What was I thinking? I didn't feel like making my crazy neighbor's life any more difficult than it already was, after all she was given notice to move in 30 days. When she attacked my car the property manager said if I filed a complaint and got a copy of it she could be removed in three days. I wavered. That damned "niceness" gets in the way some times. I asked the Universe (with a capital U) to give me an answer... do I follow through on the complaint or not. I just got my answer.
The woman has been drinking all night. People coming and going from her apartment. Music playing, but not quite as loud as usual. I just stepped out on my porch area to have a cigarette. Its raining so I had my umbrella. I noticed the outdoor safety light bulbs were missing again. All of a sudden someone tries to grab my umbrella. The drunken crazy lady... trying to start something, running her mouth although its hard to understand her. "There's no witnesses now." "I'll get you. And I want your son, too." And she spit at me as I was going in my apartment.
The Universe answered my question. Her crazy ass needs to get out of here. The sooner the better. Her actions are causing her all her problems and she seems to relish it.
(note to me: 6:50am phone call)
Friday, December 30, 2005
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Thursday's Thirteen #19
Crusty's Morsels
1. I missed doing TT13 last week. I'm not sure I will get thirteen listed... I live a very boring life.
2. I've been in a strange place lately. No, not my apartment. I mean emotionally. BORING.
3. I saw my deranged neighbor take in a supply of moving boxes yesterday. I wish I knew if she would be staying until her time is up or if she will try to be out by the first of the month. I doubt the first is her goal... that's only two+ days. She has a load of stuff to move. Her apt. is crammed with stuff.
4. I don't truly hold any ill will towards my neighbor, although I've been trying to. Maybe that's why I've been in a strange place lately.
5. I don't 'get' a lot of the art that is out there. And I'm not saying its necessarily the art work. It may be more a problem of my own restricted thinking... but my gawd, you mean you actually paid money for that piece of crap?! See. I'm such a pedestrian sometimes. Holy Crap, Batman... you mean they devoted a full gallery for displaying that bullshit?! Yet at the same time there have been a painting here and there that I could relate too. Sigh. Such a pedestrian!
6. I'm babysitting one of my grandsons this New Year's Eve.... until the following evening. I can't do both at once so 'mom' has to line up two babysitters. I wish I was a better grandma, but I'm not so suck it up and move on with your life.
7. I'm gonna be chopping off my hair in the next few days. The only reason its as long as it is is because I didn't have any scissors that would cut hair. Fortunately, it doesn't make any difference what it looks like when done so no pressure there.
8. I've discovered a new coffee house fairly close to my place. Not a big deal, I know, but I discovered it by reading a blog and following a link. Gotta love those blogs.
9. I seldom get commercial coffee drinks anymore. I can take the money spent on one cup and buy some flavoring of my own that will last several days... and I like it better.
10. I'm impressed that Leanne can actually get through all her TT13 partners (reading the entries). That takes dogged determination. Its particularly impressive since she has family to care for and paintings to paint.
11. So, how much money do you make from selling your art?
12. Its interesting to see how many people feel their situation is "special" when in fact there are gazillion others going through the same thing. The big picture is illuminating.
13. Buggar buggar puddin' tain... Ask me again and I'll tell you the same. Huh?
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Where's a mommy blog when you want one!
"Naughty Mommy"... I just know I've seen that name on a link somewhere... on a blog or two, but can I find it now? Noooooo, of course not. I can't even find the blog using google or the google blog search.
The Today Show had yet another author who bloomed first in a blog. Confessions of a Naughty Mommy. Her first book began as a blog. I wanted to check out her blog, but no luck. I guess I should have clicked on the link when I saw it, but since I'm no longer a young 'mommy' I didn't.
I think it is so marvelous how the blogging community is sprouting all these wonderful authors. Sometimes I wonder if some people would have written books if the web and blogging did not exist. Gotta love the technology, gotta hate the hackers. Green? No... no... I'm not green. That's just the light from the window.
The Today Show had yet another author who bloomed first in a blog. Confessions of a Naughty Mommy. Her first book began as a blog. I wanted to check out her blog, but no luck. I guess I should have clicked on the link when I saw it, but since I'm no longer a young 'mommy' I didn't.
I think it is so marvelous how the blogging community is sprouting all these wonderful authors. Sometimes I wonder if some people would have written books if the web and blogging did not exist. Gotta love the technology, gotta hate the hackers. Green? No... no... I'm not green. That's just the light from the window.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Another notch on the ole Christmas belt
Another entry goes under the "completed" side of the Christmas ledger. Although today is the actual Christmas holiday, for me it is complete... done and over. Our family gets together on Christmas Eve and then the individual units can get together with the other side of the families on Christmas day.
Several years ago we stopped gift-giving for the adults. There were too many kids and it put a strain on the bank accounts. We now only get presents for the kids. And when you hit 18 you are no longer considered a child. We did something a little differently this time. We did not "assign" gifts to any particular person. The gifts were identified as to appropriateness based on age and gender ("toddler/boy" for example). Then the kids took turns picking their own presents. Got a dumb gift... well, you picked it.
Oh... and I have another new grandchild. Surprise! My son and his wife were expecting and her due date was December 28th. I walked into the house and there sat my daughter Candace holding an infant. Huh? Whose baby is that?! Come on brain, kick in any time here.
Apparently the babe decided to come a few days early. The wife's water broke and labor was induced... and the baby joined us on December 22nd. This is the wife's fourth child and my son's fifth child... but it is their first child together. Big family, huh. Eight kids now, but not all live on a continous bases with my son. He shares custody of his kids with the mothers (yes, pural). The wife has three children and she has sole custody. They are very well mannered children, too, especially when you consider their ages, 11, 13, and 16.
My son is the only one who has a house big enough to hold us all so most get togethers are done at his place. (Plus that means they don't have to form a caravan to drive anywhere since its hard to fit eight kids and two adults into a single SUV. Maybe they need to get a small school bus, huh.)
We ate first and then each child took a turn opening a present.
My little guy Darius got to pick the first gift.
No one in the family really knows how charming he can be because he always seems to be very cranky which is blamed on no naps. This night was no different. Both of the boys (Candace's off spring) were cranky.
Some of the gifts were "KEWL!!" Most of mine were duds, darn it.
(Got three orbs in this photo... two might be hard to see.)
A good time was had by all and to all a good night nurse!
And a minor update on my deranged neighbor... this morning I noticed my door mat is missing. I think I was being kind when I said she had the emotional maturity of a ten yr old. My apologies to the ten yr olds. Its more like a two yr old. This morning I was not feeling so hostile towards her... that is until I noticed the mat was missing. Its interesting to watch how she brings all this drama onto herself. She is, indeed, creating her own world... her own miserable, victimized world. And I am a blue-eyed evil devil.
Several years ago we stopped gift-giving for the adults. There were too many kids and it put a strain on the bank accounts. We now only get presents for the kids. And when you hit 18 you are no longer considered a child. We did something a little differently this time. We did not "assign" gifts to any particular person. The gifts were identified as to appropriateness based on age and gender ("toddler/boy" for example). Then the kids took turns picking their own presents. Got a dumb gift... well, you picked it.
Oh... and I have another new grandchild. Surprise! My son and his wife were expecting and her due date was December 28th. I walked into the house and there sat my daughter Candace holding an infant. Huh? Whose baby is that?! Come on brain, kick in any time here.
Apparently the babe decided to come a few days early. The wife's water broke and labor was induced... and the baby joined us on December 22nd. This is the wife's fourth child and my son's fifth child... but it is their first child together. Big family, huh. Eight kids now, but not all live on a continous bases with my son. He shares custody of his kids with the mothers (yes, pural). The wife has three children and she has sole custody. They are very well mannered children, too, especially when you consider their ages, 11, 13, and 16.
My son is the only one who has a house big enough to hold us all so most get togethers are done at his place. (Plus that means they don't have to form a caravan to drive anywhere since its hard to fit eight kids and two adults into a single SUV. Maybe they need to get a small school bus, huh.)
We ate first and then each child took a turn opening a present.
My little guy Darius got to pick the first gift.
No one in the family really knows how charming he can be because he always seems to be very cranky which is blamed on no naps. This night was no different. Both of the boys (Candace's off spring) were cranky.
Some of the gifts were "KEWL!!" Most of mine were duds, darn it.
(Got three orbs in this photo... two might be hard to see.)
A good time was had by all and to all a good night nurse!
And a minor update on my deranged neighbor... this morning I noticed my door mat is missing. I think I was being kind when I said she had the emotional maturity of a ten yr old. My apologies to the ten yr olds. Its more like a two yr old. This morning I was not feeling so hostile towards her... that is until I noticed the mat was missing. Its interesting to watch how she brings all this drama onto herself. She is, indeed, creating her own world... her own miserable, victimized world. And I am a blue-eyed evil devil.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
The car damage
(added later)I have gone ahead and filed a formal criminal complaint against the neighbor. She already has several on file. Next Wednesday I can call the DA's office to let them know I'm willing to follow thru (although I suspect they may not do anything...too small a crime.) and I can call the police records dept. to get a copy of the complaint. With that in hand, then the property manager can give her 72 hrs to vacate rather than 30 days. I'm a bit concerned over what she will do the next time she gets drunk.
The damage to my car doesn't show up very well in photos. Both tail light covers are broken and I'm assuming at least one has a broken bulb. Both parking lights in front are broken, a scrap in the bumper paint... and, of course, the mangled windshield wiper arms.
I'm assuming her notice of rental termination was for 30 days. There are 28 days left to go. And I'm pretty sure she won't stay sober for that long.
The damage to my car doesn't show up very well in photos. Both tail light covers are broken and I'm assuming at least one has a broken bulb. Both parking lights in front are broken, a scrap in the bumper paint... and, of course, the mangled windshield wiper arms.
I'm assuming her notice of rental termination was for 30 days. There are 28 days left to go. And I'm pretty sure she won't stay sober for that long.
The Neighbor Saga Continues
Here I sit... 4am... hammer sits beside me. And I'm seething. The drunken neighbor attacked my car with a hammer. But let me back up four hours.
I was awakened about 11:30pm... another cop at my door. (Why do they knock on my door? I'm not the one calling them. A coward must be using my apartment number to complain.) The neighbor's music is blasting. The cop is telling me she won't open the door and there's nothing he can do about it. Again. Okay.
