Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Cheep Thrills
I have updated my Simply Thrift blog.
My neighborhood thrift store had their 'last Tuesday of the month 1/2 price sale'.
I went looking for books.
I only found one that looked even remotely interesting.
A Faith Baldwin non-fiction book.
I've willingly given up my millinery dreams.
I don't even feel sad about it. Anymore.
This plastic bird was a quarter. I do not have a clue yet what I will do with it, but I like it!
Cheap cheep thrills.
Labels: she thrift shops
Somethings Are Better Left Untried
I saw this idea for making a derby style paper hat in a past issue of "Somerset Life", my new favorite book-a-zine.
Theirs looked cute and sounded very easy.
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Mine looks stupid and was not easy at all.
And, I had forgotten just how black one's hands turn when messing around with newsprint.
To think that I had such high hopes for these! In my crazy grandma mind I thought Jonge and Famke would be wild about them. They were not.
Jonge has a fur dress-up hat that he loves to wear. He keeps a bouncy Elmo ball in it, in the event that he is outside and decides that he has need of a bouncy ball.
THGGM would not take him for a walk wearing that hat.
When I suggested one of my lovely newspaper hats THGGM gave me a glare that could be used to sculpt ice.
I think I shall file this idea under "Do not try this at home ever again."
But then again, inverted they could be used as bowls.
Or, Easter baskets even!
Labels: she just gets weirder and weirder as time rolls on
Monday, March 30, 2009
Love That Early Morning Light
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They came early this morning, still wearing their pajamas. .JPG)
It was a GOOD day!
Labels: she doesn't let having nothing to post about stop her
Saturday, March 28, 2009
I Won!
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i won, I won, I Won, I WON!
THGGM and I did our errands by the 'divide and conquer' method today.
He went to Michael's Craft Store - which saved us A LOT of time, as I could spend an hour and leave having forgotten what I went in for - and I went to Barnes and Noble. I could live there if it wasn't for the odd music they sometimes play (one particular female vocalist sounds like a cat in heat but with more shrill moaning).
As we left The Mall we drove past the strip mall with Cold Stone Creamery.
THGGM said "Hey! Let's go there! (he is on a diet and hasn't had anything sweet since March 1st. i, you may recall, am diabetic.)
"Okay!", said I, already imagining myself ordering the Coffee Lover's Only.
He said, "We can't".
I pouted. Of course, he had no way of knowing I was pouting, as he is driving and not looking at me. Also, my face is in a continual pout these days.
So I had to verbalize. I think I said something about him not being a man of his word. Anything to get me to the Coffee Lover's ice cream.
Now, obviously, I know that neither of us can have ice cream. It's obvious because if we COULD we would not want any. We are both immature that way.
We are both immature in so very many ways that I haven't enough band width (is that still applicable? IS there still band width?) to note them all here. But, I digress.
Anyway...
On our early morning adventures in the car THGGM was listening to "The Carpenter's". THGGM thinks that Karen Carpenter has the best voice, ever. Do not argue with him over this, like if you think that Celine Dionne, Carrie Underwood or Madonna have better voices. I like Karen just fine, but am still having trouble with getting songs stuck in my head, which presently has "I Can Dream, Can't I?" holding hands and dancing with The Wiggles version of "Old Dan Tucker".
For me, he turned off The Carpenter's CD.
So, a song came on the radio,
THGGM looked at me and said, "If you can name who is singing this, we will go to Cold Stone."
There are only a few artists who's voices I recognize and presently I cannot think of any of them, except Frankie Valli. When THGGM and I were dating, we once went to a Frankie Valli concert at Calvin College. Maybe that is why I remember him. Or, maybe it's just because he has an odd-sounding voice.
So, I blurted out,
"Justin Timberlake!"
And, I was correct.
I could not name you even ONE Justin Timberlake song. Not one.
Just a lucky guess.
We went tonight.
I had the Coffee Lover's Only.
Tonight, I will not even bother to check my blood sugar.
The ice cream, Coffee Lover's Only, was GOOD.
Thank you, THGGM, for spending a bit of your blood plasma money on ice cream.
And, thank you, Justin Timberlake, whoever you are.
(i won!)
THGGM and I did our errands by the 'divide and conquer' method today.
He went to Michael's Craft Store - which saved us A LOT of time, as I could spend an hour and leave having forgotten what I went in for - and I went to Barnes and Noble. I could live there if it wasn't for the odd music they sometimes play (one particular female vocalist sounds like a cat in heat but with more shrill moaning).
As we left The Mall we drove past the strip mall with Cold Stone Creamery.
THGGM said "Hey! Let's go there! (he is on a diet and hasn't had anything sweet since March 1st. i, you may recall, am diabetic.)
"Okay!", said I, already imagining myself ordering the Coffee Lover's Only.
He said, "We can't".
I pouted. Of course, he had no way of knowing I was pouting, as he is driving and not looking at me. Also, my face is in a continual pout these days.
So I had to verbalize. I think I said something about him not being a man of his word. Anything to get me to the Coffee Lover's ice cream.
Now, obviously, I know that neither of us can have ice cream. It's obvious because if we COULD we would not want any. We are both immature that way.
We are both immature in so very many ways that I haven't enough band width (is that still applicable? IS there still band width?) to note them all here. But, I digress.
Anyway...
