It's been a while, but life has been somewhat boring for a while. Until this past weekend.
Read on!
I am not sure if I've ever mentioned that we are the adopted parents of Josephus Awrightus' cat, Figaro. He's made his home with us for almost 3 years now (I think), because when JA moved out, he wasn't too sure of how safe his furry friend would be in his new digs. So Figaro (aka Mafia Cat) has made his home with us for almost 3 years.
He's had his share of adventures. And he didn't come by the name "Mafia Cat" because of his gentle nature. He hates other cats, although he tolerates dogs okay. And he's always ready for a fight. Last year he tangled with something bigger than he was--probably a raccoon, and after a $164-ish vet bill to fix him up, we determined he would no longer be allowed to spend nights outside. Now he has lost his "after dark" outside privileges as well. Here's the story.
Friday evenings Josephus Awrightus comes over for dinner and to hang out with his parents. Last Friday, he made a run to Barnes & Noble (payday, money burning a hole in his pocket), and when he returned about 9:45, Mafia Cat wanted in as well. But all was not well with Mafia Cat!
He looked pretty disheveled and grubby, and on closer inspection, we realized he was covered in motor oil. How he got that way, we can only guess. We couldn't just leave that on him, so we attempted to wipe him down as best we could, but he wasn't having any. After a good romp through the house trying to catch up with him so we could try to wipe off the oil, and even wash it off with a squirt bottle filled with soap, we just put old blankets on all the surfaces that he usually sits on and called it good.
The next morning he seemed pretty humble and subdued, but that only lasted until Pink Avenger came over and we attempted to give him a bath. We all know that most cats hate water. We weren't going to actually immerse him in water, but were attempting to wash him off by soaking him down with our *wucka-wucka* machine (bug sprayer but never had any chemicals in it) and applying Dawn dish soap on a sponge to the affected parts. We were well gloved, had him in the bathtub, plenty of towels, and were prepared for the worst!
Which we got! His normal meow is pretty lame, which seems odd considering he's a 20-pound cat and meaner than a junkyard dog. However, his *howler* works very well. We both came near to losing a hand or two, and when it was all over *Slick* climbed Pink Avenger's leg and attempted to bite and scratch her. He didn't seem particularly interested in having us dry him off, so we let him out of the bathroom and he had to dry pretty much on his own.
Naturally he'd do something like this late on a Friday night, and Petsmart doesn't bathe kitties on the weekend.
He looks a lot better, although his left cheek (white) and left back paw (also white) still is a dirty brown color, and you can tell there's still oil residue on his back and sides. But Mafia Cat has a new nickname which we will probably use forever: Slick!
And Slick must be in before dark!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Where Does the Time Go?
Another week has flown swiftly by. Lots of fun things, and some "not-so-fun" things have occurred this week. Lets see what's been happening in my life for the week of Oct. 12th-18th
First off ........
I stepped on the scale this morning and found that I have dropped about 3 pounds (could be 2, but it looks like 3) since the last time I weighed myself on our bathroom scale. Pretty darn good, considering that we've gone through two weeks of 2,000-2,400 calories--per the Curves diet plan. Tomorrow we start all over again with the 1,200 calorie per day plan. Weigh-in at Curves isn't until November 1st, but I hope those scales show a nice weigh loss as well.
Windy City
The first couple of days this week it was pretty windy around here. I love the wind, although I *don't* love the damage it can do. And as long as I can stay inside, cozied up next to the wood stove with a nice hot fire going, and my electricity still working. Where we are, we're pretty much only able to feel the east winds, which we seem to get more of. We're butt-up against a nice hill that blocks the south winds, so we don't feel those very much. Columbus Day was on Monday, and I was reminded of the great Columbus Day storm in 1962, when I was a sophomore in high school. At our house we knew it was windy, but how windy we didn't know until our power came back on the next day and we could see the news reports. The house of my youth (not the same one as in this photo) was/is also butt-up against a much taller hill--Forest Park--so we didn't get *near* the devastation that others did. When I met DC a few years later and the Columbus Day storm came into the conversation, I learned that he was out in it, and that his family lost their electricity for a couple of weeks. They were on top of a hill, rather than sheltered by one, so they felt the affects much more than my family did. Fortunately they had gas appliances so they could still eat hot meals. Their furnace was gas as well, but the thermostat was run by electricty. I think DC's dad was able to bypass it somehow. My family home was also run mostly by gas--cooking and heating anyway, but we didn't go long without the electricity.
Part of my brother's fence blew down on Tuesday, so we went up after everyone got home and put it back up. Well, actually DC & brother did, while I chatted inside with Sis-in-law, but I was along for moral support. They live atop the hill, so they get all the winds that hit our fair city.
Sad News
Ardyth's brand new kitten, Kaylee, passed away this week. She was only about 6 months old, but had FIP, which is an incurable kitty disease that I haven't had a chance to Google for to get the details on. I did get to meet her, and she was the sweetest little thing. Reminded me a bit of PA's kitty, Piewacket. Whenever I meet someone who has lost a furry friend, I send the link to the poem "Rainbow Bridge," which my brother sent me years ago at the lost of his first kitty, Tsunami. Here's the link for anyone who hasn't seen it before:
http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm
Grandma Nora said on many occasions that our pets are ours in the hereafter, too. This poem pretty much says it, too. Enjoy!
The End
I have a few people I need to think up nicknames for. That will be on my list of to-do's this week. I thank Heffalump for most of the names I have used--they were hers first.
First off ........
I stepped on the scale this morning and found that I have dropped about 3 pounds (could be 2, but it looks like 3) since the last time I weighed myself on our bathroom scale. Pretty darn good, considering that we've gone through two weeks of 2,000-2,400 calories--per the Curves diet plan. Tomorrow we start all over again with the 1,200 calorie per day plan. Weigh-in at Curves isn't until November 1st, but I hope those scales show a nice weigh loss as well.
Windy City
The first couple of days this week it was pretty windy around here. I love the wind, although I *don't* love the damage it can do. And as long as I can stay inside, cozied up next to the wood stove with a nice hot fire going, and my electricity still working. Where we are, we're pretty much only able to feel the east winds, which we seem to get more of. We're butt-up against a nice hill that blocks the south winds, so we don't feel those very much. Columbus Day was on Monday, and I was reminded of the great Columbus Day storm in 1962, when I was a sophomore in high school. At our house we knew it was windy, but how windy we didn't know until our power came back on the next day and we could see the news reports. The house of my youth (not the same one as in this photo) was/is also butt-up against a much taller hill--Forest Park--so we didn't get *near* the devastation that others did. When I met DC a few years later and the Columbus Day storm came into the conversation, I learned that he was out in it, and that his family lost their electricity for a couple of weeks. They were on top of a hill, rather than sheltered by one, so they felt the affects much more than my family did. Fortunately they had gas appliances so they could still eat hot meals. Their furnace was gas as well, but the thermostat was run by electricty. I think DC's dad was able to bypass it somehow. My family home was also run mostly by gas--cooking and heating anyway, but we didn't go long without the electricity.
Part of my brother's fence blew down on Tuesday, so we went up after everyone got home and put it back up. Well, actually DC & brother did, while I chatted inside with Sis-in-law, but I was along for moral support. They live atop the hill, so they get all the winds that hit our fair city.
Sad News
Ardyth's brand new kitten, Kaylee, passed away this week. She was only about 6 months old, but had FIP, which is an incurable kitty disease that I haven't had a chance to Google for to get the details on. I did get to meet her, and she was the sweetest little thing. Reminded me a bit of PA's kitty, Piewacket. Whenever I meet someone who has lost a furry friend, I send the link to the poem "Rainbow Bridge," which my brother sent me years ago at the lost of his first kitty, Tsunami. Here's the link for anyone who hasn't seen it before:
http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm
Grandma Nora said on many occasions that our pets are ours in the hereafter, too. This poem pretty much says it, too. Enjoy!
The End
I have a few people I need to think up nicknames for. That will be on my list of to-do's this week. I thank Heffalump for most of the names I have used--they were hers first.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Puzzles
Last night was the second installment of my birthday gift from Ardyth--Puzzle & Game night. Only Ardyth opened it up to my other daughters and their husbands, as well as my sister-in-law and my brother. Snacky food was the menu of the evening, and there were plenty of chips, clam dip, Ardyth's home-made garlic dip, donuts, cookies, and Ezre's chili. Plus "drinkage" (our term for beverages). And Ardyth came armed with lots of crossword puzzle books, Sudoku books, other types of puzzle books, and photocopies of some of the puzzles, as she was planning a contest to see who could finish a crossword puzzle first (with prizes). Since Sudoku was new to some of us, so she wanted to be sure she had enough copies for everyone to try without waiting for a free book. And she even supplied mechanical pencils. What a girl!
Ezre and Pink Avenger and their hubbies were the only ones who were able to come. Heffalump & my sis-in-law were both sick, and Myra was recovering from the birthday party they had given for Princess T earlier in the day.
Some of us were new to crossword puzzles as well. I have done them off and on through the years, especially those in the newspaper. And from time to time someone will gift me with a crossword puzzle book. This was one of my mother's favorite pasttimes, so it brought her memory a little closer to us. Ardyth was 13 when my mother passed away, so she remembered seeing Mom doing the puzzles. Ezre and PA never met her--she died three years before they were born.
Ardyth finished the crossword puzzle first, I was second, and I'm not sure whether Ezre or her husband (aka Roman) was third. Ezre was one who had never done crossword puzzles before (I don't think she has, anyway), so it was fun as we all tried to give her hints when she got stuck. For example, a 4-letter word using "turkey" as an example. She had the MEA, but couldn't imagine what the last letter could be. I don't remember exactly what clue Roman gave her, but she cried out triumphantly "MEAL." Poor Roman, he laid his head down on the table and groaned while the rest of us who had already gotten it, laughed. She did get it after that (the answer was "MEAT").
I have tried Sudoku in the past but had always given up because I lack the patience to keep erasing when I discover a wrongly-placed number. So Ardyth showed me her strategy. Totally different than what the first book I had ever seen had given. No wonder I was frustrated. I will be giving Sudoku a better look now.
Thanks Ardyth, for a GREAT evening!
Ezre and Pink Avenger and their hubbies were the only ones who were able to come. Heffalump & my sis-in-law were both sick, and Myra was recovering from the birthday party they had given for Princess T earlier in the day.
Some of us were new to crossword puzzles as well. I have done them off and on through the years, especially those in the newspaper. And from time to time someone will gift me with a crossword puzzle book. This was one of my mother's favorite pasttimes, so it brought her memory a little closer to us. Ardyth was 13 when my mother passed away, so she remembered seeing Mom doing the puzzles. Ezre and PA never met her--she died three years before they were born.
Ardyth finished the crossword puzzle first, I was second, and I'm not sure whether Ezre or her husband (aka Roman) was third. Ezre was one who had never done crossword puzzles before (I don't think she has, anyway), so it was fun as we all tried to give her hints when she got stuck. For example, a 4-letter word using "turkey" as an example. She had the MEA, but couldn't imagine what the last letter could be. I don't remember exactly what clue Roman gave her, but she cried out triumphantly "MEAL." Poor Roman, he laid his head down on the table and groaned while the rest of us who had already gotten it, laughed. She did get it after that (the answer was "MEAT").
I have tried Sudoku in the past but had always given up because I lack the patience to keep erasing when I discover a wrongly-placed number. So Ardyth showed me her strategy. Totally different than what the first book I had ever seen had given. No wonder I was frustrated. I will be giving Sudoku a better look now.
Thanks Ardyth, for a GREAT evening!
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Whatta Week!
Now THERE'S a Name That Just Rolls Right Off Your Tongue!
Matt Tuiasosopo. I loved to say that name (last name) years ago when we lived in Seattle and his father, Manu Tuiasosopo, played football for the Seattle Seahawks. It's nice to see that name still in sports. One of Manu's sons, Matt, has been brought up from a Seattle Mariners farm club to play for the Mariners at the end of the season. Hit his first major league home run earlier this week, too.
I almost got to meet his father years ago. Several Seahawks, including Manu T & Jim Zorn, visited our Res office. It was my day off. I was so disappointed when I returned to work and heard the news. I don't remember now just why they were visiting us. Our office was still in downtown Seattle on Westlake Avenue, so it was before 1980. Must have been 1979 or early 1980, as Wikipedia says Manu Tuiasospo played for the Seahawks from 1979-1983 and our office moved out across the road from Sea-Tac in May 1980.
Good luck Matt Tuiasosopo, I wish you well in your career!
PS: While Tuiasospo is fun to say, it's not very fun to type out. Spelling variations I have stumbled upon in this blog include, but are not limited to:
Tuiasosopop
Tuiasposo
Tuiasopso
--------------------------
Losers!
Ezre has had us on a diet and exercise regime for almost 2 weeks now. And my friend Rose Marie and I have been going to Curves for almost two years now, in an attempt to get in better shape and lose some weight. I think I've lost the same couple of pounds, and regained them back, over this full amount of time.
Until this week, that is! Weigh-in was Friday. We usually weigh in once a month. My last weigh-in was on September 2nd. I had forgotten to weigh myself when we started this diet/exercise regime of Ezre's, so I don't know how much of the weight I lost in September was *after* we started the diet.
BUT I LOST 6 POUNDS!
And gained a star on my foot!
To explain, at Curves, once you have lost a combination of 12 inches and/or pounds, you get a foot--a paper foot with your name on it taped to the wall. We had earned ours about a year ago. As a result of the 6 pounds and 3.25 inches lost this past month, I got a star to represent the next 12 pounds/inches lost. Rose Marie got one as well. So we are the first of the two losers this section will cover.
The next *loser* is my daughter Myra. She has also been on a diet/exercise regime for a few months now. I don't know what she weighed when she started, but this past week she met her goal of 125 pounds. And got to celebrate with a shopping spree to buy some clothes that fit! Way to go, Myra!
When I was over at Myra and Art's house (Art is her dh) the other day, I noticed that Art was also somewhat thinner. So, congratulations to Art, who has lost around 27 pounds!
DC is also losing weight, I'm not sure how much either because I'm not sure what he weighed when we started. But our diets are good, exercise could be jumped up a bit. We are changing our life styles.
What I also notice is that I have more energy and don't need the customary afternoon nap anymore. Just the act of getting sugar and fat out of my diet has helped in the energy level too.
Congratulations to us all!
Matt Tuiasosopo. I loved to say that name (last name) years ago when we lived in Seattle and his father, Manu Tuiasosopo, played football for the Seattle Seahawks. It's nice to see that name still in sports. One of Manu's sons, Matt, has been brought up from a Seattle Mariners farm club to play for the Mariners at the end of the season. Hit his first major league home run earlier this week, too.
I almost got to meet his father years ago. Several Seahawks, including Manu T & Jim Zorn, visited our Res office. It was my day off. I was so disappointed when I returned to work and heard the news. I don't remember now just why they were visiting us. Our office was still in downtown Seattle on Westlake Avenue, so it was before 1980. Must have been 1979 or early 1980, as Wikipedia says Manu Tuiasospo played for the Seahawks from 1979-1983 and our office moved out across the road from Sea-Tac in May 1980.
Good luck Matt Tuiasosopo, I wish you well in your career!
PS: While Tuiasospo is fun to say, it's not very fun to type out. Spelling variations I have stumbled upon in this blog include, but are not limited to:
Tuiasosopop
Tuiasposo
Tuiasopso
--------------------------
Losers!
Ezre has had us on a diet and exercise regime for almost 2 weeks now. And my friend Rose Marie and I have been going to Curves for almost two years now, in an attempt to get in better shape and lose some weight. I think I've lost the same couple of pounds, and regained them back, over this full amount of time.
Until this week, that is! Weigh-in was Friday. We usually weigh in once a month. My last weigh-in was on September 2nd. I had forgotten to weigh myself when we started this diet/exercise regime of Ezre's, so I don't know how much of the weight I lost in September was *after* we started the diet.
BUT I LOST 6 POUNDS!
And gained a star on my foot!
To explain, at Curves, once you have lost a combination of 12 inches and/or pounds, you get a foot--a paper foot with your name on it taped to the wall. We had earned ours about a year ago. As a result of the 6 pounds and 3.25 inches lost this past month, I got a star to represent the next 12 pounds/inches lost. Rose Marie got one as well. So we are the first of the two losers this section will cover.
The next *loser* is my daughter Myra. She has also been on a diet/exercise regime for a few months now. I don't know what she weighed when she started, but this past week she met her goal of 125 pounds. And got to celebrate with a shopping spree to buy some clothes that fit! Way to go, Myra!
When I was over at Myra and Art's house (Art is her dh) the other day, I noticed that Art was also somewhat thinner. So, congratulations to Art, who has lost around 27 pounds!
DC is also losing weight, I'm not sure how much either because I'm not sure what he weighed when we started. But our diets are good, exercise could be jumped up a bit. We are changing our life styles.
What I also notice is that I have more energy and don't need the customary afternoon nap anymore. Just the act of getting sugar and fat out of my diet has helped in the energy level too.
Congratulations to us all!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
September 27th, 2009
So Long, Duke Boys!
