fixed my coat, put stretchers into my new boots, swept and washed the floors, redid a big flower arrangement. I did more, but can't remember what.

It feels s good to clean out all this junk! I also love when everything in the kitchen is clean. Don't we all?

[gja1000]

Judy! you were so energetic. I do love it when drawers and things are cleaned out!

The kids will be heading home this morning, so I'll have to get my house back in shape. Lol! It's worth it though to have a messy house. Actually my daughter makes everyone pick everything up before they leave so it won't be too messy. My housekeeper was supposed to come tomorrow but she called and delayed till next monday, and that's OK so I don't have to run around crazy today and get everything ready for her to clean.

Overall I've had a very good Christmas/New Year and I hope that 2013 continues to be a good year for me. It will be a transition year for sure.

[gja1000]

We are getting lots of rain right now. And we're supposed to have thunderstorms overnight. I'm so glad I can keep my car in the garage now. I had a busy day at work, but I still have a few things I need to get accomplished that didn't quite happen today. Maybe tomorrow.

I'm working out at 7:00 in the morning with the personal trainer. This is my last session, but I think I'm going to set up a few more with her. I hate to spend the money, but I think it will help motivate me.

The mother of a friend of mine was just diagnosed with COPD (emphysema) and she can't work, doesn't have health insurance and isn't old enough for medicare. I still have Gary's oxygen concentrator (it takes the oxygen out of the air and delivers it to a person via the little nasal prongs). I'm going to take the concentrator to my friend Diana tomorrow. I jsut can't imagine having such a major chronic illness with no insurance.

[gja1000]

We had rain here for a couple of days! YAY! We were so so so very dry. No appreciable rain in the past 3 months. Everything was suffering. I had 2.5 inches at my house and it came very very softly and gently, so all of it soaked in!

I am talking to a friend of mine about going to the UK this summer. She's my age and she lived there several years when she was growing up. If I decide to go I'm going to take Abigail with me. She is so excited at the possibility. We'll spend most of our time in England, Scotland and Wales. My friend Betty will take us to all the must-see sights in the UK. Then Abi and I will take the Chunnel to Paris and spend a couple of days there. We'll take the Chunnel back to London and then fly home. I'm not sure how long we'll be gone, it depends on how long we spend in the UK with Betty. I'm going to have to consult with Betsi about what to see/do in Paris. I know I want to see the Louvre, and the Eiffel tower. I've never been "across the pond" so I am really excited!

[Janet]

Yesterday I decided it was time to wash my bus at the bus garage. Besides looking bad, the windows were horrible to see out of along the sides. It looked so nice. Then I went back for the afternoon route and by the time I got home....I couldn't tell it had even been washed. I drive alot of gravel roads and with the snow melting and temps going up, it's like driving through mud. The roads get sooo soft. So...I guess I'll just hose the windows off now and then but wait until March to wash it good again.... :D

I really haven't been doing a whole lot here lately. Just being a bit lazy I guess. I need to get busy and get some exercising done or something, instead of being on this computer. I was locked out of Facebook for 24 hours because I had forgotten my password and tried too many times to log on. I thought I would go nutso so I know I spend way too much time on it. I should try and only allow so much time daily to be on the computer......yeah, like that will happen...LOLOL

[DianaB]

We have deer around here but not hardly any that come close to the house. I did, however, look out a window once and see a deer jump the fence that's close to the house. That was cool!! We see deer pretty regularly down by the grain bins by the driveway coming to the house. Where Jaci lives there are lots of deer and she's always warning us to keep a watch for them when we come to visit. Lately I've seen a coyote come up close to the yard......I think that it was after one of the chickens and a bobcat ran across the road in front of me. We haven't seen any mountain lions lately but we do have them around.

Judy, you have been ONE BUSY woman!!! I could use some of your energy!!! I bet you're so happy with all that you got accomplished!!!

Gayle, I'm so glad that you had a good time with your family! I know how much you enjoy being with them!!

Your trip sounds wonderful!! I would love to take a trip like that!! You figure out how to get around and what to see and next time I'll go with you!!!

Not much has been going on here.....same ol'.....same ol'!! LOL Keeping an eye on Dean is turning into such work!! He's into everything!!

I went and visited Jed a couple of days ago and I can't believe how much he's grown!!! His little cheeks are so filled out and he was smiling and cooing. So cute!! Tammy breast feeds and her milk must be good because all of her babies were little butterballs!!!

My Tahoe's back in the shop. It didn't get repaired the last time it was in so it's back in again. I told Glen that I think that it's time to trade it off if it's repaired and get something with no problems. Trust me, it's not fun when the heater and airconditioner don't work like their suppose to plus all the other things that are going on as well.

Christmas tree is finally down and put away. It was nice that I didn't get out too many decorations this year because then I didn't have to put them away.

Some women at church are starting craft/interest groups and their first organizational meeting is tonight. I'm not real sure what it's about but I'm going to go.....it sounds interesting.

I thought that January would be slow but it's filling up quickly with things going on. Bummer!! Oh well......I don't care as long as it snows and snows!!!

[judy]

Diana, I would carry a gun with me if there are coyotes and bobcats around. I hate coyotes! I am afraid for little Dean. Coyotes are just feral! I don't have a gun, nor do I know how to use one, but if the coyotes come up to the top of the mountain, I will take lessons and get a pistol. (or a rifle???) At this point, they are further down the hill. We can hear them howling. We do have bears, but I would not shoot a bear! Then you have an angry bear! I have near spray for that.

Th crafts group sounds nice.

Gayle, what fun! The planning is so exciting! i am sorry abut your friend!

I ran out of energy today! I am not finished, but neither is the day!

[gja1000]

I'm not afraid of coyotes, but they can be bad. A coyote snatched a little dauschaund on a leash at one of our wooded walking trails a few years ago. Things like that don't happen very often, but they can happen. Bobcats are usually very skittish, and they wouldn't bother a person, I don't think. They like chickens!

We are having a warm rainy day before a cold front comes in tonight. It's supposed to only be in the 40's tomorrow. I enjoy cold snaps, so I'm looking forward to it.

I had my trees trimmed and now they look so BARE! :( It needed to be done, they are live oak trees so they don't lose their leaves in winter. The new leaves in spring push off the old leaves so the tree is never without leaves. So, that is why it is important to thin the branches from time to time so light can get to the inside of the tree. In a couple of year when they fill out again they will look much better and they will be much healthier. But they had such dense shade before and now so much light comes through! Oh well, it had to be done.

The tree trimmer (Salvador) was so nice, he's been doing the neighbors trees for years. He wants to buy my 18ft. flat bed trailer which I will happily sell to him when I finish getting rid of Gary's deer hunting equipment. Salvador said if he bought the trailer, I could use it any time I wanted. That was so nice!

I've been running errands today, then I took mom out to lunch. The battery on her cordless phone was shot so I got another one and installed it. Now, I'm thinking about doing some cooking but can't decide what I want to cook. I'm sure I'll need to go to the store. :(

Football, basketball and more basketball is in my TV future this weekend. Oh and Downton Abbey tomorrow night!!!

[Janet]

I don't worry about coyotes either. They usually only bother small animals but once in awhile do attack a small child. Like you said Gayle...not very often. They are pretty much afraid of people. I know when we mushroom hunt, once in a great while we'll see one watching us, but they are too afraid to come too close. They sure are beautiful with their winter coats.

We are having such a beautiful sun filled day in the 60's. We are under a watch for this evening though for storms able to produce up to 3 inches of rain. With all the snow melted, they are calling for flooding.

I went to town today and did a bit of shopping and then had lunch with my friend Diane and her mother at Kentucky Fried Chicken. I haven't eaten there in a long time and it was pretty good. I just had a chicken sandwich, cole slaw and med. drink. We were in there for quite some time just talking, it was so nice.

Now I'm home checking things out on the computer. Not sure what the rest of the weekend holds. Right now Rick is doing his stupid cowboy shoot thing and Ricky left to go on a date with Audrey....grrr. I'll feel better about it after I calm down some more. It's only been a week....it will take me some time. He asked me if I wanted to meet her and I said no...not this weekend, but maybe next. Ricky was fine with that.

The dogs (all except Joey) are outside. It's nice out so they don't need in the house. LOL....they can just potty out there. I made them stay out for a couple hours this morning and they'll be out a couple hours now. So nice not having to step over a fence to get to the kitchen and not picking up poo or wiping up pee. Can't wait till it stays warmer all the time so they can just stay out. They really love it out there. I throw some of their toys out with them and they just have a great time.

I'm kind of wanting Chinese food this evening...not sure if I'll get it, but it sure does sound good....maybe tomorrow after church.

Diana....when is it you're going on your cruise? I tried checking, but couldn't find the time you were taking.

[judy]

I'm afraid of coyotes because of the dogs. I am so scared that they will get one of them. Since I lost my little Gracie, I overreact to these things. Anyway, our coyotes are always in packs, and I still hate them!

The dogs have been so cute going out on the deck, which is still full of snow. Annie wouldn't go out there until a couple of days ago.. I'm so proud of her, trooping around in the snow. Sophie won't go out. She doesn't feel well. She threw up a few times today, and I don't think she likes her paws wet. She is great when we are walking on the road though. Max is the best! He is such a little boy! I went out on the deck last week and stomped around so that he would have places to walk. He is a different dog since his surgery and his weight loss! He is like a puppy again! I think having Sophie around helps too.
I won't let them out front because my hill is overrun with rabbit poop. They think it's the best thing to eat! Like your KFC Janet!

I was going to shovel the deck off.....yeah, right! I didn't know how hard that is to do. It's melting though.

I've been in the house, getting all kinds of things done. When I lived in Brooklyn, everything was where I wanted it, and it was decorated the way I liked. I never thought about anything other than straightening up. I want this house to be like that. I am sick of making mental lists of what needs to be done here. So...I am doing as much as I can!

Put a bunch of things on eBay today. I hope they sell because I bought a bunch of other things on eBay!

My doctor put me on Abilify because I told him that I am so tired of fighting depression, and in the winter, I get it bad! I'm already on 2 different anti-depressants, but he is not worried about any of it. Let me tell you...the Abilify does the trick! So far, so good, with the nausea and irritability now gone. Everything has side effects, but they didn't last long at all.

Jess, Steve and the kids have been sick with the flu all week. I think the kids are going back to school tomorrow. i haven't seen them. I didn't want to catch it!

[judy]

I haven't seen Paula on fb lately. Is she okay?

[DianaB]

I'm not to worried about the coyote being around. I'm sure he's after the chickens and not the dogs. Jazzi and Reuger really don't stay outside for very long and even then they stay pretty close to the house. I'm sure the coyotes are pretty skittish about being this close to the house because of the bigger dogs.

Janet, our cruise is in April so it's going to be a while. Hopefully by then Dae Lynn will be done with all of her court dates and we'll feel comfortable leaving for a week. It's from the 14th to the 20th or 21st. I can't wait!!!

Sorry I haven't been on much. I think that I've just been overwhelmed by everything that's been going on and my mind just doesn't want to think very hard to write posts. It doesn't seem like I'm stressed but I must be. I listen to what's going on with Dae Lynn every day and try to stay somewhat busy with her to keep her mind off of things. She has three lawyers that she's working with and every day it's something.

I thought that things would slow down after Christmas but it sure doesn't feel like it. I have a niece that's expecting a baby and the doctor's going to induce her on my birthday.....the 28th. That's exciting but.....she keeps trying to go into labor so I don't know if she'll actually make it or not. She's on meds and bed rest at the moment. She is my brother's daughter and she has no one to help her after she gets home with the baby so I'm going down to help out for a few days. She has two other children to watch as well. My family's not happy about it but I feel that it's something that I need to do. Her Mom is a druggie and the woman that my brother was married to when she was little caused her some trouble in court a while back (she really is a good person though) so I said that I would come. Should be interesting!!

[gja1000]

Hi Everyone!
We have been in the deep freeze (for Texas) for several days now, but the sun is supposed to shine and it will warm up a bit today. I know some of you, Janet, Diana, Judy, have been really really cold with snow and ice. I hope you all are warm and safe.

School started this week so it is very busy. But of course, I like it that way. I've been feeding the little birds in my backyard and they eat so furiously - they must be really hungry, or that instinctual drive to eat as much as possible in winter when food is available has kicked in. At any rate they are a hoot to watch!

This time next week I'll be in sunny California. I have a conference in San Diego from Wed-Friday. Short trip but it will be good to get away and see things differently.

I've been working out two times a week with the personal trainer and it is really tough, but I'm enjoying it. I don't look forward to it. LOL! But when it's done I'm glad I did it.

[Shada]

Bad day at work today. My back HURTS from being pushed so hard!!!

My bestie friend stopped over for a chat and unwinding after. I am so thankful.


Now I am getting ready for a bowl of chili and a few hours of TV time, then off to bed. Relax... hope I sleep better tonight than the past 12 months or so... what I wouldn't give for a straight 6 hours of sleep. I am up every two hours. Nightly.

[gja1000]

Sorry to hear you had a bad day at work, Shada. I had to laugh though when you said your back hurt from being pushed so hard. I know that feeling.

I'm in Houston this weekend, and no school tomorrow so I get to spend an extra day with my babies. We went to the zoo yesterday and today Abi and I are doing a bit of shopping for our London/Paris trip. We are getting ready to go to the outlet mall. :D

I'll be home tomorrow and Tues., then off to San Diego for a couple of days for a conference. Home Friday, Whew! I'll be glad for next weekend when I can BE HOME!

[Janet]

You sure are getting to be the traveler Gayle. Paris....only in my dreams I'm afraid.

Yesterday was a pretty full day for me. Went to Lafayette with my friend Diane. I was needing some tops and found 3 at CJ Banks. Nice clothes, but a little expensive for me for a total of $70+ dollars. Hope these last for a bit. Was wanting to wait until I lost some weight, but need to face the fact I'll probably always be fat and ugly.

We went to the mall and we stopped at my favorite Chinese restaurant, because that was the plan. While waiting for a table, we realized we really weren't that hungry at 3 in the afternoon so decided to wait and meet up with some fellow graduates back in Frankfort at 5:00. It was nice and there were 5 of us. Great laughs and great conversations. We ate at Arni's and they have the best jr. salads.

Came home and went to bed. Woke up this morning with a tummy ache for some reason. I think it's pretty well gone, but now have a headache. I'm thinking I spend way too much time on this computer and need to take a break from it. I'll probably still check in daily, but limit my time to 30 minutes if at all possible.

Not sure what I'll be doing the rest of the day since it's getting later in the afternoon. Hope you all have had a great weekend.

[DianaB]

I'm glad that you found you some nice shirts. Some times you just have to splurge. As for being "fat and ugly"........you are certainly NOT that! Quit putting yourself down!!! There are plenty of heavier women out there that are beautiful!!! I have learned to like myself at what ever size I am. I would prefer to be smaller but that seems to not be happening so I just do the best I can with what I have!!!

I bet you had a good time eating out with old friends. That sounds like fun!!

Gayle.....you are quite the traveler!! I would love to see California......especially this time of year! Enjoy your time away!!!

Glen and I did something totally crazy yesterday!! There is a young man who started coming to church. He is married with children but is wanting to move to our area for his kids. He found a job at a neighboring town and is living in a small apartment. His family is still in Dodge City getting ready to sell their house so they can move. We offered to let him move in with us. Crazy huh. Glen felt that it was something that God was telling him to do. Also we checked him out a little. His pastor in Dodge City is a brother to our pastor's wife......small world!! He came out yesterday and checked out the house and saw the room.....which needs straightened up and he is thinking about it. We are going to try it......if he accepts the offer......on a two week trial period to see how it goes. He does smoke but smokes only outside so that shouldn't be a problem.

This Wednesday I go with Jaci to the doctor to find out what the baby is!! I can't wait!!

I finally bought a shelf off of e-bay to go in Jaci's room! It's made out of an antique organ. I'm excited to get it and get it put up! I also have an old toy box that was mine when I was a kid that I've painted black to go in the room. I'm going to write "TOYS" on the front of it and pain the wheels burgundy. The room is really coming together. I can't wait to show you all pictures of it!!

[Janet]

Wind is blowing so hard today and it's cold. Suppose to be even colder tomorrow with a high of 3 degrees and a windchill of 20-30 below. I don't like this one bit!!!

[2tiredmom]

I don't care for the cold cold either. But my hubby is in N. Dakota and it is really really cold there in the negatives. Have gotten alot done today on my day off. Cleaning and now watching movies. Got a crochet baby blanket done. Now i have to start on my project for next fall. 20 headbands 20 hats and 20 scaves. A fund raiser for a school.

[gja1000]

It really is cold up north. I feel guilty because it's in the high 60's here. And I'm going to CA tomorrow where it's in the 70's.

Linda your knitting project sounds really wonderful. I'm knitting too so I may need to find an organization to take some of my things. But I have to get better first. HA!

Diana, that's a really nice gesture to offer the family a place to stay.

I heard an owl in, or close to, my backyard last night. I worried about the dogs, but they were OK. I haven't heard him tonight. It was really cool to hear him though.

[gja1000]

Yay for wireless Internet on the plane. It makes the time go so much faster! I'm on my way home from SanDiego. Good trip, saw some old friends and learned a few things. It was really pretty, lots of flowers and green grass. I like seeing the ocean. I'm ready to be home though, I was in Houston last weekend and then on to San Diego Wed. No more traveling for a few weeks.

[gja1000]

Busy day today getting everything put away and straightened out. I'm not finished though, I've got laundry to do and cooking to do tomorrow. It feels good to be home! A friend of Gary's came today and took all of Gary's outdoor hunting equipment. I thought it would be sad to see it go, but it wasn't. Robert is one of Gary's best friends and I know he treasures having all of Gary's hunting things. He will put everything to good use.

I'm tired! I didn't sleep well in CA and although I did sleep well in my own bed last night, I'm still really tired tonight. I'm so glad I got home on Friday, so I had all of today and tomorrow to get ready for the week!

Hope everyone is OK, it's been pretty quiet around here the past few days!

[Shada]

Been really cold this past week, so yesterday was the first day out of the house except for work.... spent the afternoon with my Mom. Went and did a little shopping, me a trip to PetCo for treats for my doggie, he also has a birthday coming up so picked up a deer antler chew, plus a cute and hideous at the same time stuffed toy possum. Looks really real!!!
Mom had to return a top and of course found another.. that woman loves to shop.
Then lunch at Culver's. I love that place! Got a pot roast beef sandwich and it tasted like leftovers at home. Good.

Today is laundry day. Called my Dad in Florida to hear about the nice weather.
Going to work around the house and hopefully get a few needed things done.

[Janet]

I have been a little more on the go here lately. The time came when I decided I just wasn't going to sit around or work around this house all the time. When I have the opportunity to go out, I've been going. Last weekend I went shopping with my friend Diane and bought 3 tops. I think I already mentioned that somewhere. Then I wanted to go eat at Treece's and decided I would go even if I went by myself. Rick decided he wanted to go so he did.

Then this past Saturday I went to the city of Lebanon (just south of Frankfort and also where my mother was born) with a grade school friend named Judy. We went to a restaurant called Parky's Grill and had a pulled pork sandwich, slaw, tea and then I topped it off with pecan pie. Judy had sugar creme. From there we went to the new Menard's store there, so fun and so nice!!! Menard's is my favorite store of all time. I could walk through those aisles all day. Then we went to Big Lots, where I bought a new red coffee cup and then we stopped at the Goodwill store there. We had a very nice day and the weather was in the 40's, but felt much warmer.

