Well, it has been an interesting day.
For starters, I forgot I had an appointment for a haircut at 10:00. I remembered it not long before noon. I called, full of apologies, and the other stylist said that mine, Danielle, was out. I was flustered, and he didn't help it when he said that she was really upset about it, was stomping and fuming. I kept apologizing, and he started laughing, then explained that she wasn't upset, that she had taken advantage of my absence to run up to the school and take care of some things there relating to her kids. He rescheduled me for 1:30.
I jumped in the shower and got dressed, and was at the shop about 1:15. No, Danielle was not at all upset with me, but I apologized probably six or seven times. Anyway, the hair was cut, and I feel much better.
Since I was in town I stopped at the market for five things. And I left with 15, of course. All were things I needed, but I just hadn't remembered them till I walked the aisles. As I was checking out, a man walked up and began bagging my purchases. I started talking with him because it was my neighbor who brought me the lumber. I said that I owed him a dinner for the lumber, and he said it sounds good. Just them the checker spoke up and asked if she could come, too, and I grinned and said sure. Then he took off his dark glasses and tipped his hat back, and I realized it was not my neighbor!!! I started laughing and explained myself, and the checker said "Well, I was wondering what my husband had done for you, but I figure a free meal is a free meal!" Lawdy, I was embarrassed!
I'm watching a program I recorded a few days ago. It is called "Black Blizzard." The title refers to the dust storms of the 1930s. It is very interesting and somewhat disheartening. My parents were newlyweds trying to farm in the Panhandle of Oklahoma, right in the heart of the area that was hardest hit. The rich topsoil that had built up over many millinea was simply blown away, all across the Northeastern US and into the Atlantic Ocean! They said the amount of topsoil that blew away would fill the Grand Canyon halfway!!
My folks talked about the trials of the time, and it was horrendous. I can't imagine living through that, especially with three children born in the first two years of marriage (twins in '31 and another in '33) and yet another in '37. It's a miracle the babies lived through it. Many didn't. Our house was a little better built than many in that area at the time, and it probably helped, but Mom spent her days trying to block the horrible influx of powdery dust around doors, windows, and cracks. If you see this on the History Channel, watch it. It will take your breath away.
The saddest thing is that the farmers actually caused it by stripping the prairie grass from the fields to plant wheat. The root system of the grasses kept the rich topsoil in place, even during drought. No one knew this or that it would happen, but it totally changed the landscape of the Midwest in that decade and forever more. It's an amazing show, and adds to the information I gleaned from my parents' stories, and a book I read a couple years ago called "The Worst Hard Times." My parents were struggling pioneers to a much greater degree than I ever realized.
I "practice packed" today, everything I plan to take on my trip. I took everything except shoes, jewelry and underwear, folded them and slipped them into "space bags." I used the vacuum to pull the air out of them, and there was more than enough room in my bag for the remaining, unpacked items. I've decided I will check a bag, because I couldn't find one that was small enough to be a carry on, yet big enough to accommodate the space bags. And both airlines allow me one or two bags checked and one and a personal bag carried on. The one I'm taking is barely larger, but enough to allow me to fit in the space bags. I feel much better, and now I know I won't have a last minute panic to throw me off.
Is it time for me to go yet? NO??? sigh. Ooookay.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Milestones
I just realized another milestone we, the pups and I, have passed.
In the two and a half years since we've been a family, The Kids follow me everywhere. Well, except when I have the vacuum, the carpet cleaner, other noisy and terribly fearsome items, in my hands. The girls, Jazmyn and Lolita, are pretty much excluded here. They seem to be better acclimated to the comin's and goin's and other doin's of humans. Lola was in a home before she came to me, and Jaz is just very self-confident.
Joey was next in being adjusted to living here. He follows me maybe 50% of the time. But Sammy and Max .... they follow me e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e!!!!
Those two stick to me to the degree that I often bump into them. Sammy especially. Both seem to be trying to be as close to my feet as possible, sometimes anticipating where I'm going, sometimes only being roadblocks. In the two and a half years, I've only rarely gone to the bathroom without three of them following me, sitting patiently outside the bathroom, and then following me back to the other part of the house. It's like having three balloons attached to my ankles, swirling and bouncing against my legs!
I can sometimes do things without them being right there, but only if I'm in their sight. As long as they can see me, it seems to be alright. They can sit in the living room while I'm in the kitchen, because they can see me.There is a line of sight from the kitchen to the bedroom, so I can be in one of those rooms and move to the other and it's OK. But around the corner, out of vision .... click-click-click .... here they come, nails against the tile, checking to be sure "da momma" hasn't left.
I know it comes from in their history. They were all abandoned, perhaps misused, and living a good life with me is somewhat unbelievable to them. When I'm out of sight, there is the old anxiety of being left once again. By keeping me in their view, they are sure I haven't deserted them. Leaving to go to town is a big deal. They all line up on the deck and have those sad puppy-eyes as I drive away. It all makes sense.
This morning, it has occurred to me that I've been able to leave a room, or go to the deck, or even go to the bathroom occasionally without them leaving wet nose-stamps on my calves! At least half the time, I can go to another room without a full entourage. If I'm not gone too long, and/or they can hear me in the other room, they are staying put!
HOUSTON, WE HAVE ACHIEVED OBJECT(momma)-PERMANENCE .... almost.
It has been more prevalent in the last couple months, but as is usual, it has taken me a while to realize their achievements. It is nice to know that they are becoming more independent, more secure in their belonging with me, and realizing I'm here or I will return. They are also becoming more calm about my returns from short absences, too. It used to be that they went bananas every time I returned. Even a trip to the mailbox or dumpster which takes about 15 minutes, brought a riotous welcome home with all five of them on the deck barking, howling, jumping up and down, bouncing against the gate, etc. Now I can be gone a few hours and have just a few barks on my return, although they all cluster at the gate, waiting to be petted and acknowledged, of course. I think that's normal for any dog.
My babies have taken another big step. How amazing is it that they are finally, FINALLY feeling as if they have roots enough here to begin to detach a little from The Human? I'm really psyched to realize another accomplishment in their emotional adjustment.
As always .... but even more so today ....
 |
| Jazi |
 |
| Lola |
 |
| Sammy and Joey |
 |
| Maxey |
I can sometimes do things without them being right there, but only if I'm in their sight. As long as they can see me, it seems to be alright. They can sit in the living room while I'm in the kitchen, because they can see me.There is a line of sight from the kitchen to the bedroom, so I can be in one of those rooms and move to the other and it's OK. But around the corner, out of vision .... click-click-click .... here they come, nails against the tile, checking to be sure "da momma" hasn't left.
I know it comes from in their history. They were all abandoned, perhaps misused, and living a good life with me is somewhat unbelievable to them. When I'm out of sight, there is the old anxiety of being left once again. By keeping me in their view, they are sure I haven't deserted them. Leaving to go to town is a big deal. They all line up on the deck and have those sad puppy-eyes as I drive away. It all makes sense.
This morning, it has occurred to me that I've been able to leave a room, or go to the deck, or even go to the bathroom occasionally without them leaving wet nose-stamps on my calves! At least half the time, I can go to another room without a full entourage. If I'm not gone too long, and/or they can hear me in the other room, they are staying put!
HOUSTON, WE HAVE ACHIEVED OBJECT(momma)-PERMANENCE .... almost.
It has been more prevalent in the last couple months, but as is usual, it has taken me a while to realize their achievements. It is nice to know that they are becoming more independent, more secure in their belonging with me, and realizing I'm here or I will return. They are also becoming more calm about my returns from short absences, too. It used to be that they went bananas every time I returned. Even a trip to the mailbox or dumpster which takes about 15 minutes, brought a riotous welcome home with all five of them on the deck barking, howling, jumping up and down, bouncing against the gate, etc. Now I can be gone a few hours and have just a few barks on my return, although they all cluster at the gate, waiting to be petted and acknowledged, of course. I think that's normal for any dog.
My babies have taken another big step. How amazing is it that they are finally, FINALLY feeling as if they have roots enough here to begin to detach a little from The Human? I'm really psyched to realize another accomplishment in their emotional adjustment.
As always .... but even more so today ....
.... Life is beautiful!!!!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Not happy
Arghhh.
