To stay or not to stay......

Can't Win & Can't Lose....

2012-01-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

Tonight's the night we've waited for - (I think there's a song that has that phrase as part of its lyrics and now it's stuck in my head - on replay!). But, as I was saying....tonight's the night we've waited for because it's the BCS title game! Finally! My two football loves will be battling it out - BAMA & LSU. What to do? Who to pull for? Actually, I know who I'm pulling for but I'm not putting it in writing because ~~it could be dangerous to do so~~ I have family and friends on both sides. I was born a BAMA fan but....my paperwork is from LSU. All I'll say is that my purple and gold jersey and my crimson and white jersey are both ready.

Roll Tide! Geaux Tigers! I can't lose, yet - I can't win. Eek!

Home for the Holidays....

2011-12-27T22:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve eve we left the beach for home. As is to be expected traffic was crazy on I-10 & 12 west. We made it home with no problem, unpacked our stuff, unwrapped the take out we'd picked up along the way and settled down in front of the tv - and....we haven't moved much since. Shameful but nice. Today was a bit more of a normal routine, tomorrow will be busier and by the weekend we'll be back to normal. These last few lazy days were much needed.

Our last day at Dauphin Island was one I hope to never experience again. J went to work, I got busy packing and getting ready to leave when he got home that afternoon. A front was moving in so it was rainy and breezy. By 11 am the emergency siren (which is right across the street) was blaring along with the warning signal on the tv. I tuned to the emergency channel and, sure enough, a tornado had been spotted in the Gulf and was moving right across the Island. The entire front of the house faces the Gulf and for several minutes I thought the door, then the entire front of the house was going to blow in. By the time the weather settled down and I, somewhat, calmed down, I realized my legs were shaking. Freaked me out! I gotta tell you, it's not fun being alone in a strange place with no car when there's an emergency. Not fun at all. That's just one of the things I do not like about all this traveling we do.

The lovely beach house we've been staying in is getting more and more difficult to rent as snow-bird season approaches, so I'm once again looking for a place to call home - temporarily. Sigh. It never ends, does it?

I'm Bored....

2011-11-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

Yep. Bored. And instead of taking a nice long walk before the rain comes in - I have Woot's Woot Off on the computer and QVC playing on tv.

Bored. Woot. QVC. A dangerous combination!

Wow! I can post again....

2011-11-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

I don't know why I haven't been able to get my posts to post for most of the summer, but things seem okay for now.

Still on Dauphin Island. The weather's a bit cooler and I'm loving it! October is my favorite beach month - November is close behind. Surfers have started appearing and it's fun to watch them. The Island's laid back so my life's quite laid back at the moment - until we go home on the weekends. Then it's catch-up time. We stayed here last weekend and rode the ferry to Orange Beach to see J's uncle. It was an eventful day - J's aunt's mom went into cardiac arrest (she's fine for now), and J dropped his cell phone in the bay while helping get the boat out. So....off we went to Pensacola for a new phone. ....Don't ask me why we headed the opposite way (east) instead of backtracking to an AT&T store nearer our rental. We like to do things the hard way I guess - and paid for it because we didn't make the return ferry. Lost a few bucks on that. At least we got a good meal at the Fish House.

So we have now both joined the times with our smart phones - Android for me, iPhone for J. J is not a patient person and it's funny watching as his phone continues to outsmart him. Gotta take your pleasure where you can. I admit my Droid was/is plenty smarter than me.

Son #3 had to make an emergency trip to the dentist today. He's blessed with bad ~~English~~ teeth like his mom. He's been having trouble for a while and I've been telling him and telling him to go the dentist, but..he didn't. Now he has to have one tooth removed and a root canal on another one - after the antibiodics do their job. I find myself asking myself :/ why I continue trying to cut back on things here and there. It's like one step forward - two steps backward. Maybe it evens out.

Well, I'm off. Woot is having a woot-off today and I've got to check on what's on offer. So much for that cutting back....

Checking In....

2011-10-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

For some odd reason I can't seem to post from my computers, so....even when it's convenient - it's not. IYKWIM

We're still on DI and I gotta say, I'm falling in love with this place. I don't think there is a strip of land along the gulf coast that isn't lovable in it's own way. DI is extremely laid back - extremely laid back - and that works for me. I haven't found it to be the best shelling beach and there are oil rigs lined up in the Gulf in the distance - at night, when they're lit up, they look like other islands or lit palm trees. Kind of nice if you can forget the danger lurking on and under each and every one. But....let's not get started on things like oil spills.

On our weekend trips down to the island and then on our way home we pass through Bayou La Batre. For some reason I love that! I've always enjoyed their sea food but never thought I'd get to become so familiar with the place itself. I catch myself looking for Forrest, but haven't yet found him. ;)

The neatest thing happened today. The house we're renting is across the street from the Gulf and there's a small public access area. I was reading (Kindle-ing) on the front porch this morning when a compact car pulled into the little parking area. I probably wouldn't have noticed it until I heard some commotion from the people as they got out of the car - and a lot of people exited that little car! It appeared to be a car full of young adults and judging from their reactions, it must have been their first beach trip. As they crested the small sand dune and saw the Gulf, they started hoopin' and hollerin'. I heard things like - "that's amazing! Look at it! Oh my! oh my! on MY!" I couldn't help smiling. From what I could hear, they were from Colorado and were headed to FL. It's such a priviledge to experience others making good memories.

My Home!

2011-09-13T16:54:00.000-07:00

LSU Tigers Callin' Baton Rouge Video 2009

The Summer of My Discontent....

2011-08-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

That title is all I could think of when someone asked how my summer was going. When I tell people where we've spent the summer, I get the same response - "Oh! Lucky you!" I certainly understand where these comments are coming from - on the face of it, who wouldn't enjoy spending May/June in St. Simons Island, July in Panama City, FL, and at present (Aug.) on Dauphin Island, AL. All three places are lovely places and we've enjoyed/are enjoying each place. It's just that we're there for work (at least hubby is there for work). ;) That puts a different spin on things. I'd try and explain but it's complicated (and would probably be quite boring to read).

We did our time in Panama City. It is a very neat area, and the condo we stayed in was top of the line. If J's job hadn't been such a downer, it would have been much more enjoyable. We're now on Dauphin Island and it's also a lovely area - much more laid back than PC. The best part is that we can (and do) go home every weekend. In fact, ~~I'm in heaven this weekend~~ I'm not only home for the weekend, but I'm staying home for the entire week! We're having a bath retiled finally! and someone needs to be here to supervise. J's headed back to DI as I type. This job is a bit better but it's pretty much week to week. Which means....if he's still working there at the end of August, I have to find us another place to live. I should really start charging for this. Good part is (G-d willing) we will have two options for Sept. and then, and then, well, we'll think about that tomorrow - or next week, or the next....

Well....

2011-07-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

Panama City is not being good to us. The job's a big time downer and we'll be doing good to make it till the end of the month. Wouldn't you know I'd rented a condo (that looked nice online) from mid July till the end of August - as of now we're in a hotel (which really sucks - not the hotel itself but just the fact of being stuck in one room IYKWIM. But....with the bad comes some good. The lady we'll be renting the condo from has turned out to be super nice - she's letting us out of August with minimal cost for canceling at such a late date. We will honor our reservation for the last two weeks of July, but....we're going home this weekend for a quick trip before we have to come back and finish out the month of July at da job and in da condo. Sigh. I guess we can survive for three more weeks. I guess....

Mail.

2011-06-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure where my mail is going before it makes its way to me, and....unfortunately, neither is the USPS. I'm also not sure everything is making its way to me. The bills are arriving just fine though. Things haven't been right since we had our mail redirected while we were in Oregon. I don't know what to do about it, and....unfortunately, neither does the USPS. What's a girl to do?

And....Once Again, We're Outta Here!

2011-06-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, after about six weeks in this ~~smoke and gnat infested~~ lovely place we're leaving next Friday. Going to Panama City, FL for 2-3 months (or so they say, but they have been known not to keep their word), and then to Mobile, Sweet Home AL for a year or so (again - it depends on them being true to their word, and.... hubby liking the job). So. There's that. Once again I'm looking for a temp home and, if I may say so,I'M DANG SICK AND TIRED OF IT! Actually, the company has a place for us in Mobile and it looks nice - online. But, Mobile's after PC and that one appears to be left up to me - unless I want to stay at a hotel extended stay. I dunno about that.

I'd rebel if it weren't for the fact that both moves will put us closer to our actual home-on-the-ground in Louisiana. In addition to that, the smoke from all FL's wildfires is so bad here off and on, it makes you not want to go outside. So, Panama City, here we come. ....now i'm off to do more online searching for a place to call my own - even temporarily.

It was Bound to Happen....

2011-06-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

We realized what we were in for when we first looked at the condo we're presently in - the condo next to the swimming pool - in a vacation complex - in June - the height of vacation for many. And....we haven't been disappointed. ;) There are, however, a couple of things going for us: it's HOT!, there is little shade around the pool-and no umbrellas. Which means - people come and people go alllll day and into the night. But hubby works all day and I'm out and about - and when I'm here I have noise of my own going on, so it's all good. Hey. It's vacation for most people - time to have fun and time for the kiddies to be excited beside themselves. It's all good.

A Place to Call My Own....

2011-06-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

Once again I'm house/apt/condo looking and I've about reached my limit. Lately it seems I'm either looking for a place to live, planning on looking for a place to live, or temporarily settling into a new place to live. It's not fun. It's not easy. And I'm tired of it. That's my life at the moment - and I don't see it changing anytime soon.

How Did This Happen!

2011-06-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever traveled somewhere, got there, and realized your clothes just weren't going to work? That's what's happened to me and I don't know how it happened. It's not like I went to some unknown, exotic place - I'm only 10 or so hours due east down I-10 for gosh sakes! The weather here is same as the weather back home. I think the problem is that my activities here are pretty much different from back home - lot of walking, wading, more walking.... It's all good though. Home's close enough to hop back to and pick up what I need - which I plan on doing this weekend or next weekend.

I Need a Good Pair of Walking Shoes....

2011-05-31T05:05:00.000-07:00

Any suggestions? Teva or Keen? I have really, really weird feet - short but wide in the toe area and I have the hardest time finding shoes that work. Everything I wear gives me blisters so you won't find me in much else but flip flops these days - I even have flip flop socks for the winter. One of the shops I pass on my daily wanderings about the Village has Tevas displayed outside. I'm thinking today's a good day to stop and try them on. I haven't done so before because I'm afraid all the cute straps will be too tight for my non-cute wide foot. No way to know for sure unless I try them on, huh?

Lovely Golden Isles of Gerogia....

2011-05-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

....after the Jaw-ja comment I felt I owed them that much. Anywho, the GA Golden Isles really are lovely. This little island is nothing but huge live oaks dripping with Spanish moss so thick it cascades off the trees like curtains. The people are friendly, shop owners and restaurants don't try to rip you off, there's water to look at/wade in/ride on, it's hot but the sea breeze helps if you're close to the water. Not much to complain about - except the condo we've rented isn't very updated....but it's workable for a couple more weeks and if we end up staying longer I'll find something else. Life's good - or rather, life would be good if hubby wasn't planning on taking a job in Colorado next month. But....I refuse to think about that for the rest of this month. This job thang is getting on my last nerve.

The Water's Still Headed Our Way....

2011-05-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

As our governor said: A tremendous amount of water is headed our way. So..here comes the Mighty Muddy Mississipp and I'm on the marsh grass beaches of Jaw-ja (Georgia to all you non-Southerners). Everyone please join me in sending up prayers and good thoughts and vibes to keep my home and city safe.

The Water's Coming....

2011-05-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

Lots and LOTS of water headed our way via the mighty Mississippi - why we insist on thinking we can control that beast is beyond me, but.... They are opening the Bonnet Carre's floodgates today and it seems likely that the Morganza spillway will also be opened. I think a good Randy Newman song would be appropriate right about now:

Louisiana 1927
By Randy Newman

What has happened down here is the wind have changed
Clouds roll in from the north and it started to rain
Rained real hard and rained for a real long time
Six feet of water in the streets of Evangeline

The river rose all day
The river rose all night
Some people got lost in the flood
Some people got away alright
The river have busted through clear down to Plaquemines
Six feet of water in the streets of Evangeline

Louisiana, Louisiana
They're tryin' to wash us away
They're tryin' to wash us away
Louisiana, Louisiana
They're tryin' to wash us away
They're tryin' to wash us away

President Coolidge came down in a railroad train
With a little fat man with a note-pad in his hand
The President say, "Little fat man isn't it a shame what the river has done
To this poor crackers land."

Louisiana, Louisiana
They're tyrin' to wash us away
They're tryin' to wash us away
Louisiana, Louisiana
They're tryin' to wash us away
They're tryin' to wash us away

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!

2011-05-08T10:24:00.001-07:00

My thoughts and prayers go out to all today - wishing you joy, comfort, understanding, and peace.

With my kids spread out on two coasts (east and west) I prayed for strength to get through this day with grace - and....it's progressing very nicely, if I do say so myself. :) Hubby had a lovey flower bouquet and a box of pastries waiting when I woke up - the only thing lacking was a hot cup of coffee, which I made in no time an we enjoyed the cool-ish morning on the patio ~~stuffing our faces~~. Just a while ago the doorbell rang and when I answered..there stood a man delivering a yummy edible bouquet with a balloon attached and floating above. So far today I've had sinfully delish pastries, wonderfully ripe fruit of all varieties (some of it tipped with luscious chocolate!) - and coffee, lots of coffee. I may be in for a sugar crash shortly....

A Place to Call Home - Sort of.

2011-01-10T19:53:00.000-08:00

We do have a place to stay - month to month, meaning we can pack up and leave at our pleasure. You pay for that flexibility, but....what cha gonna do when you're road whores (apparently that's an endearing term given to contractors)? In my next life I think I'm going to be a property manager because I'm here to tell you, they are well compensated. I can also tell you that I lie - no way would I want to have to control so many people's actions....too much like teaching. Anywho....we're currently staying in a nice house, in a nice location, and I must tell you that I'm not happy. I don't know why, but it's just not a good fit for me. So my quest continues - on Craig's List and anywhere else I can think of. I wonder if I'm having a nervous breakdown in slow motion because from time to time I have to stop myself from opening my mouth and screaming HELP!!!!

Westward Ho - Again....

2010-12-23T20:34:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow we head even farther west - to the Oregon coast. I'm anxious to see it - and my son. I am getting a wee bit tired of people telling me how impressed I'm going to be with the Oregon coast compared to my beautiful Gulf Coast, because (as we all know), Oregon has a real ocean. I have no doubt it's awe inspiring and I'm ready to be impressed. Bet the beach walkin' won't be as easy in Oregon as in Bama - I'm just sayin'....

