Slowly, ever so slowly, I am accomplishing things.
I dug out an old 'housekeeping' check list that I used once, for a few months. Today I accomplished all of the things on the 'Wednesday' check list. My bathrooms are relatively clean. (That means they are clean enough for relatives.) I even threw away some books. Yes. Me. I did that.
I also wrote 25 new books into the library accession book. Still don't have pocket cards, but I've got them done up to that point. I feel like I have accomplished something, just getting them in the book.
Piano playing. I did that too. I'm working on three new songs. Ancient Words, Thank You Lord, and Offering. I absolutely stink at timing, but I keep at it.
Did my usual Wednesday work.
I spent the evening watching news reports out of the gulf coast. How sad. My level of comprehending another's pain is stretched to the breaking point. How must those who live there feel?
Daughter got a crib today. At this point, Baby is a foot long and weighs about a pound.
Now, it's off to bed to read "Gilead" which I am greatly enjoying. And, more than ever, I am enjoying having a nice dry bed, water and food. And. knowing were my loved ones are, I feel grateful.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Today I...
Fixed breakfast for myself and two of my adult children. We ate oatmeal together in the living room. This is actually a great way to start the day.
Youngest Son took me to cash my check and sat in the car while I went to my favorite thrift store. While there I got some great books. "You're Only Old Once" by Dr. Seuss, two hardcover Edna St. Vincent Millay and Sylvia Plath's Journal all for a grand total of 70 cents. What fun. What great great fun!
Then, my parents picked me up and we went to Old Country Buffet. From there we drove to my sister's house 'up north' so my brother-in-law could check the brakes on my dad's car. Needless to say, I was nerve wracked to drive a car with questionable brakes, but we arrived safe and sound. While the men did manly things to the car (like spit, and throw rocks at it?) my mom and I walked down to the wonderful little pond. It's been so dry that the pond appears to have a 'beach'. We walked around this scaring frogs into the water, a water sport I highly recommend My mom was more herself than I've seen her in years. Before we left, we had a fabulous dinner of pork and potatoes, and fresh corn, green beans and zuccini from their garden. This morning my brother-in-law saw a four point and six point buck in his back yard, and four doe. I saw frogs. Lots and lots of frogs.
The drive home was beautiful. I enjoyed it more, knowing that the brakes were fixed. We avoided highways, and took back roads through some of the most beautiful farmland this area has to offer. The apple orchards were laden with fruit. Truly beautiful to behold. The corn looked pretty good too.
Now I must go to bed, and read.
Youngest Son took me to cash my check and sat in the car while I went to my favorite thrift store. While there I got some great books. "You're Only Old Once" by Dr. Seuss, two hardcover Edna St. Vincent Millay and Sylvia Plath's Journal all for a grand total of 70 cents. What fun. What great great fun!
Then, my parents picked me up and we went to Old Country Buffet. From there we drove to my sister's house 'up north' so my brother-in-law could check the brakes on my dad's car. Needless to say, I was nerve wracked to drive a car with questionable brakes, but we arrived safe and sound. While the men did manly things to the car (like spit, and throw rocks at it?) my mom and I walked down to the wonderful little pond. It's been so dry that the pond appears to have a 'beach'. We walked around this scaring frogs into the water, a water sport I highly recommend My mom was more herself than I've seen her in years. Before we left, we had a fabulous dinner of pork and potatoes, and fresh corn, green beans and zuccini from their garden. This morning my brother-in-law saw a four point and six point buck in his back yard, and four doe. I saw frogs. Lots and lots of frogs.
The drive home was beautiful. I enjoyed it more, knowing that the brakes were fixed. We avoided highways, and took back roads through some of the most beautiful farmland this area has to offer. The apple orchards were laden with fruit. Truly beautiful to behold. The corn looked pretty good too.
Now I must go to bed, and read.
Monday, August 29, 2005
So far today...
I've accomplished three things. Is that good enough? I never know. It seems I am always doing the wrong thing.