I've been up since then, listening to her go out and back in, out and back inside again. When I went out for a smoke, the last safety lightbulb was missing, my chair was missing, and my tin for my cigarette butts was missing. There was a pile of soaked newspaper right in front of my door. Yes, ladies and gentlement, this is an excellent example of the level of maturity that I, and the other tenants, have to deal with regarding this neighbor.
This neighbor is angry because she was given notice that she would have to move. Since my son is the property manager, she's taking her anger out on me. And she is drunk tonight. And she went too far.
About 3am I hear some banging outside. I start to let it go but then I remembered my car out there. 'And hey, don't forget the neighbor is drunk and angry!' I jumped to the door... and there she was screaming as she came up the porch steps... with a hammer in her hand. And since I'm so clever and smart as a whip, it takes me several minutes to finally realized that she must have been beating on my car. You say you have a bridge to sell??
The windshield wipers are completely mangled... the whole arm... both of them. Both license plates were all mangled up as well. It was dark and I didn't see anything else. Do you know how to spell FUMING? Well, that's where I was, but just not at the point of insanity.
So I called the police to report it. How fruitless. The neighbor simply refuses to open the door and there's nothing the cops can do. (And you will note this is the second time they have been out here because of this neighbor.) I could have signed a complaint and had to go to court. My bet would be that she wouldn't show up anyway... and there's not much that can be done.
So here I sit trying to listen so if she goes back outside, me and my hammer follow her. I don't intend to use the hammer, but the neighbor needs to know she is in danger.
And none of it will ever be her fault.
I was awakened about 11:30pm... another cop at my door. (Why do they knock on my door? I'm not the one calling them. A coward must be using my apartment number to complain.) The neighbor's music is blasting. The cop is telling me she won't open the door and there's nothing he can do about it. Again. Okay.
I've been up since then, listening to her go out and back in, out and back inside again. When I went out for a smoke, the last safety lightbulb was missing, my chair was missing, and my tin for my cigarette butts was missing. There was a pile of soaked newspaper right in front of my door. Yes, ladies and gentlement, this is an excellent example of the level of maturity that I, and the other tenants, have to deal with regarding this neighbor.
This neighbor is angry because she was given notice that she would have to move. Since my son is the property manager, she's taking her anger out on me. And she is drunk tonight. And she went too far.
About 3am I hear some banging outside. I start to let it go but then I remembered my car out there. 'And hey, don't forget the neighbor is drunk and angry!' I jumped to the door... and there she was screaming as she came up the porch steps... with a hammer in her hand. And since I'm so clever and smart as a whip, it takes me several minutes to finally realized that she must have been beating on my car. You say you have a bridge to sell??
The windshield wipers are completely mangled... the whole arm... both of them. Both license plates were all mangled up as well. It was dark and I didn't see anything else. Do you know how to spell FUMING? Well, that's where I was, but just not at the point of insanity.
So I called the police to report it. How fruitless. The neighbor simply refuses to open the door and there's nothing the cops can do. (And you will note this is the second time they have been out here because of this neighbor.) I could have signed a complaint and had to go to court. My bet would be that she wouldn't show up anyway... and there's not much that can be done.
So here I sit trying to listen so if she goes back outside, me and my hammer follow her. I don't intend to use the hammer, but the neighbor needs to know she is in danger.
And none of it will ever be her fault.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Almost done
Well, maybe not technically done. The "gift procurements" are done, as is my bank account. Funny how that seems to happen a lot, both going belly up at the same time. The wrapping hasn't started though. I always under-estimate how long wrapping actually takes, too. Especially for someone who is easily distracted. "What... what did that commercial say? Now I'm going to have to watch the whole program to see if the commercial is played again. oh well."
I'm tired of rain. I'm tired of moisture. I'm tired of dampness.
Rain, Rain
Go Away.
Come again
Another day.
Little Johnny
Wants to Play.
I'm tired of rain. I'm tired of moisture. I'm tired of dampness.
Rain, Rain
Go Away.
Come again
Another day.
Little Johnny
Wants to Play.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Uh Oh... Given notice
The neighbor received a notice of termination... terminating the rental agreement "without cause", but she knows why. Her music. Her very loud music in the middle of the night. She came to me asking me if I would talk to my son about it. I had to remind her that I do not interfer in my son's business.
Her usual way of reacting to anyone who asked her to turn the music down was to ignore them. That's what she did when the police knocked on her door... she just didn't open it. She talked to me about it. What she really tries to do is rationalize it. She has a lot of justifications. And she shares them often.
I hope she finds a place that is even better suited to her needs.
Her usual way of reacting to anyone who asked her to turn the music down was to ignore them. That's what she did when the police knocked on her door... she just didn't open it. She talked to me about it. What she really tries to do is rationalize it. She has a lot of justifications. And she shares them often.
I hope she finds a place that is even better suited to her needs.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Blessings abound....
Everywhere, blessings are there if we are able to take note of them. And sometimes they just come up to you and slap you in the face. You don't have to worry about taking note of those kind.
Someone sent me a totally unexpected gift... a wonderful gift... one of those gifts that fit everyone perfectly. It goes with everything, fits everyone, and matches with every decor. It came with a lovely Christmas card, too. What a blessing. And what a treasure the sender is... a treasure that blesses the world. And it was a complete surprise. Santa? Is that you, Santa?
More blessings. Remember my 'car situation'? I think the burning smell has actually turned out to be just a plastic bag caught up around the muffler or hot tailpipe. One of my daughters came by yesterday and we did a little shopping. (What a mad house it is out there!!) I was telling her about the car smell and she said she had the same thing happen to her... and, indeed, it turned out to be a plastic bag melting. She took a look under the car and spotted the bag so YAHOO! BIG CHEER!! Fear of the unknown dissipated immediately.
Its a clear sunshiny day... the kind that makes you hunch over and wear ten layers of clothing... but the sun is out. Time to stock up today in preparation for the possible ice storm tonight. All I know is that if you spit, its gonna freeze. brrrrr I feel so cozy and warm in my apartment. And speaking of 'warm'... I got my first electric bill today and look.... I'm still sitting upright. It didn't knock me over or anything. Its totally do-able. (I feel badly for those who have to heat large houses with an oil furnace.)
What a great day! I hope some holiday cheer spills all over you today.
Someone sent me a totally unexpected gift... a wonderful gift... one of those gifts that fit everyone perfectly. It goes with everything, fits everyone, and matches with every decor. It came with a lovely Christmas card, too. What a blessing. And what a treasure the sender is... a treasure that blesses the world. And it was a complete surprise. Santa? Is that you, Santa?
More blessings. Remember my 'car situation'? I think the burning smell has actually turned out to be just a plastic bag caught up around the muffler or hot tailpipe. One of my daughters came by yesterday and we did a little shopping. (What a mad house it is out there!!) I was telling her about the car smell and she said she had the same thing happen to her... and, indeed, it turned out to be a plastic bag melting. She took a look under the car and spotted the bag so YAHOO! BIG CHEER!! Fear of the unknown dissipated immediately.
Its a clear sunshiny day... the kind that makes you hunch over and wear ten layers of clothing... but the sun is out. Time to stock up today in preparation for the possible ice storm tonight. All I know is that if you spit, its gonna freeze. brrrrr I feel so cozy and warm in my apartment. And speaking of 'warm'... I got my first electric bill today and look.... I'm still sitting upright. It didn't knock me over or anything. Its totally do-able. (I feel badly for those who have to heat large houses with an oil furnace.)
What a great day! I hope some holiday cheer spills all over you today.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
There came a knocking....
Three oclock in the morning. A commanding knock on the door. I struggle to grasp some coherence from sleep. Its a policeman. He was wondering if I had called them about the noise. The neighbor is playing her music again. The cop wants it to be okay and since he couldn't hear the music he started to leave. I ask him if he has even talked to the neighbor. "I guess I could do that." Well, I guess he can't.
After beating on the neighbor's door three or four times there was no response. No doubt the neighbor's music was too loud for her to hear the knocking. The cop left. The music continued playing. And here I sit.... sharing it with you at 4am.
I guess this is a demonstration of how .... oh never mind. I should simply be grateful that the cop didn't shoot me. Now that's a sport they are really good at. Killing people. What's the difference between a Crips gang member and a member of the police force? The police have badges. I'm just saying.
After beating on the neighbor's door three or four times there was no response. No doubt the neighbor's music was too loud for her to hear the knocking. The cop left. The music continued playing. And here I sit.... sharing it with you at 4am.
I guess this is a demonstration of how .... oh never mind. I should simply be grateful that the cop didn't shoot me. Now that's a sport they are really good at. Killing people. What's the difference between a Crips gang member and a member of the police force? The police have badges. I'm just saying.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Home on the range
Several days of just hanging. I finally restocked the cupboards and freezer. Oh, and I remembered to get some laundry quarters. It wasn't easy. I had to smile sweetly and talk smack. The clerk said she wasn't suppose to sell rolls of quarters... but she would see what she could do. She didn't have a roll so she counted out all the quarters in cash register. Ten bucks on the nose. "Luck be a lady tonight...." Its the small things in life that make it what it is. Wait... my tongue got stuck in my cheek.
One of the tenants on the second floor moved out last night. He had a 'galley of guys' to help. Ah, youth and muscle. Now that's the way to move.
I went out for a quick smoke and found them sweeping down the stairs. Something with a lot of glass had broken. All over. Lots of glass. Down on the sidewalk stood a big screen TV facing towards the street. When I asked if the glass was from the TV (gasp) I was relieved for him. The glass was from a table... a glass table.
Being young guys, their "clean up" was not completely done, but I was impressed that they were cleaning it up at all. "Guys" seems to be a good word to use. They were too old to be boys and not yet mature enough to be men.
Here are some photos, mainly because I don't have anything else to talk about.
No ice crystals, just reflecting shards.
Here are the stairs 'what took the bugger down'. Glass covered every inch of each of these stairs... thick.
Several entries back I mentioned something about helping the neighbor put up some decorations... fake greenery around her door. Here are a couple of pictures. It has red and gold ribbons on it...it doesn't show up well.
Thats about it for today. The weather people are talking 'ice storm' here Sunday evening... could last for several days. Ugh. People have lots of things to do in preparation for the big day. I hope the power doesn't go out. It gets cold.
One of the tenants on the second floor moved out last night. He had a 'galley of guys' to help. Ah, youth and muscle. Now that's the way to move.
I went out for a quick smoke and found them sweeping down the stairs. Something with a lot of glass had broken. All over. Lots of glass. Down on the sidewalk stood a big screen TV facing towards the street. When I asked if the glass was from the TV (gasp) I was relieved for him. The glass was from a table... a glass table.
