Where'd the Time Go?

Just here to leave a wave and a "Hi Ya!" Pc's been stubborn and my mind has been blank so I just haven't had anything to say. I've been able to get around to some blogs at least every other day, so I'm still following you guys.

OH.... we are having three SUMMER-LIKE days here!! It got past 75 degrees yesterday and will just be a few degrees cooler today. The guy next door is mowing his grass. The sounds of summer. ACHOO. And seasonal allergies. We'll get back to spring rains but for now all the little flying bugs are throughly enjoying the sunshine. (There's so many of them... and its hard to get back in the door without a bunch of them in your hair or clinging to your clothes. Life. Ya gotta love it. Well, maybe you don't HAVE TO, but it makes it easier.)

This and That

I finally got around to getting some of those reusable canvas-like tote bags for grocery shopping. They work pretty good, especially when you remember to take them, but its too easy to fill them up. Then you end up with a bag too heavy to tote. I got three and I will definitely need more.

The grocery store was very crowded. If I go too early in the morning (or in the middle of the night-open 24/7) the isles are filled with boxes for restocking the shelves. If I go a little later in the morning, then its way crowded. We just have too many people. And speaking of too many people.... the woman who now has 14 kids all under the age of 8, is crazy. Completely out of her mind. And I fully understand why the woman's mother (the kids' grandmother) would want to run away. All I can say is "Run... Run as fast and as far as you can!!"

Maybe something interesting will happen tomorrow.

Sunday Morning

 A drizzily Sunday morning. The small table lamp creates an intimate, cozy feeling in the room as its warm light brightens the corner. A perfect time to have a great cup of coffee and relish the day. Except I didn't have any coffee.

Oh, sure... I had the remains of the emergency stash of cheap, industrialized coffee that I kept in the refrigerator but I had already been forced to use it the past two days. Enough punishment. I wanted decent fake coffee that comes in a bag... not a can.

This desire caused me to venture out in the drizzle to snap up whatever bagged coffee might be on sale. If there were any on sale... and luck and timing was on my side. There were fake sale tags below the shelves of fake bagged coffee. I kept searching for decaf and couldn't find any. WTH? (I may like caffine in my coffee, but my body doesn't and it lets me know!) Then I saw the Dunkin Donut coffee. And it was on sale as well. I've been wanting to give it a try, but I gotta say, their advertisement has over sold the product. (I'll make it stronger the next time to see if that helps.)

That lamp-in-the-corner paragraph kind of makes a pretty picture, doesn't it. What it fails to do is to point out that there are used dishes in the sink and a small pile of debris sits next to the broom waiting to be picked up and discarded. I have issues. I don't finish things. There... I've said it. My name is Crusty Crone and I'm an unfinisher.

I get all the way to the end with only one step left to do... and I leave it. Unfinished. What is up with that? I don't know why I do that. Do you leave things unfinished? Do you sweep the kitchen floor and have the dust and dirt neatly placed in a pile and then set the broom down in a way as though to protect the pile... and walk away? Like I said, issues.

Old Crone

 I watched a youtube video of this older woman and thought the scene would make a good painting. I liked it. I had to use my memory and imagination, however. It doesn't look like the woman except she was sitting down, she had a scarf wrapped artistically around her head, and there was a vase with flowers behind her. But I got something done, so there's always that.

I've been feeling a bit blah so I decided to try some shopping therapy. I went to the dollar store. I don't think cheap therapy works as well as the more expensive kind. I mean if I went out and bought a new car, I bet my mood would be better. Buying soap just didn't thrill me the way it sometimes can.

Come on Spring!!

Brrrrr

This picture is from last year. We got snow here yesterday, but not as much as what this picture shows. But you know what? Its cold as hell here!!! And the fun part is that it is suppose to last forever. Well, at least thru the WHOLE week.

Later in the week, we might get some freezing rain. YaHoo!

So... I'm stuck here in the apartment which is fine, but my smoke alarm has started going off to indicate the battery needs to be changed. And me without a battery. And I'm too short to reach the alarm on the ceiling. I'll be waiting for my American Ingenuity to kick in with some kind of solution. I'll let you know. If nothing comes to mind, I have my hammer and I'm not above smashing the hell outta the alarm to get it to stop beeping at me. If I can get it off the ceiling. How long can you keep hitting the reset button to stop it from beeping? Anyone know?

