For Today... Jan 31, 2010

Last day of the Month

Outside my window... The sun is shining and I can watch Sam and Molly playing and when a truck goes down the dirt road, Sam runs to race it. I used the Sun on a window to mark a pattern on the next quilt block I want to make. I'll post a picture of it, soon

(3 33) A hawk just landed on a branch of a tree across the yard, He didn't stay long, but it was nice to see. I hope he's after the mice in the brush out there, We are still catching mice in the traps in the house. Caught two last night. I thought we had gotten rid of all the mice, but now I know better.

I am thinking... I'm glade Jan is all but over and Feb is starting tomorrow. The best thing about Feb is the fact that it's the shortest month of the year.

I am thankful for... A loving Family. Sure, I don't hear from them often, but I know they are there for me.

From the kitchen... (2 pm) Breakfast was a bowl of cereal and a banana. Lunch is a package of Remain soup with some chopped up beef roast added and some frozen vegetables added to it. Dinner will be Chili according to Jerry. I pulled out the ground beef for him.

I am wearing...dark blue sweat pants and a blue flowred top. ( I want to get some fresh clothes this spring)

I am reading... emails

I am hoping... That our tax papers come in the mail soon. I want to get them filed and see how much, if anything, we are getting back this year.

I am creating... I am starting work on the second quilt block of a quilt I want to make for Jerry. I'm thinking of using fleece to back it with, when I'm done with the top of it. Still un-decided on that part of it.

I am hearing...Jerry has Ice Road Truckers on. It's from two years ago. we missed the last two or three episodes of the last one. I hope they show them soon.

Around the house... I did a load of laundry, I need to do the dishes and set my alarm to remind myself to go do that. (6:00) got the dishes done. Now Jerry can cook chili from a can for us for dinner. (ha ha ha)

One of my favorite things... Watching the dogs run and play outside.

A few plans for the rest of the week... NO plans. Well plans for next weekend, but nothing special. Going to have Josh and Makeya over for Superbowl.

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

Chicken Quesadillas & Fiesta Rice

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound), cut into cubes

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup

1/2 cup Pace® Chunky Salsa

OR Pace® Picante Sauce

10 flour tortillas (8-inch), warmed

Fiesta Rice

Heat the oven to 425°F.

Cook the chicken in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until well browned and cooked through, stirring often. Stir in the soup and salsa. Cook until the mixture is hot and bubbling.

Spread about 1/3 cup chicken mixture onto half of each tortilla to within 1/2 inch of the edge. Brush the edges of the tortillas with water. Fold the tortillas over the filling and press to seal. Place the filled tortillas onto 2 baking sheets.

Bake for 5 minutes or until the quesadillas are hot. Serve with the Fiesta Rice.

Fiesta Rice: Heat 1 can (10 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Chicken Broth, 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup Pace® Chunky Salsa in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat to a boil. Stir in 2 cups uncooked instant white rice. Cover the saucepan and remove from the heat. Let stand for 5 minutes.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with chocolate chip cookies.

From a flyer of Recipes for Campbell's soups, dated 1998

For Today... Jan 29, 2010

For Today... Jan 29, 2010

Outside my window... Sam is headed up the back drivway as fast as he can, Molly right behind him. No snow or ice, It all stayed south of us. just like the news said it would (ah.. Sam is chasing a white pick-up truck) We have had clouds all day, but no yucky stuff from them. I talked to Heather and she was just starting to get snow at noon, in Tennessee. She's going to let the kids stay at Grannie's house until it's over. Granny has a fireplace, in case the power goes out.

I am thinking...I wish I could be in two or three places at the same time. Would make life so much easier. Heather could do with a visit from her Mom right about now.

I am thankful for... Cell Phones. It's how I keep in touch with my family. Jerry has been getting lots of calls from some place in Delaware, Telemarketers. He's really getting mad at them. I read yesterday about how some have a button they can use to have someone else call back in a few minutes, a few hours or a few days, and some in spanish.. that would really rile him up. I told him, to be polite and just ask that they put his number on the do not call list. Don't know if it will help, or not.

From the kitchen... havn't got a clue

I am wearing... brown Sweat Pants, blue socks and purple sweat shirt over a blue tshirt.


