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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And we are having a weenie roast tonight!

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

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

How was the flea market, Janet?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Betsi have fun in Seattle!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope you all have a great day!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sounds like you got a lot done today Janet!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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