House hunting is not going anywhere. Wait. I lie. I found the perfect place - only $3400 per month. For some reason, J doesn't think it's that perfect. :) I took a risk and got my hair cut and colored today. The color's fine, but oy vey! she cut most of my hair off! My head's going to freeze. It's a good thing they wear hats around this place - and that hair grows. So goes my life - in Oregon.

Merry Christmas to all and prayers for a peace filled New Year!

Hello from Oregon!

2010-12-21T22:06:00.000-08:00

Drizzly, damp, chilly Oregon. We're here. It's been a bit of a whirwind, but it's fine - so far. After settling in (somewhat), I spent a frantic couple of days searching Amazon for some gifts to send the kids in NC - because....as we all know, the real Christmas gifts are sitting in our house in BR. I hope they're not too lonely. At least the kids will have some small gifts to open as we Skype Christmas morning. One good bit of news, we're spending Christmas weekend at the Oregon coast with son #1, who we haven't seen in a few years. If nothing else comes of this trip, that in itself will make it worthwhile.

We're staying in a neat little place nestled in an old train station. It's within walking distance to the downtown area, and they have Starbucks and The Beanery! Hoo ray! I'm frantically searching for us a place to stay in long term - a furnished place. It's proving to be difficult, but if all else fails, I have a place to fly back to and J can just stay his butt here. ....He hates it when I say that. Tomorrow morning I go with a property manager to look at yet another furnished house. $$$ Wish me luck!

West Ho - Day 3, aka The Day My Hair Died

2010-12-12T21:07:00.000-08:00

I guess it's the cold temps, or maybe the lack of humidity, or maybe just a combination of the two - whatever the reason, my hair gave up the ghost today, right smack dab in the middle of Tucumcari, NM. After showering and dressing, I started brushing my hair as usual. Oy vey! It stuck straight up in the air - as if each individual strand was raising its arms and surrendering. WTH? After patting and pressing, I decided I had to be brave, go about my day, and ingore the stares directed my way. What I can't understand (besides why my stupid hair is acting this way) is why everyone else's hair looks fine.

Besides the hair crisis, we drove through the entire state of NM and most of AZ - ogling impressive scenery along the way, until it got too dark to see. Yet, we continued on in the dark - over really high mountains to get to our destination. We were both exhausted after that drive. We also crossed the Continental Divide, ate some unusual food, drank some unusual coffee from various truck stops, and saw one of hubby's must-sees - Meteorite Crater. The night ends in Kingman, AZ. On to Sacramento, CA tomorrow.

Westward Ho - Day 2 aka: Oh, yeah! I remember Texas!

2010-12-11T20:46:00.000-08:00

I'd forgotten how big TX is - but an entire day spent on TX roads reminded me. I'd forgotten how long TX roads are, with miles and miles of nutin' - but almost running out of gas on one of those roads that go on forever yet seem to lead to nowhere, reminded me. I'd forgotten how windy TX can be - but driving through Ft. Worth reminded me. I'd forgotten how much meat can be found in TX - but eating BBQs piled a mile high with meat reminded me. I'd forgotten how hubby argues with the GPS - but hearing them bicker all day on those long roads, with the wind blowing the Rogue around and all that damn meat rumbling around in my stomach, reminded me.

That, my friends, was how my day went. We finally made it through TX and into New Mexico. Tonight we sleep in Tucumcari, NM.

Westward Ho!

2010-12-10T21:22:00.000-08:00

And, we're off. Headed to Oregon. There seems to be no feasible way to get to Oregon from Louisiana without going through/over mountains, so we decided on the southermost way - don't snicker, we're not afraid of mountains, it's just that..it's December..we're from the swamps..we're not prepared to navigate snowy roads (especially steeep snowy roads). So, Albuquerque, Flagstaff - here we come. We actually decided to get a head start this afternoon. ....Nothing like your hubby coming home around 11 am and telling you he wants to leave as soon as you can - when you thought you were leaving the next moring! That's been my day. Not the calmest day I've lived through.

We stopped in Shreveport, LA for the night - mainly because we were both exhausted. If we hadn't stopped at Prejeans' for some delish Cajun food and fun music, we mighth ave made Dallas. Shreve is a bustlin' little place. I guess the casinos have been good to them. I wish we could just turn back around when the sun rises tomorrow and head home. Instead, we head to Albuquerque. Pray we don't run into any snow - or high mountains.

Wanna hear something funny?

2010-12-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

My husband expects me to just pack up and head to Oregon - this weekend! Yep. Forget Christmas. Forget kids coming home. Just - pack up and head north. I'm laughing to keep from crying....

Thanksgiving's Over, Now We Face Down Christmas....

2010-12-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a Thanksgiving that included at least one good memory. Jim and I met our NC kiddos at one of our favorite places - Gulf Shores, AL. A healing place for me. We didn't make it down there all last summer - not because of the oil, but because of personal finances (Jim was laid off). Things are all better now - both on the job front and on the lovely beaches. Gazing at nature's beauty made us realize how ugly the effects of greed and stupid decision making can be. The only reminder of last summer - the summer of oil - was the occasional sign instructing how to remove oil, and the closed businesses. People and businesses on the coast are working so very hard to stay afloat and maintain the unique lifestyle. Like New Orleans, ain't much gonna hold that beautiful Gulf Coast down - too many people love it so much!

Thanksgiving's behind us and Christmas looms - I wish I could look forward to it instead of counting the days until it's over. Maybe one day. Again I face the problems of getting everyone together (and figuring out who's bringing who - and how many), what everyone's into now so I'll know what to give them, and where we'll be for the big day. It's been many years since I waited this long to shop. Just a couple of hours ago, son #3 emailed me his list - he is in school so I must be somewhat patient. Right? Thank the good Lord it was a simple list, and one that could be handled entirely online. He's a good kid (and knows how his mom shops).

The big problem so far this year started last week - the day before we were leaving for the beach. Jim accepted a new job - in Oregon. I refused to think about it until yesterday when he told me he has to be up there in a week and a half! Yep. Talk about a fly in the ointment. Can I just think about all this crap tomorrow?

The Wonders of Texting....

2010-11-17T05:18:00.000-08:00

In my opinion, texting is a wonderful invention. As awkward at it as I am, it's my default method of keeping in touch with my out-of-state kids. I can call - but they don't always answer right away. I can email - but they don't always answer right away. I text - and they answer right away. Don't know why this is but I'm glad it works.

I've even made an anonymous texting friend. He somehow mis-texted me last summer - it involved an accident, a pregnant wife - important stuff, so I felt the need to text him back to tell him his original text had somehow been misdirected. Confusing, I know.... He later thanked me and let me know things turned out fine. From time to time, more misdirected texts followed. By last month our mis-texting relationship had evolved to the point where he felt comfortable enough to ask the time of a Saints game. This relationship culminated last night. My phone pinged with a new text and I opened the message to find a picture of my mis-texting friend's beautiful newborn baby. I wonder if I should buy a present?

Happy Saturday!

2010-11-13T05:32:00.000-08:00

It's the only November 13, 2010 Saturday you'll ever get a chance to make memorable so - make it a good one!

Don't you (sometimes) just hate it when people say things like that - especially when your life seems really crappy and you're in the middle of a world-class pity party? I understand. Been there. In fact, I was living there last week, and then....someone in my life said something to me that (after overcoming the urge to throw something) made me smile in spite of myself. The smile led to a chuckle at myself for being such a drama queen (as much as I hated to admit it), and then I couldn't help myself - it was all uphill from there. Not saying I made it entirely up that hill I was climbing, but change in attitude made the trip somewhat more bearable. I'll leave you with what was said to me with hopes it will brighten your day - and then I'll run for cover in case someone starts throwing things.... Here goes - think about the possibilities if you even attempt the following statement:

Be fabulous!

Tropical Storms, Tropical Depressions, & Hurricanes

2010-07-24T22:13:00.000-07:00

None of them coming our way! Woo hoo! Although Bonnie was scheduled to visit just south of us, it seems she changed her plans. It's lookin' good right now that we won't see much of anything. We were pretty much prepared in case she decided to head up our way for a quick blow through, and I noticed lots of other folks buying hurricane food, but it looks as if the biggest problem we're going to have is deciding what to eat and what to keep safe for the next time. There will be a next time - unfortunately.

Holding my breath....

2010-07-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

Please God, let the cap hold. Please.

It's so nice to look at the live video stream and not see any oil flowing into the Gulf. So nice. I'm afraid to believe it will work because it's been so up and down. But....maybe this time. Mabe....

Something I read on Twitter

2010-07-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

I saw the following quote on Twitter last weekend and it has been stuck in my mind ever since. I don't know who said it originally, but it certainly describes my life, so I thought I'd share:

"I'm not where God wants me to be yet, but I'm sure not where I used to be."

I have a problem....

2010-07-09T07:25:00.000-07:00

Okay. J's still not working. Sons #2 and #3 are still in college (with brand spanking new semesters soon to start.) Daughter has quit her job and will soon be starting a new graduate program - going for her, ummmm, I forget how many masters degrees this will be for her. I lost count after two. You'd think the above was enough to worry about, right? Nope.

When confronted with problems I usually go into action pretty quickly - doesn't matter if I should or shouldn't, or even if the actions I take will help, but....I have to do something! So. With all these financial problems-to-be mounting, I decided I needed to really, really cut my spending. Not that I have ever had the leisure to spend wildly, but I mean really, really cut unnecessary spending. Coffee excluded. And, maybe wine.

I decided this yesterday morning as I was walking endless circles around the lake to try and make the voices in my head shut the "f" up. (The voices telling me we were going broke and I'd spend my last years on earth in a cardboard box, etc.) So. I decided to just stop spending for pleasure (coffee and wine were placed into the necessary category), and see if it helps. That settled, and the voices muffled, I stopped walking circles, went inside, sat down at the computer, and proceeded to place an order for K-cups, and for good measure, ordered a Roku. I need help....

Happy 4th!

2010-07-04T07:08:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July to you and your mom 'n 'em. Proud to be an American, a resident of the Gulf South, and a south Louisianian. Thanks to everyone who has served to protect our freedom.

Now - enjoy the day. Fly the flag, sing the songs, tell the stories (and somehow manage to fit in some good food and drink).

Lazy, rainy day....

2010-06-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

There are storms that destroy, and then there are storms that bring cloudy skies, breezy weather, and somewhat cooler temps. Alex is bringing us the cloudy, breezy, somewhat cooler conditions, thankfully. It's a huge system - we started getting clouds, wind and rain Sunday, but it's been an on-again, off-again type thing. I think today and tomorrow will be the peak for us. Yep. Alex is a rain-maker for us. Let's hope it stays that way all of our fifth season.

Anyone inclined to pray, send up good thoughts-vibes-etc, today?

2010-06-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

I copied and pasted this from Gov Jindal's site. Join in if you feel so inclined! AL, MS, and FL's Govs have done the same (in addition to TX's Gov mentioned at the end of the article. Have a super duper Sunday!

"Baton Rouge, Louisiana - Gov. Bobby Jindal has declared Sunday a day of prayer in Louisiana, for perseverance in coping with the environmental crisis caused by the oil spill in the Gulf.

Jindal issued the proclamation Wednesday, 66 days since the April 20 explosion of the Deepwater Horizon that killed 11 people and triggered the massive spill.

In his proclamation, the governor says "Louisianians all across the world are united in hope for an end to this catastrophic event and pray for the recovery of our coastline, the rehabilitation of our fish and wildlife and the restoration of our extraordinary coastal areas."

Texas Gov. Rick Perry also has declared Sunday a day of prayer in his state."

We've decided: it's a "Math-thing"....

2010-06-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

Several of us were sitting around one evening last week sharing some conversation and a couple bottles of wine (remember the wine as you read further - it might have something to do with our "decision"). As we chatted, it wasn't long before our words turned to the Gulf. Someone wondered out loud why this lastest event. Well, we know why - it was a colossal mistake, but we were wondering why these mistakes seem so much bigger down here in south Louisiana. We all agreed that when something happens here, the results seem magnified when compared to other places. Maybe it's just because we live here, at (or close to) the epicenter of the event(s). Maybe it's because living here is such a chore - there are places that it's just damn hard to live in, and here is one of them. Over the last weeks we've heard many people in New Orleans say they're reminded how tenuous life is in that city - it makes them love it all the more (and...makes them more determined). Maybe it's because the Gulf wants to reclaim (or claim) some land we lay claim to - okay, I admit that one's far fetched (it was suggested after one too many glasses, I guess).

Whatever the reason, we all agreed that it's a hell of a thing that's happening and it just doesn't make sense - yet. It's like, how freakin' long is it going to last before it's over! You can't decide how to act while something's still unfolding, all you can do is manage and maintain. You don't know what's going to be reqired of you until something has happened, is over, and you know what you're finally facing. We're feeling this way and we're somewhat removed from the effects. God only knows how the people living on the coast and those losing jobs are handling their emotions. Why one thing after another - then another?

In the end, because we felt as if we should, we came up with some sort of theory and decided it must be a math thing. I don't remember exactly how we arrived at that conclusion (probably because I've never been very good at math), but it made sense at the time. It had something to do with magnitudes, probabilities, outcomes, quadrants, rates, ratios, and all sorts of legitimate-sounding math terms. In the end, we decided that crap happens everywhere, it just seems worse when you're where it's happening. I don't know why we went through the math exercise because that's pretty much what we were thinking to begin with.

One of those days....

2010-06-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

Just one of those regular days around here. The FedX guy just delivered the fans I bought from woot.com - my belief is....you can never have too many fans. These are cute little things - a good size for the computer desk or bedside. I got four. Yes, four. I will send at least two to NC - possibly three. The UPS guy wasn't far behind, delivering J's late Father's Day gift from our NC kids - it was a houndstooth BAMA cap. Very nice! The FedX guy came to the side door and the UPS guy went to the front door. I wonder if they waved to each other as they passed. It used to embarrass me when they arrived at the same time (don't know why!), but I'm over it now. All the years of traveling taught me how to shop first by phone and now online. I should see the UPS guy again Friday with my K-cups from Amazon, and if I can catch him, I'll see how his trip to Napa went (I learned of his planned Napa trip when he delivered some wine I'd ordered). I didn't get to ask the FedX guy if his brother-in-law sold the Fiat he's been working so hard on. ....These guy are becoming like family.

Well, time to get back to being productive - and try not to think about what's happening now that BP had to remove the cap from the well. I hope they get it back on soon. And then there's that tropical wave in the Caribbean - I don't want to think about that either. Let's just hope it stays there - and doesn't turn into a depression. I did just hear that eBay will pull the Jimmy Buffett tickets - the free tickets people got for the Gulf Shores, AL benefit concert to promote Gulf Coast tourism. There's that. And with that bit of non-note-worthy news, I'm off....