I am hearing... Jerry playing a game on the big screen and the fans from the heater and my computer

Around the house... I did some picking up and repacking in the other bedroom. I need to do more. Need to get it all put in this room and empty that room so we don't feel like we've taken over so much of Beth's house.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Still no plans.

Colorful Cookie Buttons
Makes 3 dozen cookies

These tasty morsels are the perfect lunch-box treats!
Ingredients
1-1/2	cups (3 sticks) butter, softened
1/2	cup granulated sugar
1/2	cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2	large egg yolks
1	teaspoon vanilla extract
3-1/2	cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2	teaspoons baking powder
1/2	teaspoon salt
1	cup "M&M's"® Chocolate Mini Baking Bits

Preheat oven to 350°F. In large bowl cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy; beat in egg yolks and vanilla. In medium bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture. Shape dough into 72 balls. For each cookie, place one ball on ungreased cookie sheet and flatten. Place 8 to 10 "M&M's"® Chocolate Mini Baking Bits on dough. Flatten second ball and place over "M&M's"® Chocolate Mini Baking Bits, pressing top and bottom dough together. Decorate top with remaining "M&M's"® Chocolate Mini Baking Bits. Repeat with remaining dough balls and "M&M’s"® Chocolate Mini Baking Bits, placing cookies about 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Bake 17 to 18 minutes. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheets; cool completely on wire racks. Store in tightly covered container.

For Today...Jan 26, 2010

Outside my window... ( 9:00) A few flakes are flying but none are sticking. We have a bit of sun peeking out of the clouds as well.

　

(1:00) The snow has stopped. The sun is out, and I'm able to watch some squirels playing chase in the trees across the yard. Up to the top, jump to a different branch, race down, across to the next tree, up, and repeat. Not only has the snow stopped, what little was on the ground has melted as well. I admit, it's nice to see brown and tans instead of everything coated in plain ol white. If I ever have a home of my own, to paint the outside of, I want lots of color. makes me remember. long, long, long ago... we use to live in a house that was white with large, pink poka-dots on it. I don't think I would go to that extream, but I do want colors on my Home.

　

I stepped outside for a few minutes and although it's cool, it's not brutal. The sun is still shining and that makes me a happy person.

I am thinking... This is very unusual weather for Missouri for this time of the year. I LIKE IT!


From the kitchen... I think Jerry will be fixing chicken tonight, I wish he would try this recipe, but he won't

mexican chicken

4 boneless chicken breasts

1 c.chunky salsa

2 c.minute rice

1 c. whole corn

1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

heat 1 tablespoon of oil in skillet -add chicken cook untill

done.remove chicken from skillet. add 1 1/2 c. water and salsa and

bring to boil .stir in rice and corn,top with cooked chicken and

cheese.cook on low heat untill cheese melts

posted by Shelley in Crafting friendz group

I am wearing...Brown sweat pants and a flowered top under a white over shirt I wear when it's cool in the house.


I am creating... I finished up the place mats for Beth's Holiday set yesterday. We both some shiny gold material and she wanted silver zigzag trim on the sides. There is enough material for some napkins that I'll work on, later for her. I want to use some of the material to make a doll with, as well

I am hearing... the hum of the fan on my comptuer, the fan for the heater in this room and odd noises from the earbud I have connected to the computer. somthing robotic voice saying something about the internet.

Around the house... keep quiet so Beth can sleep, she had a rough night last night, this morning. She came home covered it potatoe "crap"

One of my favorite things... watching the wildlife when they can get out and play. We have a few squirels playing in the trees today.

A few plans for the rest of the week... no plans.

Jan 24, 2010

For Today... Jan 24, 2010

Outside my window...

IF I didn't know what the date was, I would swear it was March instead of Janurary outside. Blue sky, high light clouds, a tinge of green on the edges of things. (that could be just in my head) and a light breeze. I've not stepped outside, yet. but it just looks so spring like.

I am thinking... I will be sure to spend some time outside. Even just a few minutes will be good for me. I did, should have spent more time but that few minutes was great.


From the kitchen... Salad, Baked Fish portions, Mac and Cheese

I am wearing... Brown sweats and a tshirt

I am creating... a notebook of craft ideas to work on, this summer or after Jerry gets back to work.

I am hearing... Jerry is playing a cd he made

Around the house... I have to do the dishes. still need to dry a load of laundry I washed



A few plans for the rest of the week...