About 5:00 this evening, a pickup stopped on the road beside my house and began making noise. I went out to see what was going on, and found that it was pulling a trailer from which was unloaded a small road grader. The road grader was cutting a driveway on the property behind me. Crap. Make that two craps. (1) It means the people who bought that property are actually going to be building there, lessening my beloved privacy (although where the house is going is out of my view), and (2) The ensuring noise is going to drive me up the wall.
If you've read my blog for a while, you might remember that about two and a half years ago, there was a property line dispute between my property and the one behind me. If your interested, the following links will explain it.
http://noendingjourney.blogspot.com/2008/02/crap.html
http://noendingjourney.blogspot.com/2008/02/quick-update.html
Additionally, the driveway has been cut as close to the property line as is possible. It's almost as if they wanted to encroach to the nth degree. Perhaps I'm being overly sensitive, because, to be honest, cutting the driveway there, probably gives the best slope to reach the site for the house. But it still does not make me happy.
I'm just really unhappy about this. I'll get over it. Maybe I'll even like these people when they get here, I don't know. But for now, I refuse to consider being pleased.
About 5:00 this evening, a pickup stopped on the road beside my house and began making noise. I went out to see what was going on, and found that it was pulling a trailer from which was unloaded a small road grader. The road grader was cutting a driveway on the property behind me. Crap. Make that two craps. (1) It means the people who bought that property are actually going to be building there, lessening my beloved privacy (although where the house is going is out of my view), and (2) The ensuring noise is going to drive me up the wall.
If you've read my blog for a while, you might remember that about two and a half years ago, there was a property line dispute between my property and the one behind me. If your interested, the following links will explain it.
http://noendingjourney.blogspot.com/2008/02/crap.html
http://noendingjourney.blogspot.com/2008/02/quick-update.html
Additionally, the driveway has been cut as close to the property line as is possible. It's almost as if they wanted to encroach to the nth degree. Perhaps I'm being overly sensitive, because, to be honest, cutting the driveway there, probably gives the best slope to reach the site for the house. But it still does not make me happy.
I'm just really unhappy about this. I'll get over it. Maybe I'll even like these people when they get here, I don't know. But for now, I refuse to consider being pleased.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I finished the ramp. Well, I finished this particular project of the ramp. And I'm so tired.
It went OK except I found two more boards to replace and I had one hellava time cutting one board that had several tricky cuts to fit it in. But the ramp is nice and sturdy, and that was my main reason for this work.
I am just exhausted tonight. My body hurts all over. I won't be long getting into bed tonight, for sure. I showered when I finished, and then I couldn't think of anything to fix for dinner that was at the level of my energy! I finally decided some nachos sounded good, and it took me less than 10 minutes to fix.
Tortilla chips with Mexican cheese melted over them, and a fast salsa cruda, or raw salsa. just a chopped tomato, chopped onion, chopped green chili, chopped cilantro, and the juice of a lime, tossed together and sprinkled over the melted cheese and chips.
It is really tummy, and so much better than that awful orange glop that is put on most nachos. This is how I learned to make nachos more than 40 years ago.
I have little to say. I think I'm just too tired to even think tonight. But I have to share some beautiful whimsical clouds that I saw yesterday on the way into Capitan.
Aren't these fun?
They wrapped all the way from the West around the North and into the Southeast.
They were really pretty.
And now .... I gotta go to bed. Good grief! It's 8:16!! Maybe I'll just stretch out on the couch for a while ........
PS - I don't like that it is dark, completely dark, this early. :(
It went OK except I found two more boards to replace and I had one hellava time cutting one board that had several tricky cuts to fit it in. But the ramp is nice and sturdy, and that was my main reason for this work.
I am just exhausted tonight. My body hurts all over. I won't be long getting into bed tonight, for sure. I showered when I finished, and then I couldn't think of anything to fix for dinner that was at the level of my energy! I finally decided some nachos sounded good, and it took me less than 10 minutes to fix.
It is really tummy, and so much better than that awful orange glop that is put on most nachos. This is how I learned to make nachos more than 40 years ago.
I have little to say. I think I'm just too tired to even think tonight. But I have to share some beautiful whimsical clouds that I saw yesterday on the way into Capitan.
They wrapped all the way from the West around the North and into the Southeast.
They were really pretty.
And now .... I gotta go to bed. Good grief! It's 8:16!! Maybe I'll just stretch out on the couch for a while ........
PS - I don't like that it is dark, completely dark, this early. :(
Thursday, August 26, 2010
A good day ahead
Well, surprisingly, I don't have unusual aches and pains today. Thank goodness! I've been a little slow waking up, but that's not necessarily unusual, either, especially if I take Tylenol near bedtime. And I always sleep really well when I to, so I'm feeling relaxed and refreshed today.
I'm getting ready to go into the thrift shop for my shift. In the last week, I've learned more about the history, and it is interesting. I've told you that the shop funds the local library, and that the staff of both are all volunteers. As Paul Harvey would say, and here's the rest of the story ....
The shop opened just four years ago. I didn't know that it opened just a couple months before I moved here. In fact, the anniversary was yesterday, and we are celebrating today, tomorrow and Saturday. We are offering refreshments to anyone who stops in, and will have sales on some items.
The shop doesn't over-price anything. They don't deal in junk, but items are priced to move. I think the idea here is that something sold for a nickle today is better than something priced at a dollar that sits on the shelf for months. It's a premise that works well. In the four years, the library has benefited just a few dollars short of .... get this .... $48,000! As the manager said the other day, "That's a lot of nickles and dimes!"
Items are sold for amounts from literally a nickle to about a dollar. A few things will be priced more than that, but it is unusual to see that. The greatest number of things are priced under 50¢, and the most of those are under 25¢! I've bought a few of new clothing pieces with price tags still attached for $1 to $5.
All the money goes to the library. All of it. Well, except expenses, such as utilities. The building is leased from the village for something like $1 a year, and in return the shop does things to benefit, not just the library, but people in the community, as well. If someone comes in and seems to be struggling over paying $1 for something, it is given to them. If someone says "I really need this item, but I can't afford it," it is theirs. If someone says "Could you take 50¢ for this," we say yes. Certain items are saved for people in the community .... suitcases are saved for foster children who often arrive with all their belongings in plastic bags. (Walmart-type shopping bags are bad enough, but can you imagine the message of leaving your home with your things in a trash bag? It happens.) There is a woman who visits a dozen or so shut-ins, and she shops free for little items to take to them. So in addition to supporting the library, the shops gives a great deal back to the community.
Yesterday I potted about two dozen little airplane (or spider) plants. I had repotted some of my plants and had extras, as well as several of the offshoots that I'd rooted and needed to be potted. I had brought home a dozen coffee cups from the shop, and I used several tiny pots and cups from my kitchen as well to house the new little plants. I'm taking those in today to be sold at the celebration sale.
So I guess, I'd better get off the computer and get read to go. Time's a-wastin'!
I'm getting ready to go into the thrift shop for my shift. In the last week, I've learned more about the history, and it is interesting. I've told you that the shop funds the local library, and that the staff of both are all volunteers. As Paul Harvey would say, and here's the rest of the story ....
The shop opened just four years ago. I didn't know that it opened just a couple months before I moved here. In fact, the anniversary was yesterday, and we are celebrating today, tomorrow and Saturday. We are offering refreshments to anyone who stops in, and will have sales on some items.
The shop doesn't over-price anything. They don't deal in junk, but items are priced to move. I think the idea here is that something sold for a nickle today is better than something priced at a dollar that sits on the shelf for months. It's a premise that works well. In the four years, the library has benefited just a few dollars short of .... get this .... $48,000! As the manager said the other day, "That's a lot of nickles and dimes!"
Items are sold for amounts from literally a nickle to about a dollar. A few things will be priced more than that, but it is unusual to see that. The greatest number of things are priced under 50¢, and the most of those are under 25¢! I've bought a few of new clothing pieces with price tags still attached for $1 to $5.
All the money goes to the library. All of it. Well, except expenses, such as utilities. The building is leased from the village for something like $1 a year, and in return the shop does things to benefit, not just the library, but people in the community, as well. If someone comes in and seems to be struggling over paying $1 for something, it is given to them. If someone says "I really need this item, but I can't afford it," it is theirs. If someone says "Could you take 50¢ for this," we say yes. Certain items are saved for people in the community .... suitcases are saved for foster children who often arrive with all their belongings in plastic bags. (Walmart-type shopping bags are bad enough, but can you imagine the message of leaving your home with your things in a trash bag? It happens.) There is a woman who visits a dozen or so shut-ins, and she shops free for little items to take to them. So in addition to supporting the library, the shops gives a great deal back to the community.