I spent two hours practicing the piano. I'm rusty. My hands are almost always numb and tingly. This makes playing the paino annoying. But, I stuck to it. I have three new songs to learn, and I am determined to get them down this week. Then, I played from an aged book of preludes, offertories and postludes. Some very nice Bach, Beethoven and Hadyn in there! A Yamaha Grand is truly one of the wonders of the world. Usually, when I play the piano on Monday mornings, there is no one else in the building. Today, it was TEEMING with people. I hope they didn't mind the serenade. I'm always embarrassed to practice when I'm learning new stuff.
Next I planned the music for next Sunday. It isn't hard. But, when I went to send the detailed e-mail it told me I was 'timed out'. After an hour and a half, I finally figured out how to send it. Learning to use a new computer is difficult, even when the new computer (youngest son's new computer!) is better than the old one.
I spent the rest of the day in the library, entering books. I got 29 entered before I ran out of pockets. 29 didn't even make a dent in the piles and piles of books I have remaining, but it was a good start. I took home Marilynne Robinson's "Gilead" to read. I finished Lee Smith's "Family Linen" last night, so it's a good time to throw something new into the mix. I haven't read nearly as much as I had planned this summer. I usually have about four fiction books going, so I can choose to read according to my mood, which lately has been pretty glum.
Now, tonight, I plan to sew some more felt pins, or maybe decoupage some more tins, or maybe make some cards...
First I have to put away the groceries we bought Saturday afternoon...oh...and empty the dishwasher so I can fill it up again. And, all my furniture is covered in shimmery dust. My pets need their 'spa day'...
To all those who think they will have huge amounts of free time once the kids grow up, I say "HA!"
Time, like water, seeks it's own level.
I spent two hours practicing the piano. I'm rusty. My hands are almost always numb and tingly. This makes playing the paino annoying. But, I stuck to it. I have three new songs to learn, and I am determined to get them down this week. Then, I played from an aged book of preludes, offertories and postludes. Some very nice Bach, Beethoven and Hadyn in there! A Yamaha Grand is truly one of the wonders of the world. Usually, when I play the piano on Monday mornings, there is no one else in the building. Today, it was TEEMING with people. I hope they didn't mind the serenade. I'm always embarrassed to practice when I'm learning new stuff.
Next I planned the music for next Sunday. It isn't hard. But, when I went to send the detailed e-mail it told me I was 'timed out'. After an hour and a half, I finally figured out how to send it. Learning to use a new computer is difficult, even when the new computer (youngest son's new computer!) is better than the old one.
I spent the rest of the day in the library, entering books. I got 29 entered before I ran out of pockets. 29 didn't even make a dent in the piles and piles of books I have remaining, but it was a good start. I took home Marilynne Robinson's "Gilead" to read. I finished Lee Smith's "Family Linen" last night, so it's a good time to throw something new into the mix. I haven't read nearly as much as I had planned this summer. I usually have about four fiction books going, so I can choose to read according to my mood, which lately has been pretty glum.
Now, tonight, I plan to sew some more felt pins, or maybe decoupage some more tins, or maybe make some cards...
First I have to put away the groceries we bought Saturday afternoon...oh...and empty the dishwasher so I can fill it up again. And, all my furniture is covered in shimmery dust. My pets need their 'spa day'...
To all those who think they will have huge amounts of free time once the kids grow up, I say "HA!"
Time, like water, seeks it's own level.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Picnic Food
Okay, so I didn't actually GO on a picnic, but I did make the food. We ate it inside.
Hamburgers on the Forman Grill
Home made potato salad
Home made pasta salad
Corn on the cob
Coconut pecan brownies
Yum.
Summer food, I will miss you when you are gone.
Hamburgers on the Forman Grill
Home made potato salad
Home made pasta salad
Corn on the cob
Coconut pecan brownies
Yum.
Summer food, I will miss you when you are gone.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
August Twenty Five
You know what that means. It is now only FOUR months until Christmas. FOUR months.
