I am beginning to think the Cosmos is testing me

I am beginning to think the cosmos is testing me!  Yesterday I found out AC will be on vacation starting today.  She will be back next week but in the mean time DG is off until Monday.  Gargoyle/GA is off until Monday starting this afternoon. I have told Supervisor I will be heading to the cloning department to make more of me.  I even think that joke is getting old.  So just have to do my best and not worry about it.

Yesterday was the annual picnic and it was great.  I got there just about the time they asked us to arrive.  THere were other events there (kids dinner). The food was great.  I tried everything, except the alcohol,, sushi, and most of the appetizers.  I showed PTAlex the food I had which seemed little. I had bbq chicken, rib, corn, salad, and almost every dessert (except the chocolate fountain).  I hung out with a number of people and finally sat with some of the claims department. I even danced with CEO Fred. He is always good for a great time.  The weather was great too. I left just before it closed down and I was home by quarter of nine.

I really enjoyed the ride home.  While I was driving I noticed the surrounding homes and streets and they seemed to have a different feel to them.  WHat I could see of the New Haven Skyline was just amazing. I really love where I live.

WHen I got home I did the normal Wednesday night routine.  Emptied the garbage, watched a little of the NCIS marathon on Oxygen.  Then I went to bed.

We seemed to have a little excitement before bed.  While I was setting up my alarm the titans seemed to get in to a snit..  I scolded them and they took off. Sky was the only to come back. Not sure what went on but I didn’t want to hear them hissing at each other.

Sometime during the night I found myself ready to hurl.  I did. Not sure what caused it but it didn’t last long but now my stomach feels weird.  I started trembling and getting cold. I hate when that happens. I was thrilled it passed but I am not anxious to do too much eating..  

Since I didn’t make it to the gym this morning for class I am going this afternoon after work.  If I hadn’t gotten sick I was planning on going to the class and taking a shower there and heading to the shuttle from the gym.  I didn’t see any classes I wanted to be in and since its raining safe bet I am not walking outside.. Actually by the time this is posted my friend and I decided that we would walk tomorrow.

Tomorrow the Milford Edge Fitness reopens after being closed for renovations..  I Have a feeling that all their classes they used to have are now been renamed.

Heard from Sis today and she was having her chemo at Smilow this morning.  Its to help the MS. I don’t know if it is helping. Some days it does I guess.  Not sure what else she is planning.

IT seems everyone is out of school for the summer.  Both the high schools had their graduations last weekend.  The elementary schools/middle schools finished up on Monday.  The new school year won’t begin until the end of august. Like everything else that will be here before you know it.

Well the day is over and I need to get ready for the shuttle.  I am starting to waver about going to the gym tonight. I think what I would like to do is go home take a nap then go to the gym and then come home and go to bed.

Why SHould I be tired?

It is after 6 pm and I am finding it a little hard to keep my eyes open.  When I left you this morning i was about to do some shopping at Jessica London clothing site.  Well by Noon I managed to get two capri’s and  white a blouse and all for $63 and change.  They should be here a week from this Tuesday.    

Once I did that i called Mama Joanie in Oxford.  We have been catching up with the week long activities.  I told her about my upcoming trip to Florida and my changed plans to meet up with Cousin Joe when he comes east with Floyd.  We had ot play telephone tag when we got disconnected.    When we hung up we promised to speak again.  I am going to try to call her before I leave for my trip.

I also had made phone call to the livery service that i will be using for the trip but they must have been closed for the holiday... i will call them tomorrow during work.  I am probably will have them reserved for 4 pm that evening and of course quarter of 12 on the return trip.

Around 12:30 I got a text from Liz inviting me to her house for an impromptu cookout around 2.  So I got showered and dressed and checked the sauce for the third or 4th time and stirred it and then left just before 2 and got a cake at Stop and Shop.  I got there a litter after and found My niece and her husband and a couple of her children were there along with my Nephew Nel jr and Nelson 3.  Apparently nelson 3 has been very hyper today.  

WE had hamburgers, hot dogs, and rice and beans, and of course the cake.  Conversations were pretty good.  Liz and I had some time to chat before I headed home and she had her nap.  She kind of warned me about things with the Ladies guild.  I think I was able to express things to her without any resentment or anger.  By the time I left it was 4.

Since I have been home I put the sauce in a bag and cleaned up the crock pot and straightened the kitchen.  I also refilled the kibble container.  I have also been watching TV.  

I am just waiting for TIger to get up from her nap and join SKy to play around until i go to bed.  I have to fill their bowl shortly.  

I think I better get the laundry finished and then get some stuff straightened up for the week.

I had a great time yesterday

Yesterday was Dr. T’s Pool party and it was a lot of fun.  It was mostly her friends from the Education world.  Some of them were retired and some were just starting a second career.  Of course Woman’s Club members were there too.  The weather was nice.  I didn’t think the weather was too hot but then again i was wearing jeans and a shirt.  Not the Hawaiian theme that Dr. T was hoping for.  I guess I didn’t pay attention to that detail (again).  They were very accommodating to my POC and had places to plug it in.  The food was great.  I stayed until 6.

