Christmas eve ponderings

http://www.kinderart.com/sculpture/maraca2.shtml

Glittery Snowflake
http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/snowflakes/a/blsnowflk1.htm

I have to admit, I'm very glade we are not up north right about now. Beth, in Missouri has been slammed with snow several time already, with more in her forcaste. It has been very pleasent here in Georgia and looks to be a nice shirt sleeve Christmas this year.
Christmas childhood
Toys I remember
walking dogs. you placed them on a tilted table or book and they walked down till they fell off. I remember yellow dog and white sheep. I wonder what Mom had to pay for those, couldn't be much. She got all three of us kids at least one a year for about 4 to 5 years, If I recall right.
Monkey on a ladder. You pressed in the side and the monkey did tricks at the top of the ladder.
walking animal with a string and a weight at the other end so you didn't have to tilt the table.
tops.
Pez dispencers, I remember Wonder Woman and Batman
tiny plastic dolls with just a diaper on. I was always making dolly clothes for my naked babies.

Monday

Well, It's Monday. Last night we had spegettie (can't spell worth a durn) and garlic buttered toast. AFter we ate Dinner we went and did our laundry. Two weeks worth. Yikes. 5 full washers worth. I think I left my only apron behind. Jerry thought he heard someone yelling, but he didn't turn back, just looked in the mirror. I'm going to ask him if it got left in the car, or if we can go back for it, tonight or tomarrow. I can make one for me. But I don't know when. I love wearing an apron while doing my house work. Yes, it's like putting on an uniform of my trade and sets me up to want to do my best while I am cleaning up the house. I folded up and put away, the laundry today. That took me almost an hour. Then I made up the bed with the washed sheets. Then I had to run the pets out of the room cause they wanted to play on the bed. I've gotten the rest of the house about back to normal, for us.

I just can't figure out what I want to get Jerry for Christmas. Nothing seems to be "Right".

David Called me, Sunday. He was driving through and thougt we could get together, by the time he called, We figured out, he had just passed our exit. Maybe next time we can get together.

Saterday Before Christmas

With just a few days to go before the "Big" day... we are broke. Which seems to be the norm for us, most years. We did manange to go to the auction tonight and I was able to pick up a few one dollare items for gifts for my Grandkids' birthdays that are coming up in a couple of months. A few enamel bowls and a canister set for our flour, sugar and such to put on the counter. Next on my "want" list is a jar I can make sour dough starter in... it can wait a bit. We "should" have done the laundry, but we both enjoy going to auctions too much. Dinner ended up on the cheap at Waffel house. My eggs were not cooked medium done.. so I doubt we will go to that one again.. The one closer to the house does much better, and the gals there don't "flirt" with the single guys working construction as much.

There is talk that Jerry and all, may have to work Jan 1st. There is a shut down starting the first of the year that will last at least a couple of weeks. That means 70+ hours per week. Jerry gets 5 days for Christmas so those couple of weeks pay will make up for a couple of short weeks we are dealing with. I have another eye appointment on Dec 30th. My right eye will be lazered to take care of a presure problem he saw in it.. next well be a different lazer treatment for leaking blood vessels. I don't know, yet, how much that is going to effect my eyes. the first lazering, I don't notice that much unless I'm looking at a blank screen. Every now and then I see the pattern of the lazering he did in the one eye but I don't seem to have a blind spot in it from the lazering.

Hubby's Birthday

Yesterday was my Beloveds Birthday. Yes, one week before Christmas.. I have to say it. I was a bit disappointed in two of our kids. Heather called, while he was in the shower so we talked until he could come to the phone. Beth "texted" him, but didn't call later. I did Text David to remind him it was his Dad's birthday. but never heard from him. Of course, David could be out on the road and may not have gotten the text, for all I know.

We ate dinner at Wendy's. Jerry's favorite food is Hamburger. If I cooked Hamburgers 7 days a week, he would be happy. I made him a German Chocolate Cake for dessert. He ate 1/4 of the whole thing compaired to my two, thin.. slices. We will have more cake tonight after dinner, as well.

Ah. the problems of auctions. We found an auction here in town, It's only just started up a few weeks ago. We went las week and ended up getting a couple of cd players. One is a table top sort with speakers and the other a personal one. Jerry loves his music. I enjoy music compaired to his love of it... The personal player works just fine.. the other one, we need to take back. Now, if Jerry can only remember where he put the ticket from it. Otherwise it will be Feburary before we see that dealer at the auctionhouse.

Most every thing else we have gotten has been up to our expectations. Only other thing that has not worked out is a small roasting pan that I got to cook in. once. When I went to clean it after cooking the coating in it came up as well.

Cooking for two after cooking for 5 and more can be a challenge. I mean. I like to cook but many of my dishes serve a crowd, and Jery is not one to want to eat left overs. My dog does enjoy my cooking as well at times.

I wish I had my camera last night. That dog was eye balling that cake by Jerry's chair all evening long. I finally put it away. He's not allowed Chocolate any thing. He's been good to look and not touch, but we don't leave temptation out, either. Kelly the cat, is a hoot. she all but ingnors me all day long. As soon as Jerry sits in his chair she's claiming his lap. I am not allowed to touch Jerry by either animal. If I put my hand on Jerry's lap Rocky grabs my wrist. If I put my hand on his arm, Kelly insists that I really meant to put it on her head.

Christmas is not far away. now

Our tree is up , and we have some decorations on it. I glued some glass drops together with a hanging string between them. they look nice and I hopeing that they don't fall apart. I painted some balls with glitter glue, they still need to go on the tree.

I still need to finish up a coule of swaps and send them on their way tomarrow. I can finish up tonight, I'm sure. I don't know if Jerry has to work tomarrow or not. If he does, I'll have to walk to the post office. Not that far, but it feels like it when I'm carring everything in a backpack. course that just means I can make a couple of stops on my way home and do more "shopping".

I still don't know what I'll be fixing for dinner tonight. We ended up eating out last night. We went to Taco Bell. I had the new nachos and Jerry had the Chicken bowl. Next time I'm getting the bowl and he'll end up with something else. If I don't get the bowl, then I want the salad.

A Puppy's 12 Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
The Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the second day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the third day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Ten Christmas cards I shoulda mailed
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eleven unwrapped presents
Ten Christmas cards I shoulda mailed
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
A dozen puppy kisses
And I forgot all about the other Eleven days.

Life in December

Never fails, Come December, things hit the fan. Monday the tranny went out on the jeep. Took Tuesday to find out it's "IN" the tranny, and it costs more than the jeep is worth to fix it. So, late Tuesday we went looking for "something" we can drive. found out we can't buy in Ga without a GA drivers' licence. ???? We did find a car we could pay cash for. If either one of us can't get our licence changed, then we will make a quick trip to Mo's east side and tag in Mo, at least for a little while.

I have mis-placed Jerry's Birth Certificate and can't find it. Need it to change licence.. finally found my with the seal on it, but with eye surgury in my near future, I don't know how long I'll be driving or not driving.

Today's dinner was a roast and a couple of potatoes . I'm afraid both were overdone. It happens. tomarrow I plan on doing some flounder, cause Jerry really likes flounder.


We have our tree up. We got it before all this trouble with the jeep started. Jerry helped put the balls on the tree after I put some ribbon around it for our garland. So far the cat has knocked two of the balls off, and Rocky has knocked one off with his tail. I did up some special but havn't put them on the tree, yet.

Rocky's Pet, Sarah, is under the tree. Yes, we got our pet, a pet. They really do get along well.