Being young guys, their "clean up" was not completely done, but I was impressed that they were cleaning it up at all. "Guys" seems to be a good word to use. They were too old to be boys and not yet mature enough to be men.
Here are some photos, mainly because I don't have anything else to talk about.
No ice crystals, just reflecting shards.
Here are the stairs 'what took the bugger down'. Glass covered every inch of each of these stairs... thick.
Several entries back I mentioned something about helping the neighbor put up some decorations... fake greenery around her door. Here are a couple of pictures. It has red and gold ribbons on it...it doesn't show up well.
Thats about it for today. The weather people are talking 'ice storm' here Sunday evening... could last for several days. Ugh. People have lots of things to do in preparation for the big day. I hope the power doesn't go out. It gets cold.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Thursday's Thirteen #18
Crusty's morsels
1. Surprise. TT13 snuck up on me again. Go figure.
2. Do you think Katie Couric is worth 13 million dollars a year? WTF?! I watched her interview someone yesterday and I wanted to yell "SHUT UP and let them answer the damn question!!" Her new contract is for $13 million.... her current salary is $7 million. News article can be found here.
3. I think I'll start watching CBS in the mornings.
4. I tear up over news stories. Its like crying for the world. We're so screwed up.
5. I ate plain pancakes for dinner last night. Actually, some of them were not "plain"... I put jelly on a couple, rolled them up, and started to speak French as I ate. How do you spell Crapes? Speaking French consists of a horrible accent only.
6. Sometimes its too much effort to cook dinner for one. I often cook enough for the next day. If it lasts that long. There's always breakfast to deal with.
7. I've only got one Christmas present.... ten more to go. Eleven grandkids to buy for with a monetary cap of $25 to $35 dollars. That's the amount that was suggested. Now how many of these presents do you think will end up in the garbage can the minute we leave?
8. I am unable to get through all the TT13 blogs. Is there such a thing as too successful?
9. I'm ending it here because I can't think of any more "morsels".
The Blame Game
Do I know what I'm talking about? No... so take that as a warning. But I do wonder about things.... like the investigation into why the levy broke in New Orleans. The "committee" (aka witch hunt?) seems to be blaming Governor Blanco for not issuing mandatory evacuation orders sooner. WTF?! Whether the order was a day or a week earlier, the folks who had nothing... who had no way or no where to evacuate, would have still been in New Orleans. And here's the biggy for me, my question, I thought they had gotten through the hurricane fairly well considering its strength. It was the flooding that 'done 'em in'. Will they now try to blame Governor Blanco for the levy breach, for the federal cut in the levy budget? Its all so typical of the federal government.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
A car situation
I hate "car situations", just hate 'em. Its all I can do just to get gas in the car and air in the tires. I want a car fairy to take care of everything else. I just want to put the key in the ignition and go.... period. But noooooo.... nothing can ever be that simple.
When my daughter brought the car back there was a strong smell of hot candle wax coming from it. It was a little low on oil, added a quart, but it didn't make any difference in the smell.
After a couple of days I decided to go to a store close by. I'm very willing for the "situation" to be as simple as a plastic bag caught on the drive line or transmission and it was melting. I am totally willing to have the situation disappear. You laugh. It has happened before. Not often, but enough to know it does happen. Sigh. This was not one of those times.
Did I mention my aversion to car problems... I mean 'car situations'? And the timing is precious, too. The holiday season when you have thousands of errands to run. Baw Humbug!
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Tension, Release of
Public Domain Photos
You don't know just how tense you are until something happens and you release it. Without tension you would not know 'relaxation'. Without suffering you would not know joy. The list can go on to infinity. Therefore, so called 'good' and 'bad' cannot exist one without the other. Perhaps that's why spiritual leaders attempt to help us remove the idea of things being good or bad. They just are. But I digress.
Remember my parting words to my daughter as she drove off in my car? "Do not bring it back on empty!" Well, she didn't bring it back at all. No, nothing is wrong. She just needed to keep it another day to finish things up. Okay by me, but today I felt myself becoming more and more tense. I knew she didn't have any money. She had taken my last $5 the day before. (and not to worry, I have everything I need to last me until I get more money in a couple of days, except for petrol.) Tensing up as I expected the worse, I began to collect all the loose change in the apartment. I had enough so I would be able to get a gallon of gas, should it be necessary. Okay... I could loosen my neck muscles a little now.
My daughter called a few minutes ago to give me a status report. She was waiting to hear from someone about moving the heavy things in a pickup. During the conversation she happened to mention she finally got a refund check from the power company. OHMYGOSH... I became a jellyfish. I did not know just how tense I was until I heard her good news. Jellyfish? Make that a puddle of water.
Living on the edge can bring a certain amount of...ah... excitement, but I've been there, done that. I don't want to continue with it. I lived 'on the edge' for several years, but it was just me. My youngest daughter seems to want to live on the edge too, but it impacts her two little boys as well as herself. And I seem to be the fool doing all the worrying. I think its a mother-thing. If you are reading this and you don't have children but are considering it.... my recommendation is DON'T DO IT!
And on to another subject, I just caught the tail end of a program on the public TV channel titled "Color of Infinity". If you have a chance to watch it, check it out. That is, if you're interested in fractal math.... or the patterns of life... or how it is that we are all connected. I couldn't grasp half of what they were saying, but it seems like this is one of those major steps leading us to the understanding of physical life. And you get to see beautiful fractal art with lovely background music.
The close up picture of the broccoli above is as close as I could come to sharing some fractal art.
And I wonder how many people will get 'false hits' to my blog as they look for something about fractals or tension headaches. Snickering softly.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Just some chatting
public domain photos
Nothing much going on here. My youngest daughter is moving into her apartment today. She has my car for the day with my words ringing in her ears. "Do not bring it back on empty!" We shall see. She's very excited about it and is looking forward to being in her own place with two...read it, "two"... bedrooms. One for the boys to be sent to ("go to your room!") and one for her. The rent is hefty for her income.... I hope it doesn't sink her. I'm glad she's moving out of where she's been staying for a couple of months. Its with a friend of hers that I do not care for and that I think treats my daughter shabbily. However, I'm not blind so my daughter may contribute to the treatment a little, herself. Not my problem.
I got a nice 'thank you' email from artist Natalie del Villar after I signed her guestbook. She had updated her web site and is planning on updating it again soon. Fortunately for me, she directed me to her links of 'other artists' and I've just spent some enjoyable time checking it all out. Lots of talent in those links. My personal fave, based on style preference, is Joe Steiner's work. It felt like I could sense the personalities of the models.... and a couple seemed very familiar.
Well, I'm open to the day. I suspect nothing in particular will take place and that makes it hard to come up with blogging fodder, but for an old crusty crone, its right up my alley.
To paraphrase someone I can't remember... 'Be kind, life is hard enough'. Thats a mantra I need to keep at the front of my brain.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Brrrr Baby Brrrrr
public domain photos
Baby, its cold outside... but I don't have to tell those who are living in it. I feel so blessed. My new apartment is tightly made and doesn't have any drafts. Well, there's one very small place, but I can stuff that draft up. This cold weather has me thinking about those who struggle to pay for heat. I encourage you to, if you can, donate some money to your heating company. Most heating/power companies have a program where their customers can donate to a fund for low/no income so their bills can be paid and they don't freeze to death. Even if you can only donate $5 its a big help. If you put lots of $5 together, you'll get a bill paid. I thank you in advance for your consideration.
Stay warm and take care of yourself.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Thursday's Thirteen #17
Crusty's Thirteen Morsels
1. I am a dunce. In more ways than one, but right now I'm referring to blogrolling. 'Big wheels keep on turning, Proud Mary keeps on....' something.... I signed up for blogroll, but I am confused about how or what to do next. This could only mean one thing, that its easy. So now I have an account, but don't know what my next move is. I will return later and fiddle with things. Learning by trial and error can be frustrating. And sometimes dangerous, but always exhilarating.
2. I woke up this morning making a list in my head about what to include in this week's TT13 list. What is that telling me?
3. The thirteen "morsels" are suppose to be things that others don't know about me. What do we do when we've told all?
4. When I was in kindergarten I wet my pants. I was too polite and shy to interrupt the teacher while she was reading to ask for permission to go to the bathroom.
5. I didn't believe my 'then' partner thirty years ago when he told me Rock Hudson was gay. 'What are you talking about! He can't be gay...look at all those Doris Day movies!'
6. In case you are wondering, I've had gay friends and I have hired gay people to fill open positions... when I was employed. But I was not a Hudson fan. I didn't see what all the hoopla was about.
7. Doris Day and Rock Hudson movies aren't fun to watch any more. The last time I watched Pillow Talk I picked up on all the innuendoes. DUH... Geesh, am I ever naive. ("And our government and leaders would NEVER do anything like that!")
8. A review shows that all my teenage movie star crushes were homosexual. I've been had! And when I now think of my "crushes", its embarrassing to my good sense. What WAS I thinking!
9. I'm sitting here with two pairs of pants and two tops on.... its cold and windy. Windchill factor has it about 22 degrees. This is going to cut down on the number of cigerettes I have today.
10. I put a site counter on my blog. I wanted to know if anyone ever read it. There must be a couple of people cause the numbers change.
11. I wasn't able to get to all of the people on Leanne's TT13 list last week, but I did make a significant dent. Will try to keep up this week.
12. I've made a couple of blog "acquaintences' via Leanne's TT13. Of course, one stopped blogging all together. Go figure.....
13. I can't spell worth dittly squat. Diddly Squat. I can't spell worth squat. And just how much is a squat worth now days?
Check out Leanne's list of TT13 participants and watch it grow. I think it was over 40 last week.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Holiday verses Christmas
What a big 'ta-do' about nuthin'... but that's just my personal opinion. I do wish, though, that those people who get upset about whether to call the celebration a "holiday" or "Christmas" should seriously look into the history of the celebration. And if they want to still be upset, perhaps they can take on the cause of all the materialism in the celebration. No, wait... they probably own stock in a lot of products. Never mind.
Repaying Student Loans
What do you think? Should Social Security be used to repay student loans? Here is an article about it. Someone who has multiple major health issues has a portion of his $874 Social Security benefits taken to repay his loans. Do you think there are ever personal situations that should be taken under consideration?
