Last post was 9 August - It's already 22 Sep. Have I been silent that long? Yes, I guess I have. Just goes to prove that nothing - absolutely nothing - worth writing about ever happens in my world.
It's nothing earth shattering, but let me tell you about the kitty that is getting a lump of coal in her stocking this Christmas.
Night before last said kitty decided to sleep against my shoulder and half on my pillow. I woke up at 3:30 uncomfortable and aggravated. I got up, made coffee and began my day. (I've been making window coverings for one of our bedrooms.) Because I was wrapped up in my project and because I'm not at all opposed to leaving our bed unmade I didn't look at the bed until we were ready for bed. Yuck!! Cat hair all over my pillow and sheets. No way was I sleeping in that mess. I stripped the sheets and went to the linen closet for fresh sheets. That's when the drama began.
Now, I always thought that my linen closet was probably the neatest closet in the house. I proudly opened the door and reached in. Nothing looked the way it should. Not really, anyway. At a glance all was well but on closer inspection I realized that everything was pushed to the front of shelves. The sheets seemed to be in disarray at the back of shelves. Blankets were lumpy. You get the picture. The kitty-in-disgrace had been opening the door, climbing behind stacks of linen, and leaving copious cat hair behind. When one place was haired over she just moved to a clean place and repeated the process. At some point, she fluffed blankets, curled up on them, and added another layer of warmth. (I did have a set of clean king sheets in my donation stash because they are not a fit for our thick mattress. Just one of the things to be thankful for.)
I have to admit that since I've gotten lazy I have been stripping the bed when I get up, washing the bedding during the day, and putting it back on the bed before bedtime. No folding sheets. Good deal, huh?
Today I took everything out of the linen closet. Sorted all the sets, washed part of them, and readied a sizable donation of almost new sheet sets. I have way too many double bed sets and only one double bed. I'm keeping three sets and donating nine. The donations are ready to go. Tomorrow I wash, fold, and return the rest of my linen to the closet. I might add that Miss Kitty, will not be able to open the door in the future.
That was my day. How was yours?
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Short Trip
Finally something I can blog about!!!
Harry and I had a couple of trips planned. I became worried that I wouldn't "hold-up" to make the trips since I still have some residual issues. I told Harry about my concerns and we put our plans on hold until I felt more confident about travel.
On Wednesday, early afternoon, Harry turned from his computer and asked me why we didn't do a "trial run" to the coast. He thought we should leave on Saturday. I guess he didn't want to give me a chance to worry myself out of a short trip. Long story made short; we drove down to Ft Walton Beach, FL, on Saturday and came home on Monday. The trip worked out just fine. Harry told me that I did "real good" "better than (he) expected."
I did so enjoy getting away for a couple of days and seeing different scenery. Unfortunately, there was a wide band of algae on and in the water next to the beach. It wasn't an issue for us because we only intended to enjoy time watching the waves and relaxing. We also went to the Gulfarium and met several reef enthusiasts. The reef tank there was large and full of fish - not many coral -but hundreds of reef fish.
Of course, we left the cat at our house. Joe and Keith saw to the reef tank chores and made the cat feel loved. Kitty made her displeasure known by sleeping (and leaving kitty fur) in places that she knows she isn't allowed to be. At least she didn't throw up anywhere or ignore her litter box.
It was a good weekend for the old farts. We hope to travel more.
A big "HELLO" to all my blogging friends. Hope you are doing well.
Harry and I had a couple of trips planned. I became worried that I wouldn't "hold-up" to make the trips since I still have some residual issues. I told Harry about my concerns and we put our plans on hold until I felt more confident about travel.
On Wednesday, early afternoon, Harry turned from his computer and asked me why we didn't do a "trial run" to the coast. He thought we should leave on Saturday. I guess he didn't want to give me a chance to worry myself out of a short trip. Long story made short; we drove down to Ft Walton Beach, FL, on Saturday and came home on Monday. The trip worked out just fine. Harry told me that I did "real good" "better than (he) expected."
I did so enjoy getting away for a couple of days and seeing different scenery. Unfortunately, there was a wide band of algae on and in the water next to the beach. It wasn't an issue for us because we only intended to enjoy time watching the waves and relaxing. We also went to the Gulfarium and met several reef enthusiasts. The reef tank there was large and full of fish - not many coral -but hundreds of reef fish.
Of course, we left the cat at our house. Joe and Keith saw to the reef tank chores and made the cat feel loved. Kitty made her displeasure known by sleeping (and leaving kitty fur) in places that she knows she isn't allowed to be. At least she didn't throw up anywhere or ignore her litter box.