My Day

Well. My doctor's appointment went well enough. I'm now on a hypertenstion med. I had a kinda high number for that first number.. I guess it was up cause of the walk over and I hate having to see a "new" doctor. maybe it's white coat syndrom. know what I mean?
He wrote scripts for all the things I need, needles, strips, insluin and such. I go back in 6 weeks to see him again.. he also made me an apointment for a Mamogram.. when was the last time I had it done... um.. 04.. and the pap smear... o4.. your a bit long between them, don't you think? kinda. But at least I"m up to date on my colon. I'm sure if I had the high presure back in April my doctor in Missouri would have put me on something then.

tonight's dinner was Salad, Chicken cooked in a non stick sprayed skillet, then a bit of water added when it got dry.... I shreded a couple of potatoes and added about a 1/4 cup of cheese and baked in the toaster oven... didn't turn out like I thought it would. Won't do that again. I guess I should have added the milk and flour as for au grautins.

Thanksgiving and after

We had a long weekend and I'm just now getting back to my blog. Jerry and I spent Thanksgiving day traveling to Columbus to meet up with a long time on line friend of mne. We got back in time to go to an auction. We had fun at the auction and find a few bargins for a few dollars. Many things I took to Heather's (My daughter) for Christmas gifts. Saturday we went to Heather's for a family Dinner. She did Great. The turkey was perfect. The table groaned from all the food put out on it. All our family favorites. Turkey and Dressing, Deviled Eggs, Fresh Vegetables, Potato Salad and more. Heather, Bailey and I went shopping after dinner. we stopped in three places looking for dresses. Not a dress to be found. We found skirt sets and pants sets but no dresses. Jerry and I came back home on Sunday. Both of us have head colds. I'm feeling better but I'm not sure if he is or not. We brought home a kitten with us. Rocky is lonely and needs company. This little one is finally figuring out that Rocky is not out to hurt her and is even finding ways to get Rocky into trouble.

Seeing dots

Well, I now see a cluster of dots from my left eye. I had lazer surgury done and have to go back on the 10th of Dec to have the same thing done to the right. Then back again for a different lazer treatment for the blood vessels in both eyes. It didn't hurt, but I couldn't see very clear for most the afternoon and into the early evening. I didn't ask if I would now forever be seeing these dots. I'll ask at the next appointment. I know it can differ with each person as well. I can read for short amounts of time, but I downloaded all my email without attachments to a folder to try to read later.

Lazy Sunday

This was a lazy day for me. Jerry had to work, and once he was out the door, I went back to bed. Got up just a few minutes before 9. Took my meds and made that bed so I wouldn't crawl back into it. If I was sick it would be one thing, I just didn't feel like doing anything house cleaning wise. so I didn't. Not today. Beth called me an hour later than usual, having just gotten off work.. her shift lasted much longer than anticipated this morning. She talks to me to wind down before going to bed for the day.. She loves her night shift but sometimes the sleeping in the day sucks. (parden the french) I decided to read emails on one of my yahoo id's that I don't often check and spent about 1 1l2 hours just copying recipes that look intresting, to me. Then Heather texted me. Which is her way of asking me to call her. It doesn't cost me to call her, where it costs her to call me from her house phone. We talked about 2 hours total. .with my phone dropping the call, twice. We firmed up plans for Satureday after Thanksgiving, and made up our menu and grocie list. I sent her money last week to cover the meal. I then proceded to take a very hard sleep, sitting on the couch... I mean I was dead to the world, until Jerry called to let me know he was on his way home... I seem to sleep that hard more and more often, now.. I don't know why and sometimes it really puts a scare into me. And the dreams I have, they don't help me feel any better. I don't even feel rested after that kind of hard sleep.
Dinner was easy tonight. I opened a can of Chili with no beans in it, and once it was warmed up, added in the mac and cheese I made a couple of nights ago..Let it warm up, turned it off, until about 3 minutes before Jerry was to come through the door. and put the salad in a couple of bowls... We did snack a bit after dinner, but not much. I ate the last of the fruit salad we picked up at the store an Jerry ate some nuts and then some chex mix that we bought. Rocky finished off the bag of mini marshmellows we had.

I'm not a daily poster

Well, I'm not. My house is small but I have lots of emails to read each day. I could go digest on a couple of groups, but then I'd not get to see the pictures. And I try to not let the computer rule my life. My dog is sleeping in his chair since I've brought him in. He wasn't Cold, but he was cool and since he has a short coat, I don't want him out too long when the temps are below the 60's. I want to make some ginger cake today.. I'll wait till about 430 to make so the smell will still be in the house when DH gets home from work. He has to work tomarrow as well. Ugh. We will do the laundry tonight so he can watch one of his favorite shows after work tomarrow night.

anyway.. tonights dinner will be Chili Mac, Salad and the gingerbread cake.

crock pot rice

Oh well. I started the rice too late, so I put it all in a pot on the stove and will finish it up that way.

Dinner is easy tonight. I've started some rice in the crockpot. Will see how it turns out. Last time not so good. Jerry picked out some Breaded Flounder in the frozen fish area. I'm going to fix them, in the oven and a potato for him. He's not much on rice. Salad of course. Humm. I wonder if a carrot can be baked in the oven. think I'll try it since I have a few of them, and it's going to be on, anyway.

The weather here has turned cold. The low tonight in the upper 20's. That means I'll have to run the water in a thin stream out of the faucets. (Great).

I walked to town yesterday and today my ankels are telling me about it. At least I can stand. There have been times in the past that I've not even be able to stand when they hurt.

Dinner tonight

Not knowing when Jerry will be home after work. He has to go pick out frames for his new glasses since the last ones he chose were out of stock.. I made a crockpot meal. I put a nice Roast in the bottom. topped with green beans and three small potatoes on top. Been cooking all day long and smells good.

my daily "to do" list

I am house keeping challanged. I have struggled all my adult life in keeping a home neat. I get distracted easily, Get bored, Get upset that no one else seems to care that I did all that work... ect.. We have been in this house for just over three weeks now. and I can't believe that I am still keeping it clean. Of course we don't have a lot of stuff in the way, right now, either. but for me to keep it this clean for this long is a record. I like reading emails. I get between 200 and 300 in one account alone, not counting my yahoo id's (7) So I said I can make this work for me... for every 5 I read, I have to get up and do "something". Most times I'll do two or three items on my list so I can read 5x that number..i.e, do three things, read 15 emails. Now don't go thinking I'm crazy. many of my emails are either from the three chatty groups I'm in, or from recipe groups I'm in. but over-all. I am pleased that I have found a way to get my work done, and still enjoy being on the Net... course Rocky still takes me away from the computer as well. He has to have his attention and walks every day.

here is my "Daily To Do" list. Under the *** Stuff *** list are things that are done once. or only a few times to finish up.. it gets longer and shorter as the week goes by.

***** Dinner *****
What's for supper (place it here each day)
***** Take Care of Me *****
Am Blood sugar check
Brush Hair
Pm Blood Sugar Check
**** To Do ****
Check the montly calendar in housekeeping file.
Read a chapter in the Bible
Say prayers
**** Water Closet ****
Clean Mirror
Wipe Sink
Swish Toilet
Clean Floor, mop as needed
*** Bed room ****
Make Bed
dust all wood tops and doors
Vacume Floor
**** Bathroom ****
Clean Mirror
Wipe Sink
Wipe Tub
Swish Toilet
Straighten shelfs
Sweep floor, mop as needed
**** Hallway ****
Sweep floor
Mop as needed
**** Kitchen ****
Dishes
Wipe around sinks
Wipe Fridge
Wipe Stove
Wipe Countertops
Sweep Floor, mop as needed
Make Lunch for me
Make Tea For Jerry
Thaw out Hashbrown For Jerry's breakfast tomarrow
**** Living Room ****
sweep and mop entranceway.
Coffee table top, clear and dust
Left End table clear and dust
Right End Table, Clear and Dush
dust tv top and screen
Wipe off leather of Chair
Wipe off Leather of couch
Vacume Floor
**** Back Porch ****
Sweep Floor
Knock down cobwebs
Clean around light
**** Front Porch ****
Sweep floor
Knock Down Cobwebs 2x weekly
Clean around Light


*** Middle bedroom ***
Sort daily laundry
Vacume floor
*** Back Bedroom ***
Vacume floor
**** STuff ****

Tonight's dinner, from the oven

For dinner tonight, I used the oven. I cut up three potatoes in nice sized chunks, spread them out on a new cookie sheet sprayed with a bit of canola oil and sprinkled some seasoned salt over them... and then placed two boneless pork chops on a different, smaller cookie sheet sprayed with the same. and covered with foil. to bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes. With this we had a salad. After dinner Jerry had a bowlfull of chex mix. for dessert we both had a klondik bar. I savored it as much as I could. later, I made us both a cup of tea for the evening. Jerry's cough seems to be not as bad as it was last week.