I have started on the tubs in that middle bedroom. I have clean, sorted and repacked most of the box I have sewing in. A few things are out, yet. A few things I want to work on before we go, when we go,.. (wondering when we will be going..) and tossed a few things away as well.

I have patterns, mostly for historical clothing, some kid dresses, I really do want to make my Grand-daughter a couple of dresses this year. and a note book of craft things. Not just sure when I'll want to start working on this stuff so I'll have to keep it on top and easy to get to.

I cleaned out the tub that I have our towels in. Found a towel that I know is not ours. We don't keep white towels because we live in motels and don't want to mix ours with theirs. it has to be Beth's towel. I also put a couple of light weight throws into the tub, since we are not using them, and the kitchen towels I found as well.

Sorted through two of the kitchen boxes. washed one out. was able to put most of what was in it into a different box, once everything got washed up. Yuck, I don't know what's in the bottom of this tub, I just know I needed to wash it badly.

Sorting and compacting are on the agenda for the next week.

Afternoon "tea" with Banana Nut Bread

Hello. After an afternoon of shopping I had to have something to eat. I looked at all we had picked up and nothing suited me. I looked in the door of the fridge and low and behold I still have a bit of Banana Nut bread left. I just had to have it with a small glass of Orange juice after all tha walking around then putting away our purchases. Here is the recipe for it. Yeah, I did bake this one a bit too long. I had to hunt up the pot holders to remove it from the oven so it got a few extra minutes when I baked it. but even this dark, it's great.

Banana Nut Bread

½ cup softened butter

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 very ripe bananas)

2 cups flour

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

1 cup chopped walnuts , reserve a few for the top of the bread

Preheat oven to 350.

Cream butter and sugar together. Add one egg at a time and beat until smooth. Blend in the mashed bananas.

In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and nuts.

Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture until well blended.

Grease (or use baking spray) one regular size loaf pan or 4 mini loaf pans. Add batter and bake for 1 hour for the larger loaf or 35 minutes for the smaller loaves. Do not overbake. Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes then remove from pans and let cool on wire rack.

Jan 21, 2010

Hello again. We have ventured out to town once again and back. We even drove all the way into the barn this time. Yea!! there is still a small bit of that huge snow drift at the top of the hill, but it's only about 6 inches deep now. Jerry will drive Beth up to her van this evening, when she's ready to go to work. It was a bit slick coming down but by tonight it should be frozen enough that the tires won't sink in too badly. We took both the dogs out with us, today. They havn't had a ride in over two weeks. They did fairly well, walking up the driveway. Macon did try to pull me along a couple of times but he soon discovered that wasn't going to get us there any faster. Molly walked up with us, but once we got to the van was more than willing to go back down to the home (barn). I' sure she'll stay away from the road from now on. I finally found some Fel's Nappa bar soap. Lawson super has it, always has had it. I've been 4 or 5 states looking for it... of course we don't have enough money to pick it up today. Will have it tomorrow. Laundry soap recipe is so easy. 1/3 bar finely grated Fel's Nappa, 1 cup Borax and 1 cup Washing Soda. need a good tub scrub, mix equal parts of Borax and Washing soda. both work great. We each made our own breakfast this morning. I didn't want what Jerry wanted and he didn't want what I wanted. I had a small piece of the Pineapple upside down cake I made last night and a grilled cheese and turkey sandwich. We ate late so it was a late breakfast early lunch. When we got back from the store we each had a balony sandwich. We are craving bread and meats. That's usual for both of us in winter time. I tend to bake more in winter as much to warm the house as to have something I want to eat. My jaw is still sore under neith my chin and along the front egde but at least it's not like it was this time last week. I can now chew and swallow without pain.

For Today... Jan 19, 2010

Hello. Here I am. back from town, having folded up a load of laundry, moved clothed from washer to dryer and started another load. Thinking only 60 more days until SPRING !!!.

I blog hop. I'll start reading a blog. then check out the list of blogs that person reads. I bookmark blogs to go back to. And Now I've found a couple of blogs about gardening. Man.. oh man. Here I am, about 4 or 5 miles from "the Farm", and can't even make plans for a garden. Not knowing where we will be in 60 days. I would love to "put in" a garden, but I also know Beth is not intrested at all. (too much work). I was just reading about radishes. Beth loves them, I love them. Even Jerry will eat a few (dozen or so) at a time. Even our dogs will eat them. But with no idea if they will grow in a container, I just can't make a garden plan. I do hope to plant herbs this year, in a couple of buckets or terracotta bowls. I can't do that, until I know we will be in our own camper. You just can't grow much living in a motel. I never know which way we will face. If we would have direct light into the room, or not. At least with a camper, even if we were under trees, we would be able to get some light. I'm not regreting going from job to job with Jerry. Not at all. I just regret that I can't take my garden with me.