So far, I am doing rather well with thrift store purchases. These I alter in some way to make them 'new'. I've also been snatching up Christmas mugs to fill with candy. I have a plethora (yes...a PLETHORA!) of snowmen waiting to be put into snow globes - or maybe just turned into pins, I can't quite decide. The felt pins are coming out rather well also. At some point I'm going to teach myself to 'felt' wool, but while I'm learning, I'll stick with the store bought kind.
This is the day to haul out your Christmas idea books and start planning.
Run along now...
I said, RUN ALONG NOW!
So far, I am doing rather well with thrift store purchases. These I alter in some way to make them 'new'. I've also been snatching up Christmas mugs to fill with candy. I have a plethora (yes...a PLETHORA!) of snowmen waiting to be put into snow globes - or maybe just turned into pins, I can't quite decide. The felt pins are coming out rather well also. At some point I'm going to teach myself to 'felt' wool, but while I'm learning, I'll stick with the store bought kind.
This is the day to haul out your Christmas idea books and start planning.
Run along now...
I said, RUN ALONG NOW!
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Making Cards
That's what I plan to do tonight.
Will I paint them? Will I stamp them? I'm not sure yet.
But, I need to make several different kinds.
Thank you's, birthday's and sympathy.
I might even look for a way to include a felt pin or two.
Or, some polymer clay flat creation.
I feel creative.
Will I paint them? Will I stamp them? I'm not sure yet.
But, I need to make several different kinds.
Thank you's, birthday's and sympathy.
I might even look for a way to include a felt pin or two.
Or, some polymer clay flat creation.
I feel creative.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Five Things I Miss about Childhood Summers
If I were still a child, we would be on vacation this week. A drive across the Mackinac Bridge, a trip to the falls, a stop in Paradise and a dip in the icy waters of Lake Superior. THAT, my friend, is a vacation!
We would have already been on many many picnics. My mom would have made potato salad and baked beans and my dad would have gotten the Coleman burner ready for the burgers. We would have used the picnic basket and all the cool brightly colored dishes that it contained. Besides all of the 'friends' picnics, there would have been many 'family' picnics and also the church Sunday School picnic. I'm not a kid anymore, and I haven't gone on one picnic yet this year. I COULD have, I just choose not to go. It's too much work. Really. I don't know how my mom did it, and she seemed happy about it. I'd be happy to GO on a picnic, but not to fix all that stuff.
My summers were spent playing with neighbors. We played 'house'. This involved dragging out blankets to serve as the carpeted rooms. This was usually played at my house, because my older sisters had fabulous junk to play with. Two metal highchairs, wooden bunkbeds, a pink metal refridgerator, a metal stove with cool buttons to push, and a pink metal wringer washing machine. Lots of 'real baby' sized dolls. My summers were also spent putting all this stuff away when my friends parents called them home. In that regard, my life hasn't changed all that much.
I miss going to bed at night listening to Ernie Harwell announce the Tiger baseball games. I could hear the sound of my dad's radio float out the front porch windows and into my bedroom window. Sometimes, when a great play was made (1968 was a good year for the Tigers) I could hear the response from other neighbors on their front porches. Once in awhile the neighbor across the street would play his harmonica. Nice sounds to fall asleep to.
Sometimes, we would all put on our pajamas and go out for ice cream. I always thought this was weird, but I like ice cream, so I went. Of course, we didn't get out of the car, we just gave our order to mom and she brought it to us. Blue Moon is by far the best ice cream in all of the world. Sadly, the fabulous ice cream shoppe across the street from me does not have Blue Moon. Butter Pecan and Mint Chocolate Chip will do in a pinch.
Tonight, I wish I were still a kid. I miss Ernie Harwell's announcing, and I need a vacation.