Yesterday I just got caught up on laundry and didn't even bother to get dressed. We had spare ribs which were so good, but next weekend....I'm planning on going to the Teppanyaki Grill. Wanted to go this past weekend, but thought the weather was going to be bad on Sunday.

Also need some new walking shoes and I always buy those at Kohl's. So that is what I want to do next weekend too. I just feel so much better getting out in the world.

[gja1000]

Janet, I'm so glad you are getting out more, you should do that - get out and about more and enjoy yourself!

[DianaB]

I'm glad that you're getting out too. That's something that I need to do more of as well......and I will when it warms up.

It's been busy here. We had a late Christmas party on Thursday......then we had Kera's Sweet Sixteen party on Saturday.......then Sunday is church. On Saturday I leave to go to my neice's to help take care of her and her new baby......plus I have a party here at the house on Friday!! January hasn't slowed down at all!!!

We are FINALLY getting some rain!! So far this month we've had a couple of inches and it's been raining off and on all day today! I'm so glad. All of Kansas is in a drought so the rain is very welcome!! With no grass in the yard though I have mud.....mud......and mud everywhere!!! UGH!!!!

Gayle....I would love to go and see California and the ocean....especially this time of year where we're not green at all!! I bet the flowers were beautiful!!!

[gja1000]

Wow, Diana, you have been really busy! My life is so quiet now, I can't imagine all that activity! LOL!

I've had a busy week so far. Being out of town last week put me behind so I'm trying to catch my tail this week and you know how that goes! LOL! I'm still tired from traveling. I think I might have caught a little bug because I just haven't felt quite on par since I got back. I'm hoping to feel better tomorrow.

It's been HOT again, but we had a cool front through today and it's only supposed to be in the 40's in the morning and then maybe 30's Wednesday night. I'm rooting for some more cool weather. I'm not ready for summer just yet.

Diana, we haven't had any rain this week, :(, like you we are so dry - I don't think as dry as you, but dry none-the-less. We need rain badly!

[Janet]

We're not green here either, so dirty and muddy looking. We've had a lot of rain here lately and last night severe storms because the temps got up to 65 degrees. Temps going down today into the teens and colder the next couple of days. It's so hard driving the bus down these wet gravel roads. If you don't stay in the middle and go fast enough, you'll sink and get stuck. Can't believe it's 2013 and we still have gravel roads that really...in the winter time are mud roads. Well, with the temperature dropping they'll be freezing hard again so it will be somewhat better.

Yesterday was kind of a wildlife day for the kids on my bus. We had 18 deer cross the road in front of us yesterday and then on another road, we saw a redtail hawk fight with a snake and take off flying with it....so cool! Kids loved it.

Heard from one of the places I've applied to and they don't want me. It was at Unity Hospital in Lafayette. Oh well, this is the second position they've turned me down on so I guess I won't apply there anymore. There are other places, so I'll just keep trying.

Sure looking forward to Spring. I don't want to wish time away, but I want to look out the windows and see leaves, green grass and flowers.

[DianaB]

Sorry Guys, but I don't have time to read the posts. We had a church party here last night so I've spent the last few days cleaning and getting ready for that......and this morning I'm getting ready to head to Oklahoma. My neice had her baby on Thursday and I'm heading down there as soon as I get my clothes packed. I'm not sure when I'll be home......I'm just going to play it by ear. It just depends on how she's doing and IF her boyfriend gets rude.

Anyway.....I love you guys and will talk with you when I get home UNLESS she happens to have internet but I doubt that she will. Talk to ya' soon!!!

[Janet]

Safe travels Diana...hope to hear from you soon.

Last night Ricky had a date so Rick and I headed to Lafayette. I have been wanting to eat at the Teppanyaki Grill (Chinese food) for a couple weeks so we headed there first. Everything tasted so good and fresh...loved it. Ate way more than I should have, but that's what happens when it's an all you can eat buffet setting.

After eating we went to Kohl's Department store. I needed new walking/cross-training shoes in a bad way. Mine still looked decent, but had wore down and my feet were hurting. Met this wonderful older man, Indian I named Ivan. I was getting ready to leave not finding exactly what I was looking for and this wonderful man found a pair just like the ones I was wearing. They are so comfortable. Told him he was my new best friend...lol.

After we got home Ricky and Audrey came out to watch a movie and we talked a bit, before me going to my room. Enough time has passed since 'the incident' and she does seem to be a nice girl. Wish she was a bit older, but I'm staying out of it.

Church was nice this morning, everyone is so friendly there. The Pastor wants me to take these classes to know more about the church beliefs. Not sure I want to do that....I want to be able to go and worship without restrictions. I may go to a class and see what it's like though before I just say no.

[DianaB]

Every person should know what their church believes and why. It will probably be an interesting class.

I'm home!! I had such a good time at my neices'!! The baby was soooo cute!! She's half black so she has dark hair and a dark complexion. She was sooo tiny.....only 5 lbs. 9 oz. when she was born. My neice has two other children. The oldest is a full brother to the baby.....and a little girl that has a different dad and is totally white.....blonde hair and all!! Natasha definitely has her hands full with all three!! The boy, Jasiah, has some definite discipline problems. Her boyfriend who is the father of the two black kids has his own problems and is in and out of the house. He was nice to me while I was there but has some drug problems but knows that it's not allowed at Natasha's home. It's a mess.

The neighborhood that Natasha lives in isn't good. The woman next door makes meth so there are people in and out of her house all the time. I was told to make sure and keep my car doors locked.....plus the doors to the house were always locked.

My neice, who is almost 30, has been on her own since she graduated. My brother, her dad, is no help to her financially nor is her step-mom. Her real mom is into drugs and her mom's mom is controlling so she has no help (I should say that my Mom does help her out). We spent three days talking while we watched the kids and I saw the conditions of things around the house so the day before I left I went to Wal-mart and bought some things that I knew she couldn't afford for herself......mostly things for the kitchen, a few groceries, and some new towels for the bathroom. I also got the baby some new clothes with some matching clothes for her sister and a few shirts for Jasiah. My neice was thrilled. You could tell that she does all she can for the kids but doesn't do much for herself.

Oh....and her boyfriend had the flu......so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that neither she nor I get it. He mostly stayed in the bedroom but still........

We visited so much and really enjoyed talking. I may just have to go back down and visit again some time!!

[Lindsey]

Diana, I'm glad your trip turned out better than you were expecting!

Besides work, I've been busy with my OTHER work lol... the exchange students. One of the girls had her host family decide to not extend their contract, so we were left to find another home for her. Their contract ended at the end of January, but luckily they said she could stay with them until a new home was found. We started looking just after Christmas and finally a family applied last week (the mother knows the girl too, because she works at the school). We are going to interview the family tonight.

My parents called me last night and told me that during my brother's hockey game on Monday, he took a slapshot to the mouth!!! His lip was cut and swelled right up and 2/3 of his front two teeth were broken off! How Canadian lol... I don't think there is a hockey playing guy in the whole country without at least a couple broken teeth! Anyways, his fiance obviously wouldn't have him looking like that, so they spent all of Tuesday afternoon at the dentist where he had root canals and two fake teeth drilled into his mouth. He is in lots of pain and is too swollen to talk, so I sent him a text this morning saying I hope he feels better soon. I told my parents I'm sure that makes them feel good about all the orthodontic work he had done when he was younger lol!

Scott plays his VERY FIRST hockey game tonight!!!! He was never allowed to play growing up because his mom thought it was too violent and he'd get hurt. He has always wanted to play, so he got on a rec team in a neighboring town, and they are playing tonight in our town. He is so excited. I think he wore his helmet for half a day on the weekend lol! He does have a full face mask, which he is glad for now after my brother's story. It's pretty uncool, but at least he'll keep his teeth. He doesn't want me to watch him tonight in case he isn't very good lol :) But I will go another time. They are late games anyway and I am really tired this week!

Africa is coming up faster than I like to think. We have one more Typhoid vaccination pill to take tomorrow morning, and we're done with our vaccinations! These ones have been giving me abdominal pain so I'll be glad to have them done. The back of my left arm where I had one of my needle vaccinations STILL hurts! It's been almost 2 weeks now. There is still very slight bruising but I think they must have hit a nerve or something. The plus side to all this is I can pretty much go anywhere in the world now :) Diseases schmiseases! Lol.

Oh and I've also been helping my cousin plan her wedding in New Orleans! We'll be going down in September. I'm getting way more excited than I thought I would be! Scott and I are planning to rent a car and do a day trip after the wedding... I'm a HUUUUUGE Britney Spears fan lol and her hometown is just over an hour away. So we're going to get up early one morning and drive up there and see the museum and wander around the little town, and then we'll drive up into Mississippi and then back over into Louisiana to West Monroe to visit the Duck Dynasty place :D :D :D Scott and I watch the show all the time and my dad is just obsessed with it! We want to get there by early afternoon and visit the gift shop. Then we'll drive back down through Baton Rouge (maybe have dinner there?) and back to New Orleans in the evening. We'll probably go down on a Wednesday, wedding is Thursday, do our day trip Saturday, and come home Tuesday! Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should do/see/eat while I'm there???

[Blueyes]

Lindsey, we live about 40 miles west of Shreveport, La. I think you should see ME!! Mike and I could meet you somewhere :) Gotta love Duck Dynasty!

[Lindsey]

Lindsey, we live about 40 miles west of Shreveport, La. I think you should see ME!! Mike and I could meet you somewhere :) Gotta love Duck Dynasty!

Oh my gosh YES!!!!! We had talked about going to Texas but thought it was just too far and easier to just fly lol (I have a friend from here who now lives in Lake Jackson, and we thought we could try to see her). And then we decided to cut the trip down to only really be 5 whole days long after flying there and back, so we thought we'd just do some driving around Louisiana instead. BUT I had no idea you were that close :)

So how accurate is Google maps? It says Shreveport is another hour and a half drive from Monroe. Is this whole round-trip back to NO doable in one day? Maybe we should book a hotel somewhere else for overnight. I just told Scott what you said and he suggested maybe staying somewhere else for a night. He knows all about you from my wedding shoes so he's excited at the thought of meeting you too!

[Blueyes]

Monroe is about 2 hours from my house. We can meet you in Monroe, or anywhere else for that matter:D We are pretty free these days, lol! This is gonna work!

[Blueyes]

Are you flying back home from New Orleans? If you are renting a car to go see your friend in Lake Jackson, it would be much easier for you to fly home from Houston. Galveston is a neat place to visit, especially if you want some beach time;)

[Lindsey]

I am even more excited for this trip now!!!! :D

We will be flying home from New Orleans... actually we decided not to see my friend this time because it would be another day of driving. We do want to spend a lot of time in New Orleans too, since we've never been there before either! Scott and I are, at the moment, the only people even going down with my cousin and her fiance for their wedding. We are their bridal party AND their whole guest list :) It will be my cousin's first time on an airplane - she is terrified of them but her fiance said he wouldn't marry her unless she got on a plane and they went somewhere to do it. I have a feeling she won't do it again, so I want to spend some time with them in New Orleans as well. It will probably be my only chance to be on a vacation with her, ever lol. So, Scott and I decided to definitely do this one whole day trip (or part of the next day too, if we are staying the night somewhere else!) But we want the extra day or two to wander around New Orleans.

I'd love to see Texas someday though! If only my brother didn't decide to do another destination wedding a couple of months after this one, we'd have a lot more time to spend seeing the places we want!

[Blueyes]

You'll have fun in New Orleans, it's party central! There is plenty to do there to keep you busy. You will have a blast, and it shouldn't be too terribly hot in September!

[Lindsey]

Yeah I'm really excited for all we can see and do there! And now I'm excited to meet you too!!!! It will be an awesome trip :D

[Janet]

Today I went and looked at a 2011 Toyota Camry. I really love it and I want it...lol. I think I'm going to go back on Monday and test drive it. I will have to borrow the money....too bad, and Rick isn't real up for the idea, but too bad, and really have no business even looking for another car, but you guessed it....too bad....lol. If I like how it handles, I'm going to do all I can to get it....I want it and I deserve it. Please keep your fingers crossed.

Also went out to eat with Ricky for lunch and there was Linda (tootiredmom) with her hubby Gary, her mother-in-law and two sisters-in-law. So good to see her I darn near started to cry.

[DianaB]

Janet, Toyotas are really well made cars and hold their value better than other cars so I would think that buying one would be a good idea. I know that you've been needing a new car for some time now. Good luck!!

I bet you had fun seeing Linda!! I wish that I lived close enough to you guys to "run" into you somewhere!!!

Betsi and Lindsey.....how cool that you're going to get to meet!! I wish that I was close enough to join you!! You know that we'll need pictures!!

We're going to be in New Orleans too.......to leave on our cruise!! But we'll be with a group. One of these days, Betsi, when I go to Mount Pleasant I'm going to call you and meet somewhere!! I know that you're not too far from there!!

Gayle....you would have been proud of me!! I went to the girls' basketball game last night and Elijah's this morning!! I know enough about the game to at least know when they've made a basket!! LOL

[Janet]

They really are nice vehicles. My van is getting to be in bad shape and I don't want to put a bunch of money into it. I'm really afraid to drive it very far and that's not safe. It needs new struts and shocks, tread on the tires are not good, and a host of other things mechanically are starting to fail. I've had to try and make money stretch so making it stretch alittle farther won't kill me. I could wait until June where we won't have any bills except utilities and will have the money from the two rental houses to help, but I just don't feel that safe in the van.

Rick must have decided it wasn't such a bad idea after all, we have to go to Lafayete tomorrow to purchase a new back door for the first rental we have so he wants me to look at some of the used cars that they have where he works. I'm so excited, but unless they have the exact same car at a lower price, it's going to be hard to change my mind.

Just reread my first post and wow....got a little carried away with the "too bads". I don't mean to be so cocky about it, but I'm tired of being talked out of everything I need or want to do by my spouse so this time, I'm not going to let that happen. I'm at the age where I want a nice comfortable ride with low maintenance.

[Lindsey]

Janet, we have a 2008 Camry and I really like it! Scott bought it brand new and it's never had any issues. We use it to commute to work every day, so it gets a lot of mileage.

We went to Scott's Christmas party last night... yup, in February lol. For some reason, that company has been losing tons of money. I don't know why, because every other company around here seems to be doing so well! Anyways, I was so surprised that the number of tables this year seemed to be cut in half from last year... it's always a huge party but it was almost dead last night. I'm sure at least half the office has been laid off in the last couple of months. Scott is safe for now, since he is contracted out of the company and working full-time at another company, so he is 100% chargeable to his company every day. It just sucks that the people we're used to hanging out with at his company events aren't even there anymore. Nevertheless, we did meet some new people and still had a good time. We got a cab back home and the roads were awful. We didn't make it home until almost 3 am :eek: It was hard to get out of bed today. I have NO IDEA how I used to be able to stay out late with my friends and be functioning early the next morning for class in college, or be at work first thing in the morning when I first started working. I can feel myself getting old already lol!

This afternoon, I'm making a big roaster full of cabbage rolls. I need to get started on that if I want to have some for supper tonight! I will freeze most of them.

[gja1000]

Hi All,
It's been pretty quiet at my hacienda! Just ran errands over the weekend, went to a basketball game, and watched my birds on the feeders. Now it's Monday, and here we go again. It should be a pretty quiet week. I don't have class this week, my students are doing class online. They like to do things online and not have to attend the face to face class so I try to do that a few times a semester. It takes a lot of work to create all the things for them to do, but once I do that, then I'm hope free - until that is, I have to read everything they did. LOL! I don't mind though, it's fun doing something different!

[DianaB]

Gayle, I'm sure your students are grateful for not always having to come into class. And it gives you some more time for yourself as well!

Not much going on here......Just Dean and me!!!

My Mom was here on Sunday after church and I guess that she's finally upset with my brother. It's about time!!! I had a neice that had a baby shower on Sat. and Mom and Art went.....but Delaine had to go home and sleep (he works nights at a donut shop)....it ends up that Mom and Art saw him in my town.....where the girlfriend that "he's not going with anymore" lives (she's on drugs and has caused him all kinds of trouble and Delaine has made ALL KINDS of excuses about her). Mom talked to him on the phone and he sounded like he was high. Mom's been believing everything that he's told him and I think that all of this has finally put things in perspective for her. She didn't say much to me but Art talked to Glen about it. With him being 50 years of age she needs to quit giving him money and helping him out!!

Glen and I had our dentist appointment yesterday morning. I hate dentists!! At least that's done for another year!!!

Tonight I think that we're going to Jaci and Nate's to play cards and eat pizza. She's been missing us!! They also have their new baby furniture that she wants to show us!!

We stopped and saw Jed after the dentist. He's getting SO big!! He's kinda' of a fussy baby so you never know how he's going to be. Mornings are usually good for him though. I got him to almost laugh and it was so cute!! He is such a cute little guy I just wish that he was more pleasant. Feyn and Tammy know that he's that way and it's hard on them as well in dealing with his fussiness. Hopefully he'll outgrow it soon!!

[gja1000]

It will be kind of a sad Valentines day tomorrow for me. I don't have my valentine with me anymore, :(. We never got each other big gifts for valentines, but we always got each other 2 cards, one mushy and one funny. One time Gary waited till Valentines day to pick up a card on the way home and of course, it was a dumb card becasue it was practically the last one on the shelf. I made the mistake of saying it was a dumb card and that he shouldn't wait till the last minute to get one. Well every Valentines day after that, he made a BIG POINT to say he shopped WAAAAAAY in advance for my card so it wouldn't be dumb. It became a running joke with us. There won't be any dumb, funny or mushy valentine's cards from my sweetie this year, but I'll be thinking about all the funny and sweet cards he got me for 30 years, and I think that will help me make it through the day!

[Janet]

((((hugs))))) for you Gayle!!!

[Lindsey]

Oh Gayle! I'm thinking of you today.

On our way home yesterday, Scott stopped at the post office. I said "It's not mail day! It's Tuesday!" We normally stop to pick up mail on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. He said "No.... it's Wednesday" and I realized I was too late to get him a Valentine's day card! Oops. This morning the roads were bad so we stayed home. He was really concerned about getting to the city today though. Conditions improved after a couple of hours so he went in to work. I have my laptop at home so I'm just staying at home to work for the day. He told me not to worry about cooking tonight. I came back upstairs to work and I saw an envelope on the top of a doorway with my name on it. It was a Valentine's Day card from him! I feel like such a bad wife this year lol! I will have to make it up another day. I hope I don't forget about his birthday or something lol.

[DianaB]

A BIG hug for Gayle!!!! How funny that you got each other two cards!! How sweet!! I hope your memories help you to have a wonderful day!! Wish you were here I'd have you over for a Valentine's supper.

Since Dae Lynn's divorce is tomorrow I knew that she'd probably be down so I'm fixing supper. I usually do that anyway but was actually looking forward to going out this year.....Oh well. We're having BBQ pork steak (Dae Lynn's favorite), twice baked potatoes, a red-hot jello salad (that is Glen's favorite), cream cheese in corn, garlic bread, and cheese cake with cherries.......Yummm......I can't wait!! The salad is finished and the potatoes are baking......Glen's going to grill the pork steaks so I won't have too much to do.

Glen gave me a HUGE card this morning. I have a card for him too but I haven't signed it yet. I'll probably just set it on his desk rather than give it to him in front of Dae Lynn.

Well.....I better go.......Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!! Lots of love!!!

[gja1000]

My kiddos are coming for the day. This is an unexpected trip - a funeral. They have to be in Houston tomorrow, so they are making a quick trip today. I'll get to keep the girls while mom and dad to to the funeral. Then we'll all eat a late lunch together before they head back. It will be good to see them!

