Return from "Hunting Camp"

Bob finally returned from hunting camp.  He was shocked to see what I did and he had to undo.  He took the remainder of the groceries in, some of them really smelled.  There were two large bags of garbage in the kitchen that had to go out, plus the five bags of paper to be burned.  The one counter was lined with recyclables, the other had dishes - they were clean, along with the pots that I placed there.  The cats had picket signs waiting for him - don't ever leave us again!  The chickens were trying to learn how to swim due to all the flowing water.  They at least didn't starve but then again, neither did the small little creatures that got in.  It didn't take him too long to clean up his chores, but I do think he will think twice before telling me to leave the stuff to do until he gets home again.  I had fun, I don't think he did though.....      

Compliments!

Keeping in mind the computer literacy that I don't possess, I was on Facebook today and was hitting on some of the items on the side.  I found a message someone posted about how could they market their self published book.  Someone gave her my name.  I guess they think I know how to do this.  I gave her all the hints that I have used - start a Blog, blog daily the way your writing is, go on Twitter, see who follows you on Twitter.  I did hear that there were people who got contracts for books on Twitter because of their writings.  Schedual a book signing in the local book stores.   See if you can get a reporter to put something in the newspaper about your book.  Having told her all of this, I guess I do know something about marketing.  This is really fun......

Warm weather!

We are really being fooled this winter so far.  It is in the 50's and 60's yet.  We had snow once and as fast as it fell it was gone.  We are still getting rain every couple of days.  At least we don't have to move it from one place to another.  This is great.  We got all the leaves, including the oaks, off the green grass this year.  Usually they are hidden under the snow before we can get them.  The lawn looks like it could be the beginning of spring.  I don't have to freeze doing all the outside work, like pulling up all the dead flowers and plants.  Now if I can just con someone into changing the Christmas lights before we do get cold cold weather.  Any takers?...... 

Cemeteries

Love my Cemeteries.  So peaceful to sit in and listen for what the ancestors want you to know.  So much information to be taken from the headstones.  People look at me strangely in the cemeteries.  I have a camera and an ink pen in one hand, a tablet in the other and a backpack on with all my other trinkets I use.  Years ago they always said to use shaving cream on stones you can't read.  I don't want to damage them so I use aluminium foil and rub the inscription.  If I can't read it, Bob usually can!  We make a good team.   I write everything down from the stones, number it on my tablet, and take a picture.  A lot of times I go alone but always stay alert to who is around me.  I really like the days that I figure out I am not alone.  This doesn't mean a human is with me either.  I know someone is with me.  They make noise because they want me to know I am not alone and they have a story to tell.  What could it be?..... 

Batteries!

There are flashlights in every room of the house, cheap ones for when the lights go off.  They will last 5 minutes once you turn them on.  After one power outage as they are now called, I looked all over for a good flashlight.  I found two rechargeable spotlights in one store.  Then I went on the search for batteries, D batteries to be exact.  "Not today!" was frequently heard when I asked about them.  Then in one store I found this really nice flashlight, it takes 4 D batteries.  It had some different features and I liked it so I bought it.  Now to find batteries.  None in this store either.  I really need batteries, I have no power and I don't want the batteries that Bob saves.  They are used and don't last long.  Bob loves using them.  I guess for today I have no choice.  The following weekend I found batteries and installed them in the flashlight, then played with the new features and put it on the top of the frig so I know where it is at.  I went to get it today to go and get the mail.  It didn't feel right and when I moved it up and down, I realized it was minus some batteries.  Yes, my first place I ran to was where Bob was.  "Oh, I don't know how that happened!" as he laughed.  I knew he did it!  He needed new batteries and remembered mine and forgot he took them.  Now what?  The only batteries left in the house are used ones.  Yes, I took them so the flashlight goes on.  I surely hope the power doesn't go down tonight.  If it does we are really in trouble because the flashlight won't work for long......

Happy Thanksgiving

Holidays are here again.  The two biggest of the year.  Time to have all the relatives together so they can share everything that has happened since you saw them last year, some good, some bad.  You get up early to start the preparations and that means making sure the place is clean.  Last minute things must get done.  Watch the turkey and make sure it's done.  Mash and heat whatever needs it.  Okay, it's time to sit while it's hot.  Hello, time to eat!  Hey, come and eat, it's getting cold and if you eat cold food, it's not my problem.  The food is wonderful, all has gone well.  Now the clean up starts.  It takes hours to cook, half hour to eat, and another hour to clean up.  Finally everyone leaves with leftovers in hand and you get to sit and replay the day.  Hopefully it was good for all.  Guess what?  We don't have to do that for another year!  Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Hunting camp continues!

No, he may never come home if he knew what this place looks like.  I have been going out to the car to get some of the groceries.  I needed some things okay.  There are still a few bags out there.  The counters are hard to find.  I keep using some of the dishes, but yes they are multiplying.  Soon there will be no pots or dishes left in the cupboards if he doesn't return soon.  I switched to a large garbage bag so I don't have to take that out.  Maybe he isn't coming home because he knows how much work he has to do when he gets here.  Bob, if you are out there, don't read this!..... 