Yesterday I potted about two dozen little airplane (or spider) plants. I had repotted some of my plants and had extras, as well as several of the offshoots that I'd rooted and needed to be potted. I had brought home a dozen coffee cups from the shop, and I used several tiny pots and cups from my kitchen as well to house the new little plants. I'm taking those in today to be sold at the celebration sale.
So I guess, I'd better get off the computer and get read to go. Time's a-wastin'!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Taking a break
And it is a much needed one.
I started cutting the boards and replacing the rotting ones in the ramp. I got all but four done before the sun moved and it was too hot to stay out there. I'm waiting till about 4:00 when I think the area will be in the shade again, and I'll finish those four. Oops, I should say it will be all the straight cut ones. There are several on the two landings that are diagonally set, and I will still have those to do. I did the easy ones first. I probably won't get all of them replaced today, but I think it will be finished by the weekend.
Then I moved the lumber pile. We will probably have more rain this weekend, and I don't want the lumber sitting in the rain. I piled it all in the bed of my truck (the easy part), and began stacking it under my deck to be protected from weather. This is much harder, as I have to duck through a "door" that is about shoulder high. I can move just one board at a time because of the weight, so it is back and forth from the truck, about 15 steps, ducking, stacking, and returning for another. It is slow, uncomfortable and even in 68° and in the shade, I have worked up a terrible sweat! I have about 2/3 of it done, but I had to take a break and hydrate. My back is gonna be stiff tomorrow!.
I've had to be creative about lifting the boards, too. My whole right arm is not 100%. My shoulder is still hurting from trying to start the lawn mower several weeks ago, and I can't lift it comfortably; a combination of arthritis, tendinitis, and a 50 year old crack in the elbow are all bothering that middle joint; and a few days ago I was walking up the steps and stubbed my toe, causing me to pitch forward, and I strained my wrist when I caught myself. None of the three areas is awful, but all together = a weak arm. So I learned a way to sorta roll the boards atop the right shoulder, using only my left arm to lift. It is working very well. When you gotta get something done, you figure out a way, right? Git 'er dun!
I'm going to go out an finish moving the lumber in a while, and later will do those last boards. I won't work on it again till Friday, but I will hopefully be able to finish it then. There is one place that I need to do a little work on the support underneath, and that may take me a while, but I don't anticipate a big problem there. It will be so nice to have a safe ramp again.
And next it will be time to get the deck refinished. I dread that. Everything has to be moved off the deck, it will be sanded, and then a new finish applied. I 'spect it is going to take a good week. Labor intensive and not cheap. but there is no choice. ugh. The pleasure of that wonderful deck, however, is worth it.
This is a part of living alone that is bittersweet. One one hand, I'm really pleased that I can do as much as I can. I actually enjoy it, and the physical work keeps me in decent shape. On the other, I would surely love to have someone to help me with it. Some of the tasks would be so much easier with another set of hands, arms, legs or an extra back. But I do what I must!
A funny story .... while I was working on the ramp earlier, a hummingbird was checking out what I was doing, They have become highly friendly once again, and although they scatter from the feeder when I walk out, they return almost immediately after seeing that I'm not after them. So this one little guy seemed to be almost watching over my shoulder as I worked. He'd been hovering near me for several minutes. I stood up to get another board, and I guess I startled him, and as he came out of "hover" and into "flee" mode, he almost ran into the railing of the deck! Poor little guy was dipping and dodging, finally scooted through two of the rails, hovered a few feet away and chattered at me as if he were scolding me for frightening him!
OK, time to go finish up. sighhhhhh.
I started cutting the boards and replacing the rotting ones in the ramp. I got all but four done before the sun moved and it was too hot to stay out there. I'm waiting till about 4:00 when I think the area will be in the shade again, and I'll finish those four. Oops, I should say it will be all the straight cut ones. There are several on the two landings that are diagonally set, and I will still have those to do. I did the easy ones first. I probably won't get all of them replaced today, but I think it will be finished by the weekend.
Then I moved the lumber pile. We will probably have more rain this weekend, and I don't want the lumber sitting in the rain. I piled it all in the bed of my truck (the easy part), and began stacking it under my deck to be protected from weather. This is much harder, as I have to duck through a "door" that is about shoulder high. I can move just one board at a time because of the weight, so it is back and forth from the truck, about 15 steps, ducking, stacking, and returning for another. It is slow, uncomfortable and even in 68° and in the shade, I have worked up a terrible sweat! I have about 2/3 of it done, but I had to take a break and hydrate. My back is gonna be stiff tomorrow!.
I've had to be creative about lifting the boards, too. My whole right arm is not 100%. My shoulder is still hurting from trying to start the lawn mower several weeks ago, and I can't lift it comfortably; a combination of arthritis, tendinitis, and a 50 year old crack in the elbow are all bothering that middle joint; and a few days ago I was walking up the steps and stubbed my toe, causing me to pitch forward, and I strained my wrist when I caught myself. None of the three areas is awful, but all together = a weak arm. So I learned a way to sorta roll the boards atop the right shoulder, using only my left arm to lift. It is working very well. When you gotta get something done, you figure out a way, right? Git 'er dun!
I'm going to go out an finish moving the lumber in a while, and later will do those last boards. I won't work on it again till Friday, but I will hopefully be able to finish it then. There is one place that I need to do a little work on the support underneath, and that may take me a while, but I don't anticipate a big problem there. It will be so nice to have a safe ramp again.
And next it will be time to get the deck refinished. I dread that. Everything has to be moved off the deck, it will be sanded, and then a new finish applied. I 'spect it is going to take a good week. Labor intensive and not cheap. but there is no choice. ugh. The pleasure of that wonderful deck, however, is worth it.
This is a part of living alone that is bittersweet. One one hand, I'm really pleased that I can do as much as I can. I actually enjoy it, and the physical work keeps me in decent shape. On the other, I would surely love to have someone to help me with it. Some of the tasks would be so much easier with another set of hands, arms, legs or an extra back. But I do what I must!
A funny story .... while I was working on the ramp earlier, a hummingbird was checking out what I was doing, They have become highly friendly once again, and although they scatter from the feeder when I walk out, they return almost immediately after seeing that I'm not after them. So this one little guy seemed to be almost watching over my shoulder as I worked. He'd been hovering near me for several minutes. I stood up to get another board, and I guess I startled him, and as he came out of "hover" and into "flee" mode, he almost ran into the railing of the deck! Poor little guy was dipping and dodging, finally scooted through two of the rails, hovered a few feet away and chattered at me as if he were scolding me for frightening him!
OK, time to go finish up. sighhhhhh.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Misty, rainy, chilly day
I went to Roswell this morning. I really did not want to because of the weather. It was cloudy, grey, threatening rain, and in fact the forecast said to expect thunderstorms. I hated leaving Jazi with her fear of storms, but I had no choice. I had some banking things to do that I've been putting off for ten days, and I just needed to get it done.
As I was leaving, I noticed the Capitan Mountains, shrouded in misty clouds. So pretty. I watched this for quite a while, then drove through the valleys in the foothills, misty, but not foggy, and really enjoyed the experience. It misted and rained on me the whole drive, but not heavy.
In Roswell, it rained most of the time I was there. Sometimes it was just a minimal sprinkle, others it was a light rain. It never rained hard, but it was pretty constant. Then on the way home, it rained almost the whole time. The mountains were still obscured with the clouds, and I fully expected to come home to a freaked out little dog. But no! When I got here, it appeared that it didn't do more than just sprinkle here, and very little of that! Odd!
And it was really chilly when I got here. At about 2:45 this afternoon, the temp was 57°. It's still that now, a little after 5:00. It's going to get down to the mid 40s tonight and tomorrow night. Yes, you heard/read that right, 46° tonight!! I had a cup of hot chocolate a bit ago, and it tasted so good!
I got my banking stuff taken care of and did a wee bit of shopping. Among a few other things, I bought the bags to pack in, the kind that you vacuum or squeeze the air out of. I'm going to do some "practice packing." I need to see how it fits to know what luggage I should take.