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

For Today... Jan 19, 2010,(9am)

Outside my window... The fog is finally lifting. Hey, I can see ground out there !!!. we still have plenty of mud and slick spots but at least most of the snow on the driveway is gone. Jerry is itching to go to town. He's been "itching" for over three days, now. We do need some things from the store, eggs, bread and milk... but he's just wanting to get out I think.

I am thinking... I'm working on laundry today and thinking I need to get up and go fold what in the dryer and transfer from the washer. I also think I better start working at repacking our stuff in the middle bedroom and compacting what I can.

I am thankful for... A roof over our head and heat inside. Also very thankful for antibotics. They are working, slowly.

From the kitchen... don't know what we are going to have for dinner, yet. I had one waffle for breakfast. smeared with plenty of peanut butter. I'm stuffed.

I am wearing... brown sweat pants and a blue top.

I am reading... still working on the backlog of emails and a few magazine articals when my eyes are not hurting. Wearing my glasses to see if that will help out any.

I am hoping... Same as always... That Jerry gets a job call.

I am hearing... I'm got Windows Media Player going, with music from files I have downloaded over the last two months.

Around the house... can't vacumn until Beth gets up, but am trying to clean up the living room a bit.

One of my favorite things... Knowing how much Jerry loves.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

from 298 to 282 in one week

yeah. laying on the couch and not being able to eat will do that to you. I keep an eye on my blood sugar the whole time. I learned from long ago, that If I'm not going to be able to eat. don't take my insulin, but check more often. My readings were in the 150 to 160 range with just one 228 in the past week. Instead of taking my regular doses of insulin, I was taking one dose, when I knew I would be able to sip something. With the swelling in my jaw, I wasn't able to chew any thing. I lived on cottage cheese, the broth from chicken noodle soup, soft cooked eggs, milk, yogurt and finally remember that Beth has a stick blender and had Jerry "motorboat" some Beef Barley soup into a gruel. It worked. The hard part was conviencing him that popcorn, crackers or bacon are not soft food and so I just couldn't have them. he tried, he was trying to find things I could eat. Now to let this drop be a new beginning in more weight loss. only this time instead of 15 pounds in a week. lets shoot more for only a pound or two a week.

Did you miss me?

Did you miss me?


Did you wonder what I was up to?


I was on the couch with a what started out as a tooth ache and turned into a major swelling in my jaw.

We got snowed in, again. Another huge drift in the drive way. At least this time, Jerry and Beth parked on the other side of it. Well almost. They had to dig out both vans but at least not all that far.


But since I have no stamina left (or so it seems ) and it was "only" a tooth ache at first. I took acetaminophen and applied cold. That seemed to help, That is ,until Monday.. Then the swelling started, under my jaw near that tooth. Heat or cold didn't matter much. but I started taking allergy pills because of sinus draning. Ok, that felt better.


by Tuesday Jerry and Beth could come and go ,but both said there was no way I was going to be able to get around that drift. Not that I doubted them any. I was content to stay on the couch under either an ice pack or the heat pad and continue with what I was doing, even though the jaw had swollen up more and was starting down my neck.


skip to Friday. We had a couple of warmer days and some snow melt. by late afternoon I couldn't stand it any more. It's not a sharp pain but a total numbmess, tingeling thing going on that even the pain reliver wasn't able to stop. So, I get dressed, into my coat, grab my little black bag that I keep all my on-going meds in and head for the Van. Jerry with me. We have to play the van shuffle when we got there. and that drift was still in the way. It was hard to get over no matter which way I headed. Went to the ER Because we are broke.