On our early morning adventures in the car THGGM was listening to "The Carpenter's". THGGM thinks that Karen Carpenter has the best voice, ever. Do not argue with him over this, like if you think that Celine Dionne, Carrie Underwood or Madonna have better voices. I like Karen just fine, but am still having trouble with getting songs stuck in my head, which presently has "I Can Dream, Can't I?" holding hands and dancing with The Wiggles version of "Old Dan Tucker".
For me, he turned off The Carpenter's CD.
So, a song came on the radio,
THGGM looked at me and said, "If you can name who is singing this, we will go to Cold Stone."
There are only a few artists who's voices I recognize and presently I cannot think of any of them, except Frankie Valli. When THGGM and I were dating, we once went to a Frankie Valli concert at Calvin College. Maybe that is why I remember him. Or, maybe it's just because he has an odd-sounding voice.
So, I blurted out,
"Justin Timberlake!"
And, I was correct.
I could not name you even ONE Justin Timberlake song. Not one.
Just a lucky guess.
We went tonight.
I had the Coffee Lover's Only.
Tonight, I will not even bother to check my blood sugar.
The ice cream, Coffee Lover's Only, was GOOD.
Thank you, THGGM, for spending a bit of your blood plasma money on ice cream.
And, thank you, Justin Timberlake, whoever you are.
(i won!)
Labels: she goes on and on about nothing, she is easily pleased
Friday, March 27, 2009
Why Red Thread?
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Okay. I'm done with this banner now.
I love the color. It's pulled the room together. And, it's meaningful. Notice the meaning?
"His banner over me is love".
I thought we could (he we, not me we) easily move a long white peg shelf from one side of the room to over the bed, but it is about a foot too long.
A foot? One would think I could 'eye-ball' something to within a foot, but I cannot.
I'm curious to know if I am the only one who notices tiny weird things but cannot estimate to within a foot.
Today I sat in an office and noticed how tastefully decorated everything was. Creative, classy and comfortable.
But what is it that I remember most?
I remember that the impeccably dressed doctor had four buttons on the sleeve of his sport coat. Three were sown on with matching brown thread and one was sown on with bright red thread.
Is that the signature of any particular designer?
If I had my druthers (what ARE druthers?) I would rather be able to eye-ball the length of a shelf than to wonder if the reason the one button was sown with red thread had anything to do with the lack of a wedding ring on the doctor's finger.
Labels: she goes on and on about nothing
Reaching for Maturity
My dad had a doctor's appointment today. His cardo doctor was VERY impressed. His heart failure is MUCH improved.
His blood pressure meds will need to be adjusted though. Any changes in his medication makes me regret not having a degree of any sort in medicine. I carry around a pretty detailed list of my dad's meds, but today I had to resort to "he's on a new one, it starts with 'sp' and ends in 'tone'
.
.I've never been one to tolerate fools gladly, especially when I'm the fool.
And, I still have enough of a headache to think that 'fool' is a really funny sounding word.
In the afternoon, I took a little bit of time to finish up some projects.
I also noticed that the shirt I was wearing had too much of a shabby look to it, so I cut it up. I like the machine appliqued flowers on the pocket and collar, and I think the cuffs might make cute little wrist bands.
No. I cannot just throw something away. I hear that has become rather fashionable. I just do it because I'm weird that way.
My head still feels a bit addled, but I am coping.
(so. how'd i do? i really want to whine, but i'm trying to be grown-up about it.)
Labels: she reaches towards maturity but tends to miss the mark
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Focal Point
Well. Would you look at that!
Anyway, I looked at this all morning. Actually, almost the entire day. It's what I saw while I collapsed upon the couch with ANOTHER stinkin' migraine.
Forty minutes of the strange visual disturbances.
In the past when I had 'normal' migraines, laying in a cool dark room worked well. Oh, and drugs, too.
Not so with this demented kind.
The dark room or even closed eyes only served to make the weird zig-zaggedy neon-ish lights appear brighter.
So, I stayed in the living room and entertained myself by looking at this lovely pitcher of roses. All the time wondering who put it there, as I did not.
I've SO not been on top of things lately. Last time I had noticed, this chest was covered in old-school Fisher Price Little People resting quietly in all available beds.
A kind blog reader sent me a link to www.relieve-migraine-headache.com . I've already learned a lot from just the few things I was able to read there today. If you are a fellow-sufferer, please check it out. Good stuff there.
I'm trying to focus on one point here. How did I do?
Labels: This post brought to you by a migraine
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Nine Months Until Christmas 2009
Yes. It is the truth. Christmas will come around again in nine months.
I'm hoping to spread out my Christmas reading over the year.
Have you ever read "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"?
It's a must read for me.
I think I may just read it today.
In my spare time.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
Also, just as a public service reminder, if you are planning to give someone a baby for Christmas, you must get on that right now.
Nine months. Only nine months until Christmas.
Relax and get busy!
Labels: Christmas
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
A Bit'o Cheese Please, for My Whine
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Today I am coming out of a migraine-induced fog.
Saturday I was unbelievably tired. So tired I was silly. I still managed to get in one thrift store, but I just could not seem to wake up.
In the evening I went to my dad's to visit and to organize his medications for the week. This is a job that requires my FULL attention.
It almost seemed like I was starting to wake up. We stood for awhile watching the interesting ducks out on the lake.