I can't believe its been a whole week since I've updated the blog, but when you don't have anything to say, I guess you just don't have anything to say. Know what I mean?

"Do You Think She'll Notice It?"

Yesterday my daughter Candace came over to pick up something and she brought Darius with her. When I knew they were on their way I tossed three frozen hamburger patties in the skillet to cook. Darius is always looking for something to eat when he comes to gramma's and I didn't have anything to snack on... besides, throw it on a piece of bread and viola... lunch.

True to form, when Darius arrived he began his normal search. A glance over the counter to see what was there, then a quick look in the refrigerator. He spotted the hamburger patties sitting on a saucer. "mmmmm. I like hamburger" he said innocently.

I told him and 'mom' they could each have one if they wanted, but 'mom' would have to fix the sandwiches for them, which she did. I waited until they left before I went to fix my sandwich. Below is what was waiting for me.
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 I wonder if he thought I might not notice a bite was missing.

The Day After

This is my day after, my recup day. The day I pull myself back together after having entertained one of life's natural energy bursts... the day after watching my two grandsons for the night. Some day afters are needed more than others. This was a pretty good sleepover. The boys were nice. They were nice to me and amazingly nice to each other. Go me!


 "My gramma lets us jump on the bed!! We love my gramma. Watch me. Watch how high I can jump."


 "Gramma, watch. Here's a Running-Belly-Flop..." (I think its a name of a wrestling move.)


 The pile of rubble after the wrestling match. They had a lot of fun and there was no permanent damage.

Thanksgiving Day

 Well, its here. The start of the holiday season, the first holiday. Thanksgiving Day. If I could just get into football....

I hope everyone has a very pleasant day without too much stress. After all, if it doesn't work out this time, you can try it again next year. And the year after that. So don't worry, be happy. And don't throw that at me! I mean it!!

The family unit has shrunk a lot with family moving out of state. We have reduced our members from around 30 (if in-laws show up) to 10. It makes it easier to sit down at the table, but it is also a lot quieter. At least I think it will be quieter. We'll see.

We are getting together at daughter #2 home around 2pm. Perhaps I'll be back home by 6pm clutching a plate of leftovers.(Is it leftovers or left overs?) The downside is that the movie, a holiday tradition, Miracle on 34th Street comes on tv at 2pm. Sigh. Maybe its on the internet somewhere and I can watch it later. I've already watched Its a Wonderful Life. I think I've seen that movie close to 30 times. I can remember in grade school that they would show this movie at lunch time in 15 minute increments during the course of a week. It wasn't very interesting since you could only see a small portion at a time.
Actually, I don't really watch it. Its just on in the background... but its my tradition.

I've finally reached the age where I don't have to bring anything for dinner, too. YaHoo. I've been waiting for it.

Once again, I hope ya'll have a nice Thanksgiving.

Heads Up

 

There hasn't been much to talk about lately. I'm out of coffee so must trudge to the store as soon as I upload this entry. The sooner I leave, the sooner it will be done. Push. Push. Must push myself to go out into the world. I guess it indicates just how much I would like a cup of coffee, doesn't it.

What's Warm and Wet?

 No... its not that! What is warm and wet is our weather. It was 60 degrees this morning at 7am and its been raining for the last four days or so. Its raining so much today it feels like we could pick it up like a cloak and wear it. We would be fully covered.

I wanted to pass along some info that I got in my email. This holiday season you may want to rethink giving gift certificates. Don't Do It! Businesses are closing right and left. If they are not closing altogether, they are closing down outlets so who knows if there will be any in the area. Its sad. So many people out of work, out of their foreclosed homes, and out of time.

The auto makers are looking for 'bailout' money. I think one of them already got some but its gone now. They had to use it to simply continue with day to day activity. That is not a good sign. Now they need more. If we do not have enough people working and if we can not get credit unless we are rated A+++++ we are not going to be buying cars. If people aren't buying cars then how will another lump sum of money keep them afloat?

I heard American Express has become a bank. They wanted some bailout money, too. It doesn't seem right to me.

I wish we didn't have to wait until January for a leader.

Blah

 
 Blue Monday. Blue Month. Blah Mood. I'm not sure if my mood just is, or was caused by the shift in times, or because of the rainy weather. Maybe its the state of my pocket. Its empty. (Not to worry though... I have everything I need and I only have a couple of days to go and the eagle will be flying again.)

