Happy New Year wishes to you both. I hope that 2008 holds health, happiness and contentment for you and K.

I got some good news--the computer shipped earlier than they said it would and in fact it is on its way and should arrive before Jan 4th sometime. I am so excited and cannot wait to get it set up and going. Reminder: WORD for mom. I am praying daily for you and that your health issue will be minor and easily fixed. Remember I am here for you in any capacity that you need. If you want me there, consider it done. If you need anything, you can count on me to the exhaustion of my resources. You are my darling girl and I love you more than you can imagine.

Everywhere I look around the house I see work that needs doing---how did it become such a mess is beyond me. I intend to work like a Trojan trying to correct that today, so picture me deep in the salt mines today. Love, love, love

Storm Warning

Thanks for the heads-up. I do indeed get tons of greetings (fortunately/unfortunately???) from friends and some from family. I will be exceedingly careful and hope that this little worm passes me by.

I got such a giggle from your last post. As I mentioned on the phone they are setting FIOS up on Jan 18 at my request because it is the end of my billing cycle. The computer should be in around the 7th unless they change the date again.

It is a glorious day today. I got up late for me and then went straight to the sewing room to finish up a block I was working on because I want to take it with me tomorrow with the Quilting Seven get together in Sanger, TX for the day. Guess I better go get cleaned up and take Ms Molly for a long walk. We got more rain last night at just the right time---bedtime. Hooray. Hope you are enjoying the same good weather and not more snow.

Head's up!

I know you're normally really careful about your browsing and email but an extra heads up...there's a bad piece of malware out there being passed around called Stormworm. It's being passed from emails, websites and blogs containing the phrase "Happy New Year".

Here's an article:
http://blogs.pcmag.com/securitywatch/2007/12/a_stormy_new_year.php

Dear Mom...

Please don't make my husband covetous again. Thanks! Your daughter.

Seriously, he was so jealous of your new Verizon FIOS service he couldn't hardly stand it. When you can make your technology professional son-in-law jealous of your internet connection, you've officially graduated from "technology noobie" to "geek". Congratulations! You're now entitled to wear the official tshirt of the secret society emblazoned with our motto:

"A computer lets you make more mistakes faster than any invention in human history - with the possible exceptions of handguns and tequila."

Just in time to get your wireless set up and use your spiffy new laptop! When are they supposed to come set it up?

Christmas Day

We have glorious weather to celebrate Christmas. The sun is shinning and it is just nippy enough for a light jacket. I hope that the weather there is following suit.

It was nice to talk to Kevin Christmas Eve, but I hated to hear that you had to work. I hope you got to come home early. I wanted to thank you both for the amarylis. I was so excited to see Fed Ex come rolling up to my door as I was not expecting anything and at first I though maybe the computer had arrived earlier than expected. Imagine my surprise to get a gift!!! When I saw what it was and that it was the Charisma variety I was just thrilled. I think that it the most gorgeous color (at least in the catalog). I know that I will be checking daily to see the growth progression and eagerly await the blooming. Knowing that it can then join my others in the garden for years of bloom is just too amazing. Thank you both for your generosity. You are both very good to me and I appreciate it and love you all the more for it.

I hope you both have a fun relaxing day playing with your new toys---I know you have one and am guessing that Kevin does too--and the critters. Molly sends love to Faye and kitties, and I send love to you my darling daughter and to Kevin, who is a wonderful son in law.

Wow

That does sound good. I can't wait to try it. I'm having to be good for a few weeks and eat properly while they're doing all these tests. Bleh. I really dislike having to do all this---and the not knowing is crazy making. While you always know it's most likely something very minor, it's a bit unnerving nevertheless.

Massive clean this weekend! I'm going to be giving the house a heavy cleaning before starting the paint job, Faye goes into the groomers and Kev has to clean up the branches that dropped during the ice last week. It finally all melted. I'm working on Monday but Kevin has the whole week off. I hope he gets some nice weather so he can go hit golfballs and such. He's offered to do a lot of tasks but I want him to take some fun time too.

Have you decided what you're doing Christmas Day?

Recipe

Potato Casserole

1 two pound package of frozen hash brown potatoes (I use Ore-ida)

1 stick of melted margarine

1 cup of grated cheddar cheese

1 can of cream of chicken soup (undiluted)

1 cup of sour cream

Mix all ingredients together in a 9 x 13 inch pyrex dish and bake at 350 degrees for one hour until top begins to brown.

This is fast, delicious and I have yet to find someone that did not really like it.

Wednesday wind down

It was so nice to see an entry from you. I can appreciate how busy you are. I remember the work days. I think you stay as busy when you retire, but in a different way. The business is not directed by a job, or a bosses' whims.

I have not received my catalog and need to contact Bluestone to find out why. We have had several days of very nice weather and I have been out everyday doing a few jobs that need doing. Yesterday I cleaned the entire house as well as doing some yard work, and was a tired, but happy camper last night.

I am mildly concerned about the Dell shipment later this month, as there has been a rash of robberies of folks following UPS trucks and stealing the packages they leave before they can be retrieved by the rightful owners. Hopefully the concern is unfounded. They think that several folks are doing this and not just one which is making it more difficult to stop the stealing. Of course with the publicity the idea has been given to several more.

I have lots of chasing to do today. Gasoline, water store, grocery store, Bernina to pick up the software that just came in that will go on the computer when it arrives that will allow me to use the computer with the sewing machine.

I am happy to hear that Kevin has come over to the "new carpet" side and know that will make your job easier. It would be nice if you too had a week off at the same time as you could get a lot done with an entire week to work on it..

I have not grown Campanellas but am familiar with them. I think the common name for them is Balloon flowers. I do not think that they do well here, as they cannot take our summers. Wimps, they are!!!

I hope the rest of your week goes at a slower pace. Hugs

How does this happen?

I looked at my last blog post date and wonder ---- "How does this happen? Where did those days go? I wasn't exactly out partying!" I swear I don't know. Things have certainly continued apace a work as my boss is determined we're going to have an entirely new wireless infrastructure in place in under 30 days and certainly isn't letting reason or reality stand in his way.

I'm still only halfway through the spring 2008 Bluestone Perennials catalog. Did you get yours yet? Campanula's were the plants I was trying to ask you about. They have several pages of them and they appear to come in all kinds of colors. I was curious if you'd ever grown any or had any experienced anything with them. Looking at all the shapes, sizes and colors it appears to be like saying Euyonomous to identify the plant (Page 11 if you have your catalog) and it's really a huge genus covering a variety of things.

We still plan on trying to get a lot of painting and projects done on the house over the holiday. Kev has a week off. I don't but eh, he'll get some stuff done. He's even come totally on board about getting new carpet. I'm going to try to talk him into doing carpet in the LR, hall, stairs and then do the flooring in the kitchen before tackling the bedrooms and basement. I think a different carpet is okay in the basement don't you?

Outside of that no news. Just doing the daily work thing.

Thursday break

Today was just so nice weather wise. The sun was shinning and it was just nippy enough that a sweatshirt was perfect for outdoor chores. Tonight another cold front is on its way and is bringing rain for the next couple of days anyway, with maybe some wintery mix come Sunday.
Molly and I went walking (frisking for her) around the neighborhood. You could tell she was delighted to be out after several days of rain.

The yard is deleafed front and back again, but I cannot say the same for the gutters. I need to get those cleaned out, but with bad weather coming, they are going to have to wait awhile.

I hope to spend the day tomorrow doing fun creative things in the sewing room, but I know that cleaning floors and bathrooms will have to be in there somewhere.

Saturday I am going to Plano with a friend to pick up her order from Bernina and to pick up an item we both ordered from a quilt store there. I then have to do some cooking for our class Sunday School party on Sunday.

Enjoyed lunch today at Red Lobster with Kay and Lois and saw her pictures of Singapore and Cambodia and heard about her trip. Kay's arm continues to get better and she is getting over a cold, but looked perky. I realize that this is not earth shattering news, but as we have discussed before this is my life. I love you both. Stay safe and hopefully warm and cozy and ginch the critters for me.

Brrrrrr Monday

It is damp and chilly here, but realize that we are tropical in comparison to your frozen state. Ah the joy of being "down south" hint, hint.

My mind is just whirring with ideas. Thanks to my two newest toys-GPS and Laptop- my horizons have been vastly expanded. I have put house refurbishing on hold as it is just too much fun to follow my creative juices at the moment. Wish you could be here to join in as we seem to come up with even more ideas when we brainstorm together. Of course that might be dangerous as who knows where we might wander together. Way back in my mind is expanding my herb collection come spring, so that means rereading all the Phyllis Shaudy material. I am picturing us over a cup of tea, some warm gingerbread, pouring over garden books plotting and planning or cutting up fabric and making wonderful things.

I hope that you can slow down at work real soon and find time to wander into your studio and make something that delights your heart. I really think that it is very important to have some creative outlet that you love that involves creating something. It keeps your mind "yeasty". Having several creative outlets is even better. I may have overdone it though.

Years ago Toni gave me a pattern for making toothbrush rugs. It included a tool that looks like a toothbrush without the brush and filed to a point on one end with an eye drilled in rather like a needle made from a toothbrush handle. I put it in my files and have looked at it from time to time over the years, but never did anything with it. Yesterday I saw a rug made with the tool and was WOWed. It looks just like an expensive handmade rag rug. They are offering a one-day class in January and I plan to sign up to learn how to make these. I definitely will want to show you how to make them too if I can learn, as this is a wonderful craft because the finished product can go right into your home and look like you spent a fortune to buy it. The end product could be table mat size, chair size, or rug size, or even coffee mug size depending on how taken a person was with the process and how much time they could devote to doing it. Versatile, I like that!!