He told me about his great visit with my mom on Friday and his not so great visit with her in the afternoon (they were at a 'concert' scheduled for a half hour but it went on (and on) for an hour and a half). My comment was that I would have responded the same way my mom did.
Anyway...
I gathered up all of the medications.
As I was sorting through bottle after bottle, I looked up to say something to my dad and it looked as if he had been split in two. I tried to focus, but my left I would not cooperate.
When I looked back down, there it was, a hideously weird optical migraine.
I hate them.
They make me nauseous. They make me dizzy. I can't focus. I can't see.
My dad drove me home. THGGM rode back with him to bring the car home.
The actual visual disturbances do not usually last more than 30-40 minutes, but then the other fun symptoms kick in.
I slept all day Sunday.
I'm sick of this. I do try to find a silver lining, but really. If I get to lay around on the couch all day, I'd truly like to be alert enough to ENJOY it.
Labels: she posts pictures that have nothing to do with the post, she's a whiny girl
Babies
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Just a reminder that my grandchildren do have 'normal' names.
But, on my blog they are "Jonge", which means boy, and.JPG)
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"Famke" which means girl.
Since there is a new baby boy on the way, I've been trying to find a suitable name for him on my blog.
And last week I came up with one!
It has taken me until today to remember to note it here, lest I forget when the time comes.
His name shall appear on my blog as "Kado", which is the Frisian word for gift.
I'm thinking about babies because today I became a GREAT aunt! I have two nephews already and they are rather awesome, but now for the very first time I have a GREAT one! I cannot wait to see him. Last week Sunday I got to watch him jump around a lot. That was fun. But I really want to meet him. I hear that he has a lot of long dark hair, just like his mommy (my niece) did.
Labels: she notes that it seems like all she posts lately are pictures of her grandchildren
Monday, March 23, 2009
Thrifty Fashions for the Very Young
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Someday, I'd like to get a really good camera so I can play around with the morning light in my living room.
Until that far off day (remember, the house won't be paid off until we are 79) the fuzzy picture is the best I can do.
Maybe Famke will pose for me at the age of thirty? We will see.
I found the dress (and more! www.simplythrift.blogspot.com ) at the thrift store Saturday. She wasn't happy to model it for me until it was pointed out to her that there is a butterfly on it.
Oh! A butterfly? Why didn't you say so!
Labels: she posts a great many pictures of jonge and famke
Friday, March 20, 2009
Friday Night at Pake and Beppe's
I hear someone calling my name, but where are they?.JPG)
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Surprise!
They are UNDER the bed!.JPG)
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One of them enjoys it more than the other..JPG)
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It does take some skill to manuever around under there.
Or, so I'm told.
I've not ventured beneath.
Yet.
Although it does look like fun!
Labels: she posts a great many pictures of jonge and famke
Things I'm Pondering at 10:00 on a Friday Morning
It's Spring! Finally. It has arrived. Now, if only the temperature would get the memo. I hate to admit it, but there are times when all the first official day of Spring means is that we still have two more months of cold. But I'll take it anyway. And give thanks that the sun IS shining!
My dad. Let's ponder my dad. When I talked to him this morning he told me about his day yesterday. He went to the mall to walk, he ran some errands, he went to lunch with friends, he went to the nursing home to visit my mom and also all of the friends he has there, and he ended his day by going to his church Care Group in the evening. He sounded so perky and alert this morning.
Now let's ponder me. Yesterday I made that banner (see below) but didn't quite get it finished. THGGM brought supper home with him. I laid on a comfortable bed looking at an "Artful Blogging" magazine while my blood plasma was sucked out of me. I came home and watched "The Office". I do believe that there may have been a day in my life when I was perky and alert. Not in this century though. Maybe in the life to come. There is always hope (please say 'yes').
Well. That's enough pondering of THAT.
I'm still working my way through "Keep a Quiet Heart". Today I found this quote by Elizabeth Prentiss:
If you could once make up your mind in the fear of God never to undertake more work of any sort than you can carry on calmly, quietly, without hurry or flurry, and the instant you feel yourself growing nervous and like one out of breath, would stop and take breath, you would find this simple common-sense rule doing for you what no prayers or tears could ever accomplish.'
Good words, leaving much to ponder.
My pondering hat will be firmly secured to my mind today as I CALMLY, QUIETLY, WITHOUT HURRY OR FLURRY go about my daily tasks.
My dad. Let's ponder my dad. When I talked to him this morning he told me about his day yesterday. He went to the mall to walk, he ran some errands, he went to lunch with friends, he went to the nursing home to visit my mom and also all of the friends he has there, and he ended his day by going to his church Care Group in the evening. He sounded so perky and alert this morning.
Now let's ponder me. Yesterday I made that banner (see below) but didn't quite get it finished. THGGM brought supper home with him. I laid on a comfortable bed looking at an "Artful Blogging" magazine while my blood plasma was sucked out of me. I came home and watched "The Office". I do believe that there may have been a day in my life when I was perky and alert. Not in this century though. Maybe in the life to come. There is always hope (please say 'yes').
Well. That's enough pondering of THAT.
I'm still working my way through "Keep a Quiet Heart". Today I found this quote by Elizabeth Prentiss:
If you could once make up your mind in the fear of God never to undertake more work of any sort than you can carry on calmly, quietly, without hurry or flurry, and the instant you feel yourself growing nervous and like one out of breath, would stop and take breath, you would find this simple common-sense rule doing for you what no prayers or tears could ever accomplish.'
