I am already

Well I think I am ready to go.  My suitcase is packed, my errands have been done, my instructions and boarding passes for the trip down are all printed out (and brought to mind what Liz said about how I react to things. ) She gave me one of those words HALT.  Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.  If any of those occur I need to take steps back and think things through.

There are some things that will have to wait until I get back.  I am just too tired to do it now.  I got up early after a sleepless night.  Even though I took a nap or two today.  I fed the kittens, watched TV, called Jim, and late in the day I had to go to the doctors for the patches of eczema and the fungal splotches as well.  I also had them clean out my Right eat and I can hear again.

Liz was pretty upset with me because I didn’t come to her sooner about the book(s).  She says I have been spending way too much money on food outside of the house (going out) and being obstinate about it. She felt I could have had a lot more money saved up.  As it is I still get another paycheck tomorrow and just barely make the bills this week. She felt I took 4 hours from her last night that could have been spent with her husband or just us catching up.  She understands there is a learning curve but I have to put on my big girl panties and make sure I am doing what I am supposed to. My Brother in law wasn’t happy at 10 pm.

Tiger I think is lurking around here and in my old bedroom My Sky was sitting here beside me while I write this he has been showing me some love.  I found myself getting a tiny bit emotional as this will be the first week I will be away from them that I haven’t been in the hospital or watching Preston.

I need to turn off some lights and take a rest for a few hours before I have to get up in five hours. Ugh.

Last Day for me

Today is the last day of work for me.  I am just keeping up with stuff on my desk and I expect a few large volume things coming in.  At the moment I am looking for things that supervisor asked me to look for through some of the batches I did for one particular insurance groups.

Something is wrong with the cable box in the Livingroom the clock said 2:19 and it was literally light out and I really believed it was really 2:19 until my alarm clock on the cell started going off.  All the other cable boxes seem okay.  Man I feel kind of stupid.

Found it hard to work on the checkbook at lunch time people came to my desk for things.  I really couldn’t do it during the afternoon either.  I tried calling Liz to confirm time.  I will just have to do it when I get home and deal with the consequences.

There is a collection going on for JW’s son and I managed to put some money to it.  So many people were shocked and somewhat relieved as she would not have a good quality of life.  The arrangements have not been made public.

Monday Musings

It was a beautiful morning and another early morning but I managed to stay in until 5:30. Sky the dutiful alarm clock eventually got the message.  WE did our regular constitution but just slightly different.  I think Tiger got sick again.  Maybe too many treats. 

I talked with Liz this morning.  She refuses to give me a wake-up call for my vacation.  She suggests to use all the alarm clocks in the house or call Jim.  She answered some questions for me that I had over the weekend that included the Taxes question.  She wants to review the books (eek).  We will do that tomorrow. 

I friended a former Teacher from HS on FB today and she sent me the following: “The department of health and human service are helping the youth, retired and also the disable in the society i just benefited from the program also.... I got a sum of $150,000 from them.” This set off the alarm bells for me.  Is this really her? Or did someone hijack her page?  After a few minutes chatting I said basically came across it before not sure I want to participate and thanked her and said lunch over.  She did give me the contact info.  I am not doing it.

I checked in with Dave yesterday.  He is visiting Province town RI this week. He sent me a picture of him and Rose together.  It looks like they are under a red tent.  I will talk with him after my own trip.

Tonight I will be updating the book and writing letters as the house will be cleaned.

Clouds seem to be rolling in already.

Another Saturday

I was up early again thanks to Sky but I hopped back in until 6 and then did our rituals.  I put the sprinkler on for an hour.  I watched the Sunday morning edition of the L& O marathon.  I put some laundry in (trying to make sure there is nothing around) and chatted with neighbor Sean for a bit.  Did some other things including chatting with a cousin-in-law.

I called Jim just before getting ready for Bingo and it seems he was driving some people around the town.  I told him I would call him later on as I didn’t want to bore the passengers.  I was relieved to know he was good.  I tried a couple more times and the second time he didn’t pick and the final one he was driving again.  We talked about the status of the Dog Mauling and my trip.

Did anyone see the video on CNN about the tallest building where you can slide from the 70^th floor to the 69^th Floor?  My Cousin Joan posted it to FB this weekend and my reply was No way no how would you get me on that thing!  I don’t care how safe it is.  One reason I still have bad case of heights.  Its not as bad as it was but every time I think of that it make my whole body shake.

The drive to bingo was slightly annoying.  Mind you it was after 1:30 and southbound traffic on I-95 was taking forever! I don’t know how far back it went but it was really silly.  I could understand if it was late in the afternoon and it was weekend traffic going home but at 1:30 in the afternoon?  Luckily I made it in good time and started on time. 

Bingo went well.  We had 15 residents playing and almost everyone won.  After bingo fresh fruit was served.  I didn’t get to see Natalie again as she was doing a Mission of mercy.  She was giving a terminal resident one last Sunday afternoon drive at the request of her family.  I think it’s very sweet and sad.

After bingo I headed to Wal*mart and spent about an hour there and about $150 dollars on stuff. Three blouses (two are tees), 1 set of Scrubs (for bed), lingerie, socks, two pairs of denim jeans.  It took about an hour and then I headed to IHOP for dinner. 

