Resolute

I have been thinking about a New Years blog all day, but I can't seem to get it together.  Sometimes it's just best to sit and write, so here we are.  The new years eve meal has been eaten (stuffed pork chops) and The Man is snoring on the couch.  I will be nice and leave him be for a bit, we're going to have some drinks, and popcorn and a movie later. 

Neither of us is into the bar scene (happy hour with the girls is so NOT the bar scene) so we have never gone out on New Years Eve.   Wait! I'm realizing we did go out to Applebee's once, must have been our very first year together.  I got a gift card for Christmas, so we used it.  The other years we just have a good meal and watch a movie. 

When I was twenty-one I actually went to a bar (Birds) with a friend (boy, but not dating) on NYE.  That's the only time I can recall.  I had more fun on the holiday eve when I was a kid waiting for the ball to drop, or some of the things that happened on NYE in my teen years.  I am not ready to disclose those things, but one of them would be the reason you will never see me drink blackberry brandy.  Ever.

Tonight's the night for making resolutions.  Well, I'm fresh out.  Oh, I have things to work on, we all do, but I am not going to list them.  Who really follows through on those things past the second week of January anyway??

Tonight my head is filled with wonderful memories of NYE past, and of the people who are no longer here to share it with me.  Some have passed on, some are no longer in the area, and others aren't in my life anymore.  I am thankful for it all.  Except for the pink sweatshirt.  David, you owe me a sweatshirt!  Or just sit there while I coat you with orange silly string.  That seems fair.

I believe this is also blog #400.  Yeah, I can't believe it either!  I never could have imagined writing so much for so long.  Now, if I could only turn it into some cashola so I could work from home and not have to do the death drive in the dark every winter night!  Now there's a resolution!!

May you have a safe, happy, healthy 2014 filled with wonderful memories!

Bullseye

Or should I say Target.......

Yes, I was one of the unfortunates who shopped at Target during the credit card breach.  *sigh*  Not only did I shop, but I used my debit card, not a credit card.  "Oh, just cancel it."  Really?  It's Christmas, it's payday, and there are bills I need to pay with it!  So I took the chance nothing would happen, and nothing did.  The last item cleared my account this morning, and now I have canceled the card.  Well, sort of.  There isn't any activity allowed on it, but I have to actually show my mug at the C.U. to cancel it. (convenient)

So Monday I will try and take a break from work to handle that, and then it will be about ten days before my new card arrives, give or take with the New Year, of course.  How irritating, but worth it to be sure that my info can't be used.  Not that they would ever get very far, but it sure would cause a headache. 

I used to be more of a "cash" person, and would just write checks for bills, until the debit card came along.  Now I rarely have cash, and many places wont even take a check these days.  Hopefully I will remember to get some cash back......no, I'm writing a check...... hmmmm....... how does that work again?  I will have to ask if I can write a check for $15 over the amount at the grocery store tonight, because I'm meeting Sandy Hughitt for lunch tomorrow, and if we go to Shorty's they wont take a check.

A great big thanks to whoever perpetrated this lil shindig.  Karma is a bitch. :)

Snow Goovers

My brother David traveled the country roads in the snow yesterday (it snows every day here now, I guess it's a thing) to help me get my computer hooked up.  It should have been a simple thing. A plug this end of the cord into the router and plug this end into the computer kind of a deal, but we all know how that goes.  At least in my world.

Of course the Goovers had to come along and check out Auntie's new house, and they finally got to meet Jacob!  They had so many questions and I heard "I love this house, when can we sleep over?" more than once.  More than ten times.......

I made sure their Dad brought them in full winter gear so I could take them down and show them the backyard and the valley.  We couldn't make it to the trout stream, the snow is just to deep, but they got to have a mini bonfire while their Daddy worked. 

Jake never knows what to think about people.  He wants to like them, but he just can't bring himself to get close enough to let them touch him.  The best way to handle him is totally ignore him and let him come around.  It was hard for Tater to do, she just wanted to pet him so badly.  He kept coming up to her and sniffing her, even her outstretched hand, but he just wouldn't settle in. 

While Tater sat in the chair at the bonfire he sniffed around the back of her, and in this picture they had actually just been nose to nose looking at each other.  As long as she didn't try to touch him, he was fine.  She just kept saying "Hi" to him, and telling me how cute he is.

Then Hannah asked if we had to stay outside the whole time, so I let them douse the fire with snow and we headed up the big hill to warm up and have some Christmas cookies!  The minute they were out of wet things, and had stolen two pairs of my socks, they started scoping it out.  "Where are the bedrooms for us?"  "Do you sleep with your boyfriend?"  "When can we sleep over?"  "Where did all those trophies come from?" "Where is your boyfriend?" When can we sleep over?"  "Can I live here?"  "I love that little bed, this is MY room!" "Can I sleep with Hannah?"

Jacob and I followed them from room to room, and then we finally all settled in the family room with cookies.  When Tater finished she found the their supply of dress up jewelry and sat with it on the floor, and Jake joined her nearby, but not quite close enough for Tater to touch him.

"I am going to fabulize this dog."

"Uh, no.  You're not."

"I have the best intestines."

"It's intentions, leave the dog alone."

"When can we sleep over?"

Finally David had everything hooked up, so we bundled the girls back up for their snowy drive home, to much protesting.  "We want to stay."  "We want to live here!" "Why can't we sleep over tonight??"  That one I had an answer for.  "Because I have to work tomorrow, and you don't have school."  Tater couldn't believe it.  "Why do you have to work so close to Christmas?"  My reply? "I don't know.  Ask Dr. Miller."  She looked at me with a very pouty face, crossed her arms over her chest, and said in a very crabby voice, "Dr. Grinch!" 

Then they had to show their Dad the BIG bathroom.  We all traipsed into the master bath and I noticed some water in the tub.  "You two yahoo's weren't messing with the tub were you?"  Two angelic faces turn toward me and reply in tandem, "No Auntie."  Then I heard the drip.  The skylight was leaking. Ah, just fabulous.

The Brown Eyed Man was already in the middle of fixing the plow truck, and he had to go into work (which is why he wasn't there) and now he would have to climb up and shovel off part of the roof.  This has already been a rough winter, and we're only two days in!  I can't wait til the girls see him on Christmas.  "When can we sleep over?" 

Sneak A Peek

I researched the blogs I have written in the past about Christmas, just to make sure, but I was right, I haven't told you this one!  It isn't one of my finer qualities, and I would love to tell you that I have stopped doing it, but I wont lie. :)

Disclaimer: I'm not a snoop in general, I respect personal privacy, and I leave other people's things alone.  However, if I know there is a present for me just hanging out in the house, I am going to snoop it out.  I can't help it.  I think it's genetic.....

Once upon a time, oh we'll call it 1980, I found every one's Christmas gifts.  Not only did I find them, I showed my siblings, and Vicki, and we played with what we could.  I got a perfume set, and even tried most of them out.  My Mom had them in big garbage bags in the attic closet.  Now, I'm pretty sure I had to go in there for something else and stumbled onto the gifts, but around Christmas my nose just can't stay out of things.  It doesn't ruin it for me either.  I don't like surprises, and if I asked for something specific I WANT it, so it makes me all the more happy to know it's on it's way!

Last Christmas I wrote a letter to Santa, and I asked for several things, including a bird feeder and seed.

I got several things, and a billfold.  Eh?

I was staring at the billfold and this is how it went.

Browned Eyed Man: Don't you like it?  A billfold was an odd thing to ask for, I didn't really know what to get.

Me: Um.... I didn't ask for a billfold.