Sad news for Heather's family

Ricky's father has passed away after a few weeks in the hospital. He was pulled off life support on Monday and passed on Saturday. The stress on the family in Tennessee was tremendous and I ask for prayers for all of them and healing of hurt feelings as well. Ricky Jr. and Heather was by his side every day.

Neat Idea, and news

I better get the news out first. I had an eye exam last Wendsday, And was asked to go back on Friday for dilation. He saw some bleeding in the back of my right eye and so I go see someone else later this month. I'll post the date when I know for sure when it will be, but most likely around Thanksgiving week.


I just saw, on someone else's blog, that they post their menu for dinner. Well, I can't do that every day. but I can try to post more often by posting what we are having for dinner. Trying to cook for two people is hard enough. but toss in the amount I have to watch my own diet, yet keep things that Hubby wants to eat.. can drive me crazy at times. Tonight is shopping night, so we are eating out. He didn't say were, yet.

Rocky has been waiting for Jerry to get home from work since 4:45. sitting in his chair, looking out the window. Coming to me every few mintues asking to go out. after just being out. He likes to sit on the porch steps waiting for Jerry to get home. Tonight, we change things up a bit since I'm not taking him out with us this time. Once he sees Jerry home. I'm putting him in the kennel and I'll bring him back a treat.

Almost Halloween

First off. Heather and Ricky have resolved their differences, for now at least. He has moved back in and they are getting along better. His father is still in the hospital. I don't know if he's improving or not.

Jerry is working long hours at work and that makes it hard for me to make dinner and have it ready for when he walks in the door.

Our move from the motel to the house went smoothly. Although it meant that Jerry had to take a day off work, it worked out best for us. He did go in Sunday and worked all day, and that kinda threw everyone else off but now everyone will have Saturday off and for most of "us" that's a better day to have off than Sunday as more places are open, at least in the mornings, like banks.

I can not tell you how proud I am of myself. I have been able to keep this place nice and clean for almost two weeks now. For me that is a first. Well, one room, where we put all the boxes as we moved in, is slightly disorganized. but it's not impossible to find something in there.

I've been able to get the dishes done everyday, wipe the counters and sinks. sweep the floors and vacume the rugs. and make the bed. Here I am, 51 years old and can't say that I've ever been able to keep a place this nice for this long before. Pityful isn't it?

My brother wrote in his blog about some of the sled dogs getting a bit wild and wooly when they don't get out and run.. I can fully understand that. Rocky can become a royal pain in the rear when I don't take him for at least a 4 block walk around here every day. He's a good dog, just doesn't know what to do with all that pent up energy at times.

I'm within walking distance of both the Ingles Grocry store and a Dollar General. I plan on taking walks to both this week. I have a nice, large backpack that I take with me when I do go out, to carry things back home in. I find it's better for my back to carry that than to have bags hanging off my hands. The effect is wonderful compaired to carrying things in bags back home.

We are still too close to the interstate and can hear the traffic from it, unless it's raining. But that's a small price to pay for finding a good place around here. Some of the fellows are still trying to find a place to live. Motel living can only go so far. Those rooms are not made to be lived in full time, weeks on end.

I hope to get back to my crafts soon.

When your kids hurt, you hurt

Heather is going through a rough time, right now. She called me, to get our address here in Forsyth to send on Jerry's check from his last job. But, I could tell she had been crying. So I asked her why she was crying. She and Ricky had a big blow up. She was looking for his S.S card in his wallet so she could get Bailie into preschool. She found a busness card with a note on it. Hi, Call Me... with a heart drawn on it. She woke him up to ask about how a card with that sort of message got into his wallet. He got all defensive and ended up leaving. She's been trying to get him to "talk" to her for a while, now. He still isn't talking to her, and is starting to give her a hard time, already, about how often and how long he's going to see "HIS" kids. I know it was said in anger, but he threatened to Kill her... She said that is why she didn't call me in the morning, cause I would have called her local Law office and have someone sent out.. (You bet I would, in a heartbeat) When they talked later, he threatened to beat her, if she refused to let him see the kids. Heather said he was with a friend and thinks it's just bravo talk to impress the friend in how "tough" he was with his "ex". They havn't even been broke up for a day, yet. And the last time they talked last night he again threatened to hurt her... I told her, to call her local law's local number, not 911, and just give a heads up that he's been threating her with phyiscal harm. She said one of his cousins works in the department. I told her, that don't make a difference. She needs to let "someone" outside the home know what he's said. She said she would talk to the retired cop across the parking lot from her. That is as good as any thing. He has the keys to the gun cabnet, so she can't open it and remove the ammo from the rifles. She said if she could get it open she would ask that retired cop to do it for her. She's not sure she remembers how to do it. The kids are handling this ok. Bailie knows something is going on, and is trying to comfort her mother. Corbin is being Corbin.. into everything and not leaving Mom's side.

There isnt much I can do, right now, but just talk to her on the phone, by the hour.. which we did yesterday. I just let her get it out and do some thinking out loud. She's going to lose her job. The plant is closing by the end of the year. She'll have un-employment for a while. But with the short lay-off earlier this year, it's not going to last long. She is wanting to take some classes so she can get a better job. Ricky didn't want her to do that, wanted her to go right back out and find another job right away. And that is part of the problem, I think. He didn't ask her to consider it. He Told her. Demanded it of her. And she told him, while the un-employment was coming in, she could learn skills for a better paying job. He said "NO, not going to happen." Well, if he's not there, he can't stop her from doing it, now. He's asked her to not turn him in to child services to collect child support. She told him, as long as you are giving me money for the kids, I'll not do it. But the first time you don't. I'm going to let them know it. She's not kicking him out, He left. but he's acting like she kicked him out. Being very defensive. She said, he's walked over me for the last time. She's bent over backwards to keep him happy and he's still no happy.

Forsyth Ga

We are in Georgia, now. It's been nice and hot here. We had rain, started mid week, and been drizzling ever since. I went and checked out a house I heard of.. It's not great, but it would do. I think Jerry wants to try to look for something a bit nicer. ( don't blame him none there) But, it's big enough, close enough to the job and in a quiet area. He "heard" of a house about 5 miles from the job. If its out in the country, I'd be happier than living in town. Of course, I see things I can do to make it more a home. It does need work, but the lady said they are working on it. I havn't heard back from her, yet. I did fill in an application for it. One question I couldn't answer. Last Landlord.. I forgot who we last rented from. That was back in 1999. Then I remembered, but we never had his phone number. There is no area for a garden. It looks like it's in shade all the time. In summer that would be a bonus, though. We will just have to wait and see, now.

and we moved again

Yes, we are no longer in Tennessee. We had moved to a resort that didn't have internet for a week. We expected to be there around 6 to 8 weeks, but Jerry got the call he's been waiting for. We are now in Georgia. Forsyth to be exact. It's pleasent here. We are at the Super 8 for now. A lot depends on how long this job is suppose to last. If only a few weeks, we will stay in the motel. If a few months, then we will get a house... funny thing is, yesterday, while checking out the Whistle Stop cafe, and looking for the motercycle museum. We were offered a chance at a house here in Forsyth. First I need to know, how long we are expected to be here. Jerry was to call me, but hasn't yet. I don't know if he's still in orentation or just went straight to the job. I'm waiting for his call. I'll be starting our dinner here in a bit, in the crockpot. think I'll open the can of chili and warm it up. I may add some hot dogs to it. That and a salad would make a good meal tonight. We have potato chips we can add in as well.

