What Did You Do Today?

[Janet]

I'll have to take a picture of it for you. It really wouldn't look good on the floor. I do think we have it figured out though. We will probably put the heavy hooks into the studs and use a heavy guage wire to hang it. Hopefully we can find a guage thick enough that I'll feel safe it won't fall.

[Tiramisu]

Janet, maybe put a board horizontally nailed into the studs and then hang the mirror onto the board, if the mirror hides the board. Studs: such a diverse word. I bought me a stud finder, but it hasn't worked yet.

I'm coming to accept my new boss. I think I can outlast her. And, I'm almost not being friends with my admins and not letting them take advantage of me.

I'll drive up to Jeff's on the 22nd and we'll get on the road early the next morning, taking probably 12 hours to get to Branson. I booked a silver dollar city package, but I'll be hanging out with Katey so Jeff and Emily can take Abby and Sarah to the park. We have reservations on Christmas eve for Christmas on the trail, which looks like a wagon train sort of thing. We're taking one small gift for each of the girls to open on Christmas morning and we'll chill and cook in the cabin. On the 26th, we'll go to the Dixie stampede, which is a dolly Parton shindig. Then, we hope to go to shepherd of the hills on the 27th and head back on the 28th. There are some shows the big kids want to see, but we'll work those in as we go. Depending on what time we leave, we might spend the night somewhere along the way back.

I'm excited and yes, we're loosely planning this trip because it's such a break from tradition. What a blessing.

[Lindsey]

Sandy, I hope you have a lot of fun on your trip! It sounds like it will be a good time and it's nice to not do too much planning, so you can have some time to relax too!

Scott and I just took Layla to the vet and she has a pretty severe UTI I knew it. I had a feeling for months. I knew it smelled too strong when we expressed her, but Scott insisted it was normal. I should have listened to my gut a long time ago. The vet inserted a needle through her tummy into her bladder to get a sample, and she knew there was something going on as soon as she saw it. My poor little girl. I feel like we dropped the ball here. She is on antibiotics for two weeks and we'll see how it goes after that. She also had protein in her bladder which the vet said could be there because there's so many white blood cells there, or it could be that there's an issue with her kidneys. She also said it seems like Layla is breathing harder and struggling to open her lungs for enough air. She thought the dark color of her tongue might be because she's not breathing out enough. It could be because of the nerves and maybe there's some muscles she can't control there because of her paralysis. I don't know, it just seemed like there were a ton of things wrong. I've held it together but I feel like I'm letting her down. I need to be on top of her health. We will tackle one thing at a time and hopefully get the infection out of her urinary tract to begin with.

[Janet]

That may work Sandy, I'm have to check it out sometime tomorrow. I'm in bed now and the mind just isn't working properly...lol

You're too strong a woman to let anyone take advantage of you, no matter who it is!

Your trip sounds really nice! Since this Christmas is going to be tough getting through, I wish we could have made other plans. You are going to have so much fun!! Since I hardly ever get out of my county, please take some pictures so I can pretend I went too.

I have to go back to town again tomorrow to the attorneys office. Have to pick up the consent forms for my brothers to sign and take the deed in so the secretary can get information to make another or something for me. Then I have to come home and get ready to go to the Mulberry nursing home to share in the Christmas celebration with my friend and her mother. There will also be another girl I went to school with so looking forward to a very nice evening and a great meal.

Guess I'd better try to get to sleep...mornings come around so fast.

[judy]

Oh dear Linds! Poor little Layla! Like you said, one thing at a time. I hope it all gets better very soon, and isn't terribly expensive. Maybe it is nerves because of the new dogs? Sbe will get used to them. She is such a trooper!

Sandy, your Christmas plans sound like fun, but I must confess, I cannot picture this. I guess I'm just used to cold, snowy Christmases. I can't wait to see pictures!

Janet, I think if you can use the studs, you will be able to hang the mirror. It is nice to have your Mom's stuff in your own house. Then, you can move it back when you move into her house for good!