What I would like to know is how many practicing doctors have outstanding student loans with no current payments being made. And how does the student loan debt compare to the size of other loans we have made, like for example to other countries that we have written the loan off as a humanitian gesture. In other words, I'd like to see a bigger picture to put things into perspective.
What I would like to know is how many practicing doctors have outstanding student loans with no current payments being made. And how does the student loan debt compare to the size of other loans we have made, like for example to other countries that we have written the loan off as a humanitian gesture. In other words, I'd like to see a bigger picture to put things into perspective.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
A Word by Any Other Name
First, let me put a picture up... I miss them. This is a quick sketch done many years ago based on a photograph someone shared with me of her mother.
I read an article on MSN's home page and found myself having to use a dictionary. This is not unusual for me. Are you familar with these words? Or should I pull out my stupid hat... again?
~~~
crepuscular
Pronunciation: kri-'p&s-ky&-l&r
Function: adjective
1 : of, relating to, or resembling twilight : DIM
2 : active in the twilight
The subject of the article where I encountered this word was about horrible rental properties being looked at by a Katrina evacuee. This is the sentence:
“"We'll be contacting your previous landlord," they all promise, after showing us their crepuscular, paneled dwellings."
~~~
epistle
Pronunciation: i-'pi-s&l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, letter, Epistle, from Old French, from Latin epistula, epistola letter, from Greek epistolE message, letter, from epistellein to send to, from epi- + stellein to send
1 capitalized a : one of the letters adopted as books of the New Testament b : a liturgical lection usually from one of the New Testament Epistles
2 a : LETTER; especially : a formal or elegant letter b : a composition in the form of a letter
This word is from the same article as above. Here is the sentence:
“Instead I stood there clammily shaking hands and composing a sh**-eating epistle in my head to our former landlord.”
~~~
Arcadian
Pronunciation: är-'kA-dE-&n
Function: adjective
Usage: often capitalized
1 : idyllically pastoral; especially : idyllically innocent, simple, or untroubled
2 a : of or relating to Arcadia or the Arcadians b : of or relating to Arcadian
“The poet's house is wonderful, the neighborhood is Arcadian, and the rent is comparable to what we would have paid for the stinky-rug place.”
~~~
augury
Pronunciation: 'o-gy&-rE, -g&-
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ries
1 : divination from auspices or omens; also : an instance of this
2 : OMEN, PORTENT
“A trailer seemed a good augury”.
~~~
Where IS that stupid hat?
I read an article on MSN's home page and found myself having to use a dictionary. This is not unusual for me. Are you familar with these words? Or should I pull out my stupid hat... again?
~~~
crepuscular
Pronunciation: kri-'p&s-ky&-l&r
Function: adjective
1 : of, relating to, or resembling twilight : DIM
2 : active in the twilight
The subject of the article where I encountered this word was about horrible rental properties being looked at by a Katrina evacuee. This is the sentence:
“"We'll be contacting your previous landlord," they all promise, after showing us their crepuscular, paneled dwellings."
~~~
epistle
Pronunciation: i-'pi-s&l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, letter, Epistle, from Old French, from Latin epistula, epistola letter, from Greek epistolE message, letter, from epistellein to send to, from epi- + stellein to send
1 capitalized a : one of the letters adopted as books of the New Testament b : a liturgical lection usually from one of the New Testament Epistles
2 a : LETTER; especially : a formal or elegant letter b : a composition in the form of a letter
This word is from the same article as above. Here is the sentence:
“Instead I stood there clammily shaking hands and composing a sh**-eating epistle in my head to our former landlord.”
~~~
Arcadian
Pronunciation: är-'kA-dE-&n
Function: adjective
Usage: often capitalized
1 : idyllically pastoral; especially : idyllically innocent, simple, or untroubled
2 a : of or relating to Arcadia or the Arcadians b : of or relating to Arcadian
“The poet's house is wonderful, the neighborhood is Arcadian, and the rent is comparable to what we would have paid for the stinky-rug place.”
~~~
augury
Pronunciation: 'o-gy&-rE, -g&-
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ries
1 : divination from auspices or omens; also : an instance of this
2 : OMEN, PORTENT
“A trailer seemed a good augury”.
~~~
Where IS that stupid hat?
Monday, December 05, 2005
Cancel
Cancel the eye candy. Batteries are dead. It will be next week before I can click the ole shutter again. Maybe I can pilfer...I mean 'borrow'...yeah thats it, maybe I can borrow a few public photos. We'll see.
Please note: I added another HTML resource under "links". See "HTML Tutorial".
Please note: I added another HTML resource under "links". See "HTML Tutorial".
Eye Candy...I need eye candy!
I just quickly scrolled down the page and its mostly just text. Rasberry! Blueberry! And Corn!
I like photos in blogs... even if its just a picture of a toe nail. Wait, maybe not a toe nail, but a bowl of cereal. What is it about pictures? Maybe its because we can interpret the picture the way we want to... why am I rambling? Let me find my camera and see what I can do. Check back later for thrilling pictures of everyday life.
I like photos in blogs... even if its just a picture of a toe nail. Wait, maybe not a toe nail, but a bowl of cereal. What is it about pictures? Maybe its because we can interpret the picture the way we want to... why am I rambling? Let me find my camera and see what I can do. Check back later for thrilling pictures of everyday life.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
RC Gorman
RC Gorman... I just stumbled across an announcement about his death last month. I was a bit surprised but I'm not sure why. I love his art, but its not like I followed his every move.
I remember when I first saw his art. It was in American Artist magazine. (Now I hesitate...was it American Artist or Artist magazine? Oh well, a magazine nonetheless and it was a long time ago.) I remember spending time looking at his paintings, enjoying how much he expressed with a minimum of line and large swatches of color. It is a testimony of the impact he had on me because I never forgot his name... and I'm terrible about names. Okay, once in a while I would get his initials mixed up but I could always recall 'Gorman'. Whenever I say or think that name a mental image pops up...sitting woman, red blanket, elegant profile.
My guess is lots of collectors are counting up their profits. grrrr
I remember when I first saw his art. It was in American Artist magazine. (Now I hesitate...was it American Artist or Artist magazine? Oh well, a magazine nonetheless and it was a long time ago.) I remember spending time looking at his paintings, enjoying how much he expressed with a minimum of line and large swatches of color. It is a testimony of the impact he had on me because I never forgot his name... and I'm terrible about names. Okay, once in a while I would get his initials mixed up but I could always recall 'Gorman'. Whenever I say or think that name a mental image pops up...sitting woman, red blanket, elegant profile.
My guess is lots of collectors are counting up their profits. grrrr
Saturday, December 03, 2005
You gotta read this....
...if you've ever had a child. Heck, even if you haven't, its still a great read. Its the blog entry for December 1, 2005 "100 Things About Sam".
Friday, December 02, 2005
'ello Wall
Like my British accent in the subject line? Yeah... it needs work.
Its been raining for a week or more around here. The snow didn't materialize for us bottom dwellers (those who live at sea level). The mountain dwellers are getting snow. Its time for a break from the wet stuff, please and thank you.
I stumbled across a blog by artist Nita Leland, which was a very pleasant surprise. If you haven't already done so you may want to check out her web site too...gobs of stuff to scout out and read.
Well, Wall.. just wanted to say 'ello gov in tribute to the movie Shirley Valentine. (no doubt the English like weather made me think of her.) I sure liked how the character turned out. The end of the movie left it open as to whether or not she would actually stay in Greece being her own woman or if she relented and returned to England with her husband Joe. I like to think that Joe returned, sold his company, and came back to reclaim his authentic self and learned how to laugh again.
Its been raining for a week or more around here. The snow didn't materialize for us bottom dwellers (those who live at sea level). The mountain dwellers are getting snow. Its time for a break from the wet stuff, please and thank you.
I stumbled across a blog by artist Nita Leland, which was a very pleasant surprise. If you haven't already done so you may want to check out her web site too...gobs of stuff to scout out and read.
Well, Wall.. just wanted to say 'ello gov in tribute to the movie Shirley Valentine. (no doubt the English like weather made me think of her.) I sure liked how the character turned out. The end of the movie left it open as to whether or not she would actually stay in Greece being her own woman or if she relented and returned to England with her husband Joe. I like to think that Joe returned, sold his company, and came back to reclaim his authentic self and learned how to laugh again.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Another financial rape by Enron
Why is this corporation STILL in business? I guess you can be as crooked as you want to be and steal as much as you want from the little people... but I hope the corporation explodes in the faces of all their executives. "Executives" What is that, another name for THIEF?!!!
It is estimated that Enron has over charged electrical customers by almost a billion dollars, all totaled, since they bought one of our local power companies in 1997. They wanted to give their executives bigger bonuses and boost revenues. Bastards! They just tucked a little extra "tax" on the bills.
The news article can be read here.
I hope those who read about this will share the information with other "little people" so if Enron comes stomping into your city trying to buy up companies that the citizen will band together and try to stop it from happening. Why are rich people so frigging GREEDY?
It is estimated that Enron has over charged electrical customers by almost a billion dollars, all totaled, since they bought one of our local power companies in 1997. They wanted to give their executives bigger bonuses and boost revenues. Bastards! They just tucked a little extra "tax" on the bills.
The news article can be read here.
I hope those who read about this will share the information with other "little people" so if Enron comes stomping into your city trying to buy up companies that the citizen will band together and try to stop it from happening. Why are rich people so frigging GREEDY?
Thursday's Thirteen #16
Crusty's Thirteen Morsels... one crumb at a time.
1. My two year old grandson has strep throat. I hope to hell I don't get it. The boys always seem to share their colds with me... I don't know why they wouldn't share this, too, but I can hope. The wee one (9 months now) hasn't come down with it yet.
2. The sick boy is sleeping on my couch as I key this. My daughter had to go shopping today so she's using my car. She takes the baby with her because I don't deal well with little kids...so she's keeping it down to one.
3. I'm selfish. I can be generous if I have plenty myself, but when it gets down to the bottom line, I'm selfish as all get out. I may 'give' to others, but I'm bitching about it all the way. Its a side of me I didn't seem to have before menopause.
4. I use to consider myself a "reader", but not after I met up with the real thing. Those people who's library card is blank because everything has worn away from it except the bar code strip, they're readers. Five to ten books a week... and each Saturday you can bet your bottom dollar they will be at the library.
5. I haven't read a complete book in a very long time. I don't seem to be able to focus like I use to... or perhaps its because I don't believe in fairy tales any more. I've seen too much life.