[Janet]

Well I knew I was being a bit too cocky writing about getting a vehicle and one of these days I'll learn. I really want that Camry, but just got our taxes done and we have to pay. They didn't take federal taxes out on me, so I have to pay them and then the income from mom's house. It really wasn't much income because we sure don't have any left after paying for repairs, updates, taxes and insurance.

Not sure what I want to do now. A friend of mine told me that I would be going about $16,000 in debt for the car and that I'm just trying to make myself happy through getting a car. Even though I couldn't afford it, I was willing to go in debt for it anyway. She's probably right, but I've got to find something other than my van. It's needing some repairs and I just don't want to put a bunch of money in to it.

So....I'm going to try and watch my outbursts and cocky attitude.


I've been looking forward to today, no school. Suppose to be in the mid 50's with beautiful sunshine, but we are under a wind advisory. Walk out the door and you darn near get blown away...lol. I have errands to run in town so will do that and then I guess come back and stay inside. Sure wish it was warmer so I could be outside in the sunshine. It usually helps my depression.

Also, wanted you all to know that Ricky is still seeing the same girl, Audrey. I'm trying to push him out to fly on his own. I don't need to know everything he does, it just upsets me, so he needs to move out on his own. Either try to purchase a house that he can work on (only kind he'll be able to afford) or find a place to rent. All I know is it's time.

[Lindsey]

Janet, if you are needing a new car, I don't think you're just trying to make yourself happy through getting a car! If you need one, you need one. The right one will come along that you can afford!

We've had a busy but quiet weekend. We're getting all of our Africa stuff in order and we did some shopping on Saturday for extra stuff we need. I went to Winners (not sure if that is in the USA too or not, but it's a discount store with good brands) and got myself some good athletic shirts to take - a couple of short sleeves and a couple of long sleeves. Everything I own is heavier cotton, or colors I can't wear there (white or blue mostly), so it will be nice to have thinner shirts with wicking for the hot temperatures. Then I went to a sporting store to use a gift card I got from my parents for Christmas. I planned on getting some polarized sunglasses for the trip (I only own cheap Walmart sunglasses lol!) I didn't even look at prices, but the ones I liked ended up only being $100 so I had another $100 to spend! I found some nice grey lightweight zip-off pants... and they are long enough for me!!! I have really long legs and have issues finding pants that fit! So anyways, now I'm totally ready to go on the trip :) It was a successful shopping day!

On Sunday morning, Scott asked if I wanted to go skating with him. He goes almost every Sunday that there is a free family skate. Normally I'm busy doing other things, but I had only planned to run on the treadmill, so why not go skating instead? I pulled my skates out of the basement and when I took them out at the rink I noticed the blades were all rusted :( It made me sad!! I wiped off as much rust as I could, and went out. I was not really that bad. I had it in my head that I'm not good at skating now, because I've only been skating on bumpy outdoor ice for the last 10 years. It's just not the same!

I've been skating basically as long as I've been walking. My parents had a rink in our backyard when I was little, and I would push around a little stacking stool for balance on my teeny tiny little figure skates. When I was 4, my parents put me in figure skating. When I was 14 I started teaching the smaller kids as a helper to the coach. I stopped taking lessons when I was 16 (I was at the same level as my coach and would have to travel an hour each way for lessons at another town with a more advanced coach) but I continued teaching until I graduated high school, and I still performed at the town skating carnival.

I didn't try anything on Sunday, like spins or jumps or anything, because I wasn't sure how good those would be, and the rink was pretty full of kids so I didn't want to cause any injuries lol! But I can still skate. And I can still skate fast and backwards and balance on one blade and it all came back to me like I never stopped! I told Scott that I felt more like ME than I had in years. It's kind of a thing that defined me when I was growing up and I thought I had lost it! It's a really cliche thing to say, but I felt alive lol. I will be going to more Sunday skates with Scott now :)

Today is Family Day, a stat holiday here. I am catching up with laundry and housework! Boo.

[gja1000]

Janet, I agree with Lindsey, you will get your car when the time is right. You need one and it will happen.

I had a good weekend, got to see my kids on Saturday. Then on sunday, I took Rex & Rowdy to the farmers market in their stroller. They loved it and so did everyone else. Gary used to say the boys in the stroller was a chick magnet! LOL! Of course for me, it's just a people magnet, but of course the main admirers are female. LOL! There is a lady there that sells organic dog treats (yes, of course i bought some!) and she took a picture of them and asked if she could display it. Of course, I said yes! I love the farmers markets. Food products have to be organic to be allowed at the market. I love that I don't have to worry about pesticides. Everyone there appreciates organic products and so it is a love fest amongst the customers. LOL! You can find goat's milk soap and lotions, natural deodorant, handmade jewelry, it's all just so much fun and makes me feel good! There is always a band or singer at most farmers' markets and that is nice too. The boys and I sat down and listened to The Mighty Pelicans for quite a while. They are sorta New Orleans jazz band and it was fun!

Today I'm going to a lecture at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at my university, the University of Texas, given by a former mayor of Atlanta (who is here as a visiting scholar at the LBJ School) about where we've been with civil rights and what the future may hold. A friend of mine that I don't see very often is going with me so it should be a wonderful event. I'm still appalled when I think about Governor Wallace standing on the steps of the University of Alabama and said Black students could not attend. I recall the old footage of the National Guard escorting the students to class. I can't imagine that happened in my lifetime, but it did!

[gja1000]

The lecture yesterday was very good! The speaker made an interesting statement, "We are a country of immigrants, learning to be a country of immigrants". True statement.

Today is Gary and my anniversary (31 years). I'm not sad, just nostalgic.

[Blueyes]

Thirty one years...no wonder you are nostalgic, and you have every right to be sad.

I have started an exercise class called BodyFit Bootcamp. My niece encouraged (made) me go with her. Its a hard class for this ol' fat gal, but I'm doing the best I can. My sil Teresa is going too so we all sweat together!

Gayle, here is a picture of one of the halls in the Paris Opera house. Michael took a picture of me gawking at it, lol!

[Blueyes]

Hmmm. The preview showed that it loaded. I'll try again! Sorry, the upload keeps failing. Guess I'll try again later!

[DianaB]

Gayle, I'm so proud of the way you deal with the special days of your marriage. You treasure your memories and draw strength from them. You are such a special woman and I admire you!!

Janet, You'll get a car......just keep looking. There are nice cars that are in a lower price range. Don't give up!!

Not much going on here. I had Dean today. Oh....he's doing so good with potty training!! All of a sudden he's getting it.....of course, a little swat on the rear helped out!!

Dae Lynn thought that Karlie had pink eye last night so she took her to the doctor this morning. It turns out that she has an upper respiratory infection that is affecting her eyes as well. Whew! I'm so glad that it's not pink eye!! When Dae Lynn came to get Dean she said that she's not feeling well. I hope it's not the flu!!

We got SNOW today!! Not much and it really wasn't that pretty but I'll take it!! Church this evening was canceled and we're suppose to have more bad weather tonight and tomorrow! I love watching it from my big windows!!

I've spent the last couple of days cleaning my bathroom. I even took a steamer and cleaned the tile around the bathtub and the floor around the toilet. It looks so nice! I really need to clean out some drawers too but I think that I'll worry about that later!!

[DianaB]

I forgot to add......

Lindsey, I'm so glad that you found out that you hadn't forgotten to skate!! I'm sure you were thrilled. I didn't grow up skating and could barely roller skate but I wish that I could. My family all go if the ponds freeze over which isn't very often.

[gja1000]

Gosh this place is quiet. I guess everyone is really busy. I've been busy too! Diana, did you all have a lot of snow this week? In western Oklahoma where my farm is located, they had about 16 inches with big drifts. My brother said there was a five foot drift in front of their front door but they could get out the back door. However, they have not had any electricity since the storm blew in, however I heard from someone else in the little town that their electricity was on this evening. It was quite the snow event and rural Oklahoma is ill prepared to handle such a dramatic snow event.

I've been busy at work, we are about mid semester so students and faculty are working hard. I'm in administration as well as teaching so we are actually trying to get the fall schedule set. Our students pre-enroll for the fall starting April 1, which is only a month away. So, it is a busy time!

I'm going to Houston this weekend. I'm anxious to see the kids, I haven't been down in about a month. I'm going to New Mexico for spring break. I have 2 cousins who live out there and one who lives in Oklahoma. My Oklahoma cousin is driving to Albuquerque and I'm flying - but only 1 way, because I'll ride back to Austin with my Oklahoma cousin as she wants to swing by here and see my mom. I think I'll be gone about 8-9 days, not really sure though. I'm leaving the dogs with my daughter this weekend. They won't be very happy staying with her for 2 weeks. But they'll survive!

We have not had any rain in several weeks now and very very little all winter. The drought is getting quite severe again. Year before last was horrid, last year a little better, and now it looks like we are going back to horrid!

Hope everyone is OK and checks in soon.

[DianaB]

Gayle, I hope you have a good time!! It sounds like a nice trip!!

Sorry, I just haven't been on here or FB much lately. It just seems like it's too much effort to type out what's going on.

Yes.....we got snow!!! I was so excited and I have pictures to post on another thread for you!!

Last weekend we went to my Aunt Marva's where we went to a get-together to meet others that are going on the cruise. I was disappointed in the women because they weren't very friendly and I didn't meet as many as I would have liked to and I would have felt awkward marching out in the middle of them and making them meet me!!! LOL I did meet.....oh, maybe....5 or 6 so that's a start. One girl is about my age and seems to be fun so I'm really looking forward to chatting with her some more. I know that we're going with Marva and her husband but I know that they won't want to do EVERYTHING with Glen and me and I'm looking forward to making some new friends!!

Before I left for Marva's my neice called (the one that just had the baby) and her boyfriend took her car.....and it's basically all she has. Plus he's threatened her and she's terrified of him. So....she needs to figure out what she needs to do. With three kids and a drugged up boyfriend she has some decisions to make. It wasn't the most relaxed weekend with me worrying about her. I need to talk to her and find out if her car has been found yet.

Also my neice's sister, another neice, Jamie, had a baby on Monday. Our family is really expanding!! Plus we have three babies due in July on Glen's side of the family.....not counting Jaci!!

Speaking of Jaci......she's really starting to show!! The baby is quite active.....and I hope that's not an indication of what she'll be like when she arrives!! Jaci and Nate have her furniture already. Now they need to have a wall built (they live in a one bedroom house but it's a big room so they're building a wall to make another bedroom.) I've been buying thngs for the baby......and Nate's Mom has been too!! This will be her first granddaughter......she has 5 grandsons and the others are done having kids now so she is really excited about this one!!

Jaci and Nate came over a couple of days ago to visit and when it got late they ended up spending the night. It was so nice to have them here!! I wish that you all could meet them.....they are just the sweetest couple!!

[Janet]

Last Saturday I had a bad case of the stomach bug. I felt so awful and literally lost 6 lbs. I was losing nothing but pure liquid for a full 24 hours. So glad to have all that behind me now. Now I just have the aches in my ribs and back muscles from heaving so much. It's much better also.

I've been having daydreams of getting things done around here. Hoping to simplify and sell things that just are no longer needed. Tired of storing things that I will never use again. I was hoping to do something really fun on Spring Break, but I may start going through everything really good, starting with the attic.

Ricky is still seeing 'her'. Guess I have to accept it, but I can't help it if I don't like her. It's not that I would feel that way about anyone he brought home, I want him to have someone, but I just don't care for her at all and the more I find out about her family...doesn't help. I don't want to lose my son, but it's time he moved out so I don't know what goes on all the time. It's not good for me or my health.

Been a bit since I posted much so not sure if I told you all or not, but it's happened 5 times. I get woke up between 4:30 and 5:30 with Mom saying...'Janet' in such a tone as to wake me up. Kind of a yell, but not as loud. It's her voice for sure and even a kind of smell. Depending on which side I'm laying, it feels like she's right at my ear. Not sure what to think of it. Never had this many experiences when I lost my Dad. I'm not frightened or anything like that, but it wakes me up with such a start like she's waking me up for work or something. So strange.

We are suppose to get 5-8 inches of snow this afternoon and tonight. Don't know if we will or not, but the weathermen say it's gonna happen. Then we are suppose to get up into the 50's over the weekend...lol. There is a nice flea market type thing I would like to go to on Saturday. So hopefully even with some snow on the ground it will still feel warmer.

I'm still sending out resumes, but not hearing much back. I'm trying for just about anything now in part-time and full-time. Not giving up, just praying more. :)

Hope all of you are doing great, I miss the way this place use to be so busy with all our activity. I see most of you on FB, but it's not the same as here. I miss you all and our closeness.

[DianaB]

I know how you feel about missing everyone. I know that I've been bad about being on here. It seems that I just get so overwhelmed by what's been going on that I just can't use my brain to write out anything. Hopefully things will get better now that Dae Lynn's divorced and she has guardianship of Karlie.

That's odd that you hear your Mother yell your name!! My Grandmother used to watch the PTL Club and one morning she was over sleeping and she heard her name called. She thought that God was telling her to get up so she wouldn't miss her show.

I'm so glad that you're better. I knew that you were sick but didn't know that you were THAT sick! We prayed for you in my little Sunday School class!!

Our snow is almost gone.....again it was here longer than it was every other place. I guess it's because my yard is pretty shady. Send some of the snow here.....you know how much I love it!!

I don't know what to tell you about Ricky's girlfriend. What I would do is.......if God thinks that she is not the girl for him that He would remove her from his life. That's what I would be praying.

Today is Dean's third birthday!! Dae Lynn made a cake and brought out ice cream for after school so we can have a small party!! She'll have a bigger party later because Karlie's birthday is just a few days away and she'll combine them. I think that we're going to give her some money to buy a trampoline. The kids will enjoy that. Our kids always had one while they grew up.

Not much else going on. I've got to clean the house because the girls are having a jewelry party here on Saturday. The pressure to get it done is always good for me!! I've been so tired lately so this will help me get moving!

The girls and I are going to "weigh in" today and start dieting. I bought some new digital scales that seem to be pretty accurate. I don't know if I'm ready for this or not but I need to do it so.......I guess I'm ready!!! I may have to start tomorrow.........after Dean's ice cream and cake!! LOL

[DianaB]

We had a little birthday party for Dean last night. Dae Lynn let the kids make little pizzas out of biscuits and we had cake and ice cream! Dae Lynn let Karlie pick out a gift for Dean and it was definitely too old for him and that was his only gift to open. We're giving money towards a trampoline, but I'm thinking that he needs a gift to open too!! So I may go shopping and pick a little something out.

Glen's been selling corn and this morning he's taken Dean with him. There's nothing he likes more than to be with his Papa!!!

We have the Alley tonight. Amy has divided the kids into 4 groups and they are working on a talent for a talent show. It was suppose to be last week but because of the weather it was canceled. The program will be next week and shoud be a lot of fun!!

Well......I'll be cleaning today......BUMMER!!!

[DianaB]

Yesterday I went and had lunch with a friend, Rita. We meet every so often for lunch and visit. Oh....and I had Dean with me. Then Dean and went to Alco and bought a birthday gift for him. I felt so bad that he didn't get much in the way of presents on his birthday so together we picked out what he wanted. He's so cute!! He's at the age that he wants everything!! We ended up getting a Batman car that the headlights light up and it shoots out disks. Then we bought Spiderman and villian figurines to go with Batman. He's so into super heros!!

I got the utility room cleaned. Yay!! One room down......and more to go!! Remember I have a jewelry party here on Saturday! Actually I've cleaned several rooms but Dean has messed them up faster than I can clean so I need to go back and work on them again.

Dae Lynn goes to court this morning to get her PFA (protection from abuse) order. It should go pretty easy since he's pled guilty for the abuse. Everything is getting done and very easily. Praise God!! I'll be glad when all of this is behind us.

[Janet]

On Thursday I still had 4 students (but only 3 stops) to finish up on my afternoon route when going down this gravel road I got stuck and the transmission overheated. The gravel roads here are like mud. Of a morning they are not too bad because they are frozen, but in the afternoon....so horrible.

I ended up with a county payloader pulling me out to the nearest crossroad (about half a mile) and then my transportation director towed me back to the bus garage. Wow...the mud was almost up to the axle on the rear tires. I knew that road was getting softer, but the county worker told me that someone went down the road the night before and tried to grade it and dug up way to much road which made it worse....so I sunk. Usually I'm home by 4, but didn't get home until right at 6:00 PM.

Sunday and Monday we are suppose to get 1-2 inches of rain, so I may not be able to pick up a few students. Their parents will have to take them. Right now I'm in a different bus while mine is in the transmission shop in Indianapolis. Hopefully it won't take them too long to get it back to me.

[DianaB]

I bet that was so fustrating!! I understand what you're saying about the roads because ours are the same way. We have road grader men who are not experienced and do an awful job. Jaci's roads north of town are in so much better shape than ours are.

The girls had their jewelry party last night. They had a lot of people show up and we pretty much ended up with a pretty good party!! The women bought over a thousand dollars worth of jewelry and Amy and Jaci ended up with $400 dollars of jewelry......plus 8 half price items and three items under $50 for $10 each!! They gave me a piece of jewelry free and a $10 item for having it at my house. I was happy because they were the only items that I was interested in.

We stayed up so late and I've been up so late several nights this week that I'm totally wiped out. I've got to start getting to be on time or I'm afraid that I'll get sick with something.

Dae Lynn and Karlie went to Garden City, Kansas, to their last Jr. Bible Quiz meet for the year. Karlie ended up with first place in the meet yesterday.......and got a metal for first place overall!!! The Fredonia team got first place and was undefeated for the year!! Another little girl on the team, Madelyn, got second place overall, and Kellen, the boy on the team, got fifth place over all!! The kids have a list of almost 300 questions that they have to memorize about the Bible. A few of the questions have to be quoted word for word......and if they buzz in on the question early then they not only have to answer the question but finish the question. Karlie is soooo smart that she really didn't have to study too hard to learn the questions!! She is pretty amazing when she wants to be!!

[DianaB]

I am having such a hard time adjusting to this time change. I'm so ready for my body to get adjusted. I'm so tired!!

Today is such a beautiful day!! I'm going to go outside and see if I have anything coming up. I really doubt it because the chickens have scratched up my whole yard. I'll be surprised if there's ANY grass....it's that bad. Glen's building a large chicken coop so the chickens will be coraled......but the question is if he'll leave them there or eventaully let them back out.

At the Alley last night we had a talent night. The kids were divided up into groups and each group put on a skit. It was really cute! A few kids had individual talents. Then at the end several of the adults did a "syncronized air swimming"!! It was hilarious!! Amy, Glen, and Jaci were all in it with a couple of others. I laughed and laughed! I'll keep an eye out in case a video of it is posted!!

With most of the court dates done with (except for a couple more) things have really quieted down. It's been a really nice change!!

Our cruise is getting closer.......and I'm getting more excited!! I've been looking for a swimsuit. The ones I had last year are too little.....bummer!! Oh....and Amy, Dae Lynn, and I are dieting again!! I bought new scales and they work so good!! So we're weighing in each Tuesday. I'm down a little, Amy too, but Dae Lynn's lost a couple of pounds. I need to get moving and that will help.

I hope that everyone is out enjoying this beautful weather because it sure is quiet on here!!! Miss all of you!!

[Janet]

I'm not doing real well with the time change either Diana. The time change has never bothered me before, but this time...wow! It's so hard for me to wake up and get moving! I've been taking a nap everyday this week and that is soooo not like me.