It was a good weekend for the old farts. We hope to travel more.
A big "HELLO" to all my blogging friends. Hope you are doing well.
Friday, July 22, 2011
An Update of Sorts
It's been a long dry spell on my blog. I wish I could think of something to write about more often. Our routine doesn't change much. but I'll tell you about the few things that have happened.
One of our favorite young couples made the great leap into matrimony and we were there. Everything about the wedding was moving, unique and beyond lovely. The couple decided to have only a few family members and Harry and me attend. The groom didn't know where the ceremony was taking place until he was brought - blindfolded - to the site by his sister. The bride asked everyone to wear green because to them green is the color of new, healthy beginnings. The bride chose an unlikely spot for the wedding. The short version of her selected location is "a creek bank." What did a creek bank offer for this couple. When dating the two of them would fish here. It's where he first kissed her. It's where he told her that he loved her. It's where he proposed. Is that romantic or what? So, in the cool of a Friday morning Jason and Tammy were married in a lovely ceremony. We're so happy for them and honored to have been among the small group there to share their joy.
The James and Jesse have grown like weeds this summer. Jesse lacks about 1/2 inch being tall as me. James is well above my shoulders. Both swim like fishes and never miss a chance to do so. The boat is one of their favorite outings. It's lucky that the boat launch is only about two miles from their house. They will be 9 and 8 in October. Time flies!! All you new parents, grandparents and expectant grandparents take note - Grandkids grow up too fast. Don't miss a minute that you can spend with them.
We still have all the reef tanks and they are doing well. A few weeks ago Harry bought several (read - a bunch) new high-end coral colonies. One of the Knoxville, TN, reef club members decided to shut down his tanks. He was a long-time collector and had many unusual and/or rare corals that he'd raised. Harry was lucky to have the opportunity to buy all of one type of coral from his collection.
Joe, the son who was living with us, has moved to his own digs. There's still a lot of his "stuff" here but he keeps promising to clean it all out so I can get the bedroom he was using back into service. I'm beginning to think that's a pipedream. I know that he's busy but he should remember that his mother can get impatient after waiting for many weeks. I do have a solution. It's called the screened porch The screened porch might be followed by the Tuesday morning curb after a reasonable amount of time.
Speaking of the screened porch, we don't use it at all during these hot, humid months. Darn!!! It's so hot one can hardly breathe outside. Thank heavens for air conditioning! I'm looking forward to cooler weather. At least we've had some rain so nothing is in danger of dying.
OK, folks, that's the scoop from Old Fartville where gatherings are routine and smiles are welcome. Thanks for visiting.
One of our favorite young couples made the great leap into matrimony and we were there. Everything about the wedding was moving, unique and beyond lovely. The couple decided to have only a few family members and Harry and me attend. The groom didn't know where the ceremony was taking place until he was brought - blindfolded - to the site by his sister. The bride asked everyone to wear green because to them green is the color of new, healthy beginnings. The bride chose an unlikely spot for the wedding. The short version of her selected location is "a creek bank." What did a creek bank offer for this couple. When dating the two of them would fish here. It's where he first kissed her. It's where he told her that he loved her. It's where he proposed. Is that romantic or what? So, in the cool of a Friday morning Jason and Tammy were married in a lovely ceremony. We're so happy for them and honored to have been among the small group there to share their joy.
The James and Jesse have grown like weeds this summer. Jesse lacks about 1/2 inch being tall as me. James is well above my shoulders. Both swim like fishes and never miss a chance to do so. The boat is one of their favorite outings. It's lucky that the boat launch is only about two miles from their house. They will be 9 and 8 in October. Time flies!! All you new parents, grandparents and expectant grandparents take note - Grandkids grow up too fast. Don't miss a minute that you can spend with them.
We still have all the reef tanks and they are doing well. A few weeks ago Harry bought several (read - a bunch) new high-end coral colonies. One of the Knoxville, TN, reef club members decided to shut down his tanks. He was a long-time collector and had many unusual and/or rare corals that he'd raised. Harry was lucky to have the opportunity to buy all of one type of coral from his collection.
Joe, the son who was living with us, has moved to his own digs. There's still a lot of his "stuff" here but he keeps promising to clean it all out so I can get the bedroom he was using back into service. I'm beginning to think that's a pipedream. I know that he's busy but he should remember that his mother can get impatient after waiting for many weeks. I do have a solution. It's called the screened porch The screened porch might be followed by the Tuesday morning curb after a reasonable amount of time.
Speaking of the screened porch, we don't use it at all during these hot, humid months. Darn!!! It's so hot one can hardly breathe outside. Thank heavens for air conditioning! I'm looking forward to cooler weather. At least we've had some rain so nothing is in danger of dying.