Dr. Dodson was good but said that this town hosiptal doesn't have an ENT on staff or on call. I could go to Liberty, (two er bills) or some other hopsital, but he didn't know if they would be able to help or not. He had put in a call to an ENT that does use Liberty Hospital and didn't hear back from him. He said it "Could" be an abcess, looked like one, but didnot really feel like one. Well, maybe it did, he said he could try to lance it, but since it's not something he's had much experance with... I could either go to Liberty or wait for the ER Doc of the evening to come and let him check me out, first. (get a second oponion ) Glade we waited. He does have a bit more experance with it. Said we could still go to Liberty but why not first get a CT scan. Ok. ES hospital has a scanner there. I'm there. lets do it. If I had gone to another hospital they would have wanted a scan anyway so why not.

we wait, and wait.. and wait.. and he comes in. It's not got a drainable pus pocket. It more along the lines of facial cellulitis I was given two shots in the backside. Was told because the needle wasn't large enough to hold the amount of antibotic plus the (male) nurse added some lidacain to it. Said it would still be a bit of a burning sensation. Well, I'll tell you. He's good. I just felt the poke of the first needle. The second one, there was a bit of fire in it. But not as bad as a bee sting can be. He said I could rub it but walking would be better. I said that's covered because no matter which driveway I try to use to get back to the house, it's going to be a bit of a walk. Stayed the standard 15 minutes to be sure I didn't have an adverse reaction to the shot, and was on our way back home, with a script.

I was told the shot should really start reducing the swelling by morning. 24 hour later I finally could tell a wee bit of difference in my face. When my nephew came over to play games last night with Jerry and Beth (I don't play monopoly) the first thing he did was tease Jerry that he had hit me. Did I really look that bad? well ... maybe. But it's looking (and feeling) much better now. I have a 10 day script and if that doesn't clear it up, I'm to see my local doc. (yeah, right.. I would have gone to him, sooner .. if we had the money to be able to in the first place) But, yes. it kicked me about a bit, but I'm kicking it back. and hope to be back to my old self soon. With instructions to go see a dentist as soon as I can.

Jan 9, 2010

11 am, Jerry and Beth just left. We have another water break. Beth needs to go to Liberty to check up on something she got on her phone. I think it's a scam. She's thinking it may be, also. We always go to the source, and not just blindly respond to text or voice messages.. LIke the one that says the Bank of Greater Kansas City has declined your card, please call XXX XXXX to reactavate your card. There is no Bank of Greater Kansas City. We always call our bank, first, though, just to be on the extra safe side.

We now have the satilight turned back on. I hope it stays on for more than 4 weeks this time. Jerry and Beth played Monopoly. I don't like that game much, Jerry just thrills when he wins and gets so grouchy when he don't. That's the only game he's like that with. All three of us played Yatzee last night. I won. Still havn't played Farkle, yet.

Grrr. Jerry put our dogs in the middle bedroom, then forgot the let them out once Sam, Beth's dog, was in his kennel and they tore up a notebook I had in there. Now I have to figure out what is missing and can I replace it or not. Recipes I know of, A couple of craft ideas, maybe. But one was a story in an old newpaper artical about up at the farm. I hate to lose that one.

Jan 8, 2010

For Today... Jan 8, 2010

Outside my window... The snow has tapered off, Was snowing very well this morning. Now the sun shines but still very, very cold outside. The man across the road is clearning his driveway with a Catapiller. I saw a farm tractor going down the road earlier today. I'm guessing he's checking on his herd or moveing hay for them. Didn't see him carring anything with it, but did have a blade down to clear the path.

I am thinking... If I have to be here, At least we are warmer than what we would have been in the camper. We would have to use small electrical heaters in the camper and have to be carefull that we are not blowing the breaker like we were doing when we had the air conditioner on this past summer. I still want to get back into our camper soon.

I am thankful for... Not having to stay out in this cold for very long at a time. Even the dogs want to stay in the house.

From the kitchen... cube steaks for dinner, tonight.

I am wearing... Brown sweatpants and purple sweat shirt

I am reading... blogs and emails

I am hoping... Hasn't changed much. A phone call is top priority right now. With warmer weather right behind it. Still not too late, yet, for a call today.

I am creating... nothing at tims time.

I am hearing... Beth and Jerry getting ready to play a game.

Around the house... Did up most of the dishes while they were gone. dried some clothes I had in the washer.

A few plans for the rest of the week... No plans.

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

The vans are dug out, again. Jerry and Beth spent at least 4 hours getting some much needed running done. They forgot to take the water jugs with them. Didn't have the DVD in a case that they took out with them. (I found it when I wanted to start a movie for noise in the house) and Jerry didn't make a much needed stop at RAC. But they did get a lot done. my 21 year old, now has a sled. Not for playing though, but to haul things from where the van is parked down to the house. Or back up the hill, which every direction it needs to go.