We would have already been on many many picnics. My mom would have made potato salad and baked beans and my dad would have gotten the Coleman burner ready for the burgers. We would have used the picnic basket and all the cool brightly colored dishes that it contained. Besides all of the 'friends' picnics, there would have been many 'family' picnics and also the church Sunday School picnic. I'm not a kid anymore, and I haven't gone on one picnic yet this year. I COULD have, I just choose not to go. It's too much work. Really. I don't know how my mom did it, and she seemed happy about it. I'd be happy to GO on a picnic, but not to fix all that stuff.
My summers were spent playing with neighbors. We played 'house'. This involved dragging out blankets to serve as the carpeted rooms. This was usually played at my house, because my older sisters had fabulous junk to play with. Two metal highchairs, wooden bunkbeds, a pink metal refridgerator, a metal stove with cool buttons to push, and a pink metal wringer washing machine. Lots of 'real baby' sized dolls. My summers were also spent putting all this stuff away when my friends parents called them home. In that regard, my life hasn't changed all that much.
I miss going to bed at night listening to Ernie Harwell announce the Tiger baseball games. I could hear the sound of my dad's radio float out the front porch windows and into my bedroom window. Sometimes, when a great play was made (1968 was a good year for the Tigers) I could hear the response from other neighbors on their front porches. Once in awhile the neighbor across the street would play his harmonica. Nice sounds to fall asleep to.
Sometimes, we would all put on our pajamas and go out for ice cream. I always thought this was weird, but I like ice cream, so I went. Of course, we didn't get out of the car, we just gave our order to mom and she brought it to us. Blue Moon is by far the best ice cream in all of the world. Sadly, the fabulous ice cream shoppe across the street from me does not have Blue Moon. Butter Pecan and Mint Chocolate Chip will do in a pinch.
Tonight, I wish I were still a kid. I miss Ernie Harwell's announcing, and I need a vacation.
What's New?
A list of what is new...
Youngest Son is again attending college. I am presently using his nice new lap top, and the wireless service from the coffee shop across the street. Ah, this is great! My computer, which I dug out piece by piece from closets when my lap top died, appears to have a terminal illness.
Daughter, five months pregnant, is starting to show. Finally!
Oldest Son sees the doctor soon. Daughter-in-law started graduate school and her internship teaching.
THGGM is greatly enjoying his condo, mileage and expense account. He is meeting Oldest Son and Daughter-in-law for dinner tonight.
Youngest Son has a really really nice new girl friend. She moves into her dorm this week.
Young Traveler's is over (Bible School) and was a huge success. I can't seem to stop being the craft lady, and have been making stuff like a mad woman all week. I've been sewing stuff out of felt. I don't even know how to describe it, except to say that it is fun, and I am nearly blind.
I've had a migraine that hasn't quite taken over my life, but it has taken over my ability to accomplish worthwhile things.
That's what's new with me...what about you?
Youngest Son is again attending college. I am presently using his nice new lap top, and the wireless service from the coffee shop across the street. Ah, this is great! My computer, which I dug out piece by piece from closets when my lap top died, appears to have a terminal illness.
Daughter, five months pregnant, is starting to show. Finally!
Oldest Son sees the doctor soon. Daughter-in-law started graduate school and her internship teaching.
THGGM is greatly enjoying his condo, mileage and expense account. He is meeting Oldest Son and Daughter-in-law for dinner tonight.
Youngest Son has a really really nice new girl friend. She moves into her dorm this week.
Young Traveler's is over (Bible School) and was a huge success. I can't seem to stop being the craft lady, and have been making stuff like a mad woman all week. I've been sewing stuff out of felt. I don't even know how to describe it, except to say that it is fun, and I am nearly blind.
I've had a migraine that hasn't quite taken over my life, but it has taken over my ability to accomplish worthwhile things.
That's what's new with me...what about you?
Friday, August 12, 2005
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Guess What I Saw Today?
Today I had the privilege of seeing my grandchild for the first time, via ultrasound.
The baby is darling. Moves around A LOT (as did the baby's mother). Has a four chamber beating heart, all the necessary vital organs, and 10 fingers and 10 toes.
Boy or girl, we could not tell as this is a modest baby.