Lost in translation?

2010-06-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

Hello from down here on the Gulf Coast. Let me rephrase that, Hello from one of the little people down here on the Gulf Coast. Little people as defined by the Swedish head of a British based oil company doing business in the U.S. That's a lot of cultures to combine and mishaps just waiting to happen - and happen they have. We may speak the same language (sort of) as the Brits but in the end it sure as hell doesn't mean the same thing at times. These people have the money, so why in the world don't they hire someone who can vet statements before they're made and hopefully prevent comments like some we've heard? They are adding insult to injury. Since my anger management is nearing its limit, I'll chalk this comment up to stupidity instead of being intentional.

BP - spewing oil and bull sh*t.

Not exactly the reaction I was going for....

2010-06-14T22:35:00.000-07:00

I was excited to tear into my new batch of imps from Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab - a neat family run business in California, with super customer service. Imps are what they call their scent testers - so cute! You could spend hours on their site reading about their scent blends, believe me when I tell you that! My new order had come in a few days before but I'd been waiting to open the package until I could savor the experience. ....It's been a hell of a few weeks, so I take my joy where I can find it. Saturday was the day I decided I needed to find some joy, so I put everything else on hold and settled down with the package of goodies.

I spent a good while sniffing and checking BPAL's site to educate my nose to just what individual scents it was sniffin'. I'm getting better at recognizing
smells. After I had sniffed four or so imps my nose got overloaded and I knew it was time to stop sniffing and just chose one to wear - the scents take on a different smell once they are applied....they morph (or whatever). It's actually lovely to smell how one ingredient comes to the front only to be replaced by another. So. I apply what I think is a nice lemony smell and start walking through the house - only to hear J. yell out, "What's that smell? Did you open an air freshener?"

"Nope," I say - heading for the door to go air myself out.

A weekend puplic service announcement (of sorts)....

2010-06-11T10:25:00.000-07:00

See the shirt ^^^^ up there? (I hope it shows up.) My daughter sent it to me. It was so funny because I was going to send a couple to her and son #3 in NC, but she beat me to it. Copied from Fleurty Girl's web site: "This shirt is on 100% combed organic cotton and printed using soy oil-based inks. No petroleum products were used for the printing of this shirt." also "We have teamed up with Audubon Institute's LMMSTRP to do a limited-edition shirt with 100% of the net proceeds going straight to LMMSTRP." (LMMSTRP would be Louisiana Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Rescue Program)

With that in mind, anyone who's environmentaly inclined and has $20 (+ $4.95 shipping) to spend - go to:

Fleurty Girl

and you can get one, too! And if you go to Fleurty Girl's web site, be sure to click on the "Home" option. You'll get a few giggles and a taste of New Orleans and south La humor. Good stuff.

To the nice lady who followed me around Walmart yesterday....

2010-06-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

you know who you are: the one who was wandering the aisles - looking as lost as me. The one who...happened to hear the snarly comment I made about being in Walmart instead of Target because (well....because of a number of factors we won't go into here); when you heard that comment you sort of latched onto me. You remember - we became basket-pushin' buddies for about 15 minutes (even tho it seemed like an eternity) while you pointed out your Walmart-finds? You remember. You mentioned if we had been in Target we could have had a cup of coffee while shopping - or after shopping on our way to the car. (The fact that that reminder brought a tear to my eye didn't even phase you. It was then and there that I decided you probably weren't dangerous.)

Anywho....today I have this to say to you: Yes, the cantaloupe you insisted I buy was (ummmm....I cannot tell a lie) it was okay. Maybe not as good as you said when you found me (once again) in the produce section to show it to me and insist I buy it, and..even seemed to wait the at the store exit to ask if I had the melon. Did you think I'd put it back on the display once you left? Got cha! I figured that - that's why the huge cantaloupe was carved this morning and why cantaloupe will be part of most every menu for quite a few days. Oh! before I forget - thank you for your intended kindness.

It's true what they say:

2010-06-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

You don't know what you've got until you loose it. I've been constantly reminded of that these past few days since we've been having problems with our air conditioner! (a thought that strikes terror into the hearts and minds of all who live anywhere near these swamps in the summer) Yep. We survived the first onslaught of real heat a few weeks ago, but our luck ran out last week when we noticed/heard water dripping from the inside unit. Of course it was raining cats and dogs outside when we called the repairman - no way was he going out into the deluge and work with electrical stuff, but he was nice enough to insist on stopping by and taking a look at the whatever it is that's inside the house....for free! A chill ran through my heart when he couldn't find anything wrong. I knew we were in for a diagnostic ride - can't fix what you don't know is broken. So, we're staying cool most of the time - waiting for whatever is going to happen to happen. Drives me crazy. Meanwhile, I have so many fans blowing that J says it's like a tornado inside the house. At least air is moving - maybe not the coolest air at times, but....

BIG night tonight!

2010-02-07T08:38:00.000-08:00

Everyone's all a dither around here. Not only is Mardi Gras in full swing, but....(and I cannot believe I am saying this), but....the Saints are in the Super Bowl! Amazing. I know. Amazing, but true. Soooo nice for Louisiana to be in the news for something positive. (Even though New Orleans tried to upstage itself last week with that ridiculous coroner's ad.)

So, all together now:

Who dat Black!

Who dat Gold!

Who dat gonna win dat Super Bowl!

I'm surprised my blog remembers me....

2010-01-07T12:21:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a while. I hope everyone had a good and safe holiday break. We went to the mountains - Blue Ridge, GA. It was a very enjoyable trip. Two of our kids drove over from NC and spent the time with us - we missed the two who couldn't make it. Why is it more and more difficult to get everyone together as the years go by? I need to pour a big glass of wine and mull that one over. At least the two that didn't make it are safe and sound and were surrounded by friends over the holidays.

We are thinking about moving to the mountains so the trip was for information (to see if we thought we'd like living there)and a closer place to meet up with the kids. It didn't take me long to confirm what I was thinking....which was, Yep! I could do this. It also didn't take long to begin a *must have* list of things to look for. First of all, a fairly level grade to any place we'd consider. After the steep drive up to the cabin we rented, my legs were shaking so much I couldn't stand up. It was a lovely area and a lovely cabin. I'll try and post pictures later.

So, we're home. Decorations are almost packed up. I hope the old saying about it being bad luck to leave your tree up after Jan.1 isn't true. If it is, we are in for one hell of a year. Carnival has started up and the King Cakes are everywhere, so it's not going to be easy to lose those extra pounds. Not easy at all.

And....tonight BAMA plays Texas for the national championship. Roll Tide Roll!

Now, off to check in on everyone's blogs....

Anyone on Facebook?

2009-09-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

Since I don't seem to be getting here much anymore, if anyone stops by who is on Facebook, look for me at (hopefully):

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=1630658820&ref=profile

Things are fine down here in the swamps, just a bit hectic at the moment. Football started last weekend and I don't know if I breathed normally until Monday. I have a feeling it's going to be a l-o-n-g season! And....anyone use ooma (digital phone service), or know anything about it?

Friday Fun....

2009-07-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

(I got 22 -- or, depending on how you look at it, 22 1/2 or 23. I can be creative when it comes to math.)

For those old enough to remember but still young at heart.

Doo Wop Oldies Quiz:

Thirty great memories about music that caused our
parents and teachers grief!!!! Welcome to "The Expanded
Doo-Wop Oldies Quiz." Take the quiz and see how you
score as a true "Oldies Fan." Write down your
answers and check them against the answers at the end. Don't cheat, now!

1. When did 'Little Suzie' finally wake up?
(a) The movie's over, it's 2 o'clock
(b) The movie's over, it's 3 o'clock
(c) The movie's over, it's 4 o'clock

2. "Rock Around The Clock" was used in what movie?
(a) Rebel Without A Cause
(b) Blackboard Jungle
(c) The Wild Ones
3. What's missing from a Rock & Roll standpoint?
Earth _____
(a) Angel
(b) Mother
(c) Worm
4. I found my thrill . . ." where?
(a) Kansas City
(b) Heartbreak Hotel
(c) Blueberry Hill

5. "Please turn on your magic beam, _____ _____
bring me a dream,:
(a) Mr. Sandman
(b) Earth Angel
(c) Dream Lover

6. For which label did Elvis Presley first record?
(a) Atlantic
(b) RCA
(c) Sun
7. He asked, "Why's everybody always pickin' on me?"
Who was he?
(a) Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
(b) Charlie Brown
(c) Buster Brown

8. Bobby Darin's "Mack The Knife," the one with the
knife, was named:
(a) MacHeath
(b) MacCloud
(c) MacNamara
9. Name the song with '"A-wop bop a-loo bop a-lop bam boom."
(a) Good Golly, Miss Molly
(b) Be-Bop-A-Lula
(c) Tutti Fruitti
10. Who is generally given credit for originating the term
"Rock And Roll"?
(a) Dick Clark
(b) Wolfman Jack
(c) Alan Freed
11. In 1957, he left the music business to become a preacher:
(a) Little Richard
(b) Frankie Lymon
(c) Tony Orlando
12. Paul Anka's "Puppy Love" is written to what star?
(a) Brenda Lee
(b) Connie Francis
(c) Annette Funicello
13. The Everly Brothers are . . ...
(a) Pete and Dick
(b) Don and Phil
(c) Bob and Bill

14. The Big Bopper's real name was:
(a) Jiles P. Richardson
(b) Roy Harold Scherer Jr.
(c) Marion Michael Morri son
15. In 1959, Berry Gordy, Jr., started a small record
company called...
(a) Decca
(b) Cameo
(c) Motown
16. Edd Brynes had a hit with "Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb.
'What TV show was he on?
(a) 77 Sunset Strip
(b) Hawaiian Eye
(c) Surfside Six
17. In 1960 Bobby Darin married:
(a) Carol Lynley
(b) Sandra Dee
(c) Natalie Wood

18. They were a one hit wonder with "Book Of Love":
(a) The Penguins
(b) The Monotones
(c) The Moonglows
19. The Everly Brothers sang a song called 'Till I ________ You."
(a) Loved
(b) Kissed
(c) Met
20. Chuck Berry sang "Oh, ___________, why can't you be true?"
(a) Suzie Q
(b) Peggy Sue
(c) Maybelline
21. "Wooly _______"
(a) Mammouth
(b) Bully
(c) Pully
22. "I'm like a one-eyed cat . . .
(a) can't go into town no more.
(b) sleepin' on a cold hard floor.
(c) peepin' in a seafood store.
23. "Sometimes I wonder what I'm gonna do . . ."
(a) cause there ain't no answer for a life without booze.
(b) cause there ain't no cure for the summertime blues.
(c) cause my car's gassed up and I'm ready to cruise.
24. "They often call me Speedo, but my real name is . . ..."
(a) Mr. Earl.
(b) Jackie Pearl.
(c) Milton Berle.
25. "You're my Fanny and nobody else's . . ..."
(a) girl.
(b) butt.
(c) love.
26. "I want you to play with my . . . "
(a) heart.
(b) dreams.
(c) ding a ling.
27. "Be Bop A Lula . . ."
(a) she's got the rabies.
(b) she's my baby.
(c) she loves me, maybe.
28. "Fine Love, Fine Kissing . . ...".
(a) right here.
(b) fifty cents.
(c) just for you.
29. "He wore black denim trousers and . . .."
(a) a pink carnation.
(b) pink leotards.
(c) motorcycle boots.

30. "I got a gal named . . ."
(a) Jenny Zamboni.
(b) Gerri Mahoney
(c) Boney Maroney.

Answers: Scroll Down so you aren't tempted to cheat
(as if cheating were needed here).

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

1 (c) The movie's over, it's 4 o'clock
2. (b) Blackboard Jungle
3. (a) Angel
4. (c) Blueberry Hill
5. (a) Mr. Sandman
6. (c) Sun
7. (b) Charlie Brown
8. (a) Mac Heath
9. (c) Tutti Fruitti
10. (c) Alan Freed
11. (a) Little Richard
12. (c) Annette Funicello
13. (b) Don and Phil
14. (a) Jiles P. Richardson
15. (c) Motown
16. (a) 77 Sunset Strip
17. (b) Sandra Dee
18. (b) The Monotones
19. (b) Kissed
20. (c) Maybelline
21. (b) Bully
22. (c) peepin' in a seafood store.
23. (b) cause there ain't no cure for the summertime blues.
24. (a) Mr. Earl.
25. (b) butt.
26. (c) ding a ling.
27. (b) she's my baby.
28. (a) right here.
29. (c) motorcycle boots
30. (c) Boney Maroney.

The heat broke....

2009-07-08T07:29:00.001-07:00

I may survive a while longer. We're celebrating temps that are in the mid-90's. There's something wrong with that....

So....J won't touch the iPod Touch I bought him for Father's Day. ummmm.... I told him it's gonna be mine pretty darn soon. I'm becoming attached. I haven't named it though. ;)

Windows are in....

2009-07-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

They installed the replacement windows Tuesday and they are nice. So....my week and weekend has been consumed with cleaning up plaster dust. I think we've about got it now. I had something scheduled for every day last week, and I'm so looking forward to some free catch-up days this week.

We went boating Friday with some friends. I didn't like it. It was HOT and I'm just not a boater. We didn't stay out too long and we had a good meal at a place along the river, so it wasn't a total bust. I'm glad it's over. You see, I have this thing in the back of my mind that warns me to stay away from water. I have this feeling that, if I'm not careful, one day I'm going to find myself in water, in a horrible situation, and (this is the worst part)I'm going to realize -- I could have avoided it if.

....Okay. I hear you snickering. It's silly but I don't like tempting fate. As much as I like being near or around water, I don't like being on or in water. Oh, well. I survived this time.

It will probably be nice....when it's over..

2009-06-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

Hopefully, the replacement windows for the front of the house and and the bay will be installed tomorrow. They said it usually only took a day. We'll see. I'm so bummed about it. I know it will be nice to have the new windows, but I just don't want to go through getting them. The heat has been unbelievable here and I pity the air conditioner trying to play keep-up tomorrow. Once again I'll be relegated to one part of the house, and I'm so tired of that!

Oh, well. It will probably be nice....when it's over.

We're home....