This post has evolved into a novel, so I will wish you a wonderful, stress-free week and get out of here.

I have nothing of note...

given it's a grey, blustery and cold day there's nothing to report since I've done...nothing. Except watch Pirates: At World's End. I did want to thank you for the lovely compliment. It's nice that you're willing to discuss things with me.

I'm pleased we found you a nice laptop at a decent price. I think that'll do great things for you and get you humming away on many many neat and nifty sewing projects.

You are such a great help

I so appreciate you serving as a sounding board when I am thinking though decisions. I have always talked through decisions and Pop was the reflection and question poser that helped me come up with what I wanted to do. You are now filling that role and I truly appreciate it. Whenever I am making a big decision I really need to "talk" my way through it in order to organize and prioritize my thoughts and be able to come to the best decision.

After some more research and overnight pondering, I have decided to do nothing on my machine for a number of reasons none of which have anything to do with money. I could always pull money out of savings (which I do not like to do, to buy "toys") In looking at what would be necessary to run the latest and greatest, it is way more than I want in my sewing room. Internet access, computer laptop almost a necessity, an upper end computer at that to interface with all their requirements. Aaaargh, way to much for this ole lady. I have been happy as a clam in dip sewing away and I still can do that, plus I have 20 or so cards that each have lots of designs on them that I can embroider. That should keep me out of trouble for years.

I have to make that grocery store run that you have already accomplished this week today. Not one of my favorite things to do, by the way and then I want to get out into the yard and do some work. We are having an unseasonably warm spell and there is lots of rain in the forecast for the weekend, so this would be perfect timing to get some things planted and everything ship shape.

Be the windshield!

Briefly

Since I have just a few seconds in a day of fire extinguishing, here's some dealer names. Maybe just call them to find out what the process of getting an appraisal is. These are all members of the American Numistics Association:

Dallas Rare Coins
Don Willis Rare Coins
Heritage Numismatic Auctions
Heritage Rare Coin Galleries
Mike Follett Rare Coin Co Inc
Southwest Numismatic Corp

Found all these buy searching at:

American Numismati Association

All work and no play------

I am sorry to hear that you have had such demands on your after work hours and I hope that you will see the end of that shortly and can turn your attention to things more of your liking.

I think that I am going to have to have an expert look at the coins. Several sites that I checked all recommend that you find some expert and say that you are want the coins appraised and only after they appraise them discuss selling. I do not know if that is correct or not. I feel so ignorant, but of course would like to get the most I can from the coins. I am surprised that the gold $20 piece is not the most valuable, aren't you? Do get a list of folks in this area. Also what do you think about me contacting Fidelity and as if they can recommend anyone. I may wait until you can come for a visit and have you go with me, as two brains are better than one and I highly value your business sense.

More on coins

I used Numismedia Full Market Value catalog to look some of these up. Here- Numismedia FMV
You can look as well if you want. Select the coin selection and then at the top where it says Grade: select the grade range you're looking for. The MS 61-70 requires a login and both the username and the password are: planchet

It appears the value fluctuates highly depending on where they were minted. Many of the coins minted in San Francisco (S) are much higher. Might be worth getting out your handy magnifying glass and seeing if you see any S markings identifying the minting place.

I found a few of the coins I could identify from your description and their approximate value as listed:

1923 Mercury Dime, MS68 with full bands - $11,700 (If S, astronomically higher. Grade below 68 goes for $35K)
1922 Glaudens Gold $20 piece, MS63 - $1260 $4560 if S
1922-D, Liberty Silver Dollar, MS 64 - $100
1903 Morgan Silver Dollar, MS63 -$90 $440 (O) $6590 (S) (Known as Peace dollar)
1911 Dime,MS 60. under that is 0 80, under that is 3384 - I think this is what's known as a "Barber Dime" and goes for around $110.00

Obviously, this is all a whistle in the wind since this is in no way my field of expertise but it's possible there's some decent money in this collection and it might be time to consider contacting someone to professionally appraise it and/or broker it. Once you look at the coins to see if you can find the mint stamps, that'll let us narrow in a bit more on the values. At that point, it is probably time to consider some calls or emails to some reputable places. I can gather you a list if you'd like and even pre-call them to find out what the procedure is for this kind of thing.

It has been a bit crazy...

I wish I could say I've been busy with projects for the house or an amazing social life but truthfully, it's just been work. I have several large projects going on and a lot of my portion of that work has to happen on "off times" like late at night. The one upside is a lot of it I can do from my machine at home in my fuzzy slippers but still, that means working a lot of evenings.

If Pop's machine doesn't work out, give a shout. We have an older spare PC that's fairly small that might do the trick. It's just sitting in the closet under the stairs so might as well be doing someone some good.

Sounds like you and Molly are having fun with your excursions though. She's a loving dog with a sweet temperament. She's just trying to protect you and her from the unknown and once you expand her horizons on the unknown, I suspect she'll be a great companion around company. It also has the benefits of getting you out walking too and I know I need that. I've not been doing very well with exercising the last couple of months and I'm really feeling it. My energy level has just been low low low lately. Today is the start of trying to eat well and get back into some sort of movement program. I have a full physical scheduled for the 14th and I'm sure in two weeks, I'll be above all reproach by the doctor. (cough)

My Busy Bee

I always know when you have been super busy because I do not see entries on the blogg. I hope that some of the busy has been social occasions or home/garden projects and not just work, work, work.

Yesterday we had temperatures in the upper 70's and strong winds all day and night. That brought in the next front which dropped the temperatures into the low 30's. I say again Texas plants have to be TOUGH.

I have a list of chores a mile long for today. Some involve shopping, some just cleaning. Then of course there is laundry to do. My empty closet said get going on that little chore.

I am so thrilled at your solution to my computer need for embroidery. I just hope that I did not throw out the cable connection that hooks the computer to the machine. I guess if I did I can find one to purchase. I know I went a little nuts on clean-out for a couple of weeks. I have not tried setting up the computer in the sewing room yet, as I have not had time, but want to do that this week. I have two bags of cables, so I have high hopes that the one I need is there somewhere.

I am supposed to go with Lois and Kay to the movie tomorrow. They chose Mr. Magorian's something or another with Dustin Hoffman. That would not have been a choice I would have made, but such is life. Kay has a doctor appointment after the movie to have more tests done on her elbow. She said she is not sure why they are doing the test. I think a small nightlight would have been a big help in preventing this accident. There is that 100% accurate hindsight.

I have a bunch of new sewing projects dancing around in my head, and cannot wait to get going on some of them. I have chosen the colors for the hall and my bedroom and need to pick up the paint and get going on that real soon. I want to do my office too. That will be all the back part of the house with new paint and I can turn my attention to something else. THERE is always something else.

I send warm hugs to you both.

Who Knew?

I have been doing a lot of research about why my sweet Molly barks at passing dogs and is very aggressive toward them and recently has barked at men passing by on many occasions. Over and over I have found experts that say that dogs kept in isolation from people and other dogs, react in aggression out of fear and anxiety over the "new" and, to their way of looking at things ,threatening situations. All agree that more socialization is the answer. I goofed in other words by not taking Molly out and about. In line with that I am trying to take her out everyday in the car to as many places as I can and for walks. I want to contact Sue Doyle at Petco about maybe getting her some one-on-0ne training time there. Petco certainly has lots of dogs to come into contact with, but I think to just take her cold turkey around all that canine company would be waaaay to stressful right now for both of us. Molly is so sweet. loving and a fun and loyal companion to me that I want others to see this wonderful side of her. I think that had I taken her out from the get -go a lot, she would never have been so nuts around other folks. I hope that I will be able to correct that within a few months. The book you are sending will help too I am sure. I hate that I was so unfair to Molly out of ignorance. We never took dogs out and about as I was growing up, but with 5 kids and all their friends coming and going, I guess the socialization was built-in.

Sure glad that you had such a nice time in OKC and I am sure that the dream house was a source of inspiration. Do you think any of that construction fever rubbed off on Kevin????

We are supposed to have several days of lovely warm weather and I hope to be outside for as much of it as possible. I hope you all also have a warm snap in your future. I appreciate you taking precious time to research the coins for me. You are the best! Paul called within minutes of your call and it was exactly as you said, he did not realize that I called until he got to school and then called me on the way home with apologies for the delay in returning my call. He sounded better and said that he was feeling better. Hooray for that. I like my kiddos well and happy.

Phew!

What a hurricane of a week and weekend. As you know we got back early afternoon Saturday. Faye seems to have survived her exile in fine spirits though both man and beast sorta collapsed the rest of the day Saturday. I don't know why traveling is so tiring even when it's a short jaunt. Of course, you never sleep very well at someone else's home so I think everyone was ready for some rest.

Kevin's cousin Todd and Shannon (whom we stayed with) have a lovely home in the suburbs of OKC. He's a VP of a commercial construction company so he gets to buy materials and labor at cost and the house shows it! Lots of nice custom features to make any woman drool a bit like laundry chutes and lots of gathering places in the house. They were most gracious hosts. I need to send a note tomorrow thanking them for their hospitality.

That's great information on the coins and I'll dive back into my research on those tomorrow. I don't know what those numbers mean either but I bet I can figure it out.

How's your cold? Finally over it? Did you decide to go to the doctor today?

