It sounds like you're going to have a wonderful weekend Diana. I don't think there will be anything here now until spring. Well...except for Halloween...people go up on the square and have a "trunk or treat". They give out treats to the kids from the trunks of their cars and there is a costume contest and games. I don't usually go...now that Ricky is older.

This weekend I think Rick and I will be at Mom's. Whoever hooked up her stove did a bad job and it has to be redone. Rick knows how to do all that and has all the tools and equipment to get it done. I might go through a few things and make sure they should go in the sale. I still think an auction is a mistake...if the weather is bad, we might as will give the stuff away. I think an estate sale is the correct choice, but I don't want to argue about it.

There is a Fish Fry around the corner from us and I think Rick was given tickets so we could attend. I've heard the fish is really good so it will be nice to find out.

I think I'm going to try a different church on Sunday. It's called Faith Family Ministries. I know a few people that attend and they love it. Very relaxed and welcoming. I like the one I attend, but I don't feel I'm getting what I truly need. That didn't sound right....I guess I'm just not getting the feeling of fulfillment that I would like to have and I don't feel as comfortable there as I should. So I'm hoping this will be what I need.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Janet, I think its great that you are going to try a new church. I hope you feel more comfortable. I usually don't feel comfortable in any church - bad experiences as a child. Once though, when I was visiting a friend in San Francisco, we attended a church service that was truly amazing and one that I will never forget. It was right downtown San Francisco. There was every sort of person you can imagine in that church, dressed every way imaginable, there were rich people, poor or homeless people, gays/lesbians, punk rockers with neon hair, and hookers (I am sure), and then regular joes like my friend and I. It was the most spiritual and welcoming warm and comforting, place I have ever been. If I lived there, I'd go every week. I think it is paramount that you are comfortable, find support, and spiritual enrichment in church.

Thanks Gayle. When I was younger we went to a church and for some reason, camping I think, Mom quit taking me and my brother. I went back after I was married and taught a kindergarten class and loved it, but it was much different from when I was young. Seemed like everyone was trying to out dress the other. And there was so much talk of money.

I then started going to a church around the corner from us. I enjoyed being with our neighbors and felt comfortable there, just not getting what I wanted...needed....I don't know. I continued to go until the female Pastor was hired. I was not impressed with her sermons or felt much after hearing them. She kept going off from one subject to another and I just couldn't figure out what she was wanting to teach/share with us. I wasn't the only one who felt that way.

I quit going there and haven't really attended any. I do go there from time to time, but I am looking for something different.

At the church I'm hoping to attend on Sunday....you basically 'go as you are'. Everyone is there to learn more, share, and be a family of Christ. If it is indeed like that, then it will be exactly what I've been looking for. We'll see.

I hope the sermon and the church community is just what you are looking for, Janet. Spiritual community, when you find it, is very important.

I joined a Buddhist temple when Joel has a heart attack, years ago. A friend brought me because I really needed it. I loved it and stayed for about 8 years. I changed, and so did the leaders of my chapter, and I left, but I still live a lot of the ways of the Buddhist practice. It really levels the playing field. Like the church you went to Gayle, we had a very diverse group of members. We had a lot of people who were fighting so hard to crawl out of whatever hole they had fallen into, and that was a wonderful thing to be a part of.

Then, they became very rigid about their rules, that this was the best form of Buddhism, that we should get as many new people to join as we could, and, finally, I just felt that this was not for me. I have my own relationship with God. I don't need somebody else's rules for that.

There is a church across the road that a lot of people like. One of these days, I might try it. It's also very diverse, and people feel fulfilled by their connection there.

We are home from the deer lease. We had a good time and the weather was beautiful. We have cameras that watch the game where the guys hunt and there were LOTS of really nice bucks at Gary's stand. He was really excited today when he saw the pictures.

We love the little town near our lease, Goldthwaite, TX. They really cater to hunters and I just love the charm of a friendly small town. I grew up in a very small town and I miss it sometimes.