2009-06-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

and it's still hot. But....it was every bit as hot in Memphis as it is here. whew! We had a good time and were able to do everything we'd planned. I've gotta tell you, I fell in love with Memphis' quirky coolness. Everyone we met was so polite and knowledgeable. We heard the most interesting stories from shop clerks and restaurant workers. And those tours that I wasn't too excited to take? My bad. I actually enjoyed them, and I don't usually enjoy tours. We ate well, slept well, and (except for the heat) thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

A few words about Graceland. I found Graceland to be a very personal experience for many. If you'd asked me if I was an Elvis fan (pre-Graceland visit), I'd have said yes. But....after visiting Graceland and seeing all the different people and their reactions, I now know I barely qualify fan-wise. This may help explain: When we were ~~finally, thank GOD!~~ finished, I was waiting under a shade tree for J to get the car and pick me up. There was a man from Galveston, TX sharing the shade with me. He was waiting on his wife who was giving blood in exchange for a free Elvis tee shirt. By that time, that didn't even seem odd to me. I heard more foreign accents and languages at Graceland than anywhere else we visited in Memphis. The King must really be a King.

Now, for the Peabody....if you go to Memphis, stay there! I now understand how some hotels become dear to people. I find myself smiling when I think about it. And the ducks? I'll post pictures as soon as hubby downloads them. I fell in love with the ducks (or, maybe the idea of them). Hint: the love-the-ducks test meter sky rockets with a drink/glass of wine from the lovely lobby bar in the Peabody.

So, now I start planning for the Gulf Shores trip. I'm getting excited. I'll not only be seeing three of my kids, but visiting a well-loved place. And....the weather's going to good. Right? No hurricanes. Right?

I got my maternal DNA results. I'm H haplogroup. There were three or four insertions and deletions, and I'm not sure what those mean. I'm working on understanding it now -- as best I can. But, it pretty much verified that (on my mother's side) I'm pretty much British/Irish. The American Indian link that I remember my grandmother talking about didn't show up -- as far as I can tell. I need to send the results to my daughter (who is a few courses shy of being qualified to interpret DNA). But....I know what she's going to say. "Mom. I told you that most places don't test enough markers to be able to show specific results." And....she'd be correct.

Lordy, it's HOT!

2009-06-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I'm saying that when it's not even July or August, but....it's freakin' HOT! But, as they tell us, at least this high pressure system that's funneling in the heat, is keeping storms out of the Gulf. There's that. After I finish this post I'm going to go take a look at the mountain cabin we rented for Christmas. You know.....you can actually buy cabins (and houses) online? I'm not sure how involved it is, but when the kids were living in MS, a realtor told them that several, several, people had bought houses in Hattiesburg, sight unseen. My impression is that most of the buyers were from California. They could probably sell their CA home, pay cash for one in MS, and maybe even pay off all or some of their bills. Not a bad idea. Wonder what J would do if he came home and I informed him that we are proud owners of a cabin in the mountains? I probably couldn't actually buy one without someone having to talk with him, and, well, I'm pretty sure he wouldn't go for it. Pretty sure.

We're headed to Memphis tomorrow. I'm looking forward to getting away. I hope it's an easy, relaxing trip. We'll see. Since we'll only be gone a couple of days, everything will fit in my Vera Bradley duffel:
Vera Bradley duffel (mine is actually retired -- Chelsey Green, but you get the idea (busy!), and my VB purse/tote (the Betsy) with all the pockets (love it!), in another retired color, Vibrant Black: VB Betsy with lots of pockets
I've heard people say that, to them, VB reminds them of a flower garden throwing up, or an LSD trip going bad. Oh, well. :)

Have a nice weekend and a Happy Father's Day everyone.

What's up for the weekend?

2009-06-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

Not much going on in my part of the swamps. LSU is playing in Omaha (College World Series) Saturday night, and University of Southern Mississippi (my daughter and one of my son's alma mater) is playing Sunday night, so we'll be watching some baseball (at least have it on one tv) while trying to hide out from this heat. I also need to wrap some of J's Father's Day gifts so they'll be ready for him to open before or after our Memphis trip. I'll let him decide when to open them. I bought him an iPod touch and I just know he's going to have a time getting used to it, but.... I thought about an iPhone but he likes his old phone (and I really don't want to pay the monthly iPhone bill). He just wanted something to play games on, so I thought the iPod touch would fill the bill. We'll see. (The longer iPhones hang around, the more I like them. Plus, my dd loves her's, and son #2 works for them.)

Son #1 received his laptop this week. Don't cha just love Amazon? He likes it. (His laptop.) ;) Really likes it. I can tell. He named it. I continue to be surprised that people name their electronics. I'm so clueless around electronic stuff that I'm afraid to get that personal. I'm glad we bought son #1 a full laptop instead of a netbook. I think it will suit his needs more. But....like the iPhone, the more I see the netbooks, the more I want them. Sigh!

Yesterday, while doing some Memphis planning, I found coupons for most of the attractions we want to see. I was a happy lady--I rarely find deals. Sun Studios was one of the coupons offered. So, Jeff from Sun, we'll definitely be stopping by. Even without the coupon we'd have come by--Sun Studio is at the top of my husband's list. Thanks for the invite. Now I feel bad for saying I wasn't looking forward to the trip. I've read posts on Trip Advisor and I must say, Beale Street sounds much more impressive than I was thinking. And I think we'll take the trolley to South Main. The Metal Ornament Museum looks interesting, too. So much to do, so little time.

So....stay safe, stay cool, and enjoy the weekend everyone out there in cyberland.

Where have I been? What have I been doing?

2009-06-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

Answers: nowhere & nothing.

I have no excuses for not posting for so long. I've been here, doing the normal stuff. We've finally ordered the replacement windows for the bay and front of the house. They should be here soon. I knew we wouldn't get it done before the heat settled in, and we didn't. But....I think this is the company who said they did one window at a time, so maybe it won't be so bad. Maybe. We have seven windows to be replaced. Wonder if I could leave for the day....

In a weak moment ~~after a couple glasses of wine~~, I decided to order son #1 an actual laptop for his birthday -- instead of a netbook (which I really, really want). He does a lot of writing and it will be his primary computer and....I luv him, so....I'm glad I did it. J actually insisted on it. But....have you seen the netbooks? They are so cute!

Now. I'm very excited about this. We won't be going to the coast for Christmas. Nope. We're going to the mountains! Blue Ridge, GA. I am so excited. Before Gustav sent the tree into the house, J and I had decided to try out the mountain lifestyle (because the coast is so expensive, and there are all those nasty hurricanes), but after Gustav we were so busy with the rebuild that we just forgot about it. Well....we're back on track now. (Just in time for a new hurricane season, but we won't think about that now.) I've rented a lovely cabin. The kids are excited -- much closer to NC. So....off we'll go. I'm trying not to think about how cold it will most likely be. Or....if it snows or ices over or something like that. We'll be in deep dodo if that happens. Let's just not think about that for a while. Okay?

That takes care of Christmas. We were planning on going to Raleigh for Thanksgiving to see the kids (like last year -- before the storm), but J didn't know if he'd be able to take that many days off with his new job, so I told A that, if she wouldn't be angry with me, we'd skip coming up there for Thanksgiving, and save the money for Christmas and the mountains. She seemed fine. And then.... And then she called to say they would be flying down in August to see us. I am so glad! We haven't seen them since Christmas. And....in addition to A and son #3, two of their roommates are coming. Should be fun. And, shhhh!, J doesn't know yet, but....we're going to the coast for the weekend when they come! Yep. I found a good deal, so off we'll go. In the end, J will love it. We haven't been to the beach in the summer in a while now. Of course, it's going to be HOT! The kids are so excited. We've established a comfortable coast routine: Old Time Pottery, Burris Fruit Stand, Shrimp Basket, Hope's Cheesecake. I can't wait.

And Father's Day weekend J and I are heading up to Memphis for two nights at the Peabody. This was J's idea. He came in one night and said he wanted to go to Memphis, stay at the Peabody, and see Graceland. I looked up Peabody nightly rates; told him how much they were, and he said -- maybe not. I found rates that were acceptable to him on Expedia, and....I guess we're going to Memphis in a week or so. This is J's trip. He wants to see Beale St, the Gibson guitar factory, Sun Studio, and maybe Stax records. Oh, and Graceland. I'm not really anxious to see any of it, but....I'll be a good sport. (If you remember, he doesn't know about the August trip to the coast, yet.) There is a cemetery (Elmwood) that I'd like to walk through. Does anyone else enjoy walking through cemeteries, or is it a Southern thing?

So, my travels for the rest of the year are planned. I don't know about you, but for me, the planning is stressful. Deciding where to go. How much to spend. Finding a reputable place to rent from. Finding a rental that will (hopefully) please the entire family. Whew! It takes work. But, it's done. We're going to freeze at Christmas, and burn up during August, but....

The last project that has been stealing my time is ancestry dot com. I've spent some time there and have found some interesting things about my family. Last week, I sent in a DNA sample. We'll see where that leads.

That's it for catching up. Birthdays, trip planning, and ancestor researching had stolen my time. Maybe now I can start my beading projects. Maybe.

At least the day ended well....

2009-05-14T21:25:00.000-07:00

It's been one of those days. Actually it was rocking along pretty good until the storms blew in. I was on the desktop computer when the rain started. Soon a full-blown thunderstorm was doing its thing -- bright flashes of lightning, window rattling thunder claps, blowing rain. All of a sudden, BAM! There was a loud noise and the power went out. No problem, I thought as I settled down with my Kindle.

Then....son #3 texted to remind me of the North Carolina Hurricanes hockey playoff game. (I had to watch, and I had to wear red.) Then....A. texted to ask me if we were going back to the coast this Christmas. ?? I don't know where that came from, but....I have to admit that it sounds like a good idea to me. :) I thought about getting my laptop and searching to see what was available, but decided to control myself, not make a snap decision, and do some more reading instead. As soon as I got caught up in my book (again), J called to tell me he was just down the road but because of a downed power line traffic wasn't moving. Oh, I said, so that's why the power's out. He cursed because he'd had a long day and was hungry and if I'd told him about it sooner he could have stopped and picked up something to eat. (Oh, well.)

I hang up the phone and get back to my book (again). After reading about three pages, J pulls up in the driveway. That was quick, I told him as he walked in the door. How about tomato sandwiches, I ask. Nope, he says. Get you shoes on and we'll go grab something to eat and then go to a movie. (Sounded good to me.) We ended up a Chili's -- grilled salmon for J and chicken quesadillas for me. Margarita's were two for one. (Big smile!) Before we could leave, the bad, bad server forced us to order the molten chocolate cake. (So good!) Then we went to the new Star Trek movie. I'm not a big fan but I liked it. It was comfortable and familiar, like an old friend. J was a little disappointed. He thought all the homages were a bit cheap and would have like to see a more original plot. It's all in your perspective, I guess.

As we drove down the street to the house, we noticed the lights were on. Hoo ray! We walked in and all the clocks were flashing. I hate that. Hate it! I figured the hockey game was over. (Smile!) I texted son #3 and asked him who won. He texted back that it was in just going into overtime and his dad and I should watch it. And....we were wearing red weren't we? So we turned the game on and even though I'm not a hockey fan, the 12 minute ot went fast and the Hurricanes won. I decided to start up the computer ~~and start looking at what's available for Christmas~~ and check out some beading sites. The computer started up fine, but not the moniter. I think it's fried. I'll think about that tomorrow. The laptop's working fine for now.

Anyone have a netbook computer? I'm thinking about getting one for son #1's birthday. He needs/wants one, but considering his lifestyle, I don't want to spend much money. He would use it to write (in addition to surf the net). I hear pros and cons about the efficiency of writing on a netbook. Some say the smaller keyboard is a real pain. Some say it's fine. I just don't know. I want something that would be useful to him -- not a nuisance. I guess I should just ask him how he feels about netbooks. Duh!

Mother's Day revisited....

2009-05-11T15:16:00.001-07:00

I hope every mom had a good day. Even if you're in a place where it's difficult, I hope that at some point during the day you were able to muster up some hope and maybe a couple of good memories. Sometimes it takes sheer determination to navigate this mom-thing.

In one way or another, I heard from all four of my off spring so it was a good day for me. A very good day. J. really surprised me. His presents were thoughtful and appropriate. (I'm not trying to start anything here. I'm just saying....) We also had a good shawarma meal and a hearty red wine to go with it. My North Carolina kids sent me the neatest blanket. It's a cable knit and super soft. They saw if on Grey's Anatomy (I think). My daughter had gotten one and really likes it so I guess every roommate's mom received one, too. My Oregon child ended my day in a way I would expect from him. He called while we were out eating but called back around 10:30 pm (he has no regard for the time diff). Something was wrong with the connection so I didn't get to actually talk to him -- I just heard him saying, "Can you hear me? Can you hear me? Can you hear me?" As he was yelling this, it sounded like a dozen voices in the background screaming -- HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! He likes to bring lots of other peple into whatever he does. So, I know he's alive and kickin'. Yes. It was a very good day.

Not really worth a post, but....

2009-05-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

Not much going on around here. It's getting hotter by the day. We haven't had the new windows installed yet. :) :) :) :) (ask me if i care!)

The picture above? That's the building Mark Twain called the ugliest building on the Mississippi. That was my view a couple of weeks ago as I sat listening to Bobby Blue Bland (79 yo and still going pretty strong),as the sun set over the Mississippi River. I wanted to get a picture of the sunset over the river and the bridge but it didn't work out. Oh, well. Take my work for it -- it was nice.

Here are some oddities about Baton Rouge: We have the old state capitol (the one in the picture), and the new state capitol. We have the old Mississippi river bridge, and the new Mississippi river bridge. We also refer to things as being located in....the old Sears building, the old Maison Blanche, the old this and the old that. It's interesting how cities work. Makes it hard for outsiders and newcomers to learn their way around. Oh...lest I forget. We now also have the old Alex Box stadium where our very own Tigers used to play baseball, but, as of this year, they compete in the new Alex Box stadium. I hear it's nice but....I don't do baseball. Too easy to get hit by errant balls (not to mention the heat).

Last Monday I started taking some online courses from Virtual University. Son #3 and I used them when we were homeschooling. I'm taking courses on: Numerology, Reincarnation, Meditation (which I've never been able to still my mind long enough to do), and the Bhagavad Gita. I'm enjoying all the reading but, I must admit that I skim much of the material to find general ideas that make sense to me. One idea that I've really been impressed with, and plan on trying to put into action is this -- act, with no attachment to, or expectation of, outcome. (Now, those are my words so I hope I'm not distorting the Gita's meaning.)

The idea is not a new one to me, but it is one that I am going to practice more in my life. I'm one who thinks they must do everything well and not disappoint anyone. Before doing anything, I put all these expectations on myself. I'm going to try and not do that anymore. Maybe then I'll be more relaxed and able to meditate? We'll see.