6. I got my heart ripped up today. On MSN's home page is a link about AIDS Day. I clicked it and on the right side bar is another link right under "World AIDS Day - Dec 1"...it says "picture story: a lost generation". When it opens click on 'Introduction'. Its a very short clip.
7. I have to be in a very good mood to enjoy housekeeping. I've discovered the secret to keeping a home clean, however... I discovered it watching others. It helps to be obsessive/compulsive, but if you're not, the secret is to continuously do things. If you walk into the kitchen for a cup of joe, pick up that piece of paper on the way and toss it as you reach for your cup. Talking on the phone...grab a cloth and dust. Its just one continuous activity. And it never ends.
8. I haven't done laundry in three weeks. The property management people fixed the door to the laundry room but didn't have keys to give to each tenent at the time. Last night I finally got mine. God bless a laundry room. I've lived in apts. most of my life and there have only been one or two that had on-site laundry facilities. Be still my heart.
9. I don't give a shit how I look, but if I'm going to be around family or friends I try to adjust myself a little so as not to embarrass them too much.
10. One time I had someone tell me that if I was lucky I might come across an old codger who was so desparately lonely that he would be willing to even have me keep him company... to take care of him, no doubt. You know, one of those desparate dudes. BWAH HAHAHAHA (that's suppose to sound scary) Fuck an old codger. To be fair, it was worded a little nicer, but that's what was meant. Its things like that that make you have to look reality square in the face.
11. Except for the body not doing things it use to do, I am really enjoying being a senior citizen. I'm thinking of getting a cane so I can hit stupid people up side their heads and get away with it. All I have to do is talk like I'm crazy. That isn't hard to do.
12. I have wide feet.
13. I think it is so fucking kewl that the maiden in Shrek turned into herself when her true love kissed her. What a bummer if she had continued looking beautiful. There's no way a beautiful woman is suppose to be with an ogre...but it happens. (snicker)
Hooray... I've made it to thirteen. Here's Leanne's link to find other participants because I don't have the time or energy to add 40+ links to my blog.
Ohmygosh... do I ever agree with this author!
WE MUST STOP THIS
We Must Stop This Immediately!
Have you noticed that Stairs are getting steeper. Groceries are heavier. And, everything is farther away. Yesterday I walked to the corner and I was dumbfounded to discover how long our street had become!
And, you know, people are less considerate now, especially the young ones. They speak in whispers all the time! If you ask them to speak up they just keep repeating themselves, endlessly mouthing the same silent message until they're red in the face! What do they think I am, a lip reader?
I also think they are much younger than I was at the same age. On the other hand, people my own age are so much older than I am. I ran into an old friend the other day and she has aged so much that she didn't even recognize me.
I got to thinking about the poor dear while I was combing my hair this morning, and in doing so, I glanced at my own refection.........Well, REALLY NOW - even mirrors are not made the way they used to be!
Another thing, everyone drives so fast these days! You're risking life and limb if you happen to pull onto the freeway in front of them. All I can say is, their brakes must wear out awfully fast, the way I see them screech and swerve in my rear view mirror.
Clothing manufacturers are less civilized these days. Why else would they suddenly start labeling a size 10 or 12 dress as 18 or 20? Do they think no one notices that these things no longer fit around the waist, hips, thighs, and bosom?
The people who make bathroom scales are pulling the same prank, but in reverse. Do they think I actually "believe" the number I see on that dial? HA! I would never let myself weigh that much! Just who do these people think they're fooling?
I'd like to call up someone in authority to report what's going on -- but the telephone company is in on the conspiracy too: they've printed the phone books in such small type that no one could ever find a number in there!
All I can do is pass along this warning: We are under attack! Unless something drastic happens, pretty soon everyone will have to suffer these awful indignities.
~~ author unknown (received by email)
Is it any wonder that Crusty sometimes gets cranky. Why do young people think we are stupid? And don't bring up the vhr programming fiasco... it was defective I tell you!
We Must Stop This Immediately!
Have you noticed that Stairs are getting steeper. Groceries are heavier. And, everything is farther away. Yesterday I walked to the corner and I was dumbfounded to discover how long our street had become!
And, you know, people are less considerate now, especially the young ones. They speak in whispers all the time! If you ask them to speak up they just keep repeating themselves, endlessly mouthing the same silent message until they're red in the face! What do they think I am, a lip reader?
I also think they are much younger than I was at the same age. On the other hand, people my own age are so much older than I am. I ran into an old friend the other day and she has aged so much that she didn't even recognize me.
I got to thinking about the poor dear while I was combing my hair this morning, and in doing so, I glanced at my own refection.........Well, REALLY NOW - even mirrors are not made the way they used to be!
Another thing, everyone drives so fast these days! You're risking life and limb if you happen to pull onto the freeway in front of them. All I can say is, their brakes must wear out awfully fast, the way I see them screech and swerve in my rear view mirror.
Clothing manufacturers are less civilized these days. Why else would they suddenly start labeling a size 10 or 12 dress as 18 or 20? Do they think no one notices that these things no longer fit around the waist, hips, thighs, and bosom?
The people who make bathroom scales are pulling the same prank, but in reverse. Do they think I actually "believe" the number I see on that dial? HA! I would never let myself weigh that much! Just who do these people think they're fooling?
I'd like to call up someone in authority to report what's going on -- but the telephone company is in on the conspiracy too: they've printed the phone books in such small type that no one could ever find a number in there!
All I can do is pass along this warning: We are under attack! Unless something drastic happens, pretty soon everyone will have to suffer these awful indignities.
~~ author unknown (received by email)
Is it any wonder that Crusty sometimes gets cranky. Why do young people think we are stupid? And don't bring up the vhr programming fiasco... it was defective I tell you!
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
The Little Guy
My little guy is sick.
The phone rang at 5:30am... any phone call in the middle of the night is not good. My daughter (aka 'mom') said the two yr old had a temp of 105.2.... could I come get them so she could take him to the hospital.
Of course they are staying miles away. It seemed to take forever to get there. First I had to stop and get some gas. I'm so grateful I had gotten some money out of the bank yesterday. Actually, I'm way more grateful that I had money in the bank to get out. Then everyone driving in front of me obeyed the speed limit. It was a little frustrating, but I did appreciate it. Last thing I need is a speeding ticket. And to top it off, I turned on the wrong block. No big deal, but it does seem like when you're in a hurry is when there are delays.
'Mom' dropped me off back home with the wee one while she took the little guy to the Emergency Room. She called a few minutes ago... they are waiting for lab results but it looks like its strep throat.
Its good to know its not something exotic and at the same time I'm thinking how contagious it can be. The wee one has a cold... I hope he doesn't get strep.
I have entertained the wee one for a couple of hours now and he's finally fallen asleep.
Some times I wonder how in the world has the human species been able to survive. What did people do 150 yrs ago when a child got strep throat? Its scary.
The phone rang at 5:30am... any phone call in the middle of the night is not good. My daughter (aka 'mom') said the two yr old had a temp of 105.2.... could I come get them so she could take him to the hospital.
Of course they are staying miles away. It seemed to take forever to get there. First I had to stop and get some gas. I'm so grateful I had gotten some money out of the bank yesterday. Actually, I'm way more grateful that I had money in the bank to get out. Then everyone driving in front of me obeyed the speed limit. It was a little frustrating, but I did appreciate it. Last thing I need is a speeding ticket. And to top it off, I turned on the wrong block. No big deal, but it does seem like when you're in a hurry is when there are delays.
'Mom' dropped me off back home with the wee one while she took the little guy to the Emergency Room. She called a few minutes ago... they are waiting for lab results but it looks like its strep throat.
Its good to know its not something exotic and at the same time I'm thinking how contagious it can be. The wee one has a cold... I hope he doesn't get strep.
I have entertained the wee one for a couple of hours now and he's finally fallen asleep.
Some times I wonder how in the world has the human species been able to survive. What did people do 150 yrs ago when a child got strep throat? Its scary.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Brrrrrrrr
'Baby its cold outside'
Winter is here. We no longer have to wonder about it. Brrrr Baby, its cold here and the wind has picked up a little more. This morning we had freezing fog which resulted in more car accidents than usual. To those who live where cold means COLD, you may call me a wussie... I don't care. However, to those who live where it is usually faily mild, I'm sure you will agree with me. Bundle up, Baby!
There's some talk of snow, but that generally means only those living in the foothills around town need be concerned. We may get some snow around the 500 foot level or higher.
Its so nice to be cozy inside. I haven't felt any drafts to speak of, but there is one spot where I put some folded paper between the door and frame. If I can see daylight, so can the cold. I turned the heat up a little and I am ignoring the dollar signs floating thru the vents.
Well... here's another Christmas season. $ $ $ $ I made a list of the grandkids... 14 of them. All I can say is I hope the Christmas fairy has some good tricks up her sleeve.
Winter is here. We no longer have to wonder about it. Brrrr Baby, its cold here and the wind has picked up a little more. This morning we had freezing fog which resulted in more car accidents than usual. To those who live where cold means COLD, you may call me a wussie... I don't care. However, to those who live where it is usually faily mild, I'm sure you will agree with me. Bundle up, Baby!
There's some talk of snow, but that generally means only those living in the foothills around town need be concerned. We may get some snow around the 500 foot level or higher.
Its so nice to be cozy inside. I haven't felt any drafts to speak of, but there is one spot where I put some folded paper between the door and frame. If I can see daylight, so can the cold. I turned the heat up a little and I am ignoring the dollar signs floating thru the vents.
Well... here's another Christmas season. $ $ $ $ I made a list of the grandkids... 14 of them. All I can say is I hope the Christmas fairy has some good tricks up her sleeve.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
"Nuthing much... You?"
Nothing much going on here, just having very laid back days. I might have to break down and go to the store today... or not.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Thanksgiving
I'm working on the second pot of potatoes and the gravy is already waiting off stage. My kitchen looks like I've had to cook the entire dinner, but in reality it is only mashed potatoes for 25 people. My hand is permanently formed into a claw used to hold the paring knive.
Time to jump in the shower. We are having an early dinner. Actually 'lunch' is a more appropriate term to use. "Lunch" is at my son's house and I'm taking some freezer bags in case I get to bring home a doggy bag.
Wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving. And remember not to put unnecessary pressure on yourself.
Time to jump in the shower. We are having an early dinner. Actually 'lunch' is a more appropriate term to use. "Lunch" is at my son's house and I'm taking some freezer bags in case I get to bring home a doggy bag.
Wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving. And remember not to put unnecessary pressure on yourself.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Creative Shopping
I must go shopping today to get all the little stuff that one seems to always need at the last minute. I could use a few little miracles... you know, the kind where you get a $10 or $15 item for a buck. Gotta get a couple of White Elephant gifts too.
We do White Elephant gifts at Thanksgiving. It use to just be the adults because the kids don't do "I want the gift you have" thingy... nor do they understand why they got a piece of junk that no one would want. But now they are included...regular gifts only. We keep the kids gifts and the adults' separate so a two yr old won't get a broken drill. One year I gave a coconut as a white elephant gift. Lots of unexpected laughing with that one.
Time for me to go do breakfast and then hit the road before I change my mind.
We do White Elephant gifts at Thanksgiving. It use to just be the adults because the kids don't do "I want the gift you have" thingy... nor do they understand why they got a piece of junk that no one would want. But now they are included...regular gifts only. We keep the kids gifts and the adults' separate so a two yr old won't get a broken drill. One year I gave a coconut as a white elephant gift. Lots of unexpected laughing with that one.
Time for me to go do breakfast and then hit the road before I change my mind.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Miscellaneous Ramblings
I don't have anything in particular to write about this morning. In fact, as soon as I opened this up to key something in, my mind went blank. Hope you all have a good Sunday.
More 'Views from the Porch', only this time its my porch.
This house is used as an office... and storage facility. I wonder if very many signs are taken/stolen.
The garage to the house also holds up signs and barricades.
Although it doesn't show up well in this photo, the windows are slightly curved at the top. They look interesting. I don't have a clue as to what is in the building.
The mailbox for the apartments. And yes, that's just how boring this entry is...what can I say.
More 'Views from the Porch', only this time its my porch.
This house is used as an office... and storage facility. I wonder if very many signs are taken/stolen.
The garage to the house also holds up signs and barricades.
Although it doesn't show up well in this photo, the windows are slightly curved at the top. They look interesting. I don't have a clue as to what is in the building.
The mailbox for the apartments. And yes, that's just how boring this entry is...what can I say.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Things are seldom as they seem
I got to see the other side of my neighbor yesterday. I don't remember if I've mentioned her here or not. When I first moved in she was very friendly and always offering to help. And she is very talkative. So talkative that I don't think she listens well. She had gone on about how she keeps to herself and doesn't bother anyone. Clue number one. She likes her beer, her cigarettes and her music. Clue number two.
Well, I usually tend to my own affairs as well. And if she wants to play her music loud I can always put on my walkman and headphones and let her be. Right.
Whenever workers from the property management company are here working on something she is right up in the middle of them and it can be distracting. Yesterday the boss got ticked off because the workers were dealing with a rush job. I didn't get all the details but I think it had something to do with the neighbor. The neighbor also had another kind of rejection happen to her yesterday, too. It was not a good day for her.
Anyway, she has been drinking (without sleep as far as I can tell) for a couple of days. Last night she knocked on my door. I couldn't understand what it was she was trying to say... and I finally told her. I told her I couldn't understand what she was saying. She just kept on and on... I finally got a little short with her. Oh hell, why did I do that. That's when she turned into a belligerent drunk. More knocking on the door and lots of "fuck you and your son".
I can feel some compassion for her and the life she's created, but not when she's pounding on my door and slobbering in my face. I certainly don't know much about her, but she does seem to represent a certain 'kind of person' that we probably all have experienced at one time or another. And she is a wonderful example of how we create our own life through all the small and large choices we make.
So much for the nice neighbors. What I don't know yet is whether or not she has blackouts and if she will even remember yesterday.
But today is a new day. The sky is a beautiful shade of blue, totally clear, and the sunshine is uplifting. Its a nice day as long as you've bundled up... its just a little on the coolish side. Hope you all have a great Saturday.
Well, I usually tend to my own affairs as well. And if she wants to play her music loud I can always put on my walkman and headphones and let her be. Right.
Whenever workers from the property management company are here working on something she is right up in the middle of them and it can be distracting. Yesterday the boss got ticked off because the workers were dealing with a rush job. I didn't get all the details but I think it had something to do with the neighbor. The neighbor also had another kind of rejection happen to her yesterday, too. It was not a good day for her.
Anyway, she has been drinking (without sleep as far as I can tell) for a couple of days. Last night she knocked on my door. I couldn't understand what it was she was trying to say... and I finally told her. I told her I couldn't understand what she was saying. She just kept on and on... I finally got a little short with her. Oh hell, why did I do that. That's when she turned into a belligerent drunk. More knocking on the door and lots of "fuck you and your son".
I can feel some compassion for her and the life she's created, but not when she's pounding on my door and slobbering in my face. I certainly don't know much about her, but she does seem to represent a certain 'kind of person' that we probably all have experienced at one time or another. And she is a wonderful example of how we create our own life through all the small and large choices we make.
So much for the nice neighbors. What I don't know yet is whether or not she has blackouts and if she will even remember yesterday.
But today is a new day. The sky is a beautiful shade of blue, totally clear, and the sunshine is uplifting. Its a nice day as long as you've bundled up... its just a little on the coolish side. Hope you all have a great Saturday.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Thursday's Thirteen #15
Crusty's Thirteen Morsels
1. Gawd! Another Thursday ALREADY. Where does the time go? I feel like I'm sliding down hill on my knees, rocks and dust billowing up all around me. I'm unable to stop and I can't slow it down. And lets not describe the condition of my knees. EEEUUUUUU
2. Throat scratchy, body a little achy, eyes watery, a cough around every corner.
3. Our family has a "potluck" Thanksgiving dinner so that one person does not have to bare the cost and labor of doing it all. I've been assigned mashed potatoes and gravy. (I volunteered for dinner rolls but I was reassigned. sigh) If everyone shows up, we will have ten adults and fifteen kids. I'll be peeling potatoes for days. And I have to figure out how to transport that much stuff. It will be interesting.
4. Thanksgiving will be at noon. (00) Gawd, I'm barely out of bed at that time... not really, but it feels like it. Its at noon because of joint custody... small ones will be shared between mom and dad, and dad pulled the short straw.
5. This list is not going very quickly. I've been stuck on number five for about thirty minutes now. Maybe a quick cigarette will help. I'll be right back... don't go anywhere. Put your life on hold for me, k?
6. It didn't work.
7. When my mother died I was the one that discovered her body. She had called me the night before and asked me to come by after work the next day so I could pick something up from the pharmacy for her. When I arrived her body was sitting in the chair. It was not traumatic or dramatic. It just was. I was not close to my mother. She was a loner. I can't help but think her phone call to me was so that her remains would be discovered "in a timely fashion" (not that she had consciously planned it)... otherwise it might have been weeks before discovery.
8. My mother has "visited me" three times since she crossed over. All three times were in a dream. The first visit she simply walked through the background of my dream and 'stood there' only long enough for it to register with me. "Hey... that's mother. She looks good." She looked to be in her twenties. The next time she was talking to others... her hair completely white. The final time I noticed her sitting at a table, much like a picnic table. Her hair was very very short, still completely white, and very curly. She was talking and laughing with others sitting at the table and she did not indicate she knew I was observing her for a second. The laughing and talking part did not represent my mother as she was in physical life. She appeared to be happy.
9. My youngest daughter has borrowed my car for the day. She has several appointments and lugging around two small kids on the bus sucks. I just hope there's gas in it when she returns... enough to get me to a gas station.
10. Leanne's TT is so successful I find it hard to get to everyone's blog to read them.
11. I think Leanne has too much energy and she should share it with others. Now that would be a way to make some money. Bottle up excess energy and sell it. If only....
12. I'm beginning to think about breakfast.
13. I have the pc equipment set up on a card table in my bedroom. What a jumble of cords it takes. I don't have my printer set up yet. I'm out of ink anyway. I made it... I made it to thirteen again. Hooray for me.
(added later) ohmygosh... I almost forgot. Go here to get the list of all the folks participating in the Thursday's Thirteen project. Leanne is so good at this linking stuff. Like I said... she has too much energy for any normal person.
1. Gawd! Another Thursday ALREADY. Where does the time go? I feel like I'm sliding down hill on my knees, rocks and dust billowing up all around me. I'm unable to stop and I can't slow it down. And lets not describe the condition of my knees. EEEUUUUUU
2. Throat scratchy, body a little achy, eyes watery, a cough around every corner.
3. Our family has a "potluck" Thanksgiving dinner so that one person does not have to bare the cost and labor of doing it all. I've been assigned mashed potatoes and gravy. (I volunteered for dinner rolls but I was reassigned. sigh) If everyone shows up, we will have ten adults and fifteen kids. I'll be peeling potatoes for days. And I have to figure out how to transport that much stuff. It will be interesting.
4. Thanksgiving will be at noon. (00) Gawd, I'm barely out of bed at that time... not really, but it feels like it. Its at noon because of joint custody... small ones will be shared between mom and dad, and dad pulled the short straw.
5. This list is not going very quickly. I've been stuck on number five for about thirty minutes now. Maybe a quick cigarette will help. I'll be right back... don't go anywhere. Put your life on hold for me, k?
6. It didn't work.
7. When my mother died I was the one that discovered her body. She had called me the night before and asked me to come by after work the next day so I could pick something up from the pharmacy for her. When I arrived her body was sitting in the chair. It was not traumatic or dramatic. It just was. I was not close to my mother. She was a loner. I can't help but think her phone call to me was so that her remains would be discovered "in a timely fashion" (not that she had consciously planned it)... otherwise it might have been weeks before discovery.
8. My mother has "visited me" three times since she crossed over. All three times were in a dream. The first visit she simply walked through the background of my dream and 'stood there' only long enough for it to register with me. "Hey... that's mother. She looks good." She looked to be in her twenties. The next time she was talking to others... her hair completely white. The final time I noticed her sitting at a table, much like a picnic table. Her hair was very very short, still completely white, and very curly. She was talking and laughing with others sitting at the table and she did not indicate she knew I was observing her for a second. The laughing and talking part did not represent my mother as she was in physical life. She appeared to be happy.
9. My youngest daughter has borrowed my car for the day. She has several appointments and lugging around two small kids on the bus sucks. I just hope there's gas in it when she returns... enough to get me to a gas station.
10. Leanne's TT is so successful I find it hard to get to everyone's blog to read them.
11. I think Leanne has too much energy and she should share it with others. Now that would be a way to make some money. Bottle up excess energy and sell it. If only....