On the northeast corner of 112th Avenue and 18th Street, stands a rundown brown house with a dirt driveway and ramshackle garage. In the back is lots of empty land, mostly mud. Living in this house were a couple of young-adult-type boys/men who were usually out tinkering in the driveway or the garage on some hot-roddy type pickup truck or car. And if they weren't out there tinkering, the fruits of their labor could be seen in the driveway, the garage, or sitting in the back forty. PA affectionately dubbed them "the Duke boys," after Bo & Luke Duke of the Dukes of Hazzard. And after seeing a woman in skimpy shorts at the mailbox one time (a la Daisy Duke), we felt that the moniker really suited them. Even if we never saw them out playing in the mud bog, the condition of their trucks told us that they must have spent plenty of time out there. The trucks were usually covered in mud. Who needed to go to the backwoods when you had this nifty-neat mud bog in your very own back yard!
Yesterday we were on the way to PA's house with a bench that we had been keeping for her. As we waited at the light on the corner of 112th Avenue & 18th Street, PA noticed that the Duke house appeared to be empty, and no muddy trucks were in the driveway, the garage, or in the back forty. We figure this property is going up for sale soon, making way for some fancy-schmancy apartments or houses or something else in the name of "progress."
So long, Duke boys! We'll miss your muddy trucks and seeing you tinkering on them in your driveway. Where ever you have gone, I hope there are plenty of muddy roads and hills for you to play in!
*****
Take Two Aspirin and Call Me in the Morning
My right knee has been bothering me for several weeks now. It's been stiff, can't bend it very far, and if I forget to turn the bottom half of my body at the EXACT same time I turn the top off when I'm setting off to walk somewhere--the excruciating pain reminds me of my mistake. It's been a real chore to put on shoes and socks, my jeans, cut my toe nails (or "tony nails as one of my kids used to say when they were little); cross my legs, drive for very long (longer than 5 minutes). What's been a mystery is that at the same time, I have no problems or pain in walking if I'm careful not to make any sharp turns; standing doesn't make it hurt; I can operate the exercise machines at Curves relatively pain-free.
At the same time, DC has been having problems with his shoulder again. He saw the doctor a couple of years ago when it first bothered him, who promptly diagnosed it as "frozen shoulder," gave him some anti-inflammatory drugs and a set of exercises to do, and sent him on his way. The problem was cured then, but it's recurred recently so he's been doing the exercises again. Yesterday he decided we needed to buy some extra-strength Advil to see if that helped any. We've been out lately--since PA & Ezre have been gone we've seldom had a need for it. So, off to Walmart we went. Just before bed he took one. I decided I'd try it too, to see if it helped my knee feel any better. Voila! I was able to bend that knee way farther than I have been able to in quite a while, although I got carried away and was reminded I wasn't totally cured. The best part is--it's some 21 hours since I took that one little extra-strength Advil, and I'm still relatively pain free, can bend the knee, and I don't have to lay my jeans on the floor and shuffle my foot into the pants leg far enough that I can then bend down and pull it the rest of the way on. I don't know how long it will last, but I'm happy to know that taking another "ESA" will probably take care of it for a couple of days, if I need it in the future.
****
The House On This Page
I've been asked whose house this is at the top of my blog page. Well, it's the house I lived in when we lived in La Grande, until we moved to Portland when I was 7 years old. Sort of! I got to thinking recently that this house isn't what I remembered, but I knew it was my old house because one of the useless facts taking up space in my head is my old address in La Grande--1001 11th Street. And this house is on 11th Street, the house number matches, it's on the back side of Eastern Oregon University, the same house with the scary overgrown garden I remember being afraid of as a child (I was sure a lot of snakes lived there) is still kitty-corner some 50+ years later. Then just the other day I was going through a crate of pictures that were in Josephus Awrightus' old closet, and I came upon my *real* house! Definitely a LOT older-looking than this pretty yellow house, but it's the house of my memory. Since my scanner's not working too well, I may ask Heffalump to scan it for me and I'll make it my opening photo--more realistic for early 1950's than this charming home.
On the northeast corner of 112th Avenue and 18th Street, stands a rundown brown house with a dirt driveway and ramshackle garage. In the back is lots of empty land, mostly mud. Living in this house were a couple of young-adult-type boys/men who were usually out tinkering in the driveway or the garage on some hot-roddy type pickup truck or car. And if they weren't out there tinkering, the fruits of their labor could be seen in the driveway, the garage, or sitting in the back forty. PA affectionately dubbed them "the Duke boys," after Bo & Luke Duke of the Dukes of Hazzard. And after seeing a woman in skimpy shorts at the mailbox one time (a la Daisy Duke), we felt that the moniker really suited them. Even if we never saw them out playing in the mud bog, the condition of their trucks told us that they must have spent plenty of time out there. The trucks were usually covered in mud. Who needed to go to the backwoods when you had this nifty-neat mud bog in your very own back yard!
Yesterday we were on the way to PA's house with a bench that we had been keeping for her. As we waited at the light on the corner of 112th Avenue & 18th Street, PA noticed that the Duke house appeared to be empty, and no muddy trucks were in the driveway, the garage, or in the back forty. We figure this property is going up for sale soon, making way for some fancy-schmancy apartments or houses or something else in the name of "progress."
So long, Duke boys! We'll miss your muddy trucks and seeing you tinkering on them in your driveway. Where ever you have gone, I hope there are plenty of muddy roads and hills for you to play in!
*****
Take Two Aspirin and Call Me in the Morning
My right knee has been bothering me for several weeks now. It's been stiff, can't bend it very far, and if I forget to turn the bottom half of my body at the EXACT same time I turn the top off when I'm setting off to walk somewhere--the excruciating pain reminds me of my mistake. It's been a real chore to put on shoes and socks, my jeans, cut my toe nails (or "tony nails as one of my kids used to say when they were little); cross my legs, drive for very long (longer than 5 minutes). What's been a mystery is that at the same time, I have no problems or pain in walking if I'm careful not to make any sharp turns; standing doesn't make it hurt; I can operate the exercise machines at Curves relatively pain-free.
At the same time, DC has been having problems with his shoulder again. He saw the doctor a couple of years ago when it first bothered him, who promptly diagnosed it as "frozen shoulder," gave him some anti-inflammatory drugs and a set of exercises to do, and sent him on his way. The problem was cured then, but it's recurred recently so he's been doing the exercises again. Yesterday he decided we needed to buy some extra-strength Advil to see if that helped any. We've been out lately--since PA & Ezre have been gone we've seldom had a need for it. So, off to Walmart we went. Just before bed he took one. I decided I'd try it too, to see if it helped my knee feel any better. Voila! I was able to bend that knee way farther than I have been able to in quite a while, although I got carried away and was reminded I wasn't totally cured. The best part is--it's some 21 hours since I took that one little extra-strength Advil, and I'm still relatively pain free, can bend the knee, and I don't have to lay my jeans on the floor and shuffle my foot into the pants leg far enough that I can then bend down and pull it the rest of the way on. I don't know how long it will last, but I'm happy to know that taking another "ESA" will probably take care of it for a couple of days, if I need it in the future.
****
The House On This Page
I've been asked whose house this is at the top of my blog page. Well, it's the house I lived in when we lived in La Grande, until we moved to Portland when I was 7 years old. Sort of! I got to thinking recently that this house isn't what I remembered, but I knew it was my old house because one of the useless facts taking up space in my head is my old address in La Grande--1001 11th Street. And this house is on 11th Street, the house number matches, it's on the back side of Eastern Oregon University, the same house with the scary overgrown garden I remember being afraid of as a child (I was sure a lot of snakes lived there) is still kitty-corner some 50+ years later. Then just the other day I was going through a crate of pictures that were in Josephus Awrightus' old closet, and I came upon my *real* house! Definitely a LOT older-looking than this pretty yellow house, but it's the house of my memory. Since my scanner's not working too well, I may ask Heffalump to scan it for me and I'll make it my opening photo--more realistic for early 1950's than this charming home.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Potpouri pt. deux
Josephus Awrightus dropped by tonight, it's not his usual night, but he had the new Wolverine dvd he wanted to show his dad. He knew it would be too violent for me, but figured I'd be doing computer stuff anyway so tonight was an okay night to show it. I actually spent little time on the computer while he was showing it. Since both he and Pink Avenger were here for dinner, thought I'd better cook something. I made a pork chops & scalloped potatoes dish, salad and corn. When I wasn't cooking, I was with PA in my craft room (to be), as she looked through old pictures. She was looking for her 2nd grade class picture. Didn't find it, but found some other interesting stuff. The bylaws for the Masons that had belonged to her grandpa Allen was one thing--copyright 1949. Her dh has a bit of interest in Masons at the moment so she took it home for him to look at. Didn't even know we had it.
Got a new cell phone yesterday. When I got my first one 3 1/2 years ago, through Net 10, I paid $50 for the phone and 300 minutes air time. I spent $50 yesterday for a camera phone and another 300 minutes. Now if I could just figure out how to erase all my typos. I was texting PA and I had to scrap more potential messages than I care to think about because of so many typos. The letters show up a little slower than I'm used to. And some of my phone entries (names--not the numbers) look a little strange, too.
Last Saturday night DC & I went over to Portland to the Coconut Cafe, on Glisan and about 75th or 76th. One of Ardyth's friends from school was playing, and it sounded like fun. We haven't done anything like that in years. Good music, good food. Josh Nielson is the guy's name, his dream is to become a touring musician but he'll probably do something more mundane, like be a journalist, when he's done with school. We bought one of his CD's, too. As for the food, we had chicken empanadas. Yummy! Reminded us of the Pasties we used to buy at Hot Dog Alley up in Kent years ago. I've never had anything that remotely tasted like those in all the years since we moved back here, but this sure comes close.
Ezre has us on a diet-exercise regime. We haven't had any junk food all this week, but we are allowed one day where we can go off the diet. I'll weigh in at Curves next week, we'll see if one week shows any noticeable changes. I hope so, I've been very hungry most of the week. Tortilla chips and salsa aren't too bad for you, and that's what I've been snacking on most. I need the carbs--I can't do a low-carb diet. Exercise is part of the regime, my 3 visits to Curves plus a few walks should be enough. I'll keep you posted!
This "Tell us what you're reading, viewing or listening to" feature hasn't worked in a long time. Just so you know--I'm listening to my Myspace music--good stuff!
Got a new cell phone yesterday. When I got my first one 3 1/2 years ago, through Net 10, I paid $50 for the phone and 300 minutes air time. I spent $50 yesterday for a camera phone and another 300 minutes. Now if I could just figure out how to erase all my typos. I was texting PA and I had to scrap more potential messages than I care to think about because of so many typos. The letters show up a little slower than I'm used to. And some of my phone entries (names--not the numbers) look a little strange, too.
Last Saturday night DC & I went over to Portland to the Coconut Cafe, on Glisan and about 75th or 76th. One of Ardyth's friends from school was playing, and it sounded like fun. We haven't done anything like that in years. Good music, good food. Josh Nielson is the guy's name, his dream is to become a touring musician but he'll probably do something more mundane, like be a journalist, when he's done with school. We bought one of his CD's, too. As for the food, we had chicken empanadas. Yummy! Reminded us of the Pasties we used to buy at Hot Dog Alley up in Kent years ago. I've never had anything that remotely tasted like those in all the years since we moved back here, but this sure comes close.
Ezre has us on a diet-exercise regime. We haven't had any junk food all this week, but we are allowed one day where we can go off the diet. I'll weigh in at Curves next week, we'll see if one week shows any noticeable changes. I hope so, I've been very hungry most of the week. Tortilla chips and salsa aren't too bad for you, and that's what I've been snacking on most. I need the carbs--I can't do a low-carb diet. Exercise is part of the regime, my 3 visits to Curves plus a few walks should be enough. I'll keep you posted!
This "Tell us what you're reading, viewing or listening to" feature hasn't worked in a long time. Just so you know--I'm listening to my Myspace music--good stuff!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Swift Sunset
My birthday gift from my oldest daughter Ardyth is an "Activity of the Month." Each month she has decided on a specific activity for her and I to do. It's the gift that keeps on giving, and I'm looking forward to each month's activity.
For September, she took me to see a birding phenomenom (the red squiggly line tells me I've misspelled it, but spell check doesn't seem to be working) at my old grade school. Up until a few months ago, it had been many years since I had even driven by the old school--now I was going there for the second time in about 3 months.
Seems that much like the sparrows of San Jan Capistrano, every September a rather large flock of swifts nests in the chimney of Chapman Elementary School in Portland. I believe their web site mentioned counts as high as 10,000 swifts roosting in the chimney. I have no idea how they could count them, but since it's a count by the Audobon Society, I guess we'll take their word for it. This goes on for pretty much the whole month, after which I assume they fly south for the winter. I didn't see anything on the web site to tell me where they went after September.
About an hour before sunset, hundreds of people gather on the lawn of the school and on the lawn of Wallace Park, across the street from the school. Ardyth lives about 10 blocks from the school, so we decided we'd get our exercise for the day by walking. Good decision, since the area was packed with cars full of people coming to see this event. We sat on the corner of what would have been 26th Avenue, had the powers that be not decided to fill in the street between the school and the park many years ago, and Pettygrove St. Plenty of people were already in the park and on the school grounds, and many more arrived after we did. We watched for the birds, and we watched the people. After a while, we could see tiny little birds flying around the school and the chimney, although they kept flying away. When they returned, there were more of them. I still couldn't figure out how anyone could accurately keep count, but this continued for probably half an hour at least. It was getting darker, and we wondered if the birds would do their show while we could still see something.
Ardyth & I also wondered how the birds would get into the chimney. We couldn't see them just flying in without doing harm to themselves, but how else would they do it? When it was almost too dark to see anything, suddenly a swarm of the birds, in tornado-like formation, hovered over the chimney and sort of "swooped" in. People were oo-hing and ah-ing over the sight. In just a matter of minutes (or less) another group repeated the process. I didn't keep count of how many groups of birds made this trip into the chimney. People continued to ooh and ahh, and even applauded for the birds.
When it appeared that the show was over for the night, we picked up the blanket and proceeded to walk to Rose's on 23rd Ave. where we enjoyed a luscious dessert. The walk was nice, and we didn't have to fight the traffic to get home.
Thanks Ardyth, for a fun evening and a great way to start our "Activity of the Month" activity.
For more information on the "Swift Watch" as it is called, go here:
http://www.audubonportland.org/local-birding/swiftwatch
For September, she took me to see a birding phenomenom (the red squiggly line tells me I've misspelled it, but spell check doesn't seem to be working) at my old grade school. Up until a few months ago, it had been many years since I had even driven by the old school--now I was going there for the second time in about 3 months.
Seems that much like the sparrows of San Jan Capistrano, every September a rather large flock of swifts nests in the chimney of Chapman Elementary School in Portland. I believe their web site mentioned counts as high as 10,000 swifts roosting in the chimney. I have no idea how they could count them, but since it's a count by the Audobon Society, I guess we'll take their word for it. This goes on for pretty much the whole month, after which I assume they fly south for the winter. I didn't see anything on the web site to tell me where they went after September.
About an hour before sunset, hundreds of people gather on the lawn of the school and on the lawn of Wallace Park, across the street from the school. Ardyth lives about 10 blocks from the school, so we decided we'd get our exercise for the day by walking. Good decision, since the area was packed with cars full of people coming to see this event. We sat on the corner of what would have been 26th Avenue, had the powers that be not decided to fill in the street between the school and the park many years ago, and Pettygrove St. Plenty of people were already in the park and on the school grounds, and many more arrived after we did. We watched for the birds, and we watched the people. After a while, we could see tiny little birds flying around the school and the chimney, although they kept flying away. When they returned, there were more of them. I still couldn't figure out how anyone could accurately keep count, but this continued for probably half an hour at least. It was getting darker, and we wondered if the birds would do their show while we could still see something.
Ardyth & I also wondered how the birds would get into the chimney. We couldn't see them just flying in without doing harm to themselves, but how else would they do it? When it was almost too dark to see anything, suddenly a swarm of the birds, in tornado-like formation, hovered over the chimney and sort of "swooped" in. People were oo-hing and ah-ing over the sight. In just a matter of minutes (or less) another group repeated the process. I didn't keep count of how many groups of birds made this trip into the chimney. People continued to ooh and ahh, and even applauded for the birds.
When it appeared that the show was over for the night, we picked up the blanket and proceeded to walk to Rose's on 23rd Ave. where we enjoyed a luscious dessert. The walk was nice, and we didn't have to fight the traffic to get home.
Thanks Ardyth, for a fun evening and a great way to start our "Activity of the Month" activity.
For more information on the "Swift Watch" as it is called, go here:
http://www.audubonportland.org/local-birding/swiftwatch
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
A Little of This and That
I think my muse has left the building. I've had a difficult time this week coming up with anything new and exciting to blog about. But here goes nothing anyway.