OK, folks, that's the scoop from Old Fartville where gatherings are routine and smiles are welcome. Thanks for visiting.
Monday, May 30, 2011
School is Out and Summer is Here
Harry and I are having a quiet Memorial Day. We two old farts are just cruising along with the flow. Sometimes a slow quiet day is a real smile maker. Whatever your plans are for today I hope you are safe, secure and happy.
I did a big happy dance when my Oncologist told me that he doesn't think another PET scan is indicated. That's one chore I won't have to fit into my schedule every six months. I'll still have blood work every six months for some time to come.
We had Taco Day at our gathering yesterday. Adults ate and complimented the cook (me). Kids chowed down!!! The meal was followed with root beer floats. I wanted to do something a bit different. I don't remember when we had tacos on the menu. James said it was a school's out celebration. Leftovers went home with the boys.
Jesse is still collecting Pokemon Cards. James is busy with his pogo stick. That little fellow can jump for what seems like hours. He reminds me of Tigger (from Poo) - just bounce, bounce, bounce. Both boys are starting to get involved with racing remote control cars. Their past two or three Saturdays have been spent at a local RC race track. They aren't actually racing yet but they are learning to control the cars. Did you know that those cars can do burn-outs? Did you know that the advanced racers have cars that can travel at up to 45 miles per hour? Nana and Papa are having a learning experience.
Well, that's about it from our sunny world. My best to everyone. Thanks for stopping by.
I did a big happy dance when my Oncologist told me that he doesn't think another PET scan is indicated. That's one chore I won't have to fit into my schedule every six months. I'll still have blood work every six months for some time to come.
We had Taco Day at our gathering yesterday. Adults ate and complimented the cook (me). Kids chowed down!!! The meal was followed with root beer floats. I wanted to do something a bit different. I don't remember when we had tacos on the menu. James said it was a school's out celebration. Leftovers went home with the boys.
Jesse is still collecting Pokemon Cards. James is busy with his pogo stick. That little fellow can jump for what seems like hours. He reminds me of Tigger (from Poo) - just bounce, bounce, bounce. Both boys are starting to get involved with racing remote control cars. Their past two or three Saturdays have been spent at a local RC race track. They aren't actually racing yet but they are learning to control the cars. Did you know that those cars can do burn-outs? Did you know that the advanced racers have cars that can travel at up to 45 miles per hour? Nana and Papa are having a learning experience.
Well, that's about it from our sunny world. My best to everyone. Thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
I Didn't Go to Jared's. .
. . but I did go to Sam's Club today. What a trip! Harry was nice enough to go with me and help with the shopping. We had two - that's correct - TWO carts full. Most was paper products and cleaning stuff. Also other staples. Except for milk, OJ, and eggs we can avoid the grocery for at least a month - maybe more.
The grand sons look forward to Papa's BBQ chicken. That's on the menu for Sunday gathering. All the local kids will be here. We always think of the two who live far, far away and wish they could be here, too. Last Sunday everyone came for a short visit but we didn't have a meal. I was preparing for my PET scan so we just played it cool.
Speaking of the PET scan, I was given a light injection of ativan (spelling??) because I'm claustrophobic. I was given the same dosage as before but this time it wasn't enough. The minute my head went in "the tube" my heart started racing. Result: Stop the show and administer more ativan. Wow!! That drug laid me low. No racing heart - just peaceful sleep that lasted the rest of the day. Medical appointments can get real interesting.
Our oldest son, Joe, is finally at home in his new place. At least for the most part. There are things here that need to be packed and moved. We do miss him but we're happy for him. He's still teaching CISCO related classes. Joe is a good teacher but he surely has a complicated but boring subject to teach. He is perfectly comfortable with it, though.
The last day of school is May 25. The boys are excited! They have big plans that will keep the grownups busy. In a few weeks the growups will be praying for school to begin once more. I plan to just roll with the flow. James is in a pogo stick frame of mind. Jesse hasn't made his focus known yet. I'm sure he will very soon. The boys are so grown up. Jesse (8 years old) is only about 1 inch shorter than me!
That's the news from Hooperville for now. Hope everyone is well and looking forward to the warm weeks ahead.
The grand sons look forward to Papa's BBQ chicken. That's on the menu for Sunday gathering. All the local kids will be here. We always think of the two who live far, far away and wish they could be here, too. Last Sunday everyone came for a short visit but we didn't have a meal. I was preparing for my PET scan so we just played it cool.