When I got home it was nearly 7 and I spent the rest of the night watching TV and managed to make the bed and put some more laundry in the wash.  I actually have more to do before going out today.

I was in bed by 8 because I was tired but did watch TV and surfed the net for  awhile.  Sky came up for a while and slept at the end of the bed and he also cuddled with me.  He did that a few times during the night.  Tiger came up near the end of the night into early morning.

I don’t think Tiger is feeling well I heard her heaving on the bedroom floor and there was a huge pile of vomit on the rug at the bottom of the stairs.  That’s in the wash now...I don’t think I will have much of it left (the rug).  I love my brother’s attempt at cat related humor (at least I think it is...with this.  Luckily I don’t think she has brought me home anything unless you count the two dead field mice in the cellar.  

I am trying to get some letters written before I go out this afternoon.  I have also contacted one another pen pal about writing and my address.  I haven’t heard from them or one other yet and that really can be annoying.

I am doing bingo at 2 pm at the nursing home.  Several weeks back Natalie and I discussed doing this as alternative because in essence things are changing for Sunday’s and because there is not enough room in the recreation room these days for activities.  Now granted I am under the impression that we are doing bingo in the main dining room.  If we are not the same problem exists for the recreation room....not a lot of room.  It will be interesting to see how it is done.  It will only be for this month so far.  Not sure what the ensuing months will bring.  I think I will like it in the afternoons because I can do things in the morning (like sleep), before going off.

After bingo I am suppose to be having supper with Liz.  She is spending the mid morning going up to Southington with my Niece to look at some bedroom stuff.  They are in the process of putting a bathroom/laundry room into the master bedroom and have lots to do.  However, I just got off the phone with Liz and she says she isn’t feeling all that well.  We may not have supper but just a quick visit.

I have to tell you it is a beautiful morning.  It is starting to get warm but it was absolutely beautiful.  Its about 76 degrees.  The Temperatures may go up but not all that high.  It will be a lovely day.

Thankful Thursday

1. I am thankful for my family warts and all.
2. I am thankful for the medical profession who strived to help me on the road to recovery.  I continue to get stronger and better every day.
3. I am thankful for my job and coworkers for their support and love. (yes I said love too) they are my extended family.
4. I am thankful for the home I have.
5. I am thankful for the friends who are in my life.
6. I am thankful for the two kitties that have brought so much to my life.
7. I am thankful my bil continues to recover and get better from his fall last  month..
8. I am thankful the weather is changing for the better again.  We did need the rain though.
9. I am thankful for the organizations I am involved with as it keeps me busy.

  10.  I am thankful for the cleaning lady I have...

   11. I am thankful for the wonderful mechanics who fixed my car.

Well you know I had to have been  not myself not to be able to do this last week. As you know it was the long awaited Long Holiday Weekend for me.  I had my car in for service and wasn’t getting it back for a few days.  So I had to count on my good friends to get me around places.

Some of my plans changed for part of the weekend.  The family picnic I was invited to had been delay because of impending bad weather that never materialized.  I ended up not going at all.  I hadn’t been feeling well.

I am really glad Livi is coming next week.  I have been letting some things slide.  That is until this morning.  

Going back to work

I think I am one of many bloggers who have started their weekly blog entry with the same title.  Probably not very original but it works for me for now.

I am also probably one in a billion who will also attest to the fact that this week zoomed by quickly.  I really didn’t have a lot planned for these last several days.  I knew I had Doctor’s appointments to go to (and they worked out) and things at home I wanted to do as well.  

We had a nice visit with Jim for a few days before Memorial Day weekend.  It was laid back to say the least.  

I went to my great-nephew Nelson’s Day care concert in Clinton Connecticut and it was all Disney music (at least I think it was) it was about an hour long and it was very good.  The night ended with pizza with the family.

Sunday was Milford’s Memorial Day Parade and it was well attended and of course short.  I think all of our parades are short.  Some feel this is great for kids some feel it should be longer.  After the parade I went to my Sister’s for a picnic.

The picnic was great lots of food and lots of little cute kids and family members.  I stayed until about 5 and then headed home.  The rest of the night was quiet except for a nagging sore throat.

Yep that’s right I think I am getting a cold or something.  My throat has been scratchy and my nose running and I have had a few sneezing fits.  I would prefer not get sick.  I have been taking the Alka Seltzer since last night.

This week I know is going to be hectic.  The mail schedule may be all mucked up because of the holiday.  I am also probably moving into my new location/office  some time this week also.

Well the Cold Med is starting to kick in so I better get to bed...

Dear Friends

September 2, 2013



Dear Friends!