It was fairly quiet there and not more than five minutes there I ran into a co-worker and her family.  I nearly tripped and stepped on her husband Jeff’s foot.  Nice way to meet for the first time.  I heard so many wonderful things from Mish about him.  After we chatted about the “dog mauling” I went to my table and began to look the menu over.  I chose The Pineapple Upside down pancakes. It was a large stack as I didn’t want the combo plate.  I did get a side order of hash browns and Tea.  I am not sure what time it was when I got ready to leave but I noticed I left at the same time as Mish and her family.

When I got home Tiger was looking out the window and then took off for parts unknown.  I tried to spend time with her but she ambled off somewhere.  Sky was still upstairs and so I watched TV.  I have a feeling I gave tiger too many treats.  There was pile of goo on the study floor.   Later on Sky decided he wanted to play with my feet by clawing them and biting them.  I had to giggle because it in some ways it hurt and others it tickled.

While I was upstairs I tried the clothes on that I bought and then put them in a pile to put in the suitcase later.  I will print out all the Southwest emails I have gotten over the last few weeks the most recent one today reminding me to check in when I am supposed to and now I am thinking I may have to call the livery service and have them pick me up earlier than 4:30.   My biggest fear is I will miss the check in time via online.

Did I mention it was beautiful today?  Sunny and pleasant and at times breezy.  It was in the 80’s with the fluffiest clouds.  It’s just about mid 70’s now.  I put the ceiling fan on and it’s lovely.  It’s going to be nice tomorrow but raining and thundering midweek but nice for my flight out (fist pump).

Well, I am going to hit the sack.  Livia is coming tomorrow to clean the house so I have to get up and prepare for that.

A beautiful Night

It is almost 9:30.  There are fireworks being shot off not far off distance.  Someone has a fire pit going somewhere.  I will be going to bed soon.

I have to admit my plans to go shopping, letter writing, and various other things in preparation for the trip barely came to fruition.  I did fold some laundry, emptied the garbage managed to straighten up the night stand beside my bed.  I still have the bottom part to do.  Updated the pen pal blog and updated the files somewhat.

I had pizza for dinner should have used the pam because I used the broiler for the big oven and the pizza stuck to it.  I got it cleaned off for the most part and put it in the dishwasher for the next round of cleaning. 

The kitties are just hanging out downstairs I guess.  They slept for good part of the afternoon in their normal places.  I wasn’t sure if they both were downstairs in the cellar and so when I closed the door hoping they weren’t down there I turn around and there they were.

Tomorrow I will go to Wal*mart and get the things I need.  I do have some toiletries here for the toiletry bag and need to set up my breathing machine (that I still get reminder calls to put more hours into it)

Then I will do bingo in the afternoon and then get ready for my very short work wee

Saturday Doings

You would think only a few days out I would be racing around doing a whole of shopping and preparing for what I am touting as a big trip but I am not.  I did some laundry going, the lawn already watered, some other chores done but that’s it.  I watched the L&O marathon from season 20 (now) and surfing the net until 10 when NCIS began.

Work was busy as I have been saying and managed to get a lot done and now just have a few days left to make sure everything is done.  Granted it will probably be built up by the time I come back.  GA and Janet will be covering it as much as possible.

There hasn’t been many updates regarding “Jocelyn” but I noticed that the NY TV station included her last name in their update on her condition.  I can’t say if our own media let it go through or not but this is making me uncomfortable.

My cousin Carol is back in the hospital again.  Lots going on with her.  It’s kind of scary.  Like I have said she has a multitude of health issues.   I think it’s the second time this month.  I sent her a e-card and she already got it this morning.

I talked with Liz this morning she was out doing her Morning routine and going home to see her family who was working on tree trimming so nothing falls on her car.  She has other activities tomorrow so I won’t be seeing much of her this weekend but since I have Wednesday off I will stop and see her.

I haven’t heard from Jim since yesterday.  I did send some texts this morning.  Liz asked about him too and for some reason my alarm bells started going off.  I hope he is okay.  Well good news while I was away from the Laptop I got 4 messages from him…All animal related videos.  So he must be fine.

The mail came just before 1 and I got my car tax bill.  I am surprised to see no house tax.  Hopefully it will be here by Monday.  It is due on July 1 but we have up to a month to pay.

I worked on some letters in the afternoon. 

mid-week Reflection

Well I am happy to report that my mini self-doubting crisis is over once again.  Yesterday Tiger was very receptive to being paid attention to.  I wasn’t home more than five minutes got down on the floor after chatting with her in the Livingroom window.  She enjoyed her ear being scratched and petted.  She was very appreciative of me this morning.  She meowed a lot when I left.

I had a nice chat with Dr. T yesterday regarding the club and summer activities and of course the dues issues.  Still not fully resolved in my mind but it’s getting there.

Here at the office we discovered in the last couple of days that the Victim of the Pitbull mauling on Monday here in the city happened to be a former co-worker and is really bad off.  You just don’t know what to think.  Pray she doesn’t suffer?  Pray she survives and what?  At this point she is just a shell of what she was.

Quick updates

Work is going okay.  We received announcement that in July new CFO will be starting.  It has been said by many he will be a hands on type of employer.  He will be coming from UT Medical Center in Dallas.  Morning activities kind of slow until lunchtime when the work comes in.  Have been helping out with sending out refund checks.  

The Arts and Ideas festival continues for another four days and as usual I haven’t gotten there.  As usual by the time I get home I don’t usually want to come back into the city.  Traffic has been bearish.  On the weekends I haven’t felt like going back in because I want to relax and now will have to start preparing for my NC trip.