Good words, leaving much to ponder.
My pondering hat will be firmly secured to my mind today as I CALMLY, QUIETLY, WITHOUT HURRY OR FLURRY go about my daily tasks.
Labels: she has an occasional deep thought which throws her off for the rest of the day
Thursday, March 19, 2009
His Banner Over Me Is Love
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My day was spent mostly on this banner.
It was a lot more involved than I had originally thought.
And, that is after I eliminated quite a bit of bling.
At first the white triangles were just for support - a thick water color paper.
But, I had to remind myself that I am only looking to add small touches of red, so it had to go.
For the remaining visible white I still need to add either red and blue buttons or stamped ink dots.
When it's complete I'm hoping to hang it from the peg shelf that is presently on the other side of the room. But, I couldn't wait to try it out.
All day I had a stack of books with vintage pictures of children in front of me. I thought I could collage them onto the water color paper, but I just could not get it right.
So, I'll let this project sit for a while and see what develops.
I do my best thinking when I'm making stuff.
Labels: she makes stuff
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
tuesday Tuesday TUESDAY
It was Tuesday all day today.
There is so much good to say about today that I hardly know where to begin.
The high today was 71.
I know. I know. 65 is my favorite temperature, but I shall not complain.
Jonge and Famke came to play with me.
My dad came in the morning and played with us, too. Jonge and Famke had not seen him in over a month, and that was in the nursing home where they had a bit of anxiety over his oxygen and wheel chair. Today he was feeling great.
Pa left and we had time to watch one episode of The Wiggles and one Elmo's World. I slept during those.
I woke up when Uncle Youngest Son came. We had lunch with him. He stayed to play. His girlfriend came later, too. Jonge and Famke ADORE her, even more so now that she took them outside to play football.
Sometime in there good naps were had. Daughter came on her lunch break, but they were sleeping, so shhhhh, don't tell them!
By the time Pake came home, everyone was gone, except for Jonge and Famke. He happily took them for a walk around the block and to the soccer field to play.
From the soccer field THGGM saw Daughter arrive. He pointed this out to Jonge and said - Let's go say hi to her. To which Jonge answered, No, let's just wave at her from here.
Tonight, for no special occasion at all, THGGM took me out to dinner and thrift shopping. On a Tuesday. A Tuesday that was a GOOD day.
The only difficult part of my day was trying to come to terms with the death of an old friend. I had NO IDEA he was dead. Since I do not know WHEN this happened, I'm not sure how wise it would be to call his mom and ask. Especially since his father just died. Which is how I found out that he no longer lives, as the obit read, proceeded in death by a son...
Since there were so many hands on deck today I was able to begin stitching the little picture above. This transfer came from the free download from Vicki at www.turkeyfeathers.typepad.com I LOVE it! Just two birds left to go. Don't look too closely, as I'm not a very good with needle and thread. But, I'm still looking for ways to add in touches of red to the guest room, and this shall be one of them.
Labels: she says you should make one too
Monday, March 16, 2009
It Is Monday
I am exhausted.
No grandkids today, and I miss them.
But, since I have fallen behind in every part of my life, I had so much to do today.
Sadly, none of it shows.
My major job, one I have been putting off since before Christmas, was cleaning out the refridgerator.
When we bought it ten years ago we needed a much bigger one than we need now.
Then we had three teenagers. Now it looks strangely bear. Sometimes I don't throw things away just so it appears to have food in it.
Cleaning it today reminded me that I should do this job in the summer, when I can drag it all outside and hose it off.
It's warmER today, but not warm enough where one wouldn't mind getting wet.
The problem? The shelves and drawers are too big to fit in my 1950's divided sink.
Of course, I realize that in the scheme of things, having too big of shelves and too small of a sink cannot be considered a hardship.
But, I just feel sort of whiny today.
I missed my nap.
Labels: she doesn't let having nothing to post about stop her
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Recycled Yard Waste
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I spent a portion of the afternoon cutting crepe paper.
Then, I simply twisted the crepe paper around magnolia twigs I picked up from my front yard.
It still needs tweaking. And some white and clear marbles in the vase so the twigs can be 'arranged'.
Of all the things I make, this is one of the only things to bring favorable noise from THGGM.
I found the idea in a past issue of Somerset Life. I have made them in pink, red and now white.
Really. You should try this. Because I said so.
Labels: she says you should make one too
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Wanted
I would like to find a set of cups and saucers like these. Well, not as sketchy, and with a white back ground, not ledger green.
It seems to me that I used to see these all the time, even in places like thrift stores. Maybe I was dreaming.
I do like the ones by Cath Kidston, but I want yellow instead of pink. And, I would like them shaped more cup-ish.
Today I almost spent $3.99 on a small egg shaped pink dish with a yellow chick painted inside of it. Cute stuff at Target. I should not have gone there. Had I not gone there I would never have known that happiness will elude me until I own a small egg shaped pink dish with a yellow chick painted inside of it.
Somehow I have the feeling that if I were rich, I wouldn't be.
Labels: she does product endorsements
Friday, March 13, 2009
Few Words Friday
Did you happen to see the moon this morning? Gorgeous! As was the sunset tonight.
I've come on here tonight not just to tell you that, but to leave record that today I saw my first TWO robins. They were running around together on the neighbor's garage roof. I hope they nest somewhere close by. Wherever they spent the winter it was obvious that they suffered no hardship. Plump birds.