B.E.M.: Sure you did, it was on the list!

Me: Bird feeder.  What did you think "seed" meant?

B.E.M.: I thought it was a cute way to ask for cash in the billfold. (seed money)

I don't really know if I said anything else.  The only thing I really wanted was a bird feeder........ 

This year I made sure we went over the list!  Last night he came into the house hiding something behind his back.  I promised not to peek.  Later in the evening while I was relaxing in the tub I glanced to my right, and noticed the bag he had been hiding was sitting on top of the very tall cabinet in the master bath.  My first thought was, "well played."  My next one was, " I can reach that on a chair......"  Aaaaacckkk!  I'm trying to be good, but all I can think about is that damn bag. 

It had better not be another bill fold. ;)  ♫ Hurry Christmas, hurry fast!♫

Merry Christmas

It's time for my annual Merry Christmas!

http://www.queenie930.blogspot.com/2011/11/merry-christmas.html

Whatever you celebrate, may you have the holiday of your choosing!

This year it seems more people are freely using "Merry Christmas", and I'm glad to see it. 

Snowventure Memories

After I posted "Snowventure" the other day (yes, I am now afraid to go to the mailbox) my sister sent me this text.  "If my memory serves me correctly I believe that when we were kids we got a ton of snow one time and you climbed over our back fence into Grandma Meys' backyard and you sank up to your armpits in the snow.  I don't remember how we got you out though."

I had forgotten about that one!  We had to have been eight, seven, and six years old, and it must have been a snow day, or a day with no-school (xmas break) because it was mid-day, and Dad wasn't home.  There was so much snow that only a few inches at the top of the chain link fence were visible.  So of course I had the idea to walk it like a tight rope!  Mind you, it wasn't snow that someone blew there with a snow blower, we didn't have one.  That was how much actual snow we had on the ground.  It was also pretty well packed.  I remember walking on top of it without sinking, and how cool that seemed.

I don't recall if my siblings joined me.  I would assume that Jerry did, and I'm sure that Katie ( it was Katie, not Katy back in the day) did not.  At some point in the adventure, I decided that it would be a good idea (not one of my best) to jump off the fence into Grandma Meys' yard.    I again, went right through the snow like butter, but that time it up to my arm pits, instead of just one leg.  Thank God I had my arms stretched out when I jumped!  I was good and stuck.  Tried to free myself, no dice.  My brother tried to yank me out. No way.  Then Katie started to panic and ran for Mom. Ugh.  YOU NEVER BOTHER MOM! 

Now, I honestly don't know how I did it, but the terror of Mom having to bundle herself up to come out  and rescue me (especially if she was on the phone with Aunt Pat) gave me the superpower I needed to get my own self out of the predicament!  By the time she had her gear on I was at the back door telling her I was fine, and running off  to some other adventure before she could ground me. :) 

Snowventure

I'm learning that while life in the country is rewarding, it can be kind of a headache at times.  Especially with a few feet of snow on the ground and below zero temps.  We were without T.V. for a few days, but The Brown Eyed Man climbed up on Sat morning and cleared off the DISH, so that's fixed. Little things, like letting the dog out, become a chore, and if you want the Sunday paper you are going to bundle up like "Randy" from "The Christmas Story" and waddle on out through the snowy yard, and down the snowy drive.

The Man was having a long winters nap on the couch, the Packers were only on the radio, and losing at the time, (although they did win!!) so I decided to get some fresh (read as frigid) air, and fetch the paper.  I wish Jake was allowed by the highway, I'd train him to do it!  I put The Man's cell phone right by him, and mine in my pocket, because I know there is a deep ditch near the mailbox, and I know myself. Then Jacob and I snuck out the door into the bright crystal clear afternoon sunshine.

Jacob is border trained, and as I mentioned, he isn't allowed by the highway.  I don't trust him as much as The Brown Eyed Man does, so this is actually the first time I've let him come along instead of tethering him while I took the walk alone.  When we got to his stopping point I told him to stay, and he did.  He's such a smart boy!  I continued on the rest of the way alone, peeking behind me to make sure I didn't have any company, he's a good sneaker.

Upon my arrival at the mailbox I noticed the address was completely covered with snow.  Well, I can reach that and clear it off NO PROBLEM!  So I took a small step, because as we know the ditch is there, and put my booted foot onto the "frozen" (it should have been) hill the grader has left behind.  Now, I expected to sink a bit.  I did not expect to suddenly have my entire leg engulfed in snow!  I totally sank right into the ditch up to my crotch on the right side.  "Well, this is interesting!", said with much laughter.  I reached over and cleared off the address with my mitten hand, as I could easily reach it now, then tried to pull my leg free by putting all my weight on the left leg that was kneeling on the street. No dice.  I put my right hand down to push, and it sinks into oblivion.  I started to panic, and that's where I get myself into worse scrapes.  "Settle down and think before you make this worse.  You can reach the phone if you need to."  I had visions of Jake coming over and using him to pull myself out, but I didn't want him near the highway.  So...... I tucked down in a ball and rolled left onto the highway. 

My leg popped right out, I stood up quick as a wink, grabbed the paper out of the mailbox, and shuffled off back down the drive as fast as my lil boots could carry me, wondering exactly who (besides Jake) got the pleasure of witnessing that little adventure!

Later on we had a bonfire, and I followed the path blazed by The Brown Eyed Man and Jacob down to the valley.  They didn't stay with me to long, there was some plowing to do at the end of the driveway.  I don't think he wanted to hear about me getting stuck....again.  I finished things up when I heard some yipping and then a long howl.  Go ahead and try to run up the snowy hill in big snow boots when you are five feet tall. *eye roll*  Then the dog met me coming down at the halfway point and almost took me out for good.  After that he followed behind, pushing at me.  "If you want to go faster, go AROUND!" Then it was in the house for some more turkey soup, and later on a bowl of spicy chili! 

I really have got to get the cross country ski boots dug out of the closet!  Hopefully it wont be another "Snowventure" when I take out the skis!

Turkey Soup

Ladies and gentlemen!  It's the annual making of turkey soup day!  I braved the thirteen below temps to travel into town to my sister Kate's house to make some yummy soup.  First I had to stop off at the (dum dum dun.....) Walmart, which was insane, for a few of the ingredients. (and mouse traps, which is an unrelated subject)

After all of the prep work, I went into the other room and had some quality time building a fort with Ce-Ce!  She didn't understand what I was up to at first, and then knocked it over on me several times, (hilarious) but when I finally got her to crawl in she enjoyed it!

The house smells SO good right now.  We have the soup divided up and cooling off a bit before I head back out into the bitter cold.  I want to travel home in daylight, because most days it's in the pitch black dark of night........ at six o'clock. 

White Christmas

Good grief, it's back!  I have to stop and thank the God's of Snow for at least waiting until after we had everything moved to dump three feet of snow on us.  Yes, three feet, or near about. 

Last week we had the first snow event.  It was just a few inches, but really slippery.  That was not a fun drive home.  This week the snow started on Monday morning, and then just continued on until Wednesday night.  The drive home was actually much better on Monday, as the city/county had time to get on it before I had to head home.  Tuesday was my day off this week, so I didn't have to bother with it.  Jake and I shoveled and played in the snow in the morning, and it was glorious!  The woods were so beautiful and everything was clean, crisp, and quiet.  Then the wind picked up later in the day so I cleaned, and even baked some cookies.

In the later evening, after The Brown Eyed Man finished plowing, I cleared off the car and moved it to where he wanted us parked for the night.  It was warm, and actually raining at that point, so we had a nice little ice accumulation in the morning.  No drive to town for me.  The forecast said another foot of snow was due to arrive in the afternoon, schools and everything else were cancelled, so I just stayed put. 