Does anyone else have a Kindle? If so, have you accessorized it or is it still nekkid? Have you named it? When I broke down and bought my Kindle, I never thought about things like that. I just wanted to read. Well....I've been introduced to all these lovely (and pricey!) cases, skins, bags.... So far, I've held off taking the accessory plung (actually, I lie -- last night I ordered a Borsa Bella travel bag, and there's a beautiful Oberon cover I covet), and....I have realized that there are some online sites that I need to stay away from, far, far, away. And naming electronic toys!!?? Never! But....alas, meet Gizmo, my very own Kindle, sitting here anxiously awaiting her/his new BB travel bag. (So sad!)

Okay, I've gone on and on about nothing (which is not unusual), so I'll close now. Oh! One last thing. If you're looking for a good book, check out The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I'm reading it now and find it charming and informative. Now, I know there could be situations where it has to be, but....in general, how could anyone want to live with the effects of war? Try surviving a hurricane and you'll get a slight taste of what it's probably like. Not fun.

Ummm....

2009-05-01T04:58:00.000-07:00

Click here for something interesting.

What do you think about that?

Drama (again) where there need be none....

2009-04-22T12:03:00.000-07:00

So, we're getting replacement windows for the windows Gustav didn't destroy (those have been nicely replaced). :) Seven windows in all need replacing. Only seven. Shouldn't be a big undertaking, huh? Au contraire. When hubby decides to spend money....let me rephrase that....if hubby decides to spend money he agonizes over e-v-e-r-y last cent. Not a bad thing, you say? Under ordinary circumstances, it wouldn't be, but....let me tell ya. Not much with J is ever under ordinary circumstances. That's why we spent over five hours last weekend talking to replacement window salesmen. I figure for an ordinary person, the task would have required no more than 2 or 2 1/2 hours, max.

First. Friday evening ~~a cutie pie of Lebanese descent~~, the first salesman came knocking. Close to two hours later, he left. He (and J) talked so much that sales dude rushed through his spiel at the end because he wanted to get home and rewarm his lasagna. I thought two hours was way too long but consoled myself with the fact that the worst must be over. The sales dude scheduled for the next morning couldn't be that bad. Couldn't be. HA!

Saturday dawns. Eleven o'clock rolls around. Knock! Knock! at the door. And....over three hours later, he leaves. Sheesh! For whatever reason, by the time the last guy left I felt as if I'd been through the wringer. I went straight to the hard stuff and had a good stiff (for me) drink. Didn't even think about the wine. A good catfish dinner lifted my spirits temporarily, but it's been almost a week and I'm still not over last weekend.

I think part of my reaction was because I was reminded of last year's rebuilding on the house. And, the last guy is a Katrina survivor -- at least he's trying to keep on surviving. He and his wife lived in St. Bernard parish and they lost everything. He started talking and just didn't/couldn't stop. From time to time he'd say how he knew he was going on and on, but that it was nice having someone to talk to. His wife is just out of the hospital (for the second time) and still pretty much sedated. He says she tells him that he's her rock. He's trying but he's having a rough time of it. If you ever feel down and out, give me a holler. I'll start tossing out details from this guy's life and I bet you a diet Dr. Pepper you'll soon be feeling better. I think that was a big part of what did me in. There is so little you can do.

But. We still don't have anyone set to replace these windows and the heat's building day by day. I may just pack up and mosey on out of here for a while -- maybe until hurricane season's over. Any suggestions?

Testing, testing, testing....

2009-04-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

A quick test to see if my newly installed (or newly found) Phone Tools works. If so, you'll be able to see my (soon-to-be) cayenne peppers and tomatoes.

There is a price to pay for a view worth having....

2009-04-01T14:35:00.000-07:00

(Alternate title: The problem with a room full of windows)

Today started well. Up early and busy with mundane stuff that took way too much time and tired me out, but needed doing -- and felt good having it done. Then, I decided I had earned a rest....and a glass of wine to sip while spending time with my Kindle. So, glass of wine in hand, I settled in a chair in front of all the new windows and turned on my Kindle. As I reached for my glass I glanced at the lake and....there was a boat with two fishermen floating by. They waved. I waved back (trying to recall exactly what prior motions of mine they'd been privy to). It's a breezy, cool(ish) day, so the open windows offered a clear view into the room.

They floated on by (finally), and I returned to my book (and my wine), and then, not too long afterwards, I started hearing male voices faintly in the background. I convinced myself that the sounds were coming from the New Age music channel I had playing on the tv. But....it wasn't. It was my neighbor and the AT&T repairman traipsing through my backyard. Actually, they were kind of slinking along the fence dividing our yards looking for the phone line or box or something. We notice each other about the same time. They wave. I wave. Neighbor comes to the windows to tell me he likes the patio. By then, I can't concentrate on reading so I try to ~~sneak~~ ease into another room. Movement must catch repairman's eye and he waves (or smiles) a couple more times before I can make my escape.

By then I start to realize that living in this house is like living in a fishbowl. Truly. That fact will go a ways in consoling me this summer when the shades are lowered on the windows to (try to) keep the sun out.

A nice view comes with a price. ....Trust me on this one.

A new day....

2009-03-29T14:35:00.001-07:00

Today's good. Sun is out. Air is cool(ish). Plants survived the front(s) passing through. Not much to pick up in yard. Sparkly bits for the patio and yard arrived, have been assembled and are in place in the yard gathering sun so they can glow in the dark. (I hope.) J. at someone else's house playing war games. Dempsy's for supper last night. Canes tonight. Back on diet tomorrow. UNC doing well (so far), so my NC kids are happy. BAMA has the new basketball coach they wanted. Discovered the fact that Belgium makes some damn good beer. Amazing Race on tonight.

Today....all's well in the swamps. I hope the same is true for you all.

Crap!

2009-03-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

Pardon my French but....it's been a hell of a day. Started a little after 1 am when a front blew through. And, from a little after 1 am until just before 3 pm, I was without power. Sheesh! Hurricane season's not even started. Ever since the trees fell on the house last hurricane season, I've become a first-class wimp when the wind picks up. I need to move. I really, really need to move.

So....all day I've been listening to updates on my C Crane radio (absolutely marvelous little radio. a life saver!). Here's what I heard:

Entergy says they expect to have everyone back online by noon.

Entergy says they expect to have everyone back online by six pm.

Entergy says they expect to have everyone back online by 10 pm.

The news is now saying to expect a repeat tonight. And tomorrow night. Crap.

I'm charging my phone and my (lovey, lovely) radio....

Coffee....

2009-03-23T16:10:00.000-07:00

I have been consumed with a daunting task -- taste-testing coffee. A coffee sampler came with my new coffee maker, so I've been sipping them all -- Green Mountain, Coffee People, Gloria Jean's, Timothy's, Diedrich, Tully's, Van Houtte, Caribou.... did you know there was that much coffee out there? And....keep in mind that each brand offers several varieties. We won't even mention the teas and cocoa -- not yet. How do they expect you to choose? Keep buying and trying, I guess.

It wasn't long before my samples were running low and it was time to make a decision and order something, so I did. I decided on Green Mountain Sumatran Reserve Extra Bold (there's more descriptive words in the title but I can't think of them all). It's not the one I though I'd be ordering first but since J and I both like it, it'll work. I also got a variety box of flavored coffees and they threw in a variety box of tea and a box of cocoa. So, we should be set for a while.

This whole choice thing is new to me. I usually only have to decide between medium, between, or dark roast -- that's difficult enough for a person who's not known for her decisiveness.

How is it possible....

2009-03-21T18:09:00.001-07:00

for two people who have been married for~~ever~~ more years than I care to count, can be so different?!? Just so everyone's on the same page....I'm talking about me and J. I won't go into detail but suffice it to say that today has been one of those hard days many marriages have. A very hard day.

We do things so differently it's not even funny. Here's an example that might explain how today's gone. We received a coupon from Lowe's for $10 off a $50 purchase and $25 off a $250 purchase. So....off to Lowe's we go. We get an umbrella for the outside (plus a stand), tomato plants, other veggie and herb plants, topsoil, and mulch. I wish I'd kept my mouth shut about the larger coupon, but I didn't. So....we get to the checkout and find our total to be a little over $200. I say, "Just use the $10 coupon." But....NooooooOOOOOoooo. J tells the checker to add as many bags of mulch as needed to bring the total up to $250. &%$@!

So, now, we have a shitpot amount of mulch and, what really bugs me, is that we spent our savings in mulch!

Somebody needs to stop me....

2009-03-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

For a few days now I've been ordering, and ordering, and ordering stuff online. It's stuff I need and I've been lucky to find coupons for almost everything I've ordered on retailmenot's web site. Thank you, retailmenot!

So far I've ordered: sparklies for the patio, sparklies for the yard, a really kitchy wall clock for the new room, earrings for moi (Holly Yashi), purple rug and toilet seat cover for one bathroom (yes, purple -- don't ask), coffee and tea, son #3's birthday DVDs from Amazon, and a couple other odds and ends, I think. It all started when I ordered the shades. This is stuff we need and would have bought anyway, I just feel a bit out of control ordering it all at once.

Now I need to get bids on replacement windows for the windows that weren't replaced during the rebuild. I'm acting as if we have money! :/ Mark my words. Everytime I break down and order the things we've been needing for eons, word seems to spread in the ether, one of my kids picks up on it, thinks "Oh! Mom's got the checkbook open!" and calls with a request -- for money. Never fails. We'll see how long it takes this time....

As an aside....I watched Milk and Rachael Getting Married. Liked both of them -- especially Rachael Getting Married. I also watched Frozen River and, even tho it aggravated me to tears at one or two points, I liked it also.

Ordered shades!

2009-03-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

Finally! I bit the bullet, decided on a color, and ordered. I just hope I measured all NINE! windows correctly. I measured, J. measured, I measured again (and again), so we should be okay. I don't know why I get so anxious -- oh, yes I do. You only get one chance in measuring. I've done it before (by myself) for windows in my bay and that worked out just fine. So, I'm sure this will, too. I'm sure this will, too. I'm sure this will, too. I'm sure....

The place I order from online had sent a coupon with free shipping, no sales tax, and 20% off on orders over a certain amount. I thought that was a good deal, until....I went to the web site today to order and there was free shipping, 25% off. And....the double cell shades I wanted were on sale. I liked that. Really liked that. Or course it didn't go smoothly because when I tried to checkout, the coupon didn't show up. So I had to call (I hate doing that because, believe it or not, many people seem to find living in Louisiana odd. I've actually had people ask what country Louisiana's in -- and they weren't kidding. It's not unusual for someone to ask if I have alligators in my yard. It goes on and on, so I like doing business online better.) :)

Everything worked out. The guy I talked to was super nice and efficient -- and I could understand him (as he was from the good old USA). I got a better price than I was counting on, so everything's good down here in the swamps. Oh, and my daughter just sent me more samples for my Keurig. A cup of Wild Mountain Blueberry, Golden French Toast, or Mocha Nut Fudge anyone? I even have more yummy sounding flavors if one of those don't make your mouth water.

Now....if I could only get used to this new bridge. I sound as if I'm lisping and it cracks me up hearing myself talk.

New teeth &....

2009-03-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

a new coffee pot! I am a very contented person (a somewhat headachy-contented person because of holding my mouth open so long at the dentist yesterday and the pressing he did on the new teeth as he glued them on, but....).

So. Yesterday I finally had my new bridge and caps delivered. My persnickety dentist finally decreed them ready for my mouth. The real bummer was having to be at his office by 8 am. Trying to get anywhere in this town most times of day -- especially drive-times -- is a chore. But, I made it fine (even tho I have to drive down this blvd that is one continuous school zone at that time of morning. A long school zone.) I was scheduled for the entire morning -- 8 am - 12 pm -- and it could have taken that long, but luck was with me (and my mouth) and I was driving away (with new teeth) by 9:30.

I stopped by Lowes and Target to look for outdoor stuff to put on the patio. I didn't find anything I wanted so I came home and ordered the items I had waiting in my shopping cart at, atwestend's web site. Has anyone seen them? Some might consider what they offer tacky, but tacky seems to be right up my alley. I don't know how they are going to ship the things I order but I trust they do. I even thought to check and found a 10% off your first order coupon that really helped with the shipping. I'm anxious for the colorful do-dads I ordered to get here.

Here's the best part of yesterday. But let me explain first....when my 4 children were growing up, on each child's birthday the other three would get a token unbirthday gift. They thought it was because they were loved so much -- and it was (partly). Also, as any parent will know, it helped ease any jealousy on the part of those whose birthday it wasn't. I learned this little parenting technique from my mom. It made for more pleasant birthdays in our house.

So....getting to the point..Sunday was my daughter's birthday and she told me she had sent me and her dad an unbirthday gift from her. It was a Keurig single cup coffee brewing system -- I call it a coffee pot. But what a coffee pot! I love it. Really, really love it. A. also sent an assortment of K-cup samples -- which I've been busy sampling. I can't believe it's taken me so long to find this little gem. I gave it one try and it instantly changed the way I drink coffee. No more bad coffee that's been sitting in the pot for too long. My French press is nice but the Keurig is so much easier. So much easier!

Oh! I also discovered Abita's Strawberry beer at Target. Yum! Coffee and beer! What a day!

Now if I can just get those cellular shades ordered....

Blue Plate Mayonnaise....

2009-03-07T10:59:00.000-08:00

My daughter in North Carolina has frantically been searching for Blue Plate Mayonnaise. She was able to find it when she first moved up there. Now....she can't locate it anywhere. She's tried several other brands but they can't replace Blue Plate. (I understand.) So....I get a frantic text asking me to please, please ship her four jars and she will reimburse me. (We'll see.) I figured it would be worth my time to just have Cajun Supermarket ship her some -- along with some Slap Ya Mama seasoning and Elmers Cheesey-things. No luck on Elmers chocolate tho. They'd probably melt before they got there anyway.

I hope she can survive until her care package arrives.

At least the Garrett's popcorn I had shipped to her for her birthday shipped for free.

Pollen....

2009-03-06T06:36:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year that everything outside around here turns a distinctive shade of yellow. Yellow with pollen. There is a film of yellow dust on cars, outside furniture, your butt after sitting on outside furniture, etc, etc.... First the pollen, then the stinging caterpillars, then the no-see-ums. We can mark the season with our plagues. Oh! The lovebugs. Don't forget the lovebugs. At least we now have Bengal for the roaches. (Shudder. Shudder.)

Moving right along.... The temps are slowly but surely creeping up every week, so I decided if I was going to clean up the front flower beds without melting, I'd better do it pretty quickly. And, that's exactly what I did Wednesday. It was a pretty nice day -- weather wise. I went outside with the intention of cleaning off the patio and driveway and refilling the hummingbird feeder, and over four hours later, finally came inside. One thing led to another and by the time I was finished I had five full lawn-and-garden bags full of leaves and old pine straw. AND....front flower beds that looked much better. I still may call someone to come out and finish the job -- fertilizer, new pine straw, and whatever else needs doing.