It snowed last night. I don't know if you remember that I had a lot of trouble with my steps being very icy and dangerous last winter. I got permission to build railings to hold on to, but I chose not to. Ther steps go to 4 houses, and I don't know what my liability would be. Steve also told me it would cost about $2000. The wood is very expensive, and he wanted to be paid for labor. Long story short, I don't want him to do the work. It's too much chaos! At this point, Jessie told him he cannot charge me for work anymore since I let her use my charge card, and I helped them out with money on their vacation. I do have work I need him to do for me, but I really prefer not to go that path anymore.

The good news is that the maintenance staff has been so on top of cleaning the snow off of my steps! They were here at 8:30, and all of the steps are clean. I know that cthey are making sure to keep it safe over here. They are probably liable if somebody gets hurt. They're also very nice here, and...I give good Chrisrmas presents! I appreciate them, and like to give them nice gifts to say thanks.

It's hair day,and then I will come home and hang a shelf in the kitchen. I also got some new glazes, and I am going to glaze some pottery. I'm excited about that.

[Lindsey]

Judy I am so jealous of your snow! We had a lot of snow last month but it has been warm for the past couple of weeks (on and off) and pretty much all of the snow is gone. Today it's -25 C (-13 F) with windchill and I hate when it's this cold and there's no snow!!! I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed for a white Christmas this year. We put our Christmas display up on the weekend and pounded the pins straight into the ground with no snow cover. It's just weird! I may have to just drink enough rum and egg nog until I see snow this Christmas!

I hope these antibiotics work for Layla, and work quickly. I hope the protein disappears too and we can rule out a kidney problem. She seemed to be breathing normal at home so maybe she was just nervous at the vet's office. I'm sure breathing is different anyway with the position of her body now. Her front legs sit further back than a normal dog and her weight is pushed more forward. Maybe she is just pushing harder because her legs are right against her ribs when she's sitting.

[DianaB]

Cute tree, Sandy!!! Make sure you dress warmly for Branson.......we're pretty cold up here now! You'll love Branson because there's so much to do!! I'm not sure what the traffic is like in the winter but in case it's bad make sure you get a map and use the side routes. You'll get to where you want to go so much quickly. Your motel will have them. The Dixie Stampede is nice.......make sure you go to the pre-show as well.

Janet, have you thought about placing your mirror on your fireplace mantle? What would it look like there?

Lindsey, how scary!!! Thank goodness you were alright!!

What a scare with Layla!!! Thank goodness you've got her on meds!! There's no reason to think that you did anything wrong......I'm sure her health is very delicate. Maybe having an appointment every three months or so to have her looked at.

Sorry again that I haven't been on. I can't explain how much Dean is into things and keeps me running. I can't hardly let him out of my sight. He's learned to push the chairs over to the cabinets now so that creates a whole new set of problems.

Dae Lynn, Amy, and I are going to Wichita tomorrow for Christmas shopping......anyway if we can get the kids situation figured out. I think that Glen's going to stay home and watch Dean. He knows that he has to keep an eye on him because he's been home with us.

I can't tell you how tired I am. Running after a 1 year old all day long. We've all been grouchy at different times.......It's not easy having them live with us.

[Janet]

Diana...I don't think I could handle being with a child all day again. Don't think I have the patience anymore. Ricky doesn't even date, so it doesn't look like I'll have grandkids born until after I'm gone at this rate. Then if I do, I'll be too old to even old them without supervision...lol

How long did you say they would be with you? It's probably not quite as bad in the summer as it is in the winter having them live with you. When doors and windows are open it feels like there is so much more space. You're missed when you're not here.

[judy]

Very true, Diana! You are missed!

How is Karlie these days?

[Tiramisu]

Wow, everybody's busy. We're all so blessed.

It's been in the upper 20s the last couple mornings with ice on my truck windows. Got my carport installed today, so mornings should be much nicer.

