That's life March 11, 2010

Not as exciting as a Star Date, but it's my life.  Attended an Executive Women's Golf Association kick off last night.  Room full of women loving the game of golf.  I joined and signed up for a league that is very casual.  I think it could be fun.  No pressure except from myself of course. 

Finally heard from CitiMortgage.  They had lost my refinance paperwork, but they OK'd it and I will save about $150/ month and if they rolled in the home equity, I'll save alot more.  We'll see when the papers arrive. 

Amy and Jeff's house is being painted, everything is really out of order.  Took Simon and Annalise out yesterday morning so Amy could spend time going through things. 

Simon wanted to go home for lunch but I said we were going to Panera so Amy could have more time.  He's getting very picky about food.  Decided he didn't like anything at Panera which used to be a favorite place. Finally picked out chicken noodle soup and Annalise was happy with her tomato soup and bread and butter.  I told the clerk that 2 yo's are easier than 8's!

Simon has also decided he doesn't like any ice cream unless it is home made. 

After lunch Simon and I went to Whetstone Park.  He was on his scooter and I walked along.  Then he climbed 3 trees - white pine, weeping beech and then a crabapple.  All with varying degrees of difficulty.  He likes to extend himself like that.  Wants to be rated like we rate trees.  The competitive edge is there. 

Today, Annalise is at SYC and I'm at Panera. Simon has a doctor's appointment.

I found a little house to rent in Maria and Ryan's neighborhood, but I haven't heard from the property managers.  I laid awake last night sort of worrying or at least turning over all kinds of scenarios in my mind.
Need to sell or rent the Colfax house and then what if the Robertson's don't get a loan.  I'm really stuck.  I have to be patient.  Darn, Harvey everything clicked like clock work for him!!

found Henry the Explorer on-line only $21.  this was a favorite book of Jeff's.  Think I'll look other places for it.  Peter's Pockets was a favorite of Craig's.  It is a bit cheaper.  but I'll keep looking for it as well.

That's Life March 4, 2010

As everyone says, where does the time go!  March 4th.  I'm back in Ohio, sitting at Panera while Katelyn is in school. 

I saw a house on line last night that is $115,000.  A huge house that for some reason is just sitting there.  Once had a price tag of $280,000.  Always wonder what is going on, but it doesn't hurt to take a look. 

I'll buy it if Jeff and Amy don't want to.  It sure beats paying $900 for a dinky place.  It sounds like it has been upgraded quite a bit, so Saturday we'll see.


Making plans for being in CT in September with the NHS gang.  Always good to see them.


Amy and Jeff are trying something different with Simon and Annalise and I think I like it.  It is from a book about Parenting without Fear.  Letting kids experience frustration and consequences.  Also, helping them understand their role in the family.  Everyone helps out.  It is a good thing.  I believe kids will feel better in the long run even if they don't like it right now. 

Too many kids feel that they are entitled to everything and they can just sit and reap the rewards with no responsibility.  That's not the way to get ahead nor help society.

The Entitlement Age is what I'd call this generation. 

Annalise is just flying across the room these days.  The trampoline propels her into the couch.  She's so athletic, but needs a better venue.  Can't believe how much she has changed in 2 weeks.  Seems taller, thinner and definitely more verbal.

Had a little trouble getting her to school this morning.  She wanted to take her garage and all the princesses to Panera's for lunch.  But once we got in the car, she was fine.

Simon hates it when Annalise wants to wear her Cinderella "hair".  He thinks she looks awful and he hides it.  So funny.

Annalise came to bed with me to read books.  I know it was before 8.  So I closed my eyes and read the Nursery Rhyme book by Eloise Wilkins. 

I had trouble going to sleep last night.  I think I over stimulated myself by looking at houses for when I found the one on Glen Echo, I couldn't stop thinking.  I got up for some peanuts and then dramamine.  I guess it finally worked because I did sleep.

Annalise and I will be having lunch at Panera today.  In a moment, the internet will be cut off, better save this.