By the end of the day Wednesday I had one of those nagging headaches -- you know the kind? Not quite a full-blown headache but one just waitin' to strike. I'm sure it was all the pollen and stuff I stirred up while working in the yard, so before bed I took two 8-hour Tylenol and then a Benedryl. Then....I couldn't sleep. I don't know why that happens sometimes. Instead of having a relaxing effect, whatever I take makes me antsy -- or something.

Now for the weekend: Whole Foods. Computer repair shop. Craigslist ad. Dealing with a son's request for money. Pizza. Beer.

The day the music stopped....

2009-02-25T15:45:00.001-08:00

That would be today -- Lent. Partying's over but, of course, the music continues. Now to start taste-testing some of those yummy seafood dishes available everywhere. I'm not Catholic, but around this time of year I try, really try, and do something to improve myself. Tonight, I'll be thinking about what that something is going to be this year. This year I'd really like to turn outward and give something back.

Oh, and if you caught our guv last night after the State of the Union....ewwwww! Horrible performance. HORRIBLE. And he's normally a passable, if not pretty good, speaker so I wasn't worried he'd flub it. I should have sent him some good vibes. Okay so he's dorky. But he's smart and that's not a esay to find quality in leadership around these parts. IMO. And....he usually talks fast and A LOT, but last night his voice sounded an octave higher than normal. I don't know what was up. Nerves? And what was with that walking out of the dark, around the corner to....nothing?

He was just plain bad, and I hate it. It was a chance to showcase someone from down here who wasn't holding out his hand begging, or....being led away in handcuffs.

Slow down and....catch some beads....

2009-02-22T20:27:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, sometimes, I really love living where I do. Like -- now --
during Mardi Gras season. Everywhere you go you hear music -- damn good music -- music that makes you smile and puts a little oomph in your step. People walk around with beautiful gaudy beads hanging around their necks. Children skip by, tossing purple, green, and gold beads into the air, expertly catching them as they fall back into their hands. Parade routes are the topic of the day on the radio, in the newspaper, on tv. It's not unusual to spot an oddly decorated truck on its way to or from a parade. You greet each other with "Happy Mardi Gras!" even if you have no intention of celebrating. There is just no way NOT to be part of what's going on. It's in the air. Like it or not, odds are, you're going to be caught up in the spirit one way or other. Whether it's catching beads from a co-worker, from an apartment balcony, a front porch, or a passing car -- you won't escape the season without a glittering new strand of precious gems to add to your collection. I'm willing to bet that not even the most dour of souls is able to resist smiling at least once during carnival season.

So, folks, from just up river of the Big Easy, HAPPY MARDI GRAS!

Mandalas....

2009-02-18T08:50:00.000-08:00

Has anyone tried coloring mandalas -- they're sort of like what you'd see when you held that thing (whose name I can't think of right now for the life of me), but when you held it up to your eye and as you turned the bottom the shapes of colored glass inside would shift and form new shapes? Along with hubby's birthday gifts, my daughter sent me a book of mandalas -- along with a box of colored markers. The artist/illustrator who did the book says it's active meditation. Thirty minute mandalas, she says. (Can you guess where this is going?) Now, I've always found repetitive action soothing (excluding housework, of course), and I do relax while working on the mandalas in the book -- until....I start wondering if my 30 minutes are up. I guess I need to stick with it and practice actively meditating for a full thirty minutes. (How long do you think I'll be able to resist setting a timer?)

I wonder if....

2009-02-16T14:58:00.000-08:00

I wonder if:

as I'm looking out my windows, the fishermen floating by in their boats can see me as well as I can see them....

at night, the people across the lake can see me as clearly as I can see them (which really isn't clear -- just dark shapes)....

I should order those window coverings I've been putting off odering....

I'll be living in Mobile in a month or so....

we'll ever see any money from that stupid rent house....

I should have enjoyed Mama Mia as much as I did....

I'll ever lose any weight....

I can resist buying one last king cake....

I'll ever lose any weight....

Well. Enough of this foolishness. I don't know why but today's found my mind traveling at light speed to many different places. Maybe a glass of wine will ease it into calm. Maybe.

Well....

2009-02-12T07:56:00.000-08:00

not much going on around here. The weather is getting way too warm, way too quickly, and hurricane season is getting nearer and nearer. After the tree-in-the house thing last year -- let's just say I'm a bit gun shy. Don't want to go through that again. I did rejoin Netflix because J kept saying there were soooooo many movies he wanted to see. One of the reasons I put our membership on hold before Christmas was because he never watched anything, plus with Christmas coming, getting moved back into the restored rooms, and J being laid off -- I wasn't watching many movies either. So....it remains to be seen if he'll start watching once again. If he doesn't, there are several movies I want to see, and since I'm stuck at home while most of my family is traveling around the country, I should have the time.

Is anyone else concerned about the economy? I mean really concerned? It's so difficult to know how much of what I hear and read is true or just hype. Personally, around our house it's more like Jimmy Carter days. That was when J had to start traveling for work -- becoming an independent contractor traveling from job to job. That wasn't easy or fun. Before all this financial crap hit, things had settled down for us somewhat. J had been able to work here at home for three straight years, we had insurance (good insurance). Now, he's traveling again but at least he can usually come home at night -- so far.

Oh. If you watch the state of the union address, you'll see our guv -- Bobby Jindal. He's giving the Repulican response. Big deal, I hear. Actually, he's traveling around the country giving many, many speeches. We've always heard the Republicans have big plans for him and it seem true. I like him. I voted for him twice -- not necessarily for his conservative views, but for his smarts. We need smarts around here and he's a 37 yo whiz kid. He's doing fine so far, and, believe me, it's not easy to do fine around these parts. I hope he does well. Maybe people will see that there is hope for us-uns living below the Mason Dixon after all....

I'm becoming less inclined to doubt movie plots now....

2009-02-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

Have you ever found yourself wondering where script writers get their ideas? Have you ever found yourself watching a movie thinking....that never happens in real life? And then, have you ever had something happen in your life that you only thought happened in the movies? I had that happen once in the boonies of central Louisiana (of all places) when some friends and I ended up in the same restaurant where the husband of one friend was rendezvousing with his hussy. You'd think (and hope) this would be one of those once in a lifetime events and would not happen again. But, it has, and it's really, really weird. Again, thank the good lord, it didn't happen to me (I'd probably be in jail because I don't think I'd handle it too well), but it happened to someone I care about and it's sad.

I won't go into details but....imagine, on your anniversary, going out to lunch with a gal friend, driving down the road to the restaurant and seeing your husband's truck in front of you. Something strikes you as wrong because he's supposed to be at work, so the two of you follow him -- right to an apartment complex. He doesn't even notice you as he gets out and goes into an apartment. In fact, he doesn't even notice that you and your friend get out of the car and follow him. In fact, once inside the apartment he doesn't even bother locking the door behind him (which was apparently left unlocked for him), allowing you and your friend to walk right in -- finding him lying on the bed (still dressed except for his shoes). And then his (fill in the blank) walks out of the bathroom -- not so fully dressed.

Again, this happens on your anniversary. Why do people do things like that?

Sounds like a movie, huh? I've gotta tell you....it's getting to the point that I think twice about going out for lunch with friends.

UFOs, Indigo Children, Katrina, Meth Labs, House Cleaning....

2009-02-05T10:27:00.000-08:00

From that title can you tell how scattered my mind's been? J's been out of town this week and I've had a chance to catch up with some friends I don't see or talk with often enough -- which leads to the question of the day, "Do you believe in UFOs?" If so, why? If not, why?

I have a couple of friends who believe -- strongly believe. One friend claims to have had experiences. Now, these people are (as far as I can tell) normally functioning human beings, so I don't know what to say when we are in discussions about things like UFOs. I have no frame of reference to relate to them (thank the good lord!), but to say I didn't believe what they were saying would be to call them liars. And....there are so many commonalities in people's UFO stories and encounters from around the world that I'm open to the possibility that something just might be up (or out there). I know there are lots and lots of theories explaining these encounters but, even so, I haven't heard one theory that fits all. Are we alone? (Now, see. Doesn't that question sound ridiculous? That's why I hope I'm never visited and faced with having to tell people about it.) I think Marianne Williamson said that when we label something New Age we take away its power.

And. Just so you'll have little doubt that I'm weird, have you heard of Indigo children? I think two of my children are Indigo children (the oldest and the youngest). Maybe I shouldn't say that because I don't know a lot about Indigo children, but the little I've heard and read makes me wonder.

What I'm about to write about next has nothing to do with the paranormal but to me it's almost as unbelievable. I heard on the news yesterday that there had been a fire at a local hotel -- not too far from me actually. As they were showing video I saw a school bus stop in front of the hotel and pick up children. "Oh, no," I thought. "It couldn't be." But...indeed it was. Over 100 Katrina evacuees are living in that hotel -- three years after the fact. I don't know what to think about this -- or who to blame. Maybe I'll just try not to think about it and decide that everyone deserves a bit of blame. Oh....BTW....last I heard, they think the fire was caused by a meth lab set up in a bathroom.

Yes. My thoughts have been a bit scattered lately, but I think I may be getting control of them. This morning I found myself thinking about more mundane things, like a new cleaning routine. My thinking is that I'll clean a room a day -- instead of trying to do it all in a day. These thoughts may not be as interesting as where my mind's been, but....you've got to fit them in somewhere.

Cats....

2009-01-31T20:18:00.000-08:00

Does anyone want an aging, but sweet, overweight, spoiled black cat? I'll pack her up and ship her to you. She's driving me crazy. I am not a cat person. Never was. This cat is my daughter's -- the daughter who moved to North Carolina and now has four new cats. Why doesn't my daughter have this cat, you ask? I dunno. I ask myself the same thing -- often.

This cat -- let's call her Cassie, this cat goes from window to window, door to door howling to go outside. I let her out. She eats grass. Wants back in. I let her in. She throws up. What the heck! Today J got tired of her following him around meowing so he opened the door, let her dart out, told me not to let her back in because she was out for good! Then he left for his wargamming club.

A couple of hours later I started hearing these meows outside. I closed my ears. I opened the blinds on the French doors in the bedroom while I changed the sheets. There was Cassie -- looking in, meowing. I ignored her. I went in another bedroom and....there was Cassie, meowing at the window. I ignored her. I went in the bathroom. From under the window I hear that damn cat meowing and jumping, trying to get to the bathroom window. I ingored her. (But by this time I was getting really pissed off.) Finally, I sat down in the new room to read the paper and, you guessed it, there she was, going from window to window. I ignored her. Until she started clawing the screens to get inside. The brand new screens.

She won. She's back inside -- howling to go back outside. Again I ask. Anyone want a old, obnoxious, (but sweet), fat black cat? One of us has got to go and it doesn't look like it's going to be her.

Insurance money, soup, Jews, king cakes, and Mardi Gras beads....

2009-01-29T06:33:00.000-08:00

My life is consumed with all the above. Yesterday, the lovely insurance lady we are working with to recover our Gustav losses called to tell me a $$ amount for our check had been approved and that the check was in the mail (so to speak). This was after she'd left many, many messages on the home phone and both J's and my cell phones that she needed us to call with more info for one particular item. Nothing could move forward, she said, until we provided her with this info. All weekend we searched for this needed info. And....lo and behold, before we could forward it to her, she calls and, apparently, it's not needed anymore. Same thing happened with the second set of papers she wanted us to fill out itemizing (again) every single thing that was destroyed. After hours of attempting to write tiny enough to fit everything into the teeny tiny lines on the second set of paper (and have it somewhat legible), she calls and says she won't be needing the second set after all. The first set will do just fine, she says. Oh, I say, fine -- just pay no attention to the 27 pages that will probably be arriving at your desk today or tomorrow -- duplicating what you already had. Breathe.

Also, she told me yesterday, four or five days after the loss check arrives, we should be getting instructions on how to make an attempt to recover our depreciation. That should be fun.

Moving on to the more mundane things of life....It was chilly yesterday, one of those days where the high temp was at 3 am and drops during the day. A perfect day for soup. I don't know why, but my vegetable soup rarely tastes the same twice. (Could it be because I frequently experiment with the spices and liquids?) Yesterday, the soup was quite good. Today, with spaghetti added, it should be even better. It's still chilly outside. I'm caught up on most of what I need to do so I plan to spend part of the afternoon with a bowl of soup and the Jews of Sitka, Alaska. I'm about finished with the book and I've gotta tell you, I'm a bit surprised with where it seems to be going. I didn't expect it. It may still surprise me but, we'll see.

Well, since much of this post seems to have taken a ~~bitching~~ whinning tone, let me quickly mention another problem with living where I do (in addition to the weather and the hurricanes and the politics and....). You can never seem to stop celebrating something or other! I mean, come on now, Christmas is finally over. New Year's has come and gone. Enough already. Let's have a few days to relax and breathe again. But....nooooOOOOoooo. As soon as the Christmas decorations go away -- Mardi Gras decorations appear. And the frickin' king cakes. Now, I ask you, how can you fit a slice (or two) of praline cream cheese (or even raspberry) king cake into NutriSystem's plan? Personally. I think NeutriSystem needs to make a few adjustments. Loosen up a little....

Friday Funnies....

2009-01-23T07:59:00.000-08:00

My son sent this to me and by Mississippi I was laughing out loud. I'm not sure if it will be funny to anyone not living in the South, but I hope it gives you a smile or two.

GOTTA LOVE THE SOUTH!

Tennessee

The owner of a golf course was confused about paying an invoice, so he decided to ask his secretary for some mathematical help. He called her into his office and said, 'You graduated from the University of Tennessee and I need some help. If I were to give you $20,000, minus 14%, how much would you take off?'

The secretary thought a moment, and then replied, 'Everything but my earrings.'

Alabama

A group of Alabama friends went deer hunting and paired off in twos for the day. That night, one of the hunters returned alone, staggering under the weight of an eight-point buck. 'Where's Henry?' the others asked.

'Henry had a stroke of some kind. He's a couple of miles back up the trail,' the successful hunter replied.

'You left Henry laying out there and carried the deer back?' they inquired.

'A tough call,' nodded the hunter. 'But I figured no one is going to steal Henry!'

Texas ;

The Sheriff pulled up next to the guy unloading garbage out of his pick-up into the ditch. The Sheriff asked, 'Why are you dumping garbage in the ditch? Don't you see that sign right over your head'. 'Yep', he replied. 'That's why I dumpin it here, cause it says 'Fine For Dumping Garbage'.