The weather is suppose to be decent today, I just hope we have some sunshine. In desperate need .. :)

Our gray and white cat Skeeter has learned to open the bedroom door. During the day the two cats are kept in Ricky's bedroom. I don't want them in my plants and knocking over things and leaving cat hair everywhere. Skeeter will be a year old soon and is still so curious about everything. Kitty is content just looking out the big picture window in the the living room. We do let them out in the evening, but we have to keep an eye on Skeeter. He's so smart and just a love bug. It is really time for Ricky to move out on his own and take the cats and 2 dogs with him.

[DianaB]

We had a couple of beautiful days!! Yesterday Dae Lynn was off work so she and the kids came out and dug up some irises. I have several colors so we got a pretty good selection. Then we went to her house and planted then in her yard. She's so excited about getting some flowers planted in her OWN yard!! However she doesn't have much money to buy things so we're going to look for "free" plants!! It will be fun!!

One of the houses that they were going to buy had beautiful flowers all around the edges. She's talked to the woman that planted them to find out what all she used so I think that we're going for that look!!

Then when we got done we ordered pizza and stuff for supper. It was a nice evening!!

Today's not nearly as nice......back in the 50's. Oh well, spring is coming!!

I bet that you're enjoying your cats! How cute (but irritating as the same time) that they're able to open the doors!!

I don't know if I've ever mentioned that I had a pet raccoon when I was a teenager. We had the old fashioned screen doors and she could put her hands underneath of the door and open it. One time she came in while we were gone and when my brother and cousin went into my room she was under the bed playing with the fringe of my bedspread.......and scared them half-to-death!! They were sure I had a monster under my bed!! She was a really neat pet!!

[DianaB]

This week is Spring Break!! Dae Lynn has the week off but still has things going on where I need to watch the kids......however......today I have a day all to myself!! So there's not too much going on!!

I think that I may go in and wipe out my kitchen cabinets. They're really needing it and I need to get up and get off of my computer!! LOL

I weighed this morning and I've lost 3 pounds!! Yay!!! It's a start!!!

We're suppose to get a huge snowstorm on Thursday! I probably need to go to the store and stock up. I know that everyone's ready for spring but I'd love another snow storm. I love the feeling of being all snug and warm and in my home. In fact.....I just about hibernate during the winter. It's really hard for me to go out anywhere......I just want to be home.

[Lindsey]

Hi everyone! I am back from Africa. It was by far the most amazing two weeks of my entire life! I was not ready to leave and I am still not ready to be home. I am yearning to go back. The people, the culture, the wildlife, everything was just awesome. On our second last day there, I was standing out the top of our Jeep while a momma lion and her five cubs were resting maybe two feet from the side of the vehicle. The cubs were about two years old - the males growing their manes and about ready to leave the pack to start their own. One of the male lions was laying there, but curious, and his eyes were locked with mine for about a minute while I snapped picture after picture after picture... To be that close to such a large, powerful, beautiful animal and to be just looking at each other for so long was absolutely EXHILARATING.

I have over 4000 pictures on my camera, and honestly I haven't even looked at them yet. I feel like as soon as I start going through them, it will really be over and it's not just living in my memories anymore, it's pictures at the end of a vacation :( But it was more than a vacation to me, it was a dream come true. I don't think any vacation will ever live up to the experience I had there!

Tomorrow I am going back to work, and back to real life. :(

[Blueyes]

Lindsey, I'm glad you are home safe and sound, and that you had such a wonderful time!! When you have an experience like that, it just changes you somehow. I remember seeing wonderful things and just not believing that MY eyes were actually seeing it! Pictures are just pictures, but that feeling that those sights evoked will remain with you forever!

[DianaB]

Oh, Lindsey, your vacation sounds so wonderful!! I think that you should take your best pictures and have them printed in a book!! I've seen some really cool books from vacation pictures!! I can't wait to see some of them.......not all!! LOL

Kera had her tonsils out yesterday. She was still having problems from the abcess in her throat so they decided to take them out. She's feeling pretty good.

I was suppose to go to some flea markets tomorrow with Jaci but she is finally getting her wall built in her bedroom to make the baby's room. I know that she's excited about it and wants to be there so we'll go another time......but I'm disappointed. I was really looking forward to going. Oh well.....the weather is not suppose to be the best.

I've been cleaning out my kitchen cabinets and it's going slow! However the ones I have done look really good. I have some things that I need to get boxed up and put away for a garage sale. Having to watch the kids doesn't help. I can't believe that Spring Break is almost over. Bummer!!!!

[Janet]

I was planning on doing spring cleaning this week, but it's not turning out like I had hoped...lol. Isn't that the way it always goes...LOLOL I did get my bathroom completely cleaned and it looks so shiny. Don't remember (I'm embarassed to say) when I cleaned it thoroughly. Wore me out, but it is so clean.

Today I need to head to town and run a few errands. When I come back I'm planning on starting with my kitchen. Cabinets above the stove are beginning to feel a little sticky so it's time to clean out cabinets and also clean the cabinet surfaces.

Even though I clean I've mostly surfaced cleaned and now it's time to get everything spotless. I'm also planning on getting rid of a bunch. Why I keep so much, thinking I'll use it later is crazy because I usually don't.

[DianaB]

You're so good at getting things done!! I started cleaning out kitchen cabinets too but I haven't gotten very far!! LOL

What do you clean the outside of your cabinets with?

We got snow on Saturday night!! It ended up that we didn't have any church on Sunday. Dae Lynn had planned a late birthday party for Karlie and Dean after church......and Amy had planned for everyone to come and make Easter cookies.....so it ended up that the whole family was here. We had a good time but I got upset when they had a flour fight in the kitchen. It seems like everytime they get together they have a food fight of some kind and I don't like it. Even though they clean it up they never get it completely clean and I have a hard enough time keeping things clean without them doing this.

On a better note.......I got to hold Baby Jed quite a bit!! He's so sweet and smiles so much!!

Yesterday the kids didn't have school so I had a day off from babysitting Dean. My older granddaughter, Karley, and her brother, Elijah, came over and played on the 4-wheeler with sleds. When they got cold they came in and had hot cocoa and visited with me. I love my grandkids!!

I am so grumpy lately. I'm not sure what's going on. I think maybe some sunshine might help. I always have some seasonal depression.

[Janet]

You get quite a bit done too Diana!!

For cleaning the cabinet surfaces, I use the good old Murphy's Oil Soap. It always makes my cabinets look great and feel like new. I haven't started cleaning them yet... :) I ran my errands and then came home and put together a shower caddy on one of those pole thingys...lol Now I'm on the darn computer again.

I may start here in a few minutes.....or not..lolol. I have to get my hair cut at 9 tomorrow morning so I'll probably start when I get home. Sure hope so!!!

We got the snow Sunday night and Monday morning....about 9 inches total but it's suppose to get into the 50's this weekend and it's above 32 now so it won't stick around long. Now....if spring would just hurry and get here before anymore winter stuff.

This kind of weather sure doesn't help the mood very much. I need sunshine and warmth so bad. It does help when the sun is out for me to sit at the big window and take it all in. Makes me feel so sleepy, but it does help my mood some.

[DianaB]

Wow!! You got a lot of snow!! Ours pretty much melted the next day and there's only snow where there were big drifts. Feyn had a huge drift in front of his house on the road and had to pull every people out of it.

I'm trying to get ready for Easter. I think that my neice, Natasha, and her three kids are going to come and spend the night on Saturday. Plus her sister, Jamie, and her three kids are probably coming too. I don't know if they're spending the night or not but I suggested that they stay at Mom's. It will be good to see them. They both have new babies and I haven't seen Jamie's.

I've decided that I'm going to serve tacos. I can have the meat already cooked and the girls can bring the goodies to go on top. I was originally planning on ham but nobody else is interested in fixing what goes with it. Tacos will be easy.

We also have the Baker Easter picnic on Saturday. It's suppose to rain so I'm not sure what will go on with that. They always go to a creek or somewhere interesting outdoors. In fact, Glen, his brother, Mark, and Dean, are all out looking for a place right now. If I can get everything cleaned and ready then I may be able to go this year. I'm usually home getting ready for Easter. However.....it's not something that I enjoy going to.

[Janet]

The snow isn't sticking around much. We still have some just in spots...nothing much. I'm so glad. It was 49 degrees today and the sun felt so warm. Since there was no wind blowing at all, I opened the front door. The screen door is all glass right now so the sunshine sure felt warm coming in.

Still haven't got started on the kitchen cabinets...lol. But hey....I have one heck of a clean bathroom....lolol. I did dust real good and run the sweeper today, but that is about it. Also took a nap.

I think tomorrow I'm going to Lafayette and test drive a couple different vehicles. I've been wanting a different one as you know, so I thought it at least try them out. I'm really wanting a Toyota Camry or Honda CR-V. I am (probably) going to wait to purchase one in June because that is when everything we have will be paid off. Looking forward to that!

Also want to go by this house that may be something decent for Ricky. Just want to check it out and get out of the house for awhile.

Still haven't heard anything yet about a job I interviewed for. She said she would let me know this week, so maybe tomorrow I'll find out if I got it or not.

[DianaB]

I'll keep my fingers crossed about the job.

We had a really nice day yesterday as well. I got hot while shampooing carpets and had my front door open too. I'm wondering WHY I bother to shampoo the carpets.......Karlie walked on the area that I had just done and left huge chunks of mud.....I picked it up but still! Then this morning Dean knocked the table that my coffee was on and......well, at least the whole cup didn't spill.

I'm not sure what I doing today but it will be cleaning and getting ready for Easter! And going to the grocery store!

[Lindsey]

This weekend we were able to relax a lot, which was nice for a change. We both had Friday off, so we did some house cleaning and then just watched some tv!

On Saturday we made a trip to Costco because we needed two things, and we left $402 later. On the plus side, we don't have to buy groceries (other than fruits and veggies) for a long time! We also decided to clean out our closet, and put together a large box of clothes for donation. I'm so glad Scott is finally purging some of his stuff! He honestly still wears t-shirts from when he was 14. He still wears pants from the 90's, and you know, pants that were COOL for teenagers in the 90's and are NOT COOL now lol! I still wonder how they even fit, becuase he's 6'4. Must have gotten his growth spurts early in life!!!

Sunday I started putting together a slideshow on our trip to Africa. I'm presenting a lunch and learn on Wednesday for my office. It's so hard to choose only a portion of the pictures! We spent most of Sunday evening in front of the tv. I just felt like doing nothing.

Our laundry room is on hold for now while we wait for our friend (a plumber) to come over to rough-in our pipes. Then we need my brother to check Scott's electrical work and say it's okay, and we can start putting up the drywall. So in the meantime, Scott has been working on our basement. It was partially finished (a few unfinished walls put up) but we have decided to completely change the design, making a smaller bedroom and a much larger living space. Scott spent the weekend taking down some of the walls and it makes the space look so much bigger already!

Oh and Scott starts a new job in 2 weeks. He was contacted by a headhunter a few months ago, and decided to try for an interview with this company. They liked him, and sent him an offer a couple of weeks ago. The salary they offered was substatially more than he or I make now, so it was hard to turn down. It also will cut about 45 minutes off our daily commute. I'm excited for him to start, and I really hope he likes it there!

[gja1000]

Wow! Lindsey, so many changes in your life. I can see why you would be tired and needing a day in front of the TV.

You all have been cleaning house and doing so many things! I'm just trying to keep my head above water at school. It is such a busy busy time!

I went to Houston to see my kids over Easter and we had a good time together. My daughter is having some issues with anxiety. She has a generalized anxiety disorder and with the death of her dad a couple of years ago and then Gary this past year, she is having a hard time. We got to talk a lot and I think she feels some better. I convinced her to see a therapist because I think she has more issues than she can work out on her own.

I'm doing fine. It will be a year next month that I lost Gary and I'm feeling pretty good. I still miss him every day but things are getting so much better and so much more normal. I'm looking forward to school being over and having a bit more time for myself!

[DianaB]

Lindsey, you are soooo busy!! I'm sure that you enjoyed an evening in front of the tv!! Everything will look so nice once you get it all done!!

Gayle, it's so hard to believe that it's almost been a year without Gary. I'm sure that it's been so hard on you. I know that your family has been such a great help and also your work! You're amazing!!!

We had a very busy weekend. First.....Glen's family's Easter Picnic.......we had it closeby by the river. It was such a fun day and the weather was so beautiful!!

Then on Sunday after church I had my family over.....with my brother's family. It was so good to have my neice, Natasha, here with her new baby. She's the one that I went down and stayed with a few days. Then her sister was here with her new baby....only a month old!! And of course, Baby Jed was here so we had lots of babies to hold!! You could tell my Mom was thrilled to have everyone here. I also had a nephew that I haven't seen for awhile as well. Oh.....and Natasha brought a friend and his 4 kids!!! Trust me.......we had a housefull!!! I think that we counted about 30 or so.

I was really questioning why I bothered to shampoo the carpets!! With no grass in the yard......and I'm not kidding......there was mud tracked into the house!! Oh well.....the kids were really well behaved so I'm not complaining much about the mud!!

Now I'm just trying to get things back into order. Also I just realized that our cruise is in about 10 days!! So I'm trying to get things bought to take with me! I'm so excited!! Glen's getting fustrated though because it's time to plant corn and it's been raining so he's getting grumpy about the cruise. And......we have rain expected all week!! Maybe next week he can at least get started then Feyn can work on it while we're gone.

[gja1000]

HI Everyone,
Spring is such a busy time for everyone. It seems that they are out and about doing things - not to mention work is busy for me at this time of the year. But school will be over in a month and I can catch my breath!

I have been working in my yard some, not too much, but getting my garden in shape. I noticed a tiny baby tomato on one of my vines yesterday! I mowed all the dead grass off and mowed my leaves into mulch. That really wasn't too hard since I have a riding lawn mower. LOL! The yard looks nice now. We haven't had much rain this spring so things are not as pretty as usual. I'm afraid we are not going to have any rain over the summer so I am gearing up for that. I'm thinking about removing some of the grass in my yard and replacing with beds for a few native plants that don't have to be watered much. I've contacted a landscape designer but havent heard back from them yet.

I'm going to Las Vegas this weekend! I like Las Vegas, but not to gamble so much, just to people watch and look at all the sights. I have a friend in California and she and her husband are coming to Vegas for the weekend so I'm meeting them. It's only 2 days, Friday and Saturday, then home on Sunday.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful spring.

[Lindsey]

Diana, your cruise is going to be so much fun!

Gayle, I wouldn't call what we are having "spring" lol! We still have about 3 feet of snow everywhere, and it just keeps snowing. We have had snow now for almost 26 weeks - half a year. Last year by this time our grass was turning green!

I hope you have lots of fun in Vegas! I don't like to gamble either, but I enjoy walking around there and seeing everything, like you said!

Speaking of Vegas, we got an invitation in the mail a couple of weeks ago from my best friend's mom. She is having a vow renewal ceremony in Las Vegas in November, and she wrote on the card that she didn't tell her daughter she was inviting Scott and I, and her she is in the "wedding" party, so if we come it will be a big surprise to her!!! I thought that would be so cool to say to my friend "Have fun at your mom's ceremony and we'll talk when you get back!!!" and then just show up there!!! Unfortunately, it is the week after my brother's wedding in Mexico :( So it probably won't happen... the only possibility is that coincidentally, the ceremony is on Friday, and on the following Monday, a conference/training thing is starting in Vegas, and I have been asking to go for the past two years (it was promised when I was hired, but they haven't had the budget to send me yet). I am going to try to secure a spot this year and see if my company would pay for the flight a few days early if I pay for the hotel room until Monday when the conference starts. So I'm holding on to that glimmer of hope lol!

Yesterday, our friend came over and put in the plumbing for our new laundry room. Scott finished the electrical in the walls too. Now we just need to have it inspected and we can cover the walls. I think today he is going to start framing a linen closet. I'm going to do some cleaning and probably start removing things from the back entrance closet - we are going to be tearing that down and rebuilding it on another wall. It just never ends lol!

Oh yeah, and Scott's sister had a baby girl this morning! So I am an aunt again! My best friend is scheduled for a c-section on Thursday. Babies everywhere!!!!

[Janet]

Today has been such a wonderful, beautiful day and I've really enjoyed being outside. Usually I rake the small limbs and sticks, but just can't do it as well, sooooo I used our leaf blower and it works great!!! Ricky was sweet enough to pick them all up after I got them blown into a pile.

Then I cleaned out my van, hadn't done that since last fall and boy did it need it. No wonder I haven't lost weight....seen evidence of what I've been eating in the van...lol. It needs washed, but I just can't do that anymore. The bending over and scrubbing just kills my back. So...I'm thinking of taking it to this car wash that will get it squeeky clean for me.

Also advertised some items on local "For Sale" sites on FB. Sold Mom's 3-wheel bike and a wall lamp I had. The people came to pick them up today. Also sold a hose reel with a hose on it and it was picked up today too. That was a quick $75.

I put something on FB that now I wish I hadn't. I put that I wished FB hadn't turned into a recipe site. There had been sooo many recipes and pictures and although I did enjoy them and I copied and pasted a lot of them in my word program, I just got tired of seeing so many. When everyone shares them I was seeing some the sames ones over and over and over.

Besides my weight, I'm going to work on keeping things to myself a bit instead of voicing it out there on FB.

Well, think I'm going to go for another walk. Love being outside in the sunshine! Hope you're all having great weather too.

[gja1000]

THREE FEET OF SNOW! :eek:

[Blueyes]

LOL Gayle, that's EXACTLY what I thought! I'm in capris, a t-shirt and barefooted right now:p

[DianaB]

The weather is so crazy right now!! I know that some are still getting snow!! I have to say that I'm finally ready for warmer weather.......and we get some a couple of days a week!! LOL Then we have snow, rain, or whatever!! Glen keeps putting away his long johns only to have to pull them back out again!! LOL

I got my hair cut and highlighted yesterday. I need to wash it and style it my way to see if I like it or not. The girl I go to is just ok. There's another girl that I really prefer to go to but she's always booked so far ahead so I stay with Jennifer and just cut a little more when I get home!! LOL

I've been slowly getting things ready for the cruise. I need to start packing and getting ready. We have to be in Muskogee by 5:00 on Saturday to get a good seat on the bus. I'm so ready!!

Glen has been doing things for the girls lately. He got a trampoline put together for Dae Lynn's kids......and they are loving it!! Then yesterday he moved a shed for Jaci. She is so excited about it! I don't know what she's going to do with it but I guess we'll see.

I picked up pizza and took it out last night when the guys got done. I got to see the baby's room! It's so cute!! Of course she's still working on it. They had one large bedroom that they built a wall in and made two rooms. It turned out so nice!! Oh.....and Jaci's at 28 weeks!! Little Ali Kay is coming quickly!!

I think that today I'm going to work on laundry so we have everything clean when we actually start packing and I'm going to start picking out what I'm taking. Tonight we have the Alley. I may beg out so I can still work on getting ready to go. Amy should have plenty of helpers tonight. I'd also like to leave the house clean. It's so much nicer to come home to a clean house. I wish that you were all going!

[DianaB]

I'm trying to pack for our cruise and, believe me, Dean's NO help!! He took everything I had laying out and put it in a suitcase!! I was trying on some clothes and he even packed the shirt I had on!!

Glen's been trying to pack his scuba gear and Dean's pulling it out faster than he can put it in. Glen's pretty fustrated with him because he's got to have everything in it's place.

It's a good thing that it's nap time!! As far as packing......I'm ready to quit and just go! It's fustrating because Glen's got to have help on every little thing! UGH!!!!