Think I'll go back and

That's life February 21-28

That's life February 22, 2010

Went to church this morning and had lunch at La Fiesta - a third different location - with Melody. 

Played Rummikub and watched the end of Ransom of Red Chief.  It was really funny.  Christopher Lloyd and other great actors. 

Katelyn wanted to try one more time at canoing and cycling.  I finally won at canoing. 

I left around 3 for a tour around Sequoah Wildlife Refuge.  Wildlife was pretty lacking.  I photographed mallards, a few birds nests and a large flock of (I think) snow geese.  I was a bit far away to know for sure.  When I saw the flock I got a bit excited thinking it might be snow geese, but not getting close was disappointing.  I need to put binoculars in the car. There were some large black birds with them.  I also saw 2 or three hawks.  Too far away to photograph or identify. 

Arrived in Muskogee around 6:30.   Watched Olympics.  I can't believe how fast the downhill skiiers go and how vertical on their ski blades they get.  Amazing!

The ice dancing was beautiful for the most part except the Russian dancers.  I thought they were hideous.  Aboriginal dancers, indeed.  They were more mocking than dancing. 

That's life February 17-20, 2010

Arkansas.  Katelyn coaxed me onto the trampoline.  It was quite unsettling as it should be since it is a trampoline.  I held onto the netting and bounced up and down.  Possibly I could have gone into the middle if I had been alone.  Katelyn and I jumped in opposite bounces, when she was up I was down and I thought for sure I'd fall. 

Corban is so sweet.  Likes to play on the floor with all his toys and of course trys to put them all in his mouth.  Seems to enjoy classical music.  He quiets right down when it begins.  He even fell asleep while I was holding him and swaying to the music, but woke up when I put him in his bed.

Lance is doing well drawing and working with Photoshop.  I gave him a newer version. 

For his birthday on the 16th, Jeff, Amy and I gave him a digital camera.  It was supposed to have arrived on the 20th, but didn't get there.  I wish it had, but I'm sure he'll be able to figure it out.  A good camera class would be a big help.

Watching "Keeping up Appearances" - it is so hysterical. 

I don't miss TV except when I see my favorite series while in a hotel.  There's always Netflix.

Back to Arkansas -  Watched Beverly Hillbillies.  They are as funny as I remember.  I recommended Green Acres to them.  I always liked that show. 

Friday, we went roller skating.  Corban slept through alot of it and then got up to smile at everyone.  I was surprised that I didn't fall, however I paid for it on Saturday.  My knee was killing me.  I discovered that when we went on a Nature hike at the Huckabee Center.  Craig showed me several deer rubbings on pine trees, deer nibbling and prints.  I would never have noticed them. 

I thought I was going to leave Saturday, but stayed over till Sunday afternoon.  Went to church and Melody was there.  She's thinking of becoming a foster parent.  So is Karen.  I wonder how this will turn out.

My house sitting person is due back sooner than expected, he hurt his back.

I remembered the other WII games - bowling - I scored 108.  It was rather fun.  I didn't get to try golf.  I watched Craig and Lance fence.  I don't think I could do that. 

Kately liked the Resort Flying where you flew your plane around an island looking for tourist spots.  I thought I might be sick watching and trying to shoot down balloons but it wasn't so bad.

That's life February 16, 2010

Arkansas - wasn't sure I was going to get here.  Sunday evening, I was too tired and with a storm coming in, I didn't want to chance it in the dark.  Left Monday around 10 hoping to miss the impending blanket of 6-8" of snow.  Getting out of Ohio was iffy.  I began to wonder if it was a good idea. Many single cars off the road in a ditch, one large RV type trailer behind a truck was in the ditch.  Didn't appear anyone was hurt in any of them.   It was icy and windy and more snow was coming in.  Once past Richmond conditions improved and past Plainfield the snow had diminished considerably.   

I wrote a few notes as I sat in traffic slow down for vehicles off the road.  I'll collect them from the car and add them here.  