I haven’t done much with the woman’s club but called Dr. T today but she wasn’t home.  We haven’t had any more interaction with the state org regarding the dues situation but I will find out soon if we are or what the next step is.  I will probably also find out what other activities we have going for the club for the summer.  I got an email regarding the local Library.  They had gotten new books and the reason it is of interest is it is name after a former member and friend Ellen.

The DTC in general is gearing up for the Democratic Convention this summer.  The candidates for local offices (state and federal) are probably going to have meet and greets this summer.  I know I missed my friend Gayle’s but I just couldn’t do it.  The 4^th District is coming to my house this Thursday.  Happily Sharon will bring a snack.  I don’t know what else to bring.  My hope is SOMEONE else will think to bring something.  We got about 12 responses from people and about 6 are coming five are not.  I have no idea if anyone else answered or are just going to show up.  Which is usually the case.  We probably will have a post awards dinner report and then talk about the convention, and campaigns and then the Oyster Fest and that’s our next big fundraiser.

The kitties seem fine.  I was a little hurt that Tiger has been elusive (more than usual) in the last couple of days.  She either pulls back from me or gets down when I come near to pet her.  OF course when she wants to be fed she doesn’t mind me.  She let me pet her this morning so this is confusing.   Although when it comes time for her annual shots and what not she really will be pissed at me.   As I said to Chris P yesterday my confidence as a pet parent goes right into the dumper.

This afternoon the handyman was coming over to do work that we agreed but I just got a message saying he will come tomorrow his job got him tied up.   I can straighten up a little more than I did.  Left things on the dining room table. 

Everyone in the family (my branch of the family) is fine.  Yesterday was Rob’s Birthday and I sent him the e-card.  He sent me a message.  I heard from Liz today she was doing heavy cleaning and Cousin Donna went to help.  Jim was working. 

Cousin Bill sent an article for all of Mom’s Family branch that included Uncles Ray and Lee from many years ago.  I wasn’t able to read it all but I will later.

The weather has been great.  The thunder and lightning shower that came through this morning was brief and dried up by the time I left for work.  The temperatures are in the 80’s now.  It may make walking interesting.  

Saturday Doings

I WAS dragging my heels yesterday morning.  It was D-Day for me as far as cleaning the litter boxes are concerned.   I showered and got into some cruddy clothes and started to do it.    I did start the upstairs one first but the toilet not cooperating so I did the one in the bathroom downstairs.  I have to admit I thought I left the litterbox upstairs on the edge of the bathtub and all I could think is it must be all over the floor now.  I didn’t so I was quite relieved.  I washed the floor and the matt so I wasn’t worried about the floor upstairs.

Peapod came at quarter of 7.  It’s a damn good thing I was awake.  When he arrived Tiger went immediately for the back of the recliner and underneath it.  I think Sky went upstairs.   This time I didn’t get one thing because it was out of stock.  But I did get the things that didn’t come last time.

The cats started coming out of hiding sometime after 8:30 and sat out back.  I opened the door to the cellar so they can explore for a bit.  They walked around again. At one point I found Sky rolling around in the litterbox just after he used it.  He smelled like the kitty litter and still does.  I was a little apprehensive about  cuddling with him considering he still smelled like it.

I have been sending out e-cards for both Father’s Day to Jim and a birthday card for a friend from the DTC.  I decided that from now on I am going to use this site again for birthdays and holidays and I am also going to do it for the Christmas Holiday.  That way I can save money on stamps and cards.

The afternoon I did some laundry and napped.  Right after lunch of a huge salad with steak I had started feeling weird.  I ended up getting a headache and took some Tylenol and fell asleep for a while.

I felt better by late afternoon and had semi late dinner of grilled cheese and then later on one of the healthy choice steamers. 

I talked with Jim last night about the NCIS season finale.  He has been turned off by this season's episodes like many others and so he asked me about it via text and he couldn't quite get it so I called and told him about it.  WE also talked about the cats.  I told him about the incidents with the upchucking and the pissing the kitties did.  He says like always I should check with the vet and he would have been angry if she (his cat did it).  I shared my feelings with all the PETMD articles that show up consistently on Facebook.  He doesn't always get to see them because he only has messenger again.  He gets tired of silly and offensive stuff that comes through on there.  I do too. 

Last night was The Mummy Movie Night on Syfy Channel.  I watched both for a little while then the news.  I went to bed shortly after that. 

A Quiet Friday

It is Friday and a quiet one for the most part there are an occasional fun conversation I can hear but my aisle was totally quiet.

I got up at a decent time and fed the babes and did our regular routine.  They made sure to let me know I was  dallying I would hear an occasional meow and that lets me know I am running late of course when I got to leave and can’t find them I tend to get a little nervous. 

I also got a little nervous when I read a repeat article from PETMD about stressed out cats.  They have been vocal, they have peed/pooped outside the box, and they do like to scratch themselves, and they do like to run away a lot.  For each example they had the words “Take them to the vet”. 

Work was slow and then came to crazy afternoon.  There was only one courier doing 4 different runs and so the mail I would get by quarter of 12 didn’t come until maybe 1:30-2.  So I was maniacally trying to get everything ready for the end of the day.