Happy Labor Day to all of you.  I Hope you get to enjoy the holiday as best ever.  The weather here isn’t so hot.  Its going to be “stormy”all day.  I heard some thunder rolling around this morning but it didn’t last long.  Something tells me its going to be very close quarters in some homes.

Yesterday was a good day.  I did  the bingo in the morning and had 14 players in the room.  Even though we started late we did get to play for the entire hour.  We even got to sing to Helen who was celebrating her 81st birthday.

I went to church then came home and found Mom cleaning out the cabinet above the stove.  We decided we would go to Catherine’s  and return the birthday outfit and then see if there were any smaller sizes then what we had.

The woman who waited on us was fine until she was adamant about industry guidelines about sizes and I kept telling her don’t argue with Mom.  Mom was also adamant about what she knows.  I am not sure who ended it first but it was resolved and we left.  I was entertaining the thought of calling the girl back and telling her that when someone says not to argue (and to me when you keep challenging someone that’s being argumentative) you listen to the customer.  Then you check it out at another time.

After we left we decided to take a look at Talbot’s Outlet but we never got there.  Instead we went to Lowe’s for some stuff and to check on the status of the stove we were supposed to get last week.  It should be in the store by Thursday.  We should have it by next weekend.


The rest of the day was quiet.  Mom told me she sent an email to Liz letting her know that she was upset at the treatment of Jason.   I was surprised when she listened to what I said.  She let Liz know how she felt about the disparity treatment and now its up to Liz to decide if she is going to do something about it (other than bitch at me  for Mom’s criticizing her).   So I am looking forward to the picnic at the house with intrepedation.

We had fish and quiche for dinner last night.  It was good and easy. 

The rest of the night was quiet and I went to bed by 9. 

Now that I have started this day I am going to see about doing some stuff before going out today.

Have a great and safe day.

I hope I won't be sorry

Today I decided to sleep in until 6:30. It was a beautiful morning and I knew I was driving in to work instead of taking the bus. It also allowed me to still do some stuff like the dehumidifier (We take turns emptying during the summer).




I chatted with neighbor Sylvia who apparently forgot what day and month it was. She had her family over the weekend.



On the way in to work I called G to see if she wanted some breakfast but she declined. I wasn’t sure myself what I wanted so I was glad I waited.



The drive in was for the most part uneventful. I did notice some aggressive driving in front of me and I was very glad I was that far away from them.



One of the things I did for the very first time is joining the Powerball pool in the office. I am wondering if I am going to be sorry or not. Everyone contributes $20 a week. Then it covers a certain amount of days.



I tried to avoid people as much as I could with this poison ivy. I don’t know if I was successful but many kept saying “stay away”.



I got most everything done except the bad addresses. Unfortunately it all took me until almost 4 to get it done. G gave me a few pointers and made up a new daily mail log. Instead of breaking it down several different items there are only a few now.



She has columns for Lockbox, PM Mail, Interoffice, Bad Addresses, and other mail and then has it automatically keep tally (on a spread sheet). I think this will be a lot easier for me to get through with the mail.



I spoke to mom early this morning and she was just doing chores. She hadn’t planned much today. When I got home she was talking with Brother #1 who was there to fix her sonic care type toothbrush. It didn’t work.



I am beginning to think that Sis is right about Brother #2. The reason I am writing this is over the weekend I overheard part of a conversation Mom was having with a relative. Brother #2 apparently took out a loan and used the relative’s name and Mom’s name as reference or what ever. Apparently there are some issues and he hasn’t been returning calls. I am really annoyed with him and it is quickly becoming anger. Mom is definitely not ready to talk about it but I hope she will talk to me about it. I did mention this to TMJ-today. I don’t know what this will mean and I am not saying anything to Sis.



I left on time and got to Milford in pretty good time. I was heading to the Doctor for my INR and happily it was up to 2.5!!!! I wrote in here about it briefly. I don’t have to get it done again for another two weeks. 



Like I said when I got home from the MD brother #1 was here and wasn’t staying long. They also talked about the picnic tomorrow. He even verbalized/entertained the thought of inviting Sis and her husband. Mom encouraged him to call her. Let’s see if he does.



We had dinner around 6. Part of it was left over eggplant, potato salad, and pork chops. I loved it. Mom wasn’t thrilled with it but she ate it.



The rest of the night has been quiet. Until I accidently closed the dishwasher door on Mom’s finger. She was standing near it and turned around and didn’t move her hand quickly enough. I thought it was far enough away. She said it was okay. It bled a little now its starting to turn black and blue. Not how I envisioned ending the night.



It is getting late. I am turning in because tomorrow is a long day. I will probably not get to write until Wednesday. So have a great day tomorrow.