Coin Info

First of all I am so glad that you got Ms. Faye settled in luxurious surroundings for your TD trip. I know that you and Kevin will have a good time. I guess the TV is such a part of American homes that it helps give the dogs a feeling of familiarity.

1923 Mercury Dime, MS68 with full bands, under that is 0 80 and under that is 3720.
1922 Glaudens Gold $20 piece, MS63 and under that is 5228 and 1.15 (which I think is the weight)
1922-D, Liberty Silver Dollar, MS 64, under that is 0 80, under that 1996
1903 Morgan Silver Dollar, MS63, under that is 0 80, under that is 2997
1911 Dime,MS 60. under that is 0 80, under that is 3384

This is what is written on the labels that are with the coins. The D might stand for Denver minting, I know the MS numbers are grades, and I have no idea what the 0 80 and final numbers stand for. I have not been able to find any paperwork on these coins, which as you know with pop, is very unusual. I wonder if it might have been lost in the '91 flood. You never know. I hope this helps some and I can send a picture if you think it would be helpful.

Strings, Sealing Wax and other Fancy Stuff

I was sorry to miss your call yesterday. We were out in the yard doing the third, and hopefully final!, leaf and pine needle pickup. It was a gorgeous day and is beautiful again today but we're going to have to enjoy it and store up. It appears we're getting our first major cold front through Tuesday night and temperature are going to drop from the 70s to the 40s.

I'm working on your coin list and want to make sure I'm correct in my list. There's five coins total?

1922 $20 gold piece (St. Gaudens Double Eagle?) in MS63 condition
1923 Mercury Dime
1911 Barber Dime
1922 Silver Peace Dollar
1903 Morgan Silver Dollar

With just some preliminary research, it appears condition, where they were minted and if they were circulated, non circulated, proof or deep proofs makes a huge difference in value. As an example the Barber dime ranges in value from $2 to $175. Any distinguishing marks you can see, if they're in holders showing their condition rating (like MS63) or other documentation you might have will go a long way to seeing what you've got in your possession there. Just finding pictures as close as possible isn't going to let us pin this down very well. Worse case, lay them out on a dark material and use your digital camera to take pictures of the front and back?

We did finally find a place for Faye to board. She will be staying in the luxurious suites of Deogi Pointe and we'll be heading to OKC late this week. Kevin stopped by to take a look at it and, sheesh, things have sure gotten fancy in the ol' dog kenneling world but it's about the same price as our vet charges and they get a lot more room to run as well as some personal attention. I have to admit I'm a bit surprised at how common providing television and videos for the dogs is. I mean, really....wubba? I suppose Faye wouldn't mind catching up on a season of Lassie.

Whee!!!

As I mentioned on the phone I am besotted with my GPS unit. I find myself trying to think of places to go that I do not know the way to just to have an excuse to use it. Since gasoline prices continue to climb, this may, or may not be such a good thing! I do love it and do feel a rebirth of freedom to move about. I love you both so much for the wonderful gift and more importantly for the loving spirit behind the gift.

I am torn today between wanting to get into the sewing room as it has been quite a while since I have had time to quilt and going to the garden center for stones to start the walkway in the long bed. Still not sure which one will win. I know Molly gal would vote for the garden work as she likes nothing better than for me to spend the day outside working. She sticks to my location and the sewing room is BOREDOM to her.

I have nothing of interest going on to report on. I do love the Bare Minerals and think it feels wonderful on. Must get my hair cut soon as I am getting shaggier and shaggier. It is always something that needs repair or grooming. Heavy sigh!!!

I am about to talk myself into fixing a small home meal for Thanksgiving and avoid the hassle of going out somewhere. Maybe a small ham and trimmings. I would lean toward a sandwich left to my own devices.

Inspiring!

Someone sent me the link to this video and thought I'd share it. It lifted my spirits to see such a plain looking, plain working man. Watch the judges faces and the eye rolling when he announces he's going to do opera---and then what happens.

Paul Potts

I have the best

You are the sweetest daughter in the world. I am just thrilled that you are sending me the kit. It is just the most generous and thoughtful thing to do. I recently threw out all my old makeup and only kept a couple of eyeshadows, lipsticks, and a bottle of foundation. I have been thinking that it is time to update my look, so your timing is perfect.

As I was reading your blogg entry, I was thinking that I would log on and order me a kit, and then I got to the part that said one was already on its way! Hooray! I cannot wait to watch the DVD and try it. Thanks for being so very thoughtful and for being the best daughter I know.

I got the other bathroom painted yesterday. I think it looks so good. Now all I have left is the office and my bedroom (which will be a chore because of the huge, heavy furniture). I do not plan on tackling either one of those until way after the first of the year. The next time you are here for a visit, I want you to go with me to look at floor tiles for the bathroom. I must get the carpet out and tiles in. I really want a second opinion on such a major decision, so if you do not mind lending me your expertise, I would greatly appreciate a second brain. Color is easy, but there are so many kinds and prices of tile, that I only come home bewildered.

We had howling wind all night and they are continuing into day, but not as strong as last evening. The result is a yard covered in leaves and visibly thinning trees and shrubs and a decided nip in the air. Can it be that fall has finally arrived?

I am headed out in a bit to do some birthday gift shopping and then plan to spend some time cleaning. I have neglected that the last couple of days as I was occupied with paint work. I want to buy a new shower curtain and maybe a window curtain, if I can find one that I like while I am out.

I have been concerned about you back and hope that it is not bothering you anymore, but I suspect that it is, as those injuries heal slowly. I know what you mean about DST. It is not my favorite either, but you know, they did not give me a vote on this. Fancy that!

I didn't even know it was lost and I found it!

I recently decided I was totally fed up with my makeup routine and everything I was using in it. Considering how expensive even Almay, Neutrogena and similiar brands are getting, it seemed silly to continue using them when I didn't even like how they looked. You and I had talked a while back about how everyone was raving about the mineral makeups and we'd both tried the Loreal drugstore mineral makeup and didn't care for it. However, I have several friends that use mineral makeups and just love it. So off I went casting about...

After reading a lot of reviews and discussions on the web, I broke down and picked up a Bare Escentuals bareMinerals starter kit from Sephora.com I was a little apprehensive as buying makeup sight unseen is a new experience and I hadn't had a good tryout with the Loreal stuff. However, the kit wasn't too expensive given what's in it compared to buying Clinique and the like from a department store. It seems to be about the same price as department store makeups.

I love it! I watched the DVD that came with it to learn how to apply it. Nothing fancy or difficult but it's _different_ than the usual cream foundations and it took a day or two of playing with it to get the feel of how you have to buff it on rather than how we're used to working with face powders and dusting it on. (I suspect that was my mistake with the Loreal stuff). It feels so wonderful on the skin and very light. It looks very natural outside too which is the bane of regular cream makeups I think. Matter of fact, it's so light feeling that the first few days, my inner self kept thinking "AGGGGH! I'm out in public without makeup!" No lines, smooth, it lasts all day long and you use a tiny amount of it. I jumped on and ordered the Beyond Essentials kit and the eyeshadow kit which has some other fun toys in it and have loved those as well.

I don't know if Bare Escentuals is the best. There's a lot of companies out there that also get good reviews like Pur but I've sure enjoyed it. I love it enough that I've ordered one of the starter kits for you. You may not feel like swapping makeups or even using this stuff but I figured you'd have fun trying it and nothing like some new makeup to start the fall off with and at the very least, you'll enjoy some parts of it with your regular makeup. I adore their Mineral Veil powder and the Warmth face color. I use it as a blush as well as an all over dusting of color. I hope I ordered the right color set for you. I got the same one I got myself since I think we're about the same series of shades. If not and you think you want the next darker ones, you can send me the ones you get and I'll send you a container of that.

Only thing is you have to watch the DVD! Doesn't take very long. You can watch the opening chapter and then there's a chapter called "The first time user". The First Time one is nice because it uses a lady between us in age so she has a lot of the same concerns we do regarding dryness, lines, etc. My original kit only took a few days to arrive so you should have it fairly soon. I hope you'll tell me honestly how you like or dislike it but again, thought it'd be fun to experiment together.

Outside of that not much news. I hate DST. Silly farmers! Coming home in the dark every day is a bummer. I can't even wander around the yard. Well, I can but I can't see very much!

Amazed

Well, color me surprised that I would have thought of any technology angle that had not been throughly explored by you guys, the computer gurus! I use the Images pretty often when I am seeking plants too. You might try it for that also. I think that you and Kevin will be thrilled with the beadboard ceiling.

I loved the Blue Dot, but Carl Sagan thinks of it as a permanent home. I consider it our temporary home until we go on to a more permanent and far better place because "the Bible tells me so" just like the song says. Of course the grandeur and variety of this world leaves me awestruck at God's handiwork.

If you have not tried Wired Science on PBS on Wednesday nights, I would recommend a look-see. The show is made up of snippets of the wonders of science and technology and the future looks ever more amazing. It is very entertaining and not one of the shows that makes you want to say "Well, I feel dumber" after watching it, rather you think "I feel smarter".

The pale blue dot

Great idea on google images. It never occurs to me to use that to look things up and here goes my mom teaching an old technology dog new tricks! I'll spend some time looking around on it mostly to find pictures to convince Kev. I think I've pretty well decided the beadboard is the way to go. He always gets that deer caught in a headlights look when I mention projects like this.

Someone sent me a link to a video. Humbling and insiring

Beadboard blogging

If you go to Images on the Google homepage and type in beadboard ceilings, you will get lots more pictures and site addresses that show beadboard ceilings. While the tiles are nice, my personal preference is for beadboard, but of course they need painting every few years or so. The tile can remain in its natural state. Something to be said for them both. Isn't it fun deciding???