I'm so bad!! For the first time in a long tome I slept in on Sunday....8:55 am, I'm pretty sure that's a new record for me. I didn't get to go to the church, but hopefully next Sunday. I must have really been tired because I didn't wake up but one time during the night to go potty.

Wasn't sure I was going to have any energy, but later in the day it kicked in and I was able to get a few things done.

Wait Janet, 8:55 is sleeping in :confused:

My sleeping in is more like noon :rolleyes:

I was so tired today, I just had to lay down for a while when I got home. I still feel very tired. I had a busy day at work, but I guess I'm just not recovered from our travels.

I am really enjoying the cooler weather. It was 58 this morning, and it feels so nice in the evenings after the sun goes behind the trees in the back yard.

Yes Jessica.....that is really late for me. I'm usually up by 6:30 or 7:00 at the latest. Once in a great while a little later, but not by much. This morning I'm going to breakfast with a friend and then a lot of errands. Hope I can get them all done.

Homecoming was so nice!! The weather was just perfect!! There didn't seem to be as many people as usual but that could be because of the economy......it just costs too much to travel. There's always the hometown parade....Feyn's family and Amy's family were all in the parade somewhere!!! Glen pretty much was with me all afternoon....he usually finds some farmer friend and stands in one spot and talks but this time we were together. We went through our town's museum. There are several things in there that are Glen's family's because his aunt worked in the museum when she was alive so it's always interesting to go and visit. We shopped at the few craft booths.....I bought an apron for Karlie and another one for Jaci that had John Deere tractors on it!! I bought a bracelet for me and some clips for Jazzi's hair. Our church youth group had a food booth so I had a turkey leg....it was one of the most tender ones that I've ever had and we bought some extras to bring home!!! Yummm...... We went home about 4 or so. There is also a bean feed but since it's not on my diet we just went home. The rides were pretty expensive and we're not into them so we were done with Homecoming for this year!!

Dae Lynn was off of work on Monday so we went to Wal-mart to get some groceries. It's nice to shop together and plan meals!!! I'll miss that when she leaves!!! We also shopped at Cato's and I bought some clothes a size smaller!! My clothes are really hanging on me but I hate to get new but it's becoming necessary!!! I've bought a couple of pair of jeans on e-bay so I'm anxious for them to come and I'm hoping that Amy will fit into my clothes that I'm leaving. She's having the same problems!! So far I've lost 20 pounds!!! Yay!!!

Wow Diana, 20 pounds is a lot to be proud of!! Way to go! Enjoy buying your new clothes!

I have been so tired lately, and I have no idea why! I sleep in the car while Scott drives to and from work, and I've been napping after work, going to bed early, and sleeping all night!

I'm trying to get ready for Thanksgiving, which is this weekend. I had no plans until Scott's parents asked to come last weekend. That was a little late to plan, but still okay. We invited my grandma too and bought a small turkey last weekend. Might as well! Then without telling me, Scott also invited his sister, her husband, and their son. We may have enough turkey if nobody eats very much, but I don't want to go buy another bigger one now. I'm just stressed knowing I'll be cooking for 8 now! They are all staying over too so I have to go shopping for things to make for breakfast. And there I was, looking forward to a relaxing long weekend!

Well folks, I have poison ivy alll over the right side of my face. I'm sure I got it at the lease. I've never has it before, I was the only one in my family who never got it :mad:. I picked up a stick and walked with it for about 10 minutes. I'm betting it was a poison ivy or oak cane. It never occurred to me that it might be poison ivy. I carried the stick in my right hand and then I probably wiped my hand all over the right side of my face. :mad::mad::mad:. It's even inside my right ear, that's one reason I'm pretty sure it was on my hand to start with. I don't have any on my hand though. Weird.