Day two at home was not nearly as fun.  All I really had to occupy my time was cleaning, and moving things, which I did, but it got tedious fast.  Periodically I would shovel and play with Jake.  The Brown Eyed Man plowed some more, and more, and more.  The plow truck overheated a few times, which he will have to figure out before we get dumped on again! 

This weekend I will get out the old cross country skis and work on some sort of a trail around the property.  I'm also coming into town and making turkey soup with my sister.  That's going to taste so good with the below zero temps (thirty below wind chill tonight) we are in the middle of!  The Brown Eyed Man is planning a long winters nap, and I don't blame him!

It's to cold for Jake to be outside today, so I hope he and Milkie are behaving themselves!  I'm glad I'm not going to be the first one home tonight.......  Maybe all will be peaceful, they are getting along fairly well..... They do a lot of play fighting, where she bats at him and he nudges her.  If she's anywhere in the house doing anything at all he has to be there, so she does get fed up sometimes.  It's a good thing he has such a kind heart. When the kitteh gets pissed he just shrugs it off.  Although I angered her the other day by kicking her out of the walk in closet.  She hissed and batted at Jake, who of course was right there, and then she turned on me.  I yelled RUN JAKE, and we got the hell outta there!

So again, thank you Gods of Snow for holding off until the move was accomplished.  We now have enough snow to play in, and it will be a white Christmas, so you can go dump on someone else for awhile!

Health Care (Part Two)

Shortly after HealthCare.gov became available I thought I would give it a go, but there was just no signing on, period.  I kind of expected that, as I don't live under a rock.  I watch the news, I have seen the issues, but you can't write a blog if you don't have material. :)

A few weeks later I thought I would try again, and was able to set up an account right away, but then when they sent the confirmation email for me to click on, it had expired, after literally three minutes.  Seriously? Ugh. I set it on the back burner again, waiting for them to get their act together.

So I watched, and I waited until last week, hoping that things would be a little more smoothed out.  The website glitched a few times, but after about forty-five minutes total I was able to set up an account, get my tax credit information, and find a plan that would work for me.

In short, Obama Care, for me, did exactly what it was meant to do.  I was able to find a decent plan within my means, and after three years without, I will have coverage again in January.  How that all will come out in the wash remains to be seen, but so far so good.  Stay tuned!

The Couch

Once upon a time I saw a couch in the department store window.  I really, really wanted to buy that couch.  The price tag said $1500, which I knew I would never pay, but I also hoped that the price would come down, so I started to save.

Time passed, and the couch price began to drop.  I got married, but by a year later was on my way to being divorced, and living on my own, in my very empty apartment. (good times)  I still kept my eye on that couch, and when the price went down to $700 I split it with savings and a credit card.  Now I at least had something other than the hard wooden rocker to sit on at the apartment.

The couch became my home base.  I ate there, watched tv there, napped there, read there, had my very first kiss with The Brown Eyed Man there.  Misty and Pepper played and napped there, Sam laid by my feet there.  Milkie snuggled with me there, and Jacob even sat by it a time or two. The kids sit there to eat on holidays, the Goovers and I have watched countless movies there, and it's where Ash sleeps on Goover Sleepover days.

I laughed there, I cried there, I was so angry once that I ripped the cushions right off and tossed them against the wall.  My last conversation with my beloved Aunt/ Godmother was on the phone there.  So many memories tied up into a piece of furniture! (Yes, if you know what a "Burble" is......)

Seven years later, the couch is still in amazing shape.  After all, I'm the only one who sat on it regularly and I'm not that messy.  The kids surprisingly never spilled on it, and the pets are/were all well behaved.  I had a spot all picked out for it at the house, and looked forward to curling up on it with a book from time to time.

Yeah, it's always something.  The couch wont fit.  A friend of mine (thank God)  picked it up on Monday night, and it will join her family.  It's just a couch right?  I'll buy another one.  My life is changing.........

What I found when I moved/cleaned the couch:  An empty purple Easter egg that said "Paul".  A wrist band to get into the races left by The Brown Eyed Man, a piece of petrified Misty poop, (of course) and a whole bunch of "hot buttered O's". (a sleepover treat) Oh, and there was some Sam hair too.  Man that dog could shed.

After the couch was gone, I sat in one of the two remaining dining table chairs, and called The Brown Eyed Man.

Him: Are you o.k.?

Me: NO, I'm not. +big sigh+  It's just a couch, I'll get over it.

He had already hauled a load from the apartment earlier in the day, and had dinner ready so I just shut off the lights and headed home.  Someone else handled what I needed to do.  All I had to do was drive home and relax.  What parallel universe is this?  It has been a long time since someone helped to carry the load, and it was a very nice surprise.  I would trade that for a couch any day. :)

So the comfy couch has moved on to new adventures, and so have I.  The memories go with me, and for that I am truly thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!!   (here are a few of my favorites)


http://www.queenie930.blogspot.com/2012/11/turkey-butts.html

 http://queenie930.blogspot.com/2011/11/goblet-incident-of-76.html

My Voice

This is the first year that I have actually tuned in and watched (so far) the entire season of "The Voice".  It's a pretty good program, and there isn't anything else on Monday night T.V. that floats my boat.  Sandy Hughitt and I will text our opinions back and forth, and The Brown Eyed Man has actually sat with me and watched the entire show the last two Monday's.  On Tuesday nights we just tune in to see who's eliminated. For the record, I did offer to go in the other room and watch it.  I don't force my T.V. tastes on the man of the house, and don't mind setting up base camp in the bedroom.  I usually have a lot going on in the evenings, so I have the television on, but wander. (read as A.D.D.)

I have watched American Idol during past seasons, but only caught one episode this last go 'round.  I could not believe the outfit that Mariah Carrey was wearing that evening, the entire mid-front was gone.  Now we all know exactly what her boobs look like.  After last night on "The Voice" we all know what Christina Aguillera's look like too. 

Now I am no prude, quite the opposite in fact, BUT:

1. These shows are promoted as "family" programing.
2. What the hell kind of message are you sending to the target age group of young women who watch these things?! (which is what really burns my toast)
3. Why aren't the male judges sitting there half dressed? 

Christina and Mariah are both beautiful, talented, empowered women, who are equally as smart.  Why, why, why (?!) would they agree to do this?  Ladies, you are sending the wrong message to teen aged girls everywhere. Why would you encourage the belief that being amazingly talented and smart isn't enough?

After I caught a glimpse at Christina's get up last night I ranted for a bit, and then said "Who do I write to?" Then I realized.  "Wait, I have a blog!" 

Holidaze

Speaking of being thankful, and of Thanksgiving, it IS Thanksgiving.  It's not pre-Christmas. Heck, it isn't even Advent yet.  Why do we have to drag Christmas into November?  The day after Halloween I was at The Walmart, and there were the forlorn, unpicked, pumpkins sitting in the entry way where you grab a cart, next to a display of mini Christmas trees.  Really?

Why do we feel the need to slide over Thanksgiving?  Now the Black Friday Shoppers will be at it on Thursday.  Speaking of The Walmart, they want kudos because they are feeding their employees, who will be working, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.  How nice. (sarcasm)  Kmart has always been open on Thanksgiving (or at least for the past ten years), but closed at four so the employees could go home to be with family, which is, after all, the point.  Not this year.  Ashlyn is currently a Kmart employee, and she has to work on the holiday, and the day after.  Welcome to the world of retail Baby Thanksgiving Pig Nose!