12. I'm beginning to think about breakfast.
13. I have the pc equipment set up on a card table in my bedroom. What a jumble of cords it takes. I don't have my printer set up yet. I'm out of ink anyway. I made it... I made it to thirteen again. Hooray for me.
(added later) ohmygosh... I almost forgot. Go here to get the list of all the folks participating in the Thursday's Thirteen project. Leanne is so good at this linking stuff. Like I said... she has too much energy for any normal person.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Another damn day
Here's another damn day to get through. I don't really feel that way, but I thought it was a catchy phrase. Oh hell... maybe I do feel that way. I'm not sure yet.
It takes a couple of hours to unkink the body in the mornings. And I use to scoff at people who would tell me the same thing. Geesh, payback's a bitch. And what's up with this, anyway? It doesn't seem fair that if a person makes it alive through this world s/he is rewarded by old age. Not fair at all. Boot Camp of life... no one gets out of it alive.
I was just over at Cree8tiv's blog getting caught up. I'm always impressed by those who return to higher education in their adult years. No 'mommy and daddy' to send them extra money, no 'mommy and daddy' to bring dirty laundry to and have it come back clean, no pep squad in their corner... cause if there were it would just be more mouths to feed. Anyone who goes back to school full time or part time should give themselves a pat on the back.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Blah
I've been feeling a little under the weather. Under that pile of leaves where its wet and moldy. Perhaps my body is simply dealing with apple juice. Whenever I give apple juice to the grandsons I know I can plan on changing diapers within 30 minutes. Although I don't wear diapers yet.....
Hold on to your hats. These pictures are so freaking exciting... I pulled over to the curb to take a couple of shots because, well just because it was there. I didn't come across anything more exciting than this:
Because I was there...
Because it was there. This is the back of the house. It sits on a elongated triangle piece of land that juts out from the corner.
Hold on to your hats. These pictures are so freaking exciting... I pulled over to the curb to take a couple of shots because, well just because it was there. I didn't come across anything more exciting than this:
Because I was there...
Because it was there. This is the back of the house. It sits on a elongated triangle piece of land that juts out from the corner.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Stand Still!
Nothing much happened yesterday. I went to the store. It got me out of the house and into regular clothes for a while. I ended up getting a "Chinese Express" meal for dinner at the Safeway Deli. What a blasphemy to actual Asian food, but nonetheless, it was warm and the seseme chicken was delicious. And yes, I am not a good speller.
Last night 'mom' and the 2 yr old came over around 9pm. Mom wanted to cut some more cds. What's up with this? Its so important she has to go out in the middle of the night? I have my guess but sharing it would make me sound bitter. While she took FOREVER messing around on the pc I tried to get a candid shot of the two yr old. He wouldn't be still.
Looks like "Little Man" has outgrown these shoes. As soon as he came in he crinkled his nose in his "poor little me, gramma kiss and make good" expression and started gabbering about his feet. We took off his shoes and viola...gramma made it good. Isn't she wonderful?
A fuzzy photo of a tin of Outback Tea sent to me many yrs ago by Karen from Australia. She was quite a woman.
Last night 'mom' and the 2 yr old came over around 9pm. Mom wanted to cut some more cds. What's up with this? Its so important she has to go out in the middle of the night? I have my guess but sharing it would make me sound bitter. While she took FOREVER messing around on the pc I tried to get a candid shot of the two yr old. He wouldn't be still.
Looks like "Little Man" has outgrown these shoes. As soon as he came in he crinkled his nose in his "poor little me, gramma kiss and make good" expression and started gabbering about his feet. We took off his shoes and viola...gramma made it good. Isn't she wonderful?
A fuzzy photo of a tin of Outback Tea sent to me many yrs ago by Karen from Australia. She was quite a woman.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Ten Hours Later.....
Yesterday I agreed to watch my youngest daughter's two boys (7 months & 2 yrs) so she could go to a funeral. I tried to get an idea of how long she thought it would take her, the thought being if it was going to be a long time I would have my mind already accepting it. If it would be really a long time, I would say no, I can't babysit.
"The funeral is at 9am."
I'm thinking that seems rather early, but what do I know of funerals.
"Then there will be a 'gathering' afterwards where the family gets together."
I do a mental calculation... funeral at 9am, even if it starts late it should surely be done by 11am. Then a "party" afterwards. (I suppose I should use the term 'wake' or something, but 'party' is the word my daughter used. Should I have been alerted?) I estimate my daughter should be back between 2 and 3pm. Okay... I can do that.
The time goes by slowly. The baby has three 20 minute naps with hours between them. The two yr old has a nice two hour nap. None of which were at the same time.
The two yr old is curious, as they all are. He likes to see how things work and what they can do. The border on the bottom of the lamp shade can be peeled off, for example. It dangles now waiting for my glue to be found. The glass coffee table makes crunching noises when its pulled from the top, and the dining room chairs are not balanced well and tend to tip backwards when a youngster stands on it and leans over it.
Sigh. This place is not set up for children. It would be so much easier if it was.
Around 2pm I call 'mom' to see how much longer it will be. They are just now getting ready to go to the cemetary. Huh? Well, what can I say? I say nothing.
Around 5pm 'mom' calls to say she has to drop off her friend and kids and then she'll come get the boys. (Everyone won't fit in the car at the same time.)
Around 7:30pm she arrives. Both boys are asleep on the couch. This time the baby stays asleep.
'Mom' gets on the pc... she's cutting some cd's and talking on the phone. About 9pm they finally leave. If I count the time mom was here on the pc it makes it a 12 hour babysitting stint, but that would be petty. It was a 10 hour stint. I was ticked. I felt like I had been scammed...again. Is it true? Probably not, but its the way I was feeling at the time. I told 'mom' I wasn't going to babysit for her any more. She starts to protest but then simply says "whatever".
Now that its a new day I'm feeling badly about it all. If I don't babysit then when would I see the boys? I'll probably call my daughter later today and take it back. Then I'll be able to do the dance all over again. Sigh. I've turned into such a bitch. Sometimes its fun and other times it sucks.
"The funeral is at 9am."
I'm thinking that seems rather early, but what do I know of funerals.
"Then there will be a 'gathering' afterwards where the family gets together."
I do a mental calculation... funeral at 9am, even if it starts late it should surely be done by 11am. Then a "party" afterwards. (I suppose I should use the term 'wake' or something, but 'party' is the word my daughter used. Should I have been alerted?) I estimate my daughter should be back between 2 and 3pm. Okay... I can do that.
The time goes by slowly. The baby has three 20 minute naps with hours between them. The two yr old has a nice two hour nap. None of which were at the same time.
The two yr old is curious, as they all are. He likes to see how things work and what they can do. The border on the bottom of the lamp shade can be peeled off, for example. It dangles now waiting for my glue to be found. The glass coffee table makes crunching noises when its pulled from the top, and the dining room chairs are not balanced well and tend to tip backwards when a youngster stands on it and leans over it.
Sigh. This place is not set up for children. It would be so much easier if it was.
Around 2pm I call 'mom' to see how much longer it will be. They are just now getting ready to go to the cemetary. Huh? Well, what can I say? I say nothing.
Around 5pm 'mom' calls to say she has to drop off her friend and kids and then she'll come get the boys. (Everyone won't fit in the car at the same time.)
Around 7:30pm she arrives. Both boys are asleep on the couch. This time the baby stays asleep.
'Mom' gets on the pc... she's cutting some cd's and talking on the phone. About 9pm they finally leave. If I count the time mom was here on the pc it makes it a 12 hour babysitting stint, but that would be petty. It was a 10 hour stint. I was ticked. I felt like I had been scammed...again. Is it true? Probably not, but its the way I was feeling at the time. I told 'mom' I wasn't going to babysit for her any more. She starts to protest but then simply says "whatever".
Now that its a new day I'm feeling badly about it all. If I don't babysit then when would I see the boys? I'll probably call my daughter later today and take it back. Then I'll be able to do the dance all over again. Sigh. I've turned into such a bitch. Sometimes its fun and other times it sucks.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Grandparents Day
The driving directions to the school was very straight forward but I still managed to miss a turn. It took a while to realize what had happened, but it was easy enough to backtrack.
The program was presented in the main santuary (its a Christian school)... pre-school thru 5th grade. As old people hobbled across the parking lot I could so relate. I was doing my own hobbling while trying to work out the kinks from sitting longer than 5 minutes in the car.
Before the children sang there were prizes given out for various things. One was for the oldest grandparent. A 90 yr old woman won that. There were quite a few veterans from World War II in attendence. (I did some calculations on my fingers and I'm guessing they would be in their 80's.) There were prizes for the oldest person who still had their own teeth, or who didn't need glasses. Everything related to age. Isn't that fun.
Each class went up on staged and sang a song. The stage has large video screens on each side so those in the audience can see easily. It was a very nice set up. Afterwards everyone was invited into the gym for cake and punch or coffee.
The stage.
One of the viewing screens with audience heads.
While each class came on stage they showed a video of other kids introducing the song and class. It was cute.
Going on stage.
Refreshments
Small part of the campus.
The program was presented in the main santuary (its a Christian school)... pre-school thru 5th grade. As old people hobbled across the parking lot I could so relate. I was doing my own hobbling while trying to work out the kinks from sitting longer than 5 minutes in the car.
Before the children sang there were prizes given out for various things. One was for the oldest grandparent. A 90 yr old woman won that. There were quite a few veterans from World War II in attendence. (I did some calculations on my fingers and I'm guessing they would be in their 80's.) There were prizes for the oldest person who still had their own teeth, or who didn't need glasses. Everything related to age. Isn't that fun.
Each class went up on staged and sang a song. The stage has large video screens on each side so those in the audience can see easily. It was a very nice set up. Afterwards everyone was invited into the gym for cake and punch or coffee.
The stage.
One of the viewing screens with audience heads.
While each class came on stage they showed a video of other kids introducing the song and class. It was cute.
Going on stage.
Refreshments
Small part of the campus.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Thursday's Thirteen #14
Crusty's Thirteen Morsels
1. I've been invited to Grandparents Day at one of my grand daughter's elementary school. By having a program/performance during the day for grandparents (and others) it helps to reduce the size of the audience at the evening performance. One child could potentially generate six adults who require chairs to sit on, oxygen to breathe, etc.
2. Truth be told, I would just as soon skip it, but I go to support the grandchild and to play the role of grandmother. I'm not very good at it, but I'm the only one the girls have in that part of the family. There are no grandparents on the father's side. They have already left this world.