We have had CARS of trick-or-treaters. Ah the joy of busy Glenbrook. That is why I hide from the little darlings and their chaperones. It would be different if I lived on a less traveled street and only had the neighborhood children. I am not even sure if these kids all live IN Garland.

We are due for a cold front to drop the temps about 20 degrees tomorrow over today. We shall see. I still have one and a half beds to clean out and divide up. Maybe tomorrow afternoon I can get to the 1/2 bed anyway. I have Bible study in the morning and am at critical mass again on groceries, so I have to run by Sams and the grocery store. I have enjoyed getting some things cleaned out and organized around here. It sure reinforces my thoughts that I need to have a garage sale and get rid of a lot of junk.

I'm getting ready to return to rug hooking for a project or two. I guess the cooler temperatures have me thinking wool. As I have been typing this it occured to me how to solve the problem of hanging a three-window long curtain rod by myself. I have been puzzling about that for many weeks. Isn't the human brain a funny working thing?

Must go and do some more planning and plotting over the Bluestone catalog. Love and kisses

Oops! Forgot one!

I forgot to respond to your suggestion for Christmas. I have many thoughts on that but will post it later. I have to dash home for the little hooligans trick or treating.

OW!

I'm sorry to go a few days before a post. I managed to whang my back pretty badly over the weekend and it's been pretty painful to be at the keyboard. Things are better now so long as I remember not to twist too suddenly.

I think Dave's is perfectly fine to use. At least I've been using it though I've just barely scratched the surface of everything offered there. The plant encyclopedia is really handy.

Thanks for the update on Kent. I didn't know if he'd been allowed to come home yet or not so it was good to get an update.

Hey! Look what I found. I was pursuing your suggestion of beadboard for my kitchen ceiling and found Armstrong has a lot of products for it. What do you think? Armstrong Ceiling Beadboard
They also have these faux tin ceiling tiles. Thoughts? (And what's a furring strip?) Tin style ceiling

Saturday, hooray

I have some questions about the Dave website. Is it safe to use, as you told me to be wary of sites such as that? Do you use it? I think it would be a huge source of information if you can use it without worry about vicious bugs attacking your computer.

I am getting a really slow start to the day mainly because there are no huge "to-dos" on my list or places that I have to be. It is rather nice to indulge in a laid back pace for once. I got a 10% off coupon from Callaway's nursury so I want to check out the pansies, and oxblood lilies and shrubs today at some point and I also want to go to Home Depot and look at their selection, other than that I guess I will head to the sewing room as I have not sewed in days.

I heard from Toni yesterday via voice mail. I was out when she called and the last two times I have called her, she has been at the hospital with Kent. He is in hospice there still as they are trying to regulate his diabetes and pain to the point he can come home. I am not sure that this will happen and it might be easier on Toni in the long run. Every time the phone rings I jump thinking it is Toni telling me that Kent is gone, so I can only imagine the stress she is under right now.

I have to get going on the stone walkway, but rather dread the prep work to make it level, so I keep postponing it. That can be done in cold weather, so I know that unless something very unusual happens I will have it in by spring.

What do you want to do about Christmas? I vote no gifts, just an exchange of cards. I have everything that I need and most of what I want and I know that you guys are in the same boat. It seems wasteful to buy just because it is the season to buy and I know that you have Kevin's children and grandchildren to buy for and a home that you are wanting to upgrade some. Are you okay with this? If not let me know. I do not want to be in the position of getting a gift if we have agreed not to exchange them. Many of my friends no longer excange gifts for the same reason that they already have more stuff than they have room to put it. Even our quilt group is going to buy toys for charity instead of exchanging gifts this year. Do I sound bah humbug? I hope not, as I love the season, but not the commercialism that goes with it. Let me know your thoughts about this.

Dave's Garden Find

This is a neat site. You ever visited here?

Dave's Garden

Some days you're the windshield...

And some days you're the bug.

I am SO the bug today!

Phew!

After a bit of sweat and some new blisters, I think I'm about ready to call the garden done until spring. I received my order from Wayside on Saturday.

I added:

Hydrangea - Quickfire
Knockout Rose - Rainbow
3 - Miscanthus - Cosmopolitan

I also added 15 bulbs of various daffodils. The only things left are, maybe, a Magnolia tree and my usual tulip bulbs. It's not cool enough to plant the tulips yet. I moved my mock oranges around to see if they'll do a bit better in new spots and finished the bed cleanup. I also did the annual fall black walnut pickup. Yuck! If those weren't such huge big shade trees

Not a ton of news outside of that. I think I've decided on the kitchen colors but we have to do some ceiling repair as soon as Kev gets the roof leak fixed. It's either been raining or the wind has been blowing hard enough you can't get on the roof. It's a minor leak around an exhaust pipe but it's caused a small spot where the popcorn type ceiling has fallen off. The spot is smaller than a tea saucer but still needs to be repaired before painting. I have no idea how to do that! I'm sure the web can tell me though.

We're supposed to get our first touch of frost tonight along with a nice slow day long rain but warmer the rest of this week. It looks like it'll be glorious. I'd like to get home from work early enough to get out the ladder and clean the windows.

More Shrubs

I went to Lowes to pick up some potting soil and noticed that the shrubs were on sale, so I also bought three dwarf Buford Hollies and three standard Japanese boxwoods for the yard. I have planted the hollies, but am going to wait until tomorrow on the boxwoods. If the rain comes in Sunday night as forecast they should be off to a good start.

I also bought the paint to paint the guest bedroom and the hall bathroom. I guess I will start on the bedroom first, hopefully tomorrow, or Monday at the latest. I have promised Lois and Kay that I will go with them to the movies (Elizabeth) on Tuesday, so if I cannot finish in one day (and I doubt that I can) I will have to paint one day, skip a day, and finish up on Wednesday. Some where in there I have to do my homework for Bible study on Thursday morning and quilting group is Friday. Busy week ahead.

I got the laundry done today and the house is pretty clean, so that will help with the time crunch. Did you get the work done in the yard that you had planned to do? What is the status of your kitchen painting? Is is done, or tabled for a later time?

Let me hear from you. I have not forgotten about the pictures. Maybe I can get those done tomorrow.

All projects should be pondered carefully

I have wanted to move my water dispenser for some time and finally did so with the mistaken notion that it would be a simple 30 minute job at most. Two full, hard-working days later and four rooms of rearranged furniture plus the pantry later, I realized that I had not given enough thought to the project up front. It was like dominoes falling. As I moved each piece of furniture it necessitated moving something else, and on and on. Of course that entailed lots of cleaning of newly exposed areas as I went along. Everything is finally done and I must admit most of the house looks much more organized, not to mention cleaner, so I guess it was worthwhile. As we were getting rain at the time I could not have worked in the yard anyway, so the timing was perfect.

Today I am meeting the quilt buddies at Quilt Connection, a new shop that opened up in an old quilt store that went out of business. It should be fun quilting,laughing and talking with the gang. Your dinner with the girls sounded like fun especially since you share common interests. Have you seen the movie Elizabeth yet? I have not, but plan to. I also need to get my flu shot here pretty soon. I hope that you and Kevin plan to get one too.

I am so anxious to add some more shrubs and start the new walkway through the middle of the long garden bed, but we are in for heavy rain today, Sunday and into next week. If they are accurate in the forecast it might be several days before it will be dry enough to work outside.
Darn, I might be forced to work in my sewing room!!!

Same old, Same old

Not much to report on here. We got the lawn mowed today as it's apparantly the only rain free day this week. Thank goodness as otherwise we'd have had to mow via machete. I had a nice dinner tonight with a couple of girl friends from work. Nice ladies--they enjoy a lot of the same things I do including some gardening. Both are big bird watchers.

I truly don't have any other news and I'm off to watch the new Heroes and Damages. I love you much!

Rain on my parade

Well those transplaned day lilies should thrive as we have had a lovely rain most of the day and more forecast for tomorrow. I am so glad that I was able to get as much done in the yard as I did before it got soggy.

Got up early this morning and paid bills and took them to the post office and then dropped by the school tax office and paid the yearly tab. OUCH, that would buy a lot of plants or fabric!!

I need to get going on the house especially the floors as they have reached critical mass. Later Gator

Rainy Days

Is it talking to yourself if someone answers?

Started raining last night and hasn't stopped yet. It's okay as it's that slow steady fall type rain and we can certainly use it! However, the weather service told me that wasn't going to happen until tonight and thus my Saturday plans to finish some cleanup have gone awry. I guess that leaves me no choice but to do some housework. It's either that or use my furniture surfaces as extra garden beds.

Kev took Faye to the vet this morning and she's healthy as can be. We had her microchipped and signed up for their service. I never know if that stuff is worthwhile or not but I guess at $15 a year, it can't be too much waste. They do offer 24 hour phone vet service including the doggie Poison Control Center. She now has 3 tags and her spurs go jingle jangle jingle as she walks. I bet the cats actually appreciate that! Not like a 53 pound dog is all that sneaky to start with. I'm heading out shortly to take her up to the groomers and, boy, does she need it! That's the only Faye expense that makes me grit my teeth a bit as it's $40 and they don't even have to actually cut her fur. It's just bath, toothbrushing, nailtrimming and blowdry. I guess that's worthwhile as the baths I give her at home never leave her looking as pretty as they do but still----sheesh!