I'm watching the boys this afternoon. 'Mom' has to go in early for a meeting (works swing shift) and boyfriend is working (days) so there's a few hours to be covered. I'm just not feeling the energizer bunny. Of course, the last time I felt the bunny it was probably 10 yrs ago or so. They're good boys. It just requires constant movement.

I better go pick up things I don't want them touching. Things like lighters, sharp objects, white paper, paints, etc. Sigh. I think I should also cook something for them. Whenever they come over the first place Darius checks out is the refrigerator. Everything I have requires cooking.

Waiting Waiting Waiting

 Guess where we spent the day. Its hard to see the sign, but the boys and I waiting in the emergency waiting room for four hours. After the first two hours things went down hill from there.

 Hunger struck plus boredom. Vending machines were the only thing available. The munchkins didn't know how fortunate they were that gramma had some money on her. They filled up in over priced junk food.

 Many visits outside, then inside, then back outside.... watching traffic, pushing buttons in the car, kicking metal posts, etc.

My daughter (aka 'mom') has been sick since Friday night. Lots of symptoms that accompany a lot of different ailments, mainly flu like symptoms. After four hours she was told she has a kidney infection. (I'm glad it wasn't anything contagious.) She came out with four prescriptions.

The boys, considering everything, were well behaved... but that fourth hour was tough to get through. All three of us were getting tired of waiting.

As soon as we were with half a mile of their house they both fell asleep.

I'm very glad to finally be home.

Whadda Do When You Have Nothing to Talk About?

You do a repeat and hope the painting was posted so long ago that its not boring. This is a painting I did of my friend's granddaughters. She's currently 18 yrs old. I'm guessing she was around 10 yrs old in the photo.

Last night I thought I might have to turn on the heat for a minute (cha ching) but instead I put on a fleese jacket and covered my feet and legs with a blanket. Can you say 'old lady'? This afternoon I had to open the windows because it was too warm. I still have one window open, but not for long.

I Wonder Where It Is...... (updated)

 I can't find my camera. I've stood in the middle of the room and looked around, but I didn't see it. It didn't call out to me either.

I moved some of the magazines on the coffee table. Not there. I lifted up my straw hat. No luck. I even checked my purse twice and still no camera. I wonder where it is.

I know its somewhere around here because I used it yesterday. 'Mom' and the boys stopped by for a few minutes and I snapped a couple of pictures.... so I know the camera is here. Its just gotten up and walked away. (yes, things can just walk away and then show up later. I've experienced it.)

You know what this means, don't you? Its time to straighten up. To stack all the magazines and set neatly aside. Maybe putting the can goods away will help clear the space. While I'm at it perhaps I'll vaccumn. We'll see.

I wouldn't be surprised if I was looking right at the camera and not registering it. If it was a snake... you can bet your last dollar I wouldn't be looking for it, but nonetheless, do you have moments like this? You can't find something and then later its sitting on the counter mocking you? Its a mean mean trick to pull on an old lady. And I don't use lady lightly.

Update: I found it. I found my camera. It was crouching behind the coffee maker half hidden by a bread wrapper. The little dickens!

Sunday Morning

 I just got back from grocery shopping. I'm currently in the midst of my calming down mode. You know, the time it takes to get over the shock. I went over my budget, but I bought a few non-food items too. It pays to know the going price of things at various stores because even though I shop at a discount grocery store, not all items are the best price. Especially with non-food items.

Yesterday I visited my friend. This time I won the Upwards game, but just by the skin of my teeth. It was a good game... very close all the way through it. My friend gave me her copy of People magazine. The one with Paul Newman in his younger days on the cover. I believe this is the pose Sandy and Laura (cat's momma) used to do their drawing.

Fall is here now. It is not just cool at night. It is cold. Warm jacket cold. We're currently sitting in fog. It looks like it will take a bit longer to clear.

How's it going with you?

Chit Chat

Troopergate: The results of the probe into Palin's possible abuse of power is due out today.

"ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Alaska lawmakers are meeting behind closed doors to discuss a politically charged ethics report into Gov. Sarah Palin's firing of her state public safety commissioner."

I say if it was a positive report (Palin didn't abuse power) they would have released the results without hesitation. Since they are meeting to discuss it, my bet goes with a guilty finding.