It appears that I suffered no hardship this winter also.
Argh.
I've come on here tonight not just to tell you that, but to leave record that today I saw my first TWO robins. They were running around together on the neighbor's garage roof. I hope they nest somewhere close by. Wherever they spent the winter it was obvious that they suffered no hardship. Plump birds.
It appears that I suffered no hardship this winter also.
Argh.
Labels: she notes that the heavens declare the glory of God
Who Makes You Tents?
Wednesday I had a lot of calls to make for my dad. I had instructions from the hospital, the nursing home, the visiting nurse, and the primary care doctor to some how meld together in my non-medical mind. Add to that the simple fact that I HATE to make phone calls. Especially to professionals who can tell the first second I start stammering at them that I am ill-equipped to handle the task I've been given.
And, I had to do all of this while Jonge and Famke 'danced to the rhythm of muuusic' (not watching 'the wiggles' yet, are you?).
So, thought I, what might keep them entertained quietly for the period of time I will be deciphering the secret codes known only to the medical community to which I should never belong?
I used to be a kid (USED to be? ha!), what would have kept me quietly entertained for long periods of time?
A TENT!
Yes. My short term memory may have been shut down by blips in hormone function, but my long term memory continues to soar mightily.
I must say, this was the best tent I've ever made.
It is understandably difficult to take pictures in a tent, but when has poor quality pictures ever stopped me?
Jonge was delighted. He deemed it a 'library tent' and carried in some books. I added a lamp and was given THIRTY uninterrupted minutes on the telephone. THIRTY minutes. Can you believe it?
It also gave Jonge and Famke many great opportunities to share in close quarters.
Thursday we ate our lunch in the tent.
It's down now. THGGM isn't big into kid-messes. Messes give him an itchy-rash or something. I'm not exactly sure what.
Next week, the tent will come back and we shall attempt an afternoon nap under there.
I can't wait!
Labels: she finds treasure everywhere
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
She Prattles On
Famke was really fun today. In this video, she hears "The Wiggles" singing Friar Jacques from the den down the hallway, and takes her baby Jack to sing along with them.
All I've got is scattered thoughts today. What AM I saying? All I've had for a very long time are scattered thoughts.
Oh, well.
Yesterday I was able to spring my dad from his therapy stay at the nursing home. He was extremely happy to get out of there. He couldn't exactly tell me why, just that he didn't want to be there. I cannot blame him one bit. Twenty-six days is a long time to be away from home.
Of course, I think the main reason he wanted out is that he is a terribly private introverted person who likes to putter around doing stuff alone. That was not possible in the home.
I'm again perplexed, bothered, and bewildered with all of the changes and adjustments to his medication. On the notes from the nursing home there was a prescript listed that was all new to me, and one that he only needed varying amounts of if his BP was more than ___ or his HR more than ___ . Since I do not have a blood pressure cuff, I've had no clue what amount of this medication he is supposed to be on. Needless to say, I've been on the phone a lot lately (and, i had to completely rework this paragraph after i posted it. am i the only person who didn't know that if you use the SYMBOLS for 'less' or 'greater' than it will remove the content inbetween them? well. i did not. i do now though.)
I'm again reading "Keep a Quiet Heart" by Elizabeth Elliott. I know I've said this before, but I'm a boring person, which means I repeat myself without remorse - I always wonder if I should actually READ her books, or just smack myself on the head with them. I guess what I like so much about her, is that she said hard things, chose the harder paths, and yet lived humbly. I can listen to a woman like that.
Youngest Son left tonight for a looong road trip with his girlfriend's parents to watch his girlfriend/their daughter play basketball in Iowa. I'm reluctant to watch a weather report tonight. Soooo glad he is not driving there alone.
Tomorrow my nephew flies to Salzburg, Austria to present a philosophy paper at a conference at the university there. I soooo wish he wasn't flying there alone.
While people I know and love are doing interesting things, I am very content to stay home and watch "The Wiggles" with Jonge and Famke. I'm also thrilled that peanut butter sandwiches and an apple is their prefered lunch. It seems we also like the same toys and books.
Oh. And this is weird. Famke calls me 'grandma'. Of course, I AM her grandma, so that isn't the weird part. Jonge has called me Beppe since the day he could talk. Even THGGM calls me Beppe. NOBODY calls me grandma. This is really quite the mystery, as I refer to myself as Beppe. Hmm. The girl truly does have a mind of her own. Today, she was telling me a rather looong story, referring to me as 'grandma'. I looked at her and said, "What's my name?". She smiled and said, "JUUUDY!"
Let's see. One more thing. One day last week I truly thought the end had come for my dear old cat, Uncle Barb. He looked awful. When I carried him downstairs at night he paid no attention to the food I held. In the morning I heard none of the usual carrying on that has been his morning routine for years. When I went downstairs to check on him - HOURS after he would normally have made his presence known to both the living and the dead - he woke up and gave a hearty yawn. Presently, he is meowing his furry head off and DEMANDING that I feed him.
I have a list of important notes laying on my desk. They are written with brown crayon on ledger paper I found at the thrift store. Anyway.., the hand writing is good, but one would at least think I could come up with a pen.
So, now you've seen a glimpse of MY day, what was your's like? Do tell.
Labels: she shamelessly begs for comments
Monday, March 09, 2009
Monday, Monday, oh Oh oH OH!