We leave TOMORROW and I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Blueyes]

That sounds like so much Fun, Diana! It will be great for you to have a vacation with your hubby. You have been through so much in the last year, a little R&R is certainly in order! Take lots of pictures, and don't forget the sunscreen;)

[DIANE W]

I'm trying to pack for our cruise and, believe me, Dean's NO help!! He took everything I had laying out and put it in a suitcase!! I was trying on some clothes and he even packed the shirt I had on!!

Glen's been trying to pack his scuba gear and Dean's pulling it out faster than he can put it in. Glen's pretty fustrated with him because he's got to have everything in it's place.

It's a good thing that it's nap time!! As far as packing......I'm ready to quit and just go! It's fustrating because Glen's got to have help on every little thing! UGH!!!!

We leave TOMORROW and I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whooo hooo Diana...... have a lovely time on your well deserved cruise, i know you will enjoy.

[Janet]

My goodness has this place been a ghost town. Hope everyone is doing great. See most everyone on FB so that is good.

I spent a few days last week helping Linda (2tiredmom) go through her parents house to get ready for a sale. Her parents lived just a few miles from us. I so enjoyed being with her and catching up and just having a good time. On Saturday night her husband and MIL and my husband and I went out to eat. We both got to see people we hadn't seen for awhile so the whole evening was nice with great food.

My graduating class has been meeting or trying to meet once a month at a local restaurant. Our next one is on Saturday evening. It's for anyone in our class and their family. We've had 4 or 5 get togethers so far and only about 5 show up. There are so many still living here and in cities that are within an hour drive, but do not attend. We always give a month's notice when the next one is scheduled and reminders leading up to the get together, but we just can't generate enough interest and not sure how at this point.

Our 40th class reunion will be held in June and many show up for that, so maybe we can encourage others to attend. It would be so nice to catch up with eveyone.

Not much else has been happening with me. What's going on with the rest of you?

[Shada]

Today was a work day.... at work. LOL...

Now I am getting supper ready: Sausage links ~ french toast ~ scrambled eggs - I like my breakfast for supper! Making enough for lunch tomorrow..

Rained all day.. the grass is all green and growing. But still chilly!

Saturday I am going to a very nice consignment shop a friend shared with me. I took quite a few things over a month ago and hoping to trade items I sold for new items Saturday... AS IN: Hoping my stuff sold!!!

Then Sunday my first auction of the year. Sounds like a really good one. Elderly lady sold her home and is going to a assisted living home. I feel bad for her having to sell her beloved belongings and move out of her home, but looking forward to maybe bring something into my home I can love as much as she does..

Well my sausages are browning nicely and french toast needs cooked.. so off I go. Hope all is well with everyone!

[Janet]

I love auctions too and there is one tomorrow night and one Saturday morning. Would like to go to both, we'll see. Hope you find some treasures!

[gja1000]

I hope Janet can get back on 4WT SOON!!!

My classes are finally over and I am finished grading my papers and have submitted my grades. Now, I have to do all the things I put off in the crazy spring semester!!!

I'm going to Oklahoma this weekend to see Gary's family. I haven't seen them since before Christmas since I couldn't get up there over Christmas due to bad weather. It will be a nice weekend, but, this is the month Gary died, so that will be hard for all of us, I know. It's very hard for me this month, I keep thinking of things that happened just before he died and it makes me sad. But my friends/family are helping me a lot to keep pushing forward.

I hope everyone is warming up and having some nice weather. We've had a cooler than normal spring, but no rain so that is very BAD. Actually, we are supposed to get some rain in the next couple of days, so keep your fingers crossed for us! Of course, it's supposed to rain the weekend I am traveling, but I won't complain! LOL!

[Lindsey]

We went directly from winter to summer! The melt happened so fast that many communities in the province declared states of emergency because of flooding. Quite a few highways have detours because they are under water. It's crazy! But I'm glad for the weather now because this winter in our province was the snowiest winter in recorded history, and we had the coldest spring in recorded history. We had over 6 months of snow!!!! Yikes. I saw this on facebook and it made me laugh: "Saskatchewan - where you can get frostbite and sunburn in the same week." It is so true lol!

This has been a tough week for us so I'm happy it's the weekend and I can relax. We are having a garage sale tomorrow and our friend is coming over with some of her own stuff for it. My parents are coming out too, because they love garage sale weekend in our town! We have a lot of houseware type stuff this year because we replaced most of our kitchen stuff with wedding gifts. Hopefully we get rid of most of it!

Saturday night, Scott is heading down to his parents' place to stay until Sunday. On Saturday his brother in law has a fight that we were all invited to. I don't like watching fighting so I am staying home, plus the tickets are expensive. I have the option to go out with some friends if I stay back, or another girl said she might come over for a visit because she'll be at a wedding in our town that night too. Or I can just enjoy some alone time! Whatever happens, I won't be bored.

[Janet]

We are having a cold spell, but it sure has been beautiful! Today was the last Friday to drive the bus this school year. Next week we go Tuesday, Wednesday and then Thursday will be our last day. I'm so ready too!!! lol Then I'll have to get the bus all cleaned up and take back to the bus lot for the summer. I'm going to try and do some of it this weekend while it's cooler.

Not sure yet what we'll be doing for Memorial Day weekend, no set plans. Tomorrow is about the only day planned for me. I'm taking the powerwasher in to my Mom's house and washing the siding down. Should only have to wash down two sides unless the remaining two really need it so it shouldn't take much longer than an hour if that.

Monday I would like to go to a nearby covered bridge and have a picnic by the water and take some pictures. Just have to wait and see what the weather is like.

[Shada]

Today was a great day... weather was nice but high 50's, sun was out so it actually felt pretty good!

I went out and bought a new dryer. Old one finally after a year of patience and dread to see how long a load of laundry would tumble/dry until it over heated and stopped, before clothes were dry.... laundry day had clothes hanging everywhere! So.... last week it gave up. Totally. I got a really good deal at Sear's. Will be delivered this Thursday evening.
I am happy. No more worries about the old one giving out.. it gave out!

Then celebrated by doing a little shopping. Got a pair of capri's ~ 2 nice tops ~ all for $6... half price day at consignment shop... all look brand new!

Then off to get a battery for my watch. Plus flowers for my hanging planter out back. Back home and repotted flowers, trimmed a small plum tree, swept out the garage.. now getting ready to heat up leftovers from last night.. broasted chicken from local VFW.

I think I had one of the most productive days for at least a month for me! Lets hope I can continue this and get some much needed things done around here.. winter was long and I need to keep busy for awhile.. but then tomorrow maybe my first golf game.. we will see...

[Lindsey]

On Saturday, I got my bridesmaid dress for my cousin's New Orleans wedding :) I went shopping with a friend, and texted my cousin pictures of all my choices. In the end, I made the choice against the one she liked best (she had two favorites, and I took her second favorite lol). It's black and makes me look very hourglass-shaped which I love :) It is to my knees and there is a lace detail at the top that is high to my neck but cut-out across the chest sort of... and the back is lace. I should find a picture because I don't think I'm describing it well lol!

On Sunday, Scott and I demolished our current mudroom area! We took out two closets (a large coat closet and a triangle-shaped utility closet). It was so much fun to kick the drywall down :D We used to come in from the garage, and to the right was a small room with laundry, about a 2.5 foot wide walkway, and the closet facing the laundry. So now that is ALL gone and the laundry will be moving to our brand new laundry room :) We will build a closet where the laundry is currently (hasn't moved yet) and the whole rest of the room will be open, other than a bench with storage that Scott is going to build. It will be so much easier for bringing in groceries, and I'm sure we'll really see the benefits when we have children getting ready to go outside in the middle of winter :) Can never have too much space!!!

Okay pictures!!!
Dress front and back when I tried it on in the store.... and the new mudroom after taking down the drywall, and then after Scott removed all the framing.

7215

7218

7216

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[Blueyes]

The dress is just beautiful on you! I know you're excited about coming to N'awlins!!

Taking down those walls sure opened up your space! We don't really have mud rooms here, because we don't have winter messes. That space will be filled with little boots and coats and backpacks before you know it, lol!!

[Lindsey]

Oh I am so excited! Mostly just for another vacation lol! I am counting down the weeks :) 16 left to go!

I am glad Scott came up with the idea to take those closets out. It really does look so much bigger now. I'm just anxious to get it finished, and get the laundry room finished, and to not be living in a construction zone anymore! It will be at least a couple of months still though. We are doing everything ourselves whenever we find free time.

[DianaB]

Sorry that I've been MIA. I don't know why. My blood sugar really had me bummed........but it's doing a lot better now. In fact.....it's been running a little low sometimes but I have a doctor's appt in a couple of days so maybe she'll do a little fine tuning with my meds.

I still need to put pictures on of our vacation. I honestly haven't even looked at them. Everyone is so interested in Glen's underwater pictures. I was going to put them on this weekend but Glen went diving again and took the camera with him.

Yep....I spent the weekend home alone while Glen went diving. Tammy was getting certified so their whole family went.....plus some friends......and of course, Glen and Logan. I stayed home and planted flowers and TRIED to clean the house. I know.....I know.....I said that I wouldn't plant flowers because of the chickens but Glen started working on the chicken coop and PROMISED that the chickens wouldn't bother my flowers........well.......the coop isn't done......so the chickens are still out.......AND in my flowers......again. I'm one fustrated woman!!!! It doesn't help that Glen is getting busy with farming and probably won't get it done. Ok....enough complaining about that!!

Dean's been soooo funny!! He has begged and begged for a bow and arrow. We went to Wichita last week and Dae Lynn looked at Target but didn't find one......later I found one at our local dollar store......so she went and bought one. It came with some kind of holster to hold the arrows. She saw him playing with it later and was amazed that he had the holster on his side. She thought that he'd gotten a rope or something and tied it on........and then she saw him reach down and pick up the Elmer's glue..........YEP.....he'd glued it to his side!!!!

THEN.......a couple of days later.......Dae Lynn left Dean in the car while she ran back in to get something. She wasn't gone long but he managed to open two sticky mouse traps (that Dae Lynn had gotten for spiders not mice) and he stuck them to the bottom of his feet........they were his "scuba fins" so he could go scuba diving with Papa!!!! That sticky stuff doesn't come off easily either!!! Oh my goodness what that boy can get into!!!! Gotta' keep an eye on him ALL THE TIME!!!

We've got storms coming in again tonight. I hope they're not bad. I hate the destruction that comes from them. We always keep an eye on the weather.

I haven't read the other posts but I'll catch up soon with everything. I hope all is well with everyone!!

[Janet]

I see a few of us pop in here now and again... :) It's so good to keep in touch as much as we are, wish it could be more. Facebook really has dropped a bomb on 4WT hasn't it?

Lindsey the dress is really pretty and you look great in it. The renovations are opening a lot of space for you. Scott must be really good at invisioning what something will look like and then goes for it. That's a good man!

Diana I'm hoping by now that your blood sugar is under control. I can't stand the thought of something happening to you. We all are ready for your pictures. Maybe it would be easier to post them on FB or in a photo program like Photobucket, Flicker, etc. That way you can load them faster and easier and then we can look at them with just one click. Just a suggestion. I'm sure Glen got some good shots, but I'm more anxious to see the ones you took.

That Dean is a little dickens isn't he. Ya just can't help laugh at his antics. Hes' just so darn cute and you have to admit....the little guy is using his thinker. Can't believe he used glue...lol.


I've been at the Recorder's office now for 3 full weeks and I really love it. It's hard to remember everything so I have lots of notes, but I know I'll get it. There is a lady a few years younger than me that has been there 15 months and still makes lots of mistakes so it's one of those jobs that just takes you awhile to learn.

Yesterday Rick and I went to Ricky's girlfriends graduation open house. Neither of us wanted to go, but we were sent an invitation and we wanted to support Ricky. The open house was in a back room of a bar with of course bar decor everywhere. Not something I would choose for an 18 year olds graduation, but hey. I was totally shocked when she walked in the room wearing a formal...lol. Honestly, without any exaggeration, it looked like she walked into a Goodwill store, put it on in the dressing room and then showed up at the open house.

When or if I find some pictures that someone might have taken I'll post them for you to see. Audra is her name and she is overweight. Not an insult, heck look at me....lol. BUT...she has zits on her back, chest and shoulders and the dress was strapless. It had an empire waist and was royal blue in color. The top part of the dress was med-large sequins and the bottom had a netting type material over a silkier type material. I did ask Ricky this morning what he thought of her dress and well, he thought the same thing as me. She looked like a little girl playing dress up. Her family didn't act like it was a little far out there at all, so they must be use to it.

A meal was served and it was good. We left after about 90 minutes. We spoke with all of her parents, (her mom and her boyfriend, dad and stepmom and her former stepdad and his wife). Wow! Two sets of grandparents were there and only one set spoke to us. They seemed nice and had good things to say about Ricky.

Just glad it's over with. Her Mom even said something about we should go out for a meal or something some time. Hmmmmm......I don't think so. :0 I guess her mom likes being the center of attention and her ex-father-in-law layed the law down on her and told her it was Audra's day and to not take that away from her. Again.....WOW.

[gja1000]

I've been waiting for this update! LOL! No, I can't imagine having an 18 year old's graduation party at a bar, for heaven's sake, that doesn't sound right at all. And then for her to wear a formal to a BAR, well goodness gracious, that's really odd to me too.

But I'm glad you and Rick made an effort, to support Ricky. That's all that matters. I know you don't approve of her, and I know Ricky knows that, so it is good that you showed support and were pleasant even though you don't support the relationship.

I'm running around getting ready to go to Europe on Thursday. I go to Houston on Wednesday and we fly out of Houston Thursday evening. We arrive in London about noon on Friday. Last weekend Brooke and I planned out every day and she typed it up so we would have an idea of what we could do each day. We even put in all the subway stops/changes to each location. Now, if I can just figure out how to buy a subway ticket, we'll be set!!! I went to the bank and got some pounds and euros. We have to use pounds in London and Euros in Paris. The exchange rate is not good right now, this will be an expensive trip!!! But oh well, it will be fun.

[Janet]

How exciting Gayle!! You'll take lots of pictures and post them won't you? ......Unlike some one else on here who took a cruise? Lolol

How long will you be gone? I know you'll have the best time, just be safe and aware of your surroundings.

[gja1000]

I'll be gone till the 18 th and you bet, I'll take lots of pictures!!!

[DIANE W]

Oh i hope the weather is good for you Gayle........ have a lovely time.

[gja1000]

Hi Diane, the forecast is wonderful for us, as we are into the 90's now (and it will only get hotter and hotter as the summer progresses). It looks to be in the 70's during the day and 40's - 50's at night. I don't even care if it rains which I'm sure it will! LOL!

[Lindsey]

That is so exciting Gayle!!! I can't wait to see your pictures :) You are going to have so much fun!!!

Janet, I was once a grad escort for a graduation in a city high school, and they did their dance/party part of the evening in a bar. There was no alcohol, of course, but there were snacks and music and dancing. Everyone was there in formal wear, BUT the meal with family and more formal part of the evening was done in a big hall before the party portion started! It is really common to do that here.

Being the small town girl that I am, our meal was in the hockey rink, the ceremony and "grand march" were in the school gym, and the party was in a farm yard :)

Ricky may or may not be with this girl for long, but he will have to come to the realization on his own. I know when I was younger (and even older lol!) my parents did not like some of the guys I dated. I'm still grateful that they never told me that. I feel that if I had known, I would have tried harder to see the good and prove it to my parents, but in the end I felt I could end things more easily if it was my decision alone.

I have been busy as usual! Scott was away for the weekend with my family (the guys all get together for a weekend sometime around father's day to go to a lake and golf, fish, and have drinks!). I decided to have two of my girl friends over on Saturday because their husbands were away too. One of the husbands came home that night and came over, and he noticed the siding on the house behind the barbeque was melted and warped :eek: We had barbequed burgers earlier. I was SICK thinking about how upset Scott was going to be, but in the end, it can be replaced pretty easily and there's no way it happened JUST from us. 10 minutes on medium heat wouldn't do that much damage! I just wish it would have happened with Scott barbequeing because I still feel so guilty about it!

I also spent the weekend working on some exchange student problems :( There is less than a month left and it bothers me to know someone is still so unhappy and her host family is not willing to work on it. We still have things to work out there this week and if we can't figure anything out, we may look at moving her for her last few weeks.

Oh and I am really excited about the birthday present I just got Scott!!!! His birthday is not until the end of July and I am awful, just AWFUL, at giving gifts. He always does so much better than me!!! Anyways, he's a big Vancouver Canucks fan. His dad's family lives in B.C. and he said he just always loved the Canucks because his grandpa loved the Canucks, and they would watch games together growing up. So, I talked to my brother about the best player on their team, past or present, and he mentioned Cam Neely, who later played with the Bruins for ages, but played with the Canucks for a few seasons in the 80's. He is the most famous player they've ever had. So I browsed ebay, and what do I find, but a used Canucks hockey puck, with Cam Neely's autograph and a certificate of authenticity. I bought it. I also found a Canucks team photo from the 85-86 season, which would have been Scott's first hockey season in life :) He was born in July 1985. So I bought that, and I can find a frame for it when it arrives. Finally, I found this really gorgeous glass puck display case on a black wood base, so the puck can be displayed. My fingers are crossed that this gift is going to make me wife of the year!

[DianaB]

Lindsey, what a nice gift you got for Scott!! I'm sure he'll be excited about it!! Oh, I finally looked at the pictures of your dress......How beautiful......you AND the dress!! Also....your laundry room looks very nice! I can't wait to see the finished pictures!!

Gayle, I hope you're having a great time!! I can't wait to see pictures!!

Janet, you did a good job by going to the graduation party. I'm sure that it meant a lot to Ricky.

I'm glad to hear that you're liking your new job! You'll get the hang of it one day!!

Shada.....I wish you lived closer......you do all the things I love to do too!! Garage sales.....consignment stores......estate sales!!! Fun!!

I've been so busy!! The weather has been so beautiful!! We still don't have our airconditioner on......it's usually on the first part of May!! I'm still working on flowers in the yard and still have a few more to plant but I'm getting closer to being done. In the meantime.......the house is a really huge mess!! I have got to get things cleaned up because I am so embarassed that it's so bad.

Dae Lynn's 30th birthday was yesterday. I bought her an antique sewing machine base with a nice wooden top that was cut down into a coffee table the other day. It was soooo cute and I would have bought it for myself if she wouldn't have wanted it!!

We had a baby shower for Jaci last night. She got soooo many nice things!! You could tell that Nate's Mom and I had really been buying a lot of things and that was only half of it because we have another shower on Saturday morning. We have 3 to 4 weeks left......the 3rd of July is her due date!! I can't wait!! You can tell that Jaci's getting nervous about the delivery.

I have a busy day today.......more work in the yard......including digging up some hostas for Dae Lynn (she's really gotten into planting things this year!!!) We're going to a couple of garage sales later this afternoon. There's a refrigerator that I want to check on for Dae Lynn. I have some sedum that I bought on e-bay and it needs to be planted. The pieces that I got are sooo small and they're going to have to be babied for a little while. Oh......and I finally got my greenhouse cleaned out and it's a lot more usable now. So I'm enjoying that!

My blood sugar levels are so much better.....if fact, I'm having problems with going too low now. My medicine just needs to be tweaked and I'm working on it.

Also my computer is running just awful! I found a list of things to do to help it run better and I've done all of that.......I'm thinking that it's about time for a new one. Glen's been talking about it as well so maybe we'll get two. We'll see. I just hate to have to buy a new one when I really don't "use" my computer for work but I'm so tired of it running slow and having looooonnnnnnnngggggggg pauses!!! LOL

Love ya'll!!!