She picked up 4 games while at the store ( while complaining about not having many hours for next weeks check ) Monopoly, Farkle, Yatzze score cards and I don't remember the last. Also picked up a couple of DVD's to watch.

Jan 7, 2010

For Today... Jan 7, 2010

Outside my window... (noon) The sun is shining but the wind is picking up snow and flinging it everywhere. We got about 4 inches of it yesterday and last night but its now being piled up in drifts by this wild wind.

I am thinking... I love the internet. I'm doing a blog run. I pick a blog to read, then start reading blogs that are listed in the side bar.. some very intresting reading in some. Some great craft ideas in others.

I am thankful for... Electric heaters and power for them. We had a few shakes of the light, last night. Power loss or surges. Jerry and I got to talking, we have no place to go, if the power goes off, here. Beth has friends she can stay with.

From the kitchen... (noon) Jerry made pancakes this morning. We have three eggs left. He's been doing the cooking here lately so I didn't know we only had a few eggs left, or I would have reminded him to pick some up while he was out, yesterday, in the blowing snow.

I am wearing...(noon) Grey Sweatpants and a blue tshirt with the red hunters shirt over all. This is a very nice and warm shirt. I think I better find the pattern and material and make up a couple more of them.

I am reading...(noon) Blogs

I am hoping..(noon).The weather warms up enough to melt the snow, soon. And for a phone call for a job for Jerry.

I am creating... I need to get off the computer and make something, any thing. either tye my blanket or make me a dress.

I am hearing... the heater in here

Around the house...(noon) I need to do the dishes. Should pick up all our stuff. Don't feel like doing anything but surf the net some more.

One of my favorite things...

A few plans for the rest of the week...

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

Jerry and the dogs made enough noise to wake the dead, And me. Then Beth got home from work, Grouchy. I know I taught her to say Hello, when she first goes into a room...(grr). She went straight to bed. It was 8 am. While I'm trying to get my morning routine started, ie, blood sugar count and morning dose of insulin into me. The dog come scampering in to this room, Jumping and running and out, then back then out and back again. What was that? What just crossed over my feet? Yikes, no wonder the dogs are in an uproar.. they are giving chase, to a mouse. Rocky thought it ran in to one of the kennels. it race behind it. Rocky is still in the kennel trying to find it. There is nothing for it to hide under, in the kennel. It came out, ran across my feet, again and into the closet. I tried to get Rocky to come closer so he could get it. Nope,, it ran into the other bedroom and the chase continued. about an hour later, both dogs in the other bedroom and Rocky rooting around, I spotted mouse behind some picturs leaning against the wall. Rocky hot on the trail. So I helped him by moving first one, then another... Bam, he got it.. only to drop it. and the chase was on again. Back into the corner, move another picture and, Bam.. had it again. Stunned it well, this time. Rocky ran off with his prize. Not far enough. Dropped in by my chair in this room. It's still breathing, almost. I picked it up by the tail and procedded to take it outside, to Molly. she knows just what to do with it. Gulp.

Molly refused to come in to the house last night. Not amount of calling or treat shaking would get her to come near the door. The garage isn't that bad cold. She had a warm, soft place to sleep. So I left her out there. Same enjoyed a night in the house. He's older (and wiser). The sun is shining now, but it's so windy that just a few minutes out there is sure to make your nose run and your hand turn blue if your foolish enough to not wear gloves.

We have very cold weather tonight, even for Missouri. Wind chills around minus 25F. Beth has to work tonight. Her van has no heat in it. She's going to have to drive it anyway. She won't try our van. It's larger, heavier. Jerry will have to go up and run our van for a bit, just to be sure it doesn't crack the block. All told, I think we got 5 to 6 inches of snow from this storm. To much for me. but the wind has driven most of it into drifts. Ray country, the county just below where we are, Has asked everyone to stay home unless you just have to get out. They don't have enough snow removal equipment to get to all the roads. Beth has to drive through one corner of the county to get to work. Schools have already been cancelled for the rest of this week.