The trip was on my Birthday. I did get to see my two older kids and the two Grand Kids. We stopped for a late lunch, early dinner at Shonies with them. We were packed up and out of the resort by 8 am.. met up with the kids around 2 and left there around 5. We finally got here to 8:30. I do not like having to go through Atlanta but it was not a big problem. We did have some trouble out of the Jeep, it wanted to run hot. As long as we were going 60 or better it kept cool, but lower and it would get hot. We kept up with traffic without passing so we were good.

Our room sure feels small compaired to the one we had at the resort. We did get everything in yesterday but we sure don't have much walking around space. Ugh. I know, I 'm sore this morning from carring everything up the one flight of stairs. But we have to turn back the trailer by tomarrow afternoon.

Rocky is taking to this motel living very well. He does bark when someone knocks on the door, sometimes when someone is loud, but most the time he's quiet. We do take lots of short walks. He's getting very good about meeting people although he still wants to jump up on people. Part of that is he's a bit short in the legs. I can't really have a large dog as most motels don't want you to bring in a large dog.

Today's high is in the mid 80's but by tomarrow it's to be in the low 70's I think I heard.

Less for More

We have moved to the next job. It's near Union City TN. We are staying at the Country Hearth Inn. We are paying more money for less. The sign out front says "Free Breakfast". Only we have to pay $20 more a week if one of us wants their breakfast. No way. It's costing us $10 a day for the dog.. yes,, that's $70 a week for the dog to stay in the room with us. And he's not to bark at night. I'm to make sure that the room gets vacumed each day. I was asked to leave the door open for a bit so the room could air out, today. We are paying over $400 a week. This is the only motel in Union City that allows dogs. Tonight, after Jerry gets off work, we are going to check out a kitchenette that Jerry heard about from a friend at work. I sure hope it's big enough for us. Right now. I could use a place I can really cook in. I can cook with my electronics but I would love a kitchen right now. Jerry was told that this job was only about 4 weeks when he came to this one. Looking around he says it's more like 8 to 12 weeks.

Please note.. 4 trucks.. 10 parking spaces taken. This is common here. Trucks take up alot of parking, and there is truck parking here. they can line up 6 to 8 trucks before they reach the marked space parking, usuall. These 4 though.. just took up so many spaces, because they could. They didn't pull all the way through on any of them, only one had a trailer with it. An on-going peeve I have for here, is that the General Manager here, parks in the handicap parking, every day. Not just for minutes, but for hours at a time. I Know he doesn't have the special emblem on his tag and he does not have the mirror hanger either. His son also parks in the same area..

I guess he figures he's "special" I got news for him. being from another country isn't considered a handicap in the USA.

This is where he parks every day. right in front of the main door into this motel. Note how he's not only taking up a handicap space, but also the space for a van to unload from. So he's really taking up two spaces. There is a sign right in front of where he parks that says there is a $100 fine for parking there without the permit.

I love WEekends

I love weekends. I really do. Jerry had two days off, and the weather was just perfect. Saturday, after getting up and walking Rocky, eating breakfast, we went Geocaching.. We found one. One we had looked for, before. I feel so silly, I had even tapped it with a stick last time we were in those woods.. even thought it would be the perfect hiding thing for it.. under a rock. It was a fake rock. Duh.

We drove around Hennepin canal for a while. And, We just drove around a bit. Soo bored sitting in the motel room.


Sunday, we slept in a bit. Went out for breakfast around 8:30, Went looking for another Geocache, but no luck in finding it. We did find a very nice park with bronze children statues in it. I took lots of pictures of it. We Drove around some more, and just had lots of fresh air. We did our shopping for lunch stuff in the afternoon. We ended up going back to Wal-Mart later for sandwich stuff for dinner as well.

A couple of days ago. one of the cleaning ladies gave me some tomatoes. We had a couple of them sliced up on sandwiches.. They were soo good.

This morning, After walking Rocky for the second time, I had breakfast in the daybreak room, as always. A bowl of honey oat cereal with milk, a banana, and a cup of coffee. I paid up the room for the week.; Then I walked Rocky around the outside of the motel, again.



It's room cleaning day, So I had to pick up before Joyce came to do her job of wiping the gunk off the shower walls, wipe the floor, swish the tolet and change sheets on the bed. After she left, I sorted the laundry and got it ready to wash. I'm doing the darks today and will do whites and jeans tomarrow. I ate a sandwich and peach for my lunch. Then took down today's laundry to wask.. Surprise, there is a tools truck sale going on. I havn't been in there yet. I'll wait till Jerry gets home from work since they are open until 7 pm. I know Jerry is going to want to look around in there.

Labor Day Weekend

This will cover Friday and Saturday, I hope.
We left Princeton Il around 2 pm and we got to Lawson around 9:30, Thursday night. Not too bad. Friday, Beth had to work from 10 to 1 then left for her concert. Beth went to the "Rock the Light' A Christian concert in Swope Park Kansas City. We did some looking around for the camper, but didn't find it. We drove past the farm. You can't see the house, the weeds are so tall. Way too tall. We followed some tracks into the field, to find out it was from a friend of Beth's who asked if he could pick up old metal.. He did a really decent job of picking up a lot of metal. Good. I sure hope he got enough to do himself some good. We drove all the back roads in the area looking, and still no camper.

We did get the jeep inspected, and tagged. But I wasn't able to get my licence renewed because my birth certificat from California does not have an embosed seal on it. It's what was sent to me, back in 1998 when I had to order one, after a fire. Now, I'm going to have to order another one. We also got one of the horse trailers tagged. Jerry to pulled it, Sunday, to Beth's so we could work on it.

Friday evening, We spent with Jerry's twin sister. We explained what has been going on with the camper being taken from the farm, paid her for the camper and had her sign it over to us. Jerry worked on her computer while we were there and took care of a problem she's had with it. We got home about 1/2 an hour before Beth did.

Saturday.. We did some more driving around looking for the camper. Still no luck at all in finding it. By 10 am, we had enough and went to the county seat, to file a stolen property report. The officer who took the report was nice enough.. I mean, he understood we want the camper back, and that we have been out looking for it. He also understand that we have been out of town for a while and have been trying to get ahold of the people who's land it was on, but have not had any luck with that.. He's going to keep looking, will try to find the people who own the land it was taken to, before it was removed last weekend and all the tracking we have done basicly.. I hope he has better luck than we did. He will offically file a stolen report on Monday evening. He is trying to help us just find it and get it back. He understands we have been trying to just have it returned, first.. but it it's not found by Monday, it's time to step up and get more aggressive about it.. I did tell him, if it gets to that, I can come to town and stay as long as needed to procuate who ever took it off our place in the first place. And I mean it, even if it was one of my nephews... I will put them away. Who ever took it off our place had no reason or right to do that.

I found Beth's music cd's and have been copying to my laptop.. I'll not want all the music, but I do want some of it.