The Family Reunion

I had a great time yesterday. The Coulombe family reunion was yesterday. There were about 50 of us. Aunt Rosalie was there. Most of the Heberts were there. Robbie and Judy H from the Harris branch and Joan Slavin-Rice were there. Sadly they avoided each other. The New Jersey Branch of the Coulombes could not attend. Donna B-Hall was there helping out. Bill Coulombe sans wife (her flight cancelled and she would have missed it all) was there. His Brother Bob and his family were there. Their brothers Joe and Frank couldn’t attend. Jim and the kids were there. Bob and Ethel and John were there. Of course the Rivera clan were in attendance and it was great.




The food was catered by Lassie’s restaurant in Milford. They really did a great job. They had Eggplant, a chicken dish, ziti, salad and I can’t remember what else. Hours later if you were hungry there was hot dogs and hamburgers. I had only one hamburger and potato salad as my ankle was becoming swollen and I had to ice it.



In between the eating and drinking there were groups’ that were telling stories, jokes and memory sharing. A Few of the cousins have posted pictures already to their Facebook pages. At one point I called Mom and told her who was in attendance and what was going on.



It was probably around 6 when we decided to go. Jim, Kristina and Jamie headed home while Emily and I went to the store to get ice cream and half and half. When we finally did get home the girls went for a walk and I hung around. The guys either slept or read a book.



I did manage to start some laundry and then when the girls came back they all went to the ice cream shop down the street. This I don’t understand. I got ice cream. They could have been more specific if they wanted to have some thing different.



The rest of the night they watched the L&O SVU marathon. I tried to watch it with them but I was getting tired and I wasn’t terrible excited by their editorials and comments. They probably didn’t do anything but I just get really annoyed with their attitudes and behaviors. For example: On the way to Liz and Nelson’s they were waving to people they passed by. One woman thought she knew them and was clearly uncomfortable. I was forceful and told her to stop.



They didn’t like being given chores to do and they (Emily) were quick to point out that one of our cousins was mean to them. That’s just the way she is. She was giving instructions to them and they were clearly not moving fast. Emily was lying across one of the tables that were trying to get taped and I had to tell her three times to get off it.



Today they slept late while I went and did bingo. They were supposed to go to see Mom before leaving and then have lunch or something with an old friend of Jims. Emily texted me to say goodbye and they loved me. The guilty conscious started then.



It was nearly noon when I got home. I watched TV did some laundry and had lunch. I managed to pay the one bill Mom wanted down (after trying to find it for two days).



Later on in the day I got ready for the Ice Cream social at Telka’s house. I wasn’t sure if I would be driving in rain because for a short time there was some thunder rolling through. It was still cloudy when I left.. I stopped and got some ice cream and arrived shortly before 6:30. There were several people there already.



The event went on for about an hour and half. There was an activity first then we ate and then we had the information session. Afterwards we broke up and some of them went home. I am already having doubts about a few of them. By the time I left and took Kelly C home it was pouring out. The rain started letting up by the time I got home.



Oh Jim did call around 6 from Allentown. He had been home only a short time. He said traffic was bad. We talked about how he thought Mom looked and how much she enjoyed having the kids and about how quickly she will be home. I think he has some doubts on some level.



I did a few more things before calling it a night. I emptied the garbage and the dryer and got the dishes down. They have about another 15 minutes but I will empty those tomorrow.



I did watch more of the NCIS Repeat Offenders Marathon but I was also falling asleep as well. I need to get some sleep so I can get up early if I can.

A beauitiful First Day of August

It really was a beautiful day for being the first day of August. I am not even sure what the temperature was but it was nice and comfortable. It was so much so that I stayed in bed longer than usual for Sunday morning.

When I finally did get up I got online and checked my forums and some emails. I didn’t see much that needed all the attention so I quickly got ready for bingo. I made it in pretty good time.

I got the coffee started and chatted with some of the residents then eventually both Chris and Natalie came in. Natalie did work and Chris helped me set up and serve the coffee and get residents ready to play.

We had 12 or 13 residents play this week and only a few of them won this time. We play about 6 games and I usually go from 15 cents to 30 cents. I told Natalie about it and she suggested that we only play for 15 cents because they are going through too much money. I don’t know how this will work but its going to have to be done.

After the games I went to visit Dan K for about 10 minutes. He looked good but tells me he will have to be there for a few more weeks. WE also talked about traveling and being with family. His goal is to be going on the trip in November with Mike and Roberta.

After my visit I left for Liz’s. By the time I left Mediplex it was far too late for church so I called them and Nelson said the kids were there so I drove over and spent a half hour with them. Liz and Audrey were reading a book while the boys were playing on their bikes. After a while Audrey (who hadn’t given me a kiss hello) went to the store with Nelson and the boys continued to play until Liz stopped them (Dave and Mike were really not paying attention to anything she asked) and Dave or was it Mike were having temper tantrums. I left around 1 and Liz and Jason went down to spent quiet time.

When I got home Mom was waiting for me to help put up the Mirror we had on the wall between our bedrooms. WE decided I would eat lunch first and then put it up. It took about a half hour. It is a little uneven but it works for us.