Josephus Awrightus comes over most every Friday night for dinner and a nice visit. We look forward to his coming, he's a fun person to be around with his quirky sense of humor (quote from his 5th grade teacher). This past Friday was no different, except we got a bit of a surprise when he came through the door. He had gotten a hair cut. More like an Army buzz cut, his long curly locks were gone and in their place was a what we called in the "old" days, a butch hair cut. Seems his roommate's mother got a look at his hair fairly recently and told him she was coming over in a few days and give him a haircut. Now Josephus Awrightus tells us he wasn't really growing his hair for any purpose, but he just never got around to a haircut. Matt's mom was true to her word and his long hair is gone. I can't wait for it to get just a little bit longer, because I love his curls, and when it's just a little longer, his receding hairline isn't so obvious. I'm afraid most of the men in our family have that in common--retreating hair.
I realized that once again I have let Baseball season slip away from me, and haven't kept up with my favorite teams like I should. So I watched a game on Saturday since no one else was around to get annoyed. At last check, the Rockies were in a pretty good contention for the National League Wild Card spot in the playoffs, and since they were only about 3 games out of first place, could actually come out on top in their division. Mariners, however, probably won't make it. They're a long way out of first place, and not close for the Wild Card spot, either. Let's hope that if the Rockies make the playoffs, they do well, but don't choke when it counts like they did two years ago.
Sunday we traveled to Heffalump and family's coastal home for a visit, to go to church with them and deliver their #2 son's birthday present. Pink Avenger & her husband (still thinking of a good handle for him) came along for the ride. We had a good visit--Heffalump fed us well, the kids were a pleasure to be with, and I even snuck in a little nappy after church. After dinner we went for a walk along the river. We must have been quite a sight, 6 adults, 5 boys and a baby in a big jogging-type stroller strung out for a block or two. Most of the way we were hidden from public view, except for a blue heron, ducks and sea gulls. It was a lovely walk, and the rain which had been our nemesis throughout most of the day, managed to stay away as we walked.
Monday was Labor Day, and uneventful around our house. We kind of puttered a bit. I started re-organizing some of my genealogy files, found a couple of things I had been looking for which had been mis-filed in with census records or histories, or somewhere. I'm hoping more things will turn up as I make new file folders, go through the old ones, and make things easier to find. They weren't hard to find before, had I put them back where they belonged, but I often pulled records to use in a genealogy class I was teaching, so they are all over the place. Not for long, though.
Ezre's old room is becoming my craft room, and recently I decided on the "look" of my new digs. I'm going with a red, white and blue color scheme. The walls where the closet and windows reside will be painted a bright red, while the other two large walls will be painted white. The cutesy sunflower wallpaper border will be replaced with something reddish, hopefully a patriotic theme, just on the two white walls. We'll be moving the sewing table in from the laundry room and setting it below the window. I will make curtains for the room, in a red-white-blue color scheme. I have a new floor lamp, navy blue since they didn't have red, a new bookshelf, and other storage areas for all yarn, fabric, cross stitch thread and cloth, etc. Looking forward to the day it's done!
Josephus Awrightus comes over most every Friday night for dinner and a nice visit. We look forward to his coming, he's a fun person to be around with his quirky sense of humor (quote from his 5th grade teacher). This past Friday was no different, except we got a bit of a surprise when he came through the door. He had gotten a hair cut. More like an Army buzz cut, his long curly locks were gone and in their place was a what we called in the "old" days, a butch hair cut. Seems his roommate's mother got a look at his hair fairly recently and told him she was coming over in a few days and give him a haircut. Now Josephus Awrightus tells us he wasn't really growing his hair for any purpose, but he just never got around to a haircut. Matt's mom was true to her word and his long hair is gone. I can't wait for it to get just a little bit longer, because I love his curls, and when it's just a little longer, his receding hairline isn't so obvious. I'm afraid most of the men in our family have that in common--retreating hair.
I realized that once again I have let Baseball season slip away from me, and haven't kept up with my favorite teams like I should. So I watched a game on Saturday since no one else was around to get annoyed. At last check, the Rockies were in a pretty good contention for the National League Wild Card spot in the playoffs, and since they were only about 3 games out of first place, could actually come out on top in their division. Mariners, however, probably won't make it. They're a long way out of first place, and not close for the Wild Card spot, either. Let's hope that if the Rockies make the playoffs, they do well, but don't choke when it counts like they did two years ago.
Sunday we traveled to Heffalump and family's coastal home for a visit, to go to church with them and deliver their #2 son's birthday present. Pink Avenger & her husband (still thinking of a good handle for him) came along for the ride. We had a good visit--Heffalump fed us well, the kids were a pleasure to be with, and I even snuck in a little nappy after church. After dinner we went for a walk along the river. We must have been quite a sight, 6 adults, 5 boys and a baby in a big jogging-type stroller strung out for a block or two. Most of the way we were hidden from public view, except for a blue heron, ducks and sea gulls. It was a lovely walk, and the rain which had been our nemesis throughout most of the day, managed to stay away as we walked.
Monday was Labor Day, and uneventful around our house. We kind of puttered a bit. I started re-organizing some of my genealogy files, found a couple of things I had been looking for which had been mis-filed in with census records or histories, or somewhere. I'm hoping more things will turn up as I make new file folders, go through the old ones, and make things easier to find. They weren't hard to find before, had I put them back where they belonged, but I often pulled records to use in a genealogy class I was teaching, so they are all over the place. Not for long, though.
Ezre's old room is becoming my craft room, and recently I decided on the "look" of my new digs. I'm going with a red, white and blue color scheme. The walls where the closet and windows reside will be painted a bright red, while the other two large walls will be painted white. The cutesy sunflower wallpaper border will be replaced with something reddish, hopefully a patriotic theme, just on the two white walls. We'll be moving the sewing table in from the laundry room and setting it below the window. I will make curtains for the room, in a red-white-blue color scheme. I have a new floor lamp, navy blue since they didn't have red, a new bookshelf, and other storage areas for all yarn, fabric, cross stitch thread and cloth, etc. Looking forward to the day it's done!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
That Was the Week That Was - August 23rd-29th
Blog for week of August 23rd-29th
Good Samaratan
Wednesday I stopped at my local Winco to pick up a couple of pizzas and some ice cream for dinner that night. This was all I had in my cart, and I am often irratated that several years ago Winco took out the "10 items or less" lines that should have speeded me on my way. So I was stuck in a line behind several very full carts. Right in front of me was a woman in one of those motorized carts that Winco provides for their customers. She paid for one little item, but she had a bunch of other things on the conveyor belt, too. She proceeded to explain to the checker that she would have to stop at $30, as these other items were for a handicapped friend, and this person had only given her $30. When the magic number was arrived at, the checker picked up the phone to ask someone to return the other items to their rightful places.
Behind me was a man with a small child. This gentleman walked past me, and offered to pay for the addtional items that this woman didn't have the money to cover. The additional groceries came to about $18, which would have been more than I had in my wallet after buying my groceries, had I even thought of being so nice. This man was profusely thanked by the lady in the motorized cart, he took his place behind me again as my purchases were rung up and bought.
I don't know who this man was, but he was a wonderful example to me of service to strangers. I hadn't even considered doing something like this, even if I had had the extra money to do it.
Although in the past I have ponyed up a dollar or two if someone was short, this time I didn't even consider helping out. I have a long ways to grow!
-------------------------------
SSAG
Just a new moniker I coined after my son, Josefus Awrightus, described himself as a "Single Socially Awkward Guy." Would fit for those females that consider themselves "Singly Socially Awkward Gal," too. Think it will take?
---------------------------------
Diary of a Spinster in Lenawee Co., Michigan
While this really belongs on my genealogy blog, thought I'd drop a line here about my latest genealogical discovery. Friday night I was looking at the USGenWeb site for Lenawee County Michigan, and something told me to take a look at a diary kept by a woman in the county from 1835 to 1873. Needless to say, some of my relatives were mentioned in it, and I have a few more clues to look into. More information will be available soon on my genealogy blog.
----------------------------------
Splish Splash
We spent Saturday at Lacamas Lake on a picnic with my brother & his wife. The entertainment provided for us was unbelievable, it sure made our day. We picnicked on the larger lake, rather than the round lake, arriving about noon and setting up camp at a picnic table overlooking the dock and boat launch. When we first got there, a large group of teen-agers stood on the dock, attired in swimming suits. There were so many of them, that the dock was in danger of sinking into the lake. They provided our first entertainment, by jumping in the lake over and over, and in general horsing around. They left in a bit, to be replaced by three young men who were fishing from the dock. Next was the capsized canoe. We didn't see it capsize, but did notice two people in the water, hanging on to the side. They managed to eventaully drag it across the lake and got to a private dock. We couldn't see all that was going on, but next thing we know, they were back in it and paddling across the lake again. Lots of boats, kayaks, canoes, went out of the boat launch. Including a boat owned by the Camas Police Department. We saw fishermen, although I can honestly say I've never seen anyone catch a fish in Lacamas Lake. Except for the bald eagle today, who swept down onto the lake and picked up what appeared to be a fish. Maybe the fishermen were using the wrong bait.
But the most interesting entertainment was provided by a group of young men, about 4 or 5 of them, who brought with them a ramp and bicycle. "This is going to be good," we all thought as we settled in for a good hour or more of fun. These young men took turns riding down the hill on the bike, hitting the ramp--and into the water. These were fairly cautious young men, they had a life jacket which they used when it was their turn, and the bike also had water wings attached to the handlebars so it wouldn't sink. One kid was probably a little more timid, and we kept expecting him to hurt himself as he refused to let go of the bike. Another one dumped the bike shortly after take-off and managed to get quite aways ahead of the bike. They began to get trickier with each jump--doing mid-air spins before hitting the water. Nice climax to a fun day!
Good Samaratan
Wednesday I stopped at my local Winco to pick up a couple of pizzas and some ice cream for dinner that night. This was all I had in my cart, and I am often irratated that several years ago Winco took out the "10 items or less" lines that should have speeded me on my way. So I was stuck in a line behind several very full carts. Right in front of me was a woman in one of those motorized carts that Winco provides for their customers. She paid for one little item, but she had a bunch of other things on the conveyor belt, too. She proceeded to explain to the checker that she would have to stop at $30, as these other items were for a handicapped friend, and this person had only given her $30. When the magic number was arrived at, the checker picked up the phone to ask someone to return the other items to their rightful places.
Behind me was a man with a small child. This gentleman walked past me, and offered to pay for the addtional items that this woman didn't have the money to cover. The additional groceries came to about $18, which would have been more than I had in my wallet after buying my groceries, had I even thought of being so nice. This man was profusely thanked by the lady in the motorized cart, he took his place behind me again as my purchases were rung up and bought.
I don't know who this man was, but he was a wonderful example to me of service to strangers. I hadn't even considered doing something like this, even if I had had the extra money to do it.
Although in the past I have ponyed up a dollar or two if someone was short, this time I didn't even consider helping out. I have a long ways to grow!
-------------------------------
SSAG
Just a new moniker I coined after my son, Josefus Awrightus, described himself as a "Single Socially Awkward Guy." Would fit for those females that consider themselves "Singly Socially Awkward Gal," too. Think it will take?
---------------------------------
Diary of a Spinster in Lenawee Co., Michigan
While this really belongs on my genealogy blog, thought I'd drop a line here about my latest genealogical discovery. Friday night I was looking at the USGenWeb site for Lenawee County Michigan, and something told me to take a look at a diary kept by a woman in the county from 1835 to 1873. Needless to say, some of my relatives were mentioned in it, and I have a few more clues to look into. More information will be available soon on my genealogy blog.
----------------------------------
Splish Splash
We spent Saturday at Lacamas Lake on a picnic with my brother & his wife. The entertainment provided for us was unbelievable, it sure made our day. We picnicked on the larger lake, rather than the round lake, arriving about noon and setting up camp at a picnic table overlooking the dock and boat launch. When we first got there, a large group of teen-agers stood on the dock, attired in swimming suits. There were so many of them, that the dock was in danger of sinking into the lake. They provided our first entertainment, by jumping in the lake over and over, and in general horsing around. They left in a bit, to be replaced by three young men who were fishing from the dock. Next was the capsized canoe. We didn't see it capsize, but did notice two people in the water, hanging on to the side. They managed to eventaully drag it across the lake and got to a private dock. We couldn't see all that was going on, but next thing we know, they were back in it and paddling across the lake again. Lots of boats, kayaks, canoes, went out of the boat launch. Including a boat owned by the Camas Police Department. We saw fishermen, although I can honestly say I've never seen anyone catch a fish in Lacamas Lake. Except for the bald eagle today, who swept down onto the lake and picked up what appeared to be a fish. Maybe the fishermen were using the wrong bait.
But the most interesting entertainment was provided by a group of young men, about 4 or 5 of them, who brought with them a ramp and bicycle. "This is going to be good," we all thought as we settled in for a good hour or more of fun. These young men took turns riding down the hill on the bike, hitting the ramp--and into the water. These were fairly cautious young men, they had a life jacket which they used when it was their turn, and the bike also had water wings attached to the handlebars so it wouldn't sink. One kid was probably a little more timid, and we kept expecting him to hurt himself as he refused to let go of the bike. Another one dumped the bike shortly after take-off and managed to get quite aways ahead of the bike. They began to get trickier with each jump--doing mid-air spins before hitting the water. Nice climax to a fun day!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Moving Day, Part Deux
Our second moving project in 3 weeks. My brother said it best--if anyone else moves in the next 30-60 days, that's it--anyone else moving after that who requires help is on their own!
That said, we helped twin #2 (aka Pink Avenger) move yesterday. In some ways this was a little easier than her twin's move just 3 weeks ago. Okay, maybe the only thing easier was that it wasn't pushing 100 degrees. The hardest part was 3 flights of stairs--they have moved into a townhouse that is essentially on 3 floors. First floor is the garage, which came in handy because we decided to leave most of the boxes in the garage to save climbing one to 2 flights of stairs. Some of us have back and knee issues, and climbing all those stairs got to be too much. Second floor is the main living area, third floor is the bedrooms, full bathroom, and laundry room. They don't own a washer and dryer yet, but I pity the poor guys who will have to take those up three flights of stairs. Don is quite the trooper, though. In spite of his own back, shoulder and knee problems, he hung in there and did most of the work. Drove the U-Haul truck, did a lot of moving, put the table and two beds together, and who knows what else he did. My brother was also a hard-worker, and he has his own physical issues to deal with. He mentioned several times that all the years he was a smoker has affected his stamina and lung capacity, and he has asthma. His inhaler was his best friend yesterday. His wife has major back issues, and did very little of the moving, but excelled in packing and unpacking.
I think I have it down now, should we have to move ever again. (1). Weed out the stuff you don't want or need anymore. That can be done anytime, doesn't have to wait for the move. (2). Start packing early. Label the boxes with what's in them, and what room they go to (in the case of things like books, dvds/videos, etc.). Pack everything that isn't needed and store somewhere like a garage (if you have one). (3). Try to have everything packed when your helpers come. No one likes to do a moving project that turns into a packing project, too. (4). If at all possible, move a little at a time. You'd have to have access to the new digs early to do this, and Pink Avenger wasn't able to pick up their key until that morning. And if you can do this, you can be on the way to unpacking, too. Example: Dishes and kitchen things that you can get by without for a few days before you move. (5). Take a good look at your cupboard/drawer space in your new kitchen. Decide ahead of time where you want to put things as you unpack. If you have someone helping unpack, be sure they are aware of how you want your kitchen set up. Then you don't have to re-do it later on. (6). Take a good look at the room layouts, so that you know ahead of time where things should go (aka TV, couch, bed, dressers, etc.).
During Esre's move, Marvin (brother) told about an episode of an old "Honeymooners" TV show he had watched. For those who are too young to remember this, this was an early TV show starring Jackie Gleason and Art Carney. They were moving a dresser, without any luck (too heavy). One of them, I think it was Art Carney's character, noticed that the drawers were still in the dresser, so they took them out, stacked them on top, and were able to move the dresser. One trick we've used in moves over the years is to take the dresser drawers out of the dresser, move them separately as if they were boxes, and then move the rest of the dresser. At the new home, put the drawers back and that's it for unpacking/packing the dresser.
On another note, Don has decided we won't sell our house and move anytime soon. I don't think he wants to go through this ever again in his lifetime.
That said, we helped twin #2 (aka Pink Avenger) move yesterday. In some ways this was a little easier than her twin's move just 3 weeks ago. Okay, maybe the only thing easier was that it wasn't pushing 100 degrees. The hardest part was 3 flights of stairs--they have moved into a townhouse that is essentially on 3 floors. First floor is the garage, which came in handy because we decided to leave most of the boxes in the garage to save climbing one to 2 flights of stairs. Some of us have back and knee issues, and climbing all those stairs got to be too much. Second floor is the main living area, third floor is the bedrooms, full bathroom, and laundry room. They don't own a washer and dryer yet, but I pity the poor guys who will have to take those up three flights of stairs. Don is quite the trooper, though. In spite of his own back, shoulder and knee problems, he hung in there and did most of the work. Drove the U-Haul truck, did a lot of moving, put the table and two beds together, and who knows what else he did. My brother was also a hard-worker, and he has his own physical issues to deal with. He mentioned several times that all the years he was a smoker has affected his stamina and lung capacity, and he has asthma. His inhaler was his best friend yesterday. His wife has major back issues, and did very little of the moving, but excelled in packing and unpacking.