Talked with sis she was busy getting ready for her weekend.  She has a baby shower and a couple of other things tomorrow and Sunday she is recouping from her week with the kids and of course tomorrow.

Tonight is another quiet night.  I will probably go to sleep early.

Thankful Thursday

1.            I am thankful for my family warts and all.

2.            I am thankful for my friends.

3.            I am thankful for my neighbors

4.            I am thankful for my job and co-workers who are my extended family

5.            I am thankful for the Medical profession who are taking care of my health.

6.            I am thankful for the organizations I am a part of that keep me busy.

7.            I am thankful for the weather

8.            I am thankful for my home.

9              I am thankful for my kitties.

I can’t believe its Thursday again.  I almost didn’t do this for this week.   I am grateful I spent time with Liz and the kids this week past two weeks.  I can’t believe that J and ‘A’ are leaving for home tomorrow.  The two weeks went by so quickly.  I don’t know when we will get to see them again.  My hope will be at Christmas time.

I have heard from my cousin who has been recommending Hamrick’s for clothes shopping.  She sent me the addresses for us to go to.  Of course the coupons and ads will be outdated by the time I get there LOL.

I was chatting with my Cousin Carol who has a whole Myriad of health issues going on this month.  She seems to be upbeat and is grateful to have her husband of 20 years by her side.  He just returned to work so I don’t know how much he will be able to be at her side now. 

Work is going okay.  Busy and just waiting for updates regarding negotiations.  A couple of people were laid off in Dermopathology and I mentioned last week there were a few within my own area.  I am not sure what else is going on across the campus but I still have to get the update that came last week.  They are touting this as a beginning because there were supposed to be more layoffs than there were. 

I know I have said that I was pretty sure that the move to the new location would be by the next Christmas Recess.  It’s not.  More like the following year.  The new work spaces are going to be much smaller than they are now and that doesn’t seem to be making people happy about that.

I haven’t done much recently for the DTC.  Our next meeting will be next Thursday and it will be here.  I am going to try very hard to keep the house in decent shape until then.  There was a campaign kickoff for one of our State Senators tonight but I just couldn’t go.  That was the second event I missed in two weeks.  I will try to go to the other things (local that is) but the conventions are out.

The issue regarding our dues continues.  There isn’t much more than what I mentioned last week.  I am going to talk more with Mama Roberta when I see it later this month.  I am sorry there is so much pettiness on the state level of what should be a great organization.  I know it’s been there for years but what they are currently doing is just unethical.

The house is looking good.  The lawn guy was here reseeding the old patio out back and in the next few days T will be mulching the flower beds and reseeding the section of the front yard that looks sparse.  I am just waiting on the Lawyer Bob to reply to my text regarding the guy doing all the “handyman stuff that needs to be done. 

The weather has been awesome.  A little humid here and there but I missed it when I was outside.  It is cool some nights but not as cold as last week.  We are supposed to be getting some passing showers overnight but that’s it.  In the 70s for the next few days and some clouds but no rain.

The kitties are out of the doghouse and seemed to have behaved today.  I spent some time with Tiger today she wasn’t overtly loveable but she eventually got there.  Now they are downstairs hanging out. 

Mid Week Reflection

Another beautiful Day in the Nutmeg State.  It is supposed to stay this way for the next several days.  I may even try and get out and attempt some walking.

Yesterday was the employee appreciation event on the main/old campus and there was some question as to whether or not we can go for longer than our lunch time.  Some believed that we should be able to go on the University’s time and not use our time.  I went for an hour and half.  I got back by 1.  The food was pretty good but more importantly I got to see people I haven’t seen in a long while.  I was hoping to get to see Tina but didn’t.  The rest of the day passed without incident.  I wasn’t able to get everything done but what I didn’t finish yesterday I did today.

My session with Courtney was   pretty good.  According to her scale I only gained .4 lbs.  We talked about having proteins and which kind to have instead of just cheese since it seems to be a weakness for me.  She suggested that instead of having the 4 lamb chops to cut to two and freeze the others and have the vegetable and/ or salad.  Well I didn’t have the salad but I had everything else and have the other two ready to be reheated tonight.  I did add some butter to the vegetables.

After dinner I headed over to Liz’s to spend time with her and the kids.  They are leaving on Friday to head back to Fort Mills SC.  Last night was Jason’s turn to have grandma to himself while his sister spent time with my nephew and his girlfriend.  They spent the day at Indian Well State Park.  I was able to enjoy watching them have a water balloon fight with Liz as well.

On the way home I stopped at Shop-Rite and got some ice cream.  I want to prove to myself and the world I can have it but in moderation.  It’s not starting off well I must tell you. I will keep trying.

The kitties are in the dog house today.  Between yesterday and today they seemed to have peed (I witnessed that one) and pooped outside the box.  I can’t believe Tiger would do this …I saw her squatting as I went to pick up the mattress cover to soak it.  She was peeing on it.  One of them missed the box entirely this morning.   Clearly these things (the boxes) need a good cleaning.

I have to clean up the mess I left this morning myself.  I was trying to get the soaking cover and the container to the washing machine but I discovered it was dripping water all over the floor and I nearly dropped it at the opening of the machine onto the floor.  I covered up the stuff that was on the floor so the kitties wouldn’t get to it.  I will have to finish it when I get home tonight. 

I ordered some coffee for Work and some tea for home and it should be here sometime early next week.  It was about $50.  It should hold me until my trip in just under 2 weeks.