Mom got ready for the wake around 2:30 and I just relaxed for the few hours before going to State Senator Gayle Slosberg’s home for the BBQ and envelope stuffing afterwards. We met up with several dignitaries such as Former First Selectman Mitch Goldblatt and his lovely wife. The current Democratic Town Chairman of Orange (can’t remember her name). My friend Julie G’s Mom Stephanie was there too.

Stephanie and I caught up on our lives. I did tell her I wasn’t associating with our mutual friend Mary because of the emails she sent me back in December. We left there around 8 and came home.

Now I am just reading some emails and then going to bed.

July 3, 2010

Well good morning it is a beautiful morning and I am just doing odds and ends. I have been surfing the net and for some reason my computer is pretty slow this morning which is driving me nuts. It’s clear some of the documents really need to be moved or deleted.

I have started my laundry and will keep an eye on it as it gets done. I have a feeling that I won’t get as much as I planned done. I can have it done Monday as well.

I was just reading a letter from a pen pal from a long time ago. It was Michelle W from Michigan. She seemed to be having a troubled life with neighbors and animals, and family issues.

I got a lovely thank you note from Kim R. She is the candidate for State Rep in the 117th for the recent contribution to her campaign and her promise to continue working for the people in Milford.

I got to see a couple of my four legged God Children today. Sylvia and Boppie got home from seeing Sylvia’s son and his family. She apparently went grocery shopping as well. I also saw Finian. His family were expecting family members so I couldn’t stay long but I found out they are going to the Outer banks in a couple of weeks and will be going to a Dance Competition in PA.

Well I have some things to do before going to the picnic so I am going to do them…have a great day.

Our plans changed

Hey everyone hope you are enjoying this beautiful day. Mine didn’t start off too well. I woke up with a Migraine and I ended up getting sick a few times. I did get to the nursing home to drop off magazines Mom wanted there but I spoke to Angie and told her I couldn’t stay. She understood and told me to get better.

When I got home I went to lie down and was able to fall asleep until 12:30 or so. I was feeling better but it did come back again a little later on. Mom was starting to bake another pie and we got a call that Mike and Tessa invited us to Ben Blake’s home for a picnic. We are leaving here in about 45 minutes or so.

Not much else to tell you. Last night Mom and I had spaghetti for dinner and watched TV. I was in bed by 9:30.

I am going to move some emails while waiting for Mom to get changed. Have a great night and we will see you later.

A busy Weekend

Well Hello everyone. The last two weekends have been incredibly busy and that’s the way I like them. As you recall last Saturday I went to Mohegan sun for dinner the James Blount/Cheryl Crowe concert. Everything was awesome. The seats were great even though they were up very high. On Sunday Mom and I had brunch with Liz and Nelson and our two nieces/granddaughters from PA That Sunday afternoon Mom and I went to a fundraiser house party for CT Speaker of the House Jim Amann. There was a lot of food and the weather was fine (it rained actually) and I had the pleasure of meeting actor James Noble (I) . He was charming.

This weekend I helped out for a couple of hours at my club’s tag sale on Saturday. The tag sale was to last until for so I have a feeling it was called off when the weather hit. The storm came through violently around 12. It lasted about 1 ½ hours and apparently caused some flash flooding and downed power and telephone lines through out parts of Milford.

As the storm subsided a little my friend Dave picked me up around 1 or so. He was in the middle of finishing his contributions to the picnic when the storm hit. We headed to Torrington and it was starting to clear up. It stopped completely raining by 2 and the sun came out and we played a few games on Wii and then went into the hot tub then had dinner. The main entre was barbeque chicken, and ribs, grilled vegetables, and some peanut butter chocolate cake for dessert. We watched a movie called Gone baby Gone. It was a bit much on the language and I wasn't comfortable with the whole thing and I asked if we could change it and the hostess didn't. (Personally I think that's rude) but we still watched it anyway, we left there around 11 and got home by midnight.


The DTC is making preparations for the Oyster Festival that is happening in two weeks. Every year we have a food tent and we sell the gyros, hot dogs, hamburgers, beer, soda, the normal stuff. We are among many selling foods. I will be there helping preparing the food for cooking and stuff but then I am getting my butt out of there and working at another tent up the street. We are also making preparations for the upcoming election. I believe I have volunteered to do house visits in New Hampshire sometime in September and or October. There will be bus trips there. We still do not have a headquarters for the city picked out.

The woman’s club had their tag sale and I think it was closed early due to the storm yesterday. I just tried calling my President and her phone is out. We do have our ice cream social on August 24, 2008 and will be announcing our “Scholarship” winner. Then we will be starting up or autumn activities. It is usually very busy the first part of the year.