Sunday
I did make pancakes for Beth and we also had fresh eggs with them. While I was finishing up with them, Jerry's sister, Kathy, and her son, Josh, come to Beth's house. Beth is not happy about that. Not at all. Josh has said some very rough things about one of Beth's best friends. He also owes her lots of money from where he's stayed with her, run up bills, then left her having to pay them. They stayed way too long. Jerry's sister has a way about her... she can insulte every one in a room within a few minutes of entering. She seems to think that only her opinion counts. Told Beth she "Needs" to put curtains up... well, it's cause of her son that she doesn't have curtains at the one window she's looking at. He's the one who wouldn't leave the blinds up and let the dogs tear them up. Told Me I NEED to dye the grey out of my hair... EXcuse ME.. it's my head, what's it to her, if I like the Silver in my hair? Made some remark about what Beth was wearing, in the comfort of her own home, no less. And Told Jerry how the shirt he was wearing was not a good color for him to be wearing... I guess it is much easier to find faults in others and ingnor her own. She even said something about Beth's belly button piercing, Yet she's in her mid 50's and have 6 holes in one ear and three in the other.. Look who's talking. I avoid going around her, as much as possible. We had plans for the day, and they were there from 9 to almost 4 pm. We had to go get stuff for lunch. At least Kathy paid for part of that. Jerry is outside, working on Beth's brakes on the van. Why Josh wasn't out there with him, I don't know. He should have been since it was Jerry he was there to visit with. Kathy ended up laying down on Beth's bed (without asking if it was ok, first) and taking an hour's nap. Beth washed her sheets after Kathy left. I got a call from the deputy who took our report on the stolen camper, He needed more information. I'm trying to find a place in the house for better reception and Kathy is talking to me, while I have a phone in my ear.... excuse me. I have to take this call. She went outside and smoked a cigarette and talked to Jerry while I finished up the call. By the time they left, we tried to get the tires off the horse trailer and take them to town to have them replaced. The lug nuts are on so tight that it's going to take an impact wrench to get them off. So Jerry hooks up the trailer to the jeep and run to the place that has tires that Jerry called. They close at 6 and it's 5 when he calls them. Only the tire shop isn't opened on Sunday's.. Why oh why didn't she tell Jerry that when he called? The jeep overheated taking the trailer back to Beth's house. So we park the jeep and jump into the van to go get something to eat. We ended up having to go by Kathy's truck (she drives for a living) and dropping off some things she forgot at Beth's house, and found out there was still one more bag. She is parked at a truck stop in Liberty. about 20 miles from Beth's home. By the time we got back to Beth's we all fell into beds and went to sleep.

Monday morning. Breakfast is going to be eaten out. Lets jump into the Jeep and go... only it overheats within 5 miles of leaving Beth's. Back to Beth's. Don't know why it's over heating. Has to be cause the horse trailer was too much for it to handle. So, back the Beth's and we get into the van, And we head to Cameron for breakfast. Knowing that there is no place in Lawson open for breakfast on Labor Day, and doubtful there will be in Excelsior Springs as well. Cameron is by the interstate and sure to have someplace open. And we though there was an Auto Zone there.. No, it's an Advance Auto. Jerry has an Auto Zone card where some parts he bought had to be taken back and they gave him the card instead of cash. Back to Excelsior Springs to the Auto Zone for parts for the Jeep. (only because he had the card) Back to Beth's home where he works on the jeep, and then shows Beth how to change the water in the van and puts antifreeze in it for her. Now it's winter ready. Since it didn't overheat on the way back to Illinois I assume it was the thermostat that wasn't working, since that is what he replaced.

We finally left Beth's at 3 pm, but had to head to Kearny to give Kathy the one bag of stuff she left at Beth's place, Not that far out of our way, but far enough. and of course we can't just drop it off and leave, we have to stand around and talk for at least 45 minutes. So it was close to 4 pm before we were on our way back. We got here around 11:30. brought in our clothes, the dog kennel and the laptops, took showers and went to bed.

GGGRRRRRRRR

Now he's being told Mid September. I know, I know, I shouldn't complain. He IS working and so many other's are not. But we want to get to the next job and this packing and unpacking and living out of boxes is starting to drive me nuts. IF we get the job he wants next, we should be setteled for a couple of years. We'll rent a furnished trailer, most likely, and call that home for a bit. I would rather pick up the camper, but we are not headed that direction.

Grrr.

Just after I canceled meeting an internet friend. Jerry comes home and tells me we may have another week, after this one, here.... I just don't know what iti s with this job. Can't any one figure out when a job is finished and done with??

I "could" call her back, and let her know there is no change, or that there are new changes, but I'm half afraid that if I did, they would be changed again.. so I'll let it be like it is.

I am so lazy right now. There are things I should be doing., Like repack all the stuff on the bed, but I just don't see the reason if we are just going to paw through it again by next week. Ah well. I'll work on it. and be ready to leave this week.. and do a load of laundry this afternoon. and walk Rocky a couple of times. Jerry didn't even know how many hours he'll work today. We may eat at the truck stop, or at Wendy's... It is SSSOOOOOOOO Great for my diet (NOT !!) but .. that is life around here.

The end is near

Yes, the end of the job is near.. Since he wasn't let go this week, He's almost sure it will be this comeing up Friday. I will be spending the next week in packing up our stuff that is scattered about. We will have to rent another U-Haul to get the tools from here to there. We still have no idea where There will be, yet. We are considering going to the Farm and dealing with a couple of things, Set the lights up on the horse trailer, and use it to haul around our stuff. We will have to stay at Beth's house since there is no power at the farm. We hope that it will only be for a week as Jerry heard that the job he would like to go to in Georgia should be hiring Electriction starting around the 26th. That would be nice if we could get on that job as it's over a year and we will try to find a place to live instead of staying in a motel. I don't expect much, any more but it would be nice to do all my own cleaning and using all my own stuff.

I know this isn't a good picture, but you can see that the hallway is cluttered and it stays like this all week long. Sometimes its worst than this and in a way is a safety issue.. And walking Rocky past all this stuff and keeping his nose out of it,, is another challenge. Rocky is still very much puppy and wants to know about every thing he passes.

Out and About

Well. We both are enough over our colds to want to do a little sight seeing. Woke up this morning to a Thunderstorm. But, I let Jerry sleep, a bit/.After a late morning wake up, at 8 am. We watched a bit of tv. (can't even remember what was on) We went for breakfast at the truck stop across the interstate from the motel. It was so-so. I think I would have rather had "The Country Kitchen" . After breakfast, we went to Walmart for grocies.. This is one town that Walmart truly is cheeper than the local grocie store on produce and meats. I also picked up a couple more pairs of shorts to wear for what is left of this summer. my three pair just is not enough to comfortable get through a week. I don't do anything much. so I'm not really getting them dirty.

After returning to the motel, and putting away what few grocies we did get, we decided to try our hand at Geocaching.. First. you have to know how to work the GPS thing. We have a Megellon. I wanted a Garman but Walmart didn't have the one we wanted and Jerry wanted "it" NOW!. so we got what they had. So far.. bust. but we are not giving up. I will down-load the disk to my computer this week and read up on how to make the thing work. Jerry has spent almost two hours trying to figure out how to put in a Geocache location so we can go find it. Still working on it as I type this up.

We did drive around a bit. and Since I wanted to see the covered bridge that is near here. That is where we went, first. It's a fairly busy road. so we didn't get to take too many pictures at the bridge. But here are two good ones I think we got.

Our next stop was at the Hennepen Canal lock number 17. I had my hands full with Rocky and Jerry doesn't know my camera all tha well. He did get a picture of some milkweed pods I asked him to take. We may go back and get more pictures, later.

We drove around a bit. He asked, "Where to, now?" as we were headed back to the motel and I asked him to drive down the road between the shopping center next door , to see if it is somplace I would want to walk Rocky.. no. No sidewalks and too much traffic. But going around and only taking rights. we ended up back across the covered bridge, again.

Another day

Just another day in the motel. At least this morning, Rocky and I got in a short walk. It's been too long since I was able to do more than just amble around this building. I still rumble in my windpipe but it's not in the lungs and it is clearing up. It was foggy when we went out, the Sun came out and it got worse. I was dripping with sweat by the time I got back to our room. We are on the top floor. and there is very little air movment up here. No air conditioning in the hall and it stays humid as well. So yes, it also has a smell.. Yesterday, as I was walking to meet my Jerry for dinner, I caught a "strange" whiff... hum.... Another person living on the floor was behind me, catching the same elevator and when she got where I smelled it, I asked is she smelled "something off" in that area as well... it smells like dead meat. She works here some nights so I'm sure she'll keep a nose (eye) on it. I hope so anyway.