I do understand that some people have to work on the holiday.  However, when you become a doctor, or a nurse, that should be an obvious issue.  When you work in a nursing home, yep, you are probably going to have to work some holidays.  

I have done a little bit of Black Friday shopping, but really...... up at o'dark thirty to shop??  Not my style.  I certainly won't support it this year.  I will be at work myself, (bah humbug) and the early sales times would be perfect, but I wont go.  When I did go, it was about fun and camaraderie, not so much the sales.  I'm all about priorities and family, and this is just wrong.  Yes, I know families get together to do this, but I'm thinking about all the people who HAVE to work.  This isn't a choice for them, and you know who's bottom line it feeds.  Can you imagine having family come to town that you don't see very often, and you can't visit because you now have to work the holiday, so that some person can buy a four dollar blender at three a.m? Leave Thanksgiving alone, and put the sales back to five a.m. so people can have some family time.  To me this shift is a good example of what is wrong with this country.  Well, o.k. one of the things anyway. :) 

What am I doing to celebrate the holiday?  That's funny, because it's the one holiday when my family doesn't get together.  My ex used to do all the cooking, and everyone from both sides came to our house.  After the divorce they were all looking at me, wondering if I would perhaps feed them.  Yeah....no.  "You all have in-laws, go find them."  I am assuming the holiday is going to get consumed by final moving issues, although I'm hoping to be finished up by then.  We will catch up with The Brown Eyed Man's Mom the weekend after, as she's working on the holiday, so it will be just a quiet dinner at home with Jake and Milkie (which is going much better than anticipated) and that's fine with me!!  I look forward to cooking in the area formerly known as "A man's kitchen". ;)

30 Days

It has become a tradition on Facebook to post something you are thankful for each day in November.  I find this little cartoon funny, although I am a huge proponent of  "Thirty Days of Thankful".

A few years ago my life was in a serious downward spiral.  Between Oct 1 and Dec 1 I had lost both pets, and my relationship, which caused me to temporarily lose one more pet. I was also being downsized out of a job with a company I had worked for for twenty years.  Luckily I already lined up a new one, but I was giving up everything benefit wise.  I was not a happy camper. The entire year that followed was not really a great time for me, at least as far as my attitude went.

Then in 2011 I saw some friends of mine on facebook doing thirty days of thankful.  I was skeptical, and that little sarcastic voice in my head was having a field day, kind of on the order of the above cartoon.  However, participating in that exercise, really embracing it, eventually turned my thought process around, which in turn changed my entire life.
http://queenie930.blogspot.com/2011/11/thirty-days-of-thankful.html

I find that I am thankful, or at least trying to find something positive, even on my worst days.  As my Mama used to say. "Joanmarie, life is what you make it." 

The following year I wrote this blog about it.:
http://queenie930.blogspot.com/2012/11/thirty-days-of-thankful.html

This year I am SO busy with the move that thirty days of thankful is the thing that is grounding me.  What am I thankful for today?  Yes, I have 123 things to do after I work a ten hour shift, but what am I thankful for?  It's helping me to find the joy, instead of just seeing all the work that has to be done.

Lil Bit Country

Well.......  (it's a deep subject)

I've gone and done it.  Tonight I am moving out to the country.  The Brown Eyed Man, Jacob, Milkie, and I (and the mice and the spiders) are all going to be living under one roof.

I have talked a bit, since my birthday, about being fierce, and about letting go of my "tiger".  That's what I have done.  The two hardest things in the entire world for me are:

1. Admit I need help. (and actually ask for it)
2. Open myself up fully to another person.

It's a huge step for me, and although I know it's the right thing, for a whole lot of reasons, my independent self is having an apoplectic fit.  I just have to remember to focus on myself as much as I do the relationship, and all will be well.  Plus I get my own room, and an office!  Well, it's Milkie's room, but I can use it if I need to. 

Speaking of fits, can someone explain all of this to Milkie?  This morning I said to her, as she drank water out of the sink, "Enjoy your last day at the apartment!"  The glare I got in return told me that she can, in fact, understand everything I say.  She absolutely adores The Brown Eyed Man, it's Jacob she isn't so fond of.  Poor puppy.....

So by the end of today Milk and I will officially be country girls. We'll use the rest of the month to get all of my crap situated. (How can one little person have so much stuff?)  Then one final trip to the Landlord's and we're done.

Oh, speaking of HIM.  When I called and told him I was leaving at month end he says "NO! You are one of my best tenants.  You can't move.  Tell your boyfriend to move to town!"  Really?  This is how you treat your "best tenants"?  Then some blah blah blah about me having pets, so he will have to have the apartment "professionally cleaned" so not to expect much deposit.  I assume I have the right to see the bill from the "professional" cleaning?  He forgets that I have seen the handyman arrive with the carpet cleaner after each tenant has left to "professionally" clean the carpet.  What a load o' crap.

To you landlords out there.  If you have someone who pays the rent each and every month on time, watches over your property, because it is in fact their home, and causes you no grief whatsoever, wouldn't it make sense to keep the tenant happy and keep the tenant?  Karma is a bitch buddy, and I haven't decided yet if I will leave you to her or take care of it myself. ;)

Overall I am really excited to start this new adventure.  It will be so nice to just go home at night and not have to run all over like a chicken without a head.  It will be amazing to be able to say good-night instead of good-bye! ♥

Meys Menu

I don't know if it was from her days as "Sister Mary Gregory", or if my Mom was raised like this, but when I was a youngster we had a very strict menu in our house.  My Dad was a meat and potatoes man, so we never had things like pizza for dinner, or tacos, or spaghetti.  I introduced these into our household when I was in junior high.  Even then our taco meat was actually sloppy joe meat, and usually reserved for a time when my folks were going out to dinner. I took cooking in 4H when I was maybe eleven, and that's how spaghetti finally made the menu.

We had things like pizza and sloppy joes, but they were on the lunch menu only.  Breakfast would vary, but Saturday was always pancakes and sausage, and Sunday was bacon and fried eggs. 

Monday: Hamburger of some sort, meatloaf most likely.  Might be hash if there was left over roast. (gag)

Tuesday: Baked chicken, with baked potato and a veggie.  One of the better nights, unless the veggie was canned peas.

Wednesday:  Steak night.   The cheapest cut available, and it usually was "onion steak" meaning topped with onion soup mix and broiled.  This is better known as "The reason Joanie rarely eats steak."  If it wasn't steak it could be some random hot dish or new (shudder) thing my Mom was trying.

Thursday:  I can't recall, so it was probably a day where we might have hot dog hot dish (DA BOMB!) or something nasty like liver.  We didn't have "Cheery Chops" on the weekend, so that could have reared it's ugly head on a Thursday too.  My sister still makes that God awful stuff. *shudder*

Friday: Fish.  Always fish.  Good thing we all liked fish.  It was kind of fun when we were a little older and the family got a deep frier.  Then we had fried shrimp and clams and "exotic" things like that.  Plus we  always had spinach on Friday.  The canned kind.  Ish.

Saturday:  Pork, in the form of chops or steak.  They were cut thin, and must be broiled enough to be crunchy......  Not as bad as what they did to steak.

Sunday:  Pork roast or beef roast with potato, onion, and carrots, or there might be ham!

We had dessert every night of the week.  It was usually cake, but sometimes pudding.  Of course I had to eat my dinner to get to that point, so I many times I didn't have dessert.  Most people fondly remember their mother's cooking.  I am not one of them.  I think the only thing I make that is from the good old days is Hot Dog Hot dish.  (DA BOMB)  I did love her garlic bread and home made buns though, and she made amazing cookies!  So there is that.  Lemon tortes, fudge....... yeah, she had a good handle on the desserts!