I think I have it down now, should we have to move ever again. (1). Weed out the stuff you don't want or need anymore. That can be done anytime, doesn't have to wait for the move. (2). Start packing early. Label the boxes with what's in them, and what room they go to (in the case of things like books, dvds/videos, etc.). Pack everything that isn't needed and store somewhere like a garage (if you have one). (3). Try to have everything packed when your helpers come. No one likes to do a moving project that turns into a packing project, too. (4). If at all possible, move a little at a time. You'd have to have access to the new digs early to do this, and Pink Avenger wasn't able to pick up their key until that morning. And if you can do this, you can be on the way to unpacking, too. Example: Dishes and kitchen things that you can get by without for a few days before you move. (5). Take a good look at your cupboard/drawer space in your new kitchen. Decide ahead of time where you want to put things as you unpack. If you have someone helping unpack, be sure they are aware of how you want your kitchen set up. Then you don't have to re-do it later on. (6). Take a good look at the room layouts, so that you know ahead of time where things should go (aka TV, couch, bed, dressers, etc.).
During Esre's move, Marvin (brother) told about an episode of an old "Honeymooners" TV show he had watched. For those who are too young to remember this, this was an early TV show starring Jackie Gleason and Art Carney. They were moving a dresser, without any luck (too heavy). One of them, I think it was Art Carney's character, noticed that the drawers were still in the dresser, so they took them out, stacked them on top, and were able to move the dresser. One trick we've used in moves over the years is to take the dresser drawers out of the dresser, move them separately as if they were boxes, and then move the rest of the dresser. At the new home, put the drawers back and that's it for unpacking/packing the dresser.
On another note, Don has decided we won't sell our house and move anytime soon. I don't think he wants to go through this ever again in his lifetime.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Birthday Girl
I celebrated a birthday a few days ago. They're getting harder to face each year as I get older and older. Some days I feel as old as dirt. Others, I wonder how I got to be this old, especially when I still feel like I'm about 20.
It was a nice day. I wondered who would be the first to wish me a happy birthday, figuring it would be my sister-in-law, who was taking me to lunch to celebrate. But surprise! Don called me about 8 a.m. and he was the first! DD Heffalump was next, calling about 11. Sis-in-law was #3.
We ate at Sweet Tomatoes, she had never been there before. It was a good lunch, and afterwards we went to Walmart. She bought me a helium butterfly balloon.
I was still full from lunch, so Don & I had a light supper, then off to my brother & sister-in-law's for the family celebration. It was originally going to be at twin #2's apartment, but it was about 100 degrees that day so sis-in-law offered their air-conditioned home for the party.
My gifts were great, all needed and/or appreciated. From Don I am getting a new genealogy program that works with new Family Search, have to download it still. And the promise of a dinner out in the very near future. From dd Ardyth, the gift that keeps on giving--coupons for a great activity every month. September's is a walk through the historic NW part of town (I grew up there and it has changed a LOT over the years) and dessert at Rose's. I read through all the other months, and there are activities like a manicure/pedicure, movie night, homemade ice cream night, and more. DDs Myra and Pink Avenger made me a beautiful red & blue quilt, which is now residing on our bed. Heffalump had previously given me a dvd titled "Lt. Robinson Crusoe," which starred Dick Van Dyke and was a Disney movie from the '60's. Ezre gave me some storage crates to use in my "new" craft room. Brother & Sis-in-law gave me a red bag, red umbrella, and a package of M&M's Premium Triple Chocolates.
There goes another year, all shot to heck, as Don has said. Let's see what the next year brings.
It was a nice day. I wondered who would be the first to wish me a happy birthday, figuring it would be my sister-in-law, who was taking me to lunch to celebrate. But surprise! Don called me about 8 a.m. and he was the first! DD Heffalump was next, calling about 11. Sis-in-law was #3.
We ate at Sweet Tomatoes, she had never been there before. It was a good lunch, and afterwards we went to Walmart. She bought me a helium butterfly balloon.
I was still full from lunch, so Don & I had a light supper, then off to my brother & sister-in-law's for the family celebration. It was originally going to be at twin #2's apartment, but it was about 100 degrees that day so sis-in-law offered their air-conditioned home for the party.
My gifts were great, all needed and/or appreciated. From Don I am getting a new genealogy program that works with new Family Search, have to download it still. And the promise of a dinner out in the very near future. From dd Ardyth, the gift that keeps on giving--coupons for a great activity every month. September's is a walk through the historic NW part of town (I grew up there and it has changed a LOT over the years) and dessert at Rose's. I read through all the other months, and there are activities like a manicure/pedicure, movie night, homemade ice cream night, and more. DDs Myra and Pink Avenger made me a beautiful red & blue quilt, which is now residing on our bed. Heffalump had previously given me a dvd titled "Lt. Robinson Crusoe," which starred Dick Van Dyke and was a Disney movie from the '60's. Ezre gave me some storage crates to use in my "new" craft room. Brother & Sis-in-law gave me a red bag, red umbrella, and a package of M&M's Premium Triple Chocolates.
There goes another year, all shot to heck, as Don has said. Let's see what the next year brings.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
That Was the Week That Was - August 8-15th
There are often times when I'm driving in the car or doing other mundane things, that I think of something to blog about. So far this week I haven't had any of those times. It's just been a fairly busy week, so this will be another "That Was the Week that Was." I think there was an old TV show by that name, back in the '60's.
Saturday (8th):
Our annual "Blue Lake" family picnic. Only this year we held it at #2 dd's house. She has a nice fenced back yard with lots of play structures for the kids, a large patio with plenty of seating, a big gas barbecue that can cook lots of hamburgers and hot dogs at one time. We had a good time. There was a big water fight, too bad the 90+ degree weather didn't extend to Saturday, it was a little chilly for me to be wanting to get all wet.
Sunday (9th):
Church today. Our choir sang. It was the first time our "angels" weren't with us so that we sounded better than we really are. We started out strong, then the pianist hit a wrong note and everyone started the third verse on the wrong note. We corrected it a little later, but not soon enough, I'm afraid. Yikes! I think I want to hang up my voice for a while.
Monday:
The director of Columbia River Chorus, the Sweet Adelines Chorus I'm a member of, probably has (or had) Swine Flu this past week. He had attended Harmony University in Missouri (Kansas City or environs, I think) a couple of weeks ago, and was exposed there. Yikes! He is recovering, or so he was the last I heard.
Tuesday:
Went to the Temple, it was nice to be there. Very busy. It was the first day they were open after their summer break, and it was hard to find a place to park.
Wednesday:
Ack--another trip to Tigard, this time for Board meeting for Columbia River Chorus. I got the joy of driving all of us from Vancouver there, since I was in the only van and there were 6 of us. I hate that drive, but nonetheless, I did it anyway. Not fond of driving in Portland, especially the freeways, and during "rush hour," but I always get through it. Don't know why I dread it so, I know it's not pleasant--but I can do it! I AM WOMAN! HEAR ME ROAR! And don't get in my way!
Thursday:
Another volunteer day at the Clark Co. Genealogical Society. We're inventorying all the books in the library--which is in the thousands. My computer data-entry helper came and did lots of corrections in the library catalog, and I worked on inventorying the Oregon shelves while my partner Larry finished up Clark Co. Another lady came in for some library training. It was a busy day.
Friday:
Not much went on, although I did go to Trader Joe's to stock up on some of the fun foods we like to eat from there. DS Joe came over for dinner and a visit.
Saturday (15th):
Went garage saling with dh, we were looking for a small radio to use in the bathroom, and a bookshelf for my "new" craft room (since twin #1 took hers out of my new/her old room. We were successful on both counts. Had lunch at Sonic Burger, then went for a drive past Lacamas Lake and region. Came home, took a nap, did computer stuff, went to Walmart and now dh is working on a friend's car door problem.
This-n-that:
TweakMASTER 3, one of the software titles I do technical support for, was released a week ago. I am hopeful my work will pick up so I can make a little money. I used to do pretty good at it, but business has been slow for the past year or so. Drat this economy, anyway!
I'm thinking of writing a book. Nothing exciting, just a family history of one of my lines: the Millet's of Voluntown, New London, Connecticut. At the geneology society library I was reading a magazine article while eating lunch, which was about a woman who wrote a book on her family, and suddenly all sorts of cousins appeared out of the woodwork. I need some new cousins, especially from descendants of a couple of sons I have lost. Of course, these cousins may not even know who they descend from, but I'd love to straighten this family out.
Saturday (8th):
Our annual "Blue Lake" family picnic. Only this year we held it at #2 dd's house. She has a nice fenced back yard with lots of play structures for the kids, a large patio with plenty of seating, a big gas barbecue that can cook lots of hamburgers and hot dogs at one time. We had a good time. There was a big water fight, too bad the 90+ degree weather didn't extend to Saturday, it was a little chilly for me to be wanting to get all wet.
Sunday (9th):
Church today. Our choir sang. It was the first time our "angels" weren't with us so that we sounded better than we really are. We started out strong, then the pianist hit a wrong note and everyone started the third verse on the wrong note. We corrected it a little later, but not soon enough, I'm afraid. Yikes! I think I want to hang up my voice for a while.
Monday:
The director of Columbia River Chorus, the Sweet Adelines Chorus I'm a member of, probably has (or had) Swine Flu this past week. He had attended Harmony University in Missouri (Kansas City or environs, I think) a couple of weeks ago, and was exposed there. Yikes! He is recovering, or so he was the last I heard.
Tuesday:
Went to the Temple, it was nice to be there. Very busy. It was the first day they were open after their summer break, and it was hard to find a place to park.
Wednesday:
Ack--another trip to Tigard, this time for Board meeting for Columbia River Chorus. I got the joy of driving all of us from Vancouver there, since I was in the only van and there were 6 of us. I hate that drive, but nonetheless, I did it anyway. Not fond of driving in Portland, especially the freeways, and during "rush hour," but I always get through it. Don't know why I dread it so, I know it's not pleasant--but I can do it! I AM WOMAN! HEAR ME ROAR! And don't get in my way!
Thursday:
Another volunteer day at the Clark Co. Genealogical Society. We're inventorying all the books in the library--which is in the thousands. My computer data-entry helper came and did lots of corrections in the library catalog, and I worked on inventorying the Oregon shelves while my partner Larry finished up Clark Co. Another lady came in for some library training. It was a busy day.
Friday:
Not much went on, although I did go to Trader Joe's to stock up on some of the fun foods we like to eat from there. DS Joe came over for dinner and a visit.
Saturday (15th):
Went garage saling with dh, we were looking for a small radio to use in the bathroom, and a bookshelf for my "new" craft room (since twin #1 took hers out of my new/her old room. We were successful on both counts. Had lunch at Sonic Burger, then went for a drive past Lacamas Lake and region. Came home, took a nap, did computer stuff, went to Walmart and now dh is working on a friend's car door problem.
This-n-that:
TweakMASTER 3, one of the software titles I do technical support for, was released a week ago. I am hopeful my work will pick up so I can make a little money. I used to do pretty good at it, but business has been slow for the past year or so. Drat this economy, anyway!
I'm thinking of writing a book. Nothing exciting, just a family history of one of my lines: the Millet's of Voluntown, New London, Connecticut. At the geneology society library I was reading a magazine article while eating lunch, which was about a woman who wrote a book on her family, and suddenly all sorts of cousins appeared out of the woodwork. I need some new cousins, especially from descendants of a couple of sons I have lost. Of course, these cousins may not even know who they descend from, but I'd love to straighten this family out.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Potpouri
Clip Job
Today I got my hair cut. We hear of high unemployment rates in our area as well as nation-wide, but it must not apply at the Great Clips I go to. I got there about 9:30 this morning, and there wasn't anyone else in the place getting their hair cut. And there were at least 4 employees there, one was washing the hair of another employee, one was sitting down waiting for me, and the 4th was also sitting. Normally at this hour there is usually just two hair people there, and several customers waiting for attention. I guess money is good there if they have either hired more people, or added a couple more for this early hour (they open at 9). The gal who cut my hair looked young, perhaps a recent graduate of hair school. But she gave me the best cut I've had in a long time. She was very conscientious about making sure it was even, took her time to be sure it was done right, and actually styled it very similar to how I do it. For some reason, most hair cutters style it their way, and it isn't "my" way so I was pleased that I didn't have to go home and fix it.
I'm Only Buying Yarn
#3 dd told me that Fred Meyers was having a "buy one get one free" sale on their yarn this week. I need more yarn like I need another child, but those were magic words to me, so on my way home from getting my hair cut, I stopped at Fred Meyers, since there was one sort of on my way home. Turned out it was "buy two get one free," (I must have mis-heard or mis-remembered) but what the heck, I want to make a sweater (if I can find the pattern I have used in the past), and two skeins of yarn isn't going to do it. Plus, I got 7 oz. skeins instead of 5 oz, so hopefully I will have enough. But it's Red Heart yarn, which I can afford if I end up not having enough. Or I can go back before tomorrow and buy a couple more. As I walked in the door, I walked right by Women's apparel. Gee, I haven't had anything new for a while, and dh gave me a little $$ a while back to spend on myself, so why not? There was a "buy one get one free" on their clearance rack, too. I picked out two tops, one was clearanced at $30, the other $28. So for about $14.50 each, I have two new tops. A great buy, until I realized that I seldom spend that much on a top--Walmart's prices are MUCH cheaper. Oh well, one is a nice one for church, the other is casual. I also bought a deli sandwich for my lunch.
Cash For Clunkers--Whose Idea Was This, Anyway?
I don't know if you are all aware of the rules for this debacle, or what they do with your "clunker" when you trade it in, but I think this a ridiculous program. We got a postcard in the mail last week, promoting this stupid plan, and telling us that our 1992 Pontiac Transport minivan qualified for the program. Under the guidelines, you can receive either $3,500 or $4,500 trade-in on your "clunker." Well, I've never thought of my Transport van (which ds is driving) as a "clunker," but since it's rated mpg is 18, it qualifies. I always found that it got better mileage than my MP3 minivan, but checking their web site, they claim that car is rated at 19mpg, which is not low enough to qualify. The program is trying to get old gas-guzzling automobiles off the road, get people to buy a new fuel-efficient car, and save Detroit at the same time. Trouble is, you can pretty much buy any car, including foreign cars, as long as they get better mileage. The amount you get off the new car depends on how good the mileage is. Now if they were really interested in saving Detroit, they would say we have to buy American made cars. And do you know what they are doing with the trade-ins? No, not reselling (after all, the Feds want these cars off the road). No, they are destroying them. I heard several ads for this program on the radio today as I drove around, bragging about taking sledge hammers to these cars and destroying them. One of my dsil's watched a video online showing them pouring something into the motors to seize them up, then crushing them. ACK!
Now, I find several things wrong with this program.
1. Most people are driving these "clunkers" because they can't afford a new car. So they fall for this line, and suddenly saddle themselves with a $300-$400 car payment for the next 5 to 7 years.
2. The "clunker" cannot be any older than 25 years old. So most of these "clunkers" being traded in are 1990's and even 2000's models. The real, true "clunkers" are still on the road (I'm talking these vintage big old 70's & '80's gas hogs).
3. Those of us who drive "clunkers" because we can't afford or don't want to buy a new car, will eventually be upgrading to these '90's and 2000 models. Or would, if we could find any to buy. The fools who are falling for this program are conveniently allowing the Feds to take these cars off the road. What will we buy when our current "clunkers" wear out? Well, I guess we're all slated to ride the bus. Which hurts the economy because suddenly, there will be fewer people licensing cars each year, buying car insurance, gas, oil, tires, etc.
4. With fewer of these cars around, those who kept their "clunkers" will find car parts hard to come by. None of these cars will be in the wrecking yard, the makers of parts for these cars will cut back because after all, there isn't the demand for them. If you can't fix your clunker, what do you do? Give in to the system and buy a new car (but the Cash for Clunkers program will be non-existant by then, so no help there)? Ride the bus?
I imagine the junked out, crushed cars will be shipped off to Japan, where the Japanese auto makers will melt it all down and use it to make more cars to sell to the stupid Americans!
I don't think there's anyone with half a brain running our government these days. They need to listen to real people. Real people are who get these guys elected to office. I will remember this when the next election comes along.
I am grateful that we are within walking distance to most everything we need should the day come when we can't fix and drive our "clunkers." And on two bus lines for those places that we can't walk to.
Today I got my hair cut. We hear of high unemployment rates in our area as well as nation-wide, but it must not apply at the Great Clips I go to. I got there about 9:30 this morning, and there wasn't anyone else in the place getting their hair cut. And there were at least 4 employees there, one was washing the hair of another employee, one was sitting down waiting for me, and the 4th was also sitting. Normally at this hour there is usually just two hair people there, and several customers waiting for attention. I guess money is good there if they have either hired more people, or added a couple more for this early hour (they open at 9). The gal who cut my hair looked young, perhaps a recent graduate of hair school. But she gave me the best cut I've had in a long time. She was very conscientious about making sure it was even, took her time to be sure it was done right, and actually styled it very similar to how I do it. For some reason, most hair cutters style it their way, and it isn't "my" way so I was pleased that I didn't have to go home and fix it.