Stayed overnight in St. Roberts near Ft. Leonard Wood.  It had been a long day.  

Uneventful trip into Fort Smith except for listening to Humpback whale song by Jodi Piccoult.  It is so very disjointed and I think full of errors.  She appears not to have done much research.  Poison ivy at Gila Bend Arizona??  Checking.  Checked and it appears that they do have poison ivy.  What a surprise. 

Got to McKenzie's around noon and was greeted by everyone.  Lance is so big, Kately so pretty and Corban so adorable.  I got to hold him lots and I'll add pictures.  

Went to La Fiesta for dinner to celebrate Lance's 15th birthday.  We nearly had the place to ourselves.  Lance was serenaded and wore a gigantic sombrero for the occasion.  Lance received his 10 point buck head from his parents.  It is quite a majestic trophy.  It was a majestic animal. 

Katelyn and Lance introduced me to WII resort.  I cycled and canoed.  A good bit of exercise with both. 

That's life February 14, 2010

Weather is making it difficult to make my journey to Arkansas.  I don't really have a time frame except that Craig and Loretta don't want me to stay more than 4 days, Febr 15-19.  However, most of the 15th is taken up by travel which means I'm only there for 3 days.  I did ask if I could just hang around their house over the weekend if they are busy doing something.  I really would like to continue scanning pictures. 

We'll see when I get there. 

Back to the weather - 5-7 inches of snow is forecast for tomorrow, but not much beyond central Ohio.  I think I'll check everything in the morning.  No doubt the snow trucks are busy as we speak. 

It will make a long day, but I prepared by getting several stories from the library.

Annalise is so funny.  She sings all the time, making up verses and endings.

Trying to get together with folks in OK on the 27th.  Not sure everyone wants to stay over at the Residence Inn.  It may be Gaye, Kay and I. 

Also trying to arrange a gathering of Eagles for September in Mystic CT.  I hope it works out since the cruise was a bust.

Oh, Happy Valentines Day!!

Joined the Killeen Alumni Assoc.  hoping to find Pete Bliss.  He's about the only one I remember other than the unmentionable.  Oh yes, there's also John Williams and another guy that I would only remember his name if I had the yearbook in front of me.  That year was not a good one.

I was scanning Vilseck pictures today and one was of Carlton.  My tummy did a little flip as I looked at his picture.  Flame still burns.  He was very special to me.  It's one of those things that you really regret - why didn't we continue to write.  I think I was so melancholy and lost, I didn't know what to do. 

That's life February 12, 2010

Short notes tonight.  Drove the Subaur to CARS for a windshield wiper repair and walked home.  Only about 1/2 mile, but the sidewalks were covered with snow globs from snowplows.

Clay class - just glazed my work and spoke with Donna about retirement plans.  She mentioned Executive Women's Golf Association - might sign up.

Took Simon for haircut - he gets so unhappy when his routine is broken - what routine - staying home. 

Went to Larson's to get a set of policemen with his allowance.  He's purchasing on advanced payments.

Simon and I walked over to get the car.  We pretended we were Bear Grylls (Man vs. Wild) as we traversed over the Himilayas and up Mt Everest.

Annalise is so cute.  She loves her Princess dolls.  Wants to watch Cinderella (or any Princess story), play Cinderella and read Cinderella, all at the same time.  Such a cute sweet voice.  Talks up a storm now.  Very adult words in a little tiny voice.

Yesterday - went head first over the armless chair.  Scared me to death.  I turned around in time to see the dive and direct hit on the floor.  She cried quite alot.  Then wanted to recreate it!!!  Amy was at the doctor's.

Later in the evening she went diving for the chair again and rolled off it onto the floor.  Mom moved the chair and Annalise was unhappy.  She wanted to move it back as part of her obstacle course!!

That's life February 9, 2010

February already!  It's been more than a week since I wrote.  So many things have happened, mostly small ones but memorable.  I need to write something every night!!