Daughter and Son-in-law have a wonderful picture of their thumb-sucking baby.
Truly, this is the most beautiful baby I've ever seen.
The baby is darling. Moves around A LOT (as did the baby's mother). Has a four chamber beating heart, all the necessary vital organs, and 10 fingers and 10 toes.
Boy or girl, we could not tell as this is a modest baby.
Daughter and Son-in-law have a wonderful picture of their thumb-sucking baby.
Truly, this is the most beautiful baby I've ever seen.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Random Randomness
I never cease to amaze myself at just how boring I can be. This summer will top the list, I believe. Just when I think I'm starting to move towards something somewhat 'normal' strange things appear...
Random Night Pains - I spent the night moaning and thrashing, until I awoke enough to realize I was having a return of the severe random stomach pains. Sleeping in a more upright position helped some. I cannot tolerate ANY amount of onion anymore, no matter how mild.
Random Craft Projects - Today is the week of the CD fish, my favorite Bible school craft project so far. But, am I working on it? Oh, no. Last night I made the holy family out of polymer clay and baked them onto baby food jar lids. They live happily in a 'star glitter' snowglobe now. I also made two dog head pins.
Random Magazine Reading - I bought the new issue of "Stamper's Sampler" and got even more ideas for cards to make. But first, I must draw my own cards and watercolor them. While reading this NATIONAL magazine, I again saw the name of the woman I once taught a middle school rubber stamp class with. I used to pick up her scraps off the floor and take them home to use as patterns.
Random Eating - This totally relates to my major pain last night. I'm foraging for food in my refrigerator. Leftover this, finishing up that. I've yet to find something that doesn't taste great when added to cool whip. I'll never eat white chili two days in a row, or add onion to potatoes salad again. Unless of course, I want to DIE.
Random Family - Someone in my family bought someone a beautiful bouquet of flowers that I am enjoying. But, who? Everyone was here at some point this past weekend, but I still don't know who the flowers belong to, or why.
Random Carpet Spots - My dog is old. My cat has a hairball problem. I spend my life attempting to clean up after them. They delight in giving meaning to my existence.
Random Mom Stories - My mom has been relatively clear thinking lately. But, last week, a strange story surfaced. She seems to think that someone is swindling her out of an inheritance. A nice, kind younger cousin of hers. The story takes dramatic twists and turns, but none of them are true. None of us have ANY IDEA where this story is coming from. Sometimes bits of a TV show or a dream gets mixed in with a touch of reality. This one has NO reality whatsoever. All I can say is, I hope she NEVER runs into this cousin of hers, or he's not going to know what hit him! If I had the money, I would enter her unreality with the money, and see what she would have to say then. Dementia is a cruel cruel disease.
Random Rants Against Humidity - Yes, humidity. I don't like it. I have a head of short curly hair today. Everything is sticky, and sure to become only more sticky as the week progresses. This unpleasantness has got to stop. I'm tired and ornery.
Random Yard News - I have some major corn growing in my back yard. I took about an hour yesterday to pull weeds. I had to quit when I realized that besides the hostas, a few purple coneflowers and the corn, all that IS growing back there are weeds. My cat followed me around, looking appalled with each weed I pulled up. Then, he decided to pee in the holes. At least I didn't have to fill in the divots, as he covered them nicely. Sometimes he acts more like a dog than a cat.
Random Thrift Store Finds - Yesterday, Daughter bought Baby a really nice bouncy seat that vibrates. My cat fits in it nicely. She also found three "Where's Waldo" books.
Random Purchases from the Craft Store - I bought the polymer clay for the holy family, and the stamping magazine. I also bought two metal brackets to add another shelf to my dining room window. And, I got the last of the glue for the CD fish. All glue tends to have trouble sticking in the humidity. It is going to be VERY humid here tomorrow. I hope the fish stick.
Random TV Shows - Last night I watched "Antiques Roadshow". It never ceases to amaze me what people have lying around the house. I have a lot lying around my house, but none of it has any monetary value. I'm a sentimental collector. I'm also a sentimental fool.