I'm Only Buying Yarn
#3 dd told me that Fred Meyers was having a "buy one get one free" sale on their yarn this week. I need more yarn like I need another child, but those were magic words to me, so on my way home from getting my hair cut, I stopped at Fred Meyers, since there was one sort of on my way home. Turned out it was "buy two get one free," (I must have mis-heard or mis-remembered) but what the heck, I want to make a sweater (if I can find the pattern I have used in the past), and two skeins of yarn isn't going to do it. Plus, I got 7 oz. skeins instead of 5 oz, so hopefully I will have enough. But it's Red Heart yarn, which I can afford if I end up not having enough. Or I can go back before tomorrow and buy a couple more. As I walked in the door, I walked right by Women's apparel. Gee, I haven't had anything new for a while, and dh gave me a little $$ a while back to spend on myself, so why not? There was a "buy one get one free" on their clearance rack, too. I picked out two tops, one was clearanced at $30, the other $28. So for about $14.50 each, I have two new tops. A great buy, until I realized that I seldom spend that much on a top--Walmart's prices are MUCH cheaper. Oh well, one is a nice one for church, the other is casual. I also bought a deli sandwich for my lunch.
Cash For Clunkers--Whose Idea Was This, Anyway?
I don't know if you are all aware of the rules for this debacle, or what they do with your "clunker" when you trade it in, but I think this a ridiculous program. We got a postcard in the mail last week, promoting this stupid plan, and telling us that our 1992 Pontiac Transport minivan qualified for the program. Under the guidelines, you can receive either $3,500 or $4,500 trade-in on your "clunker." Well, I've never thought of my Transport van (which ds is driving) as a "clunker," but since it's rated mpg is 18, it qualifies. I always found that it got better mileage than my MP3 minivan, but checking their web site, they claim that car is rated at 19mpg, which is not low enough to qualify. The program is trying to get old gas-guzzling automobiles off the road, get people to buy a new fuel-efficient car, and save Detroit at the same time. Trouble is, you can pretty much buy any car, including foreign cars, as long as they get better mileage. The amount you get off the new car depends on how good the mileage is. Now if they were really interested in saving Detroit, they would say we have to buy American made cars. And do you know what they are doing with the trade-ins? No, not reselling (after all, the Feds want these cars off the road). No, they are destroying them. I heard several ads for this program on the radio today as I drove around, bragging about taking sledge hammers to these cars and destroying them. One of my dsil's watched a video online showing them pouring something into the motors to seize them up, then crushing them. ACK!
Now, I find several things wrong with this program.
1. Most people are driving these "clunkers" because they can't afford a new car. So they fall for this line, and suddenly saddle themselves with a $300-$400 car payment for the next 5 to 7 years.
2. The "clunker" cannot be any older than 25 years old. So most of these "clunkers" being traded in are 1990's and even 2000's models. The real, true "clunkers" are still on the road (I'm talking these vintage big old 70's & '80's gas hogs).
3. Those of us who drive "clunkers" because we can't afford or don't want to buy a new car, will eventually be upgrading to these '90's and 2000 models. Or would, if we could find any to buy. The fools who are falling for this program are conveniently allowing the Feds to take these cars off the road. What will we buy when our current "clunkers" wear out? Well, I guess we're all slated to ride the bus. Which hurts the economy because suddenly, there will be fewer people licensing cars each year, buying car insurance, gas, oil, tires, etc.
4. With fewer of these cars around, those who kept their "clunkers" will find car parts hard to come by. None of these cars will be in the wrecking yard, the makers of parts for these cars will cut back because after all, there isn't the demand for them. If you can't fix your clunker, what do you do? Give in to the system and buy a new car (but the Cash for Clunkers program will be non-existant by then, so no help there)? Ride the bus?
I imagine the junked out, crushed cars will be shipped off to Japan, where the Japanese auto makers will melt it all down and use it to make more cars to sell to the stupid Americans!
I don't think there's anyone with half a brain running our government these days. They need to listen to real people. Real people are who get these guys elected to office. I will remember this when the next election comes along.
I am grateful that we are within walking distance to most everything we need should the day come when we can't fix and drive our "clunkers." And on two bus lines for those places that we can't walk to.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Moving Day (or why I've decided never to move again)
Yesterday was moving day. No, not for me, but for one of my daughters.
When they were married a year and a half ago, they were pretty poor, and couldn't afford much in the way of rent payments. So they settled for a small, one bedroom apartment about a mile & a half up the road from us. It wasn't a bad apartment, just small--and these two kids have a lot of STUFF! It made a nice home for them, until recently. They have a lousy upstairs neighbor, had a ceiling cave in due to a leak in same upstairs neighbor's apartment, then were visited by rodents who found a hole in a wall not fixed by the repairmen who repaired the ceiling and wall damage done by the leak.
DD's husband now makes pretty good money and their lease was up, so they decided it was time to move on up in the world. They also decided they wanted no more upstairs neighbors. Just a couple of weeks ago, dd found the ideal place--a 2 bedroom townhouse in a small complex not too far away. So yesterday was "moving day."
Helpers began arriving as early as 7:30 yesterday morning (myself, dh, and dd's twin sister). Followed shortly after by my brother and his minivan. Then in-laws arrived at some point while we were delivering the first two loads to the new digs, and eventually the twin dd's dh found his way there. I say "found his way," because when Don & I were arriving with another load, here was twin dd standing on the curb, and off in the distance we could see a red vehicle climbing the hill towards us. Twin dd said that her dh had passed it up unknowingly, then called her cell phone for directions. The red vehicle we saw was him.
Cell phones are marvelous inventions--they were used a LOT yesterday!
Did I mention it was also more than 90 degrees yesterday? Did I mention there were stairs involved?
We had 3 pickup trucks, two mini-vans and one Toyota car shuttling things from the old place to the new. By 2-ish, we'd all had enough. But most importantly, almost all of their belongings were now at their new home. They've paid rent on the old place for August, so what's left as well as the cleaning, can be done another day or two.
They sure had a lot of "stuff" for a couple who has only been married a year and a half (almost).
And in another month, we'll probably be doing this for the twin dd, too! Ack! But twin dd promises their move will be easier, since her dh didn't have as much stuff.
It's been almost 20 years since we've moved, and I hope it will be another 20 years before we move again. And we'll pick a different time of year when we do move--I hate it when it's HOT!
When they were married a year and a half ago, they were pretty poor, and couldn't afford much in the way of rent payments. So they settled for a small, one bedroom apartment about a mile & a half up the road from us. It wasn't a bad apartment, just small--and these two kids have a lot of STUFF! It made a nice home for them, until recently. They have a lousy upstairs neighbor, had a ceiling cave in due to a leak in same upstairs neighbor's apartment, then were visited by rodents who found a hole in a wall not fixed by the repairmen who repaired the ceiling and wall damage done by the leak.
DD's husband now makes pretty good money and their lease was up, so they decided it was time to move on up in the world. They also decided they wanted no more upstairs neighbors. Just a couple of weeks ago, dd found the ideal place--a 2 bedroom townhouse in a small complex not too far away. So yesterday was "moving day."
Helpers began arriving as early as 7:30 yesterday morning (myself, dh, and dd's twin sister). Followed shortly after by my brother and his minivan. Then in-laws arrived at some point while we were delivering the first two loads to the new digs, and eventually the twin dd's dh found his way there. I say "found his way," because when Don & I were arriving with another load, here was twin dd standing on the curb, and off in the distance we could see a red vehicle climbing the hill towards us. Twin dd said that her dh had passed it up unknowingly, then called her cell phone for directions. The red vehicle we saw was him.
Cell phones are marvelous inventions--they were used a LOT yesterday!
Did I mention it was also more than 90 degrees yesterday? Did I mention there were stairs involved?
We had 3 pickup trucks, two mini-vans and one Toyota car shuttling things from the old place to the new. By 2-ish, we'd all had enough. But most importantly, almost all of their belongings were now at their new home. They've paid rent on the old place for August, so what's left as well as the cleaning, can be done another day or two.
They sure had a lot of "stuff" for a couple who has only been married a year and a half (almost).
And in another month, we'll probably be doing this for the twin dd, too! Ack! But twin dd promises their move will be easier, since her dh didn't have as much stuff.
It's been almost 20 years since we've moved, and I hope it will be another 20 years before we move again. And we'll pick a different time of year when we do move--I hate it when it's HOT!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Hot Enough For You?
Hot Enough For You?
I HATE HOT WEATHER!
Therefore, it was a pleasant bit of news when my online USGW friend Sundee, who lives in Colorado Springs, reported that it had been cool and rainy in the Springs a few days before we were scheduled to depart on our annual trip to visit my dad.
I didn't exactly trust her weather report, though, because traditionally it has been very hot each time we've visited. So I proceeded to pack one pair of jeans and about 3 or 4 capri pants, t-shirts, one long-sleeved denim shirt and one hoody. Also my lightest-weight pj's.
Surprise! Sundee was right! Well, the day we arrived (Sunday July 19th) was a little warm, but not bad--since we're used to weather in the '90's when we visit, but it was only about 80-ish. And this was certainly MUCH better than what we left behind (85-90's). Monday through Wednesday was cool enough to wear my jeans, and we saw lots of rain and thunderstorms while we were visiting. We almost got rained on in the Garden of the Gods, and we did get rained on while shopping in Manitou Springs.
But HORROR of HORROR'S! One of my friends back home reported that it would be in the 100's this week here in my Pacific NW city! I was tempted to stay in Colorado, but of course we couldn't. So here we are, dealing with 100+ degree heat.
I went to Tar-jay this morning, as I needed freezer bags to put my grated zucchini in. Left home around 9:30, and it was already almost 90 degrees. I really wanted to stay back in the Back-to-School corner of the store, since there was a GREAT breeze from the air conditioner blowing there. But that may be a place to visit later on today. I just checked our thermometer, and it's 102.4 degrees out/82 in. I wish I could stay holed up here in the family room with the air conditioning unit running full blast, but alas! More zucchini await me, plus cleaning up the kitchen and making a macaroni salad to go with our dinner tonight (sandwiches).
I'm thinking of setting up the sprinkler in the back yard and running through it, just like our kids did when they were little. Stay cool, everyone!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
"Quite a Trip"
It hardly seems possible that our annual trip to Colorado Springs to visit family is over for another year. We left on Saturday, July 18th, and got back home on Friday, July 24th. A little shorter than usual, but then so were our funds. We really wanted to make this trip without adding to our credit card debt, and I'm happy to report that we did just that.
We rented a car for the trip, at the insistence of Kt, who accompanied us. Glad we listened, as the Toyota Corolla we ended up with was air conditioned and had comfy seats. She kicked in for the price of the car out of her tax refund. The car did well, got between 31 & 35 mpg, had a smallish gas tank so we didn't break the bank each time we filled it up.
We drove straight through, mostly to save money for motel for one night. While we made the trip okay with no mishaps, we wished we had stopped for the night--we were beat!!! Sunday night we slept for at least 10 hours to make up for it.
We rented a motel room while in Colorado Springs. We used to stay with my folks, but their house is so hot and we are getting to old to deal with discomfort. A couple of years ago, when my brother went with us, he suggested getting a motel, and we are all happier for doing this. My folks are getting older, and when you're used to two people kicking around the house, suddenly adding a few extras can be a hardship. We arrived at their house every morning anywhere between 9:30 & 11, depending on if we did any shopping or other activities first. We'd leave to go back to the motel anywhere from 7 to 8 p.m., enjoying a couple of hours of channel surfing (no matter how many channels there are on cable, doesn't seem to be anything worth watching), air conditioning, and comfy beds. I went to bed earlier on this trip than I have in years, and for the most part, slept pretty good.
Our touristy trips included a mini-hike through the Garden of the Gods and shopping in Manitou Springs for souvenirs to take home. We've made this trip so many times that I was all "souvenired out," but did buy a little something for Hi-D (who took care of our house and pets) as well as my buddy in Sweet Adelines chourus. Kt bought a few things for her dh. We both bought post cards and stamps, then forgot to mail them out.
The trip home was another straight-through drive, but we had a better night's sleep the night before, so it wasn't so hard. We did stop for a couple of hours at a rest stop and slept before continuing on.
Hard to believe it's over for another year, and that we're making plans already for the next trip.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Chapman Revisited: Or You Can Go Home Again
Yesterday was my second granddaughter's high school graduation. The ceremony was held at my old grade school. Now, before you wonder how a grade school auditorium can be big enough to house graduation ceremonies for a high school, this is not your typical, 400+ graduating class high school. Both of our older granddaughters attended Metropolitan Learning Center, a part of the Portland Public School system, and home to grades kindergarten through 12. Enrollment is limited, obviously, because the facilities aren't large enough to include students from three different school levels in one former elementary school building. Maggie's graduating class was about 25 students.Although we saw the school from the outside for many years, neither of us had been inside the school since at least 1963, when my brother graduated from 8th grade. We arrived early, parked the car next to Wallace Park and had a leisurely stroll through the park to the school. We had one of our daughter's with us, who remembered her aunt & uncle taking her & her twin sister & brother here to play when they would come to visit. My memories included being in the sheltered area and doing craft things (anyone know what gimp is?) during the summer, to watching my brother play little league baseball on one of the ball fields; catching a glimpse of Bill Walton and some of his '77 Trail Blazer teammates playing basketball there, the wading pool (no longer there) where I stepped on my first bee and got stung, thereby solidifying my fear of bees from that point on. The old sandbox is no longer there, either. We used to build elaborate road systems using our shoes as bulldozers to construct them. Ah, many a summer day was spent playing at this park.
Walking up the front walkway of the school was another moment in time travel. I remembered the row of rose bushes lining the walkway. While I doubt they are the same ones that were there from the mid 1950's to now, at least someone decided not to tamper with the past. There were a couple of statues added to the walkway though, a nice touch. I remember a date on the building, I think it was "1928," but I couldn't see it as we approached. Up the stairs we went, and the old auditorium was still in the same place, still had the same hard wooden seats, the curtains looked the same as when we attended. I had forgotten there was a balcony, but seeing it brought back memories of the all-school assemblies and getting to sit in the balcony when I was in the upper grades. Both my brother and I fondly remember seeing some great movies in the auditorium during lunch recess. "Godzilla" and "It Came From Beneath the Sea" were the two we remembered. For a nickel you could catch about 20 minutes or so of the movie each day during lunch recess. I seem to remember that Fridays the movie was free, so if we were short on funds, we saw the end of the movie on Friday, but not the beginning or middle.
When my brother arrived, the first thing he recognized was the door to the principal's office. It's in the same place, and he said that if anyone ever put up a plaque commemorating the student with the most visits to the principal's office, he's pretty sure his name would be on it. Waiting for the ceremonies to begin, we reminisced about the old teachers we had and the rooms we occupied. I doubt that any of our old elementary teachers are still living--at least our 8th grade teacher would have to be over 100 years old now if she were still alive. She was planning to retire when I was in 6th grade, her class planned a great retirement party for her, but she was still there long enough to teach both me & my brother. I know she was old, and her favorite subject was English. Anytime there was a spare few minutes before lunch, recess, or going home, she'd call a few students by name, direct them to the blackboard, and give them a sentence to diagram. I was a master sentence diagrammer back then, a skill that I never used again after 8th grade.
As we wandered outside following the ceremony, we looked at the old hopscotch and 4-square painted plots on the cement play area; noted the new covered area that wasn't there when we were students; the tennis courts that were there, but we didn't use them as students; the back fields which housed two baseball diamonds that are no longer there; and the hill that we used to run up and down in the younger grades. You know, usually when you revisit a hill in later years, they are smaller than you remember them. This is the first hill we saw that was actually bigger, or so it seemed. We didn't go into the basement of the building, but we both remembered playing prison ball during lunch recesses on days when it was too cold or rainy to play outside.
It was a lot of fun going back to our old grade school. It sure jogged some long-forgotten memories for both of us. If you haven't visited your old grade school in a while, I hope you get the opportunity to visit some day.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
That Was the Week That Was - May 16-23rd
That Was the Week That Was - May 16-23rd
I think there used to be a news-type TV show on by this name when I was a kid. Since I never got around to doing a blog about Regional Competition or anything else this week, I'll use this title to give a brief rundown on "My Week That Was."
Competition:
I am a member of a Sweet Adelines chorus. If you don't know what that is, it's Barbershop singing, but for women only. Barbershop singing is A Capella singing without accompaniment (like piano, organ, full orchestra), very tight 4-part harmony. If you're familiar with "The Music Man," in that movie there was a group of four male singers who sang several songs throughout the movie. Most people who are familiar with Barbershop, can trace their familiarity to this movie.
A week ago we were in Spokane, Washington, for our annual Regional Competition. This was one of the high points of my week. We ended up with a third place medal in the mid-size (31-60 member chorus) for our efforts and hard work throughout the year. We also saw quartets perform, and at the Show of Champions on Saturday night, heard the championship choruses we were unable to hear because we were the last performers. Lots of good music!