At least Home Depot is right next door and that's always good to head into. I need to pick up some weatherstripping and figured I'd, again!, look at potential paint colors for the kitchen. I've made a vow that I'll have my kitchen redone by Thanksgiving! I think I'll pick up some quart sizes and slap some of the colors on the wall and see what I think. I also need a new rug for under the kitchen table. I've looked everywhere for one the right size which is about 6' x 9' and I'm having an amazingly hard time finding anyone that carries that size. I'm going to check Home Depot while I'm there but if they don't have it, I give up. I guess I can go to a carpet store and see if they'll hem a piece of carpet that size. Do you think they'd do that? Have you had that done and do they charge that much for it? I don't mind paying for the carpet, natch, but have no idea if they do stuff like hemming it off if you're not actually buying a full house of carpet from them.

Off to take Faye to the groomers. More later. Promise!

Talking to myself?

I am skipping quilt circle to work in my garden today, so you know how serious I am getting. I have made very good progress toward getting things cleaned out and ship shape and hopefully can finish up the job today in the long beds. I want to install a walkway down the middle to make getting around easier, but cannot decide what type of stone to use. I have been going though some back issues of Country Gardens and Garden Gate looking for inspiration. There are so many plans for the yard floating around in my head, that I have to keep reminding myself one step at a time. Is a garden ever done??? I do not think so. I want to completely remove all the plants from the square bed behind the arbor except for one rose and start over in there. I read about a golden spirea in the new Garden Gate that sounds lovely and I think would make for year round interest. I think I will check with Northhaven Gardens to see if they carry it.

I hope to get started on painting the main bath room and guest room in the next couple of weeks. I need to do my bedroom and the office, but moving furniture in those rooms is difficult because of the weight, and I have not figured out quite how to do it, but bet I do. First things first, getting the other two rooms done.

It is so nice to know that I do not have to bother with Thanksgiving and Christmas, so I can continue right on with my decorating plans, without having to stop to decorate or cook. Of course you know that the best laid plans of mice and men----etc.

Write when you can and know that your calls are precious and dear to me. I love hearing from you and the routine you find uninteresting, is interesting to me because I love you dearly.

Monday news

We had a lovely rain most of the day on Saturday, but our temperatures and humidity are above normal by about 10 degrees still. They are forecasting a cold front to hit sometime this week and dropping our highs into the 80's and drying out the humidity. I sure do hope that they are right, because this heat and humidity takes away my desire to work in the yard in a hurry. I have so much to do out there that I am feeling overwhelmed.

I need to take all the screens off the windows and clean the windows outside and in. They are reaching critical mass, but I cannot seem to get motivated to do it. I also need to clean out the gutters again. Wish those leaves would be more selective on where they fall!!

Cindy came all day Saturday for a sew day and Paul called Sunday for a nice chat. Other than that, it was a very quiet week end, but relaxing. Hope that yours was as well.

Wednesday wanderings

Aunt Toni sends her birthday greetings to you. We got rain for most of the day which was nice. It messed with my garden work plans, but I was able to finish up a couple of sewing projects, so everything worked out fine. Diane dropped by bearing a gift of four fall-colored ceramic tea bag holders. Between your wonderful copper bird bath and her tea bag holders, I felt as if today was my birthday. I am ready to go watch another episode of WAR, so I will wish you a good evening and great week.

More drabble

That will be really neat to see the information you get. It's just amazing the amount of information available on the web. Hard to believe we ever lived without it.

Not much to report here. I planted my asters last night and had high plans to get my new nandina planted since I cleaned out the portion of the garden where I want it to go but we're supposed to get fairly severe storms this afternoon. I still need to divide my daylilies and have several other plants I need to move. It's tough now when there's only about an hour of daylight after I get home. I guess it will all wait patiently for me to get around to it.

Enjoy getting your hair cut. It's time for me to do the same and get a bit of a "color refresh" as well. I broke down and ordered an entirely new set of makeup and threw out all my old stuff I was sick to death of. I'm trying out that Bare Ecsentuals mineral line everyone raves about. Hopefully it'll work out well. Either that or I'll be the best looking clown in town!

I did it

I really appreciated the information on soliciting the service records. I went online and did that. You had to download a form to sign and date that you are who you said you are and send it off in order to get the information. I did this and I am guessing in a few weeks they will send me dad's record. I would have done this years ago had I known about it. I will send you information that I learn and keep the record they send in the strong box with the other important papers.

Yesterday I started Project Reclaim on the backyard. I spaded up one bed and removed the plants. Cleaned out unwanted plants, dividied others, moved a daylily into the bed and planted a package of daffodils.

I am getting my haircut today, so will forego yard work until tomorrow and instead run some errands.

Family Information

Thanks, Mom, that is so very cool. I've often thought I don't know near as much about my family as I would like to and of course the opportunities grow fewer as the years go by. I certainly don't know granddad as well as I wish I had. It would be really interesting to solicit his war record and find out. As far as I know, he was the only one in the family to serve active duty in WWII. I know there are a lot of sites where you can do that like http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html I'd even do it but I don't have his date of birth or social security number. (Perhaps one day you'd fill out a family tree at least as far as you know it.)

That series has been fascinating and I'm constantly astounded, surprised and nauseated. The death tolls are almost more than you can get your mind around and it's interesting to me that while so much focus has always been given to the blitz on England and the deaths there, you never heard that much about the amount of civilian deaths Germany suffered. I commented to Kevin last night it's no wonder so few men who served really wanted to talk much about it when they returned. I'm also fascinated about the ways the population at home reacted and how things changed. You have to wonder how different things would be in Iraq and Afghanistan now if the American people had been asked to sacrifice rather than "go out and spend money". 25 million cars manufactured in 1940. Only 26 cars manufactured the entire rest of the war years. Wow!

More later this afternoon on gardening!

WAR series

Your grandfather was in the 36th Texas Division, but I do not remember which regiment any more. Their insiginia was an arrow head with a T in the center. Pop, went overseas in late summer of 1942, but had been in the service since 1941. There have been some references to this division and I wish that I knew exactly his regiment. I know he was at Salermo because there used to be a show called World at War and one day as we watched it was about the taking of Salermo and pop quietly said (as was his way) I was there for that. He rarely, or never, spoke about the war and seeing the new series and hearing from the survivors, I can understand why. Daily scenes of horror must sear the brain until you never ever want to recall any part of it. Dad, and I believe all of his brothers, were awarded a purple heart and I am 99% sure he won the bronze star. I remember mom showing me his medals, which she kept in a Coco tin, when I was 11, or 12. I never saw them again, and do not know what finally happened to them----maybe they were lost or thrown away, or maybe Toni has them somewhere. Dad was such a humble man that he rarely talked about himself at all. I wish that I knew more about his life.

War news

Thanks for the heads up. I knew about the series and watched one episode--the one about Guadacanal. I will try to catch the one I missed. I was really wanting to see the one about North Africa, because that is where my father landed. He went from there to Italy, then France, then Germany. He drove trucks of ammunitition black out through the Italian and French alps among other things. Harrowing.

The War on PBS

If you're not Tivoing or watching this new Ken Burn's documentary, run immediately and set it up to record. They've aired two episodes already with another five to go but they seem to be repeating them regularly throughout the week so you should be able to catch up on it pretty quickly. It's absolutely terrific! He documents WW II from the viewpoint of four small towns across the country. I can't recommend this enough.

Monday Musings

First of all thank you so much for the phone call. What a lovely way to start my week. I so treasure the time with you however it is done. I hope your busy life will allow for a weekend (at least) visit soon, as I would so love to see your pretty face and chat in person.

I really appreciate the sound advice that you gave me about Toni. I will take it and am grateful for the imput from your level head. You have a great way of looking at things to my way of thinking.

I know you are happy with the progress you have made in the yard. I have so much to do outside and keep getting distracted by other committments. I have penciled in the first week of October as "Shirley time" as I have many many errands to do inside and outside and they are beginning to drive me nuts being undone. Whine whine I am truly grateful for friends to share my time with, but I need to stop and get tasks done too. That is the way that I am wired and I get cranky if I have to go too long without "doing".

I hope your week will be a wonderful one.

Advice worth what you're paying for it...

I'm not sure how to advise you on Toni, Mom. Toni is talking about church and Walmart folks (non-family) sounds like and I don't know why you'd classify yourself in with them or think she would classify you in with them. No matter what else, you're her sister. Her eldest sister. Trust me, I'm not trying to sway you either way. I'm just suggesting that you listen to what your _heart_ says to do and follow that and not worry the other things.

I got an email today from Bluestone Perennnials saying my order has shipped. I have absolutely no memory of ordering anything from them so it must be something I did this spring. Isn't that going to be a surprise when it arrives? Heh! I'm deliberately not going to go look the order up just to maintain the surprise.

Kev has his next (and last, I hope!) epidural on Tuesday. He sees the chiropractor this weekend and we're hoping for good news. I know he's worried to death that he's going to need surgery on this but I think things are getting better. We'll cross our fingers. More later! Time to fold the clothes.

So Undecided---HELP

I am so undecided about what to do about Toni. I am the only sibling that has not been there and Rick has been twice. He and Alan cleaned out Toni's tool shed at her request last weekend. I talked to Toni and to Alan (he called me, I called her) yesterday. Alan and Genice are going every weekend to help in some way. Toni talked about how draining all the church and Walmart company was even though folks did not stay long. I expained to her (again) why I wasn't coming and her reply was "you'd come if I needed you?" and I said on the next flight out. As I was hanging up I told her again, if there is anyway or anything I can do to help you, you have only to ask. I know they have been house hunting, as Alan said they found a house they really liked that is a 3-bedroom on the west side of town, which would still be close to Amy and Robert. I would value your opinion--what do you think I should do? Both Alan and Toni said Kent is losing weight like crazy. Alan said all Kent wants to do is sit in a chair or lie on the couch. I remember so well, what it is like and what is going on with him. My experience does not stretch to the chemo part however. Alan said that Kent is really sick for a couple of days after every treatment.