Random Posts (this did say, "random deep thoughts", but i couldn't muster up a deep thought to save my life at the moment) - Randomness is how my summer is going. At some point I will have to pull things together into something cohesive, but for the present time, random is all I've got. And, I've got to go to work.
Random Night Pains - I spent the night moaning and thrashing, until I awoke enough to realize I was having a return of the severe random stomach pains. Sleeping in a more upright position helped some. I cannot tolerate ANY amount of onion anymore, no matter how mild.
Random Craft Projects - Today is the week of the CD fish, my favorite Bible school craft project so far. But, am I working on it? Oh, no. Last night I made the holy family out of polymer clay and baked them onto baby food jar lids. They live happily in a 'star glitter' snowglobe now. I also made two dog head pins.
Random Magazine Reading - I bought the new issue of "Stamper's Sampler" and got even more ideas for cards to make. But first, I must draw my own cards and watercolor them. While reading this NATIONAL magazine, I again saw the name of the woman I once taught a middle school rubber stamp class with. I used to pick up her scraps off the floor and take them home to use as patterns.
Random Eating - This totally relates to my major pain last night. I'm foraging for food in my refrigerator. Leftover this, finishing up that. I've yet to find something that doesn't taste great when added to cool whip. I'll never eat white chili two days in a row, or add onion to potatoes salad again. Unless of course, I want to DIE.
Random Family - Someone in my family bought someone a beautiful bouquet of flowers that I am enjoying. But, who? Everyone was here at some point this past weekend, but I still don't know who the flowers belong to, or why.
Random Carpet Spots - My dog is old. My cat has a hairball problem. I spend my life attempting to clean up after them. They delight in giving meaning to my existence.
Random Mom Stories - My mom has been relatively clear thinking lately. But, last week, a strange story surfaced. She seems to think that someone is swindling her out of an inheritance. A nice, kind younger cousin of hers. The story takes dramatic twists and turns, but none of them are true. None of us have ANY IDEA where this story is coming from. Sometimes bits of a TV show or a dream gets mixed in with a touch of reality. This one has NO reality whatsoever. All I can say is, I hope she NEVER runs into this cousin of hers, or he's not going to know what hit him! If I had the money, I would enter her unreality with the money, and see what she would have to say then. Dementia is a cruel cruel disease.
Random Rants Against Humidity - Yes, humidity. I don't like it. I have a head of short curly hair today. Everything is sticky, and sure to become only more sticky as the week progresses. This unpleasantness has got to stop. I'm tired and ornery.
Random Yard News - I have some major corn growing in my back yard. I took about an hour yesterday to pull weeds. I had to quit when I realized that besides the hostas, a few purple coneflowers and the corn, all that IS growing back there are weeds. My cat followed me around, looking appalled with each weed I pulled up. Then, he decided to pee in the holes. At least I didn't have to fill in the divots, as he covered them nicely. Sometimes he acts more like a dog than a cat.
Random Thrift Store Finds - Yesterday, Daughter bought Baby a really nice bouncy seat that vibrates. My cat fits in it nicely. She also found three "Where's Waldo" books.
Random Purchases from the Craft Store - I bought the polymer clay for the holy family, and the stamping magazine. I also bought two metal brackets to add another shelf to my dining room window. And, I got the last of the glue for the CD fish. All glue tends to have trouble sticking in the humidity. It is going to be VERY humid here tomorrow. I hope the fish stick.
Random TV Shows - Last night I watched "Antiques Roadshow". It never ceases to amaze me what people have lying around the house. I have a lot lying around my house, but none of it has any monetary value. I'm a sentimental collector. I'm also a sentimental fool.
Random Posts (this did say, "random deep thoughts", but i couldn't muster up a deep thought to save my life at the moment) - Randomness is how my summer is going. At some point I will have to pull things together into something cohesive, but for the present time, random is all I've got. And, I've got to go to work.
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