Tomorrow I will make my reservations. It is still two months away, but I'm probably going to be fidgeting about things till then! I have my traveling wardrobe planned, but I'll probably change it a few times between now and then. I am going to look at my luggage and see if I have one that will allow me to carry everything on with me so I don't have to worry about missing bags. The one I intended to take is about 5 inches too big (the total of height x length x depth) for most of the airlines to consider it carry-on. Drat. Oh, well, I'll work it out.
After I got home I putzed around the house for a while, and just a few minutes ago, I looked out front, and in my lower driveway was manna from heaven, a great gift!
Do you see it down there?
Lumber!!
It's a huge pile of 2x6s, dropped off by a neighbor. He is a contractor, and he knew I needed several of them to replace rotten boards in my handicap ramp. He told me he had a small job, replacing a deck/porch on a business, and he would save the good lumber for me! Hot damn! There is more than enough for what I needed now, and it will give me some left over to use for replacements in the future. I'm SO happy!! And at the same time, I'm dreading the chore ahead, 'cause I have no excuse for putting it off now!! I hadn't replaced them because I honestly couldn't afford to buy the boards. I was going to start buying one or two at a time when the weather cooled off. Well, guess what .... the weather is cool AND I have lumber! No excuses now!
In Roswell, it rained most of the time I was there. Sometimes it was just a minimal sprinkle, others it was a light rain. It never rained hard, but it was pretty constant. Then on the way home, it rained almost the whole time. The mountains were still obscured with the clouds, and I fully expected to come home to a freaked out little dog. But no! When I got here, it appeared that it didn't do more than just sprinkle here, and very little of that! Odd!
And it was really chilly when I got here. At about 2:45 this afternoon, the temp was 57°. It's still that now, a little after 5:00. It's going to get down to the mid 40s tonight and tomorrow night. Yes, you heard/read that right, 46° tonight!! I had a cup of hot chocolate a bit ago, and it tasted so good!
I got my banking stuff taken care of and did a wee bit of shopping. Among a few other things, I bought the bags to pack in, the kind that you vacuum or squeeze the air out of. I'm going to do some "practice packing." I need to see how it fits to know what luggage I should take.
Tomorrow I will make my reservations. It is still two months away, but I'm probably going to be fidgeting about things till then! I have my traveling wardrobe planned, but I'll probably change it a few times between now and then. I am going to look at my luggage and see if I have one that will allow me to carry everything on with me so I don't have to worry about missing bags. The one I intended to take is about 5 inches too big (the total of height x length x depth) for most of the airlines to consider it carry-on. Drat. Oh, well, I'll work it out.
After I got home I putzed around the house for a while, and just a few minutes ago, I looked out front, and in my lower driveway was manna from heaven, a great gift!
Do you see it down there?
Lumber!!
It's a huge pile of 2x6s, dropped off by a neighbor. He is a contractor, and he knew I needed several of them to replace rotten boards in my handicap ramp. He told me he had a small job, replacing a deck/porch on a business, and he would save the good lumber for me! Hot damn! There is more than enough for what I needed now, and it will give me some left over to use for replacements in the future. I'm SO happy!! And at the same time, I'm dreading the chore ahead, 'cause I have no excuse for putting it off now!! I hadn't replaced them because I honestly couldn't afford to buy the boards. I was going to start buying one or two at a time when the weather cooled off. Well, guess what .... the weather is cool AND I have lumber! No excuses now!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Chuckling around my house today
I thought I'd share a couple laughs with you.
I keep a nice, durable Rubbermaid two-step stool in the bed to facilitate getting in and out of the bed of the truck. Most of the time I don't use it. I step on the tire or the bumper and throw my leg over the side. But occasionally, I'm feeling creaky, or I'm lifting something heavy up or down, and the stool comes in very handy.
I was just straightening the bed of the truck, and realized that I apparently left the stool in some parking lot in Albuquerque on Tuesday! I don't remember taking it out, but I am sure I must have at some point. So there is a step-stool holding a place in some parking lot for the next trip, if I can just figure out which one!!!
I guess someone might have grabbed it out of the bed, but that seems unlikely with all the other, more enticing goodies that we had there. Guess I need to buy another one, 'cause at this age, you never know when I can and can't sling that leg over the side of the truck as I often do!
Earlier today I opened a package of large lima beans, starting to soak them and cook them for butter beans tonight. As I poured them out, a couple dry beans fell to the floor. Well, the every vigilant little Max grabbed one and began testing it in his mouth. Of course, the others got interested. No one wanted to be left out. So I gave them each one to chew on. Some crunched them up and ate them, some chewed on them without breaking them, and after a couple of tentative chomps, Joey looked at me as if to say, "Are you kidding me?" However, he carried that bean around with him for an hour or so. Every time I looked, it was right in front of him, wherever he was. And he moved several times, following me here and there!
It's gone now. I don't know where it went, whether eaten or lost to one of the other bean-kleptomaniacs! Funny little guy! I guess it was a treasure from Mom that he wasn't going to let go!
I keep a nice, durable Rubbermaid two-step stool in the bed to facilitate getting in and out of the bed of the truck. Most of the time I don't use it. I step on the tire or the bumper and throw my leg over the side. But occasionally, I'm feeling creaky, or I'm lifting something heavy up or down, and the stool comes in very handy.
I was just straightening the bed of the truck, and realized that I apparently left the stool in some parking lot in Albuquerque on Tuesday! I don't remember taking it out, but I am sure I must have at some point. So there is a step-stool holding a place in some parking lot for the next trip, if I can just figure out which one!!!
I guess someone might have grabbed it out of the bed, but that seems unlikely with all the other, more enticing goodies that we had there. Guess I need to buy another one, 'cause at this age, you never know when I can and can't sling that leg over the side of the truck as I often do!
Earlier today I opened a package of large lima beans, starting to soak them and cook them for butter beans tonight. As I poured them out, a couple dry beans fell to the floor. Well, the every vigilant little Max grabbed one and began testing it in his mouth. Of course, the others got interested. No one wanted to be left out. So I gave them each one to chew on. Some crunched them up and ate them, some chewed on them without breaking them, and after a couple of tentative chomps, Joey looked at me as if to say, "Are you kidding me?" However, he carried that bean around with him for an hour or so. Every time I looked, it was right in front of him, wherever he was. And he moved several times, following me here and there!
It's gone now. I don't know where it went, whether eaten or lost to one of the other bean-kleptomaniacs! Funny little guy! I guess it was a treasure from Mom that he wasn't going to let go!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Mountains and missions and clouds, oh my!
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| As I was leaving Alamogordo yesterday I stopped to take this. These are my mountains, but "the other side," the west side. I live on the opposite side, the east side. |
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| This is just a nice view I saw a little farther up the road. |
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| This is a little mission nestled in the foothills. I think it is so pretty, and I've meant to take pictures, but I always forget till I'm past it. I remembered!! |
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| A closer look at the little mission. I'm assuming this is not open to the public. The gates to it are closed. Isn't it pristine? |
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| As long as I was taking pictures of missions or churches, I stopped to get this one, too. This is Our Lady of Guadalupe. I think it is on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, but I'm not sure where the boundary is. Pretty little church. |
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| Another closer shot of Guadalupe, but unfortunately a cloud passed over just then. |
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| This one is a Catholic Church, and it is in the town of Mescalero, so definitely on the Rez. Some restoration to the tower is going on. |
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| Just as I got home, The sun behind the clouds looks so pretty. The edges were bright silver. Too bad it doesn't show up that way in the photo. Very pretty, though. |
I'm back home in Blogville
I've been gone from Blogville a couple days, and it feels like a week. I was so busy yesterday that I couldn't get on here long enough to post anything. I read a few of yours, but that was the best I could do.
Early yesterday I went to a staff meeting at my volunteer job at the thrift shop. Not a big deal, but leaving the house before 8:00 two days in one week (yesterday and Tuesday when we went to ABQ) is unusual for me. I'm up around 7:00 every day, but rarely leave the house before 10:00. I know, wah, wah. Just a fact.
When the meeting was over, I came home and grabbed a sandwich and then at about 11:30 headed to Alamogordo to have the truck worked on. The repair took less time than they thought,and I was very glad, because that waiting room was h.o.t again. I complained, and told them that is the only complaint I have about their business..