Okay. I'm REALLY liking the red accents in this room.
I've no plans to purchase anything (and no money, which makes it easy for me not to purchase things, funny how that works...) for this room, so I am 'shopping' from home.
THGGM, who has more fashion sense than I, suggested the red bed skirt. It's an old chicken-scratch tablecloth that had been his grandmother's.
Presently, it is just folded and tucked under there, but if I like it a lot (which, so far, i do) then I will cut it in half and velcro it around the exposed edges of the bed.
I'm also thinking that the room needs a banner. Not sure if I should sew one, or make a paper one. And, then there is that thought that keeps popping up in my mind that whispers, 'pssst. judy. what about all those other projects you have to finish?'
I moved out a small white end table that had been in front of the window. It fits perfectly now in the closet of the pink bathroom. It will nicely hold towels.
Too much white just wasn't working out for me anymore. So, I moved the stack of suitcases out of our bedroom and into here. All four of them are empty, so we shall make use of some more storage.
If I can get some decent pictures, I shall post them on my Simply Thrift blog (http://www.simplythrift.blogspot.com/) because absolutely everything in this room is either an inexpensive antique find, came from the thrift store, belonged to a family member, or was had for free.
Oh! And I AM enjoying my Monday morning! The darling Jonge and Famke are home with their mommy who is through with her full-time training for her new job. And soon I shall be leaving to bring my dad home from the nursing home.
Ahhhh.., Monday! What's NOT to like about it?!
Labels: she lives a simple life full of wonder
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Thundering Sunday
This afternoon I spent some time rearranging "Jonge's Room", as he calls it.
The room is painted blue and most of the furniture is white.
Lately, I've been uninspired by it.
So, I'm hoping to perk it up with some red accents.
I took a few things out of the room and put them in a drawer for safe keeping.
In the drawer I found these two pictures.
I remember that they hung over my crib in the olden days.
The yellow one needs a bit of repair, but that shouldn't be too hard to do.
I noticed that the prints have a date of 1945 in the corner. Makes me wonder what these girls are doing now.
Although the pictures lack the punch of red I'm looking for, I've made room for them anyway.
I've got waaaay too much stuff.
But these? They're staying.
Labels: she finds treasure everywhere
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Rainy Saturday
Rain fell all day today. I wonder what someone visiting West Michigan for the first time would think. Every parking lot has piles and piles of well-insulted snow and filth. Filthy snow is hideous.
Thursday I picked up twigs and branches that had blown off the tree. THGGM found it curious that I was choosy about which branches I actually picked up. That's easy. I picked up all the curvy, knobby magnolia branches. I've plans to make some more crepe paper bouquets with those. White ones, this time. I'd hoped to complete that today, but sadly, I did not.
What did I do? I'm trying to remember. The day started with our blood plasma donation. I'm sure it's because we are both weird, but THGGM and I actually ENJOY doing this. He finished reading "The Shack" and Philip Gulley's "Front Porch Tales". I'm having trouble reading, so lately have opted to look at inspirational pictures in my vaste collection of Somerset Studio magazines.
Strangely enough, THGGM and I have a competition of sorts over the whole donation process. It's a race. Yesterday, I was the winner. My entire process took only 45 minutes. A record for me. This means that from my appointment time until they unhooked me from the machine took only an hour. And I made thirty dollars. I like to think this is pay back for that day we both spent four looooong hours there and neither of us were able to donate.
I can't bare to hear anything more about the economy. The only bright spot is that I keep hearing that it hasn't been this bad since the early 1980's. Really? It was bad then? I thought it was just us.
Daughter has finished her full-time training for her new job. I don't know who is more relieved. Her, me, or Jonge and Famke who dearly missed her. By Thursday, Jonge could not take it anymore. He had a major melt down of "I want mommy". I felt so bad for him. I love seeing Famke hurry over to him to give him a hug, pat his back and tell him, "I 'ove you".
That reminds me.., Famke's little fiesty personality is such a joy to watch! She isn't as a 1 1/2 year old AT ALL what I thought she was going to be. She was such a calm, quiet, complacent baby - at least around me. Now, she is a bubbly little personality who is always running away, turning around, gesturing and saying "Come on, guys! Come on!"
I realize that I post A LOT about my grandchildren. So sue me. :)
Thursday while I was changing Famke's diapers, Jonge disappeared into the bathroom. He is totally potty trained so this isn't news. The diaper ended up being a bigger deal than normal, and soon Jonge appeared with a toothbrush in his hand. He happily announced to me, "First I used MY toothbrush, then I used Pake's toothbrush, and now I am using YOUR toothbrush!"
(note to self. purchase new toothbrushes for everyone.)
Friday I also realized that I seriously underestimated how far it is to go from my house to the nursing home in Hudsonville and then to the doctor's office in East Grand Rapids. The entire event took four hours - round trip. If it weren't for the fact that it is officially 'pot hole season' it would have been pleasant. My dad was very talkative. I'm expecting that when I take him home on Monday he is going to dance a gig out the door, do cartwheels in the parking lot and insist that HE be the one to drive his own car home.
Does anyone who reads this enjoy embroidery? Vicki, at Turkey Feathers www.turkeyfeathers.typepad.com has been offering a free download on her blog. She also has put out a book that I would love to own someday. Visit Vicki. You will NOT be disappointed.