Choreo Queen
The other highlight of the week came on Monday night at our chorus Installation banquet. We generally hold it the Monday evening after competition. We gather as a chorus to install officers for the coming year, announce the "Sweet Adeline of the Year," and "Choreo Queen." The Sweet Adeline of the year is chosen from among a group of ladies who are nominated by other chorus members for their outstanding support of the chorus throughout the year. We vote for our choice in March, but don't find out the winner until Banquet night. The Choreo Queen is chosen by our chorus choreographer and is the most-improved in choreography for the past year. Choreography is a big part of our repertoire. Not that we dance, but there are some choreographed moves, as well as facial expression, which is a part of our type of singing. Imagine MY surprise when my name was announced as Choreo Queen! This has been a difficult thing for me to do, as a quiet and shy person. I've been a member for 4 years, and it has taken lots of work to overcome my shyness and "perform" while singing. I have a nice plaque which says "Choreo Queen" and my name, which I have to give back next year so the next Choreo Queen can have it for the next year, but I am deeply honored that our choreographer thought I worked harder than anyone else in our chorus to achieve this distinction.
End of the Year Blues
Most of the past week has been spent in sorting out our money issues for the chorus. I am the Treasurer, and this is the beginning of the new fiscal year. Of course there are still some money matters that are unresolved for the past year, so this week has been busy for me as I sort out the incoming and pay bills for the outgoing. I will probably still be doing this into June, because Competition related-stuff falls into the past fiscal year, even though it occurs in May (year end is April 30th). At least this year I have a nice, new, fast computer to do the bookwork on.
Happy Birthday, Baby B!
Today is my youngest granddaughter's first birthday! We'll be leaving shortly for her home to bring gifts, pay homage, eat, and enjoy her company, along with other family members. Doesn't seem possible that a year has sped by already. Many happy returns of the day!
I think there used to be a news-type TV show on by this name when I was a kid. Since I never got around to doing a blog about Regional Competition or anything else this week, I'll use this title to give a brief rundown on "My Week That Was."
Competition:
I am a member of a Sweet Adelines chorus. If you don't know what that is, it's Barbershop singing, but for women only. Barbershop singing is A Capella singing without accompaniment (like piano, organ, full orchestra), very tight 4-part harmony. If you're familiar with "The Music Man," in that movie there was a group of four male singers who sang several songs throughout the movie. Most people who are familiar with Barbershop, can trace their familiarity to this movie.
A week ago we were in Spokane, Washington, for our annual Regional Competition. This was one of the high points of my week. We ended up with a third place medal in the mid-size (31-60 member chorus) for our efforts and hard work throughout the year. We also saw quartets perform, and at the Show of Champions on Saturday night, heard the championship choruses we were unable to hear because we were the last performers. Lots of good music!
Choreo Queen
The other highlight of the week came on Monday night at our chorus Installation banquet. We generally hold it the Monday evening after competition. We gather as a chorus to install officers for the coming year, announce the "Sweet Adeline of the Year," and "Choreo Queen." The Sweet Adeline of the year is chosen from among a group of ladies who are nominated by other chorus members for their outstanding support of the chorus throughout the year. We vote for our choice in March, but don't find out the winner until Banquet night. The Choreo Queen is chosen by our chorus choreographer and is the most-improved in choreography for the past year. Choreography is a big part of our repertoire. Not that we dance, but there are some choreographed moves, as well as facial expression, which is a part of our type of singing. Imagine MY surprise when my name was announced as Choreo Queen! This has been a difficult thing for me to do, as a quiet and shy person. I've been a member for 4 years, and it has taken lots of work to overcome my shyness and "perform" while singing. I have a nice plaque which says "Choreo Queen" and my name, which I have to give back next year so the next Choreo Queen can have it for the next year, but I am deeply honored that our choreographer thought I worked harder than anyone else in our chorus to achieve this distinction.
End of the Year Blues
Most of the past week has been spent in sorting out our money issues for the chorus. I am the Treasurer, and this is the beginning of the new fiscal year. Of course there are still some money matters that are unresolved for the past year, so this week has been busy for me as I sort out the incoming and pay bills for the outgoing. I will probably still be doing this into June, because Competition related-stuff falls into the past fiscal year, even though it occurs in May (year end is April 30th). At least this year I have a nice, new, fast computer to do the bookwork on.
Happy Birthday, Baby B!
Today is my youngest granddaughter's first birthday! We'll be leaving shortly for her home to bring gifts, pay homage, eat, and enjoy her company, along with other family members. Doesn't seem possible that a year has sped by already. Many happy returns of the day!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Whazzup?
Another one of those "catch-up" posts, because whenever I think of something to write, I'm not near my computer. Here's what's happened lately.
The Lost is Found
I wrote about our pickup truck being stolen last month, making us a one-car family and leaving me without wheels until about 2:30 or 3 p.m. weekdays. Well, some 11 days after it was stolen, it was recovered. The thief wasn't part of a ring that strips vehicles and sells the parts, nor was he part of a ring that puts the vehicle on a ship and sends it off to Mexico or Japan or wherever and collects big bucks for stolen goods. This thief was a stupid druggie, who wasn't smart enough to drive it around a different part of town. Oh no, he drove it around North Portland, where the police officer who took the theft report saw it, tailed him for a while to be sure it was the same truck and so she could ID the thief, then recovered it and arrested him all in one fell swoop. A red-letter day for our dd H, who drove in Portland for the first time, too. I needed to go to Portland and of course I had no car, and even if I did, we'd have three cars and only two drivers.
It's not in too much worse for the wear, and after a bit of a hassle getting it re-licensed (thief tossed the license plates and pulled off the vin tags), we are a two-car family once again. Welcome home, Ol' Blue!
Girls Weekend
A couple of weeks ago, our dd Hefalump came to visit for the weekend, sans dh & ds's, just herself and Baby B. Fun weekend, all the women in our family (with the exception of dgd who had to work) came over for potluck junk food Friday night, visiting and games. Saturday morning we went out to breakfast with Hefalump, then she disappeared for the rest of the weekend visiting friends and spending the night with her next oldest sister. We traditionally do at least one girls day/night a year, usually making Christmas cards. It was fun to do another one without waiting until November.
Sweet Adelines Competition
Is coming up this weekend, in Spokane. DD N & I will drive the 6-ish hours to Spokane Friday, getting there for Quartet contest. Then our contest begins Saturday afternoon. We have worked so hard to get ready, and are doing two great songs, "All of Me" and "After You've Gone." Along about 3:10 Saturday afternoon, May 16th, we'll hit the stage with our Comp package. Want to see us perform? Should be a link here:
http://www.sairegion24.org/
New to My Fishtank
Tuesday H (the younger) & I went to our local Petsmart and picked up 4 new fishies, to keep the Chinese algae eater company. Two Buenos Aires Tetras and two Scissor-tail Rasbora (sorry H, had to look, I couldn't remember the species name). Mafia-Cat thinks they're the greatest, because the algae eater was pretty quiet in his hideout. He has something he can look at. When he gets too close (ala on top of the aquarium), he gets shot with the spray bottle. He's been better today, being mostly content to watch from the ground.
Mothers Day
Can't do a blog without a mention of the latest Mothers Day. Nice day, went to church where the women in the ward were presented with two chocolate chip cookies. DH fixed breakfast for me, and dinner was prepared mostly by K & T, with help from from H. Gifts included a framed photo of me & my girls, a Cookie Monster T-shirt, a potpouri cooker complete with both dried and liquid potpouri, a coupon for breakfast/lunch or dinner with dd N, and plenty of my favorite candies (Good-n-Plenty, Sweet-Tarts, licorice, Baby Ruth cbs, etc). Nummy!
With that, I'm taking myself off to bed. Tomorrow is a busy day. Exercise at Curves early, spend the day at the genealogy society library, and finish getting ready to leave for Competiton.
The Lost is Found
I wrote about our pickup truck being stolen last month, making us a one-car family and leaving me without wheels until about 2:30 or 3 p.m. weekdays. Well, some 11 days after it was stolen, it was recovered. The thief wasn't part of a ring that strips vehicles and sells the parts, nor was he part of a ring that puts the vehicle on a ship and sends it off to Mexico or Japan or wherever and collects big bucks for stolen goods. This thief was a stupid druggie, who wasn't smart enough to drive it around a different part of town. Oh no, he drove it around North Portland, where the police officer who took the theft report saw it, tailed him for a while to be sure it was the same truck and so she could ID the thief, then recovered it and arrested him all in one fell swoop. A red-letter day for our dd H, who drove in Portland for the first time, too. I needed to go to Portland and of course I had no car, and even if I did, we'd have three cars and only two drivers.
It's not in too much worse for the wear, and after a bit of a hassle getting it re-licensed (thief tossed the license plates and pulled off the vin tags), we are a two-car family once again. Welcome home, Ol' Blue!
Girls Weekend
A couple of weeks ago, our dd Hefalump came to visit for the weekend, sans dh & ds's, just herself and Baby B. Fun weekend, all the women in our family (with the exception of dgd who had to work) came over for potluck junk food Friday night, visiting and games. Saturday morning we went out to breakfast with Hefalump, then she disappeared for the rest of the weekend visiting friends and spending the night with her next oldest sister. We traditionally do at least one girls day/night a year, usually making Christmas cards. It was fun to do another one without waiting until November.
Sweet Adelines Competition
Is coming up this weekend, in Spokane. DD N & I will drive the 6-ish hours to Spokane Friday, getting there for Quartet contest. Then our contest begins Saturday afternoon. We have worked so hard to get ready, and are doing two great songs, "All of Me" and "After You've Gone." Along about 3:10 Saturday afternoon, May 16th, we'll hit the stage with our Comp package. Want to see us perform? Should be a link here:
http://www.sairegion24.org/
New to My Fishtank
Tuesday H (the younger) & I went to our local Petsmart and picked up 4 new fishies, to keep the Chinese algae eater company. Two Buenos Aires Tetras and two Scissor-tail Rasbora (sorry H, had to look, I couldn't remember the species name). Mafia-Cat thinks they're the greatest, because the algae eater was pretty quiet in his hideout. He has something he can look at. When he gets too close (ala on top of the aquarium), he gets shot with the spray bottle. He's been better today, being mostly content to watch from the ground.
Mothers Day
Can't do a blog without a mention of the latest Mothers Day. Nice day, went to church where the women in the ward were presented with two chocolate chip cookies. DH fixed breakfast for me, and dinner was prepared mostly by K & T, with help from from H. Gifts included a framed photo of me & my girls, a Cookie Monster T-shirt, a potpouri cooker complete with both dried and liquid potpouri, a coupon for breakfast/lunch or dinner with dd N, and plenty of my favorite candies (Good-n-Plenty, Sweet-Tarts, licorice, Baby Ruth cbs, etc). Nummy!
With that, I'm taking myself off to bed. Tomorrow is a busy day. Exercise at Curves early, spend the day at the genealogy society library, and finish getting ready to leave for Competiton.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Soup to Nuts
Soup to Nuts blog 4/19/09
Another "little bit of everything" blog today. I often think of things that are interesting (to me, anyway) to blog about, but don't get around to it -- as you can tell by my dismal once a month postings. Trying to do better.
"Old" Spam
Yesterday as I walked back from my mailbox with a fistful of mail, I was intrigued by two pieces. Along with our electric bill and something else viable that I've already forgotten, was something addressed to me that mentioned my upcoming "retirement." Now this was on the outside envelope for everyone to see--hadn't even opened it yet, but since my all-important 62nd birthday occurs later this year, I thought it might be from the Social Security Administration. Nope, just SPAM. Some company was suggesting that I might want to start collecting Social Security this year, and they had the perfect thing for me to spend my retirement funds on! Extra insurance--either medical or the kind that would help pay for my life in a retirement-assisted-living-nursing home. Well no, IF I decide to "retire" (which I'm not considering at the moment), I can think of a lot more interesting ways to spend my retirement money than that. The second piece of age-related SPAM was from a company selling motorized scooters, and was address to dh. I guess because we've reached that magical age of 60, some companies think we're ready for the grave already, and want to hurry us along on one of
their motorized scooter-thingies. I can tell you that if dh ever does need one, he will be ready to run races with Bro. G in our ward, who has Parkinsons and must have been a race driver in his well-years. Turns out there was a third piece of age-related SPAM in the mix, also addressed to dh, which was even more thrilling. This one was offering their cremation services to us. Come on now! I have plans to live another 20 years or so. QUIT REMINDING US THAT WE'RE GETTING OLD!!!!
Losers
Yesterday every one of my favorite sports teams lost their games. The Blazers lost their first playoff game, the Mariners and the Rockies (baseball) both lost their games. The one good thing I can say about yesterday's sports scores is that the Yankees got shelled, 20-4, by Cleveland. I'm not a fan of the Yankees, mostly because of their owner, George Steinbrenner. He's very controlling and there are certain rules that must be abided by if you want to play on HIS team. One has to do with length of hair and facial hair. One of my favorite players was Johnny Damon, who used to play for the Boston Red Sox. A couple of years ago he sold his soul, so to speak, in order to play for the Yankees. Damon was a rebel in at least his appearance. His hair was long, he wore a beard, and he was a GREAT ballplayer. While he's probably still a great ballplayer, his hair is shorter, no facial hair, and I've always been disappointed that he sold out his individuality for the buck. I guess playing for the Yankees is a dream for many aspiring baseball players, so who knows if he sold out for money or for realizing a dream. Guess I can't really judge the guy, but it was still sad to me. Looks like the Yankees have an up-&-coming young upstart in Nick Swisher, though. He's very vocal and looks to be a lot of fun. Reminds me of someone I
used to know.
Thieves
Last week, actually nearly two weeks ago now, we were the victims of car theft. Dh's beloved Toyota pickup was stolen, right out of the church parking lot where he was working. And in about 45 minutes time, from when he got there to when he went out to the truck to get something he needed. GONE! Nowehere to be found! Naturally the police were called, the theft reported, the insurance company called, but still no sign of the truck. The police officer who took his report assured him that they usually recover stolen vehicles within a month. The police officer who took his report must not be up on Toyota thefts. She also did not say what shape the stolen vehicles are in when they are recovered. We don't expect to see it ever again. I am now carless, since dh needs his car for work. I get to do all my errands and Curves workouts after 3 p.m.
In the western days, horse thieves were hung.
Parking Lot Saga
In a blog last month I mentioned my sister-in-law losing her keys on our last get-together, which always includes a trip to Walmart or Tar-jay, or both. Last night was no different as we trudged off to Wendy's for dinner (this particular one we go to always runs out of baked potatoes--I think we need a new fast-food place) which would be followed by a trip to Walmart. At approximately 7:30 we returned to brother & sister-in-law's mighty Dodge Caravan, dumped all our purchases in the back end, settled in and were about to head to Tar-jay. Uh oh! Car no startee! Up comes the hood, dh says he sees the problem as there is corrosion on the battery terminals. My brother, not being much of a mechanic, had no tools with him, so they trudged back to the store where they bought a battery tester, wrench, and wire brushes to clean the terminals. The battery tester showed a weak cell, so db (dear brother) decided that they would buy a battery. That taken care of and installed, but no joy! We're still stuck. Eventually we decided that this car was not going to start, called one of our dd's (dear daughter) and the tow truck. $76 later (for a tow less than 2 miles), and thanks to the kindess of our dd & her dh, we were back at my brother's. Now my sister-in-law & I are both afoot. At least it happened when she had company, otherwise she might have been stranded alone with a non-running car, and me not being able to pick her up.
Another "little bit of everything" blog today. I often think of things that are interesting (to me, anyway) to blog about, but don't get around to it -- as you can tell by my dismal once a month postings. Trying to do better.
"Old" Spam
Yesterday as I walked back from my mailbox with a fistful of mail, I was intrigued by two pieces. Along with our electric bill and something else viable that I've already forgotten, was something addressed to me that mentioned my upcoming "retirement." Now this was on the outside envelope for everyone to see--hadn't even opened it yet, but since my all-important 62nd birthday occurs later this year, I thought it might be from the Social Security Administration. Nope, just SPAM. Some company was suggesting that I might want to start collecting Social Security this year, and they had the perfect thing for me to spend my retirement funds on! Extra insurance--either medical or the kind that would help pay for my life in a retirement-assisted-living-nursing home. Well no, IF I decide to "retire" (which I'm not considering at the moment), I can think of a lot more interesting ways to spend my retirement money than that. The second piece of age-related SPAM was from a company selling motorized scooters, and was address to dh. I guess because we've reached that magical age of 60, some companies think we're ready for the grave already, and want to hurry us along on one of
their motorized scooter-thingies. I can tell you that if dh ever does need one, he will be ready to run races with Bro. G in our ward, who has Parkinsons and must have been a race driver in his well-years. Turns out there was a third piece of age-related SPAM in the mix, also addressed to dh, which was even more thrilling. This one was offering their cremation services to us. Come on now! I have plans to live another 20 years or so. QUIT REMINDING US THAT WE'RE GETTING OLD!!!!