Speaking of the PET scan, I was given a light injection of ativan (spelling??) because I'm claustrophobic. I was given the same dosage as before but this time it wasn't enough. The minute my head went in "the tube" my heart started racing. Result: Stop the show and administer more ativan. Wow!! That drug laid me low. No racing heart - just peaceful sleep that lasted the rest of the day. Medical appointments can get real interesting.
Our oldest son, Joe, is finally at home in his new place. At least for the most part. There are things here that need to be packed and moved. We do miss him but we're happy for him. He's still teaching CISCO related classes. Joe is a good teacher but he surely has a complicated but boring subject to teach. He is perfectly comfortable with it, though.
The last day of school is May 25. The boys are excited! They have big plans that will keep the grownups busy. In a few weeks the growups will be praying for school to begin once more. I plan to just roll with the flow. James is in a pogo stick frame of mind. Jesse hasn't made his focus known yet. I'm sure he will very soon. The boys are so grown up. Jesse (8 years old) is only about 1 inch shorter than me!
That's the news from Hooperville for now. Hope everyone is well and looking forward to the warm weeks ahead.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Bits and Pieces
I can think of several things to write but not much about any one thing. Let's see if I can make this work.
Tornadoes, floods, earthquakes and various other catastrophes have taken over the spring of 2011. Not to mention wild fires and various other tragedies. In so many ways the flooding is the worst!!! It destroys everything a person owns and then leaves snakes, spiders and other vermin to threaten during clean-up. High water line has past Memphis but there a lot of folks downstream who still face the horror.
Tornado clean-up is progressing. FEMA started out strong but fizzled out after a couple of days. Local groups have come together to help neighbors dig out of the destruction. Our communities will heal, rebuild, and move forward.
In early spring we watched a robin trying to build a nest in our cherry tree. It must have been his/her first because there were construction related problems. He brought a long (at least 4 feet) piece of grass and tried to weave it through the other material. It was a partial success. There is a long strand of the grass hanging below the nest. The couple was a little later hatching their brood than some. (Another robin couple has already raised their babies.) The Cherry Tree couple has hatchlings that seem to be growing and doing well. I wonder if they will raise a second family during the summer.
James and Jesse are having a fun spring. There is a free running creek behind their house that attracts wildlife and gives them a place to fish. Currently they are watching an owl family. There are three young owls that are learning to fly. They fly in the late evening. A beaver has taken up residence (which may mean trouble down the road) and the boys are fascinated. Youngsters have a wonderful view of the world.
Harry is building a controller for the reef system. It will monitor the water conditions, temp, etc. Harry can monitor tank conditions from his computer from anywhere he happens to be. He started with what looked like about a thousand little electronics and a lot of knowledge about programming. He is testing the temperature and calcium readings now and will add other applications when he is satisfied with the current configuration. This is all well beyond my abilities to even explain.
That's all I have for now. All-in-all I have written a lot. Hope it isn't too much information at one time. Anyway, we are all doing well and beginning to settle in for the upcoming summer. Thanks for remembering me and stopping by.
Tornadoes, floods, earthquakes and various other catastrophes have taken over the spring of 2011. Not to mention wild fires and various other tragedies. In so many ways the flooding is the worst!!! It destroys everything a person owns and then leaves snakes, spiders and other vermin to threaten during clean-up. High water line has past Memphis but there a lot of folks downstream who still face the horror.
Tornado clean-up is progressing. FEMA started out strong but fizzled out after a couple of days. Local groups have come together to help neighbors dig out of the destruction. Our communities will heal, rebuild, and move forward.
In early spring we watched a robin trying to build a nest in our cherry tree. It must have been his/her first because there were construction related problems. He brought a long (at least 4 feet) piece of grass and tried to weave it through the other material. It was a partial success. There is a long strand of the grass hanging below the nest. The couple was a little later hatching their brood than some. (Another robin couple has already raised their babies.) The Cherry Tree couple has hatchlings that seem to be growing and doing well. I wonder if they will raise a second family during the summer.
James and Jesse are having a fun spring. There is a free running creek behind their house that attracts wildlife and gives them a place to fish. Currently they are watching an owl family. There are three young owls that are learning to fly. They fly in the late evening. A beaver has taken up residence (which may mean trouble down the road) and the boys are fascinated. Youngsters have a wonderful view of the world.
Harry is building a controller for the reef system. It will monitor the water conditions, temp, etc. Harry can monitor tank conditions from his computer from anywhere he happens to be. He started with what looked like about a thousand little electronics and a lot of knowledge about programming. He is testing the temperature and calcium readings now and will add other applications when he is satisfied with the current configuration. This is all well beyond my abilities to even explain.