While I was waiting, I noticed a great hat. It was similar to this:
The color was a rose or hot pink, brighter than this one looks.
I chuckled to myself, stepped to the parts window where they are kept, and said to the girl working there that I thought she should tell Chrysler they need to make a pink one for Rams. After all, Jeeps are for girls, but there are a lot of us "girls" who drive Rams.
She told me to wait a minute. When she returned, she had this in her hand:
It is a pale pink, but it's pink and it's Ram!!
Well! I had to buy it, you know.
When they were done, I started home. There are no lights and messages glaring at me on the dashboard, thank goodness. I arrived here about 4:30. I scurried around the kitchen to get a dish ready for last night's potluck. I tried something new, and it worked out superbly. I felt like taking something spicy, so I threw together a chili relleno casserole. I've never made it and didn't take time to find a recipe on line. I just made it the same way I would make the individual ones, same batter, same ingredients, but I just layered it in a casserole dish and stuck it in the oven. While it was baking, I made a green chili sauce, Tossed the whole thing in my picnic basket, grabbed a bottle of wine and took off for the dinner. It was a good choice. There was none left!! I think I'm gonna make a small one for myself tonight.
As always, I enjoyed the dinner greatly. Those are some really good folks, and I enjoy their company very much. I was tired enough that I limited myself to a single glass of wine. I knew much more would knock me on my caboose. We talked and laughed for nearly three hours.
I got home from the dinner somewhere around 8:30, and I was just exhausted. I watched a little TV, cuddled with The Kids a while since I'd hardly seen them all day, and after another hour or so, I was in bed. I slept till after 7:00 this morning. I think that means I slept around 9 hours. Wow. I needed that sleep.
I did a little yard work early today. Nothing heavy or strenuous, but some much needed little bits. One of the things was to empty and clean out the tub of water I keep out for the deer. I'm glad I did, because when I looked at the water, it was swarming with mosquito larvae!! I usually empty and clean it every couple days, but I've been on the go lately, and I hadn't done it for a week or more. I have to not neglect that any more. I hate mosquitoes!
When I came back to the deck, Max was whining and carrying on, sticking his nose around several things on the deck. He was actually doing this before I started the yard work, but I chose to wait till I was done outside to check it out. I figure there might have been a mouse behind something. So I moved a trunk that I keep some tools in, and a couple other items. No mouse, but the boy was still sniffing and whining. I also picked up one end of an old cedar chest that also holds tools and propped it up with some 2x4s so I could see underneath, as this was one area he was focused on. Still nothing, and after he checked it out thoroughly, Max finally calmed down. I think there probably really was a mouse that I just didn't see, or it took off early on and Max was just smelling the smell left behind. Anyway, he is calm now.
I'm spending the rest of the day taking it very easy. There is a Paul Newman marathon on TCM. Can't get much better than that! Right now, I'm watching "Hud," and I enjoyed the scene where they are in the movie theater, singing along with the bounding ball on the screen. I remember those days! Movies used to be a full experience: the movie, a cartoon, the news reel, a singalong or two, and on the weekends, a "serial." I used to love going to the movies on the Saturday, and keeping up with the serial (a short film that continued the story from week to week). My favorite was Superman.
Anyway, I'm back to "Hud." Feet up, head down, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Early yesterday I went to a staff meeting at my volunteer job at the thrift shop. Not a big deal, but leaving the house before 8:00 two days in one week (yesterday and Tuesday when we went to ABQ) is unusual for me. I'm up around 7:00 every day, but rarely leave the house before 10:00. I know, wah, wah. Just a fact.
When the meeting was over, I came home and grabbed a sandwich and then at about 11:30 headed to Alamogordo to have the truck worked on. The repair took less time than they thought,and I was very glad, because that waiting room was h.o.t again. I complained, and told them that is the only complaint I have about their business..
While I was waiting, I noticed a great hat. It was similar to this:
The color was a rose or hot pink, brighter than this one looks.
I chuckled to myself, stepped to the parts window where they are kept, and said to the girl working there that I thought she should tell Chrysler they need to make a pink one for Rams. After all, Jeeps are for girls, but there are a lot of us "girls" who drive Rams.
It is a pale pink, but it's pink and it's Ram!!
Well! I had to buy it, you know.
When they were done, I started home. There are no lights and messages glaring at me on the dashboard, thank goodness. I arrived here about 4:30. I scurried around the kitchen to get a dish ready for last night's potluck. I tried something new, and it worked out superbly. I felt like taking something spicy, so I threw together a chili relleno casserole. I've never made it and didn't take time to find a recipe on line. I just made it the same way I would make the individual ones, same batter, same ingredients, but I just layered it in a casserole dish and stuck it in the oven. While it was baking, I made a green chili sauce, Tossed the whole thing in my picnic basket, grabbed a bottle of wine and took off for the dinner. It was a good choice. There was none left!! I think I'm gonna make a small one for myself tonight.
As always, I enjoyed the dinner greatly. Those are some really good folks, and I enjoy their company very much. I was tired enough that I limited myself to a single glass of wine. I knew much more would knock me on my caboose. We talked and laughed for nearly three hours.
I got home from the dinner somewhere around 8:30, and I was just exhausted. I watched a little TV, cuddled with The Kids a while since I'd hardly seen them all day, and after another hour or so, I was in bed. I slept till after 7:00 this morning. I think that means I slept around 9 hours. Wow. I needed that sleep.
I did a little yard work early today. Nothing heavy or strenuous, but some much needed little bits. One of the things was to empty and clean out the tub of water I keep out for the deer. I'm glad I did, because when I looked at the water, it was swarming with mosquito larvae!! I usually empty and clean it every couple days, but I've been on the go lately, and I hadn't done it for a week or more. I have to not neglect that any more. I hate mosquitoes!
When I came back to the deck, Max was whining and carrying on, sticking his nose around several things on the deck. He was actually doing this before I started the yard work, but I chose to wait till I was done outside to check it out. I figure there might have been a mouse behind something. So I moved a trunk that I keep some tools in, and a couple other items. No mouse, but the boy was still sniffing and whining. I also picked up one end of an old cedar chest that also holds tools and propped it up with some 2x4s so I could see underneath, as this was one area he was focused on. Still nothing, and after he checked it out thoroughly, Max finally calmed down. I think there probably really was a mouse that I just didn't see, or it took off early on and Max was just smelling the smell left behind. Anyway, he is calm now.
I'm spending the rest of the day taking it very easy. There is a Paul Newman marathon on TCM. Can't get much better than that! Right now, I'm watching "Hud," and I enjoyed the scene where they are in the movie theater, singing along with the bounding ball on the screen. I remember those days! Movies used to be a full experience: the movie, a cartoon, the news reel, a singalong or two, and on the weekends, a "serial." I used to love going to the movies on the Saturday, and keeping up with the serial (a short film that continued the story from week to week). My favorite was Superman.
Anyway, I'm back to "Hud." Feet up, head down, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Toys = puppy joy
The kids are liking those new toys ....
Blurry pictures. They were moving way too fast!
It's a very good thing.
Blurry pictures. They were moving way too fast!
It's a very good thing.
One of my friends ....
This guy .... or gal .... usually watches me as I go to town. He's not there every time. Some times, he is up on the hill away from the road, but I see he nearly every trip. I especially love when he is at the fence near the road, as he was today. Gorgeous animal. And today I stopped to say hello.
.... Life is beautiful!!!!
And so is this horse!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Some of my favorite words .... DAY TRIP!!!
Yesterday Linda, Pearl and I went to Albuquerque to pick up our friend Jeannie who was flying back from California. And since we were going to be there anyway, you know we just had to shop! We actually cut it fairly short, considering some of the insanely whirlwind sprees we've done.
After collecting Jeannie and her luggage, we took care of the important business first. LUNCH! Jeannie had not eaten at Yanni's, the Greek restaurant that we have enjoyed several times, so we went there. We started with appetizers of calamari (every time, the absolutely best I've ever eaten a.n.y.w.h.e.r.e), and some hummus. I had Parmesan Encrusted Sole, one of my favorites, and it was, as always, delicious. I also splurged with a baklava and coffee at the end. I'm usually too full, but I just needed it this time! Of course, I brought home about half of my meal, making it more possible to fit in the baklava! No dummy in these shoes!