Jan 6, 2010

For Today... Jan 6, 2010

Outside my window... (7 am) It's still pre-dawn. The sky outside my window is cloudy and the edges across the way are orange tinted where the light is just now starting to peek through the clouds. The brightness is in contrast to the dark bare limbs of the trees that reach their empty spikes toward the sky. Very poetic? The whiteness of the snow still on the ground also gives contrast to the color of the sky and the predawn, joyous beginning of a new day. In just the time it has taken me to write this, more Yellow has touched the upper edges of the low clouds and Sam has just run, barking, toward the back driveway. I think he's waiting for the school bus to drive by so he can race it. *7:25* Now there is bright pink as well as the orange touching the clouds. I am not looking directly where the sun will coe up at, but just north of that spot. if I lean over far to my left I can see where it will be, and the spot is almost colorless where the sky is but the clouds are covered in colors. Orange, Pink some purple undertones in the spaces the color does not touch in the clouds. IF it wasn't so cold out, I'd try to take a picture.Even higher, closer to me, the clouds now have some pink touches. with purple and blue undertones at the edges. Can now see some of the brown of the under brush and weeds at the edge of the back yard. A few early birds are flying, high and fast. You can almost see the cold, out there. CAn feel it on my feet in here as I sit near this window.

I am thinking... (7 am)It's too dark to be 7 am. and too cold for the first week of Janurary, and to early to have been up two hours already.

I am thankful for...

From the kitchen...(7 am) I'm thinking oatmeal for breakfast this morning. I havn't had it in a long, long time. (didn't get it, either)

I am wearing...(7 am) Yesterday's clothes. Havn't changed yet into something fresh for today. Light grey sweat pants, purple tshirt and red hunters shirt over that. A blue printed bandana on my head to keep my hair out of my eyes.

I am reading... (7 am) old, old emails

I am creating...(7 am) meaningless thoughts

I am hearing... Sam barking, the heater running in the other room. some mp3's I have stored on this computer

Around the house... I need to do dishes. and some laundry if we still have water to the washer. The hot is frozen to the kitchen sink and bathtub. To do dishes, I'll have to warm water on the stove. Not a bad thing, really.

One of my favorite things... Early morning hours just to myself

A few plans for the rest of the week... I really, really need to make me a dress.

　

　

　

　

　

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Good Morning, Well it's morning while I write this. 6:30 is a bit early. Beth got home around 5am. I really am beginning to wonder how it is, at least in her mind, that I got to be 52 years old and not learn any thing at all in all this time. I'll have to wait till this evening to fill you in on all of it. She really does act like I have no clue to any thing in life or this world. I know I've been sheltered, but not "That" much. Gee. Well, one example I can relate. She has a tooth hurting. OH No, it couldn't be the cold or the barametric pressure changes of the last couple of days causing it at all. NO Siree. Just can't be that at all. Even her father is being told that.. yup, we don't know nothing about anything.

The weather this early morning is still very, very cold out. I had to walk the dogs after she came in, from work. Macon snuck out on me and wanted to go exploring. But was willing enough to come in when I told him we were going back in. I don't want him getting it into his head that he can just go out the door without a lead on. Most places we will be, will not allow a loose dog.

The only reason we really have cells phones is because the numbers can travel with us, no matter where we go. Granted we don't "Need" three numbers any more. But it's a packaged deal. Beth wanted to pay for her own, so she no longer has the one we pay for. (never learns, if you get it free from your parents, your saving money) Wait till she finally decides to buy a suv, and has to pay for her own insurance, again. She said the van is running ok, now. It may have been an ice block in the system. She said she smelled antifreeze when she was at a long stop light. Well, when we drove it, we smelled the same thing at the same light. (another one of those, we don't know what we are talking about moments) I told her it could have been from where it over flowed onto the moter the day before and was still burning off. Yeah, maybe..(duh) Jerry may check it before she goes to town this morning for an appointment she has. Hopefully the weather will not turn bad, until after that is over with.

　

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Ut oh. We "HAD" a water pipe break in the bathroom while I was eating Breakfast. I heard it. Got Jerry on it, and man what a mess. Wet dog blankets in the floor. Had to remove the toilet to get to the pipe and fix it. What should have taken only an hour took over 4 due to having to go to town twice. but it's fixed, now to keep it from freezing up, again.

Jan 5th, New Year, new hope

Jan 5th. It's a new year and we have hope that things will get better for us and our family.