After our blood donations today we made a quick stop at the thrift store. I came in WAAAY under budget at $2.25. I was happy to pick up two books that I used to own but can no longer find. www.simplythrift.blogspot.com
I'm now the proud owner of ten pair of white socks with my dad's first initial and last name emblazoned across the souls in permanent black laundry marker. They cut off the circulation in his bad ankle. Since the first initial and last name is my maiden name, I shall wear them proudly, and try to bring back that 50's greaser look with the white socks. I'm such a fashion trend-setter, you know.
Oh. And lunch today was at Hunan. My favorite.
Then a quick trip to THE MALL. It has a name, but I can never remember what it is. I only went to Barnes and Noble and used some of my blood money to purchase the new Somerset Studio magazine. Since I've quit being so obsessive/compulsive about owning EVERY magazine, I spent awhile perusing it before I determined that it was worth every drop of my plasma. It was, as long as I used my Barnes and Noble discount.
That brings us to tonight. My hope is to rewind HGTV and fall asleep to the sound of home improvements. OTHER people's home improvements. I'll seek to improve MY home after I catch up on some much needed rest.
Why can't the time change suck an hour out of the work week? I need my sleep.
Thursday I picked up twigs and branches that had blown off the tree. THGGM found it curious that I was choosy about which branches I actually picked up. That's easy. I picked up all the curvy, knobby magnolia branches. I've plans to make some more crepe paper bouquets with those. White ones, this time. I'd hoped to complete that today, but sadly, I did not.
What did I do? I'm trying to remember. The day started with our blood plasma donation. I'm sure it's because we are both weird, but THGGM and I actually ENJOY doing this. He finished reading "The Shack" and Philip Gulley's "Front Porch Tales". I'm having trouble reading, so lately have opted to look at inspirational pictures in my vaste collection of Somerset Studio magazines.
Strangely enough, THGGM and I have a competition of sorts over the whole donation process. It's a race. Yesterday, I was the winner. My entire process took only 45 minutes. A record for me. This means that from my appointment time until they unhooked me from the machine took only an hour. And I made thirty dollars. I like to think this is pay back for that day we both spent four looooong hours there and neither of us were able to donate.
I can't bare to hear anything more about the economy. The only bright spot is that I keep hearing that it hasn't been this bad since the early 1980's. Really? It was bad then? I thought it was just us.
Daughter has finished her full-time training for her new job. I don't know who is more relieved. Her, me, or Jonge and Famke who dearly missed her. By Thursday, Jonge could not take it anymore. He had a major melt down of "I want mommy". I felt so bad for him. I love seeing Famke hurry over to him to give him a hug, pat his back and tell him, "I 'ove you".
That reminds me.., Famke's little fiesty personality is such a joy to watch! She isn't as a 1 1/2 year old AT ALL what I thought she was going to be. She was such a calm, quiet, complacent baby - at least around me. Now, she is a bubbly little personality who is always running away, turning around, gesturing and saying "Come on, guys! Come on!"
I realize that I post A LOT about my grandchildren. So sue me. :)
Thursday while I was changing Famke's diapers, Jonge disappeared into the bathroom. He is totally potty trained so this isn't news. The diaper ended up being a bigger deal than normal, and soon Jonge appeared with a toothbrush in his hand. He happily announced to me, "First I used MY toothbrush, then I used Pake's toothbrush, and now I am using YOUR toothbrush!"
(note to self. purchase new toothbrushes for everyone.)
Friday I also realized that I seriously underestimated how far it is to go from my house to the nursing home in Hudsonville and then to the doctor's office in East Grand Rapids. The entire event took four hours - round trip. If it weren't for the fact that it is officially 'pot hole season' it would have been pleasant. My dad was very talkative. I'm expecting that when I take him home on Monday he is going to dance a gig out the door, do cartwheels in the parking lot and insist that HE be the one to drive his own car home.
Does anyone who reads this enjoy embroidery? Vicki, at Turkey Feathers www.turkeyfeathers.typepad.com has been offering a free download on her blog. She also has put out a book that I would love to own someday. Visit Vicki. You will NOT be disappointed.
After our blood donations today we made a quick stop at the thrift store. I came in WAAAY under budget at $2.25. I was happy to pick up two books that I used to own but can no longer find. www.simplythrift.blogspot.com
I'm now the proud owner of ten pair of white socks with my dad's first initial and last name emblazoned across the souls in permanent black laundry marker. They cut off the circulation in his bad ankle. Since the first initial and last name is my maiden name, I shall wear them proudly, and try to bring back that 50's greaser look with the white socks. I'm such a fashion trend-setter, you know.
Oh. And lunch today was at Hunan. My favorite.
Then a quick trip to THE MALL. It has a name, but I can never remember what it is. I only went to Barnes and Noble and used some of my blood money to purchase the new Somerset Studio magazine. Since I've quit being so obsessive/compulsive about owning EVERY magazine, I spent awhile perusing it before I determined that it was worth every drop of my plasma. It was, as long as I used my Barnes and Noble discount.
That brings us to tonight. My hope is to rewind HGTV and fall asleep to the sound of home improvements. OTHER people's home improvements. I'll seek to improve MY home after I catch up on some much needed rest.
Why can't the time change suck an hour out of the work week? I need my sleep.