Black Friday!

I know a lot of the stores are advertising that they will be open on Thanksgiving.  I guess they want to let the people get their shopping started one day earlier.  I had to work on the holiday being in the health care field.  These stores don't need to be open.  I feel sorry for all the people who will miss that traditional dinner with their family because the boss said they have to work.  Now you know, he won't be there.  I do know a few people that will be disappointed because the store will already be open and they won't be able to stand in line to shop at 2:00 AM, like they have for the last few years.  What next?  Will they be open on Christmas?..... 

Great accomplishment!

I was notified today that I have been accepted into the DAR - Daughters of the American Revolution.  This means I have a blood relative that fought in the Revolutionary War.  His name was Peter Stevens.  He died from a bullet wound received in the War.  After him there were numerous others, male and females that have fought to keep us free.  I thank each and every one of them......

Please return from Deer Camp!

Oh how I miss him.  Oh how I miss his help!  He gave me permission to leave the groceries outside until he comes home.  Do you think they will go bad?  Well if he gave me permission to let the groceries go, then that also means - I dry the dishes and set them on the counter.  The cat pans get emptied and I don't have to take it out.  Garbage can stay where it is too.  The compost will just go in a bigger bowl.  The chickens can have running water, I'll use the hose, and I cut a bag of food down the middle and tossed it into the coup.  Yes, this makes my life a little easier.  I don't think he will like it when he comes home.  Please make it soon, I can't find the counters or tables.  The pots and dishes are piling up!  When is Deer Camp over?.......

Cooking

I have always enjoyed cooking.  I plan in the morning what supper will be.  By the time I go to make it, it would change numerous times.  Chicken - BBQ - marinated - chicken Marsala (one of our favorites) made by Julia Childs, using Marsala wine.  A little for the chicken, a little for the cook.  Hamburgs - Sloppy Joe's - meatballs - meat loaf.  Now, I make the worst meatloaf going.  A friend and I discussed making meatloaf and since I follow a recipe, she encouraged me to use a package mix.  My next shopping trip I bought a mix.  A few days later hamburg in bowl, mix added and other ingredients added, formed into a meatloaf in the oven it went.  Yes, I did taste it and I'm not a fan.  Time for dinner.  Grandma has been finicky, I hope she likes this.  I added mushroom soup to the drippings and it made a great sauce for it.  Yuck, I don't like it.  Gram pipes up that it is good.  Well she can eat it because I know I won't.  Funny she likes the meatloaf and doesn't like my chicken Marsala.  Figure that one out......  

Hunting Camp!

The big guy is gone to hunting camp.  Yes, I miss him, and all the things he does around here to help.  I am exhausted trying to keep up.  Cat pans need to be cleaned daily, fish need to be fed twice a day - they are goldfish but are huge.  Take the garbage out, burn the papers, feed the dogs twice a day, and don't forget to give them water - Sally will drink gallons if you let her.  Take the recyclables out - can't believe there are so many cans and bottles.  Make supper and clean up - the pots can't just sit on the counter, I must put them away.  Take the dogs out, let them in.  And then add on my usual duties.  When is hunting camp over?......

Writers!

I never thought I would be taken to task on what I write on my Blog.  Aren't writers allowed to modify the truth a little to entertain the reader?  So sometimes to make my Blog a little better, I blow up the real facts a little.  I want readers to be entertained and read my blog and hopefully buy my first book.  I am thinking about a second book and if it isn't humerous why write it?  Yes, this does depress me, but life goes on.  My writings will be the same.  Yes they will be humerous and I hope you enjoy them.  People who don't, do me a favor and stay off and don't read.  I do love my followers.  See you tomorrow.... 

Why?

Why do they call my name when I am super busy?  I can't do anything without someone yelling, "Mom, come here!"  Yes, they expect me to drop whatever I am doing and run to them or they get mad.  Then I get punished by them for at least a day or two.  I can be in the shower, washing dishes or have just sat down exhausted from running all day and they yell for me.  My thing is - if you are bleeding call 911, not me.  If it is something that can wait - give me a minute.  If it is something I must see - take a picture of it.  If I yell for them to come running right now, they laugh and most of the time I have to wait.  I have been in some predicaments and yelled and had to suffer before they came, certainly not running.  Come on, I want someone to run at my beck and call too.  Can I hire a slave?.....

Rewards card!