We have kids on this floor, including her son. Austin is about 4 or 5 years old and such a great little boy.. it's too bad he has to spend most of his play hours out in that hall but I know that their room is even more crowded than our is since they also have a baby in there. The baby's walker spends time in the hallway along with the carrage. If the kids would just keep the toys at one end of the hall it would be ok, I could use the other (further away) elevator when I need to go out. but they use the whole hallway, and by the time Jerry gets home the whole thing may have kids clutter along the way. Sometimes they make noise and Rocky will bark. Austin loves Rocky, Rocky loves to give him kisses. I'm not so sure his mother approves. If the baby is outside and she hears us out in the hall she swoops up the baby.. Rocky likes to lick baby toes. He has been very good to be gentle around that baby.. he knows the differenct in the kids out in the hall. One kids does not like Rocky and will kick at him. I have asked him not to several times when we have to pass him on our way out. I hold Rocky up close to me so he can't go to that kid, but Rocky doesn't understand that he's not liked by everyone. How do you convience a dog that not every one likes a little brown engery fill dog? The staff here have no problem with him and will give him attention, if they are not busy.. even if they are, they may take a second to at least say Hi to him.. ha ha.

Rocky and Jerry have a "new" game. Rocky likes to play (tear off the lables) with cola bottles... and thinks every empty one is his.. I have to watch that he leaves the ones with liquid in them alone. last night Jerry tossed one, when Rocky brought it back, Jerry tossed another. Rocky, carring the first, went to get the second one.. and Jerry tossed another one and Rocky just didn't know which ones to get.. because this lasted through about 8 bottles. I have found more and loaded up a large bag for them to play this game again, tonight.

End of day

Jerry ended up home by 6 pm. We ate out at The Red Apple. We both chose a breakfast. We are thinking of getting a GPS . We would like to try some Geo Caching. I have a couple of ideas of where to place a box or two. but first, I need the gps. It's something we have wanted for a while, now.

wiped out

Maturity is the ability to do a job whether or not you are supervised,
to carry money without spending it,
and to bear an injustice without wanting to get even.
-Ann Landers


Today is Our Anniversy. 31 years. No big plans this year. I gave up on making any plans last year. I never get that big dinner out, flowers or any thing like that. I have now grown to accept that this is how it is with us. I love him. I can't change that. He does try to spoil me. He tried to help us get one of those attena things that works like the cell phone to get us on the internet where ever we are ... but we can't get it til November. I'm sure we will try to get it then. We have found that not all motels in Iowa have internet. Not all those in Illionis have it as well. I don't have a gift for him, this year.

Thursday, July 24th

Today is my Son's Birthday, Happy Birthday David, where ever you are. I will try to call him at the only number we have for him, this evening after Jerry gets home from work.

Thanks Alice, for reading my blog.

I still feel rough. Cough all night long. stuffy head. Not too achky.

When we bought the Jeep, we knew we would have to either rent or buy a small enclosed trailer. This last trip was with a rental. I'l still looking to buy one so we can just park it in a corner when we are not using it. I have three of the rubber maid tubs with me. Too many to count in storage. 3 clearn tubs, one that looks like it would fit under a bed... won't. two boxes that TP come in for motels, they are nice big boxes. I do plan on more tubs just to make carrying things a bit easier.. When we moved into the motel in Vicksburg MS it took us about 1o trips from the van to the room with their laundry cart. This time, it took us about 5 trips with a luggage cart. The extra bed has all most all our stuff on it, right now. I am trying to not get more stuff because we don't have room to store much. I have our kitchen in tubs. two large tubs are just foods. Rice, beans, tea, seasonings, ect. two tubs and a box are for either cooking or eating. We have to large suitcases with wheels for our clothes and they are not enough. I have 4 laundry bags that I use for the clothes we just wore or are out of season. One bag is just coats. We don't need a coat in summer, but I don't want to buy yet another coat for winter, not when I have 3 in storage. But,, it's getting to that storage that is the problem. I did decide that I wanted a new coat this year. But I will miss my older coat. Jerry usuallly gets a new coat each year, but he is very hard on coats because he works outside more than inside. Even if he's working inside, he's wearing his coat because there ususally isn't any heat on. Here it is, end of July, and I'm thinking of winter coats.

I am sooo use to highs in the upper 90's to lower 100's that these days of lower 80's are a sheer joy to be out in. Even with the cold. I am slowly getting things sorted and put someplace. There are two drawers here. One for him, and one for me. There is a larger dresser in the hall I could use, if I wanted it. I think I'll leave it there, since we are only a few weeks.

I did find out there is a place I want to go.There is a fall Rendezvous in Rockhome IL. From Aug30 through Sept 1. I don't think I can get a set of clothes up by then but I can still go and look and ask questions. I just hope Jerry will let me go to it. or that he can get some time off as that is labor day weekend and so should be able to go with me.

on the road again, again.

After spending the weekend near Menlo IA, and going to the job site on Monday morning, we found out we were at the wrong job. We were suppose to be in Mineral IL. So it was pack everything back into the trailer, go change the contrac, reall it was complicated. had to turn in the trailer then get it again. on paper.... and it cost almost twice as much to head it back east. I don't know, yet , if the company will re-emburse us for that or not. Jerry said he's not going to fight for that expence. He will get a days pay for being on the road, and the per diem, I hope. plus travel from Mineral to Menlo and back.. so double the travel pay. We didn't un pack much at all, until we were sure we were at the right job, this time... almost looked like he was going to be put on a night shift, which Jerry does not like working any more. but he's on days. so it's good. We should be here around 5 to 6 weeks.

I have a cold and have not paid that much attention to beyound the bare basics.. so much so, that I didn't even realize that we are across the street from a walmart store. Talk about being out of it... so close. I did a load of laundry here in the motel and hope to catch things up by this weekend if possible. The dryer costs $1.00 a load and I don't know for how long it will go, because my wash was dry before the dryer shut off this morning.

I have made a pot of Pinto Beans for dinner tonight. I will cook up a couple of Pork chops to go with the beans and salad we have already. I guess I'll have to take the jeep and go shopping after dinner tonight. I would rather drive than walk across the busy street out front.

On The Road Again

Yes, tomarrow we will be on the road, again. After breakfast, Jerry will go get the U-Haul and we will pack up, and drive about 4 hours west to the next motel. I found a room at Stuart Motor Lodge. They have weekly rates. And allow pets.

I am almost finsihed cleaning and packing.

Time to pack it up

Time to pack up the stuff in this room and get on the road, again. Yep, the end of this job is near. Next stop in our wonderings will be Menlo IA, unless minds change at the last minute tomarrow. I'll not be on much tomarrow. I will end up driving Hubby into work, driving back to the motel to wait for his phone call. When/if he calls me, I then go get a U-Haul trailer, and then back to the job to pick up the tools box. Then back to this room and pack up all but the nightly necessitys. That way, by 10 Saturday morning, we can be on our way. According to Mapquest it's only about a 4 hour drive since it's just the other side of Des Moines IA. Course we will have to find a motel. And that is going to be a challenge since we looked up Menlo the other day and it's a very, very small town. population of around 365. Well, I better look and see if I can find any motels that will accept a dog and have free wifi, our only two real requirments. Cooking in the room would be nice. and we don't really need a pool. We've been in once, and then we both got sick.

On The Road Again, maybe

Jerry got into work yesterday, to find out this may be the last week on this job. That was before 9 got fired for not tying off to work above the ground so maybe next week is it. We will need to rent a U-Haul to take his tools to the next job, that is for sure. But we knew that. Unless he can get through the bank in a hurry, I'll have to pick up the Jeep on Saterday.. unless Friday is last day, then he can walk down while I pack up. It won't take that much to pack up this room this time. I haven't gotten out all that much. Since there is no cooking in the room, only a few dishes are out. Mostly it's our clothes thats out, and of course the computers. and the personal stuff we use every day.