Work is going well. We just finished up our month end push and I don’t think we did as well as we usually do. OH well there is always next month! We got word last week that we will be giving a retirement party for a dear friend of mine. Her name is Irma Hammer. Her retirement party will be on September 11, 2008. It will be at restaurant in West Haven (one we frequent quite often for these parties). Another co-worker will be having a birthday party for herself at local restaurant on august 15.

I am happy to report that Mom is doing very nicely in her back surgery recovery. She is out running some errands as I write this. There are some things she can’t do yet but she was told do only what she feels she can do. We put up a new kitchen clock this afternoon. She has been painting a book case in the kitchen.

We had the kitchen and dining room painted this week and it looks really nice. We had the walls painted white. It makes the two rooms look much brighter on dark days and at night.
She performed her JP duties at a wedding last Saturday and had a great time. I don’t know if she has anymore coming up but I hope so. It seems she enjoys them.

She is also getting ready for her annual “Meet and Greet” for the candidates in September. She talked with the candidates (local only-can you imagine Senator Barak Obama coming to my home????) and got the final date this past week. That means the annual speed cleaning.
I suspect she will jump into all the activities with a running start even though she was told she still had 4 to 6 weeks recovery to deal with for her back. 

I haven’t heard from my Brother Bob recently. I am guessing that he is getting ready for the academic year to start up at the colleges. I really don’t know if he going to be continuing the “itinerant Professor” gig or stay with one college. Ethel continues to deal with the Real Estate Market with a vengeance. She was always good with this and I hope she does well in today’s market.

Their children are okay. Diane is preparing for her trip to Cambodia. I have no idea what show she is traveling with but it will be an exciting one I am sure. John I believe is being deployed some time in the next two weeks for Iraq. This will be his third deployment. Robert continues to work and do his National Guard duty.

Jim and the kids are kind of quiet this week. The girls left here last Sunday for their trip home. Apparently they caused their Uncle Nelson to bellow at them (smirk) for something they did. I haven’t been able to write them this week but I hope to catch up with that tonight before I start to vegetate. I am not sure when Jamie is to visit here but I have a feeling it won’t happen. He may not want to be up here by himself. I believe they start school before Labor Day. I did email Jim last week but no answer. I am trying very hard not to get annoyed, worried, or pissed off. My next step is to call him.

I talked with my BIL Nelson just a bit ago. They survived the thunderstorm that passed through here yesterday. There wasn’t any flooding in the basement. They are relaxing today. Liz has been working and recovering from the girls visit. She really outdid herself and she also exhausted herself as well.

Their kids are well. All the kids that return to school this September are getting ready to do that. Adam just finished his bar exams this weekend is now returning to normal state. He was really studying hard and getting a little stressed out. Once he passes his bar he will be moving to NY to begin his career and his new job. I can’t remember the name of the law firm but he was there last year as an intern.

Well that’s about all the news for now. I am going to do some letter writing and get some ironing done before it gets really late. Dinner is in the oven and cooking and we will be eating late.

Everyone have a great evening, and I will pop in before going to bed.

mom's surgery

Well good morning everyone. IT is after 10 and I am working on today’s mail. The mail from the post office should arrive any moment now.

I got up fairly early to be getting some things done before taking Mom to the hospital for her surgery.

I did get to watch some TV before showering and ironing and dressing. It was the show Alias. It wasn’t a fan favorite of mine but I did see it from time to time (I seem to recall watching the series finale when it aired).

Mom got up around 6:40 and I finished getting dressed and she got herself ready. We left by 7:30. We had to turn around because we left the directions on her desk. After the fifteen minute drive and a circling of the hospital and going into the garage we were at the hospital by 7:58 or so. We went into the surgical waiting room we met the triage nurse and then I gave my number and headed to work.

It is now after 1. I called the hospital around 1:15 and after a few moments got the info that Mom went into surgery at 10:15 and the surgery was to be 2 hours long. So she should be getting into recovery just about now. They will call me when she is there I guess. I can’t help but feel a little anxious.
I called around 3 and she was in Recovery. I went after work before going to the picnic

Holiday Weekend

Good morning IT is after 8 and I have not been up long I did get up and do a small load of laundry and bathed around 5 and then went back to bed for a bit. Now I am going to get ready for the

I was entertaining the thought of ending the relationship with him today. For a couple of reasons the first being he was incredibly late for Bob’s party and even though I knew he was in NY I don’t believe he made any effort to get back in time to arrive for the picnic. The second reason is he I called him yesterday to tell him about an issue with one of my blogs. As I was reading him the entry we got disconnected. He didn’t bother to call back and I called him several times last night and he still didn’t call back. I got a hold of him this morning and we talked about the blog issue. He basically told me to tread lightly with it.

Mom and I nearly got into a little heated argument because we were both giving attitudes with each other over stupid stuff. It stopped as quickly as it started but I guess I was also pissed over some emails that came to me the night before.