After much consideration, maybe with three young kids and a part time job the menu schedule was just a way to make her own life easier.  I know that when I had a household to run and was working full time I would create a two week menu to shop off of, and that comes directly from watching my Mom.  It makes things a lot less easier when you don't have to think about what's for dinner.  However, there weren't any cheery chops or liver on that menu, and many times I eat dessert first, just because I can! ;)  

The Great Pumpkin......disaster.

This Halloween shall forever be known as " The Great Pumpkin Disaster of '13".

Every year we look forward to carving pumpkins.  We each get our own, because: (A) We have very different ideas about pumpkin carving in general. (B) Refer back to "A".  I like traditional pumpkin faces, and The Brown Eyed Man likes to go wild!  He's amazing, and I love to watch him do his thing, but I like to carve too, even if I'm not as artistic.  I also LOVE roasted pumpkin seeds, and this is the one night of the year I can gorge myself silly on them.

Last week The Man picked up our pumpkins, but we just didn't have time over the busy weekend to carve them.  We have a standing date night on Wednesdays to watch "Coven", so that turned out to be the perfect time.

His pumpkin was big, all bumpy and odd shaped.  I couldn't wait to see what he would create out of it!  Mine was big, plain, round, and pretty even.  A perfect ol triangle eyed, happy faced pumpkin if I ever saw one.  So we begin, and half way through I notice something.

Me: Did you ever notice that every single thing we do we approach from the exact opposite angle??

Him: (laughing) Yep.

Me: I cut open the pumpkin and gut it first, and you immediately grab a marker and start to draw.

Him: (Silence)

Me: I'm not saying either way is wrong, just that we always get to the end product in opposite ways.

Him: Yep.  My way is not wrong.

Me:  I didn't say it was, BUT how can you draw it first?  You're going to smear it, and get it all over you when you goop it out.  It's much better to goop it first.

Him: Did the words "You are wrong." come out of my mouth?

Me:  No, but that's what you were thinking.

Then it happened.

He turned the pumpkin around so I could see it, and it was shaping up to be something amazing.  I wish at some point I had taken a pick of that cool pumpkin.  The Brown Eyed Man stuck the knife in the top, cut her open, and then gagged.  It was totally rotten inside.  Just about the most disgusting thing I have ever seen.  There were already lil flies, right inside of the pumpkin!  Then the smell hit me, and I gagged. 

I told him to just toss it out the patio door, which he did.  Right smack onto the little table that sits between our Adirondack chairs, and busted it to bits............

Meanwhile, pumpkin seeds from my pumpkin were cooking, and the smell was at least covering up the smell of rotted pumpkin.  I offered my pumpkin up to his artistic abilities, but he declined.  So I continued on with my happy pumpkin, who turned out to be a bit of a hillbilly.  (BOO-boo Child is what I called it.) The Brown Eyed Man started offering suggestions, and I suggested he remove himself from the kitchen.  He had his chance. 

BOO- boo Child

So I finished up, got the candle, and we had our one lone pumpkin to light the room while we watched "Coven", and ate pumpkin seeds.  However, I burned the seeds.  In all my life I have never burned the seeds!  I was so peeved I could have thrown a full blown tantrum on the kitchen floor.

To top it off, I forgot the pumpkin when I came back to town today, so what will be my last Halloween on Hughitt Avenue will not be graced with a pumpkin on the steps.  Yep, I said my last.  Rent has gone up again, and I'm through giving that man my money.  That's about all I know right now.  I WILL be out by the end of the year.

Anyhoo......  I can't wait to see all the trick-or-treaters out tonight!  The biggest bowl I own is full of candy, and will hopefully be empty by 8pm.  Come on down! 

Happy Hannah

Happy Birthday Hannah Oh Well!  (straight from.... Albuquerque)  My baby, my Godchild, my sweet sweet girl.  Ten years old today, and I can hardly believe it!


You started out as a hurricane, and now have become a sweet breeze.  You used to run me ragged, now you just boggle my mind with endless questions!  Library days with you this summer were awesome, it was great to spend time sharing our love of books.  Watching you help Tater with her reading was amazing.  Maybe someday you'll be a teacher?  Whatever you do, I know that you will go far, with your smarts and your kindness.

I am looking forward to seeing you on Saturday at your party, and we will make plans for the Goover Birthday Sleepover!  We will have to work on crazy eights some more.  Maybe you've been practicing so that you are ready to beat me?  Little card shark. :) 

Happy, happy birthday lovey, you are such a special girl.   Looking forward to all the goover adventures we will have this year!  Oh, and you know how you are always asking for my stuff?  Do I have a surprise for you!!

Love you to the moon and back and around the block my little one!  O.k. maybe not so little anymore, but give your poor Aunt a break, and pretend??  ♥


Bacon

Bacon, in my humble opinion, is just about the best thing there is.  (My dog happens to agree!)  Growing up we had bacon and eggs every Sunday morning after church.  My Mom had a strange thing with routine, and we rarely deviated, and never for Sunday morning breakfast!  Everyone got one fried egg, a couple strips of bacon, a piece of buttered toast, and there was usually wine bread or a danish with cherry or lemon filling.  The only choice you had was grapefruit, or no grapefruit.  Sometimes, if you were lucky there would be cantaloupe.  Saturday mornings, were pancakes and sausage.

This could easily turn into a menu of what the Meys family ate every week, because it was that regimented, but that will have to wait for another day.  Today is all about bacon, glorious bacon!

Some years ago someone decided that bacon was very, very bad for you. (rat bastard)  At that time I said "Well, everyone has to die of something.  I choose bacon."

Yesterday we had bacon for breakfast.  It has kind of become our Sunday thing to have a late morning bacon and egg breakfast, and I for one (and the dog) hope that it continues.  This is partly due to the fact that I don't cook this particular breakfast, but mostly because I just love bacon!

Yesterday in a strange turn of quiet Sunday events there was a fire, that had tense moments, but ended alright.  Then shortly after that a plane flew over, with no engine running, and looked like it was heading toward a crash in the backyard trees.  Finally, a few hours later  I almost got creamed by a deer on the way home.  I still can't figure how I missed her.  She didn't miss the truck in the oncoming lane, and I was so close I heard the crunch. *shudder*

So death by fire, airplane crash, or car accident all crossed my path yesterday.  Thank goodness my guardian angel was paying attention.  I still, absolutely choose bacon!

Fierce

Fierce!  That is what forty-four is all about.

Letting go of the comfort zone, doing things that are difficult for me, making hard choices, letting go of past hurts, sending away my tiger. 

On Sunday night the Brown Eyed Man had some car trouble.  The short of it was that he wanted me to drive the big truck and tow his car (with him in it) to my garage.  Normally I would have nixed that plan.  Instead I just went along with it. 

Him: I have something to say and you're not going to like it.

Me: I rarely do, might as well spill it.

Him: I want to get the truck and tow the car to your garage.

Me: Yeah, sure.  I don't mind driving back out to the country.

Him: No, you don't get it.  I want YOU to drive the truck and tow me.

Me: Uhhhh.......???  Can I even reach the pedal?

Long, involved, two hours later, story short......... 

The car was safely tucked away in my garage, minus a flat tire that happened while towing.  I called "not my fault" and "you pay all fines" (there weren't any) before we started, but I drove that truck.  He may have had to toss me in because there aren't any hand holds to grab onto to climb in, but I drove that damn thing.  Side note, this all happened in the worst neighborhood in town. (of course)

My cousin Val thought it might be a marketable skill for me.  Ha.... I don't think so.  I am still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up, but tow truck driver is NOT on the list of possibilities!  Now race car driver.............  (Don't worry, I can't reach the gas pedal.)