We had not planned to go to Buffalo Exchange, but it is one of Linda's favorite places to get things for her vintage clothing and jewelry shop, and it is just a block down the street, so we did. I'm glad, because I found several really nice linen shirts, 4 of them Chico. These will round out my clothing needs for the trip to Hawaii.
A stop at PetSmart was next. We all had pet needs to attend to. Most of my purchases were humdrum, but I brought home some new toys for The Kids. Some chewing ropes, a football made with that fire hose material, and the ones in following pictures. They are very happy with them.
OK back to the trip.
The last two stops were Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. Ah, c'mon! You knew I couldn't be in Albuquerque or Santa Fe and not go there! I came home with some triple cream Brie and filo dough to make some baked brie; several cheeses, including Leyden with caraway seeds and Cottsworth with chives and onion, two of my favorites; a dozen gorgeous peaches; pizzelle cookies; kalamata olives to make tapanade; honey and sesame coated cashews and almonds, one of my favorite snacks; etc. Yum. Oh, and a gorgeous huge basil plant for just $1.99. I can't afford to even grow one at that price! Lots of goodies to make my blue days better. OK, OK, I'm not having blue days, but it sounds better then to admit outright that I'm plain ol' spoiling myself. Back off!
On the way home we stopped for the usual Cold Stone Creamery treat. After that, we headed south and east, getting back to the stompin' grounds at about 7:45. The dogs were ecstatic to see me! It seemed to be more exuberant than usual, and when I started tossing those toys on the ground, it was chaos for a few seconds as each investigated a toy, then they rotated until all the toys had had a good "butt sniffin'"!!
By the time I got everything in the fridge, freezer and pantry, the pups were having fun with the toys. I sat down on the couch, and within a few minutes .....
The rest of the evening was quiet, and there wasn't much of it before I hit the sack. Slept like a rock. A happy, well-traveled, well-fed rock! It's all good. :)
After collecting Jeannie and her luggage, we took care of the important business first. LUNCH! Jeannie had not eaten at Yanni's, the Greek restaurant that we have enjoyed several times, so we went there. We started with appetizers of calamari (every time, the absolutely best I've ever eaten a.n.y.w.h.e.r.e), and some hummus. I had Parmesan Encrusted Sole, one of my favorites, and it was, as always, delicious. I also splurged with a baklava and coffee at the end. I'm usually too full, but I just needed it this time! Of course, I brought home about half of my meal, making it more possible to fit in the baklava! No dummy in these shoes!
We had not planned to go to Buffalo Exchange, but it is one of Linda's favorite places to get things for her vintage clothing and jewelry shop, and it is just a block down the street, so we did. I'm glad, because I found several really nice linen shirts, 4 of them Chico. These will round out my clothing needs for the trip to Hawaii.
A stop at PetSmart was next. We all had pet needs to attend to. Most of my purchases were humdrum, but I brought home some new toys for The Kids. Some chewing ropes, a football made with that fire hose material, and the ones in following pictures. They are very happy with them.
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| One of the new toys. Lola is so hard on plush toys, but I've bought a couple similar to this and she hasn't destroyed them, so I'm hoping. Last night, she didn't try to tear the squeaker out of it, so we're off to a good start. |
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| Sam likes that one, too. See that embarrassing Wubba toy in the background? Lola kept after it till she'd chewed the ball free. I threw the ball away. She still plays with it, but no longer seems hell-bent on destruction. Weird little dog! |
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| Here's another I'll watch carefully. I hope she doesn't chew the tennis balls and ropes to shreds. So far, she only carries it around and chews on the rope. Good girl!! |
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| I'd like to think she is saying "Thanks, Mom, for the neat new toys!" |
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| They are both happy with the new toys. Don't they look like they're smiling? LOL! |
The last two stops were Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. Ah, c'mon! You knew I couldn't be in Albuquerque or Santa Fe and not go there! I came home with some triple cream Brie and filo dough to make some baked brie; several cheeses, including Leyden with caraway seeds and Cottsworth with chives and onion, two of my favorites; a dozen gorgeous peaches; pizzelle cookies; kalamata olives to make tapanade; honey and sesame coated cashews and almonds, one of my favorite snacks; etc. Yum. Oh, and a gorgeous huge basil plant for just $1.99. I can't afford to even grow one at that price! Lots of goodies to make my blue days better. OK, OK, I'm not having blue days, but it sounds better then to admit outright that I'm plain ol' spoiling myself. Back off!
On the way home we stopped for the usual Cold Stone Creamery treat. After that, we headed south and east, getting back to the stompin' grounds at about 7:45. The dogs were ecstatic to see me! It seemed to be more exuberant than usual, and when I started tossing those toys on the ground, it was chaos for a few seconds as each investigated a toy, then they rotated until all the toys had had a good "butt sniffin'"!!
By the time I got everything in the fridge, freezer and pantry, the pups were having fun with the toys. I sat down on the couch, and within a few minutes .....
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| Sam and Jaz were on the couch near my left shoulder.... |
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| Lola near my right shoulder, Max (with a huge yawn) by my right hip, and Joey on my left. I was sitting between the two boys, in that BIG space! |
The rest of the evening was quiet, and there wasn't much of it before I hit the sack. Slept like a rock. A happy, well-traveled, well-fed rock! It's all good. :)
.... Life is beautiful!!!!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Day trip
We did an Albuquerque run today. Friend Jeannie was flying in from California, so we went to bring her home, and while there had a fab lunch and got some serious shopping in. I'm too tired to write much tonight, but I'll fill ya in soon.
I gotta go chill out. Really.
I gotta go chill out. Really.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Crash
A little bit ago I saw some pictures of a class reunion on FB, and it reminded me of something funny that happened last week. Remember the weekend of the art tour? On Sunday, I was making the rounds of the homes with Dorothy, and at one stop, I, er, uh, well ........
I was following the map and signs to each site. In addition, each site was marked with a bright colored flag. As we neared on of the sites, we saw 5-6 cars parked on the road, and the parking area of the house had another 6-8 cars. I commented that it was obviously a popular stop, and Dorothy added that we had certainly not timed it well and would have to share space with many others. We both chuckled about it.
I parked on the road and we walked up the long driveway. As we got close to the house we saw the garage door was open, a common thing on these tours, allowing one or more artists to exhibit there. However, there was nothing in the garage. We continued to the front door, stopping for 3-4 minutes to admire the absolutely lovely garden in the courtyard. I showed Dorothy a couple plants I'd planted since she was last at my house, and she pointed out one she wants to add to her own. Then we went to the front door.
Since each site handles things differently, some/all artists inside, or divided between inside and garage or patio locations, and because of having so many people traipsing in and out of the homes, most homeowners leave the air conditioning off and the front door open. Others, for their own comfort, prefer the a/c on and the door closed, and visitors are invited to walk in. So we did.
Inside the house we were puzzled, because there were no displays of art. Yes, there was art, but it seemed to belong to the home. A few steps in, it occurred to us that there were about 30 people gathered around several tables on the patio and in the dining room, obviously having brunch! My first thought was that the homeowner was furnishing food for the artists, but about the same time I realized there were too many people, and I got it! OMG!! We had just walked into a private party!! It turned out that there was a high school class reunion, and it was brunch at "John and Mary's" house! The house on the art tour was next door. Lawdy.
These lovely folks, probably 10-15 years my junior and 20 or so younger than Dorothy, invited us to have brunch with them! We declined and went back down the driveway, laughing at ourselves, and I saw what the problem was. The flag was placed between the two driveways, closer to the correct one, but not where it was clear, and neither of us saw the second driveway until we were back at the truck. It wasn't easy to see until you were right on it.
We went on to the right house, and the homeowner there got a real kick out of it when we told her about it. She said that if it was going to happen anywhere, that was the ideal place, because they were the nicest people. Yeah, I'd agree.
So here's the deal. If you're ever in the mood to crash a party, a wedding, heck, maybe even a funeral, give me a holler!!
I was following the map and signs to each site. In addition, each site was marked with a bright colored flag. As we neared on of the sites, we saw 5-6 cars parked on the road, and the parking area of the house had another 6-8 cars. I commented that it was obviously a popular stop, and Dorothy added that we had certainly not timed it well and would have to share space with many others. We both chuckled about it.