For the next hour and half I watched TV and then got ready for Dave’s party. I was the first one there. Mary and Julia and their sons all got there by 1:30. For the next several hours we ate, the boys played and watched TV, and were scolded a number of times by their mothers, and the host and myself. The mother’s didn’t mind that I stepped in but I am here to tell you I don’t see them as the great disciplinarians they should have been. Mary wanted Dave to reprimand them and yes people should be doing that but parents shouldn’t leave that to others. Julia was annoyed with Mary for lagging behind and making us watch her kids while she was still at the beach.

The party ended by 7. I left around quarter of eight. Dave was a little annoyed I think that Mary brought both of the boys. He didn’t really want them there to begin with. As I tried to tell Mom that she felt that children shouldn’t be left out of holiday picnics. This was also one of those times I felt like saying something.

When I got home last night Mom was asleep in front of the TV. We talked about the picnic and how she did on the signature drive that was held yesterday during the arts and craft fair.

Something very cool happened last night. I found a small bird perched on top of the pillar on the front porch. I went to take a look at it to see if it was either a bat or even a nest of some sort. It was in a deep sleep because when I turned on the light it wouldn’t move. It looked like almost a baby. It was soft looking and fluffy. It was gone when I got up this morning at 5. It came back around 8 tonight but I scared it off and it hasn’t come back yet.

Today was a normal Sunday for me. Although I did get up really early and did some laundry and take a bath and took some Tums®. I did go back to sleep for a bit. Bingo went well. I got to see Virgie today. I was late for church. I was back home by 12:20.



When I got back home I found Donny trying to install the new HD cable box and we all discovered that we have to take it back because we were never told to install it the day we got it. As a result it was deactivated. Now Mom has to take it back to the cable company and get another one.

Later on in the day Mom and I went to Costco to do some shopping with a side trip to Linen’s and things and get that Pedi Egg for the feet. It was about $10.60. I tried it when I got home. I need to keep doing it actually. It is starting to show some improvement but I still have a lot to do.

When we finally got home we made some steak and potato salad and regular salad. Mom had to get ready for the wake she was attending and I watched TV and scoffed down some ice cream. It was black Raspberry and vanilla. I made a comment earlier to Mom and she said to me “Kate you haven’t been in the freezer”. When I got home I realized she had gotten a lot of ice cream.

I heard from Jim and he gave me the kids addresses and now will be writing them at least one letter before they come back home. WE also talked our week and what we have been up to. He sounded good but tired. He says he will be seeing the Dali Lama next week when the Dali Lama makes a visit to Bethlehem.

Well that’s about all the news I have for you all. I am going to bed now.

Tuesday September 4, 2007

Good Morning! I am getting ready for work right now. I had a very good sleep even though I did get up a couple of times. .

Roberta’s Party was great. Unfortunately I was a little late because I had to stop at Tessa’s and Mike’s and I went into my litany about Mom. Tessa Was trying to help but didn’t understand what I was saying. She really needs to listen instead of saying oh well this is what the real problem is.

Anyway back at the party. Everyone else was there and Roberta was tickled pink. People were outside Telka was helping and then Mom came by 12:30 or so. We started eating by 1 and I think we didn’t stop until 3:30.

I have to get to work…..

Well it is now after 10. I have been here for two hours and have been working on the lockbox. The charts were pretty easy to do because I got only five.

I told several people who would listen about the weekend and about the situation with Patrick and Dave.

A few people have been coming in to see where the new cubicles will be starting in the next week to ten days.

I have had a number of responses from the pen pal lists to my posts about Patrick and his family's loss. Lisa Foster couldn't quite understand if Carol was lost or found. (dead or alive)That sort of annoyed me because I know I typed in english.

Well the Post office mail is here I better get to it.

Well it is now after 12:30 and I should be doing the chart request but I was reading some of the posts from SF-Fandom about the reports. They were pretty much all glowing and I suspect some feelings got hurt by the resident snip.

I also was telling Lee Ann about the weekend especially the situation with Mom. She couldn't beleive I actually think/believe that Mom is controlling that my perception is so negative. She asked me if Bob, Liz, and Jim think the same way and I said yes. She annoys me when she dismisses (and I know this) my viewpoint as "oh that's not it...'" You are not with her 24-7.

August 12, 2007

The birthday party was great. I had a fair amount of food but drank lots of water. We stayed until 5. Then drove to the fundraiser. There was a small crowd there. They had about 50 people come through the day. We had some corn and dessert.

When we left I showed Mom where Telka lived. She was a bit confused about how to get out of there. I was about ready to slap her. Couldn't we have gotten in there. That's the fucking road we did use.

Mom watched a repeat of Ask TOH and I watched a bunch of movies and surfed the net. I think I went to bed about 11.

Today will be the bingo and church. I will come home and do some work.