Pay It Forward: We have an anonymous gentleman who is hanging around gas stations and paying for people's gas. He just wants the people to "pay it forward" when they have an opportunity to do so. Reportedly the man came into an inheritance and he's just spreading things around just a little. Its averaging about $40 each. One woman was tearing up as she talked about it. Good news in the news.

Cutting corners: Our public schools are getting full. Seems a lot of people who normally send their kids to private schools are now enrolling them in public schools. Just interesting to note. They'll have to play with the peasants now, but that's usually a lot more fun.

Time to go take a nap now. (doncha jus luv it!)

What Day Is It?

 I've got to drag myself out and take care of an errand. One that I can't put off any longer. I've got to go get a stamp so I can send off the rent check. One lousy stamp. I was short just one stamp. Sigh. I guess deadlines are good, otherwise I'd REALLY be behind in things.

I've also got to get a birthday present for Darius (grandson). That's going to take some creative shopping and a big dose of luck. Do I feel lucky, today? Well, do I? Not really. Saturday is the birthday party so I have a few days to check out things.

Its pretty foggy here right now. Visibility is about half a block. This is our last nice autumn day.... our rainy season starts tomorrow. Speaking of rain... I've also got to get another umbrella. The one I've got is about done. All those days of being the SWORD of the WIZARD and all those times of hauling around Mary Poppins, played by D. and V., has taken its toll.

Its Gonna Be Another Hot One

 And I don't mean a dude. Its gonna be 90+ degrees today.... and tomorrow. Maybe these will be the last hot days of the season. Come winter I will try to remember how hot it was during the summer when I'm outside bundled up and getting wet. Geesh. There's just no pleasing us. (whadda mean, don't include you?!)

Saturday I went over to a friend's and we played Upwards. Got my butt beat... again. Our scores are usually between 300 and 400 points. She got over 600 points this time. Its an all time record. I'm so happy for her. I know I'll never be able to forget it. (She has a memory like a steel trap.)

The next question is what will the day bring. If anything happens, I'll let you know.

Sometime in September

Another repeat done years ago.

I always like blogs with visual aids, otherwise the writing should be supreme. I'm really low on available visual aids. I'm not too hot with supreme writing either.

I had an idea for a watercolor yesterday. I did a practice sketch to check the layout and now I'm ready to attempt it but I couldn't find my watercolors. This morning I began to look for them in earnest, but got distracted with junk mail. Spent 30 minutes shredding junk mail. By hand. (I ended up mumbling under my breath a lot... damn junk mail.) I took neat little piles (yeah, neat, sure they were neat) of books, art, papers, magazines, etc. and spread it all out over the table. Now the table is a mess. Well, more of a mess than before my search.

Then I was distracted by coffee. A fresh cup of coffee was what I wanted. Oh... and wouldn't an english muffin be nice with the coffee. That requires a second cup, but I can do that.

Time to continue looking for the watercolors, but let me check my favorite blogs first. Never mind that its very early in the morning and most people aren't even thinking blogs. You know, because they have a life. However, I've checked them so I can relax about missing anything and I'll just recheck later. After I've located my watercolors.

I came across a shoe box full of miscellaneous stuff. That miscellaneous stuff you're not sure of where to put so that you can find it/them when you want. There was a whole bunch of brushes in the box. Well! That explains why my brush caddy was looking naked. Another mystery solved. I started to put them back into the brush caddy but decided to just leave them in the box. I didn't want to be distracted from searching for the watercolors.

Those random thoughts now have me keying in a blog entry. Best to get something out there so I don't have to worry about updating the blog later. Sigh.

I started off my search for the watercolors with great optimism... I would just have to move one or two items and viola, there they would be, but as so often happens, life said "no no my little cabbage... not this time."

I'm still looking for my watercolors. Just as soon as I have another cup of coffee.

Update: As soon as I stopped looking for the watercolors I found them. And its no wonder it took a while. They were put away where they belonged. What is that about anyway.

The Boys Spent the Night

The boys unexpectedly spent the night. 'Mom' dropped something off and the boys kept muttering "gramma, can I hang out with you?" Later I had to remind them that they were the ones who asked to stay the night. This was when I was making them quiet down.


 "I got yer back, bro!"


 Stick guitars. Darius played with this stick the whole time he was here. It was a sword, a guitar, and a stick to dig in the dirt. Vyron had a back scratcher... I mean, Fender. He had a Fender guitar.


 "I got muscles gramma!"


 "That cloud looks like a dinasaur, gramma!"