3. The bedroom rug is beginning to cry out for the vaccuum. I still have bags and boxes from the move sitting around. Storage space in this apartment is at a premium.
4. This may not be about me, but we are experiencing another sunny day here. That's three days in a row! If you live in a rain forest setting, you know my glee.
5. I am a procrastinator. Lovable but very frustrating for others. Have I mentioned this before? Well, it ties into number 6.
6. I hung one of my paintings in the front room. My neighbor saw it and began lusting. I almost committed to doing one for her at cost...but I caught myself in time. I took back the intent and stuffed the commitment deep into my pocket. I'm always saying "Oh sure, no problem... I'll do that." and then I don't. Or I walk around bent over from the burden of the comitment hanging over my head. Whew! Dodged the bullet on that one, but it was close!
7. I'm already about a year behind on completing one comitment (painting) and a month for another (sketches). I've got to learn to keep my mouth shut. Oh, and lets not talk about the "comitment" I've made to myself...things I want to do for me.
8. I am a lot more relaxed now that my last daughter and her two boys live about 10 miles away. I tense up around her waiting to hear what its going to cost me. I love her dearly, but.....
9. I almost feel like a different person. Like that person over there!
10. I will be forced to do laundry in a day or two. If you have enough underwear you can go for days......
11. I haven't connected the stereo yet.
12. The neighbor made some homemade salsa for her family. She shared some of it with me. She has every right to brag about it and stand proud. Wow... it was really good. I'm buying some chips today so I can continue to enjoy every bit of it.
13. I think its going to be a very pleasant day today.
My apologies... I didn't get the new coding from Leanne to use for Thursday's Thirteen. I'll try it next week. Check out her list of TT's links.
4.
1. I've been invited to Grandparents Day at one of my grand daughter's elementary school. By having a program/performance during the day for grandparents (and others) it helps to reduce the size of the audience at the evening performance. One child could potentially generate six adults who require chairs to sit on, oxygen to breathe, etc.
2. Truth be told, I would just as soon skip it, but I go to support the grandchild and to play the role of grandmother. I'm not very good at it, but I'm the only one the girls have in that part of the family. There are no grandparents on the father's side. They have already left this world.
3. The bedroom rug is beginning to cry out for the vaccuum. I still have bags and boxes from the move sitting around. Storage space in this apartment is at a premium.
4. This may not be about me, but we are experiencing another sunny day here. That's three days in a row! If you live in a rain forest setting, you know my glee.
5. I am a procrastinator. Lovable but very frustrating for others. Have I mentioned this before? Well, it ties into number 6.
6. I hung one of my paintings in the front room. My neighbor saw it and began lusting. I almost committed to doing one for her at cost...but I caught myself in time. I took back the intent and stuffed the commitment deep into my pocket. I'm always saying "Oh sure, no problem... I'll do that." and then I don't. Or I walk around bent over from the burden of the comitment hanging over my head. Whew! Dodged the bullet on that one, but it was close!
7. I'm already about a year behind on completing one comitment (painting) and a month for another (sketches). I've got to learn to keep my mouth shut. Oh, and lets not talk about the "comitment" I've made to myself...things I want to do for me.
8. I am a lot more relaxed now that my last daughter and her two boys live about 10 miles away. I tense up around her waiting to hear what its going to cost me. I love her dearly, but.....
9. I almost feel like a different person. Like that person over there!
10. I will be forced to do laundry in a day or two. If you have enough underwear you can go for days......
11. I haven't connected the stereo yet.
12. The neighbor made some homemade salsa for her family. She shared some of it with me. She has every right to brag about it and stand proud. Wow... it was really good. I'm buying some chips today so I can continue to enjoy every bit of it.
13. I think its going to be a very pleasant day today.
My apologies... I didn't get the new coding from Leanne to use for Thursday's Thirteen. I'll try it next week. Check out her list of TT's links.
4.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Down With Jessica Simpson... An Opinion
I just watched Access Hollywood's attempt at interviewing Jessica Simpson. The purpose of the interview was to give Jessica a chance to push her new clothing line. Okay, nothing wrong with that. All the celebrities on the talk shows are there to push their products. That's why they appear... but part of the process is, besides hawking their wares, questions may come up about their personal life. If it didn't then it would be nothing but advertisement... infomercials. And if that's what they want, then they could pay a couple of million to have a couple of 30 second commercial spots put on TV. Nothing's free, babe.
I don't know where the "big order" came from about not speaking about ANYTHING but her clothing line... but whoever ordered it is making a big mistake. Maybe it was her father. He seems to want to run everyone's show biz life (pssst...Ashley needs counseling).
I'm not watching any stupid ass interview where someone is pushing to sell something their name is on... and no other question will be tolerated. Who do they think they are? If it wasn't for this type of exposure (interviews) they wouldn't be selling anything and they wouldn't be making any stinking money.
I would love to see all requests for interviewing Jessica Simpson to come to a screeching halt. Wouldn't that be an easy lesson to get...well, unless you are the person who ordered "no other questions allowed". What a stupid move.
I'm not watching anything with either of the Simpsons in or on it, nor will I buy any magazine with her picture on the cover... and I damn sure won't be buying any of her clothing line. Okay...so I wouldn't buy any of her clothing anyway, but I will trying to influence people not to buy her products. If she doesn't want to talk about anything but her product line, then let her pay for a commercial spot like others do.
I don't know where the "big order" came from about not speaking about ANYTHING but her clothing line... but whoever ordered it is making a big mistake. Maybe it was her father. He seems to want to run everyone's show biz life (pssst...Ashley needs counseling).
I'm not watching any stupid ass interview where someone is pushing to sell something their name is on... and no other question will be tolerated. Who do they think they are? If it wasn't for this type of exposure (interviews) they wouldn't be selling anything and they wouldn't be making any stinking money.
I would love to see all requests for interviewing Jessica Simpson to come to a screeching halt. Wouldn't that be an easy lesson to get...well, unless you are the person who ordered "no other questions allowed". What a stupid move.
I'm not watching anything with either of the Simpsons in or on it, nor will I buy any magazine with her picture on the cover... and I damn sure won't be buying any of her clothing line. Okay...so I wouldn't buy any of her clothing anyway, but I will trying to influence people not to buy her products. If she doesn't want to talk about anything but her product line, then let her pay for a commercial spot like others do.
Lovely as a tree
Unfortunately, the photo doesn't even begin to reflect the deep rich yellow color. Sigh
Monday, November 07, 2005
A View from the Porch
Uneventful day yesterday. I'm waiting for my youngest daughter to bring my car back. I let her use it yesterday. I think she told me a lie so she could keep it overnight and now she won't be bringing it back for several more hours. She's moving in with a friend. Its not a good move for her, but what I can I do about it? I guess I was foolish to hope that all five kids would turn out to be okay. This last one is really turning my hair gray. Lots of prayers on her behalf coming up.
As I mentioned in the last entry I am sharing more photos taken from my friend's front porch. I know, I know... it can't get any more exciting than that, but I like looking at photos.
Like the title states... 'a view from the porch'. The pumpkin on the little table has not been carved. I did notice the sticky tag on it said it was organically grown. It seemed a bit strange, but who am I to say anything. If she wants to let an organically grown pumpkin rot on her porch, more power to her. Actually, my bet is that she just grabbed a pumpkin and it happened to be organic. Maybe its from Trader Joe's. (I've never been to that store but it sounds interesting.)
A view of the neighbors' porches. The houses are very close together. When the windows line up you get to know far more about the neighbors than you ever wanted to know. I would have sworn I held the camera straight, but it looks like the house is sliding down to the street. Ain't this exciting?
The park/school ground diagonally across the street. This is where lots of folks bring their dogs for exercise. Watch where you step.
The church across the street has painted their basement doors violet. It may not show up in this photo. This church does a lot for those experiencing hard times. Every so often they put on a big feed and lots of homeless and not-homeless people come to get a hot meal. They also put on a "coffee shop" evening so the guys (they are mostly guys, but women are well represented, too) can come in out of the cold and hear live music, drink coffee... maybe feel a little more normal?? The church does good work for the homeless but the neighbors don't like it. Lots of nasty activity goes with the goodworks. When you have drug addicts around there are usually more fights and more things disappear from yards. The neighbors don't begrudge the good works, they just don't want it done in their neighborhood. Too many needles show up the next day.
Another picture of my friend. Behind her and through the window you can see the stained glass windows of the church. They have a lot of them.
One of my "student" paintings my friend bought. I'm not sure if she really wanted it or if she was just helping me out... doesn't matter, but it sure did help me. However, now when I look at it all I see are the mistakes. It makes my spine shudder.
And that's all folks....
As I mentioned in the last entry I am sharing more photos taken from my friend's front porch. I know, I know... it can't get any more exciting than that, but I like looking at photos.
Like the title states... 'a view from the porch'. The pumpkin on the little table has not been carved. I did notice the sticky tag on it said it was organically grown. It seemed a bit strange, but who am I to say anything. If she wants to let an organically grown pumpkin rot on her porch, more power to her. Actually, my bet is that she just grabbed a pumpkin and it happened to be organic. Maybe its from Trader Joe's. (I've never been to that store but it sounds interesting.)
A view of the neighbors' porches. The houses are very close together. When the windows line up you get to know far more about the neighbors than you ever wanted to know. I would have sworn I held the camera straight, but it looks like the house is sliding down to the street. Ain't this exciting?
The park/school ground diagonally across the street. This is where lots of folks bring their dogs for exercise. Watch where you step.
The church across the street has painted their basement doors violet. It may not show up in this photo. This church does a lot for those experiencing hard times. Every so often they put on a big feed and lots of homeless and not-homeless people come to get a hot meal. They also put on a "coffee shop" evening so the guys (they are mostly guys, but women are well represented, too) can come in out of the cold and hear live music, drink coffee... maybe feel a little more normal?? The church does good work for the homeless but the neighbors don't like it. Lots of nasty activity goes with the goodworks. When you have drug addicts around there are usually more fights and more things disappear from yards. The neighbors don't begrudge the good works, they just don't want it done in their neighborhood. Too many needles show up the next day.
Another picture of my friend. Behind her and through the window you can see the stained glass windows of the church. They have a lot of them.
One of my "student" paintings my friend bought. I'm not sure if she really wanted it or if she was just helping me out... doesn't matter, but it sure did help me. However, now when I look at it all I see are the mistakes. It makes my spine shudder.
And that's all folks....
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