That's all I have for now. All-in-all I have written a lot. Hope it isn't too much information at one time. Anyway, we are all doing well and beginning to settle in for the upcoming summer. Thanks for remembering me and stopping by.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The Latest Scoop From Here
I’m sure everyone knows middle and north Alabama was victim to historic tornadoes last Wednesday (April 27). The warnings began around 2 AM and were constant until after 10 PM. It wasn’t unusual to have two or three warnings being tracked at the same time. While I haven’t read an official statement, reports that at least 4 tornadoes met the criteria for F4 and one F5. There were numerous others that were smaller but still destructive. There is no such thing as a little tornado!!! You’ve heard all the statistics and seen the videos so this is all I need to write about the storms. Bottom line – Much of North Alabama is in shambles as are many other areas from Tennessee to Virginia..
As for our little family, we are well. No damage worth mentioning. Everyone is safe. We’re just doing what everyone else is doing – trying to keep the necessities of life moving along with no electric power and most businesses unable to operate. We do have a generator that is keeping water circulation in our live reef tanks, running the refrigerator/freezer, and allowing Internet access. (The live reefs are a total of 700 gallons of water and a wide variety of tank raised live coral and fish. Without water circulation everything would die.)
I could write volumes about individual stories but those are online. Here are some things brought to our attention during the past few days:
1. If you open the storm door and leaves, flower petals, and seedpods, etc, blow into the room. It doesn’t matter – so what!! Just calm down and walk over them and be glad that you still have a floor. Leave the broom where it is! Just be careful to not trip on the heavy duty extension cords running to the generator.
2. Keep an extra full tank of propane or large bag of charcoal for your grill. That alone could make you the envy of your neighborhood. Share!!
3. Pier candles work best if you don’t have other light. A pier candle that is 2-3 inches across and no more than 6 inches high work better than regular candles. They can be set on an oven proof plate and placed in your bathtub or kitchen sink. At least you are fairly safe from fire and can walk safely around your house.
4. The little inexpensive solar yard lights make excellent night lights without an open flame. Of course you do have to take them outside to be sure they are charged – assuming you have a bit of sunlight.
5. If your dishwasher is sitting idle think about using it for a drying rack for those dishes you have to wash in the sink. Harry thought of this after seeing me draining dishes on the counter atop towels. This sure does keep a neater counter.
6. It's a good idea to fill your vehicle's gas tank when it reaches 3/4 full. Without power stations can't pump gas.
Most of all, we are reminded of how blessed we are. So many folks have real challenges ahead. We, on the other hand, have only minor inconveniences.
We appreciate the email from so many. I was able to respond to everyone this morning. If I missed anyone please know that we truly appreciate all concern, prayers, and happy thoughts. It's time for me to sign off with thanks to one and all.
As for our little family, we are well. No damage worth mentioning. Everyone is safe. We’re just doing what everyone else is doing – trying to keep the necessities of life moving along with no electric power and most businesses unable to operate. We do have a generator that is keeping water circulation in our live reef tanks, running the refrigerator/freezer, and allowing Internet access. (The live reefs are a total of 700 gallons of water and a wide variety of tank raised live coral and fish. Without water circulation everything would die.)
I could write volumes about individual stories but those are online. Here are some things brought to our attention during the past few days:
1. If you open the storm door and leaves, flower petals, and seedpods, etc, blow into the room. It doesn’t matter – so what!! Just calm down and walk over them and be glad that you still have a floor. Leave the broom where it is! Just be careful to not trip on the heavy duty extension cords running to the generator.
2. Keep an extra full tank of propane or large bag of charcoal for your grill. That alone could make you the envy of your neighborhood. Share!!
3. Pier candles work best if you don’t have other light. A pier candle that is 2-3 inches across and no more than 6 inches high work better than regular candles. They can be set on an oven proof plate and placed in your bathtub or kitchen sink. At least you are fairly safe from fire and can walk safely around your house.
4. The little inexpensive solar yard lights make excellent night lights without an open flame. Of course you do have to take them outside to be sure they are charged – assuming you have a bit of sunlight.
5. If your dishwasher is sitting idle think about using it for a drying rack for those dishes you have to wash in the sink. Harry thought of this after seeing me draining dishes on the counter atop towels. This sure does keep a neater counter.
6. It's a good idea to fill your vehicle's gas tank when it reaches 3/4 full. Without power stations can't pump gas.
Most of all, we are reminded of how blessed we are. So many folks have real challenges ahead. We, on the other hand, have only minor inconveniences.
We appreciate the email from so many. I was able to respond to everyone this morning. If I missed anyone please know that we truly appreciate all concern, prayers, and happy thoughts. It's time for me to sign off with thanks to one and all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)