Louisiana

A senior at LSU was overheard saying... 'When the end of the world comes, I hope to be in Louisiana .' When asked why, he replied he'd rather be in Louisiana because everything happens in Louisiana 20 years later than in the rest of the civilized world.

Mississippi

The young man from Mississippi came running into the store and said to his buddy, 'Bubba, somebody just stole your pickup truck from the parking lot!'

Bubba replied, 'Did you see who it was?'

The young man answered, 'I couldn't tell, but I got his license number.'

Georgia

A Georgia State trooper pulled over a pickup on I-75. The trooper asked, 'Got any I.D.?'

The driver replied, 'Bout whut?'

North Carolina

A man in North Carolina had a flat tire, pulled off on the side of the road, and proceeded to put a bouquet of flowers in front of the car and one behind it.

Then he got back in the car to wait. A passerby studied the scene as he drove by and was so curious he turned around and went back. He asked the fellow what the problem was..

The man replied, 'I have a flat tire.'

The passerby asked, 'But what's with the flowers?'

The man responded, 'When you break down they tell you to put flares in the front and flares in the back. Hey, it don't make no sense to me neither.'

And this from South Carolina

'You can say what you want about the South, but I ain't never heard of anyone wanting to retire to the North!'

other than Bill Peters

Finally settled on a book....

2009-01-22T09:36:00.000-08:00

I've been in a reading mood but couldn't settle on a book, but (for the second time) I started Michael Chabon's The Yiddish Poicemen's Union", and this time it captured my attention. In all truthfulness, I think the only reason I didn't stick with it on my first try was because so much was going on that I couldn't concentrate on much of anything. This time around I find myself with that familiar feeling of looking forward to finishing my work so I can escape into the world of whatever book I'm reading, in this case -- Sitka, Alaska. Feels good. Feels normal.

And....yesterday (because it was supposed to be the last of the chilly days we've been having for a while) I thawed the HoneyBaked ham bone and made a ten bean soup. Lots of soup. J really like it, but I prefer veggie soup. I made a Weight Watchers version of corn bread that was pretty good to go along with it. J just called saying he'd had Chinese for lunch and just wanted soup for supper, so....no meal planning or cooking for me today. More time for Sitka....

This was so funny....

2009-01-21T05:49:00.001-08:00

to me, at least. I don't know how I missed it but I didn't hear it until yesterday.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96778345

"Some Truth To An Irish O'Bama?
by Scott Simon

Weekend Edition Saturday, November 8, 2008 · There is no apostrophe in Obama, as in O'Leary or O'Hara.

But a small village in Ireland claims the president-elect is a descendant.

Moneygall, a town of 300 on the road between Dublin and Limerick, says that Barack Obama's great, great, great grandfather was born there and hopes for an onslaught of American tourism.

During the campaign, Obama did tell an Irish interviewer that he looked forward to going there and having a pint. There are two pubs in Moneygall, as opposed to the two per address they have in Chicago.

A welcome song has already been written: "O'Leary, O'Reilly, O'Hare and O'Hara, there's no one as Irish as Barack Obama."

The countdown has begun!

2009-01-20T05:31:00.000-08:00

Not long now. I'm surprised how excited I am. Okay. The pomp and ceremony, the telling of the stories and the flying of the flag always get to me, but this is something special. Whatever it is that's floating around in the air....I need it and it seems much of the country needs it.

God's blessings, protection, and grace on our new president and his family.

Burrrr....

2009-01-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

It's cold down here in the swamps. The temps dipped into the 20's last night and will return there tonight. The weatherpeople have been warning us about it all week. In fact, I think they started talking about it last week. I've never lived in a place that gets so excited about the weather. But, then again, around these parts, the weather, and the Gulf, bear watching. So we'll get all excited and make soup and chili and wear our few winter clothes before it warms up again.

I'm in a reading mood but I can't seem to find a book in my waiting to be read pile that interests me. ~~See. Another reason why I need a Kindle.~~ I found some more bargains online yesterday. Actually, I saw them in a catalog and then went online to look some more and then buy. Don't you love those first-of-the-year clearances? I've learned very quickly that we're going to need insulated window coverings for the new French doors in the bedroom. I've got heavy drapes that work for winter but the bedspread that goes with them in way to heavy for the summers down here -- it's really too heavy for the winters but who knew that before odering? So....I found some insulated curtains that I hope will go with the bedspread I use in the summers (actually I use it most of the year). I also bought a coverlet to coordinate with the summer bedspread so in case the color of the new curtains is not exactly right, maybe the coverlet will blend the colors -- or whatever it should do. I'm no decorator. I just hope it works. All were on clearance. :)

That's about it. Except....I cannot wait until inauguration day, how about you?

Diets, music, and piggin' out....

2009-01-14T09:30:00.000-08:00

So....once again I've decided to try and shed several unwanted pounds. I'm letting more and more of them creep up/on, and I just don't feel good about it. Weight Watchers online works well for me but I want to get a jump-start, so yesterday I ordered from NutriSystem. I did NutriSystem years ago when I was working and it worked really well. Of course, I was busy running around taxing the kids to and fro -- not to mention working two parttime jobs. That helped. Actually it hurt before NuriSystem because I didn't have time to plan, cook, and eat, so drive-thrus became my really good friends. NutriSystem might not have been the tastiest but it was there and pretty much ready to eat. All I had to do was hand them money each week in exchange for a sack full of food.

Truth be told, I've tried NutriSystem two times since and didn't stick with it. I just couldn't get psyched enough to be able to stomach the dinners. I was fine with the breakfasts and lunches -- not the dinners. So....since I'm so familiar with their food selections by now (Sigh!) I have a plan of attack. I just ordered breakfasts and lunches. I'll use Weight Watchers' recipes for dinner. We'll see if that works. Fingers crossed.

As for the music, I ordered something from Amazon that qualified me for $5 worth of free music downloads. I offered it to the kids when they were here but didn't get any takers so I started using it before the Jan. 31 expiration date. I ordered Sleepy Tigers by xoxoPanda (I think), and a couple of songs from Alison Krauss. Now if I get my iPod to sync with the desk top computer I'll be in good shape. My laptop is still sitting there -- needing to be worked on.

Now, here comes the really sad part of this post. Sad because I do this to myself every time before I start seriously dieting. Just before officially going on a diet, I pig out. So sad -- not to mention stupid. All it does is make for an extra pound or two. You'd think I'd learn, but....nope. Here's my problem, every time I get something from my freezer I see that casserole of dressing left from Christmas. So....since I'm starting my diet soon, I figured it's a good time to thaw, heat, and eat that fattening dish. And that's just what will happen tonight. I have some chicken breasts maranading, a pot full of peas simmering on the stove, and some yam patties thawing. That along with some Sister Schubert's rolls will be dinner. I think I'll put a WW's coke cake in the oven. Maybe then I won't feel so guilty.

Creaks in the night....

2009-01-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

Last night my house woke me up two times with its creaking. I heard it even with the bedside fan I keep on all night for white noise. My house has always been noisy but since the tree fell on it the noises are different. Before, we'd swear we heard people moving around, turning on the water or whatever. But now we hear more house noises. I see more cracks above doors and, little by little, the doors in the back of the house are sticking when you try to close them. That's where the tree hit -- the back of the house. A couple of contractors who were giving bids mentioned that the whole house was jarred when the tree hit. I just hope that this is as bad as it gets and no bigger, badder problems are in the offing. Oh, well.

BTW, does anyone have a Kindle from Amazon or know anyone who has one? I'm so tempted to get my name on the list for one (they're backordered), but we so don't need to be spending that kind of money for that kind of thing (a non-necessity). That money could go to getting my laptop fixed or getting double cell shades for the new windows or retiling the back bath or.... Somebody tell me not to get one. I wasn't interesting when I first saw them, but now that I'm finding more time for reading I'm thinking more and more about them. It would be easy to get the exact book I want and there wouldn't be that stack of read paper backs to get rid of. Here I go justifying buying one. I'm in trouble.

It's a dangerous time of the year for me....

2009-01-10T15:55:00.000-08:00

I don't know why, but for some reason at this time of year I need to buy something. Anything. It's not like I haven't been buying stuff the last few months preparing for Christmas -- and was so glad to be finished with that. And it's not like I want to buy some big expensive something. Nope. I just feel the need to buy trivial things: earrings, shoes, odds and ends.

That's why when the urge hit yesterday I went online and went shopping. I was determined, and I actually found a good bargain on rugs from The Company Store. The rugs were on clearance -- $18.00 each (plus @5 shipping). My first (and second) color choices were already gone, but I was able to make the colors left work. Now I'm fine. No need to purchase anything else. :) Now if I can just keep that attitude until King Cake season ends.

And....I thought I was through with all the decorating....

2009-01-08T05:45:00.000-08:00

But now the King Cakes are everywhere. And Mardi Gras music is popping up in stores and on the radio. Yep. As I was digging out Christmas decorations I had to move my Mardi Gras tree. "Oh, no!" I thought to myself. "There is no way I'll be decorating for Mardi Gras this year." If the kids hadn't been coming and J hadn't pressed me to get a tree up, I would probably have let Christmas mosey on by. But, by Christmas Eve we had most of the familiar stuff placed around and about, and I must say it was kind of nice -- especially after being at the beach for the holiday last year without the the usual trappings around the condo.

While putting away some of the Christmas decorations, I had to move the huge ~~gaudily beautiful~~ Mardi Gras bowl I got in New Orleans. Okay, I said to myself. I'll put you out in due time. So....when the mood hits, my home will be sporting flashes of the beloved purple and gold -- and beads -- and feathers -- and masks. (So classy.) I'll post pictures when (if) my laptop gets fixed. I'm pulling for the Geek Squad.

To celebrate my decision I think I'll stop by Gambino's for the first King Cake of the season. Praline or raspberry (with cream cheese, of course)?

Alone time!

2009-01-06T06:34:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my first alone day. I guess that's what you'd call it. 95% of everything involving the move into the new part of the house is done. (At least I think it's done. It's surprising how in that short span of time since Labor Day I've managed to forget where things actually belong and accept the odd placement of furniture and stuff all around the house.)

Anywhoo....back on point. The new room is pretty much done, the holidays are over, the kids are gone, and J's back at work. So, now, I actually have time to myself. No to-do list waiting from dawn till dusk. Oh, there's still the usual daily stuff, but not the unending tasks that have consumed my days and a big part of my nights. There's still stuff to be done -- tear down the part of the old fence that's still standing/leaning, clear away lots of crap that we pulled to one side of the yard and then covered with those lovely blue tarps until we can deal with it, have some grading done on the yard near the patio, remove the inches of leaves from the front flower beds, new toilet for back bath, window coverings for all the windows in the new room.... I could keep going, but you probably get the message. The fact that we can feel a sense of accomplishment with so much left to be done shows how much there was to do in the first place. (Does that make any sense?)

The insurance company sent several papers for us to make a list of our lost contents -- this was after we sent them a list and a CD with varifying pictures. I guess they didn't like our original list. I don't know why because we sent it on the original set of papers they'd given us. So, now we get to re-do the whole thing. I should start that today. Yep. I should.

J's working!

2009-01-05T14:16:00.000-08:00

Yeah!

The commute is close to an hour each way. Boo!

The job's something he wants to do. Yeah!

The actual work situation could be a bit, ummmm, difficult. Boo!

Paid insurance (medical, dental, and vision). Yeah!

Some travel may be involved. (This is half Yeah! and half Boo! because the travel would be to Tuscaloosa where my brother lives.)

When he interviewed, J. really liked the president of the company. Yeah!

After the actual offer, while working out the details, J.'s feelings are somewhat more cautious. Boo!

After accepting the job offer J was very, very anxious. We're not sure how to take this (could it be a sign?). We wonder because he changes jobs often and it usually doesn't effect him. Yeah!? Boo!?

He still has a couple of possibilities floating out there so if this job doesn't work out, there could be a better one. Yeah!

This job might not work out and the possibilities might not materialize. Boo!

We'll just have to wait and see if the yeahs or boos win.

Oh, have I mentioned that that damn Leeds house has rented? We were standing in a check-out line at WalMart when J's phone rang and it was the agent calling to say there was a woman in the office ready to sign a lease. We had to decide right then and there -- at WalMart. We said yes. Now....we've already had to carpet one room $$$, and have the heating system checked out $$$. The appliances are old so who knows how long they will last. I do so hope this isn't one of those blessings that bite you(us) in the butt. We just have to wait and see, I guess.

That's about all the news that is the news from down here in the swamps -- where, when you walk outside, you feel as if you're wearing a damp wool blanket. Yucky! Yucky!

"I am so glad to see swamps again."

2008-12-31T08:31:00.000-08:00

That was the first comment son #3 made to me after his drive home from the New Orleans airport. Swamps. Swamps!? He's a true south Louisianian, that's for sure.

He also commented on how different the water is here compared to Raleigh. He (along with his sister) swear the powers that be in Raleigh are putting something in Raleigh's water because of the drought. ?? (True south Louisianians, that's for sure.)

The kids were here. Now they're gone. It was the usual whirl-wind, enjoyed by all. Now I'm lonely -- and busy washing and putting away allllll those sheets and blankets. I'll be back soon to recap Christmas.

Hubby got a job offer yesterday. The job is down New Orleans way so it would be a longish commute (which many people here take daily), or he could spot the 5th wheel for convenience. He's on the phone on a phone interview for another job as I type. That job would be in St. Louis -- well, not in St. Louis but....close.

The washer and dryer are dinging my name so I'll be back later....

A Merry and Blessed Christmas to all!

2008-12-24T05:57:00.000-08:00

I'll be finishing up the last of the cooking and readying of the house and then we're off to New Orleans to pick up the kids. Things aren't completely ready but -- ready enough. The temps are going to be near 80 until Sunday so it's going to be another air-conditioned Christmas down this way. Oh, well.

I wish for you all a peaceful, satisfying couple of days. My prayer is that we can all manage a time of contentment before facing what I fear may be a trying new year.

Oh....I had to make the dreaded WalMart trip (because they're just downright cheaper on some things) and as I got out of the car the Coke truck drove up. You know the one I mean? The one that you see in commercials all lighted up driving down the interstate? I've always loved seeing that commercial and I got to see the truck (or its clone) up close and personal. It's so neat -- almost as neat as the coke bears.

Have a good one!

Dreams....