Labels: she goes on and on about nothing
Friday, March 06, 2009
While It's Still Friday
(the two pictures were taken twelve hours apart. i am not aging well.).JPG)
Well now. It looks like I have survived until Friday.
I'm actually so very tired right now that I should not be writing.
But, I DID have a clear thought or two earlier in the day.
I was thrown off by that little yellow guy on Google Maps.
Have you met him?
My friend Anne told me that she had been walking my neighborhood trying to find my house.
Since she had stayed with us at our last address, she found that (the map seems to be from the early fall of 2007 as the house is still there) and took a walk to our new address.
This is just TOO weird.
Of course, I find weird things to be fascinating (think: thggm) and spent some time traveling around the neighborhood myself.
Yup. There was Daughter's car in our driveway.
It must have been between 3:15 and 3:30 by the number of cars exiting the school down the street.
But I had places to go and people to see and could not sit at the computer.
I was gone for hours and hours in the afternoon. I picked up my dad from the nursing home to bring him to an appointment with his primary care doctor. All of that went well. He shall be coming home on Monday afternoon.
As soon as I walked through the door I sat back down at the computer and took another walk with that tiny yellow guy.
This time, I zoomed in on the state of Wisconsin. I took a walk with the tiny yellow man down the road past the white barn with the American flag painted on it, down past the beautiful red barn across from the meat market and stopped, turned and looked up the driveway at my aunt and uncle's home.
Seriously.
How weird is that?
Go to Google Maps and try it for yourself.
I'm actually so very tired right now that I should not be writing.
But, I DID have a clear thought or two earlier in the day.
I was thrown off by that little yellow guy on Google Maps.
Have you met him?
My friend Anne told me that she had been walking my neighborhood trying to find my house.
Since she had stayed with us at our last address, she found that (the map seems to be from the early fall of 2007 as the house is still there) and took a walk to our new address.
This is just TOO weird.
Of course, I find weird things to be fascinating (think: thggm) and spent some time traveling around the neighborhood myself.
Yup. There was Daughter's car in our driveway.
It must have been between 3:15 and 3:30 by the number of cars exiting the school down the street.
But I had places to go and people to see and could not sit at the computer.
I was gone for hours and hours in the afternoon. I picked up my dad from the nursing home to bring him to an appointment with his primary care doctor. All of that went well. He shall be coming home on Monday afternoon.
As soon as I walked through the door I sat back down at the computer and took another walk with that tiny yellow guy.
This time, I zoomed in on the state of Wisconsin. I took a walk with the tiny yellow man down the road past the white barn with the American flag painted on it, down past the beautiful red barn across from the meat market and stopped, turned and looked up the driveway at my aunt and uncle's home.
Seriously.
How weird is that?
Go to Google Maps and try it for yourself.
Labels: she shouldn't blog so late at night
Thursday, March 05, 2009
No Coats
.JPG)
Who knew?
I hadn't realized that it had warmed up here until my friend Anne WHO LIVES IN MAINE told me that the temperature here was in the upper 50's (it got warmer than that) and that the scene from the Calvin College webcam showed people walking around without coats.
No coats?
MUST participate in that.
Jonge remembered all of the interesting places to stop while on a walk with Pake.
This was new to Famke, as she was mostly pushed around in a stroller last year.
A few signs of spring were seen and noted.
When my children were young, skinned knees were the surest sign of spring.
This year, let's hope it's a robin.
Labels: she posts a great many pictures of jonge and famke
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
A Good Day
.JPG)
Today was a good day.
Well, for ME anyway.
Jonge and Famke discovered a lovely place to play.
BEHIND the couch.
Famke cannot get in or out on her own, yet she LOVED playing back there.
It was not such a good day for my dad.
He had his 'in home' evaluation, and then had to go back to the nursing home for a few more days.
Friday I will bring him to his primary care doctor. I'm hoping that if it hasn't happened by then, he can go home after that appointment.
Today I was able to avoid 'the dizzies'.
A good day.
Labels: she shouldn't blog so late at night
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
I'm So Busy, I Mean Dizzy
This is week three of Daughter's full-time training for her new job.
SHE is working full-time, I am only playing with her children for four days a week.
I must have been a lot younger when I had my kids.
And when I had my three I still had time to think clear thoughts.
I do not believe that I have had a clear thought in two years. At least.
Twice today I found myself dizzy. Once in the morning, but that could have been from watching "The Wiggles" wiggle, and Jonge and Famke wiggling along with them (i can wiggle while at rest - it's sad).
In the afternoon, I was playing with Famke. We were putting our dollies to bed when suddenly everything began to spin.
Thankfully, and I DO MEAN thankfully, THGGM was already home. He entertained them with play-dough while I hung on to the back of the couch.
I'm fine now.
Tomorrow I will stop using a particular artificial sweetner and see if that helps.
I don't see the busy-ness stopping anytime soon, so I sure hope that the dizziness does.
My dad has an 'in home' evaluation with his therapist tomorrow. Hopefully he will be cleared to come home soon after that.
I need to go to bed.
Labels: she doesn't let having nothing to post about stop her
Monday, March 02, 2009
Dinner At the Diner, Nothing Could Be Finer
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Today I played with Jonge and Famke at their house.
.JPG)
I'm looking for the perfect caption for this picture.
I've been staring at it for at least an hour.
What do you think Famke has just told him?
The little diner is just SO cute! The waitress was not on roller skates, but other than that, it's rather authentic!