Losers
Yesterday every one of my favorite sports teams lost their games. The Blazers lost their first playoff game, the Mariners and the Rockies (baseball) both lost their games. The one good thing I can say about yesterday's sports scores is that the Yankees got shelled, 20-4, by Cleveland. I'm not a fan of the Yankees, mostly because of their owner, George Steinbrenner. He's very controlling and there are certain rules that must be abided by if you want to play on HIS team. One has to do with length of hair and facial hair. One of my favorite players was Johnny Damon, who used to play for the Boston Red Sox. A couple of years ago he sold his soul, so to speak, in order to play for the Yankees. Damon was a rebel in at least his appearance. His hair was long, he wore a beard, and he was a GREAT ballplayer. While he's probably still a great ballplayer, his hair is shorter, no facial hair, and I've always been disappointed that he sold out his individuality for the buck. I guess playing for the Yankees is a dream for many aspiring baseball players, so who knows if he sold out for money or for realizing a dream. Guess I can't really judge the guy, but it was still sad to me. Looks like the Yankees have an up-&-coming young upstart in Nick Swisher, though. He's very vocal and looks to be a lot of fun. Reminds me of someone I
used to know.
Thieves
Last week, actually nearly two weeks ago now, we were the victims of car theft. Dh's beloved Toyota pickup was stolen, right out of the church parking lot where he was working. And in about 45 minutes time, from when he got there to when he went out to the truck to get something he needed. GONE! Nowehere to be found! Naturally the police were called, the theft reported, the insurance company called, but still no sign of the truck. The police officer who took his report assured him that they usually recover stolen vehicles within a month. The police officer who took his report must not be up on Toyota thefts. She also did not say what shape the stolen vehicles are in when they are recovered. We don't expect to see it ever again. I am now carless, since dh needs his car for work. I get to do all my errands and Curves workouts after 3 p.m.
In the western days, horse thieves were hung.
Parking Lot Saga
In a blog last month I mentioned my sister-in-law losing her keys on our last get-together, which always includes a trip to Walmart or Tar-jay, or both. Last night was no different as we trudged off to Wendy's for dinner (this particular one we go to always runs out of baked potatoes--I think we need a new fast-food place) which would be followed by a trip to Walmart. At approximately 7:30 we returned to brother & sister-in-law's mighty Dodge Caravan, dumped all our purchases in the back end, settled in and were about to head to Tar-jay. Uh oh! Car no startee! Up comes the hood, dh says he sees the problem as there is corrosion on the battery terminals. My brother, not being much of a mechanic, had no tools with him, so they trudged back to the store where they bought a battery tester, wrench, and wire brushes to clean the terminals. The battery tester showed a weak cell, so db (dear brother) decided that they would buy a battery. That taken care of and installed, but no joy! We're still stuck. Eventually we decided that this car was not going to start, called one of our dd's (dear daughter) and the tow truck. $76 later (for a tow less than 2 miles), and thanks to the kindess of our dd & her dh, we were back at my brother's. Now my sister-in-law & I are both afoot. At least it happened when she had company, otherwise she might have been stranded alone with a non-running car, and me not being able to pick her up.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Musically Yours
Today while listening to my mp3 player as I went around the house doing chores, baking cookies etc., I decided I should write a blog about music: my favorite artists and songs, what makes them my favorites, and so on. I have added a lot of my favorite songs to my mp3 player, and it's pretty difficult to ignore them when they are piped directly into your ears. I was noticing lyrics to some of my favorite artists, and thinking how GREAT they are. For me, lyrics are a pretty important part of music, I especially like it when say and mean something to me. Of course, the music and beat themselves, which help deliver the messages of the lyrics, are pretty important. You can have the most beautiful and profound words in the world, but if you don't have the right music to go with them, the lyrics will probably go unnoticed. So here goes on my favorite artists and/or their music.
Neil Diamond:
I've been a big fan of his since the 1970's. A friend gave Don/Creig "Taproot Manuscript" for his birthday, and after listening to it a few times I became hooked on Neil Diamond's music. Shortly thereafter I added "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" to our collection, and have added each new album of his since that time. I've also had the opportunity to go to two of his concerts, one in 1996 and the other a few years later. What a performer! If you're reading this on my MySpace"
page, I've included "Pretty Amazing Grace" from his latest CD on my profile playlist. If you're not familiar with this song, give it a listen.
John Denver:
My "2nd favorite" musical artist, I also had the opportunity to see his show in Lake Tahoe in 1976. I can't remember exactly when he became one of my favorites, but it would have had to be before 1976 since we wanted to see him then. His death was a great tragedy. I have most of his albums/CD's and even a DVD. One of my favorites is also on my MySpace profile playlist--"Wild Montana Skies." It tells a story, as do most of his songs, and this is one reason why he is on my favorites list. Others that I like include "Pegasus" and "The Wings That Fly Us Home." While he did not write these last two songs, they are still on my favorites list because of the lyrics and music, and his great voice.
After these two, the following are in no particular order in my list of favorites.
Nilsson:
We've been a fan of his for a long time, too. And he is also gone from our midst, he died of a heart attack a few years ago. On my profile playlist is "The Lottery Song." Give it a listen. One of our daughters thought that their dad had written this one--he used to play it a lot when they were growing up. Some of his other songs which you may recognize include "Everybody's Talking" (from Midnight Cowboy), "Without You," and the "Coconut Song."
James Taylor:
His music has been around our household for many years now, and he's been a favorite of Don's for a long, long time. I recently heard some of his "newer" music, such as "Frozen Man," and have come to appreciate his music more than I did before. More of his music appears on the public playlist.
Billy Joel:
Same with Billy Joel, he's been around for a long time, but when I seriously listened to the music AND the lyrics, I realized that he has a place on my favorites list as well. Have a listen to "And So It Goes." Others are on my Public list.
David Wilcox:
Before Christmas, a local radio station (KINK) celebrated 40 years of being on the air by playing music from each of their 40 years on a day by day basis. One morning while getting ready for the day, I heard David Wilcox's song "Rusty Old American Dream." As a child of the '50s & '60's, I fully appreciated this song and added it and David Wilcox to my favorites list, too. Give a listen to this song and you'll hear what I mean. I have a couple more of his songs on my public playlist.
Joe Jencks:
Joe Jencks is a "below the radar" performer who has such a beautiful tenor voice and a way with words and music. You probably won't find his music on a top radio station, but it should be. He is married to my #2 daughter's grade school/jr. high friend, or we wouldn't have become acquainted with his music. Listen to "The Turtle" on my profile playlist. He's very pro-union, and many of his songs reflect this philosphy, but still he is very talented in both song & lyrics even if you don't agree with him politically.
Gordon Lightfoot:
I couldn't find a song I listened to today to add to my profile list, "Don Quixote." Listening to this song today made me think of my daughters who love fantasy/medieval writings. But he has also been around a long time, very talented in words and music, so I've included "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" on my profile playlist for your listening pleasure.
Glen Hansard/The Frames:
I was introduced to this performer's music about this time last year by a friend. "Falling Slowly," written with Marketa Orglova, won an Academy Award for Best Music a year or two ago. I have added "Fitzcaraldo" to my profile playlist, and you'll find others on my public list. For some reason I could not add "Falling Slowly" to my playlists, thought it was already there but it wasn't. "Ohio Boatman" made me think of the early to mid 1800's, back when riverboats and canal boats plied the Ohio River and in northern Ohio, the canals between New York and Ohio. One of my gg grandmother's brother's was a boatman, who died in Illinois at a young age in 1854. The title intrigued me so I gave it a listen, and added it to my public playlist because I liked it so well.
Don Allen:
I've been closely connected to this singer/songwriter for more than 40 years now. You won't find any of his music anywhere but in his head or from him personally if you can get him to sing and play guitar for you, but that's not to say that he shouldn't have any top hits. Family and close friends have listened to his music for many years. I have one of his songs, sung by Heidi, on my computer, but I can't figure out how to add it to either my blogspot or myspace sites. If I ever do, or if anyone knows the answer as to how I can do it, I'll gladly add it and you'll hear some more good music.
Hope this makes you think about your favorite music, feel free to share yours with me or on your blog spaces. Since you are reading this here, I've included the link to my MySpace site, which has my music playlists.
http://www.myspace.com/hookedongenealogy
Neil Diamond:
I've been a big fan of his since the 1970's. A friend gave Don/Creig "Taproot Manuscript" for his birthday, and after listening to it a few times I became hooked on Neil Diamond's music. Shortly thereafter I added "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" to our collection, and have added each new album of his since that time. I've also had the opportunity to go to two of his concerts, one in 1996 and the other a few years later. What a performer! If you're reading this on my MySpace"
page, I've included "Pretty Amazing Grace" from his latest CD on my profile playlist. If you're not familiar with this song, give it a listen.
John Denver:
My "2nd favorite" musical artist, I also had the opportunity to see his show in Lake Tahoe in 1976. I can't remember exactly when he became one of my favorites, but it would have had to be before 1976 since we wanted to see him then. His death was a great tragedy. I have most of his albums/CD's and even a DVD. One of my favorites is also on my MySpace profile playlist--"Wild Montana Skies." It tells a story, as do most of his songs, and this is one reason why he is on my favorites list. Others that I like include "Pegasus" and "The Wings That Fly Us Home." While he did not write these last two songs, they are still on my favorites list because of the lyrics and music, and his great voice.
After these two, the following are in no particular order in my list of favorites.
Nilsson:
We've been a fan of his for a long time, too. And he is also gone from our midst, he died of a heart attack a few years ago. On my profile playlist is "The Lottery Song." Give it a listen. One of our daughters thought that their dad had written this one--he used to play it a lot when they were growing up. Some of his other songs which you may recognize include "Everybody's Talking" (from Midnight Cowboy), "Without You," and the "Coconut Song."
James Taylor:
His music has been around our household for many years now, and he's been a favorite of Don's for a long, long time. I recently heard some of his "newer" music, such as "Frozen Man," and have come to appreciate his music more than I did before. More of his music appears on the public playlist.
Billy Joel:
Same with Billy Joel, he's been around for a long time, but when I seriously listened to the music AND the lyrics, I realized that he has a place on my favorites list as well. Have a listen to "And So It Goes." Others are on my Public list.
David Wilcox:
Before Christmas, a local radio station (KINK) celebrated 40 years of being on the air by playing music from each of their 40 years on a day by day basis. One morning while getting ready for the day, I heard David Wilcox's song "Rusty Old American Dream." As a child of the '50s & '60's, I fully appreciated this song and added it and David Wilcox to my favorites list, too. Give a listen to this song and you'll hear what I mean. I have a couple more of his songs on my public playlist.
Joe Jencks:
Joe Jencks is a "below the radar" performer who has such a beautiful tenor voice and a way with words and music. You probably won't find his music on a top radio station, but it should be. He is married to my #2 daughter's grade school/jr. high friend, or we wouldn't have become acquainted with his music. Listen to "The Turtle" on my profile playlist. He's very pro-union, and many of his songs reflect this philosphy, but still he is very talented in both song & lyrics even if you don't agree with him politically.
Gordon Lightfoot:
I couldn't find a song I listened to today to add to my profile list, "Don Quixote." Listening to this song today made me think of my daughters who love fantasy/medieval writings. But he has also been around a long time, very talented in words and music, so I've included "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" on my profile playlist for your listening pleasure.
Glen Hansard/The Frames:
I was introduced to this performer's music about this time last year by a friend. "Falling Slowly," written with Marketa Orglova, won an Academy Award for Best Music a year or two ago. I have added "Fitzcaraldo" to my profile playlist, and you'll find others on my public list. For some reason I could not add "Falling Slowly" to my playlists, thought it was already there but it wasn't. "Ohio Boatman" made me think of the early to mid 1800's, back when riverboats and canal boats plied the Ohio River and in northern Ohio, the canals between New York and Ohio. One of my gg grandmother's brother's was a boatman, who died in Illinois at a young age in 1854. The title intrigued me so I gave it a listen, and added it to my public playlist because I liked it so well.
Don Allen:
I've been closely connected to this singer/songwriter for more than 40 years now. You won't find any of his music anywhere but in his head or from him personally if you can get him to sing and play guitar for you, but that's not to say that he shouldn't have any top hits. Family and close friends have listened to his music for many years. I have one of his songs, sung by Heidi, on my computer, but I can't figure out how to add it to either my blogspot or myspace sites. If I ever do, or if anyone knows the answer as to how I can do it, I'll gladly add it and you'll hear some more good music.
Hope this makes you think about your favorite music, feel free to share yours with me or on your blog spaces. Since you are reading this here, I've included the link to my MySpace site, which has my music playlists.
http://www.myspace.com/hookedongenealogy
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Reminiscing--Learning to Drive
Earlier this evening I noted a folder in my email program, titled "A Year In Our Thoughts." It's a holdover from a Yahoo writing group I was a member of nearly 6 years ago. We were asked to write something at least monthly, I think. I started reviewing some of the posts I and others had written, and the thought occurred to me that I could post my writings here. So I'm going to start with the one I wrote about one of my twin daughters and her experiences learning how to drive. Keep in mind that this is almost 6 years old now. K has been driving for almost 4 1/2 years (I think, maybe it's 5 1/2). I mention that H has shown no interest in driving, but in truth she has been a licensed driver for two years now. And our son is also now a licensed driver, although he doesn't particularly care for driving. Pretty much drives just to work and back, although he has driven to Powell's in Portland (after having his license for only a month or so), as well as out to Tigard. Brave soul!
Here goes....................................
I am the mother of 18 (almost 19) year old twin daughters, Heidi and Katie. They are the last of our six children, and have been a joy (mostly) to raise, They've been somewhat different than most, including our other 4 children, in many ways.
One of the ways they are "different" is in getting their drivers licenses. Now I'm sure that most of us could hardly wait to get our learners permit when we reached 15 or so, including me. I remember going to the Motor Vehicles Dept. the day after my 15th birthday to take the written test and procure this important piece of paper. Three of our older children were also champing at the bit to do this. Our only son waxed hot and cold on this issue, sometimes he wanted it, sometimes he could care less. At almost 21, he still does not drive.
The twins' excuse was that "it's scary to drive." The cries of "We're gonna die" from the back seat of our car on many occasions often prompted laughs from their dad and I, who have driven more years than we care to think about, and knew that we were nowhere near "dying."
However, on May 1st of this year, Katie, the youngest twin, decided to get her learners permit. I suspect it was mainly to have identification so that she could open up a savings and checking account, but nevertheless, she made an important "growing up" move. It took a couple of weeks, but she finally decided to go on her first drive.
Not willing to trust her to the streets, Dad took her up to our church parking lot, which is very large, and allowed her to practice some basic maneuvers there, without endangering anyone else. The next session was simlar, with the exception that Dad let her drive home from Target (a sum total of about 3 blocks, but it does require crossing a busy street with a traffic light).
She's gone out with her dad several times now, usually early on a Saturday morning, to practice. She's even gotten to drive on the freeway once. The car has always come back in one piece, so I suspect that she is doing alright. This past Monday night, she took us all on a small drive. And we all returned in one piece. I wasn't tempted to cry, "We're gonna die" on this drive, but I may yet get my chance for payback.
Did we all start out like this in the beginning of our driving careers? Very slow, jerky starts, in spite of the car having an automatic transmission? Unsure of when it was safe to "go?" Driving about 5 miles below the speed limit? I'm sure we did, but having been a licensed driver for almost 39 years, those days are a dim memory. I hope she is keeping track of this phenomenum in her journal, so that in future years when her children are learning to drive, she can have something to look back on, to remind her of her youth, and to show her children that "some things never change."
As for her twin sister, Heidi still has not gotten her permit. She hasn't expressed any interest in it, in spite of being driven around by her sister. Oh well, perhaps she'll learn one day, maybe out of necessity, or maybe because she wants to be more independent. We shall see.
Here goes....................................
I am the mother of 18 (almost 19) year old twin daughters, Heidi and Katie. They are the last of our six children, and have been a joy (mostly) to raise, They've been somewhat different than most, including our other 4 children, in many ways.
One of the ways they are "different" is in getting their drivers licenses. Now I'm sure that most of us could hardly wait to get our learners permit when we reached 15 or so, including me. I remember going to the Motor Vehicles Dept. the day after my 15th birthday to take the written test and procure this important piece of paper. Three of our older children were also champing at the bit to do this. Our only son waxed hot and cold on this issue, sometimes he wanted it, sometimes he could care less. At almost 21, he still does not drive.
The twins' excuse was that "it's scary to drive." The cries of "We're gonna die" from the back seat of our car on many occasions often prompted laughs from their dad and I, who have driven more years than we care to think about, and knew that we were nowhere near "dying."
However, on May 1st of this year, Katie, the youngest twin, decided to get her learners permit. I suspect it was mainly to have identification so that she could open up a savings and checking account, but nevertheless, she made an important "growing up" move. It took a couple of weeks, but she finally decided to go on her first drive.
Not willing to trust her to the streets, Dad took her up to our church parking lot, which is very large, and allowed her to practice some basic maneuvers there, without endangering anyone else. The next session was simlar, with the exception that Dad let her drive home from Target (a sum total of about 3 blocks, but it does require crossing a busy street with a traffic light).