[Janet]

Ricky did appreciate us going so I'm glad we went. Hopefully it will be the last event we ever have to attend with her family. Not my kind of people by any stretch of the imagination.

We've gone to look at a few houses for Ricky. Been mostly in bad shape for what he can afford. Rick and I were going to try and help him, maybe buy a house and sell it to him on contract, but we know he'll move that piece of white trash in with him, so he's on his own to buy one. I'm not liking her more and more all the time. Lazy!

I'm pretty sure I'm selling my mother's house. The people living in it would love to buy it so I will be visiting my attorney on Monday to see what needs to be done. I'd rather not pay the high fees of a Realtor. It was just too soon after Mom's passing to sell the house. It's an old house that will not go up in value unless major updating is done and I'm not willing to put the money into it for a rental. Hope I'm doing the right thing, I do feel pretty good about the decision, but always have doubts about whatever I do. Are any of you like that too?

It's been so beautiful the past few days. Highs in the high 70's to low 80's and sunshine with a breeze. I love sitting out in the swing especially of a morning.

So far today I've mopped the kitchen floor. I've had to spray for ants in the kitchen and I think they are done coming in. I also sprayed outside. It needed mopped in a bad way with dead ants and poop stains from the dogs.

Next weekend is my 40th High School Reunion. There are things scheduled for 3 days June 14th through the 16th. On Friday the 14th there is a tour of the library and an informal gathering at one of the restaurants in town. I'm not going on the tour, I've seen our library many many times, but I am attending the informal gathering. I told Rick he was welcome to go and I think he is going. On Saturday there is a luncheon at Arni's Pizza and then a tour of the old Jr. High building (called Old Stony) and then a tour of the High School. I'm really anxious to go on the tour. Been quite a few years since I've been in either of the buildings.

Then Saturday night there is a buffet meal at Arbor Wood, it's a really nice (formally a Country Club) place to meet, eat, have music...etc. It's located in our beautiful park. For that I'm going with a bunch of my high school girl friends, no husbands, although I think only two or three of us are married....lol Really looking forward to that night. Sunday will be a goodbye brunch at a classmates house. We have people coming from all over so I'm anxious to see everyone especially the ones that haven't been able to attend previous reunions. I'm sure it will be a good time!

Well, if I don't get busy I won't get anything done and will regret it when Monday gets here. Hope you all have a great weekend.

[Gina]

Hi I read some of the updated posts and glad to see everyone is doing well. I read that Gayle has gone to Europe how wonderful, I hope that she is having a great time in which I am sure that she is.

Janet I see that Ricky is still dating that girl what can I say, sad but we cannot say anything my daughter is dating a guy for 5 years he is a nice guy but I don't feel he is for her but I cannot say anything for she fights with me . So I will try to shut my mouth she has been in school for so long and has not dated many guys at all maybe one before and she is starting her new professional the world is at her fingertips but she does not see it. It breaks my heart and I pray it would end but she says he treats her wonderfully. I just wish she would go out there and not settle. It is very hard Janet but there is nothing we can say or do.

I am busy with work and had in laws in from Fla. they leaving tomorrow. I can't complain the market seems to be moving , its either feast or famine in this business . I am also getting ready to have a graduation party for her. It started small and now its turning into 100 + plus people yikes I am overwhelmed . But it should be beautiful.

I miss talking on here FB is ok I am getting tired of it. Just like to keep in touch with people and love looking at photos.

[Lindsey]

It's good to see you back here posting Gina :) I miss it here too. I am going to try posting here more often and hopefully we can find more time to talk like we used to around here!

In the past three evenings, I've had three meetings and three reports to write for our exchange students! They all leave soon - on the 28th of June. Before that, we'll need another set of meeitngs and reports with all of them, attending a "thank-you" barbeque they are putting on for their host families and everyone who has helped them along the way, and attending their graduation ceremony at the high school! I will be sad to see them go because they are all such great girls, but really excited to have a summer free of meetings and reports!!! We have been told that there probably won't be any students next year for our town, which is a relief because we were on the fence about if we'd do this again or not.

Oh, for my birthday, Scott let me go to a ceramics shop (this woman actually lives next door to my brother and runs ceramics classes in a shop in her back yard!) and pick out anything I wanted. I took ceramics classes when I was in high school and lived at home. It's something I really miss doing! This time, I won't be taking the classes because we live out of town, but I picked up some peices that have already been cleaned and fired and are ready for painting. I got three little turtle lawn ornaments, a Noah's ark lamp (I am making it as a gift for our neice's baptism next month), and a tortilla and salsa serving set for ourselves! I've decided Wednesdays will be my ceramics night - Scott is away at ball on Wednesdays, and he already set me up in the basement with a table covered in plastic, and put a nice bright light above it. I am so excited to get started!

[gja1000]

Janet, I thought you might keep your moms house to move into, someday.........

[Janet]

I know Gayle, I thought so too, and who knows I still may. It's an option I need to be on my laptop so I can type better. Have a lot to catch you up on. I hate to let it go, but it's old and really needs some work that I'm not willing to put into it. I just don't know what to do. If I have time this weekend with the reunion going on, I'll try to be back.

For the record Gina......I honestly hate that girl and as soon as Rick brings her out again, she'll know exactly how much.

[Janet]

Today is not starting off good, but that's another story. First off, let me clarify wanting to sell Mom's house. As you all know, when my mother passed, my brothers wanted to sell the house right away. I just wasn't ready yet so I bought it. I thought with the lousy marriage I have, that I may move into it someday. Just the right size for one person.

The people that live in it right now are interested in buying it, so if I make up my mind for sure to sell it, I know they will buy it. It's old, built in the mid 1940's and there are some things, not really noticeable, that need looked at. Also, if you're in the living room, looking into the kitchen, you can see the floor is not level, which means that someday the foundation will need looked into. So...I'm thinking in the long run, I don't want to spend my aging years ahead, trying to stay on top of repairs.

Another reason I have is, I have it pretty decent right now. I have a nice place to live, someone to help take care of it and I do what I want when I want to do it. I just don't have to be alone. Pretty selfish reasons to stay, I know. I can always leave if I want and I continue to put money back. The job at the Recorder's office allows me to put over $200 back every week, just for me.....in case.

Gina.......... looks like after last night, he won't be bringing this awful piece of garbage out any longer. Last night it was late and he was at it's house. I texted him this: "I can't sleep, on my iPad. Does your GF know you have to work tomorrow? Does your GF know I can't stand her?" Well, she was playing a game on his phone and saw the text when it came up. She has her own phone, don't know why she has to use his, but no excuses, it was my fault. I shouldn't have put something like that in writing. Shouldn't have said it at all...I'm an adult, but have been failing miserably at it lately.


Still loving my job, but I made a mistake yesterday and I really let it get to me. Seems my tough skin is getting thinner and thinner. So I shed a few tears. My boss said not to be so hard on myself, but I just can't help it.

Ricky was trying for this wonderful job at Suburu. Very high wages and he had his hopes up really high. He went through 2 tests and on the 3rd, wasn't asked to come back. He can't apply again for a year.

I have more....but running out of time this morning. Not sure when I'll be able to be back with my class reunion going on this weekend. Hopefully I can continue in the morning, but, not sure.

[Lindsey]

Janet, I think saying things about Ricky's girlfriend may end up just alienating him more from you. I think you've realized that you shouldn't have said it to begin with now. I was their age a lot more recently and I remember what it's like to be in that situation. My parents never said anything bad about my boyfriends, but my friends did. Even when I knew my friends were right, I would stay with my boyfriend because I was old enough to not have someone else telling me what to do! In the end, I'd not be with the boyfriend and I'd have lost the close relationships with my friends. The fact is, he's an adult now and should be able to make his own mistakes and learn how to navigate his relationships. If he is still spending time with her, there are things about her that he likes. I know it must be hard being a parent and wanting to protect him!

I hope you have a great time at your class reunion this weekend!!! I was really looking forward to having a 10 year reunion last year, but it never got off the gound. Everyone was just too busy to plan it. Now in the age of Facebook I think most people still keep in touch, or at least see where most people are at in their lives. I still think it would be fun to get together in person though. I'd also love to see my old teachers!

We are having a rainy weekend. We'll probably just end up working inside the house on renovation stuff. I want to start spring cleaning too. Our house needs a deep cleaning desperately!

[gja1000]

Hi Everyone!
I'm back from my trip to London & Paris. It was wonderful, absolutely wonderful. We spent five days in London and then took the EuroStar - sometimes called the bullet train, for good reason, it goes about 200 mph! :eek: Part of the trip is under the English Channel and it is pitch black when going through the (affectionately called) chunnel. We spent 3 days in Paris and then headed back to London for one more day, then we flew home.

I really did NOT like the 8-9 hour flight - that was rough, really rough. If I ever do that again, I'm taking pain meds and sleeping meds. LOL!

In London we saw the Tower of London, Thames river, Westminster Abby, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, London Eye, Florence Nightengale museum, Windsor castle, and many many art galleries/shops/and the like. We rode the Underground (subway) all over London and for anyone who's been there, yes we did "mind the gap". You hear this automated "mind the gap" message about a billion times when riding the underground. It means don't step in the space between the platform and the subway car.

We did a lot of shopping. Abigail was completely enthralled with all the different shops. We had a ball! We were very close to the high end shops too, Louis Vitton, Chanel, Tiffany and the like. Of course we couldn't buy anything there, but it was fun to look. Our apartment was only a block or so from Stella McCartney's (Paul's daughter) boutique.

The ride to Paris on the EuroStar was really cool. The English and French countryside is very beautiful. Both countries have fields of crops, and with all the rain they have, it was very lush and green.

Paris was different from London, everything is very old and a little dirty. It took us a bit to get used to the difference, but when we did we loved Paris too. We saw Notre Dame, Louvre, Museum d'Orsay, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, and many other sights. We spent one day at Disneyland Paris. We hadn't planned to do that, but Abigail wanted to and so we went. It was really delightful. It is not yet high tourist season in either London or Paris, so there were NO LINES at Disneyland!! There really weren't lines at any thing at all. And in Paris, often Abi and I were the only English speakers in a tour group. Sometimes we were embarrassed to pull out our cameras and take pictures because we were the only tourists!!! But we did take lots of pics. I'll post some in the picture thread. Abi took lots more pics than me, she's a better photographer, and I need to get her pics downloaded to my computer.

[Lindsey]

Hi Gayle! It sounds like you had an amazing trip!!! Lol, Scott and I still say "Mind the gap" to each other. Our hotel in London also had a talking elevator and it would say "Going up!" "Fourth Floor" "Please mind the door" etc. So whenever Scott and I are on an elevator, we say those things in a British accent lol! We are nerds.

I really wanted to take the train through the chunnel!!! I've watched a bunch of shows about the building of the chunnel and it's something I really want to do someday! Since we were on a bus tour, we just took the ferry between Dover and Calais.

That is crazy you were the only English speakers in the tour group! Was the tour done in French?

I didn't like Paris as much as London, but we had more time in London so that might be why. I didn't really get to explore Paris much. I also found the people more rude and pushy. Scott and I know a bit of French so we tried to speak some there when we could, but it didn't really make a difference! We did go to different little towns around the French countryside and people were much nicer there, but of course, did not speak English at all!

[DianaB]

Again, I'm going to catch up with posts later but I just wanted to check in. I've been so busy in the yard planting flowers and stuff! I've been so excited since I found a website that has "junk" in the yard with flowers!! It's www.fleamarketgardening.org You'll have to check it out!!

Jaci's baby should be here soon!! Last week she wasn't in the birth canal so that was a concern but when she went to the doctor this week she's where she's suppose to be and Jaci is dialated to one!! We went to a greenhouse on Monday and Jaci lost her mucus plug while we were there so we're thinking that she will come early (her due date is July 3rd.) Jaci's wanting me to be at the hospital with her so I'm trying to stay close to the phone.......just in case. And wouldn't you know it.......my cell phone is not working!! Of all times for that to happen!!

We've had quite the explosion of babies in the Baker family!! Not only is Jaci pregnant but Glen's brother's family is expecting three babies.....two in July and one in December......I found out yesterday that Glen's sister's daughter is now pregnant!! And I know of another that is trying to get pregnant!! Lots of babies!!!!

So not much going on here.....planting flowers and plants.......watching kids.......and waiting for the phone to ring!!!

[gja1000]

Hi Gayle! It sounds like you had an amazing trip!!! Lol, Scott and I still say "Mind the gap" to each other. Our hotel in London also had a talking elevator and it would say "Going up!" "Fourth Floor" "Please mind the door" etc. So whenever Scott and I are on an elevator, we say those things in a British accent lol! We are nerds. Hi Lindsey! We had a talking elevator too, and I Abigail always did the talking too, in a British accent! I know when we are together, we'll be doing it too!

I really wanted to take the train through the chunnel!!! I've watched a bunch of shows about the building of the chunnel and it's something I really want to do someday! Since we were on a bus tour, we just took the ferry between Dover and Calais. I loved the train, but I would also like to go on the ferry!

That is crazy you were the only English speakers in the tour group! Was the tour done in French? We had headphones and you could choose your language. That was good because I speak a tiny bit of french but couldn't have understood a tour

I didn't like Paris as much as London, We didn't like Paris as well as London either - but like you, we didn't have as much time therebut we had more time in London so that might be why. I didn't really get to explore Paris much. I also found the people more rude and pushy. Scott and I know a bit of French so we tried to speak some there when we could, but it didn't really make a difference! We stayed in a Paris apartment owned by an American couple and there was a book with some tips on negotiating Paris. One tip was that the French are not rude, just very formal (I still think they are a bit rude, HA!). The book suggested that whenever you interact with a Parisian, you be VERY polite and begin your conversation with Bonjour Madame/Monsiour, etc, and alway say ci vous plait before and after your request. I do think it helped a bit. We did go to different little towns around the French countryside and people were much nicer there, but of course, did not speak English at all! I would LOVE to go to the English and French countryside more than we did. If I ever get to go back with my friend who grew up in England, we will do that

[DIANE W]

Yes Gayle, i think there are some very lovely places for you to visit if you come back to UK. I have only been to France one time, and i found them very very rude, they are happy for you to be a tourist and spending, but really they dont want to be polite or civil.

[Lindsey]

Gayle, I'm happy to know you and Abigail are just as nerdy as Scott and I :D Somehow, I had a feeling we were similar lol!

The ferry is something I would probably not do again! It was really cool because I've never been on a ferry that big before! There were shops and restaurants and everything, BUT on our first ride I got so seasick I was green! The waters were extremely rough that day and the ferry was rocking a lot.

Oh I remember those headphones!!! We used them a lot on our tour too!

When we were in Paris, at least once we were actually PUSHED by French people! We tried to be very polite and would always say "excusez-moi" while trying to get by people, and most of them pretended to ignore us. When we were on a boat tour on the Siene, one family pushed right past us and muttered something about "American" I wanted to scream first of all, I'm not American! Lol and also, there is some sort of stigma against Americans there that I don't totally understand. I did know about that before we went though, and we had big maple leaf patches on our backpacks. Obviously we weren't wearing them that day, or maybe they hated Canadians too! But the counryside was so amazing! The little towns with cobblestone roads and stone buildings were out of a fairy tale! And everyone was so nice there! I definitely recommend doing that next time :)

[Lindsey]

I am working from home today, which is a nice break. My office is having a golf tournament, but I really hate golf. I'd go for fun, but $60 is a little too much for me. I'd feel more comfortable with Scott there, but bringing a spouse costs $120. Yikes! So I am at home instead!

I took Layla to the vet this morning because I thought she had an ear infection. It turns out she just had a huge wax build-up in her ears, so that was a relief! The vet cleaned it all out. On my way home I decided to stop at the post office. I had a parcel, so I went to pick it up, and it was a large envelope from my professional organization I applied to earlier this year. It's official - I'm a professional now!!!! :D I get initials behind my name. Now, I'm kind of a big deal hahaha :)

Oh, and yesterday, we finally got checks in the mail for our travel insurance. I don't know if I got into how big of a headache that was!!! We filed the claim when we got back from Africa, in March. We missed a day of safari because of a cancelled flight, and had to pay for a bush plane to catch us up to the group. Anyways, we called to check multiple times and every time there was something more we needed to submit. Our email itineraries were not enough for the flights because they don't accept emailed documents, they needed originals. Well, when we book online, we only get emails! So we had to call every airline we used, we had to call the safari company and have them issue a statement of incurred costs, we had to prove everything. The insurance company dragged their feet for months, but we finally got paid!!!! We were out about $1200 from all of that, so it is really nice to finally have it back!

Tonight, we are attending our town's grad ceremony. Our three German girls will be taking part (even though they don't technically graduate because this year doesn't count for them). They leave on Saturday!!!! I can't believe it. When we first met them, they were all homesick, and now they are all sad about leaving!!!

[Janet]

Today the courthouse closes at noon, so I'm home enjoying the peace and quiet. Did do a couple loads of laundry, but now I'm getting a little sleepy and a nap is looking better all the time. It's so hot and humid out so staying inside is not a disappointment at all.

[gja1000]

Lindsey, I had to file travel insurance once too. I had a conference that took place on a 3 day cruise and Gary had open heart surgery the day I was to leave. I remember having to get multiple original documents, etc etc. but eventually I got my money back too.

I don't care for golf either, so I would have stayed home too. I'm glad Layla didn't have an ear infection.

Janet, it was nice to have half a day off, wasn't it! Are you still working short hours now, even though school is out? Do you think you might get on full time at the court house?

[Janet]

Yes, still working short hours. Department heads are only allowed so much time to spend. I can get up to 28 hours, but I'm scheduled for 21 hours. This week I'll have a couple more hours because one girl is out. The extra money will be nice and I don't mind. I really like working there and the more I work, the more I'll learn. I don't think I can go full time until someone leaves. The county recorder still has 3.5 years left of her term and then she's retiring. So it will be at least that long unless the other girl quits and that's not likely.

[DianaB]

Again.......I'll catch up later on the other posts. Things have been crazy here!! Glen's planting in full force......and Dae Lynn's driving the tractor so I've had the kids from morning until bedtime. That makes for a really long day! At first it was pretty nice outside and I was still trying to plant flowers and plants but the last couple of days it's turned off really hot......plus I'm dealing with Jaci and the baby as well.

Glen let Dae Lynn off the day that Jaci gave birth so I didn't have to worry about the kids......but yesterday they were back. I took them to Chanute and they spent the afternoon with Damon's neice. Today Dae Lynn's sick......Karlie has Fifth's disease, and Dean was sick yesterday. It's a good thing that I don't have them because Jaci is coming home today and I need to go over. I feel like I've been in a dead run this whole week!!! Crazy!!!

Oh....and this morning I have a doctor's appointment........a follow up on my diabetes (which has been doing really well). More running!!!

Love ya'll!! I hope you're having a great summer!!

Oh.....and my cell phone died and I lost all of my numbers. I'd appreciate it if you'd text me your numbers again!!!

[Lindsey]

Janet, I'm glad you are still liking your job. Some hours is better than none at all!

Diana, you have been so busy!!!