I noticed it yesterday, and it's much worse today. I had to go get some benadryl gel, it was itching so badly. I have class tomorrow evening. I'm gonna be so pretty. Thankfully I don't have any appointments on Friday, so I'll just work at home on Friday. if my face sweeps any more, I'll prob go get some cortisone.

Happy thanksgiving, Lindsey.

Oh, Gayle, that's terrible.

I'm struggling to keep my positivity lately. I can't seem to stay on my stride. On a lighter note: since I don't have a washer/dryer yet, I treated myself to taking my clothes to a cleaners on Monday - towels, underwear and all. Went to pick it up today ... $6.00 to dry-clean my $12 three year old walmart pajamas, even though the ticket says laundry only. Paid $44 for about half of my stuff. My work slacks and undies won't be ready until Friday. No idea why. I didn't realize it's only a drop off place. I actually plan to not pay any more when I get the rest. When they hang it on that rack, I'll let them wrestle me down as I pick it up and walk out. I'm really worried about how much that $8 sports bra is gonna cost me. I could have bought a nice used washer for that much.

Happy thanksgiving, Lindsey.

Oh, Gayle, that's terrible.

I'm struggling to keep my positivity lately. I can't seem to stay on my stride. On a lighter note: since I don't have a washer/dryer yet, I treated myself to taking my clothes to a cleaners on Monday - towels, underwear and all. Went to pick it up today ... $6.00 to dry-clean my $12 three year old walmart pajamas, even though the ticket says laundry only. Paid $44 for about half of my stuff. My work slacks and undies won't be ready until Friday. No idea why. I didn't realize it's only a drop off place. I actually plan to not pay any more when I get the rest. When they hang it on that rack, I'll let them wrestle me down as I pick it up and walk out. I'm really worried about how much that $8 sports bra is gonna cost me. I could have bought a nice used washer for that much.

Sandy, I would have complained about dry cleaning a shirt that I wanted laundered. You shouldn't have had to pay for that. Sounds like you better invest in a used washer and dryer......and soon!!!! Or else go to the laundry mat to do your washing.

Lindsey.....don't get too stressed out by the company coming. Buy a small ham to go with your turkey. They're easy to bake and you'll have plenty then. Make sure that you have plenty of other food and you'll be just fine. Ask any women that are coming to bring a dish or dessert......let them know what you want them to bring or give them a choice between a couple of things. With providing the place to have it you have enough to get done so it won't hurt for them to help out. Also....use paper plates and cups so clean up is easier!!! Don't stress!!! If you have anything else that pops up let us know and we'll help you handle it!!!

Oh Gayle......I feel so sorry for you!!! I've had poison ivy and poison oak and they're both awful!!! I used to have to go and get a shot when I got it because I would get it so bad! I hope that you find some relief soon!!! Hugs!!!!

I haven't had much going on this week but I'm leaving in the morning for a women's conference in Wichita. Several of our church ladies are going so it will be fun. We have some really fun women!!! On Saturday morning I signed up for a work day in an orphanage or girls home or something. I was told that some women will get to interact with the kids and some will be working and organizing clothes and painting. It sounds like a good time no matter what I end up doing. So I'll be gone for a couple of days.

Damon goes to court tomorrow. We're not sure what's going to happen. Dae Lynn's checked into another program that's only a few months but the cost is more than they can do. I guess we'll see what happens. I'm torn between what I think should be done with him and mad at myself for being fustrated by him. I care what happens but I'm tired of everything that goes with having him around but feel like he will be worse if he's not around us......so hard.

Diana....way to go!!!! 20 lbs is alot to lose. You are doing so great!

Happy Thanksgiving Lindsey....can't believe the time has come for the holidays already. Wish we could put them off for a bit. Like Diana said....let the others brings side dishes and help out. It's much more fun when you're sharing your kitchen with others.

Gayle...I feel so bad for you. I've never had poison ivy, but I have had poison oak all over my wrists (I had gloves on). It was so painful and itchy. I hope you can get some relief from it soon.

Sandy is there something we can help with? To bring back your positivity? I know it's hard at times, but I'll help if I can.