What on earth is that machine you mentioned? Is that the one that makes holes in the ground so the thatch can breathe?

Lois brought me two bicolor iris and sent a picture of the iris blooming. It is gorgeous and I can hardly wait to see it blooming. I will share with you as soon as it is ready to divide. I am heading for Lowes after Bible study this morning and will blogg the goodies I find there.

I bought a couple of new fall blouses and a pair of deep purple brushed cotton pants on my shopping trip with Lois and Kay. I also got a Coldwater Creek fall handbag and a new perfume called Insolence by Guerlain. You must smell it, it is a fragrance you might want to wear yourself this fall.

Hope your week is going smoothly and that you will have a great week end.

Drabble

I hadn't thought of all the people who would want to help and how exhausting "help" can be. If you change your mind, though, let me know and I'll travel with you if you want.

It's not my chair railing I'm thinking about doing but the actual handrails (bannister) for the stairs. The one on the second set past the landing is a single piece of wood mounted on brass holders I want to replace anyway so I think I'll take that down and practice on that. If it turns out okay, then I can do the rest of it. I wouldn't think it'd be too tough as there's not a whole lot to do. Probably take longer to sand it than anything.

I'm currently on the hunt to rent us a verticutter. The upside to having a seed grass lawn is you can edge your beds with an english edger and mulch. The downside is about every 10-12 years you have to renovate it pretty heavily including verticutting it. Ah well...at least one gets to learn new skills!!

Worth the wait

It is so very nice to hear from you. I have missed your cheery "voice" and everyday news. I completely understand that you have been consumed by busy. It is nice to hear that things are slowing down a bit in the work place and I hope that they continue to stay that way.

I am uncertain what to do about going to see Toni and Kent. I know that with trying to sell the house, pack to move, care for the grandkids after school, deal with visits from church and friends, get Kent to chemo treatments and then care for him as he deals with the cancer and the aftereffects of the treatments, Toni is stretched pretty thin. Based on my own experiece I have decided not to go, but to keep in touch through cards and phone calls. I think a additonal person to have to deal with might be too much. Since Amy and Robert and Charles and Genice are on the spot, I think that there is enough family to deal with. Toni's telephone number is 806-359-0623. I think she would love to hear a word of support from you should you want to call.

Recently on a HGTV they redid a wooden door, floor and wood work in an older home. They just sanded it a bit, to make the stain take and then went with a bit darker stain than was originally there. They finished with a poly varnish and it looked great, at least on TV. If it were my chair railing that is the route I would take. Replacing would be expensive I would think.

The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated!

I'm here! I'm back! I won't leave again! I do apologize for abandoning this little project for a bit. I told you on the phone, and I meant it, that it's really important to me. It's just been a crazy 30 days with two new employees, a new boss and three major projects--not to mention some emotional silliness. I've been coming home every night just too wiped to do anything and feeling rather anti-people in general. Certainly no excuse but at least some explanation.

The light at the end of the tunnel appears. Projects are mostly finished and new people mostly broken in so things are better. I'm ready to get back to the old schedule of pondering new house projects and chatting with you about them. I have one for you though it may require a phone conversation. The stair railings in our house are wooden as far as I know but are stained and varnished with that generic sorta oak and the high gloss finish you always see in builder grade houses. It's starting to look fairly beat up and ratty and I'm wondering about refinishing it. Any thoughts about how well that type of pine stuff strips off? Am I explaining it well enough for you to tell or do you need pictures? You have any experience doing something like this? It almost seems it'd be like doing baseboards though a baseboard I'd simply replace. I have no idea how hard it is to replace railings with their posts. Thoughts?

Outside of that, life is looking pretty good. It's gotten rather hottish again here with Indian summer after a cool and rainy weekend. Tomorrow night I'm going to finish up some more garden tasks including the perennial divisions I need to do. Funny you mention asters as I picked some up today at lunch to plant. You read your Garden's Gate didn't you? I want to get some more but the selection was limited at the old Home Depot. I think I'll check Lowe's on the way home.

Thanks for the update on Kent. Are you considering going out there at all? If you want to/need to, let me know and I can make some arrangements to go with you. I'm sure sorry they're having to go through all this. You think I should call Amy? I don't have her number and it's not like we're close but you always feel like you should do something.

Oh! Here's something for you! It will make you cringe to watch it but it's amazing. Watch the pedestrian crossing. He survives apparently because the car rolls over him exactly where it got dented. It will certainly make you think three times about crossing against a red light!!

Sunday noonish

Just thought I would check in to keep the poor ole blog from getting lonely. It is warming up here again, but hopefully a full summer climate will not return.


I am checking out a new quilt shop and having lunch with a friend tomorrow and shopping and lunch with Lois and Kay on Tuesday, Bible Study on Thursday and an all day session with the gals on Saturday up in the McKinney area with a Sunday School party Saturday night. This week is going to be way busier than I like to be, but it seems that it is always a case of feast or famine, when it comes to social opportunities.

I hope that you are taking some time to rest and relax and are doing something fun for yourself every day.

Fall Flowers

Yea, there was a new post. I am always so tickled to open this site and find a new message from you. Okay, so I am easily entertained, but it is always nice to hear from you.

I am headed to the yard today. I need to be outside for a number of reasons today, and of course the yard always needs attention. Molly will be thrilled. She likes nothing better than a yard day and would be happy if I spent all day every day out there.

I have not planted any new flowers, but plan to shift some old ones around to new places---does that count? The mums sound nice and always scream fall to me. Do you have any asters? They are wonderful perrenials and pair so nicely with mums.

Sure do hope that you are right about Kevin not needing a third injection and that this last one will take care of the problem.

I have an update on Toni and Kent. Sue, Bill and a third cousin of Kent's came for a visit, but left after the Labor Day weekend. Tuesday they started re-roofing their house and pole barn which had suffered hail damage. They have put the house on the market as Kent wants to get Toni settled back in town possibly in a town house before he dies. The house and land they have is large for two people, and will not be possible for Toni to maintain on her own. Kent had another chemo treatment on Wednesday. They make him pretty sick Thursday and Friday and he has no appetite and is not eating very much. You remember that goes with this illness.
Toni is packing to move, still picking up and carring for the grandkids after school and Kent. Dealing with all of this I know that she is stretched to the breaking point. Keep her in your prayers for strength and courage if you will.

I need to go get dressed, eat breakfast, and start doing something productive. LOL

Jealousy is in the eye of the beholder

I'm jealous you got your house all clean and decorated for fall. I haven't done that yet. I want to go tomorrow and pick up some mums to plant over the weekend though we're supposed to get rain the next few days. That should make it an easier task to get everything all cleaned this weekend.

I took Kevin in this morning for his second epidural. It seems to have gone well and the doctor is hopeful we won't even have to do a third. Cross your fingers! My new boss starts Monday. I'm both a bit wary and relieved that I can hand off some of these worries. It'll be nice to be a mindless worker bee for a while.

No news outside of that. Everyone's healthy and happy. Just doing the life thing!

Timing is Everything

I got my Schribner's iris delivery, so naturally we have been getting showers everyday. Not enough to do a lot of good, but enough to make the beds muddy. I know from experience that they will do fine for a week or more, so when it clears up I will get them planted. I spent an hour or so, sweeping and picking up the leaves that have fallen in the back yard. Naturally that is very temporary, but it looks better for a bit.

I got the house cleaned and nearly completely decorated (still need to clean and decorate the baths) for fall. I just love fall and having the house look so festive.

Congratulations on getting your beds cleaned out. I so wish that I could say the same thing. I look forward to adding more day lilies. I just love those plants. What kinds of plants are you wanting to add...shrubs, flowers, trees???

I have just about all the plans in place for the guest room redo and hopefully will actually start work on it this month. Like anything the prep work is the yucky part and I am not looking forward to that. I hope to get over to Lowes this week and purchase the paint and look at shutters and window molding.

Well Molly and I need to get busy. Aren't I lucky in that she aways wants to "help"?

Heh!

A bout of insanity never hurt anyone. I'm a good example of that just recently. They are a neat dog but I'm rather a believer of dog karma. The accidental dogs seem to be the ones that are the best. Kismet!

Got all my beds cleaned out this weekend. Brown stuff trimmed off and a few plants removed that just didn't ring my bell. I'm hoping to get home early enough tomorrow night to start dividing daylilies. I want to split my stellas and spread them out some and then tackle the big guys. With any luck I'll be able to send some your way this week. Bunch of plant sales coming up this month and I want to have some idea of what I'm looking for when I go shop.

I plead temporary insanity

What was I thinking??? After two days in which I did little but search every website I could find on labradoodles and talk to everyone I knew that have ever had any contact at all with one, and mentally listing pros and cons of ownership, I have decided that I had a bout of temporary insanity. I adore the breed and think that they are close to the perfect pet, BUT they are very EXPENSIVE and I would need to drive 1600 miles (round trip) to get one. Then comes at least one year of extensive training followed by many years of bathing, vet trips, shot updates, Frontline and Heartworm purchases, toys, food, etc. $$$$$$

I have decided that Miss Molly is going to have to make it with my company alone unless some unforseen circumstance puts another dog into our life. They are the cutest, best tempered doggies though and I will continue to be a fan of the breed.