I only worked for an hour yesterday and took the rest of the day off. I decided to pull weeds in our front yard because it looks AWFUL! I was out for about 4 hours, and filled up one of those huge lawn and garden bags with weeds! I only got about halfway done. Yikes! I also forgot to wear sunscreen and got burned on my shoulders and back :(

Grad last night was really great. The girls looked so beautiful!!! One of them is incredibly independent, and after half of her class had walked in and were announced with their escorts, she was announced alone. She walked in alone, totally confident, and it was just so her! I just thought "You go girl!!" in my mind lol! The other exchange student who was walking with the grads did have an escort and that was great for her too! She had issues in the beginning making friends because she is so quiet. I was just so proud of them all! I will be really sad to see them go. We got to go down and talk with them a bit before we headed home, and they were crying and hugging everyone. They are so sad that it's all coming to an end. But it was such a great experience for everyone involved!

I love that I took yesterday off, because getting up to go to work this morning felt like a Monday, and there is nothing better than thinking it's Monday and realizing it's actually Friday lol!!!! And not just any Friday, but Friday of a long weekend!!!!! Canada Day is on Monday :)

[DianaB]

Gayle, your trip sounds like it was so wonderful!! I'm so glad that you got to go!!

Lindsey, Congratulations on becoming a Professional!! I'm so happy for you!! And I'm so glad that Layla didn't have any problems. I think that she is such a special little dog and I hate to think of her having any more problems.

Janet, I'm so glad that you're liking your job. I love that you have freedom to take off once in a while!

Went to the doctor........and she is amazed at how well my blood sugar is. In fact I've been tapering off of my meds and she wants me to taper off a little more!! She is puzzled over why it went so high in the first place and thinks that maybe the meds jump started my pancreas into working again........Who knows! Of course, I've been watching my diet and I've been doing it long enough that it is becoming a life style (and I have to say that I do cheat.......a little.....very little). Nuts and cheese are my friends!!

[Janet]

So good to know your health is in check Diana. It's great you're taking care of yourself.

[gja1000]

Diana, I'm really glad to hear that your blood sugar is doing much better. Hormones can whack out your blood sugar, so maybe that is what was going on. I hope things are going well with the new baby. Can't wait to see pictures.

Janet, I'm so glad that you got on at the courthouse. I come from a little town and so many people worked at the court house, retired from there, and so I have very fond memories of our courthouse.

Lindsey, I hope things are going well for you now. I'm glad to know that Layla and your other pups are doing well at this time. I hope your trip to NO goes really well. I know you are excited! NO is a really cool place to visit.

I'll be going to Oklahoma tomorrow for the whole week. i'm going to see my cousin and go museum hopping with her one day and then spend the rest of the week at the lake with Gary's family. It's supposed to cool off in the 80's up there for the whole week. We've had temps of 100-106 this past week and that is NO FUN! I'm looking forward to cooler temperatures.

I hope everyone had a happy and safe Fourth of July holiday!

[DianaB]

If the weather is anything like what we've been having you may need a jacket for the 4th of July!! Our weather has been just beautiful.......with really cool nights! It makes me worry a little for the crops because they need the warmer weather and sun!

I spent several days with Jaci. She was so teary that when I talked to her on her way home I headed right over. She was so nervous and when I think about it she's never been around a lot of babies and isn't very comfortable alone with one. So I went over on Friday and ended up having to watch Dean on Saturday because Dae Lynn had to drive the tractor. I planned on taking Dean home and when I got ready to leave Jaci was in tears so I grabbed some clothes and ended up going back and spent a couple more days. While I was there I cleaned and kept things picked up....oh, and watered the plants outside. Sunday Jaci had EVERYONE come to visit. Poor Nate had to work on wheat harvest and wasn't able to be around much......and he wasn't happy about it either!! While Tammy was visiting Jaci was able to ask some questions......and had a doctor's appointment for the baby on Monday morning.....and again asked some questions that were bothering her. After that she felt a lot more confident about caring for Ali. I told her that I was only a phone call away if she needed me or is welcome to come over. I've been keeping in touch to make sure things are going well. Ali seems to be a really good baby and I think that once Jaci gets the hang of things that they'll get along great!!

Jaci's taking Ali into her old work to show her off and to visit some family then they'll both be here!! I can't wait!! It's so hard to believe how much I've missed that little girl in the last couple of days!! It will be her first time to Grandma's house!!

Also....I've been working in the yard......still!! I've added an old bathtub to my flower bed!! Having your own junk yard has it's own rewards!!! I've found some really cool stuff!! I'm planning on putting in a water garden with a water feature. I'm so excited!!

We're going to Dae Lynn's tommorrow for the 4th. She's so excited to show off her place......and it's so perfect to sit and watch fireworks and have a picnic at!! Happy 4th of July to all of you!!!

[Lindsey]

Happy 4th of July, my American friends!

Because it's a short week this week, I thought it would fly by. I was wrong! I woke up this morning thinking it was already Friday, but it is only Thursday :eek: Ugh.

Last night I finished painting the Noah's Ark lamp I made for my niece's baptism this weekend. I'll attach pictures. Tonight I will need to spray it, and I want to write a little note for her on the bottom.

Our friend Brian just applied for a job at both my office, and Scott's. He got offers from both, and decided to go with mine. We told him either way, when he gets a new job, we'd have him out for steaks at our house! He wanted to do it this Friday (tomorrow) so we'll have to go grocery shopping after work today. I think I'll just do roasted potatoes and a salad with it. I don't think he really cares about anything besides the steak lol!

On Saturday we are leaving for Scott's parents' city. We have a hotel booked for the night because our anniversary is Sunday and we wanted some alone time. I think we will be going out to eat, just the two of us, that night too. We have to work around the baptism rehearsal Saturday night, and we still don't know what time that is. Sunday morning we'll do the baptism, go out for family brunch, and then hopefully head home! We have the top tier of our cake to eat, and that might take me all day lol! It's really good cake, but it's a lot for two of us!

We decided to get a bond for our niece (besides the lamp) for a gift for her baptism. It is what my Godparents did for me, and I suggested it to Scott when he and his sister were Godparents to another nephew, and that's what they did as well. His parents always buy the religious kind of gifts, and we wanted to do something more practical (nobody else in his family goes to church or has anything to do with religion). So we called the bank, and apparently bonds are only available in September and October! We will just get a card and let them know we will get a bond in her name as soon as they are available.

[Janet]

It will all come together really quick for Jaci. With her wonderful mother and sisters to help her...she'll do great.

Planning on working in the yard tomorrow since we have no plans for the 4th. I need to trim the shrubs and since I mowed last night, Ricky will be using the lawn sweeper. We've had so much rain that the grass had gotten out of control a bit. Then I think I'll need to clean the house and get ready to shampoo the carpets over the weekend.

I did find some flooring I like and Rick likes it too. Now we just need to measure and see what it will cost to have it installed. A past friend had some in her kitchen (her husband laid it) and he didn't do a very good job so I want it done right. Plus, it was a cheaper laminate and some of the corners are up a bit because of spills from a water bowl.

I'm in no hurry as long as it's done before winter.

[Lindsey]

I just saw I forgot to attach the pictures!!

Is it laminate flooring, Janet? My parents have laminate in their kitchen too and it has held up really well. They just make sure to wipe up any spills immediately, and when our dogs are over, their bowls go on a little placemat so they don't drip right on the floor!

[Shada]

Yesterday was a great day ~ spent it with my good friend doing a little window shopping for a new kayak, for her not me, I love mine!

Afterwards came back to my house for a nice visit. Where my newest Ebay purchase was waiting for me outside my garage! Years ago I had a Krups toaster oven. Loved it. Then thought I needed to upgrade to a KitchenAid toaster oven. Main reason was the KitchenAid was red and my kitchen has lots of red 'stuff'. Sold the Krups at garage sale. Immediately regretted selling it. The KitchenAid never worked as well as my Krups. I wanted my Krups back! The search began. This week the search ended. I found the same model Krups on Ebay. I was the only bidder at $9.99 with $25.00 shipping. I had no problem with that as all together I didn't want to go over $50.00 ~ well next day got a message from seller stating shipping was too high and put $10.00 back into my PayPal account! What a unexpected bonus. Plus the toaster oven is like brand new. I don't think it was ever used. I am happy!!! Soooooo...

Then her, me, and two other friends got together for our birthday dinner at local family owned steakhouse. Three of us have the same week for our birthdays. Well our dinner was the best I have ever had there. I can never decide on steak or fish so I got both. Broiled walleye with a perfectly cooked filet steak. American fries.. salad... I ate so much and still had some to take home.
Which is calling my name now.. yummy...

Today I am relaxing. Maybe pull a few weeds later.. up late as my neighbors were firing off large fireworks till the wee hours.. so I am a little lazy...

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July weekend!!!

[gja1000]

Hi Everyone! Shada, your weekend sounds so much fun! I love good times with friends, almost nothing better!

I had a wonderful week in Oklahoma. The weather was glorious - in the low 80's during the day and high 50's low 60's at night. It was just fabulous for 4th of July week! We just sat around (outside mostly), visited, ate (of course), visited some more, went gambling at the casino a little bit (I won $50) and just generally had a good time. Thankfully, there was NO family drama. HA! I went to Oklahoma City with my cousin to the Museum of Natural History and the Cowboy Hall of Fame (art museum) one day. We had a fabulous Greek lunch, such good food!!! Then another day my sister-in-law and I went to Oklahoma City to pick up an outdoor table and chairs.

All in all it was a wonderfully relaxing 4th of July week.

[gja1000]

Whew! My kids were here for the weekend and they just left. We had so much fun, but I feel like I've been on a FAST treadmill ever since they got here. I really miss them when they leave!

My class starts Tuesday, so I will be teaching now, every Tuesday/Thursday afternoon till Aug. 15th. I've had a really nice break this summer and I am ready to get back to work!

[DianaB]

We had a great 4th of July......Dae Lynn had a get-together at her house. She was so excited to have us all there. It ended up just being Amy and her family and Kera's boyfriend, Jordan, and us, with Dae Lynn and the kids. Jaci and Nate didn't come and Feyn and Tammy had company come. We could see the town's fireworks display from Dae Lynn's house so we ended up just staying there.

We've really been enjoying Baby Ali!! She's such a sweet baby!! Jaci is getting where she's not quite as nervous with her. We have an appointment for an ultra sound on Ali this afternoon. The doctor is concerned with her butt crack!!! I guess it's a new thing that is checked on.......and Ali's is curved and deep. It's can be a sign of closed spina bifida so the ulta sound will decide if there's a problem. There's probably not a problem so we're not concerned.

I've finally got my yard looking good!! I still have a few more plants to plant and some that I need to move but it's looking sooooo nice! Now to work on the house!!

I've finally convinced Glen that we need another camper so we're looking for another pop-up. We loved our last one because it's so easy to pull where ever you're going and not too hard to put up. We found one in Bartlesville on Craigslist but trying to get the guy to call us back is slow. If we go down there to look at it we can go and see my brother as well in the hospital.

I've finally gone swimming in our pond. The weather's been a little cooler than usual so the pond didn't warm up as quickly but it's finally warm enough!! Yay!!

I don't know how he did it but my grandson, Elijah, sprained BOTH of his ankles on the 4th of July!! I swear he takes after his Dad!!! Some how he did it while on his motorcycle!! One ankle is worse than the other......Jed is enjoying having Elijah on his level......the floor!!! I need to get pictures of Jed......he is one cute little boy......and scooting all over everywhere!!!

[Lindsey]

Gayle, it will be nice to be back to work and on a schedule again :) Although, sometimes I wish I got more time away from work and schedules lol!

Diana, it sounds like you have had a lot of time with family lately! I hope the camper works out for you! I really want a camper, but we have nothing to tow one with (even our SUV doesn't have a tow hitch). We always just go camping in our tent, but it's obviously not very comfortable lol! And when we have a family, a camper is so much nicer!

We have severe storm warnings today. It's still sunny at the moment but we are supposed to get severe thunderstorms this afternoon with a good chance of tornadoes. If things start getting bad, Scott and I might just pack up our work stuff and head home. I know it's not really safe to be driving if there are tornado warnings, but I'd rather be at home with the dogs than at my office. If a tornado hits around home, the dogs wouldn't know to get to the basement, and can't anyway because there is a gate blocking them :( And Kash is so terrified of thunderstorms, I hate the thought of him being without me during one!

[gja1000]

Lindsey, I hope you didn't have any bad storms today. One of my boys, Rex, is terrified of storms too. I feel so bad for him. I have a thundershirt that i put on him and it helps a little bit. He doesn't go hide in the back of the closet with it on. He's terrified of fireworks too and I forgot to take it to Oklahoma with me over the 4th. There were fireworks everywhere and he was so scared. I just sat and held him very close to my body and he could tolerate it.

Diana, family gatherings are so much fun! I know you really enjoyed it. I'm sure little Ali is OK, they are just being cautious and that is good!

We had rain today, my goodness, we really need it! Our lake (where we get our water) is lower that ever in history. It's only about 33% full. So, I can't in good conscious, water my yard. I just can't use precious water to keep my lawn green. So, it was beginning to look pretty bad. But this rain will perk it up a little. We are allowed to water once a week, but I just can't do it, I'm so glad for the rain.

[Lindsey]

We ended up not getting storms! Later in the afternoon, the tornado watch was lifted, and we did not even get any rain! The southern part of the province got quite a few tornadoes though!

I'm glad you got some rain, Gayle! I haven't kept up with my watering, and almost all of my flowers are completely fried :( Better luck next year, I guess!

Tonight, Scott and I are going to the speedway to watch some races. I got him tickets for our anniversary. It's some Nascar thing on for two nights (tonight and tomorrow night) t but I really don't know anything about it, except that I will go and Scott will love it lol. I am leaving work early, in about a half hour, so that is nice. I am leaving even earlier tomorrow!

[Janet]

Not much really going on here. Decided to wait on the flooring, not sure why, just don't want to use all (or any for that matter) of the money I've been saving. Since everything is paid off, I may just wait until we get more money saved in the rental house account and use money from there.

Doesn't really matter right now anyway I guess. The boys just don't seem to care about taking care of things like I do and I know they would have the floors ruined or scratched up pretty bad, so I'll wait a bit. The carpet isn't that great, but I can keep cleaning it for awhile.

[gja1000]

Janet, I guess I missed where you were thinking of new flooring! I sure do love my wood and tile floors. So much easier and cleaner than carpet. I hope you are able to get them sometime!

[gja1000]

Oh goodness, I'm tired tonight, but it's a good tired. I have 4 hours of class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. My class is so great, I love the students (25 of them) and they are such a positive interactive group, they keep me on my toes. This is a health policy class, so with all the things going on regarding the Affordable Care Act on the federal level and the legislature being in session in Texas, well it makes for some mighty fine discussions in class, to say the least. We do current events every day so the students bring in health policy information they have gleaned from the media and then we discuss it. We have some pretty healthy debates, for sure. Today we had someone from Texas Medicaid here to talk to the class and they asked him some really tough questions. For example, for persons on Medicaid, Texas is one of only 2 states that tests for sexually transmitted diseases, but does not provide treatment if you are positive for an STD!!! Does this make sense! I think not. Anyway, the class is so much fun but at the end of the 4 hours, I am completely whipped out!

[gja1000]

I spent the weekend with the kids in Houston. We laughed, shopped, ate, played, swam and just generally enjoyed the weekend. It's always good to see them.

This is the last week of school, then my school starts Aug. 28th. Actually my class doesn't start till Sept 3rd, so I will have a little break here.

It's just too hot and dry to do anything here in Texas. We sure need some rain and it has rained a little around Austin the past few days, but none at my hacienda.

[Lindsey]

Gayle, that's nice that you will have a little break again! And it sounds like you had a fun weekend!

Scott got sent away to a mine for a week for work so I'm holding down the fort alone. This morning I got up 10 minutes earlier than usual, and was still 10 minutes late for work. I had to let the dogs out and feed them, and while I was at it I had some breakfast which I never have time for lol! Tomorrow I will try to get up 10 minutes earlier than today. It will be early to bed tonight!

I am just going to try to get through this week alive lol.... I never appreciate Scott so much as when he's gone and I have to do his chores on top of mine!

[gja1000]

It is quite an adjustment when you are alone. I enjoyed it when Gary was gone hunting or fishing, but in other ways, it was a pain. And when you don't feel so good, I'm sure it is not too much fun!

[Shada]

I am so sore today!!!

The last two days I stained my deck. And I have a big deck!!! Thankfully I had help.. another woman, my good friend, or I would still be out there. Powerwashed my house last weekend. Along with both front and back deck. Need to redo the front as I blew my hose so didn't have enough pressure to do a good job. Then to stain front deck and paint trim and garage doors. Going to be busy here for another week. Or two.

Makes me wish I had a man around the house to help out! There are things a woman just should not do. Especially one pushing 60.

Today I have to let deck dry for another day so can't get out there, water hose is hooked up to back so can't get to that either, so I just might go golfing...

I need a day of fun and leisure.. after all it is the last official weekend of summer..

so how is your weekend?

[Janet]

WOW Shada, you've been busy. I know I would be sore too. When you're all done you can sit back and enjoy it all and a job well done. I don't think you need a man to do it for you, he probably wouldn't do it right anyway....lol. I know mine wouldn't. He'd just slop it all together to get it done.

I'm still working two jobs and it's wearing on me a bit. I'm so over the bus driving and wish I could leave, but I need the insurance. So I will have to continue running and know the money is nice. I've not had money to myself in so many years, but I'm not going to go into detail here.

I did get a new bus the other day. I had a 72 seater and it was just way too crowded. I had 3 to a seat except for the last 4 rows of high schoolers. Now I have a 78 seater. It's nice, but I'll have to get use to it some. It has an air seat with arm rests, the seat is also heated, there is a place for my water and well, it's a nice ride. :)

My son is still going out with the same girl. I'm going to post a couple pictures of her for you to see, but not sure how easy it will be with my iPad. Never done it before. Always something new...lol. My laptop should be back in a week or so and I will be one happy camper for sure. The keyboard for the iPad is just too small for my stubby fingers.

[Lindsey]

Shada, you are so busy! I wish I had that kind of energy lol!

Janet, I could not imagine driving anything that big lol! I don't even like driving a van! The heated seat will be nice for you in the winter! We have heated seats in our SUV and I love them!

We've had a busy weekend. Scott finally got back to working on the renovation. We now have our lights up and working (yay!) and he has started mudding the last bit of drywall. I'm going to wait another week or two to start painting the areas that are ready for paint. We still have to finish putting down new plywood on half the floor, remove everything from the bathroom, buy and install new flooring for the whole area, cut a new dryer vent in the exterior wall, hook up the washer and dryer in their new location, buy and install a bathtub in the bathroom, stain and install doors, and Scott is going to build a bench and storage area in the new mudroom. I want this done by Christmas. It might be too optimistic, but it feels like it hasn't progressed at all in months!

Yesterday we took the day off of house work to go to the city. We bought an antique dresser for the baby's room!!! I think it was a great deal. I found it on a classifieds site and they asked $125 OBO because they were moving. I asked if they'd take $100, and they said $110 at the lowest. So I said that's great! Then they got back to me and said they got a full-price offer from a person from an antique store - the antique store down the street from my house, in my town!!! But they told me that if I could beat that offer, it was mine. So I said I'd give them $140 for it. So when we went in to pick it up, the people from the antique store were there picking up some other antiques. The lady selling the dresser told me that they offered her $150 for it when they got there, but she said she wanted to keep her promise to us. Thank goodness! I really didn't want to miss out on it! If the antique store had bought it, I'd be out of luck because they resell their antique furniture for pretty high prices. I'll attach a picture at the end of this post!