I made reservations for a private car to take me to Bradley airport on the day I leave for my trip.  They will be picking me up at 4:30.  There will be someone waiting for me upon my return trip a week later.    

Well I have some stuff to do so I will chat with you later…

Monday Musings

Let’s see if I can actually finish this one by the end of the day! It was quite chilly this morning and breezy.  The kitties seemed hungry so at 5:30 I got up and fed them and took care of the litterboxes.  One seemed cleaner than the other and that worries me sometimes.

Sky was rather vocal this morning to get down into the cellar I was reluctant at first but I eventually caved (think what you want).  Of course they both went down and came back up a short time later.  When I left today couldn’t find Sky my hope is he went under the bed.  Tiger was just sitting in the back.

New Lawn Guy is coming today to work on the yard.  Probably the reseeding and the mulching. I am hoping the projects will get finished today but I am not sure exactly if that’s going to happen.  Once that is done then I can start to water it on a daily basis. 

Work was unexpectedly busy with lots of campus mail.  I have been opening and sorting the mail for the morning.  It’s a good thing because when I checked at nine there were no refund checks to work on.  It lasted (the opening and sorting of mail) until about 2. 

Gargoyle was annoying me this morning.  She was really not listening to me when I explained why the fed ex was still on my desk.  She reminded twice to not “chit-chat with anyone”.  Also a few other people were annoying me when they didn’t like the way my hair looked this morning.  Fine come to my house and style it for me then.

Administration is having a mock-up of our new work stations built in the admin lobby and we will be given an opportunity to give our input for it.  We should be getting an email in the next few days or so.  This should be very interesting.

Talked with Liz this morning she is fine both she and Nelson had a lovely time yesterday but were both very overtired and so were going to keep it low keep even though the kids were coming for a little while.   It seems the two weeks for SC kids vacation is quickly coming to an end.  They will be spending three days starting Wednesday with their Father before he takes them back to Fort Mills.  My hope and wish is that we can see them again really soon. 

She sent me pictures that she took of the kids and the events they went to this weekend and they looked great.  I will put them in my journal folder on the hard drive. 

I think I will just have a salad for dinner tonight.  Especially after the way I went through most of the cheese this weekend.  I am thinking of cooking something for tomorrow at least.

Another Beautiful Sunday

It is so beautiful out.  It was in the 70’s when I woke up at 6 this morning and it has been a pleasant breeze too.  I got the kitties fed and watered took care of the litterboxes and then went back to sleep on the couches for a couple of hours.

The kitties are each in their spot sleeping I think.  I was a little worried about them yesterday.  I was watching Tiger chew on the material under the spring mattress and I stopped her and then ten minutes later after she jumped from the cedar chest heaved it back up.  We came downstairs and I noticed deposits on the dining room floor.  I don’t know which one did it but I kept talking with them and looking them over.  I am not sure if they are reacting to the new flaky filet stuff or it’s just the heat.  I notice they do eat it all when I feed it to them. 

Then I read something on Facebook from the PetMD site that says it’s not a good sign when cats continue to run away when people come in as you know these two do it all the time.  Then if the people are here long enough they do come out (at least for relatives and a few friends).  I am trying to find it but it gets me worried.  I just read something from Petful.com about what to do.  Positive praise and don’t raise your voice (I am thinking bribery works too).

I heard from Mama Roberta yesterday they were out shopping for a new mattress for the guest bedroom that I will be in when I visit.  I ended up calling them because I wanted to talk to her and they were also taking their daughter to the airport who was quite put out that she had to sleep on an air mattress while I will get the new mattress.  I mentioned the issue with the dues and the state organization and I later found out it has gotten much worse.

I had received several emails from Dr. T regarding the dues yesterday and she wants me to save them.  It is unbelievable at what some of the people did.  Apparently the state level officers can’t find the check or evidence it was sent and they are being really smarmy about it.  Roberta says she will call Dr. T and discuss it further as well.

I ended up just watching TV last night and then going to bed.  I kept thinking there wasn’t anything good on last night but then find out movies are on that I would watch again and again.  I watched part of the Pirates of the Caribbean at World’s end. 

The kitchen needs to be straightened up again.  I had mini pizzas for dinner yesterday.  I had both of them this time and I may regret it soon. 

This afternoon I have bingo and will probably run out and get a few things at the stores.  It looks like I need a new mattress cover for the bed.  It seems like it is stretched out.  I still want to look at some clothes at Wal*mart and places like that.

I heard from Jim and he is doing well.  I don’t know if I mentioned in my previous entry that he was at a street festival and doing voter registration activities.  I sent him the current link to the Arts and Ideas festival that is going on in the city.  I don’t think he can come up but maybe next year he can.

Just heard from Liz.  They are going to the garden tour in Westport.  We will have a lot to talk about when I see her on Tuesday.  Her grandkids are with the other grandmother for the day.  I have to wonder what that grandma thinks about the situation.

Well I am going to attempt the letter writing at least a couple of them.

Saturday doings

Was up early thanks to sky.  He was getting rather impatient for breakfast he would swipe at my mouth with his claws. Now I know how Jim must have felt when his Kitten did the same thing in the past.  I got up and did my routine.  Bathroom, litterboxes, feed the masses, and napped on the couch in front of the TV.  I also started to empty dishwasher as I left the kitchen a mess last night.