Today after I did the afternoon route Ricky and I headed to the woods on the four-wheelers. It was so nice. I hadn't been to the woods for a year so it was good to go. I love being in the woods during the fall and just sitting watching all the leaves fall to the grown....so peaceful.

Here are a couple pictures of Ricky and I.....

Attachment 6786 Attachment 6787

Janet, you look like you are having so much fun! You need to have some fun.

I am feeling a lot better this evening. I went to my nurse practitioner and got some steroids today and they have really helped. Plus I looked up home remedies for poison ivy and found out that you must dry it out and most people use alcohol directly on the blisters. Ouch!!! But it is helping. So I keep doing it. I'm hoping to look less like a gargoyle tomorrow.

Diana ... I'll just go to the laundromat for a few weeks until I get my settlement.

Janet ... Love you smile. Do that more often.

Gayle ... Glad you're feeling better.

I'm gearing up for an extremely productive weekend, painting, repairing a couple of screens, and some landscaping. I'll get my groove back.

Gayle, I'm glad it's getting better! I've never had poison ivy either, but it doesn't sound fun!

Janet, it does look like you had fun!

Diana, Scott's mom is making cabbage rolls and she will also be bringing potatoes from her sister's farm. But the rest is up to us, and we will be peeling and cooking the potatoes here. I asked Scott this morning to help out with cooking too... because now I'm SICK! :( I think I caught a cold from my grandma. She has had it all week, and yesterday morning I started getting stuffed up, and by last night I couldn't even breathe. My eyes are watering, my ears are ringing, my throat is tickling. Ugh. I was going to just stay home today and call in sick but I had stuff to get done at work today... I will probably leave when I get it done. I know I will probably still be sick for the weekend because my grandma's has not gotten any better yet and she's had it longer! Right now I'm slathered in Vick's Vapo-rub, just finished drinking Neo-Citran, and I drank some Buckley's cough and cold medicine this morning. I feel like crap! I wish I could tell everyone not to come, and just stay in bed for the weekend!

Lindsey....I would call it off. There is no way I would want to do all that and not feel good. Besides...I wouldn't want to come and risk getting sick myself. You really need to give this more thought, or postpone it till the next weekend.

Lindsay, I know how hard it is to postpone something like Thanksgiving - but - I would let everyone know how sick I was so that they could decide whether or not to come and expose themselves to your crud. Maybe they will decide not to come! :D That would be wonderful!!! However, they will probably come since plans are already made. I'd just try my best and let everyone know that you are sick and you will do what you can. If I couldn't go any more, I'd just crawl upstairs and go to bed for awhile and let everyone else proceed with fixing the meal. I'm so sorry you are sick! I got sick once the day before Christmas, but it was just my mom and daughter and family, so they just took over and did everything for me.

My poison ivy is getting better. It is still weeping some, but I just rub it down with alcohol :eek: and most places are now scabbed over. Oh yes, I look lovely with scabs on my face :roll eyes:. But the swelling is down and I was able to put some powder makeup on the lesions, not to cover them, but to tone down the screaming redness of them so that I could go to the Apple store and get my new iMac! My old mac could not be repaired so I just got a new one. It was not in my budget, but oh well, what can you do.

This machine is wonderful - I really love it. The screen is SO BIG!!! http://store.apple.com/us/browse/hom...co=MjIwNTQyNjE Here's a link to it. I got the 21.5 inch screen which is bigger than my old iMac so it seems REALLY BIG!!! I get an education discount since I am a teacher - it isn't much but every little bit helps. My only bump in the road is that I wasn't able to set up my school email account - I'll have to look at the settings at school on Monday and try again. I'm working at home today - but of course, I had to have a computer to actually get any work done! :D

I am at home now. I worked 7:30 to 11:00, went to my grandma's and visited until 12:30 with her and Layla, and then me and Layla came home. I have to drive back into the city later to pick up Scott.