She's gone out with her dad several times now, usually early on a Saturday morning, to practice. She's even gotten to drive on the freeway once. The car has always come back in one piece, so I suspect that she is doing alright. This past Monday night, she took us all on a small drive. And we all returned in one piece. I wasn't tempted to cry, "We're gonna die" on this drive, but I may yet get my chance for payback.
Did we all start out like this in the beginning of our driving careers? Very slow, jerky starts, in spite of the car having an automatic transmission? Unsure of when it was safe to "go?" Driving about 5 miles below the speed limit? I'm sure we did, but having been a licensed driver for almost 39 years, those days are a dim memory. I hope she is keeping track of this phenomenum in her journal, so that in future years when her children are learning to drive, she can have something to look back on, to remind her of her youth, and to show her children that "some things never change."
As for her twin sister, Heidi still has not gotten her permit. She hasn't expressed any interest in it, in spite of being driven around by her sister. Oh well, perhaps she'll learn one day, maybe out of necessity, or maybe because she wants to be more independent. We shall see.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Miscellaneous Ramblings
Heeding the Still Small Voice
I really hate it when I miss a prompting. I should know better, I have had enough experience with the Spirit that I should recognize when I receive a prompting, but sometimes I don't act on something that I should.
My sister-in-law lost her keys Saturday night. We had been to Walmart and Target and had arrived back at their house following our shopping spree (yeah, cat food, light bulbs, automotive oil, quite the shopping spree). DH had taken our purchases to our car and sister-in-law was trying to find her keys, unsuccessfully. Once in the house, she took apart her purse, checked coat pockets, checked in her bags, but no keys. We took a flashlight out and started looking around their car--no keys. I kept getting an impression that we should look in the bags in our car, but I pooh-poohed that idea by thinking, "How would they get in our bags?" My brother even walked over towards our car, even though his wife hadn't been anywhere near it. So we piled into the car, drove back to Target (which had closed by then) and looked around the parking lot in the place where we had parked. Drove to Walmart (which was still open), looked around the parking lot where we had parked and we also went inside and asked at Customer Service. No Keys!
Four dejected people returned to their house and tried to enjoy what was left of the evening. We went home, and upon putting away our purchases I discovered her keys in one of our bags. Arghhhh! Had I acted on the prompting, we would have found the keys right away, would have saved the hassle and about 30 minutes of our evening by not having to drive to two stores, and would really have enjoyed the rest of the evening--not to mention we would have gotten home at least half an hour earlier. Even though it was almost midnight when we got home, I called and let them know we found the keys.
I promise to heed any promptings I receive--no matter how impossible or dumb they may seem at the time. I certainly don't have the answers, but there's a higher power who does.
-----------------------------
Twelve
Our oldest grandson turned twelve recently, and today he received the Aaronic Priesthood and was ordained to the office of Deacon. Is it just me, or are 12-year old boys getting shorter? What a proud moment for his parents, his brothers, his grandparents, and one of his aunties & uncles as we sustained the calling and witnessed/participated in the ordination. And how appropriate that the Sunday School lesson was about the Restoration of the Priesthood. "J," we are so proud of you for deciding to accept this responsibility!
---------------------------------
Sisters
We're having a Talent Show! This coming Thursday our ward Relief Society is putting on a Talent show, showcasing the many talents of the sisters in our ward. My "talent" is a display of photos and the medals we've won as a Sweet Adelines Chorus. Or so I thought. A few weeks ago I was asked to join a foursome to lipsynch to the song "Sisters," which was performed by Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen in the Bing Crosby/Danny Kaye movie "White Christmas." Now those who know me, know that this is totally out of character for me. I prefer to be the little mouse in the background, watching rather than participating. But something told me to say "yes," even though it's not something I usually like to do. Hey--maybe for once I DID listen to the Spirit. So the four of us have been practicing doing a song-dance routine to this song, and we performed in public for the first time Saturday morning at the dress rehearsal.
How much fun was that!!!! And to hear people compliment us on our act, and to watch them literally rolling in the aisles as we sang to our iron, duster, mop and sweeper, and danced around the stage with our "men" (jackets on hangers). People came up to me and said they didn't know there was this side to me (neither did I, for that matter). I'm glad I said yes, although I probably won't be sitting in the background anymore after Thursday evening.
I really hate it when I miss a prompting. I should know better, I have had enough experience with the Spirit that I should recognize when I receive a prompting, but sometimes I don't act on something that I should.
My sister-in-law lost her keys Saturday night. We had been to Walmart and Target and had arrived back at their house following our shopping spree (yeah, cat food, light bulbs, automotive oil, quite the shopping spree). DH had taken our purchases to our car and sister-in-law was trying to find her keys, unsuccessfully. Once in the house, she took apart her purse, checked coat pockets, checked in her bags, but no keys. We took a flashlight out and started looking around their car--no keys. I kept getting an impression that we should look in the bags in our car, but I pooh-poohed that idea by thinking, "How would they get in our bags?" My brother even walked over towards our car, even though his wife hadn't been anywhere near it. So we piled into the car, drove back to Target (which had closed by then) and looked around the parking lot in the place where we had parked. Drove to Walmart (which was still open), looked around the parking lot where we had parked and we also went inside and asked at Customer Service. No Keys!
Four dejected people returned to their house and tried to enjoy what was left of the evening. We went home, and upon putting away our purchases I discovered her keys in one of our bags. Arghhhh! Had I acted on the prompting, we would have found the keys right away, would have saved the hassle and about 30 minutes of our evening by not having to drive to two stores, and would really have enjoyed the rest of the evening--not to mention we would have gotten home at least half an hour earlier. Even though it was almost midnight when we got home, I called and let them know we found the keys.
I promise to heed any promptings I receive--no matter how impossible or dumb they may seem at the time. I certainly don't have the answers, but there's a higher power who does.
-----------------------------
Twelve
Our oldest grandson turned twelve recently, and today he received the Aaronic Priesthood and was ordained to the office of Deacon. Is it just me, or are 12-year old boys getting shorter? What a proud moment for his parents, his brothers, his grandparents, and one of his aunties & uncles as we sustained the calling and witnessed/participated in the ordination. And how appropriate that the Sunday School lesson was about the Restoration of the Priesthood. "J," we are so proud of you for deciding to accept this responsibility!
---------------------------------
Sisters
We're having a Talent Show! This coming Thursday our ward Relief Society is putting on a Talent show, showcasing the many talents of the sisters in our ward. My "talent" is a display of photos and the medals we've won as a Sweet Adelines Chorus. Or so I thought. A few weeks ago I was asked to join a foursome to lipsynch to the song "Sisters," which was performed by Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen in the Bing Crosby/Danny Kaye movie "White Christmas." Now those who know me, know that this is totally out of character for me. I prefer to be the little mouse in the background, watching rather than participating. But something told me to say "yes," even though it's not something I usually like to do. Hey--maybe for once I DID listen to the Spirit. So the four of us have been practicing doing a song-dance routine to this song, and we performed in public for the first time Saturday morning at the dress rehearsal.
How much fun was that!!!! And to hear people compliment us on our act, and to watch them literally rolling in the aisles as we sang to our iron, duster, mop and sweeper, and danced around the stage with our "men" (jackets on hangers). People came up to me and said they didn't know there was this side to me (neither did I, for that matter). I'm glad I said yes, although I probably won't be sitting in the background anymore after Thursday evening.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
More Journal Jar Ramblings
It's a pretty well-known fact that I am not very good at blogging, or even keeping a personal journal. I have a difficult time writing about myself. I know I would appreciate having a journal of my grandparents' lives, so I am not sure why it's so hard for me to share my thoughts and feelings. Maybe because I was given the example of "your private life is PRIVATE" from my parents. Tonight I realized that the month is almost over and I've only posted one blog this month. Then I remembered the ever-famous "Journal Jar." So I've drawn a slip of paper from this jar and here's what I'm writing about tonight:"What Church callings have you had? Which did you enjo the most?
Church callings include:
1. Jr. Sunday School teacher (my first calling as a newly wed and fairly new member of the Church)
2. Primary teacher (many times over)
3. Counselor in Relief Society (I was all of 23 when I started this one)
4. Jr. Chorister in Primary (I knew little about leading music or teaching it to young children--we learned together)
5. Visiting Teaching Coordinator (twice)
6. Primary President
7. Sunday School teacher for 16-17 year olds--they probably knew more than I did.
8. Homemaking Leader
9. Volunteer in Family History Center (before Internet & computers)
10. Relief Society teacher (a couple of times)
11. Relief Society Secretary
12. Relief Society Welfare leader (first calling in Vancouver)
13. Young Women President
14. Laurel Class Advisor (YW)
15. Primary Secretary
16. Counselor in Primary
17. Relief Society President (twice)
18. Ward & Meetinghouse Librarian
19. Nursery Leader
20. MIA Maid Advisor (YW)
21. Ward Historian
22. Ward Family History Consultant
23. Visiting Teacher
My favorites: Any of the YW callings, Librarian, Family History Consultant
This is the sum total of callings I've held over 40-some odd years as an adult in the Church. I didn't join the Church until I was 18. My first one was teaching in Jr. Sunday School, course 6 & 7. I knew little of the gospel yet, and even less about teaching. I was also pregnant with baby #1. Not a favorite calling. Next came a stint in Primary when baby was young, teaching 5 year olds. Then we moved to a different ward and I had the opportunity to again teach 5 year olds in Primary, plus several years as a member of the Relief Society presidency, which I started at the tender age of 23. This was also where I enjoyed about a year as Jr. Primary chorister and Visiting Teaching coordinator (at the same time--small ward so it wasn't unusual for people to hold 2 callings). Was Primary President when dd#3 was 18 month old, released just before she turned 4. Taught the 16 & 17 year olds in Sunday School, was Homemaking Leader, and Family History volunteer all at the same time. Then we moved to Seattle. Taught Primary a lot of years there, including 5 year olds, 6 year olds, then 11 year olds. Became RS Secretary after ds was born, and held that calling for 3 years until we moved south again.We've been here for almost 24 years and the remaining callings were done here. I am currently Family History Consultant, and have been for about 8 years, maybe 9.
If I kept a better journal, I'd know for sure.
Church callings include:
1. Jr. Sunday School teacher (my first calling as a newly wed and fairly new member of the Church)
2. Primary teacher (many times over)
3. Counselor in Relief Society (I was all of 23 when I started this one)
4. Jr. Chorister in Primary (I knew little about leading music or teaching it to young children--we learned together)
5. Visiting Teaching Coordinator (twice)
6. Primary President
7. Sunday School teacher for 16-17 year olds--they probably knew more than I did.
8. Homemaking Leader
9. Volunteer in Family History Center (before Internet & computers)
10. Relief Society teacher (a couple of times)
11. Relief Society Secretary
12. Relief Society Welfare leader (first calling in Vancouver)
13. Young Women President
14. Laurel Class Advisor (YW)
15. Primary Secretary
16. Counselor in Primary
17. Relief Society President (twice)
18. Ward & Meetinghouse Librarian
19. Nursery Leader
20. MIA Maid Advisor (YW)
21. Ward Historian
22. Ward Family History Consultant
23. Visiting Teacher
My favorites: Any of the YW callings, Librarian, Family History Consultant
This is the sum total of callings I've held over 40-some odd years as an adult in the Church. I didn't join the Church until I was 18. My first one was teaching in Jr. Sunday School, course 6 & 7. I knew little of the gospel yet, and even less about teaching. I was also pregnant with baby #1. Not a favorite calling. Next came a stint in Primary when baby was young, teaching 5 year olds. Then we moved to a different ward and I had the opportunity to again teach 5 year olds in Primary, plus several years as a member of the Relief Society presidency, which I started at the tender age of 23. This was also where I enjoyed about a year as Jr. Primary chorister and Visiting Teaching coordinator (at the same time--small ward so it wasn't unusual for people to hold 2 callings). Was Primary President when dd#3 was 18 month old, released just before she turned 4. Taught the 16 & 17 year olds in Sunday School, was Homemaking Leader, and Family History volunteer all at the same time. Then we moved to Seattle. Taught Primary a lot of years there, including 5 year olds, 6 year olds, then 11 year olds. Became RS Secretary after ds was born, and held that calling for 3 years until we moved south again.We've been here for almost 24 years and the remaining callings were done here. I am currently Family History Consultant, and have been for about 8 years, maybe 9.
If I kept a better journal, I'd know for sure.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Moooooooooooooooooo!
I've just returned home from my first "cattle call." Quite an experience, one I've never had the pleasure of participating in before. Most of the jobs I've had in my past have pretty much resulted in a "there at the right time" type of experience. To stand in a winding line of other applicants of various ages, shapes, sizes, etc., was an experience I'm not sure I want to do again. My first inclination when I saw the sheer numbers, was to leave--do not pass go, do not collect $200. But I stuck it out. My chances are probably pretty slim given my age and the number of
applicants, etc. But you can't say I didn't try. There were young ones, old ones (older than me, even), handicapped ones, some who were dressed for manual labor and some who were dressed to apply for an executive position. I even saw and talked with a couple of people I knew.
This job is for a company which is relocating from California to Washington to save money on taxes and because the rents are cheaper here than there. They process and "clean up" medical insurance claims for doctors' offices, before submitting to the insurance company for payment. Open positions included Customer Service, Sales Reps, Appointment Setters, and Mail Clerks. The Customer Service positions had the longest line, and naturally that's the one I put an
app. in for. I probably should have also applied for appt. setter and mail clerk, but I didn't, and it would have entailed standing in two more lines besides this incredibly long One I spent two hours in, for a 2-minute "interview." They did put me down for a technical support position which hasn't been advertised yet, but I'm not holding my breath. Besides, the technical support I do (specific computer software titles) probably won't be what they will be dealing with. Is this how job interviews are conducted these days?
The last job I applied for was 31 years ago, and was kind of a fluke. I worked for a Travel School and we were sending our graduates for job interviews in Seattle, with Hughes Airwest (anyone remember the banana airplanes?). We had sent a girl from Centralia, which is about 60-70 miles south of Seattle. At lunch this particular day, the woman who was arranging the interviews said that the office manager of the Reservations office had mildly complained about the Centralia girl (who he hired anyway), and suggested in a joking manner that she should send some applicants from Portland. I flippantly said, "I'll go," never dreaming that she would take me up on it. Next thing I knew, I had plane reservations to and from Seattle, an interview appointment scheduled for the following day, and directions on how to get to the office from the airport. Of course I had to call my husband and get his approval, because if I got the job, it
would mean pulling up stakes and moving to Seattle. I never expected to get hired, but by the time I had gotten back to the office that afternoon, there was a job offer waiting for me. I started a month later, and would commute for the next several months as we decided to let our kids finish out the school year before moving north. I ended up rooming with the girl from Centralia for a while, until we were able to find a house to rent. Some of the best years of my life
were spent in Seattle, and many choice blessings came our way because of that move. But, it wasn't a cattle call like I went through today.
We'll see what happens!
applicants, etc. But you can't say I didn't try. There were young ones, old ones (older than me, even), handicapped ones, some who were dressed for manual labor and some who were dressed to apply for an executive position. I even saw and talked with a couple of people I knew.
This job is for a company which is relocating from California to Washington to save money on taxes and because the rents are cheaper here than there. They process and "clean up" medical insurance claims for doctors' offices, before submitting to the insurance company for payment. Open positions included Customer Service, Sales Reps, Appointment Setters, and Mail Clerks. The Customer Service positions had the longest line, and naturally that's the one I put an
app. in for. I probably should have also applied for appt. setter and mail clerk, but I didn't, and it would have entailed standing in two more lines besides this incredibly long One I spent two hours in, for a 2-minute "interview." They did put me down for a technical support position which hasn't been advertised yet, but I'm not holding my breath. Besides, the technical support I do (specific computer software titles) probably won't be what they will be dealing with. Is this how job interviews are conducted these days?
The last job I applied for was 31 years ago, and was kind of a fluke. I worked for a Travel School and we were sending our graduates for job interviews in Seattle, with Hughes Airwest (anyone remember the banana airplanes?). We had sent a girl from Centralia, which is about 60-70 miles south of Seattle. At lunch this particular day, the woman who was arranging the interviews said that the office manager of the Reservations office had mildly complained about the Centralia girl (who he hired anyway), and suggested in a joking manner that she should send some applicants from Portland. I flippantly said, "I'll go," never dreaming that she would take me up on it. Next thing I knew, I had plane reservations to and from Seattle, an interview appointment scheduled for the following day, and directions on how to get to the office from the airport. Of course I had to call my husband and get his approval, because if I got the job, it
would mean pulling up stakes and moving to Seattle. I never expected to get hired, but by the time I had gotten back to the office that afternoon, there was a job offer waiting for me. I started a month later, and would commute for the next several months as we decided to let our kids finish out the school year before moving north. I ended up rooming with the girl from Centralia for a while, until we were able to find a house to rent. Some of the best years of my life
were spent in Seattle, and many choice blessings came our way because of that move. But, it wasn't a cattle call like I went through today.
We'll see what happens!
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