Peapod came this morning and not all that pleased with the results.  The guy left with a few things and had to come back and then discovered that I didn’t get two of the items.  I had ordered bananas and more Boboli pizza crusts.  I had to call customer service number and talked to a Doug and he helped me out.  Took the prices of those off the bill.  It’s not like they haven’t done it before (a few things over the last few deliveries didn’t come because it was out of stock and they don’t charge for it) but this was slightly different.   

The kitties went into hiding until about 8:30-9 this morning when Peapod arrived.  For some reason I felt the need to go find them and I couldn’t find them until I came out of the bathroom when I found sky in the hall.  About an hour later Tiger came out.  Now they are probably sitting in the fading sun somewhere.

I have to tell you I saw something really unexpected.  I know that Tiger is usually the one to get into the recliner (or under it) and sleep for most of the day (the one by the big window) but last night I watched Sky do it to the one I sit in most of the time and started his clawing so I shooed him out of there and sprayed it with the repellent.  Neither of them have gone back to doing it.  It would explain why they haven’t climbed up on to it recently.

It is a really chilly morning again.  In some ways it’s nice and some not so much.  The sun is starting to fade from the sky and it’s supposed to get really raining late this afternoon.  It should last until mid-evening tonight and then sunny and windy tomorrow.

The laptop is nearly drained of power so I am going to post and then clean the kitchen and then do as I planned with the pen pal letters.

The Weekend

I am really looking forward to this weekend again.  It should be fairly quiet for the most part.  I will get my shopping ordered tonight for the weekend and spend the weekend catching up on pen pal letters and laundry.  I do need to do some more clothes shopping but I can do it closer to the time of the trip.

I may have to get a new pair of white pants in the shopping trip.  The pair I got from Macy’s on Memorial Day are currently being soaked/washed for stains I got yesterday.  I was very unaware (until much later) that a pen that was in my book bag was creating havoc on my back side (of my pants).  So it is currently being washed a second time with oxi-clean and tide.  I had it soaking in oxi-clean overnight inside the washing machine and most if not all is out.  At least from what I saw of it. 

I won’t be able to see Sis or BIL as they have a full weekend between the grands, a couple of activities they were invited to in Westport and Norwalk.  They also have some parties to attend and I am pretty sure I won’t see them until at least Tuesday.

I will probably call Jim some point during the weekend.  I don’t think I did last week although that was probably because I just said goodbye to him on the previous Thursday. I had a few text messages from him on Liz’s birthday. 

Tonight will be Boboli Pizza for dinner and then start on the letters.  I think I will have spaghetti on Saturday for dinner and then chicken or what not on Sunday. 

Work was fine…had some slow moments and then picked up by lunchtime and then slowed down by break time. I made sure I found things to do if there wasn’t anything available.

Heard from Dr. T regarding our dues.  There was an issue and they never got the check and looking into it but not before they mentioned that Dr. T hadn’t been to a state meeting.  If that’s one of the reasons why they are not accepting or didn’t cash or do whatever than they should say so.  Then they should step down from the position because not everyone can go to the meetings (but I would)

Mid Week Reflection

Where is this week going?  Man I have been going nonstop it seems.  I have been too tired to write in the last couple of days.  By the time I get home I do a few things and then sit and watch TV and then get into bed.

The School year has come to a close in town and the Scholarship presentation my brother and did last week was quick and easy.  It was nice to have my brother here for the short visit especially since he was kind enough to dispatch a dead mouse the fur babies brought into my bedroom before leaving for home.

Also the young man who brutally murdered his classmate Maren Sanchez was sentenced to life in Prison this week.  The family is also taking legal action against the Board of Ed for not interceding earlier as they had warned the administration early on that the young man was dangerous.

Work is status quo there have been some interesting news regarding our move to a new location.  It is more of a reality now then say last month.  IT will be two doors down from our current location.  Of course there has to be a huge retro fit and it will take a while.  I was betting we would be in there by Recess 2016 others are not so sure.

Negotiations continue and there has been some progress with that.  I out and out asked one of the stewards and they said they are hoping to get the most recent layoffs rescinded and they seem hopeful.  The other option is to get volunteers that are close to retirement to volunteer to go into the pool and opt out.  As always not sure if I explained it (or understood it) well or not.

This week our co-worker lost her niece and the services are in the next couple of days.  We are making a contribution to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Department in the young girl’s name.  By the time this gets posted I would have been to the wake but not the funeral.

The annual Arts and Ideas festival begins on Friday.  My hope during the next two weeks that I get to see some of it.  Tina* and I were talking about it earlier this week.  I have limited time during the day and some nights it just isn’t feasible.  I also still have to prepare for NC at the end of the month.

I was able to see my great niece and great nephew from SC this week a few times.  I had breakfast with them on Saturday when their Uncle and their father cooked for the immediate family and we had a blast.  My Nephew is a great cook I think.  Of course we also had a birthday cookout on Monday or Tuesday (can’t remember now) for Sis.

I love my new window, and new door and the new landscaper.  It had been a rocky start at first for the very latter but he seems to be making up for it.  I am not sure when he will finish the “big landscaping project” but I hope soon. 

I have contacted Lawyer Bob regarding the inside projects that we had planned and for the contractor to start but I haven’t heard anything yet.

I had some excitement at the Cardiologist last week but he was still concerned about the weight (no kidding!) and the BP.  I have had some aches and pains and just taking the meds for it.  I have the infusion in two weeks.  Not too many Dr Appointments this week but a few next week.