From my understanding the next job with this company is within 100 miles of here. In any direction. There are 3 or 4 on going jobs he may be asked to go to. We will, of course, use the computers to find a motel to go to. It has to have at least two things. Wifi. and allow pets. A pool would be nice. This one has a pool but the water has been so cold that we think it's what got us our colds.

Jeep woes, life in general, working on

Well, after getting the jeep worked on, it went down again. We had just filled the tank when the fuel pump went out. I was lucky to be able to find someone to drive Dear Hubby to work, and pick him up from there, for $50 a day. That covers gas and her time. Got the call this morning, it's going to cost $550 to get the pump replaced. Good thing Friday is pay day. I have caught Jerry's cold. I did take a walk this morning with Rocky. I did some stitches on one of my roses, yesterday, but not enough to really brag about. I went out, sat in front of the room, stitched a few, then here came Jerry with Rocky. Can't stitch while Rocky's out as he wants attention and I just drop what's in my hands when he's like that.

What I've been working on

A Summer Challange. This is one of four images to Embroider from the yahoo group, Hand-embroidery (sp). I liked the idea of coloring with Crayon first. So I did. Now I have to stitch it, as well. I don't know, yet, if I am going to do all four or not. I like the rose since I go by the name Mountain Rose. My Hubby has called me his Mountain Rose for years.

I am working on another copy with just stitching and no coloring that I'll have to finish up soon and take a picture of, as well.

Life as I know it

Don't you just love it when a loved one is home sick? (NOT)

My Beloved is home, not feeling well. He slept all day yesterday. He called into work today. He should have stayed home Saterday, but went to work anway.

So, I put him to work, so to speak. He had wanted me to make a couple of calls on some repairs on the Jeep. Since he knows what he's talking about more than I do, I had him take care of it. We found a shop close to the motel that would do the work reasonable. So we drove over and walked back. WE took Rocky with us. Walkning back was fine with me, it's less than a mile away, uphill part of the way. Rocky wanted more to walk with Jerry than me so we had to have an understanding.

I finshed up a side on my neck kerchief. I have one more side to hem, then some white work to get done on it. I really need to make two of them. I may hem both, then do the white work. I also need to start on the chemises I want to get made. I need the sleeve larger than the orginal pattern I used showed.

Breakfast was at IHOP this morning. A bit more than I usually eat, but it was good, anway.

Happy and Safe Independence Day !!

I do hope that any one who reads my blog, has a great, safe and relaxing day, today.



Jerry had to work, as I wrote in my blog, yesterday. And he has to work tomarrow. The pay check will look good, but he does need some rest. At least he'll have Sunday off.



I did plan on a picnic, but since we didn't go out, there was no picnic. We didn't go see the fireworks, as we heard there would be a crowd.. and man was there. According to Mary in the office, There were more people there than lives in the whole town. I guess a lot of people from around the area know just how popular the fireworks show is here in Dubuque.



Today is room cleaning day and Rocky is all excited, because he knows it. He knows that when the room gets it's cleaning he gets some extra time outside. Dan got to stop and pet Rocky today. Sonny has eased up on the "No talking to the guest" I think. I got a large trash bag to get all our trash picked up and outside for him to take to the trash bin. He'll let me know when his day is done, and I'll let him toss the ball for Rocky a few times. I do encourage Rocky to play with others, as it keeps him friendly. As long as it's outside our door. I want Rocky to be able to get along with just about anyone, outside the door. When we are inside the door, that's another matter.



We took our walk this morning. I took him along the roadway instead of behind the buildings, so he could walk in the grass more. I think I'll talk Jerry into dineer at the family restraunt when he gets in. It's about the only place I know of that will still be open when he gets off, and home. Most places are closing around 5 pm today.



Beth has to work but she got the morning shift. 6 to 3. She texted me at 5:55 this morning, wishing us a safe and happy 4th. I texted her, around 8, giving her the same wish. I tried to call Heather, but I guess they are already over at Dotties, since no one answered the phone. I'll try calling again in a bit.



Todays weather is nice and cool, for July. There are high fluffy clouds and no rain in today's forcaste.

Fourth of July Weekend

Silly Question,, Does England have a 4th of July? why of course they do, it comes after the 3rd of July, every year.. But do they celebrate Independence day? that would be the question to ask... Independence from what? Rule? I don't know.. someone else will have to answer that question.

Dubuque Iowa's fireworks show is tonight. I'll have to go through the paper and see if I can find a good place for us to view it from. We will not have fireworks this year. Most all motels frown on that, for good reason. IF we go out, Rocky will have to stay home, in his kennel. He's a good dog, but I don't know how he will react to the noise.

The last couple of days, I've been quiet on the computer. Just not felt much like posting a lot. I did read some in the book I picked up, did some stitches on a Rose block I started. and have ideas on doing another one. Cut out two Fichues, and have one almost completly hemed so I can start some white on white needlework on it.

WE got rain last night, Just as Jerry was getting out of work. He called me, to let me know he was on his way and wanted to stay in and not eat out.. and then the theft alarm went off. He said it was raining and I told him he would have to use the lock on the passenger side to shut off the alarm, for some reason the one on the driver's side doesn't do as well on shutting it off. Jerry has not been so happy with the purchase of the Jeep, but I think, given time to figure out all it's quirks we will do ok with it. At least until we have enough to trade it in on a larger truck, that is. Yes, Larger. His tool box alone takes up about 1/3 of the bed of a truck, plus add in our suitcases and tubs of stuff and we have a full truck. We need at least a 3/4 ton or larger to pull the camper with, once we pay for it. I don't know if the Jeep has enough motor and suspention to carry the camper, or not. Jerry hasn't checked that part out, yet. AT least the Jeep gets us from point A to point B without having to wait an hour before starting it back up, again.

Life with the Jeep

Well, we were given a tip on a place that would re-weld the broken hinge on the driver's door of the jeep.
So.. at 4 am, on Monday morning, I'm up, getting dressed. Walk Rocky and put him into the Jeep, wait for Jerry to get in. over the console, then in myself.. I have to stay awake to see how to get to his job site. We stop at a little store so he can pick up his breakfast and a sandwich for lunch and a bag of ice. On to the job, where he gets out and goes in, gets his brass, then over to the gate. I leave, turning on the radio. Get back to the motel, walk Rocky again. Just take my insluin when Jerry calls me. I have to go back to the job site as he left his work keys with me, since it was his truck key that I drove home with. Oh my... I eat a banana so my sugar won't drop, the drive back out there... to find my sunglasses are now broken and I'm driving back to the motel, facing the sun. I manange to get a 40 minute nap, before taking the Jeep over to the body shop, They were kind enough to give me a ride back to the motel. Then, to show me the door is fixed, the man who did the welding tries the door... it's good but not perfect. so he gets out our sledge hammer, a tap here a pull, using it as a block there, and he breaks a different weld.. Oh man... can I bring it in tomarrow morning and he'll fix it. Yeah, not a problem.. "um... how are we going to work this out"... "I'll pay you 100 now and the rest tomarrow after it's fixed if that's ok with you."

. It's ok, I go get Jerry, we eat at Perkins after I drive us back, and surprise Jerry by using that door. It works, if your gentle with it.