I took my admins to a nice lunch today and we sat there for 3 hours, it was so fun. And, I'm learning to deal with my boss. Working towards finishing up this year on a good positive note.

Love you all.

[judy]

That sounds good, Sandy!

Is your Christmas trip going to be in the cold? I hope the concerts are indoors!

[Janet]

Today was sooo cold. In the 20's and low 30's, but seemed a bit colder because of the wind. I had to make another run to town this morning. This time the lawyer wanted a copy of the appraisal. They mailed it to me without making a copy....duh! For some reason I keep forgetting to check my gas guage in the van so definitely needed some gas before heading back home. Also got my hair cut, feels so much better.

Rest of the day was normal routine, bus route, pick up around the house..etc. Not sure what the weekend has in store for me, but I hope it's not boring.

[DianaB]

I'm not sure how long Dae Lynn and the kids will be with us. It all depends on what happens after Damon gets out of jail. He goes to court next week and may get out......we'll see. He doesn't have a job and I don't think that my BIL will be hiring him back since it's winter and there's not much to do. Plus I'm not sure if Glen will let him move in with us and Dae Lynn. He should be with his family but Glen's still pretty mad at him so he may have to move in with his Mom or sister....who both live in another town. I'm just saying a prayer that God will work things out because I don't know what to do.

Dae Lynn loves Damon and wants him to go to rehab to get help but if he ever gets drunk again then I'm sure she'll be done. This time I do believe that she really means it. So they'll be staying with us until Damon gets his life straightened out......I think.......We'll see.

Karlie is....well....Karlie!!! Always in trouble!!! It doesn't help that Dae Lynn works at the school and sees how much she's in trouble!!! There are three kids that are always in trouble at lunch.....which Dae Lynn works the lunch room.....and one of them is Karlie. They make them stand at the wall so it's pretty easy to see Karlie when she's there!! Dae Lynn took a Christmas present out from under the tree and told her she would have to earn it back......but before she got that done she lost another present!!! She's not gotten one back so maybe the other one will be back today. Some days I feel so sorry for her and other days I could wring her neck!!!!

Dae Lynn, Amy, and I went to Wichita yesterday and worked on Christmas shopping. Wow......did we shop!!!! The fun part.....well, it was all fun......but we stopped at Goodwill!!! I loved it!! I found a couple of shirts for myself, a nativity set ......like new, in the box.....from Department 56......and several other things!!! I'm going to have to go back and spend more time there!!!

I got lots of stuff!! I've bought sooo much for Karlie, Dean, and even Dae Lynn!!! I'm going to have to quit on them!! I got most of Amy's, Tammy's, and all of the grandkids. Now I need to figure out what to do for the guys and a little bit more for my Mom and Step-Dad. I called Mom and all she could think of that they needed was gloves!!! Maybe I'll get a gift certificate for Penney's. They would use that!!

I found a little toy wind-up scuba diver that can go in the bathtub.....for Glen!!! He'll get a laugh out of that!!!

Amy and Dae Lynn were so funny!! We ate supper really late at IHOP and they loaded up on coffee to drive home......then they also get giggly when they're tired so the trip home was hilarious!!! I love going places with my girls!!! Such fun!!!

[judy]

God will take care of Dae Lynn, the kids and Damon, Diana. Which way it goes, it will be for the best. But, you know that already! I'll keep them in my prayers.

I think long car trips with your kids are the best! There is nothing else to do but enjoy each other. or talk things out, if need be.

I am so bored today!!! I have something in my system, and am not feeling great. I stayed in today and yesterday, and I really need to get out! I have been gettingt a ,lot done in the house, but I need a break!!