Health Care

Whether you're a Democrat or Republican, and whatever you think about "Obama Care", look me in the eye and tell me, who has worked her ass off from the time she was seventeen, that I don't deserve affordable health care.  Maybe you don't know anyone who would be personally affected by the Affordable Care Act.  Well, now you do.  Am I thrilled that I "have" to do this?  Not really.  I'm not exactly sure how I will find the money, even at the discounted rate I will no doubt qualify for, but I will find it.

For the record, if you haven't seen me say it, or can't just tell, I am a Democrat.  My Republican friends will say that because I believe in fiscal responsibility I am really one of them, but every other view I hold would scream Democrat.  However, I am not, nor have I ever been, a fan of the President.  That's not what this is about. 

It's about me, and what has happened to me in my pursuit of the "American Dream."
_________________________________________________________________________

I wrote the above paragraphs this morning, after I was getting sick and tired of all the nonsense.  This evening, I am downright livid.  I spent part of my afternoon listening to some folks argue that Obama Care is the devil, and the Democrats his minions.  Every single one of them, EVERY ONE is on state funded insurance, not costing them a dime. (That isn't a guess, it's a fact.)  I was stuck in a position where I couldn't say anything.  ( You know how I love that.)  If I could have, I would have simply told them to shut up.  I will listen to your opinion when you are in my shoes.  How dare you?  Why are you more deserving of health insurance than I am??

Three years ago I was downsized out of a job (20 years in) that had full benefits.  The health insurance was crappy, but at least it was there in case of an emergency.  Being a child care teacher was a career, not just a job, so I tried to work for another center, but none of them here offer health.  Within a years time the cost of living went up so much that I could no longer even afford to stay in the field.  I went out and found a better paying job, but still, no insurance. 

I have never asked for a hand out, or a hand up (which is what it should be), though I have qualified.  I pay my own way, and am more than willing to pay a reasonable amount for health insurance.  Tell me I don't deserve that opportunity.

When people talk about the "working poor", they are talking about me.  Although I never consider myself "poor".  I have a roof over my head, food to eat, the bills are paid, and I am so wealthy in other areas of my life.  I just don't get a lot of extras, and that's o.k. People are always telling me about this program, or that program, and my response is the same.  That's for folks who need it.  People who have hungry kids.  Not me.  I get by, and if worse comes to worse I can eat at any table of a family or friend.  It wouldn't be the first time I've grabbed a pizza out of my sister's freezer because money for groceries was short.

If the time ever comes where I have to have a hand up, I will take it, but it would be after exhausting every other option.  I've always been of the opinion, "Help yourself, help others, and the Lord will provide." It has never failed me, and I feel blessed.  On several occasions I have given my last dime to help someone who had less, and somehow I always have enough.

It has been three years since I have had health insurance (knock on wood), and luckily I haven't needed it.  That could all change in an instant, and I would lose everything.  I relish the opportunity to pay my fair share.  Tell me I don't deserve it. 

I'm sure the plan has flaws, but how about working together to fix them?  How about doing your job?????  It would go over really well if we all went into work tomorrow and argued with our co-workers over how to do the job instead of doing it.  Many people are out of work tonight because Congress can't get their act together.  Perhaps if their paychecks depended on their performance, like the rest of us, we'd see a little more co-operation, and a lot less nonsense. 

I rarely get political, but there you go.  That's my story, and I'm proud that I stand on my own two little feet.  I thank God for my health, and the life that I have been able to build, no matter what gets thrown at me.  Go ahead.  Tell me I don't deserve it.

DMV

It's driver's licence renewal time ladies and gents!  DMV stands for (seventh circle of hell) Department of Motor Vehicles.  If you aren't familiar with the good old USA, it's a form of torture that the government has devised that leaves no visible scars.  Yes, some of my readers are from other parts of the world.  I know!  I don't get it either, but I'm happy they are here.

These days I handle the yearly renewal fees for car registration online, so I can avoid the hassle of the DMV.  I haven't bought a new car in six years, so I guess that's the last time I was there.  Driver's licence are now on an eight year renewal system, and that's awesome!

My time, unfortunately, was up.  I turn 44 on Monday, and received my renewal notice from the DMV about a month ago.  I have been in avoidance ever since.  You see last time I barely squeaked by on the eye test they give.  I was shocked when he said I passed.  "You see well enough to drive."  Good enough for me.  I really don't have issues with reading or anything, I just know my right eye is a little weaker.  So my inner debate was: Go get my eyes checked, or take my chances.  Since money doesn't grow on trees, and I haven't noticed any difference in my eyes, I decided to take my chances.  This only took three weeks of deliberation. 

I was all set to go on Tuesday, and didn't.  So today I had no choice.  First off, the road to get there is still under construction, so it's already going to be a pain in the ass, and it was.  I knew I could get almost the entire way on Ogden Avenue, but then I was going to have to "go around".  Not around a block, it wasn't that simple.  At least I caught a glimpse of the building in the distance, so I was able to work my way on side streets til I got there, without getting turned around.  You have no idea how easy it is for me to get turned around.....

The parking lot wasn't to full (bonus!) so parked and headed in, still in a pretty good mood.  I noticed that they have changed hours, so now every day they are open during business hours.  Very convenient for those of you who work those hours every day. (sarcasm)  Don't you just want to spend your lunch (I hope you have an) hour at the DMV?

I take my number, which is 88, and have a seat.  I already printed off the paperwork from their website and filled it out, so I'm all ready to be told to go get glasses and try again.  The sign says, now serving 83.  Five away, that's not to bad.  Other folks start filtering in, it seems I arrived just in the nick of time!  It also appears that I have left my phone in the car, so I have nothing to do but sit and stare.  There is no muzak, there are no magazines.  There's nothing to look at on the wall, and the only person talking is the confused newer employee who can't figure her way through something.  I have no choice but to pay attention, none of us do.  So we all stare.

The newer employee ( I was glad to see they were both female, the guys at the DMV always creep me out.  I don't know why.) finally gave up, and that poor guy had to get in the other gals line up.  Newby started calling out numbers, and none of them were there, so it was MY turn!  Well, here goes nothing.  I handed her my stuff, and said "I promise not to be difficult, although you're probably going to tell me I can't pass the eye exam."  So she says, "Well, stick your face up there and give it a shot."  I press my little face up against the exam thing, and all the letters are clear, except that damn line farthest to the right.  I confidently rip off all the letters on the first three lines.  Then I burst out laughing.  I put my face back up there and just make up five random letters that they could be, still laughing.  The gal smiles and said.  "You passed."  I burst out laughing again and say "You have got to be kidding."  "Nope," she replied, "We are more concerned with the left eye.  You're just a little weaker on the right."  Then she checked my peripheral, which I saw just fine.

We waltzed on over to the picture spot, where I signed my name and made sure she noted I am an organ donor. (YOU SHOULD BE TOO.) I looked in the mirror, fluffed my bangs, and said "Yep, that'll pass."  I then stepped up to the blue curtain and stood on my mark, giving my best Ruthie smile into the camera.  No, I am not posting it. 

"Did I blink?" (I often do)

"We'll know in a minute."

I then happened to look to my right, and notice that the entire room of people, who had nothing better to do, were staring at me, watching the show.  I actually had to stop myself from taking a bow.  I looked back at the gal and said,  "You people really need to get some muzak in here.  Something else for folks to focus on."