We spent the rest of the day going through the "Parade of Homes" for a lottery for the Children's Hospital. There must be about 15 homes and I think we saw about 10 of them. They are all in the new developing areas of the city, which is neat for me because I work on designing the neighborhoods but never actually make it out there in real life lol! The homes were GORGEOUS! We got a few ideas for our own house renovations :)

This morning, Scott had to leave at 5:00 to be on a mine site by 7:00. He hasn't done a second of work since being there. There's nothing for him to do. It's frustrating because there's so much for him to do at home, but his company NEEDED him there today, cutting short his long weekend. The only good thing is he's being paid double time and a half today because it's a stat holiday. He will be home late tomorrow night, and hopefully won't be going again anytime soon, but really his company can do what they want. They already threatened to fire him if he didn't go today. Ugh!!

Sorry for writing a novel lol! I must be lonely being home alone today! I am going to go continue cleaning the house soon, and working on my homemade spaghetti sauce!

[Shada]

Today I have been a little laid back. I hate the word lazy!!

Put everything back on back deck. Little too cool and windy for me to get the front power washed again... Wednesday supposed to be warmer and sunny so maybe after work I will finish that up. Shouldn't take too long.

And today I found out Lindsey is pregnant!!!! Wow!!!
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!! Due date? Happy to know no more morning sickness.

Lindsey you have been busy also. Your home is so nice now, it will really be gorgeous when you are done.
Love the dresser!!! But I feel like you should have got it for the price first agreed on. Shame on the buyer for putting it up on a bidding war after price was agreed on. But it is nice and will be wonderful for you....

Janet happy for you that you got a new bus... those seats will feel pretty good this winter!

[Lindsey]

Thank you Shada!! Due date is March 11 :)

I am glad the seller didn't keep the bidding war up longer. She did tell me that about 10 other people contacted her too after she decided to give it to us for $140. We had been looking at nursery furniture sets, and to buy a dresser alone is over $300 brand new, and I think this one is much nicer :) So it was a good deal anyway. We're going to put a change pad on top to use it as a change table too, and now we just have to buy a crib and a chair.

It's good to have a "laid back" day every once in a while :D

[gja1000]

I had a nice weekend in Oklahoma at the family wedding I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. It was quite an event with lots of story lines and I won't bore you with everything, but the bride SAYS she is 5 months pregnant. I really don't think she is that far along, but who knows. She's about a size 2 and had a tee tiny baby bump. Her mom and dad are very recently divorced and both brought their significant others to the wedding. The problem is that the dad has been seeing this woman about 7 years and he and the bride's mom just got divorced last Jan. It was such a circus, everyone was whispering. But there were no "blow ups" at the wedding, so that was nice.

I had a good visit with Gary's sisters. It's always nice to see them. We stayed with his sister that lives near a lake and we drove around the lake and looked for deer every night. It's so quiet and peaceful out there.

Well my summer vacation is officially over - my classes start tomorrow! I'm ready though.

We have decided to take my 6 year old granddaughter, Emma, to Disney World over the Christmas holiday. We haven't told her yet, but we made hotel reservations today. She will be so excited. We'll get a 4 days pass and stay in a hotel in the park so we can easily go back and forth. I can't wait, I only wish Gary were here, he loved taking Abigail to Disney World!

[Lindsey]

Gayle, I'm glad there were no big blow-ups at the wedding! I'm sure the bride and groom are thankful for that too!

That is so exciting to take your granddaughter to Disney World! I'm sure she will be ecstatic! I never got to go when I was younger, even though my parents promised we could go as soon as I was big enough to walk around all day lol. Apparently I never got big enough for that! So I'm excited that we're having our own family now and will be able to take our kids there someday, and it will be my first time too!

I just went shoe shopping for an HOUR, and came back empty-handed :( That never happens with me! I need to get new shoes for the wedding in New Orleans, and I'm just having no luck. My feet are wide, so it's hard to find shoes that fit in the first place. Every pair I tried on today didn't work. I have one pair of short heels at home and I'll see if my cousin likes them tonight. I can't wear high heels (not sure if I'll want to anyway!) because her future husband is only about 5'5, and I am 5'8, she is 5'9, and Scott is 6'4 lol! I know we are already all towering over the groom, but I don't want to make it way more obvious (and since she is wearing flats, she doesn't want herself and her groom to look tiny compared to the bridal party lol).

[Blueyes]

I hope it cools off some before you get here for the wedding, Lindsey. It's still so hot, and New Orleans is extra humid. Bring your shorts, you'll need them!

[Lindsey]

I hope it cools off some before you get here for the wedding, Lindsey. It's still so hot, and New Orleans is extra humid. Bring your shorts, you'll need them!

I hope so too! I have been checking the weather there and I'm pretty sure I'm going to die lol.

[DianaB]

Ok........my life has definitely taken a strange turn! I got a call from our Pastor this evening and he asked me if we would care for four kids who have been removed from their home. Well, you can figure out that we now have them. They are ages 9, 7, 5, and 4. Three girls and one boy. They are very polite and Glen and I have been very impressed with them. They were removed from their home because of it not being clean, nor were they clean. Of course they have come with head lice so I have spent the evening washing and combing out hair. At least their hair is all fairly short......especially the youngest..........she's taken the scissors to the back of her head and whacked it off! It's pretty noticeable too!

If the agency in charge of them can get into court tomorrow they may leave or it could be on Monday........we'll see.

I can honestly say that I never expected my day to end like this! BTW.....this probably puts our name on a list to be called again. Sigh...........however the police were extremely thankful that we were there to help.

[Lindsey]

Diana, that is a great thing you are doing! My great-aunt takes in foster kids all the time, and I think she is the most wonderful person I know. Most people in my family talk about her behind her back, saying she is too old to be caring for those kids, blah blah blah... but if she didn't, who would? She gives them a loving and stable home until things get figured out. Most of them have FAS or are born addicted to drugs because of their moms. It's heartbreaking. I saw her a few weeks ago and she had this little newborn who only weighed 5 lbs. My aunt had to give her morphine throughout the day to wean her off a heroin addiction from the womb. She was the tiniest, skinniest little baby I've ever seen. It's so sad when parents can not be responsible.

Anyways, I think you are doing a wonderful thing by helping out these kids when they need someone. I'm sure they will always remember you!

[DianaB]

Thank you, Lindsey! Today they are trying my patience over the little Gator of Dean's. In just a little bit I am taking them to a kids party with the church so I'll get a little break. They are good kids it's just that there are four of them! I need to pick up some clothes for the little one at the thrift store. They were excited that they were staying a little longer.

[Blueyes]

Good for you, Diana! What a blessing you and your family are to them, and hopefully they will be to you. Good luck!

[Janet]

You and your family are the best......now when are you coming to take me in? ;)

[DianaB]

Come on, Janet!

We got home from the party, baths are taken, pajamas on, prayers said, tucked in, lights out.........and the littlest one has been out of bed three times now! What a day!

[DIANE W]

Ahhh god love them..... they must be wondering what is happening to them, poor darlings.

Diana you and Glen are such lovely people to do this, it cant be easy to take on, not everyone could or would do it. I hope they settle down and are happy for the short time they will be with your family.

It is so sad when parents neglect their children, it breaks my heart, poor little souls deserve to be loved and cherished by their parents........ it saddens me that there are a lot of people with children in this world that really shouldnt have them - they dont deserve them:(

[Janet]

You're doing a good thing Diana!

Today...I didn't do a whole lot. Still a little weak from being sick all week. I came down with it last Friday...didn't work all week, tried to Wednesday, but only lasted 45 min. came home and then was able to go back in on Friday. My voice still isn't back to what it should be, but some would say that's great....lol. We went out to eat this evening but all I had was a tenderloin, wasn't that hungry I guess. Sure wish I was back to feeling normal.

[DianaB]

I'm just glad that you're better, Janet!

Well, we've gone another day with the kids. Glen took over for most of the day because he knows that I'm getting tired.

We got around for church this morning.........after church we just picked up some chicken and came home to eat...... Glen took the kids on a short hay rack ride when he put the wagons in a shed............then at 2:00 we went to Feyn's house for Jed's first birthday party........we then took the kids to ride in the combine.........Glen took them on a hike to work out some of the sugar that they had eaten.......It DIDN'T work! They wew so wound up before supper! After supper we did a head lice treatment on ALL of us and baths........watched Glen's scuba video while I combed out nits! Finally bed time! What a day!

[DianaB]

Here's a picture of them.

[Janet]

Oh my.....they are such beautiful children. I hope someday they will look back and see how blessed they were to be able to spend time with you.

[DianaB]

Ok.......I still have them and May until Thursday. I'm not happy because nobody is calling me!

[Janet]

They should be in constant contact with you to make sure if you need anything or not. Then they wonder why more people are not interested in foster care.

[gja1000]

Diana, this is a really wonderful thing you are doing! The picture of them is so cute. They are adorable. It's unimaginable that they would be in such a bad situation they had to go into foster care.

[DianaB]

The kids ended up leaving last Monday. The kids were split up into two homes and went to Topeka, so far away. Glen and I have really struggled with them being gone and have considered getting them back but we have to look at things realistically and four kids are a lot of work and we're not young. You just don't decide to do this sort of thing because you were thrown into it for four days. Who knows maybe some day in the future.

[DianaB]

I'm home today as usual with Dean. He has quite the swollen lip! He fell and cut his upper lip yesterday with his front teeth. It probably could have used a stitch or two but it's so traumatic to have stitches on a child's face that we decided to let it just heal on it's own. I think that his buck teeth from sucking his thumb probably made the injury worse than it should have been but he'll be fine in a couple of days.

Just housework to do today. I have sheets to get back on the guest beds and laundry to do.

[Lindsey]

Poor Dean! I hope he heals up quickly!

I had quite a busy weekend... Future sister-in-law's bridal shower, cousin's wedding supper, visiting with family, and too many opinions on my body and pregnancy and baby things. I held it all together in front of people but ifnally yesterday morning just sat down and had a good long cry. I seriously don't want to have to be around anyone anymore without my husband right there to defend me! My emotions are all over the place and eventually it just gets to be too much. I'm doing the best I can!

It's winter again here! We started getting a bunch of snow last night and it's still snowing. We didn't even get our leaves raked up. Oops! I guess that will now wait until spring.

[Janet]

Had a busy weekend here. Cleaned house, well mostly just dusted and swept the floor. Needed it so bad. Then Saturday evening went to a class get together at Main St. Pub &Eatery here in town. We had more people this time so it was so fun. Hopefully more people will start attending.

Sunday I went to my friend Linda's house. Took in 4 plastic tubs of her things and we went through those. Putting away the things she wants to keep and taking back to my garage the things she wants to sell. Rearranged her closet from summer to winter, cleaned out her storage room and made more room for her and then cleaned out the linen closet. One tub I brought in had her knic knacs in it so I cleaned those and put them in her curio cabinet. We had a good a productive day.

[Janet]

Spent part of the morning alone until Ricky brought his skank out. The watched a movie and then he took her back to town. Told him no more unexpected visits....I need to know when she is coming so I can prepare myself mentally. She just drives me insane. Enough of her.

This evening we (the guys and me) went to Pepe's in town to eat. It was really good, but I just wasn't in the mood. I love being with Ricky, but well...you know the rest.

Tomorrow after church I'm planning on taking some of the totes we've emptied out back to my friend Linda's daughters house. Then taking some of her Christmas items to her so she can see what she wants to use this year.

Would like to go shopping, but don't know if I'll have time. Can any of you make the weekends longer for me? With working two jobs now, there just doesn't seem to be enough time. I use to be able to get things done in between routes, but not now...lol. Maybe I should find me a smaller place for only me to take care of. I can dream can't I? :)

[Shada]

I love your new profile picture Janet!!

Today I stayed home ~~ felt pretty good too. Been working 9 hour days 6 days a week for the last 3 weeks... today was a catch-up day.
Did laundry.
Scrubbed kitchen down - stove - sinks- the norm.
Made pot of chili.
Put in individual containers for lunch and dinner for the next few days..
leftovers.. yum!!!
Got caught up on taped shows from my DVR.. lots more to go!!!
Now time to do dishes and get ready for my Sunday evening TV programs.. The Amazing Race and then Revenge...



Still trying to find home for one kitten. A few have shown interest then nothing.. scared to think I might have 4 cats in the end!!!
I do not want to become towns next Cat Lady. :(

[DianaB]

All of you sound so busy! Janet, did Linda move out on her own? You're such a good friend to help her. How is she feeling?

Lindsey, I'm so sorry for the drama. Was this the shower that you were worried about earlier? This woman obviously has a problem so I would just keep my distance. I'll be happy for you when this wedding is over. You don't need all of this.

Shada, you are such a good person to find a home for a little kitten! You are working some long hours! What kind of a job do you have that requires you to work so long?

I've been finally getting my house in order. It's been a mess most of the summer! I worked so much on the yard and just enjoyed being outside. I'm still bringing plants inside! It's going to end tomorrow because we're suppose to have a hard freeze so anything left outside will be done.

[Lindsey]

Yes Diana, it was that shower! I'm glad the wedding is over and we can all just relax now lol!

[DianaB]

I need to get busy cleaning today. My blood sugar is causing me problems because the doctor changed my meds when they really didn't need changed. I'm not sure what she's thinking. Talk to you later!

[Lindsey]

Oh no, can you ask for them to be changed back?

I am painting today! Hopefully by the end of this weekend I'll have most of the painting done for the renovation. Scott needs to fill in holes and cracks in the plywood floor and then he can lay our new flooring! It's all coming along!

I'm also priming and painting the antique dresser we got for the baby's room. The drawers are painted a robin's egg blue right now, but we want to go with neutral colors so I'm going to paint it all white (the rest is white now, but needs a fresh coat!)

[DianaB]

I'm not sure what is going to happen with the meds. For one they are really, really expensive and we have nothing to help with that.......and she knows that. Two.....I'm suppose to double my dose but I'm having problems with going low so I've actually cut the dose in half. I'm not too happy with her at.the moment!

Glen cut his hand pretty bad on Friday and had several stitches. On Saturday his thumb will pull in but won't straighten back out. He contacted the doctor and now we have an appointment at Wichita this afternoon. I'll let you know how things go .

When it rains, it pours!!

[Lindsey]

Diana, I'd go to another doctor for another opinion! She doesn't seem to be doing what works for you!

I hope everything is okay with Glen's hand!

Speaking of Wichita, I was just in a meeting about a half hour ago and one guy was talking about someone who used to work here and he would pronounce Wichita as "wi-cheetah" and he had to be corrected every time, but never said it right. Then our new American import started talking about Wichita and whenever he said the name (correctly), people in the meeting kept saying 'You mean, wi-cheetah" lololol it's been a silly morning around here. Our CFL (Canada's NFL) team won the Grey Cup last night and those of us who are even at work today are not really at the top of our game haha

Over the weekend, I managed to get most of the painting done, and Scott started laying the new flooring. My body is paying for it now and my hips and back are aching quite badly. We went to Scott's boss's house last night on the far end of the city to watch the big game, and I drove us home later. We didn't get home until after 11 pm, and I had been awake at 5 am that morning because of hip pain, so it was a loooooong day for me! I could barely get out of bed for work this morning! It will be an early night tonight!

[Janet]

You're right....when it rains, it does pour it seems. I sure hope you can get your meds straightened out or like Lindsey said...maybe another Dr. Poor Glen, stitches can't be fun. Keep us posted.

[DianaB]

We're at the a special surgery place for hands and Glen's about to go into surgery. He cut two tendons and they have to be reattached. His thumb quit moving back and was numb......so here we are. It's out patient so we'll be home later.

[Janet]

Today we had a 2-hour delay for....are ya ready?.....it was so cold. It was like -4 and not a whole lot better 2 hours later. When I was in grade school and jr/sr high, we didn't have 2-hour delays. I'll probably sound like my mom and dad, but I remember walking knee deep in snow across the ice house property to get to the jr high and it was about 2 miles from my house. We only missed school if there was a blizzard and the description back then was much different from what it is today. These kids today have it so easy it's unbelievable. They'll just go home and play outside.

Didn't go in to the office today either. With a 2-hour delay and being a Thursday (courthouse closes at noon) I would get there around 11 and leave at 12 so my boss said it was fine for me to stay home and stay warm so....I did.

[Lindsey]

That's nice to be able to just relax and stay warm!!

Yikes!!! If I was lucky, my mom would drive me to school when it was -40. I still walked to school when it was -30 lol. Buses generally don't run here past -40 though, so kids either miss a day of school or their parents have to drive them in at that point.

It has been FREAKING COLD here for the past week or two. Windchills have been around -45 to -48 in the mornings. This week warmed up slightly to about -35 in the mornings. It's ridiculous! I had to walk to the dentist and back(5 minutes from my office) twice in the last two weeks, and I could not feel my face or ears! Next week I have to walk to my Obstetrician's office, so hopefully it's a little warmer! This is the sort of weather we normally get in January, and this has been going on since November!

[Gina]

That is very cold Janet, wow ! But you are right today everyone is babied big time, I remember as a little girl walking in knee high school to get to school which was about a 10 min walk. Back then if you remember we had to wear dresses no pants but they did make an exception when you got to school you had to remove pants.

Glad you got the day off I didn't know that you work in an office to. Lindsey why do you have to walk ? It's very cold by you to. When is your due date ? Well ladies stay warm it's cold here to.


I had dental surgery today long story short I needed implants done back in Oct but bone still not ready so I had bone grafted in another area. Never a dull moment.

[Janet]

You're right Gina....I do remember wearing long pants under my dresses and taking them and my boots off at school. We had these compartments in grade school called cubbies that we put our things in and we hung our coats above the cubbie. Wow...haven't thought of that in forever. We always walked to school. From our house to the elementary was about a 15 minute walk if you didn't slack and to the jr high it was about a 20 minute walk or more. We learned where to walk so that the wind didn't hit us quite as bad. Now in Senior high, we had to ride the bus, until I got my license.

[DianaB]

I can't believe the cold weather we've been having! We got a little snow........a little. Bummer!

We lived too far from the school to walk when it was bad. My Mom or a neighbor would take turns driving us but when it was nice we walked.

[Janet]

We've got quite a bit of snow and well...I don't like it as you do...lol Don't like driving in the stuff or shoveling my driveway. Oh well....spring is coming.....soon I hope :)

[DianaB]

Jaci came over today and helped me get the tree decorated. It was hard to get much done because Ali is grumpy getting in teeth. I just don't seem in the mood to get much done. Jaci also carried so many boxes of stuff up and now I have them all over everywhere as well.

[Janet]

I'm not in the mood either Diana. I went to Lafayette yesterday in hopes of getting some shopping done after having a manicure, but didn't happen. Enjoyed the manicure, but then afterwards I went and picked up some dog food for Joey and then went home. Too many people out.

After I got home Rick and I went to Frankfort and bought Ricky a couple of things and well...I guess we're done shopping. Still haven't gotten a tree up or any decorations other than Christmas cards we've received. At this late date, don't think we'll get any decorating done...to much work for just a few days.

We've had so much rain that the snow is gone now and we have flooding all over Indiana. Some places worse than others of course. This weather is crazy because we also had thunderstorm warnings and tornado warning in southern Indiana.

Maybe next year will be better.

[Janet]

Today is another frigid cold day. It's 1:00 PM and the temp is 2. Heat wave....lol. We had a two hour delay for school this morning. At 7 it was -10, at 9 it was -14 so the delay wasn't a big help. It does help to be able to have daylight, but either way it's no big deal to me. I can see the drifts just as well with the headlights.

The cold is to continue through next week with more snow. If you all check my FB page I posted weather info for what is forecast for the next couple weeks. We'll see how accurate it will be. Hope it's totally wrong...lol. I'm so ready for warm sunshine and warm temps.