Annalise and I went to Panera this morning before school, but we still got there late because of the new snow falling.  Angela thinks Annalise should get there earlier.  It is hard to fight with her about time!!

Speaking of time, I find it is the hardest part of my life to adjust.  However, I think I'm getting better.  My insides don't go in knots when other people are late or behind schedule.  Working with Harvey helped that abit!  He was perpetually sliding in just in time.  That drives me crazy. 

I feel like the White Rabbit or Bilbo and Gollum -  Time, Time, Time -  I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!!

Simon listened to the Bur Oak Chronicles story and made suggestions.  He did like it. 

More snow today, I wonder how much.  I leave for Arkansas on the 15th.  I need to get Lance's birthday gift. 

That's life February 2, 2010

Sitting at Panera waiting for Annalise to finish school.  She was not too thrilled to leave her playing at home, so we bribed her with going to see Rosie at BN. 

Hopefully Amy and Simon will have a good school day. If the weather warms up, we're going to collect oak samples for an art project.  It seems if there's an art component attached to something, Simon is willing.

Boy the house is seeming more and more cramped.  Jeff, Amy and Simon went to 2 Open Houses on Sunday but neither had promise.

Monday was eventful- I needed to check out Mr Carson's plants, mail, bird feeders, etc., so Simon and I stopped by.  The alarm had been set and I tried to disarm it, but I ended up sending a message to the alarm company.  He didn't leave me the password, so I explained everything and gave them my name, thinking all was well.  We proceeded to water the geranimiums, empty the overflowing mailbox and head outside for the feeders when who should appear in the driveway!!! - not Santa, but a Columbus policeman!  Boy was I surprised.  I explained everything and I believe he thought I was harmless, but said he wouldn't file a false alarm ticket this time!! 

We left without resetting the alarm!  I'll contact Mr. Carson about the correct entry codes!

A good thing though- Simon and I went over to Toys R Us to spend the allowance money that was burning in his pocket!  He has gotten into playing with Playmobil and wanted the Warrior Ship, but Toys R Us didn't have it, so I called Larson's and they had it in their storage, and would have it by the afternoon.  Joy rained in Mudville!!

Time to pick up Annalise.  I'll finish this later. 

That's life January 27, 2010

Been busy with the RR Conference since Monday.  Can't connect in the conference room so I've been doing crossword puzzles, French Rosetta Stone, adjusting Weed ID presentation, handing out literature between speakers. 

On Saturday I noticed a hole in the turret over the porch.  I took some pictures but they were through the misty window, so they didn't turn out well.  My computer won't connect to my camera;  I don't know why.  Anyway, the hole is so uniform, that it looks like an animal did it.  Pieces of the shingles are laying on the roof.  It's not like the wind or some object crashed into it.  I'm afraid there's a racoon family living there. 

Don't know if I'll ever get rid of the house.  Discouraging. 

That's life January 23, 2010

Today started out well. Decided to eat at the Chatterbox. It isn't the same as it was when I first moved here. There were tables with chairs and now there are booths and so you can't talk from table to table.

Bill Funk is gone. His gang doesn't show up except for Dean and he sits alone. Chuck Logan doesn't come in. A lively discussion was happening at the round table, which is where many opinions had been expressed over the years. Now they were talking about schools closing for no reason, the length of the school year, the cuts at Purdue yet they are still building. They don't know that all the buildings are due to private funds. Oh, well, I just took it all in.

I started removing the remaining wall paper on the hall between the bathroom and kitchen. It took most of the day. With the steamer up close to the top of the ceiling, it was like working in a sauna. Not all bad and with my arms over my head most of the time, it may be a good workout.

I don't have anything to eat here, so I walked up to the store for a Coke Zero and a healthy snack to tide me over till dinner at Stookey's. As I walked past the house, I noticed a large hole in the turret over the porch. Just great!! I called State Farm and I'll take a picture of it tomorrow. It is so large it is like someone tried to walk around on it.

Can't get the scanner to work with the laptop so no scanning of pictures.