Then we went back to the counter, where I forked over my $34 ( can you freaking believe that) to get my piece of paper that says I'm legal.  These days you get your actual licence in the mail, instead of right there on the spot.  I, for the record, did not opt for the new special licence that will soon be required.  In short, it is ridiculous.  If I get into that rant, we'll be here for awhile.


                           ♫ Happy Birthday to me,
                           Tho I'm still 43
                            I still don't need glasses
                            According to the DMV ♫          


Forty- three has been an interesting year.  That's all I have to say about that.  Forty- four? Well...... I can hear Bob Dylan singing in the back ground.  ♫ The times, they are a changin' ♫   I recently watched the movie "Life of Pi", and I realize that it's time to let the tiger go.  You will only get that if you watched (and understood) the movie.  The Brown Eyed Man was so eager for me to see it, and when it ended I looked at him and said. "I think I hate you, how could you make me watch that?"  After that I said nothing.  He talked, but I couldn't verbalize anything that I was feeling. (Yes, I really couldn't talk.)  It shook me all the way through, right to my core.  I felt like there was a huge rock just sitting on my heart.  He is eager to watch it again, but I don't think I ever will. 

So here's to being forty-four! (on Monday)  I've got my driver's licence, and I'm ready to roll! 

The Annual Rummage Sale

I almost titled this blog "The Annual Parade of Weirdos", and here's a pic of two of them trying to sneak up on us during the sale.  They were given away by to much giggling, and I crept around to get their picture, to prove we were on to them.

This year the only weirdos who passed through the garage were these two.

 I am disappointed that you can not clearly see the doll on suspect #2's head.  (light blue hat) It's crocheted toilet paper cover with a barbie on top.  I wonder if she knew that's what it was meant for before she stuck it on her head......

Suspect #1 is some sort of a gangsta.  See?

Dang, it doesn't show up well.  The black area between her jeans and jacket are shorts.  She was wearin' her pants low. (Gangsta)  Sandy Hughitt had to take the pics and send them to me, because right after I took the pic of them sneaking around my camera went haywire.  Coincidence???

I wish Sandy hadn't heard them giggling, because watching Suspect #2 come into the garage using a giant candy cane as a real cane, saying "Pretty kitty" over and over, was funny enough when I was expecting it.  Getting surprised by it would have been hilarious!

The day was otherwise uneventful.  We usually have a character or two stop by, but it was very quiet.  Good sales though, the best I've ever had.  I went through and did some serious purging so I had a lot on the tables.  Plus I have a few bigger items at home that are on their way out the door too.  Changes, they are a comin'........

School Days (part 2)

I guilted this out of her Mother. :)  Ah the old Catholic guilt. ( I'm impervious to it, by the way.  Vicki's Mom tried it on me a few weeks back.  I just looked at her and said, "Nice try.")

Cierra started her first full day of school today!  She went to "Smart Start" yesterday, brought in her school supplies, got her school pictures taken, met with the teachers, etc.  She plopped right down in her classroom and waved good- bye to her parents. (even though they weren't leaving her there)  I'm sure after this summer of being stuck at home she was glad to get rid of those yahoos! ;)

School Days

Kids around here started back to school today!  It got me thinking about the first day of school when I was little.  I got to put on my green/blue plaid uniform, and skip off to the bus stop in my brand new mary janes.  Then I would walk back home two or three times to complain of a stomach ache, which my mother told me was just butterflies in my tummy. 

Every year Marge would pick us up at St. Anthony Church, and away we would go.  The bus arrived at seven, and St. Francis was only a few miles away, so we had plenty of playground time.  I wouldn't have seen most of the kids all summer long, so there would be lots of catching up to do.  Third grade was the only year we were a split grade, so for the most part the twenty five or so of us spent our entire 1-6 grade years together.

Sister Magda would be walking the perimeter of the playground until the principal that year would ring the bell for class to begin.  We would line up and file across the avenue into the old building to begin a brand new year.  Days like today I would sit there looking out the window at the leaves blowing on the trees and live for recess.  There would be a hot bus ride home, and then books to cover, and teachers to complain about.  Perhaps even some homework (that's just mean) to do.  Then off to the earlier bedtime.

My Mom always said she hated the school year schedule.  She much preferred having us home during the summer.  I'm not making that up either.  I think it was just that she hated making all those lunches. :)

The Artist Formerly Known As Pablo (6th grade)

Tater (3rd) Ash (12th) Hannah(4th)

CeCe started today too (3rd) but I don't have a pic. :(  Have a great school year ya goovers!! ♥

Sassy Seventeen

"Hey, I've seen that look on YOUR face before" (said to me)

I want to thank Stacie, of Stacie DeeAnn Photography for letting me use these pictures.  She (as you can see) does beautiful work!  Check her out on facebook.   https://www.facebook.com/StacieDeeAnnPhotography

My Baby Pig Nose is seventeen today.  I'm not dealing with that very well.  Have I ever told you how she got the name Baby Pig Nose?  I wish I had one of her drawings, I'm really surprised that I didn't save one.  Every time Ash would draw "people" when she was a very little girl, they all had a dot for a nose.  Except when she drew me.  I had a pig nose, making me "Auntie Pig Nose", so she became Baby Pig Nose.  It works for all occasions.  Baby Birthday Pig Nose, Baby Halloween...... you get it.  I don't believe anyone (her Father or her Uncle's) told her to draw it that way.  It was random, and it was always only me.  *eye roll*

Very Cool

Senior year is about to start, and while not on the football team this year, it's already beginning in true Ashlyn fashion.

Me: Grandma told me you're on the swim team?

Ash: Yep.

Me: I'm not trying to be smart here....... Can you swim???!!!

Ash: (exasperated teen voice) Auntie, I had lessons.

Me: Uh yeah, when you were little, and I don't ever hear about you going swimming.

Ash: Well, did you ever hear about me playing football?

Me:  Good point.

My favorite

I love the way Ashlyn  challenges herself to come out of her comfort zone and try new things.  Although sports induced asthma is probably going to take her out of the swim lane, at least she is giving it a shot.

Ash absolutely has her heart set on going to the Uof M (Minneapolis).  It's not very far away, so we'll all manage, somehow.

Me: You know, I don't have to miss you if I come too.

Ash: NO.

Me: Yeah, well, don't pay any attention to the shrub that follows you around campus........... 

I had thought about putting pictures into this blog of her as a child, along with the grad pics, but I am just a puddle, so we'll settle for one.  It's her Mother's favorite.

Ashlyn 6mo

Happy Birthday Baby Senior Pig Nose.  (shark bait hoo-ha-ha)  I love you to the moon and back, and around the block.  I hope you understand what a blessing you have been in my life.  Although this growing up business is apparently really hard for me to handle, but you have to know that I am very proud I am of you, and how excited I am to see the places you'll go.  (Even if I have to carry a Kleenex box, and stalk you from the bushes.)  I'm going to try really hard to focus on that, and not the little pig nose that I miss.  I hope this year is the best of your life!

I love you first!   xo  Auntie Pig Nose ♥

Ice Cream (The rest of the story)

I haven't been the best at blog writing this summer, but as I've said before, I would rather live life than blog about it.  I just need to set aside some time for writing, or get me something more mobile to write with.  Back in June or July I wrote this blog about the new ice cream truck in our area.  You can find them on facebook under King of Creams! 

 http://www.queenie930.blogspot.com/2013/06/ice-cream.html

All summer long I have waited to re-connect with the ice cream truck, but my timing was off, and the one time I was home I didn't have any cash.  Can you imagine paying for a cone with a debit card?  Do they even take them??  The weather (up until now) hasn't been overly warm either, so ice cream really hasn't been on my brain, although I love to hear the truck go by.  It brings back so many good childhood memories.