I parked on the road and we walked up the long driveway. As we got close to the house we saw the garage door was open, a common thing on these tours, allowing one or more artists to exhibit there. However, there was nothing in the garage. We continued to the front door, stopping for 3-4 minutes to admire the absolutely lovely garden in the courtyard. I showed Dorothy a couple plants I'd planted since she was last at my house, and she pointed out one she wants to add to her own. Then we went to the front door.
Since each site handles things differently, some/all artists inside, or divided between inside and garage or patio locations, and because of having so many people traipsing in and out of the homes, most homeowners leave the air conditioning off and the front door open. Others, for their own comfort, prefer the a/c on and the door closed, and visitors are invited to walk in. So we did.
Inside the house we were puzzled, because there were no displays of art. Yes, there was art, but it seemed to belong to the home. A few steps in, it occurred to us that there were about 30 people gathered around several tables on the patio and in the dining room, obviously having brunch! My first thought was that the homeowner was furnishing food for the artists, but about the same time I realized there were too many people, and I got it! OMG!! We had just walked into a private party!! It turned out that there was a high school class reunion, and it was brunch at "John and Mary's" house! The house on the art tour was next door. Lawdy.
These lovely folks, probably 10-15 years my junior and 20 or so younger than Dorothy, invited us to have brunch with them! We declined and went back down the driveway, laughing at ourselves, and I saw what the problem was. The flag was placed between the two driveways, closer to the correct one, but not where it was clear, and neither of us saw the second driveway until we were back at the truck. It wasn't easy to see until you were right on it.
We went on to the right house, and the homeowner there got a real kick out of it when we told her about it. She said that if it was going to happen anywhere, that was the ideal place, because they were the nicest people. Yeah, I'd agree.
So here's the deal. If you're ever in the mood to crash a party, a wedding, heck, maybe even a funeral, give me a holler!!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The Jaws of Steel
OK, this is what happens ....
.... when Lola (AKA The Destroyer) (Toy Terminator?) works long enough on one of those knotted rope chew toys.
I don't know what her deal is with destroying their toys, but she's good at it! At least it isn't my shoes, like Sam does. The toys are far more reasonably replaced.
A trip to Albuquerque is planned on Tuesday, a stop at PetSmart on the agenda. Good thing.
.... when Lola (AKA The Destroyer) (Toy Terminator?) works long enough on one of those knotted rope chew toys.
I don't know what her deal is with destroying their toys, but she's good at it! At least it isn't my shoes, like Sam does. The toys are far more reasonably replaced.
A trip to Albuquerque is planned on Tuesday, a stop at PetSmart on the agenda. Good thing.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Planning a trip
I'm starting to plan a trip. To Hawaii. Yep! I've never been there, and I'm very excited about it. There is a bittersweetness to it, however.
The friend I'm going to be seeing and staying with there is someone with whom I went to school back in junior high and high school. We barely knew each other. I remember one exchange between us that stuck with me. He doesn't remember it. And he had no memory of my face, but remembered my name.
A year or so ago, we encountered each other on the internet through a fluke, one that we have never figured out. I was getting messages that "someone" was trying to contact me on classmates.com. Since I don't have a paid membership, I couldn't see who it was. When I clicked where I was supposed to find the name, it led me on a wild goose chase, and eventually his picture would pop up. But there was never a message.
I ignored this for months, thinking it was the site's efforts to get me to buy a membership, and that was probably right. Eventually, I sent him a message asking if he was actually trying to reach me. There was a strange, confusing and confused exchange of emails, until we decided that it was something meant to be.
In the ensuing months, we have communicated a lot. Most of it is now by phone, and we have often talked one or two hours at a stretch. A sweet, warm relationship has evolved over time, nothing romantic, but very tender. We began talking about visiting each other. He wanted to return to New Mexico, to visit the home ground, and he invited me to come to Hawaii.
He has a number of health problems, one is a form of Parkinson's, and he has known that his days of traveling are limited. For a man who has been all around the world, lived in the Himalayas at one time, this was a sobering realization. The health issues have worsened and multiplied. Currently, his blood pressure is out of control, from extremely high to dangerously low, which means he can't fly anywhere at this time. So when we were talking recently, he asked when I might come and I said I hoped to be able to financially justify it in January, and the disappointment in his "Oh," was something I picked up on. I asked him if he felt that would be too late. He said, "Maybe, I'm not sure, but I think I won't be here long." I checked with my psychic friend, and she suggested that I go sooner if I can. January would be OK, she said, but the sooner I go, the better for him.
So you see the bittersweet of it. I'll tell you, that is one thing that stinks about aging. Losing friends and family members comes faster and more frequently. This is the third found-late-in-life friend to have health issues this serious. I don't like that. I've already lost the other two. :(
I'm rearranging a number of things in my schedule to make a trip. Currently I think I will probably go late in October and stay a couple weeks. I'm hoping to be very creative in my packing and take just 5-6 changes of clothing so I can, I hope, pack in just a carry on. I say this mostly so I don't have to deal with checked (and possible lost) luggage. It would just make my trip more simple if I can do it. We'll see. I'm looking at my wardrobe for things that will pack small, shake out without a lot of care. Never in my life have I traveled that light, so this is a new experience and challenge for me.I think I can do it. I hope so!
Anyone have any tips on thrifty packing?
The friend I'm going to be seeing and staying with there is someone with whom I went to school back in junior high and high school. We barely knew each other. I remember one exchange between us that stuck with me. He doesn't remember it. And he had no memory of my face, but remembered my name.
A year or so ago, we encountered each other on the internet through a fluke, one that we have never figured out. I was getting messages that "someone" was trying to contact me on classmates.com. Since I don't have a paid membership, I couldn't see who it was. When I clicked where I was supposed to find the name, it led me on a wild goose chase, and eventually his picture would pop up. But there was never a message.
I ignored this for months, thinking it was the site's efforts to get me to buy a membership, and that was probably right. Eventually, I sent him a message asking if he was actually trying to reach me. There was a strange, confusing and confused exchange of emails, until we decided that it was something meant to be.
In the ensuing months, we have communicated a lot. Most of it is now by phone, and we have often talked one or two hours at a stretch. A sweet, warm relationship has evolved over time, nothing romantic, but very tender. We began talking about visiting each other. He wanted to return to New Mexico, to visit the home ground, and he invited me to come to Hawaii.
He has a number of health problems, one is a form of Parkinson's, and he has known that his days of traveling are limited. For a man who has been all around the world, lived in the Himalayas at one time, this was a sobering realization. The health issues have worsened and multiplied. Currently, his blood pressure is out of control, from extremely high to dangerously low, which means he can't fly anywhere at this time. So when we were talking recently, he asked when I might come and I said I hoped to be able to financially justify it in January, and the disappointment in his "Oh," was something I picked up on. I asked him if he felt that would be too late. He said, "Maybe, I'm not sure, but I think I won't be here long." I checked with my psychic friend, and she suggested that I go sooner if I can. January would be OK, she said, but the sooner I go, the better for him.
So you see the bittersweet of it. I'll tell you, that is one thing that stinks about aging. Losing friends and family members comes faster and more frequently. This is the third found-late-in-life friend to have health issues this serious. I don't like that. I've already lost the other two. :(
I'm rearranging a number of things in my schedule to make a trip. Currently I think I will probably go late in October and stay a couple weeks. I'm hoping to be very creative in my packing and take just 5-6 changes of clothing so I can, I hope, pack in just a carry on. I say this mostly so I don't have to deal with checked (and possible lost) luggage. It would just make my trip more simple if I can do it. We'll see. I'm looking at my wardrobe for things that will pack small, shake out without a lot of care. Never in my life have I traveled that light, so this is a new experience and challenge for me.I think I can do it. I hope so!
Anyone have any tips on thrifty packing?
Sunset in the East
Sunset this evening was a beaut. This is the east, the reflections of the sun on the clouds and mountains.
It doesn't look as if I'll be watching the meteor showers this night. But this makes up for it.
It doesn't look as if I'll be watching the meteor showers this night. But this makes up for it.
.... Life is beautiful!!!!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Couch potato(es)
One of the best things in life .... sharing the couch with five of my favorite friends.
Six on a couch is never too many. :)
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| One, two, three, four .... |
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| ..... and five. |
Whistle while I work
I love productive days. Yes, I really do.
This morning I decided to clean house, especially the kitchen, which was a mess. I've been coming and going so fast lately that I hadn't really cleaned anything for two weeks. The kitchen had dozens of things I'd used and just sat down, and I knew it would need a serious scrubbing underneath all that. I'm only partially done with that, but here's the story.