Jessie wants me to watch the kids tonight and tomorrow. I told her I don't feel well, but I don't know if she is bringing them anyway. It feels so late, but it is only 6:38. She was going to call me, but I haven't heard from her. She could just pop in. She is probably afraid to call me! I might say no. It seems that Steve has gotten a job starting Monday, so they want to do their Christmas shopping tomorrow. It's a strange job...he will learn welding, but will have to travel and be away for a week at a time. Not that far, but he will be put up in a hotel room with another guy. They will have opposite shifts, so won't get in each others' way. ????????????? What is there to say? Will he actually go? Who knows! I do not like this idea, but am keeping it to myself. He is a drinker, and this would not be a good situation for him, especially if all the other guys drink. He won't like being away from home, and the hotel and meals out thing sounds like an awful way to live. I did tell her that I don't think he will go. She said he has to. They have no money. I'm sorry I said even that much. I believe in minding my own business. Sharing it all here helps, of course!

I finished reading a book today, and now have nothing I want to do. I guess I'll switch off the dogs' pee pads, and wash the dirty ones. That sounds like fun!

[gja1000]

Diana, I'm glad your Christmas shopping was so much fun. You have so many to buy for, I don't know how you do it!!!

Judy, you sound like you have the blahs! I have felt that way for the past couple of weeks. I've been really bitchy too and snappy with almost everyone. Someone at school asked me if I was mad at them. I had to laugh, because no I wasn't, but in some ways I feel mad at everyone! I think I just miss having the kids here during the holiday season. It doesn't seem near as much fun.

I could have killed Gary last week (a couple of times in fact - LOL). He went out and bought (unbeknownst to me) a Yorkie-Poo for his aunt. She lost her dog 2 years ago, and has talked about getting another one, but hadn't for various reasons. So he just goes out and gets one - from a puppy mill, I am sure (he knows nothing about breeders). She was cute, but woefully underweight. She was only 2.2 lbs but has already gained a pound, so I think she'll be OK.

I was so mad. He THOUGHT we were going to keep it till after Christmas and take it to her in Oklahoma after Christmas. Well, I was so mad at him, he took it too her the day after he brought it home. All is well, she is thrilled with the dog, her husband - not so much. Like me, he will have to take care of the dog - Gary's aunt has a variety of physical and mental problems and she isn't able to do all that needs to be done with a puppy. It is 3 1/2 months old, so at least it wasn't a tiny baby. Even though everything worked out OK, sometimes I think my husband has lost his mind. If someone just brought me a puppy out of the clear blue, I would kill them! LOL! To me, it's kinda like having a new baby in the house.

Then the second time I wanted to off him was when my stove was delivered. I don't think I've told you the stove saga. Well, we got a new stove in August when we replaced our kitchen counters. I don't cook much, especially in the summer so I didn't use the oven right away. When I used the oven (very rarely) I noticed that when you turned it on, a fan came on and blew air out the front of the oven door. I didn't think too much about it at the time, thought it was odd, but didn't notice it too much. The air initially was cool, but if the oven was on for 30 minutes or so, the air got hotter. And yes, there was a regular oven vent in the top back of the stove, I don't know what this damned fan was doing except blowing air out the front of the stove.

When the weather cooled off, I used the oven more and I guess it was in October, I was cooking something in the oven and also cooking (stirring) on top of the stove. Well, the longer the oven was on, the hotter the air coming out the oven door got. It was so bad I couldn't stand to stand in front of the oven and stir. Also, when you opened the oven door, the fan blew all the hot air right in your face. I just hated it. So I called sears, it was a Kenmore. It was past my 90 days to return it but they were really nice and I went to the store and picked out a stove that DID NOT have the fan and they changed it out last week. But alas, when they delivered and installed it, it DID HAVE A FAN. Gary knew it had the fan when they installed it but didn't call me to tell me. I would have told them to take the damned thing back right then. So, when I came home to a NEW stove that STILL blew hot air on me - I was furious - I mean REALLY furious. So, back to Sears I went last night. I changed brands, from Kenmore to GE. If this stove has a fan that blows on me, I don't know what might happen! LOL!