As I have mentioned before, I don't like the heat.  This summer has been full of gorgeous 70 degree days, up until these last few.  This week we have had a couple of "wringers".  The temps are in the 90's with 60 plus percent humidity.  Blah.  I hate fans, and I don't have an air conditioner, so the nights are long and I am not exactly pleasant........

Tuesday I just woke up crabby, and it continued from there.  I ended up working late, and then had to slug around in the soup to do errands.  By the time I got home I was ready to deck someone, anyone!  I got out of the car, and I heard it!  "ICE CREAM!" (Do you have cash?) "Yes!  I do!  I do! (have you forgotten that you are lactose intollerous?) (sp wrong on purpose, it's what the goovers call it) "SHUT THE HELL UP, I'M HAVING SOME ICE CREAM!"

So I purchased a chocolate chip cookie dough one scoop, and told the lady how much I appreciated her.  I even found another dollar to stick in the tip jar.  Even though $2.25 for a one scoop is a bit pricey in my opinion. (Although I'm sure with the prices of everything today that's the norm.)  Totally worth it at that particular moment though.  My entire mood shifted as I stood sweating beside my car, shoving the ice cream into my face as fast as I could, while it melted down my hand.  My groceries were wilting in the front seat, but I didn't care.  When I got the scoop down to a manageable size I brought groceries into the house with two one handed trips. 

This blog could have been called "The Day the Ice Cream Lady Saved My Life."  I posted on facebook that night, "Sometimes when you have to work late and do errands in ninety degree heat, the ice cream truck comes along!!!", and included the picture below.  Thank you King of Creams!!  It's so awesome to have an ice cream truck back in the area!  It goes to show how someone just doing their job can absolutely make someone else's day!  

Oh, and on a side note........ the ice cream didn't bother me at all.  :)  It almost makes me want to try milk again.  Almost......

 

Heaven!

TaterTot

Happy 8th birthday Caitlin!!  The youngest Goover is now eight years old.  I just don't know where the time has gone.  This means I am now eight years behind in my scapbooking........

Tater and Hannah Goovering it up!

Auntie has some time off coming up, so we will be planning a goover birthday sleepover, complete with a trip to the library, some cousin time I'm sure, and various other adventures.  There will be brownie sundaes, and I believe she has picked taco's for dinner. I'm pretty sure we'll be learning some more fabulous songs too.

I see so much of my fearless self in this young one, it scares the heck ( I was going to write something else, but if she reads it I will owe her a quarter.) out of me.  When I had the girls at the library last week I had to leave them for a minute, and I was terrified Tater would wander off, just because I know from experience how distracted one can get, and what fabulous adventure surely awaits around the next bend, even if you were told not to move.

As the girls and I were approaching the library I realized that I had to pee. ( I really love being over forty.  It's great......) They are eight and nine years old, do I have to drag them in with me?  This is a really bad neighborhood.  It's the library for Pete's sake.  What better place to snatch a kid? Arg!  About 70 scenarios flew through my mind as we approached.  There was a fabulous exhibit in the entry area, where the bathroom is, and the girls ran right over to it.  Some women were having a meeting in a room adjacent, with the door open, so I thought it was time to trust the Goovs (for the first time with me) alone for a second.

"Hannah, I'm going to use the bathroom.  You stay right here with your sister.  If anything happens that you don't like go right into this room with the ladies, or holler.  I will be back in one minute."

Bending down to eye level, holding Tater's face, I looked deep into her mischievous eyes.  "Do not move.  Not one step.  I am not kidding.  If you aren't in this spot when I come out of the bathroom I will return your books, you will get no more, and we will go straight back to your house.  Do you understand me?"  Her eyes widened as I spoke. "Yes, I understand." was her quiet reply.

That was the fastest pee in history!  The girls were exactly where I left them, and I was met with a proud bright smiling Tater.  "I didn't move, not one step!"

Yes, the baby is eight years old, and she is still my wild, willful, wonderful girl.  I am so enjoying sharing my love of reading with her.  I had forgotten how nice it is to curl up with a kid(s) and a book.  I'm used to reading to fifteen at a time.  Her passion seems to run more along the lines of art, which is not my forte, but we talked about an "art supply" birthday present, because I am nothing if not encouraging of their passions, as long as it doesn't involve sitting in front of a computer.

Happy Birthday to our baby!  Thank you for reminding me how fun the world can be when you have a free spirit!  I love you to the moon and back, and around the block! ♥  Even if I'm going to be up half the night because it's your turn to sleep with me. ;)

Home Sweet Home

 

Meys family home circa 1960

Can you believe the things you come across on facebook???  This picture is part of a much larger aerial view of Alloueze.  The house right in the middle of the pic is in fact my family home, a few years after it was built, (circa 1958) by my Grandparents.  Four generations of Meys' have lived in this home, and my father ended up paying for it three times.

My Dad actually lived with and was the main support for his parents until he was married in his mid thirties.  So when I say my Grandparents built, well, my Dad footed a large part of that bill.  Then in '68 he took out a loan and bought the house from them, and they built another smaller one on the lot next door.  Then in the early eighties my parents took out a second mortgage to re-side and put new windows on the house.  His death in the early nineties paid off the house in full.

 Dad always claimed that he planted every tree in that yard. He dug them up from the woods and brought them home, for the most part.  I never believed him....... well.......... guess he wasn't kidding!  At one point there were probably thirty trees in the yard, mostly in back.  Mine was a birch, I think Jerry's was the apple, which were both lost to the garage in '87.  Kate's is a HUGE tree that you can't put your arms around, and David's is a weeping birch.  Those two still stand today.  I know this, because the house is still in our family, my brother Jerry bought it after Mom passed away in '04.

I found this picture in my baby book, so it is circa '69, or pretty much how it looked when my parents bought it from Grandma and Grandpa Meys.

Here's the house in 1979.  Yes, that's me on the steps.  By then there were a few trees, and tons of flowers.  I looked through every album I have last night and this was the only house pic I found from that time.  I know I have others, but they are in a box buried in the closet.  Note the large tire on the right side of the pic.  It was filled with flowers.  My Dad loved "kitchy" things, lawn ornaments, etc.  I, do not.  We also had a tire like that one in the back to use as a sandbox. (Which on the other hand was awesome!)  In this pic the house still has the original windows, and the original siding, which was actually roofing material.  The insulation wasn't good, and it was cold, damn cold, sleeping upstairs!  Speaking of which, the upstairs was not finished off by the builder.  My Dad and a friend built the entire upstairs bedroom, closets, and hallway in approximately '74.  Jerry and I slept up there until Kate was old enough, then it became "the girls room".

This picture is from 1983.  In the summertime my parents had the house re-sided, new windows put in, and more insulation added. (yea!)  That front window leaked from then on.......  It's a shame that you cant really see all of the lawn ornaments.  You also can't see the brick cross that my dad built and filled with roses.  It's where the white flamingo and the pinwheel flower are, although he must not have put the rose bushes in yet.  People would drive by from all over and stop to look at those roses.  Around this time my Dad also finished off part of the basement to make a family room.  It has a built in bar on one side, and a built in stereo on the other.  My friends and I spent a lot of time hanging out there. 

Here is the house on 7-27-13

I was in the neighborhood for a funeral, and thought I would grab a recent shot of the house, that now belongs to my brother Jerry and his family.  It's nice to still be able to gather there as a family sometimes, because no matter what, it will always be home. ♥