This morning when I stepped out it felt like FALL. When I got out of church summer had returned, but I have tasted fall and know it will soon arrive. YEA, the poor garden looks tired and messy as there are many leaves falling already. I can't wait to whip it back into shape.

Labradoodles!

Sounds like it should be a snack. I didn't see your links just yet so went and did some general reading on them. They're just adorable!

I found one explanation on the multi-generational versus "early generational" on Aussidog.

Some people want to avoid making the Labradoodle into a recognized breed, in order to maximize genetic diversity. By restricting breeding to early generation dogs (i.e., bred from a Poodle and Labrador rather than from two Labradoodles), they hope to maintain a wide gene pool, and avoid the inherited health problems that have plagued some dog breeds. Other people are breeding Labradoodle to Labradoodle over successive generations, and trying to establish a new breed. These dogs are usually referred to as Multigenerational (abr. Multigen) or Australian Labradoodles. Australian Labradoodles differ from Multigenerational Labradoodles, as they may also have other breeds in their ancestry. English and American Cocker Spaniel/Poodle crosses, Two Irish Water Spaniels, Wheaton Terriers and a Curly Coated Retriever have variously been used in some Australian Labradoodle lines.

That made sense to me. Looking forward to learn more about them!

Friday Afternoon

The cooking class was so much fun and I know that I will be taking more classes. Learned a lot about rice cooking and three wonderful rice dishes to eat and learn to make. What a deal! (Spring rolls with peanut sauce, shrimp risotto, and rice pudding with strawberries)

I also got my new iris from Schribner's , so you know what I will be doing in the morning. I can't wait to see the beds in spring.

I also got a new quilt magazine, so there are many goodies today in my life. Hope you are having the same kind of day, sweet girl of mine.

Friday Chat

I too got the Oakes catalog, but have not looked through it yet. I have so much prep work to do in the yard that I do not want to be tempted.

I am going to a cooking class with a friend today at noon and then other than my Bible class and twice monthly quilt meetings have the month of September open. I hope to use much of that time to get the yard into a pleasing-to-me condition. I do want to add more shrubs and just overall neaten up things. I continue to battle kudzu and it would be hard for me to express how much I hate that plant.

I have gotten rid of the big TV in the guest room and have picked up some paint chips and am mulling around some ideas to repaint and redo that room. I am planning to repaint the bathroom off the hall too and redo curtains and shower curtain. I would love to have the carpet up and have the room re-tiled and may check into the price of doing that. The office and hall are two more rooms that must be repainted and redone, especially the office. I am ready to make it mine and get rid of all the masculine pictures and things. Especially those bass fish from mamma and pappaw! I have lots of plans and hope that my energy and pocket book allow me to do them. We will see, one project at a time.

The bike sounds like a wonderful idea. Your area is a nice one to bike around in. I wish that I had gotten going on that years ago and kept it up as it is wonderful exercise. Do you have a type of bicycle in mind?

I am real tempted to look into getting a labradoodle. The gal that trains them for the blind says that they are so sweet and that the lab/poodle mix eliminates the shedding problems for the most part of the lab. Molly is so neat with her potty habits that it is never necessary to pick up stuff in the yard, which it would be with a lab. She is also so careful around the yard, that there is not a problem with her and the flowers. I am not sure that a lab would do that. Those are the down side of getting a second dog, not to mention the vet costs, so I am not going to rush into anything.

Hope you enjoy your weekend. I am assuming that you get a long one like most folks do.

Thanks!

Thanks for the post. Thanks for talking. Thanks for listening. Thanks for giving some insight. You were always fond of saying that when you have kids, you don't get a manual. I've come to realize you don't really get a manual for much of any part of life and when you hit a bump in the road, there aren't any guardrails. Wow. How's that for a mixed metaphor? No one seems to tell you what to expect as you hit some of life's milestones and boy, perspective can get really skewed. To repeat what I said--you begin to wonder if the world is crazy or you're crazy. Marriage can be pretty tough especially on women who are expected, or self-driven, to balance both people perfectly.

I think you're probably right about it being stress. I certainly have a habit of misdirecting stress at other people or situations. However, the weather is getting gorgeous again and I think I can direct a lot of that at tackling some of the heavy labor jobs that need to be done at the house. So onwards and upwards.

I got a new Oaks Daylilies catalog today and I think I may go hogwild and order some things to plant this fall. I have a bunch to divide and plan on tackling that this weekend. I think I may also go shopping for a bike and see about finding something to do just for me. How about you? Big plans this weekend?

You are the best and don't you forget it!!!!

The Bible says that the sins of the father's will be passed on to even the third and fourth generation. I used to wonder about what that meant exactly and I have come to think that it means that the mistakes that parents make with their children are passed on for generations. When studying to be a teacher I was taught that the parenting skills you have are the same ones that your parents used on you. I know the mistakes are for sure.

When you marry someone, your partner mediates your parenting style, but it is generations before things are completely changed. Pop was under constant critism and cold rejection all his life from his dad in an attempt to "make him a better person" I got the same to some degree from my mom. Unfortunately we passed that along to you and Paul. It is a tragic error as pop and I love(d) you and Paul more than life itself. As hard as it is to do, please try to absorb the fact that I KNOW that pop loved you as a natural daughter and thought of you that way. I KNOW that he was extremely proud of you and thought you could do anything. He was always bragging on you to others and to me.

Pop was also expected to give a lot of attention to his mom all his life and he did that until the day he died. Between his family, our family and work I think pop lived under a lot of stress. Fishing and golfing (and drinking for a time) were outlets to relieve that stress, but took time away from you and Paul. Driving so far daily and teaching 30 to 100 kids a day did not leave me in much shape to be a good parent either. So there you have it....sins of the parents that we passed on. I have thought so many times that I would love to have a clock to rewind back to you children's preschool times and to redo, but that is impossible. Pop cannot change anything, but hopefully I can show you both how much I love you until I am gone.

I cannot believe that you are hard to live with. You are smarter than a person has a right to be (gifted according to GISD), loving, sweet,creative and a born peacemaker. Those are precious traits not found in many folks. All marriages suffer from stresses from time to time (made worse by the addition of money worries, children, health issues, etc) but recalling what you loved about the person in the first place helps. Getting away to re-honeymoon a couple of days helps. Saying you are right and I was wrong, even if you know that is not the way it is, and then forgetting the disagreement helps.

Remember that I love you and am always here for you and that I do not even pretent to be neutral, I am always in YOUR corner.

Mama, I'm so lost

Mama, I'm struggling so hard this year. I don't know who I am. I don't who I'm supposed to be. I do so much because I think I'm supposed to. I've tried for so long to be everything that was expected. I feel I've lived my entire life trying to be what everyone else wanted me to be and I've failed so miserably at all of it. I was just never good enough.

I'm going to be 44 this year. I married a good man. Kevin is a _good_ man and I think he loves me even for me and I'm not an easy woman to love. I'm so angry. Marriage is hard and who do I talk to? Is this normal for my age? Am I crazy? I can't talk about this out loud but I feel crazy. I'm so angry about things that are so many years ago. I can't seem to settle it. I can't talk to you about it because that seems so much like passing pain that none of us can do anything about. And we were never supposed to talk about these things. I loved Pop so much but I'm so angry at him. Why am I so angry about things that happened so many years ago? I know you didn't have the best relationship with your parents...so tell me..why am I having flashbacks to things that happened when I was a teenager? I don't want to be.

It drives me crazy, I could have asked. I never did...because I was obedient. To the best of my ability I was obedient. I had the chance when Pop was dying but I didn't ask. I was too scared to ask. I was afraid of of the answer. I was afraid he would tell me because it was my fault. I've tried. Maybe I've not been open enough myself but I'm bereft.

Big bomb, isn't it? Pretty much an unexpected bomb on you? But if I can't discuss this with my Mama (and you're the only one) then I'm pretty well bereft. How do I talk to you about life, about sex, about marriage? You were married nearly 40 years. I've been married for 7. Who else do I ask? You're my mama and I'm struggling. What do I do?

Missing from Website Part Deux

Where, oh where has my little girl gone? Oh where, oh where can she be? With her hair cut short and her lists so long, oh where can my little girl be? ( sing to the tune of My Little Dog)

Monday Stuff

I saw that you guys were getting rain and rejoiced with you that you were. We also got some and the resulting cooler temperatures. I understand what you are saying about the heat and unfortunately that might have more to do with your age than your health. I think that as you grow older extremes in temperature are more difficult to adjust to.

I awoke with energy to spare this morning and am planning to use it to make the house sparkle and to rework a square bed in the back yard and do some hedge trimming on the side yard. Maybe that is a sign that fall is on its way. I hope so as I am getting anxious to bring out my fall decorations. I like those way more than Christmas ones.

I plan to add a lot more hedges and grasses as I go along the garden path of life. Flowers in pots and tucked into pockets between hedges instead of big sweeps of flowers are much easier to manage.

I will let you know about Kent as I learn. He is scheduled for his first chemo treatment on Wednesday and I will probably call Toni Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning to see how they are doing.

I am getting the redecorate bug. I want to repaint the guest room and redo it and also the office. I guess I will start on the guest room. I found someone to give that big TV to on the stipulation that they come get it as I cannot move it. When that is gone, I can hopefully empty the room and get going on a new paint job, curtains, and rearrangement. I would love to have the king sized bed in that room as it is the larger room, but I do not think that I can pull that off my myself, so will leave the furniture as is.