This weekend looks to be quiet again.  This may allow me to catch up on the pen pal letters that I have been procrastinating on lately.  I did finally print up and answered some questions for DM in Bakersfield.  Now I know I have a few more replies for others.

Monday musings

The temperatures were in the mid 70’s by early morning.  It really was beautiful but I already have the fan on in my cubicle.  It’s the first time since the season started that I have put it on at work.  Of course you know I have had it on at home a few times in the last couple of weeks.  However it is not going to be warm later on the week. : P

I gave the kittens some new version (new to us) of Friskies and I think they liked it.  It looked like most if it was gone by the time I left this morning.  I think it was the Prime filets with gravy.  They have been weird with their affection lately.  One minute they rub up against my legs for attention or in Sky’s case drops in on me at bed time the next they are playing hard to get.

I met the newest members of Grove Street of course ask me the lady’s name? Don’t know!  What were her fur babies’ names?  Augie and Bo.  Anyway we made tentative plans to fully meet after I got home tonight but that didn’t work because I ended up spending time at Liz’s house.

Work went well.  Busy for Monday.  No major disruptions.  No updates to report.  The collection flyer went around for Toni’s niece and I will be contributing to that later on this week.

Getting home was challenge.  Long Wharf was surprisingly heavier than normal even for a Monday.  Then it cleared up until I got to Milford.   I arrived to Sis’s just about the same time as C&J.  They were picking up his kids for the night and then while there made plans for Sis’s birthday tomorrow.  After everyone left I headed home.

I was too tired to cook or nuke anything so I stopped at Adams and picked up Chicken from the hot bar.  Trying to rationalize this to myself as I have chicken in the freezer.

Getting tired so now I am heading to bed…

Its a chilly Sunday Morning

It is the kind of morning you stay in bed.  According to the weather report at Accuweather.com it is 65 degrees but feels like 63.  I can vouch for that.  As I said yesterday it’s been like that a few nights this past week. 

I tried to stay in bed and succeeded on some levels until 6 then the morning chorus of meows persisted.  I got up and did my normal daily constitution of bathroom, litterboxes, and feeding.  I also went to lie down and watched TV for a little bit and then by 7 started watching LOTR.  I did some surfing as well. 

The peapod delivery guy came to the door just after 8 and found me dozing.  That’s really unnerving.  I am really glad I was dressed.  I can only imagine what I looked like.  I got almost everything I ordered except the steaks.  That will have to be on the next order.  I do have to do something with the chicken today.  I actually have to start using the stuff I froze already.

Kitten 1 and kitten 2 are both sleeping.  I found sky in his spot under the spring mattress.  I am not sure where Tiger is but my gut tells me under the other sofa recliner.  I did check the spare room but didn’t see her.  I got some new cat food for them today let’s hope they like this stuff.  I have to start writing down the stuff they like.  They certainly don’t like the pate types. 

Well the laptop needs to get recharged so I am going to do that and go back to the LOTR trilogy.  I won’t be watching too much of PBS this weekend as it’s the early spring/summer fundraising again.

Finally and most importantly Thank you to all those who have stopped by and visited with me please come back anytime.  I look forward to hearing your thoughts on some of the things I have written.

As Expected

As I had expected mid-week and the end of last week was incredibly busy and exhausting. 

Wednesday was my eye doctor appointment and the last of the two scholarship presentations.  The Eye Doctor Appointment went very well and no eye diseases.  My next one is in 6 months. 

Jim came up for the presentation but on the way here got stuck in traffic and got here around 5:30.  He had a short time to relax before we left for the presentation.  While he relaxed I got ready and we left by 6.

We got there on time and sat down.  He was anxious to make sure someone knew we were there.  I figured they would see us when they invited us up but he persisted and spoke to the principal and so they spoke and he sat down.  We listened to two of the seniors playing music.  Eventually the choir, and the rest of the students arrived and the dignitaries all came in and sat down.  We went through a few speeches and some presentations and eventually it was our turn.  I can’t begin to say who the recipients were for Mom’s scholarship but it was all very quickly.  After one more presentation we left-I would like to say inconspicuously but I am pretty sure everyone saw it. 

We went to Rainbow Gardens for dinner and we had a nice evening.  We ate outside and had a humus appetizer and we both had something different. Mine was shrimp and penne pasta.  It was nearly 9 when we left and shortly got home.  When we got home we got ready for bed.  We chatted and Jim thanked me for having him come up and he enjoyed the presentation.  We talked about things that are coming up.  He left Thursday morning but not before getting rid of a dead mouse the cats left me in my bedroom.

Thursday was no slouch either.  Liz came by to let her friend Lenny come and install the new window we ordered weeks ago.  It really looks beautiful and I will get a picture very soon. 

Thursday was a short day work wise as I had a late afternoon cardiologist and if any of you follow me on Facebook (cough* help yourself cough*) you will see we had some excitement.  A fire erupted in the flower garden/mulch outside the building and quickly spread.  When it came time for my BP to be checked it was incredibly high.  Gee wonder why? By the time I left it went down but still not enough.  He wants to see me in December and then after that yearly.  He seems to think I won’t be needing the FMLA eventually.  I don’t think Dr. S would agree much. 