This past year, my weight shot up to a bit over 300 pounds. I started this year off at 297, I know that is a lot of weight, but it's less than that 300 I was at this past summer. I still have to re learn how to eat less and to eat more healthy. At least I think we have most all the candy out of the house now. Yes, we ate it. I just can't convince myself that I'm not suppose to eat Chocolate.

I really am trying to get up and move more. The dogs seem to prefer Jerry to walk them, but I do try to take them out at least twice each day, while he's still off work.

Jerry made a few phone calls yesterday, one call back, but was disappointing in that the message was they had no plans on hiring any one for the next 3 to 4 months.

This cold that is gripping the nation is of great concern. It will drive fresh food prices up, keep people from jobs and has already proven to be deadly. It's not that, here in Missouri, we are not use to it being this cold. We are not use to it being this cold this early into winter. I do wonder just what the end of Janurary / first of Feburary is going to be like since that is the usual coldest time of the year. I will gladly give all this snow and cold back to my brother in Alaska. I really should ask him to close the door and keep all this cold up there, where it belongs.

I have a new cell phone. Same number just a new phone. Jerry discovered that if we didn't get them today, we would have to pay out some cash for new phones. So, get of the internet, close down what I was doing (not much, really.. just looking for crafts to post in my newsletter I now put out) put the dogs in kennels, bring in the outside dogs to keep them from following us to the road, put on coats, turn the van around, go up the icy driveway... around a few "S" curves, that were a bit nerve wrecking to me... especally when his tool box started rolling around a bit, and get to town. I did find what I wanted, another flip phone. Beth swears by her sliding top phone, but I don't do "that" much texting like she does. I need mine to cover the keys when I'm not using it. Got just what I needed. Came back home. let the dogs out. Jerry parked the van up the driveway, then had to walk back to it because he left the chargers in the van, while I made up a skillet of chili for dinner, tonight. chili and Crackers. I didn't do the all day to cook chili that My Mom use to make. I can't find her recipe for it. I do need to go back to storage and look again for my box of recipes that I know I have out there. How do you mis place a large box of index cards?

Jerry did get a lock on the storage door. Hopefully we will not be opened again. It's getting very desperate when some one is breaking in to storage units that face the front office. They must know just where the security camera is facing.

We have frozen water pipes. We have cold water to the sinks and tub, hot water to the bathroom sink only. I can hope that, while the tempatures raise enough for it to snow, that the hot water will return as well.

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Outside my window... The sun was out all day, but it was still very bitter cold. We have a forcast of at least 3 more incehs of snow and up to 6 inches with it blowing and drifting again. We are under a sever weather advisory because the lows and the wind could make the wind chill - 20 to -30 tomorrow night. Deadly for any one caught out in it for more than just a few minutes


I am thinking... I'm not going any where, unless we lose power . If we lose power we also lose heat and I have no idea where we would go.


From the kitchen...chilie and Crackers were for dinner tonight. Easy to make when you pick up a prepackaged seasoning pack then pick up the list of ingredinents on the back of the thing. Jerry coudln't find the beans it called for , so picked up some chili beans and it had just the right amount of kick to it.

I am wearing... Light grey sweat pants, and a purple tshirt and a red hunters shirt (a shirt from our 1790's stuff, almost a dress, even on me)

Around the house... We watched a couple of video's tonight. I think next time, I better go with Jerry and find better fvideos. He did ok but these were really lame.

A few plans for the rest of the week... I really should start on a dress I have the material and pattern for or make up my tied blanket that Beth got me the fleece for.

Happy New Year

Well, our 2010 is not starting out very well. Jerry went to help our nephew move a few things and discovered our storage unit had been broken in to. Nothing missing that he can tell, But I'll have to go there and look and see if I can tell of any thing missing. The lock had been removed some time between in the last few hours. Ours was not the only unit broken in to and he saw the lock for the other unit on our row, and it wasn't covered in snow. We had a light snow fall the night before and into the moring hours. So Jerry made a police report any way. If I can see if any thing is missing, we will add it to the report. I'm thinking the unit's that were broken into were being cased and who ever did it, was planning to return and do a quick pick up of things. We now have to replace the lock. We are borrowing a lock from the storage building owners.

We can now get out and go to town. The drive was plowed and the van both unstuck by a bobcat on tracks.

Beth has spent the last few nights at her friends home. I've been taking care of her pets while she's been out.