Finally!

We finally got some rain late today and it's cooled off a bit. The weather channel is saying we should return to some norms late next week. That means mid to high 80s. Yay! Maybe I can finally get back to some of the garden and yard projects. It might also mean I'll have some energy to do other projects and be able to have something to chat with you about.

The heat this year has bothered me more than in my life. I don't know why but it's just left me feeling drained and exhausted. I'm healthy though I need to lose pounds but for the last 30 days I just haven't been able to get motivated to do anything.

How was Becoming Jane? I made the ultimate sacrifice and watched Ron Burgandy: Anchorman last night with Kev. Blech! Only true love lets you watch Will Farrel comedies. I so don't get his appeal. Finished rereading the Harry Potter series and it was enjoyable seeing how it all fit together and how she dropped hints in the earlier books. I started The Mermaid Chair but only a few pages into it.

Please be sure you let me know any news on Kent!

Last Minute Reprieve

Today was about 10 degrees cooler thanks to the hurricane in the Gulf. I hope that the cool made it as far north as KC. We have a slight chance for rain, but this time of year I believe it when I get wet.

I sewed all day for the most part and I am pretty tired right now. There was a lot of unsewing involved, but finally got it where I want it and ready for the next step.

Did you decide on a kitchen color? I have been watching HGTV which always gives me the redecorate angst. They make everything look so easy, which of course it is not.

Going to see Becoming Jane movie with Kay and Lois tomorrow about Jane Austin's life. I am reading THE THIRTEENTH TALE and really enjoying it. That is all my news. Exciting stuff, huh??

Kent saw the oncologist today and I am sure hoping that Toni lets me know what they said. I wanted to call, but decided against it tonight as I know they both feel like they have been through a wringer.

World melts! Film at 11!

When I left the house this morning, I was wincing at how shabby the yard looks. Only thing not totally dormant are the weeds and they seem to be holding a reunion of all their kind. But with the forcasted high at 103 today, I think I'll just have to close my eyes and pretend a bit longer.

I'm going to stop tonight at Sherwin-Williams and pick up some paint samples. I'm dying to paint the kitchen because it's also looking so shabby and I don't think I can stand it any more. I'm leaning to the Tuscan style yellows and reds for it but have those colors gotten too cliche? I'd go with a nice cool green but I feel like I use that color for everything. Maybe a French cottage blue theme?

Tuesday talk

Well, first I think I will dangle a carrot........Smith and Hawkin have a store in Dallas, so the next time you are here long enough, I will take you.

Secondly, I am reading The Thirteenth Tale and yes, I like it. I have been averaging about 10 to 15 minutes of yard work a day, which is about all you want to do. I am not sure which is worse the heat, or the humidity. Together the add up to staying indoors.

Good going on all that organization. I would love to get some of that done, but it will have to wait until fall/winter. Today I plan to clean this morning and sew this afternoon. My kind of day, but boring to most I suspect.

Mmm! Shopping!

Thanks for all the links. I got lost for a while in Smith and Hawkins and ordered lots of catalogs. I tingle at the thought of fall shopping!

It's still too hot to do any work outside though rumor is we'll get a break in the weather this weekend. I hope so! In the meantime, I'm baching it this week while Kevin is in Nashville and giving a good organizing to my craft room and putting some projects out to work on. I think it's going to take me one evening just to get everything sorted.

Did you ever find anything good to read?

Be Careful what you ask for

I am sure you have seen the garden links I sent you by now. These may be more than you wanted. The first one I sent was just because the cottage is so appealing and what I would like my yard to look like.

I have been sewing a lot because it is too hot to garden much. I have all next week free at this point. That does not happen often and I am hoping that I can use some time everyday to work on getting the backyard into the shape that I would like for it to be.

I have several ideas in mind for things that I want to add. I am going to have to proceed carefully however as I have been spending money right and left here lately and the stock market is not in the best shape, so will have to see just how many things I can do in the fall. Some may have to wait until spring.

A tip for you. My sink was acting like it wanted to stop up in the kitchen and I remembered seeing on DIY that you could put baking soda in the sink drain area and then add white vinegar to unstop sinks. I tried it and it worked like a charm. I put about 3/4 cup of soda and poured in a good splash of vinegar (I did not measure the vinegar). Not only did it work, but it was a lot of fun to watch of course. This only works for slight clogs I am sure, but I think that I will do it from time to time just to keep those drains running and the plumbers away. (Hopefully)
Time to get ready for church, so will look forward to hearing from you soon.

Your favorite garden geegaws?

I was browsing around the web tonight trying to find a good site or catalog site for garden "stuff"---gardening benches, tools, decorations. Everything garden that isn't a plant. I haven't found anything really satisfactory. Be nice to get some catalogs sent my way. Who are your favorites?

Cyperspace is a mystery

I checked several times for your post and it was not there, hence my last post. When I looked this morning there yours was. Where, oh where was it in the meantime??? Floating around in space somewhere I am guessing.

Good news about the cushions. I sure do hope they help and also about Kevin finally communicating how he was feeling pain wise. I hope the MRI and the chiropractor can bring about a huge improvement before Kevin has to go to Nashville.

I would wait and see on the forsynthia. See if cooler temps bring a revival. You can always yank it out. I need to get busy as I am off to a slow start this morning and am already running behind in my "to do" list.

Missing

I looked for the news on the blog that you mentioned in our call. Since I did not see any I am guessing either invisible ink, or someting came up that kept you busy elsewhere, or you were wiped out after your day, or a combination of all three.

Thanks for the ideas!

I hopped up to our Linens and Things and they didn't have the cushions you were talking about but they did have some pillows filled with the thermapedic material covered in microfiber. They were even on a terrific sale at $30 rather than the normal $80 (so if you're in the market!). I picked a couple up and hope they'll help.

Kev sold a couple of Pop's things, an air gun and the old satellite receiver, so I'll be putting a check in the mail tomorrow for $125.00. We still try with that stuff every chance we get!

My forsynthia has perhaps bit the big one. It was doing fine and within just the last 10 days, all the leaves have gone totally brown like they're dead. Of course it's hotter than a stovetop out there. Is that standard for them if heat stressed or is it just time to give up on a forsynthia in that spot?

I used your suggestion about 1-10 and it worked. He tells me he was about a 3. Of course then he tells me 2 hours later that he was trying to go tonight without any of the pain meds. I'm concerned he's in that much pain unless he has Vicodin in him as he can't take that long term and he's in Nashville all next week. We'll see what the chiropractor says tomorrow since he'll have the MRI results. Cross your fingers he can affect some good change soonly.

Monday Madness

I guess I am crazy, but I am planning on spending some time tomorrow doing more bed clean-up (kudzu removal for the most part). I notice that the trees and shrubs are dropping leaves as we too "can drink the air". That is a great description and I am already using it as you can see. I plan to sew in the afternoon as other than going by the bank for some money and buying some stamps, tomorrow is delightfully free of obligations.

Good idea waiting to mail the daylilies. September would be my choice time as it will begin to cool off a little and also we tend to get rain in Sept. I have my iris coming then too, as I told you.
I need to divide a lot of the iris that I have and also to move some of the variagated lirope as it needs thining in some areas.

I would like to find a wooden bird house that will fit onto a 4x4 inch stake. Pop cemented that one in the center of the flower bed and put the sprinkler on top. I have removed the sprinkler, but the pole looks silly without something on it. I think I will temporarily put a fence finial on top from Lowes and I want to paint the stake the green that I have used in various places in the yard.

Hope your week will pass quickly and that you will have an easy one. You did not mention Kev. Is his back better?

Sweat and toil!

I got all my new irises planted today and finally got the back bed all mulched. I had to give it up once the sun hit that part of the yard as you could drink the air today. I can't wait to see them bloom next year as they sure are some pretty ones. I saved the box to send you the daylilies I'm going to divide but I'll probably wait a couple of more weeks to do that. It's hot enough I'd be worried about the plants wouldn't do very well. This the right approach?

I was watching Gardening by the Yard this morning and he said you should resist the urge to water more often during the hot periods. According to Paul James, they'll try to fake you by drooping and dropping leaves but that's just to try to slow their growth as much as possible. I'll just have to grit my teeth and resist the urge to rush out with a hose every time I see one of my new plants looking droopy.

Good Make Up

Well, I got a double dose (Yea) ---a nice long reply and a phone call the same day, so consider yourself redeemed big time.

I am so very sorry to hear about Kevin, as back pain is no fun to deal with at all. I hope the steroid packs will take care of the problem. I am very fond of ice packs, I do not know if it helps the problem, but does wonders in the short time management of pain.

I try to give my plants extra water on those very hot muggy days early in the morning. I have convinced myself that it helps them get through the heat of the day better. I know I need extra water on very hot days. I do not know if this is correct, but it is my plan.

Yea, on the iris delivery. I asked for mine to ship in September, because of the heat and humidity here. We should still have several months of warm weather for them to get established. You being in a colder zone, should be great with an August delivery.

If you have not read the Jan Karon Mitford series, I think you will really enjoy them. It is not Harry Potter, but it is an ongoing story and there are some very interesting folks in that congreation.

After yard work this morning and housework this afternoon and sewing this evening, I am just about void of energy. Since I did not have take out, I am thinking some fruit and cheese sounds pretty good. I know feet up in front of the TV does.

I know you will take good care of Kevin, but do not fail to take good care of you too. I worry about those l-o-n-g hours day after day that you are doing. Love ya for sure!