Tuesday Morning. UP at 4 am (grrr, again) dressed, walk Rocky.. get into the Jeep... Jerry gets in and .. nothing.. won't start. he gets out, wiggles the battery cable.. now the thieft alarm is going off, (at least the horn isn't honking) sort of.. the lights are flashing, but the battery is weak..maybe. first we turn the key in the lock to turn off the alarm setting. then Jerry "taps" the battery terminals with that sledge. lightly.. it works, the Jeep starts. we go down to that store we stopped at yesterday morning.. He puts gas in, and waits for it to open.. goes to move the Jeep, and it won't start, again... GRRR.... a few "taps" and it starts. We leave after he picks up his drinks and sandwiches. We get to the job, he gets out, picks up his brass, I drive him to the gate. it's not that far, but I figure every step we save is that much easier on his feet. He gets out, picks up his lunch box and drinks, and I ask him, is he going to get his ice as well, or let it melt onto the tool box in the back.. he grins and goes back and gets his ice. In through the gate he goes, and I come back to the motel. NO call this time. I lay down for 1 1/2 hours. Get up, redress, walk Rocky, then get my own breakfast after I take my meds. At 9 am, I'm headed back to the body shop. a few mis turns and I finall find the way in. The corner it sits as is two one ways.. the one I'm on, does not have a drive into his place without jumping the curb.. with the short axels not being "right" I'm not taking chances and find a way to go around and come down the other one way street to get into his driveway, finally. Only he's not there, taking a truck back to some cement company. He comes in about 40 minutes later. pulls the jeep in, fixes the door and we are good to go. I pay him the rest of the money and I think we are both happy with his work. OH, they have the sweetest black dog. I can tell she's been hit by a car, her hips are out of whack. I give her a good hip rub and she's in love with me. She's really a sweet dog. Anyway. while I was waiting, I was reading Earagon. I picked up a copy the other night since I didn't have room for the hardbound book that Beth said I could borrow. I re-read most of what I had read over winter at her place. I get back to the motel in time to walk Rocky and then watch my soap. Beth calls. She owes the state some more money.. I did some more sewing on my rose block, then it's time to go get Jerry. We ate at "The Four Seasons", going in, not knowing it's Asian. I'm fine with it, Jerry left hungery. He don't much care for that style of cooking. We drove past the PetSmart to see that they are having a drive in cruse. If you have an old car, drive it in and show it off.. looked like fun and I expected Jerry to stop, but we came on back to the motel. We've been here 2 1/2 weeks now and tonight is the first time we got into the pool. It says it's a heated pool... yeah right.. That water is cold. but we got in anyway. Jerry was in longer than I was. Once we were in, it felt good, but getting use to the water was the pits.

Break downs and a Jeep

It's been the weekend of all weekends.

On Saterday morning, Dear, Darling Husband wakes up at 4 am, dresses in less than 15 minutes and leaves for work. While driving TO work, The truck gave up the ghost. Broke down on the side of the road, never to run again. He calls me around 4:45, up out of a sound sleep... "The truck is down, I'm walking back." (me) "How far is it?" (Him) " About 10 miles." (me) "Wait, let me look up a taxi and you can call for him to come get you. (him) "um... oh.. ahum.. OK. Give me the number." (Me) " Let me look it up, (mumbling under my breath, cause I can't see well anymore, when I first wake up).."Found It, it's @@@-@@@-@@@@. " (Him) "Okay, I'll call" He was more like 20 miles and not 10 from the motel. for that long a ride it wasn't a bad price, only $47. He's home by 5:30. Course, after we hand up, I can't sleep in any longer, so I took a bath. I was dressed by the time he got back. We can't go anywhere close to here to eat before 6 am, anyway.. by the time I get my hair somewhat dry, it's daylight outside. At 6:10 we left the room to walk over to the restrant for breakfast. They are still setting up the tables for the breakfast crowd.
" What would you like to drink?"
(Me) Coffee, please.. and creamer
(Him) Iced Tea, No Lemon
The Waitress comes back a couple of minutes later. The iced tea machine just broke. (we could hear it beep-ing) So Jerry had "Pop" instead.

Going to the restrant, we stopped at the carlot between it and the motel. There are 4 trucks / suv's we are intrested in, but the place won't open till at least 9 am.. and now it's just past 6... We eat, then walk back to the motel. He crawls back into bed, for about 1 1/2 hours sleep. I stay up, and read emails, take care of Rocky, and just wait for Jerry to wake up, again.

Jerry got up, re dressed and we walk over to the car lot, just as they are opening up.. He looks around, we go in and let the man inside know what we are looking for. He has one in our price range (truck as still selling high around here, even with high gas prices) Jeep. A 1994 Grand Cherokee with a V8. It's the size we need. It's in our price range, and since we will take it "as is" and will pay for the rest of the work out of our pocket, the seller is happy as well. What work, you ask? the drivers' door panel needs something to keep it on the door, new headligth covers,and two frount axels replaced, but they are ok for now. Course, the man drove it yesterday with no problems out of the door. Jerry pays for it, and now the door won't close. We fianlly get the door to close, (needs new pins) *Note* this is the third thing to break on him, this morning. We pay for our room for one more week, and the printer isn't working right. When he walks out, the printer works. We drive around a bit, after putting Rocky into his kennel, just to be sure the axels are not going to fall off right away. In the afternoon, we go out to the truck to remove the rest of our stuff we want to keep out of it. It's already got a green tag on the radio attiena. It takes us about 1/2 hour to get all our stuff out and into the Jeep.

That's about my whole weekend. We did laundry today. I got material washed so, now, I can start a couple of projects I have in mind to work on.

Iife is Intersting, when your not at home

First, some background. The camper belongs to Jerry's sister Mary, who lives in Kansas.

On Sunday, Jerry asked Beth to go check on the camper. Of course she didn't do it. She had no reason to go that way. On Tuesday, Barney, a friend, came in and asked if we had moved our camper for some reason. Seems someone in the area is playing a practiacl joke. The camper is moved to a field just 1/2 a block away. Course Jerry wanted to call the law right off. Beth went out, saw the camper was moved and found it on her way leaveing the farm. Now she has to contact Barney, who is suppose to call me. He said some young friends of his are building a pole barn on that property and wondered where the camper came from. So Beth is sure it wasn't them. As Barney would have said as much. Now to find out who did do it. As long as the camper isn't damanged and is returned, everything will be ok. Beth can't move it as the van don't have a hitch. Barney said he had a truck that can move it, if the young couple don't. He's afraid that we will be mad at the couple. Only if we find out it was them who moved it. I'm thinking it was a just a helpful friend of theirs, but since I don't know them.... I'm leaving it up in the air, for now. and letting Beth deal with it as much as possible. We will bring in the law if we have to. We just don't want to push much right now, since that would mean calling in Mary and right now, she don't need the stress of it all.

Jerry called Kathy, she's paid 250 on the camper. and will let us but it from Mary as long as she gets her 250 back... and after this week. I'm ready to, anyway. Living in a motel I have no say over who are put in the rooms around me. Midnight noise, early morning noise... and spitting off the balcony with "it" landing near my feet.. yuck !!!
I want my own place, NOW !! A camper would be as good a place to live as any, right now.

Hello, and welcome to my life

Hello, Welcome to my life.

I should tell a bit about myself, I'm sure.

I'm 50 years old. Married to my best friend for just over 30 years now. We have three kids. Can't really call them kids now, can I, since they are grown up.. anyway David is the oldest at almost 29, Heather is 27 and Beth is 19. Each lives in a different state. Heather has our only two Grandkids. We love to visit with them and do a little spoiling when we can.

Jerry is an Indrusrtial Construction Electriction. Doing heavy indrustrial work means we have to go to where the jobs are, since they don't come to us. He's been doing this kind of work for over 25 years, now. We've lived in a number of states and loved each place we have lived. In 2001, We moved onto the family farm. It was not in good shape when we moved in, and got progressive worse as the years past. It now sits locked up. waiting for me to do "something" to save it.

Right now, I'm in Dubuque Iowa. recently we were living in Vicksburg Mississippi. Yes, we got here the week after the flooding of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. Some of the people here at the motel are from some of the flooded areas, waiting for the water to go down and to see if they have anything left in their home worth saving.

To describe me. I'm a heavy, short, red and sliver haired grandmother.