We finally got an update regarding the move.  Plans to move ahead will begin in the fall to 350 George Street (basically two doors down from where we are now) and it looks like we will be moving in over the Christmas Recess. 

Friday was a sad day for us as we found out that our co-worker Toni lost her teenage niece to brain cancer.  The obituary appeared in today’s paper and the services are mid-week next week.  I am going to go to the wake.  Obviously Toni took it very hard. 

We also had an early morning presentation regarding-well I am not really sure what it was but it did include Emergency Preparedness like those that happened in California last month and in the past.  The video was “interesting” but the other part I found to be boring and some of the programs they do offer for employees are not feasible for me.  I am sure Tina knows what I am referring to.

I was relieved that both Thursday and Friday nights were nights to relax.  I had gotten a lovely phone call from Mama Roberta and we talked for nearly 30 minutes on Thursday.  Friday night after getting a wonderful call from Liz and hellos from her visiting grandchildren and invite for Breakfast this morning I ended up going to bed.

This morning I got up early and got ready for breakfast at my sister’s.  Apparently I was to arrive at 8:30 but I got there early.  When I arrived Liz was just making her coffee and we sat outside while the others slept.  My Nephew R arrived and chatted and then everyone else began to rise.  We finally ate around 9 or so and over the next few hours we talked and visited and then the men folk (sans N) had to go to work.  Cousin De came and so I ended up staying until Noon.  That completely changed my plans for a visit to Wal*Mart today.  I still had laundry to do and other stuff I am trying to motivate myself to do.

The kitties have been pretty funny and brave.   On Wednesday they were very cautious around Jim but they were accepting of him.  They walked in his room a few times and just walked out again.  OH and they brought me a mouse.  It was on my floor-bedroom floor.  Like I mentioned Jim handled it before left for home.  They have been playful to the point where Tiger has had to set Sky straight.  She was hissing at him this morning.  Something spooked them from the cedar chest sleeping spots and they took off in different directions.  Sky ran across the dresser closest to him and nearly knocked things off.  Nothing was broken just needed to be straightened.  Now they are just hanging out downstairs.  I notice she tried to come up but turned around and left.

The weather has been so beautiful during the day and rather chilly almost every night.  It was in the 60’s for a couple of nights tonight is a bit warmer but it is going to drop as we are supposed to get rain starting tonight and all day tomorrow.  I am going to leave most of the windows open unless the rain comes in.

Finally my Sympathies to the family Friends, colleagues, and fans of Cassius Clay aka Muhammad Ali.  The sports legend died yesterday at the age of 74.  He had been hospitalized earlier in the week for respiratory failure and COD was Septic shock from natural causes.  The sports channels focused on him mostly and his town of Louisville KY had a service for him and have the city flags at half-staff.  My sister was put out by that because it widely believed that is only for heroes.  She acknowledged he was a great sports legend but not always very nice.  I am pretty sure I am not the only who has blogged about it either.

I think I am going to surf some more and then get ready for bed.

Thankful Thursday a day Early

1.            I am thankful for my family warts and all.

2.            I am thankful for my friends.

3.            I am thankful for my neighbors

4.            I am thankful for my job and co-workers who are my extended family

5.            I am thankful for the Medical profession who are taking care of my health.

6.            I am thankful for the organizations I am a part of that keep me busy.

7.            I am thankful for the weather

8.            I am thankful for my home.

9              I am thankful for my kitties.

I am a day early this week because I have stuff to do.  Sis went shopping with me on Monday and we did pretty well.  She called me later to see if I got home and wanted to apologize if she was sounding or acting like Mom too much.  I said it was okay because I take what I need and leave the rest.  Something we seem to be getting from each other.  Meaning things we have said to each other.

She did end up going to my aunt’s wake and funeral to represent at least half of us.  She should be coming back sometime today and then getting ready for her Grandchildren from South Carolina.

My Bro was supposed to go to the wake but he sent a message indicating he may have to work later than expected and he made not be able to make it.  So that means one of two things.  He is going to the funeral this morning (Wednesday) and not coming up to Connecticut for the Scholarship Presentation or he missed the funeral too and will come up.  Third option is he isn’t doing either and has to work.

I heard from Mama Roberta Tuesday.  She is still unpacking the house and doing all the things you have to do when you move to a new home or new state.  She said the rain they got from TS Bonnie was heavy and seemed one-sided.  AS in it would rain on one side of the street.  We talked about things going on up here and a promise to check in on the house before I come home tonight.

Neighbor Sean has promised to look out for me with the new Lawn guy.  He feels I shouldn’t have to put in any more plants and shrubs and that he knows I am not much of a garden person.  He did remind me about the watering constantly for the new seedlings.

For weeks now I have been at odds with a woman at work who has been really distant, rude and obnoxious.  I found out why yesterday she is dealing with a family member dying and it seems it is more imminent than it was.   So I am less willing to smack her up the side of her head then I was.

The weather this week has been awesome.  Well except-no even Memorial Day it was nice with the rain that didn’t last long.  We are supposed to get some more in the days ahead but I firmly believe we still need it.

I have two Dr. Appointments this week.  The eye doctor today and the Cardiologist Thursday.  I don’t think I lost as much weight as the cardiologist asked me too but I hope it will enough.  I still need him to fill out the FMLA forms for the next round.

The new window is being installed today and I am really excited.  I can’t wait to have it open and use it.  It certainly would help in the breezes and airing out the house.