I had catfish, sweet potato and coleslaw at Stookey's and began reading Lawrence Block's book on writing fiction. Chris Sigurdson gave it to me. Would be nice if it lead to getting Bur Oak Chronicles published!!

Tired tonight and it is only 8:45.

Must finish the hall and put a coat of paint on tomorrow.

Almost forgot, mouse count is now 6. I threw them outside on their sticky traps. I wonder if a cat or dog found them and got stuck to the traps themselves. What a picture!!

That's life January 22, 2010

Spent the Tuesday through Thursday at the Indiana Arborist meeting. It was great to see folks and greater to walk around free of responsibility!! I only had one relapse. I walked in and found the registration table back in Liberty Hall and I said to Karen and Julie - "What is this doing back here!" Then I grabbed my mouth and kept a lid on it for the rest of the time.

It was really easy. Julie is doing a wonderful job as Business Manager. Lindsey is a great people person and he has lots of contacts throughout Indiana.

Upon returning home Thursday I found a decomposed mouse on a sticky trap I had left a month ago. I set out 4 more Friday morning and went on an errand run in Lafayette. I purchased more of the spring traps feeling it a bit more humane to kill them quickly.

When I got home, I found 4 mice squirming to free themselves from the glue traps. One was quite small, so I wonder where the community is and how many of them there are! I have already lost my beautiful purple crocheted scarf to them. It was in little pieces, so I know there's an elegantly lined nest somewhere.

I gathered the 4 up and tossed them outside to become a tasty meal for something. Recycling!!

I put out 4 new traps coated with peanut butter. One is already missing its peanut butter and the trap was not sprung! So I set a sticky trap next to it. I added a spoon with peanut butter on it to the trap.

SNAP! I got one! that's 5!

I'm closing credit card accounts that I don't use or don't need to use. Took 6 minutes to close the Sears Account. This is exhausting!

Funny thing is some of them I never activated, so to close them I have to activate them!!

macy - 4 minutes
Chase - 3 minutes
home depot - 6 minutes and they tried to give me a 10% credit if I kept it open.
TJ Maxx - 2 minutes, but I was interrupted by a phone request for money to FNR.
Lowe's - 3.30 minutes
menards - done - played a game of Spider Solitare as a diversion
best buy - 8 minutes

lazarus, talbot and old navy are next, but I'll practice some French now and then head for bed. I'm still on the first lesson. Vocabulary is next. I like the Rosetta Stone method, I need the visual as well as the words.

Getting these cards taken care of makes me feel so much better.

That's life January 18, 2010

Annalise is watching Cinderella and the Prince dance. She likes to watch it over and over. Now she removed the video from the player and said "That's done." She announced she wanted a "popusicle", a red one. Then we watched the dancing again. She has such a cute little wiggle waggle when she walks. Like she's dancing all the time. Loves to sing and play music on toy pianos.

Simon and Amy went to Dick Blick's we were all going, but Annalise threw a fit to stay home and play with something in the basement. We got the big Star Wars toys for Cinderella to ride in. So she and I stayed home to play. Now she is running her exercise track from chair to couch to ottoman and to trampoline. Very active little one!

My blood sugar was 86 the last time I checked, but I need to do it today. I will surely do some work outs at the conference.

Watched "Wives and Daughters". What a great show. I got so wrapped up in it one night, watched 2 1/2 episodes, and finally shut it off at 2:30am.

Busy evening, laundry, packing for the trip back to Indiana. I woke up this morning thinking that I was happy not to be scurrying around getting everything together for the conference! It feels great not to have such a responsibility.

Well, I did check my blood sugar tonight and it was 180! I ate too many of the wonderful corn pancakes! So yummy, but I haven't had enough exercise to eat like that.

Annalise was playing "The Bridge at Avignon" on the xylophone. Amy came out of the kitchen thinking it was Simon doing it. She has an ear for music and for track. She stands at the edge of a long rug and jumps with both feet like she's doing the long jump.