2008-12-19T21:09:00.000-08:00

I've been having an ongoing discussion with a friend about dreams. I tend to think dreams fall into two main categories -- dreams that are merely working out everyday problems and stresses, and dreams that are warnings and should be paid attention to. I think the second type of dreams are rare (they are with me anyway). Most of my dreams, if I remember them, can be explained with something I saw/heard/thought about a day or so before the dream. I don't know that I've had a monentous dream that made an impact on my life. (I guess I'd remember it if I had!) Over the last few years I have had something unusual (for me) happen in my dreams. It's only happend a very few times but I've heard a word spoken and realized that the word was very important. I've usually waked up and tried to remember the work but for the life of me I haven't been able to. I've come close to remembering but....can't. The first time this happened I actually woke up and grabbed a pencil and paper and wrote down the word, but the next morning I couldn't read what I'd written. Have you ever tried writing down something in complete darkness -- half asleep?

Anywho....this friend of mine has an opinion of dreams that has been keeping me up at night. She believes that when we dream we actually leave our bodies. Is that freaky or what? Leaving your body. What if you can't get back into it? If the fact that this bothers me doesn't prove that I'm too much of a control freak, I don't know what will. The thought of leaving my body, especially if I'm asleep and don't know it, is unsettling to me. Very unsettling.

Missing -- holiday spirit.

2008-12-17T21:26:00.000-08:00

I just can't find my holiday spirit. If anyone has any extra, send it my way.

I'm going through the motions but can't get in the spirit. This is the most disorganized Christmas I can remember -- counting when the kids were small and I was working two jobs. Back then it was hard but at least I could make a schedule and get things done by plodding along doing one task at a time, but this year so much is out of my control. I can't do this until someone else does that, and it's driving me crazy! But....it's better than it was a month ago. Much better. The room's done. (I can't believe I'm saying that.) Last week, J looked at me and said, "Is it really finished?" We can now go out the side door to get to the car (like we normally did before the storm), but if we're not careful we find ourselves still going out the front door and walking through the front yard, then through the side yard, finally making our way to the car. There is a path worn in the grass and all the workmen used to laugh and say that it would be back to normal one day. They were right but it's taking a while for us to believe it.

I broke down this year and let J get an artificial Christmas tree. I never thought I'd do that but it just doesn't matter to me anymore. The kids are going to have a fit when they come home but.... We didn't get a prelit tree (because they were out of the one we wanted) so I asked J to decide on what color lights he wanted on the tree. I should have known better. He grabbed the purple and gold lights that I'd bought for football season. Here's the problem. The box said the lights were purple and gold, but in actuality they are more orange and lilac. Now, I ask you, what the hell color ornaments go with orange and lilac? To say this is the most unusual Christmas tree we've ever had is a bit of an understatement. Yep. The kids are going to have a fit when they get here.

J is officially laid off -- although he has been into work two days this week. It's a hell of a thing. He had an interview Monday and has another one Friday. If neither of those come through we'll be hitting the road again. It's a hell of a thing. I'm grateful that there's work; it's just not local. He was talking to a shop in Lake Charles, La yesterday and they wanted him (us) to go to St. Croix -- and leave this week. He told them he'd let them know by the end of the week but as far as I'm concerned, it's a no go. Not only is the cost of living ridiculously high but if a hurricane comes there is no where to evacuate to, you just have to deal with it. Yeah. I don't think I'll be moving out of the frying pan into the fire. At least now when storms are coming we can leave.

I can't wait until the kids get here. There is no way we are going to have everything entirely ready but we'll be close. There are ~~dozens~~ a few things that they can help finish up. That's their Christmas present to us -- it was their suggestion, so we'll be busy. So, maybe this wacky year will end with us having the new room complete, the patio ready to be enjoyed, and....J and I packing up the 5th wheel and hitting the road again. It's a hell of a thing.

Little Carol....

2008-12-12T20:47:00.000-08:00

Little Carol came into the kitchen where her mother was making dinner.
Her birthday was coming up and she thought this was a good time to tell
her mother what she wanted.

'Mom, I want a bike for my birthday.'

Now, Little Carol was a bit of a troublemaker.. She had gotten into
trouble at school and at home. Carol's mother asked her if she thought she
deserved to get a bike for her birthday. Little Carol, of course, thought
she did.
Carol's mother, being a Christian woman, wanted her to reflect on her
behavior over the last year, and write a letter to God and tell him why
she deserved a bike for her birthday. Little Carol stomped up the steps to
her room and sat down to write God a letter.

LETTER 1:

Dear God:

I have been a very good girl this year and I would like a bike for my
birthday. I want a red one.

Your friend,
Carol

Carol knew this wasn't true. She had not been a very good girl this year,
so she tore up the letter and started over.

LETTER 2:

Dear God:

This is your friend Carol. I have been a pretty good girl this year, and I
would like a red bike for my birthday.

Thank you,

Carol

Carol knew this wasn't true either. She tore up the letter and started again.

LETTER 3:
Dear God:

I know I haven't been a good girl this year. I am very sorry. I will be a
good girl if you just send me a red bike for my birthday.

Thank you,

Carol

Carol knew, even if it was true, this letter was not going to get her a
bike. By now, she was very upset. She went downstairs and told her mother
she wanted to go to church.
Carol's mother thought her plan had worked because Carol looked very sad.

'Just be home in time for dinner,' her mother said.

Carol walked down the street to the church and up to the altar. She looked
around to see if anyone was there. She picked up a statue of the Virgin
Mary, slipped it under her jacket and ran out of the church, down the
street, into her house, and up to her room.
She shut the door
and sat down and wrote her letter to God.

LETTER 4:

I GOT YOUR MAMA.

IF YOU WANT TO SEE HER AGAIN, SEND THE BIKE.

Signed,
YOU KNOW WHO

Let it sneaux, let it sneaux, let it sneaux!

2008-12-11T14:27:00.000-08:00

This is what I woke up to today! So pretty! It came quickly and by noon it was slowly melting away but it was fun while it lasted. We were actually having thunder snow this morning and, because down this way we name storms, people were calling this snow storm things like snow-stav (in honor of Hurricane Gustav), and Jack (for the obvious -- Jack Frost, and because the letter J would have been the next named storm to have hit us after Gustav and Ike. Silly I know, and we stopped pretty quickly after someone called the radio station to remind people that named storms carry a hefty deduction on your homeowners insurance. Yep. We stopped that foolishness pretty darn quickly. And....once power started going out around town we started giving that white stuff different looks.

There was this one thing I heard on the radio that still seems funny to me. Many people on their way in to work this morning were stranded in their cars when the interstates had to be closed. That wasn't funny, it was how some of the people who were stranded took it in stride. They called in to the radio station asking when the helicopters would be coming to pick them up. Maybe you have to live here to really appreciate hurricane humor, but.... that was kind of funny.

Things are pretty much back to normal except that it's still cold, but, not to worry, it'll be back in the 70's in a couple of days. Oh, well. There's a steaming pot of soup and a pan of crusty cornbread sitting on my stove so life's not bad right now. And....check out the view from the newly finished room (pay no attention to the Rubbermaid crates -- we're still moving in....)

Order has been restored.

2008-11-30T06:57:00.000-08:00

The world has been righted.

ALABAMA 36 - AUBURN 0 in the Iron Bowl

'Nuff said.

Let the holidays begin....

2008-11-26T22:05:00.000-08:00

(since they are going to whether I like it or not) Moving right along....

My daughter (A) and I are not much alike -- she's more like her Dad and paternal grandmother (but she would die if I told her that!). But tonight she reminded me of one way we are similar. She called me around 11:30 pm (12:30 her time), and said, "Mom, stop cooking and go to bed!" How did she know I was waiting on the Bourbon-Chocolate Pecan Pie to finish baking? How did I know she must be cooking something of her own? Yep! She was making cookies and mashed potato casserole -- the kind you make ahead and bake the next day.

On holidays as she was growing up, she would always be there into the wee hours as I cooked. I don't know if it was because I was working, and with two jobs and four kids I couldn't find time during normal cooking hours, or if I am just that way. Whatever the reason, one or two nights before holidays I'd be cooking up a storm until late late and she'd be right there with me. I miss those days but I'm glad she remembers.

Have a happy, happy Thanksgiving everyone! ....I'm headed for bed before I cut a slice of that pie.

It's all about how you look at it....

2008-11-25T09:28:00.000-08:00

(at least that's what I keep telling myself)

So....yesterday concrete-floor-dude came and finished the floor. Looks good -- all the odd little bits you expect with stained concrete are there. M-the-contractor (who's here sawing and nailing away as I type) called early afternoon yesterday and said the electricians would be here, but....they didn't show. Maybe today? Who the heck knows. Floor dude wasn't supposed to come until today but he called yesterday morning asking if he could be here at noon or just after. He arrived before 11 am. It took hours to seal and do whatever else they did. But it looks good. One half is still a bit lighter but....it's all about how you look at it.

Our neighbor finished the new fence that his tree took down as it was making its way into our house. It didn't cost as much as we'd feared (he and his son and grandson did the labor), but it was still a mighty nice hunk of change -- and right here at Christmas. But....the fence and new gate look good. It's all about how you look at it.

After their long Disney World trip, the kids didn't want to make that 14 hour drive home so they decided to fly in for Christmas if they could find some decently priced fares and, believe it or not, they did. They're flying into and out of New Orleans so we'll be picking them up and dropping them off but....they'll be home for a few days. I miss them. And....of course, guess who's footing the bill for their tickets? But, much to their credit, they said they want their tickets to be their Christmas. Beleive me, it's going to be. They may get a few other small things just because I love them.

And....yesterday J arrived home in the early afternoon. Seems that the job he'd been charging his hours to has run out and there wasn't any more work right now. So, he has about another day's worth of work and then he'll be using his vacation hours until work picks up. If work picks up. He may be headed for the road again -- soon. (In case that sounds bad -- I mean he may be working contract work again.) Prayers, good thoughts and vibes are welcomed and appreciated.

So, we face Thanksgiving possibly headed for bankruptcy but determined to make it through Christmas before thinking about that little fact (me at least), and very, very thankful that tomorrow we will start moving furniture back into the new room. It's all about how you look at it.

A gift of a day!

2008-11-20T06:04:00.000-08:00

That's what yesterday was -- a gift. No workers were scheduled to show up (well, the electricians could have dropped by but I just didn't think about that -- too much). So, with the house to myself I found myself acting and feeling almost normal. I drank my coffee before showering. (Little things like that matter to me.) Then, while showering, the thought that the doorbell might ring didn't really bother me -- at least not too much. After showering I dressed somewhat leisurly (not worring that someone was going to be on the other side of the window -- the window that still hasn't been taken out and replaced with a new one.) It felt so good to carry out my normal routine.

Then....after changing the sheets and washing a few loads of clothes, I sat in my family room and watched the episodes of Criminal Minds and The Unit that were waiting on the DVR. That felt so relaxing that I even rewatched The Jane Austen Book Club. (Also on DVR) For the last many weeks the family room has been off limits for me during the day because all that separates the family room from the rooms being rebuilt is a thin sheet of plastic covering the opening between the rooms (now that the plywood is down). It's just not comfortable for me to sit and try and read or watch tv (or even cook) when workers are a few feet away, so when I'm home during the day, I usually ~~hide out~~ stay in one of the back bedrooms with my laptop and whatever.

So, yesterday was the first day in weeks that I've been able to use my house somewhat normally again and it felt so good! There's also more room to walk around because some of the boxes that were storing stuff waiting to be used -- have been emptied and used. Ah! So nice.

But, that was yesterday. Today's another day and once again there are trucks delivering wood and stuff, and men hammering and sawing inside and outside the house. I'm back in that back bedroom. J's work sent him on an interview at an area plant because there's no work in the office and they are trying to place people instead of laying them off. The neighbor's hammering and sawing and nailing away just outside the room I'm in as he replaces the fence that the trees took down with them when they fell. Construction's going on at two other houses that trees fell on. Roofs still being replaced down the street. You would think this was a new subdivision being built if you didn't know any better. Yes, today's another day. But, thank the good lord for days like yesterday.

Oh! The cement guy came Tuesday and restained the lighter half of the cement. Looking good. After M-the-contractor and his crew finish trimming out, cement-guy will come back and seal the floor and use a tint of some kind (if needed). And....then....I think, I think, I think, we're finished. Well, the electrician still has to come and put the breaker in the fuse box, but....we're getting close.

Minutes turn into hours....

2008-11-14T10:52:00.000-08:00

hours turn into days, days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months. The world keeps on spinning and time keeps on clicking away. And....with Thanksgiving looming, men of various crafts are still hammering, and sawing, and digging away in and around my house. I hope we'll be back to some semblance of normal by Christmas when the kids come home. I hope.

The latest little problem to be dealt with occurred Wednesday when one of the toilets flooded over. And I mean flooded over. I was so grateful that during our last sewer/plumbing problems I'd thought to ask J where the water cut off was for the toilet. I had to use it Wednesday. There must have been two inches of water on my bathroom floor before I stop the Niagra Falls coming from the toilet. I got a week's worth of arm exercise wringing out the huge towels I frantically threw on the floor. Seeing as how we had an entire new sewer line laid last July, I just wanted to cry.

We called the plumbers and scheduled them to come with their camera to see what's up. But....fast forward to yesterday when I decided to sweep off the new patio. On one edge I saw a hole -- a deep hole. I looked down it and saw white pipe -- shattered white pipe. What's that, I asked J -- not the sewer pipe? Yep. It was the sewer pipe. The four month old sewer pipe. It seems that whoever staked for the concrete pour for the patio, drove a stake right smack dab through the sewer pipe. Oh, well. C'est la vie. I guess. At least we know what the problem was, and....the repair is on the contractor. I don't think he can do anything for the huge bruise on my backside that I got when I slipped while sopping us the flooded bathroom. It could have been worse. I can think of lots of ways it could have been worse, but I won't go into them here and now....

Today, J is trying to install one of the new bathroom vanity tops. He just told me that it wouldn't be a good idea to look now. A comment like that would normally have me rushing to look, but....these aren't normal times. Not nearly normal times. I don't want to see. I really, really, really don't want to see.

Earlier today we went to WalMart. I usually avoid WalMart because it's so crowded. No matter what day or what time of day -- it's crowded. But today it wasn't. The parking lot wasn't half full, and inside the store there were very few people. No lines at the checkout even. It was eerie. What a piss-poor time we're going through. I hate it that so many are suffering and will be suffering. I only hope we can find pleasure in simpler things. In WalMart I noticed a large display of board game -- Chutes and Ladders, Monopoly, Sorry, etc. What good gifts -- and they don't cost an arm and a leg -- and people actually sit and play together and relate. Not bad. Not bad at all. I think many of us are in for (or already going through) an attitude adjustment. Attitude is very important when you're going through trying times. Sometimes that's all you have to rely on. Trust me. I know.

And....a splash of Jack in your Diet Coke can help the attitude get where it should be. Trust me. I know.