I know everyone coming (other than my grandma, who is sick already so it won't bother her!!) goes on Facebook a lot so I made sure my status said I was sick. I will tell Scott to maybe casually mention it to his sister. She's pregnant and due in a month so she definitely won't want to catch this! I also told Scott he will need to help out if I'm still feeling like this. It won't be much... cutting some carrots and parsnip to cook, steaming asparagus, making some stuffing. I can season the turkey and put it in the oven early in the day, and we're making some fruit salad the day before everyone comes so that will be done. Maybe he and his mom could peel and cut the potatoes for cooking. I'm sure I can handle making the gravy too, because nobody else makes it as good as I do :D

Gayle I'm glad the swelling is down! Your new computer looks very nice!!

I'm glad you are home now! It sounds like you have spread the word about being sick - so that is GOOD. Good luck with everything, I hope it goes well.

Gayle you IMac looks really nice. I know nothing about them...lol. Do you have to have a keyboard with this? I hope I never have to get a new computer. I hardly ever use my desktop now since I have my laptop and IPad. Hopefully they will last awhile.

I'm not liking today very well. The neighbors have been working the beans all around us so I have to keep my windows closed. It's in the 80's. The bean dust is really mean to my sinuses. I'll be glad when they get it done around us....maybe another day or two.

Yes, you have to have a keyboard and a mouse - both came with the computer and both are wireless.

Like you, I use my iPad a lot, but I don't have a laptop, so I really need a desktop, especially when I work from home. It just isn't very easy to do word processing from my iPad. I've thought about getting a portable keyboard, but it's just easier to do it from my desktop computer.

Wow, Ive had a stressful work week. Not sure I'll be able to work with this manager. She is entirely too needy and very scatter brained. The vp admin calls her out of control. She texted me at 615 this morn, while I was driving in, to cancel her 8a mtg. ok, no shorten it, ok, no move it. Then, as I'm going out to meet a couple friends for lunch, she sends me a text for directions to a lunch meeting. I was ignoring it because it wagon my personal phone, so she starts calling on my company blackberry. Yes, I cancelled my lunch and went back in to pacify her.

Can't take much more.

Oh Sandy, she IS out of control. Can her boss help you? I don't think I could take that either. WHEW!

I haven't been on here for a while, and have missed quite a lot!

Congrats on the 20 pounds, Diana!!! That is quite an acomplishment, and I know you are feeling better from it too! :D

I hope you feel better today Linds! Take it easy and don't worry about imoressing anyone with you hosting skills. You let them all know you are sick, so they 1) should have cancelled and 2) should be very grateful for your efforts. ;)

Poor Gayle! I hope your poison ivy is almost gone! That alcohol must have stung like crazy!:( I love the new computer! It's so huge!!:)

Janet, what a great picture of you riding around on your 4 wheeler! You reallyt look happy. What a nice thing to be able to do!~:D

Sandy, hang in there. You will be settled in, but it does take time. I would be really angry at the dry cleaner, especially if the receipt say laundry only. You legally do not have to pay for the cleaning fees. Depends on how much effort you want to put into arguing with them. Maybe you should just grab your clothes and run!!! What's up with that crazy manager? Hope you figure out how to deal with her very soon! ;)

I've been having fun lately. We are having a run of beautiful, sunny days, and it is so nice! I am going to Jessie's today. I haven't seen the kids in over a week. Mackenzie is in her second cast. She hurt her foot this summer, and again a couple of weeks ago, so the orthopedist wants her in a cast so that all the injuries can heal. She didn't listen, and walked right through the bottom of the first cast, so she is now on the second!

Oops - that was Jessie. I'm going there tomorrow since they won't be home today. Ooooh! A whole day to myself! Lovely!:D:D:D

I'm home this weekend alone too! I put Gary on the train to Oklahoma Thursday and he will be home Monday. His sisters were getting together over the weekend and he wanted to go. I couldn't take off any more time from school, so I stayed here. It is good to be alone and quiet for a few days. The poopy poison ivy put a damper on things though. However, it is better today! YAY!