I decided that I needed to clean the floor, too, and actually all the floors needed a thorough cleaning. The moist weather we've had lead to a trails of brown little footprints through the house, and the ceramic tiles felt tacky underfoot from moisture and puppy-tracked dirt. So I shampooed the carpet in the living room and my bedroom, and scrubbed the tiles floors throughout the house. It took me about four hours, but everything feels and smells great. Now I have to get back to the kitchen and finish that task. I'm getting a little tired, but I love it!
I was thinking as I was moping the floors about how good it smells when I'm doing deep cleaning. I use ammonia and water when I clean, and it stinks (well, it's ammonia, after all!), yet I love it, because it leaves the cleanest, unperfumed aroma. "Fresh" doesn't have a particular scent, yet it smells terrific. I love how the house smells when I'm done with a day like today.
In between all this, I also washed all the throw rugs and have them hanging out to dry. I took a break and drove to meet my stepson and give him the small kennel so he can take his cats to the vet tomorrow. I baked some cupcakes and made a batch of hummingbird nectar, too. The cupcakes are caramel flavored with chocolate and toffee chips in them. I ate two before I got them frosted! They are excellent!
I'm cleaning out closets, too. Not today, but in general. I have tons of clothing and I finally decided to thin out the stash so I can hang things up without everything being wrinkled ! What a novel idea!! So I'm taking 2-4 bags of clothes to Linda's shop or the thrift shop each week. I think I'm almost through with this, but we'll see. At any rate, my closets are looking so much better. And.... now I can go buy more, right? LOL!
Guess I'd better get up and finish the kitchen before I run out of steam. I'm nearly there now. Don't want to lose my momentum. I'll talk to you guys later!
This morning I decided to clean house, especially the kitchen, which was a mess. I've been coming and going so fast lately that I hadn't really cleaned anything for two weeks. The kitchen had dozens of things I'd used and just sat down, and I knew it would need a serious scrubbing underneath all that. I'm only partially done with that, but here's the story.
I decided that I needed to clean the floor, too, and actually all the floors needed a thorough cleaning. The moist weather we've had lead to a trails of brown little footprints through the house, and the ceramic tiles felt tacky underfoot from moisture and puppy-tracked dirt. So I shampooed the carpet in the living room and my bedroom, and scrubbed the tiles floors throughout the house. It took me about four hours, but everything feels and smells great. Now I have to get back to the kitchen and finish that task. I'm getting a little tired, but I love it!
I was thinking as I was moping the floors about how good it smells when I'm doing deep cleaning. I use ammonia and water when I clean, and it stinks (well, it's ammonia, after all!), yet I love it, because it leaves the cleanest, unperfumed aroma. "Fresh" doesn't have a particular scent, yet it smells terrific. I love how the house smells when I'm done with a day like today.
In between all this, I also washed all the throw rugs and have them hanging out to dry. I took a break and drove to meet my stepson and give him the small kennel so he can take his cats to the vet tomorrow. I baked some cupcakes and made a batch of hummingbird nectar, too. The cupcakes are caramel flavored with chocolate and toffee chips in them. I ate two before I got them frosted! They are excellent!
I'm cleaning out closets, too. Not today, but in general. I have tons of clothing and I finally decided to thin out the stash so I can hang things up without everything being wrinkled ! What a novel idea!! So I'm taking 2-4 bags of clothes to Linda's shop or the thrift shop each week. I think I'm almost through with this, but we'll see. At any rate, my closets are looking so much better. And.... now I can go buy more, right? LOL!
Guess I'd better get up and finish the kitchen before I run out of steam. I'm nearly there now. Don't want to lose my momentum. I'll talk to you guys later!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Tired
I'm really tired. I've been on the go for ten days or so, and it is catching up. Actually, it is kicking my butt. Some days have been all-day busy, others only part, but still .... Even on days I thought I was not scheduled, something came up and messed me up. So I'm looking forward to a trip to the groomer tomorrow to have the pups nails cut, and I'm dropping of some clothes at Linda's shop. Then home to rest through Thursday night.
Friday morning, I'm going to the thrift shop for training. It cancelled last week because of a change of schedules. This is just three hours, and I'm free again for the weekend. Thank goodness.
On Tuesday a friend is flying home from California, so three of us will pick her up and spend the day doing our shopping and eating, then home in the evening. I'm looking forward to it. I'm almost out of some of my treasured, carefully rationed items from Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.
It will be good to be back on a more relaxed pace.
I'm so far behind on reading blogs and FB. I've been trying to keep up as well as I can, but I've only skimmed much of it. I don't know if it makes sense to try to read everything, but I'm going to do my best. If I don't make it around to everyone, please overlook it this time. It's been hectic.
When I got home today from minding Linda's shop, the new sound system was on the deck. I put it together and checked everything out .... IT WORKS!!!!!! I've tried all modes, and everything works just great. I'm SO relieved! This helps me know what I'm going to be doing in the next few days .... watching some of the DVD backup in my house! BTW, I was a smart cookie, if I do say so. I disconnected the old base, hooked the new one to the speakers that were already in place, and put batteries in the remote. I decided that I was not going to take down all the old speakers if I didn't have to, especially since the speakers didn't seem to be part of the problem. It worked. Thank goodness I don't have to re-hand speakers or re-tuck wires.
I am still ticked at the FedEx folks, however. I'm going to try to talk to a person tomorrow. Yes, I live in the boonies, but the UPS guy gets here, rain/snow/fog/sunshine, so why can't this dude? Well, I'll get an answer one way or another. The nerve.
I've packaged the old system and I'll be dropping it off by the end of the week. I'm glad it has worked out. At last!
Today as I drove into town, the sky was totally blue with the exception of this one cloud hanging over the Capitan Range.
The clouds blustered up a smidgeon of rain droplets, but nothing serious. It dampened the ground, but that's about all. Ya just never know.
Gotta move on and read a few more posts, and then it is off to bed. Talk with you all soon.
Friday morning, I'm going to the thrift shop for training. It cancelled last week because of a change of schedules. This is just three hours, and I'm free again for the weekend. Thank goodness.
On Tuesday a friend is flying home from California, so three of us will pick her up and spend the day doing our shopping and eating, then home in the evening. I'm looking forward to it. I'm almost out of some of my treasured, carefully rationed items from Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.
It will be good to be back on a more relaxed pace.
I'm so far behind on reading blogs and FB. I've been trying to keep up as well as I can, but I've only skimmed much of it. I don't know if it makes sense to try to read everything, but I'm going to do my best. If I don't make it around to everyone, please overlook it this time. It's been hectic.
When I got home today from minding Linda's shop, the new sound system was on the deck. I put it together and checked everything out .... IT WORKS!!!!!! I've tried all modes, and everything works just great. I'm SO relieved! This helps me know what I'm going to be doing in the next few days .... watching some of the DVD backup in my house! BTW, I was a smart cookie, if I do say so. I disconnected the old base, hooked the new one to the speakers that were already in place, and put batteries in the remote. I decided that I was not going to take down all the old speakers if I didn't have to, especially since the speakers didn't seem to be part of the problem. It worked. Thank goodness I don't have to re-hand speakers or re-tuck wires.
I am still ticked at the FedEx folks, however. I'm going to try to talk to a person tomorrow. Yes, I live in the boonies, but the UPS guy gets here, rain/snow/fog/sunshine, so why can't this dude? Well, I'll get an answer one way or another. The nerve.
I've packaged the old system and I'll be dropping it off by the end of the week. I'm glad it has worked out. At last!
Today as I drove into town, the sky was totally blue with the exception of this one cloud hanging over the Capitan Range.
 |
| This is facing East northeast. |
 |
| A little closer look at the single cloud. |
 |
| Two hours later I went about a block from Linda's shop to the grocery to get a few things for home and something for my lunch and this is what I saw in the West Southwest. |
 |
| Ominous! |
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| This is the Southeast, big clouds but nothing to write home about. |
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| This is facing North. The big evergreens are in the Smokey Bear Museum grounds. |
The clouds blustered up a smidgeon of rain droplets, but nothing serious. It dampened the ground, but that's about all. Ya just never know.
Gotta move on and read a few more posts, and then it is off to bed. Talk with you all soon.
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