To bed and my trip to IN tomorrow.

That's life - January 12, 2010

I finished reading "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". I likbed it as well as the movie. Watched "Raiders of the Lost Ark", it was as good as the first time. Simon liked it too.

Took Annalise to her first Kids Gym class yesterday. She had her fingers in her ears for fear of the gymnasium bell sounding off. But she had a good time kicking the soccer ball and running around the gym. After a half hour though she headed to the lobby to play with the horses on the horse table. Then to the library. Picked out several movies but had so many fines from old movies, that I couldn't get them out. I was really perturbed about the cost. I'll never get anymore movies from the library. Only 5 days and then $1.25/day. I've spent almost $40 in the last week! No more! I'd rather pick them up at thrift stores or get them from Netflix.

I have lots I want to do - scan pictures, write about my "younger years". Those things take such a long time to do, I need to plug along - little by little.

I think I'll work on web albums and get my dad's Korea pictures out there.

That's life - January 10, 2010

Days fly by! I finished reading "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". The author's note surprised me - he said the people were real but some changes were made. Of course that could be part of the book as well. I can surely believe him though after living in a small town. Characters abound.

Simon, Amy and Jeff went sledding today. Annalise was to go, but she decided to play upstairs. We spent an hour playing with her stuffed animals - boating, ballooning, napping. It was quite fun. She's quite a character.

Last week, after our first significant snow, Simon and I took a walk. He was able to identify the hibiscus and other plants in their winter finery. He said, "I think winter is for cleansing." I do have to agree.

I've been thinking of asking Thenea if she'd like to rent my house. I know she'd take care of it, we'd need to come to an equitable financial situation for her.

Jeff identified 18 homes for us to look at. Some are terrific!

My blood sugar has been below 130. This morning it was 104. I can't help but think the weight reduction is helping. I'm not taking the metformin - UGH! It was so nasty tasting. No matter what I ate with it- blech!!

Something else I noticed - when I have a Klondike fudge bar (100 calorie - no sugar), I sleep all night. I think it is crazy, but it seems to work.

This week begins a new session at the Rec center. Annalise is taking a gym class, Amy and I adult clay, Simon is taking a breather from classes. He wants more school!!

That's life - January 2, 2010

Great day! Slept in and hung around the house all morning. I was taking Simon and Annalise to Karyn and Kevin's at 3:00 so Amy and Jeff could have some time together.

Simon was dragging his feet. He didn't think he'd get enough time with his parents. Annalise was tired but wouldn't nap. I promised her we'd go to BN to play with the train, Dora, Boots, Jaguar, Wild Things creatures, whatever. Just to get her out of the house. It worked and she got her shoes on.

Emma was asleep when we got there, so Annalise started playing with the dollhouse and the princess dolls. She was very happy playing alone and Emma walked in. Whoa!! Annalise started screaming that she didn't want her in there. Things went from bad to worse when Emma took Cinderella with her. Annalise of course had all the rest, but without C-ella it was a disaster. She started throwing herself around and really out of control. Cinderella was put away since Emma didn't want to share it. Tried watching Charlotte's Web with Emma, but shortly Annalise started crying about Cinderella. Meanwhile Alaina wanted to watch Charlottes Web, but Karyn made her stay upstairs with Simon. So she started crying.

I figured about that point Karyn and Kevin wondered why they agreed to do this!! Took Annalise upstairs and turned off the movie. She wandered around a bit looking for Mom. She needed a new diaper, but was not in the mood to have it changed. Karyn took her into the bathroom and got that done. Kevin and Annalise went to the bedroom to play with the princesses.

All was quiet. Karyn continued dinner, Simon and Alaina built and Emma knocked them down. Emma and I built and knocked them down. We made snowman cards and Kevin and Annalise played until dinner.

All was quiet. We had a nice dinner, dessert and headed home.

All and all is was really fun!!

Amy and Jeff were very happy to have their quiet seclusion interrupted!! Right!!