I'm looking for new chair pads for my 2 kitchen chairs and a new valance for the kitchen window. It's not easy to find things that I like. I've looked online and like a few things, but gee, you wouldn't think it would be this hard!

I haven't been able to sleep at night - I've woke at 3:00AM the last 2 nights. It's the cortisone. I just got up both nights and watched TV, silly movies on at that time of the night!

Remember all the pics of the yellow trees I took last week in Colorado - well this is what it looks like this week! This is actually about 40 miles south of where we were last week. I loved the yellow trees, but I would have liked to see this too!

Sandy...boss or not...I think I would have to tell her to not bother me with petty things. Gee...how'd she get her position...ride the coat tails of the employees? I'm afraid I would have to say something before I let it build up...but that's me.

Isn't it nice to have your own home to yourself once in awhile? Ricky is at work and his dad is on one of his cowboy shoots. So I've been here all day so far alone....love it!! I've cleaned out Mom's car and washed it, so hopefully we can either sell it to another dealer or just return it. If we can sell it to a dealer we'll get the lease payoff and then they will sell it for a profit. If we return it....they will auction it off and the estate will be responsible for the balance. After that, I went ahead and cleaned out my van and then washed it. I hadn't really taken the time to clean it since early spring and it was so dirty....inside and out.

I'm sitting here resting and cooling off and then I will take a nice relaxing shower and probably head to Mom's and see if any mail was delivered there. It's so pretty out, I may just take a leisurely drive afterwards.

Judy....I wish I could head your way and see the scenery there. Maybe someday.

Oh my gosh!! The tree is pretty, but that snow......I am not ready for that. I'm ready for it to cool off into the 60's for awhile, but I could live without snow.

I got my front porch and doorway painted, did more organizing, made a dressing table from a wide plank and four legs, and rehung some curtains. As soon as I can lift my arm, I'll start start painting the living room paneling. I'm thinking about leaving one wall unpainted.

Wow Sandy...you were busy too and sounds like you got a lot more accomplished than I did. I bet everything looks really nice. You'll have to remember to take before and after pictures, it's always fun to see what we've done...lol.

Not sure what I'm going to do tomorrow....again...I'd like to go try the church in town, but not sure I'll make it up without setting an alarm. I'm so tired already because of my lack of sleep last night. I guess I'll make that decision tomorrow.

I ran to Garden Ridge this afternoon and found some pictures for my kitchen. I have a bird theme going and I found some great pictures. I already had the wire bird cage. Now I need to get some red cushions for my chairs. I am so sorry, I don't know why some of my pictures are sideways??? Gotta do some more figuring out this new computer, I guess.

Today was a beautiful day. Mid 80's! Nice day for a auction! So off I went.
There was a auction in my grandmothers town about 20 miles away. The auction was across the street from where her house used to sit. After her death 30 years ago her property was sold to the church next door. They sold her house and it was moved a block away. Her property land then was turned into a new parking lot for the church, and the church added on a addition. Her house is so different now.. many changes over the years. Always been sad about all of that.

Anyway... I went to the auction hoping to find a memory.
I did!!!! Found a old print of the church with my grandparents home next to it!!
Yes I got it!!! So happy.. felt like a gift from grandma. It is very old, was glued onto a heavy backing, so a few wrinkles in it, but love love love it. Wasn't framed, but bought a old frame there also that turned out to be a perfect fit. It is 16 x 20.

Here it is.. my new treasure. Grandma's house is towards the back of the church on the left side. OH! And my cousin was there. Haven't seen her in a few years. Another gift.... a wonderful day.

OK, let's see if this comes out right. Got the pics straightened up but not the cage. GRRRR!

Sorry Janet, I know you don't like birds!

And one last time! Well, poop, can't figure out why this picture won't straighten up!!! BOO!