It is now 9 hours later and I am eating dinner in my room. No there hasn't been a problem. Its just that some very old (literallly) and dear (ditto) friends stopped by to visit and so I am letting them to that with Mom. Besides I would rather not eat in front of them and perhaps embarrass the two of us. So as soon as I am finished eating I am going back down.

Let's see how was the day? Bingo went well had what seemed like a full house 15 people maybe. I didn't serve coffee until afterwards. We played for the hour. I did get to see Grandma livi. After bingo I started to go to Walgreen's but then decided to check prices else where. That is until I realized I didn't have cc (and I don't think they have time to deal with a check) with me. I decided to go home.

When I got home I found a note from Mom. She went over to the Mulstons house for a visit for the entire afternoon. Uncle Ray and Rosalie came up from GA. She came home around 3:30 or so. I spent some time doing more laundry and making my bed. Then I got a headache and took some ibuprofen and slept for an hour. I thought before long I would be getting sick. I didn't.

When I got up Mom was downstairs having coffee and reading the paper. We talked about the visit, the afternoon, and of course my weight.

I haven't really done much else. I do need to finish the minutes from Wednesdays Board Meeting. I also have to check in with the pen pal groups I really haven't done much of that. I also might want to get through some of these letters that I have collecting here. It all depends on how much energy I have too.

I might check in before going to bed.....have a good Sunday night...

Brian M turns 14 today

Oh man do I feel old! Brian M is turning 14 years old today. He is the youngest son of my niece /nephew Cheryl and Mike. They are having a party for him as they do every year for him. It usually is a wonderful picnic and the weather is usually pretty great. He is going into high school this September too. Brian was the ring bearer for Liz and Nelson (his grandparents) 6 years ago. Liz was there when he was born too. Nelson was out in the waiting room like most men are. We usually go and have fun. Of course we eat a lot too. I need to get him a card when I am out this morning.

It looks like it will be a beautiful day today the sun is shining bright. The temperature is currently 60 degrees which is nice. I guess. It was sixty yesterday and it was too cold for me. I think I heard it is supposed to get up into the 80's later on.

This morning I washed my jeans and ironed the pants Mom soaked for me and while I am waiting for them to dry I am going to take a shower and work on the birthday list. I won't be able to do it for long because I have to get my haircut and go shopping.

Shopping? Yes you read it right. I am going shopping. I need to get some things at the store. I am hoping it won't take long because I hate it. I hate it with a passion.

I might try and go to the fundraiser at Bev's house today for KErri. I told Mom that Laura had asked if I was going to come. I told her I would try but I have a family committment to attend before it. Mom suggested I could still go. It would depend on how I felt later.

Yesterday

Yesterday was a great day despite the fact I got to work a little late. I started immediately on my work. I managed to finish Monday’s mail and sort and deliver it but I wasn’t able to finish yesterday’s mail. The reasons for that were some of the things I was doing took longer and the computer froze and of course I was online answering some pen pal emails.

When I left for the day I headed home to change. Mom wasn’t home she was doing some errands. When she got home she had me take the cheesecake and tomatoes over to the picnic. She came a little while after.

There were quite a number of people already there for the picnic. A lot of them were Bob's HS buddies and neighbors and friends from other arenas. The food was just starting to go on the grill. They really had a lot. Three different pasta dishes (I had them) hot dogs, Hamburgers, spring rolls, Potato Salad. A rainbow of desserts (of course I had a few of those).

I had a lot of different conversations with various people there about Pen paling and work, and family stuff. I am beginning to think that some of it shouldn’t have been discussed because I thought I was going to tell Ethel to jump herself. I am beginning to think some of them could have been done with out because a couple of them (Lynn and Ethel were annoying me at some points)

People were arriving to the beach to watch the “professional” fireworks by 8. The parking on the side streets was packed. What irked me is these people brought their own fires works and it really was pretty but why do that when you know there is going to be a professional one at least 100 yards away? When they shoot them off the smoke from the rocket sometimes block the “professional or official” and I think it’s rude. Go home and do them in your own yard! Luckily they did stop and watch them. I did something rather daring and probably stupid. Some of us got up on the porch roof and watched the display from there. I was a nervous wreck. Bob didn’t know I was up there until I told him.

After the show the traffic didn’t seem as bad and I was all set to leave. Unfortunately I was blocked in. So I waited for a bit. Then I noticed two cars parked beside me were gone I did some maneuvering and got out. I was home a little after 10.

Mom was upstairs on the computer. I got into some pajamas and checked some emails. I noticed that I got another email from Lisa Foster and I got an email from Lisa Smith. I replied to Lisa Smith’s because it had to do with using the IM chat programs. I don’t like using them.

I think I was in bed by Midngiht. I had a good sleep and still woke up this morning by 5. I stayed in bed until 10 of 8. I watched some TV and turned off the sprinkler we left running all night.

Now I have a few loads of laundry going. As soon as they are done I am going to do some ironing. In the mean time I am checking emails, forums, and updating the journals.