All the stores are starting to use "Rewards Card" to give you points to use on whatever you want.  You can sign up in the store or online.  I always liked using these "Reward Cards" in the casinos, so why not in the store.  The other day I signed up in the store, or I think I did.  I needed to add a prior purchase on it so I went to the internet site.  Yes, you know me and these internet sites.  I filled all the information in and excitedly hit the button that says continue, and got the message that my password doesn't match the one that they have.  I tried again and again, no luck.  I then called the 800 number and we tried together, still no luck.  Okay there is a place on there that you can hit and they will send your password.  Let's see how long it takes to send my password.  In the mean time I will continue to try, maybe I will hit on the right one.  Help....... 

Microwave?

My microwave is twenty seven years old.  I use and the kids abuse it.  It cooks everything and reheats everything.  We especially love making popcorn in it.  Mckee makes her own popcorn now.  She asks me what to put it on and away she goes.  It's great.  Only now it is starting to burn things especially my popcorn.  Mckee isn't impressed either when hers burns.  Yes, we have a good laugh on it but we still aren't happy.  This is really getting bad.  I thought maybe it was the type of popcorn.  All brands were burning.  Do I have to go out and get a new one?  Yes, I must break down.  I put it off long enough.  Today is the day.  Armed with a type I want off we go.  Now I have put some thought into this, but not too much.  Into the store we go.  I was looking at the over the stove ones, they were really nice, not too pricey, maybe.  They have a light and they vent the stove.  It would give me more space.  Bob looked at them and thought that they were too big.  Nope, they will fit, I measured.  Then I talked with the sales lady.  You must have it installed, that will cost $140.  That made my mind up to go and get one, put it on the counter and call it quits.  On the way home Bob said I did the right thing because Mckee likes to cook independently and she wouldn't reach it, but looking later I wouldn't have either.  Oh well, I came home with a new microwave and all I have to do is open the box and put it on the counter.  Tea anyone?..... 

Sleep! I need sleep!

Thanks to my darling "bed hog" I don't get much sleep.  No it isn't Bob it's Bella.  She likes to sleep right next to a warm body.  Then last night I took her to bed early with me and all she did was whine to go and get Stacy.  I finally asked Stacy to come and get her.  So I settled in, was almost asleep and Bella returned.  She settled down for a few minutes and then started whining again.  By now it is 1:00 AM.  I texted Stacy to come and get her again and don't return her.  I need sleep, and Bella isn't allowing it, but she sleeps like she's dead on a hammock with the covers going up and down every time someone moves.  We have even pulled on the sheets and watched her sleep as we toss her around.  I sware she smiles!...... 

"Traditions"

Aren't family traditions fun.  We make certain things for certain holidays.  We put ornaments on the Christmas tree that have been passed down through the generations, with hope that it is passed again and again.  I think I have finally found our "Family Tradition."  Sleeping in the woods.  Yes, Bob's Father did it, Bob does it, I have, Stacy has, Bobby has, and now he takes his girls in the woods and sends me pictures of them sleeping in the woods.  The girls take blankets with them too.  Some days it was so cold in the woods, it's a wonder we didn't freeze while we slept.  Then we would wake up and wait for the game to go by, eat lunch and nap again.  So, I will take that as our tradition that has been passed down through the family and hopefully it will continue.....

The tree

Bobby was attending Kindergarten at the local school.  It was so local he could actually walk to school.  I was expecting that year so I was able to walk the block to get him to and from school.  There was a crossing guard there also, so if I couldn't make it the other Mothers would make sure he crossed.  He liked to dawdle.  I did know that he was the "Class clown" in school.  I got a note home from his teacher almost on a daily basis.  Conferences were the same.  I use to hate going.  What can you do with them?  Then all of a sudden the notes were getting less and less.   I thought maybe he was behaving.  Then one day I was in the basement with the repairman and could see Bobby walking home after school.  He stopped at the neighbors large tree, took something from his pocket, put it in the tree, smiled and came home.  When he reached the basement I told him to go and get the paper he put in the tree.  If the neighbor saw him do that he would be mad.  He sticks his little hand in and out comes lots of papers.  I can't wait to see what this is.  It was all the notes that his teacher sent home with him expressing how bad he is being.  From that day on I walked him to and from school.  No more notes in the trees, or so I thought......

Unusual notes

I do love telling stories about the kids when they were small.  After having Bobby I returned to work when he was three months old.  Now Bob was in charge of the house, the kids and everything that goes with it.  My first night away I spent wondering how they all were.  I called at lunch break and Bob said all was well.  Okay, he could be telling a story.  Upon arriving at home all was quiet.  Everyone was asleep.  The house was in one piece.  That's good because we all have to do this again tomorrow.  Bob and the kids were settling down to a routine.  It made me feel better.  Then the fun started.  I went to feed the baby in the middle of the night and change him.  When I pulled up his shirt, he had writing on his belly.  Bob wrote me a note on his belly.  It did give me a big smile.  I washed it off and away we went.  Then one night he couldn't find a pen and used black marker.  I scrubbed at his belly and it didn't come off.  I wouldn't care but he had a Doctor appointment the next day.  Good thing the Doctor knew us for years......  

Marks in school

When my kids were in school, they thought it was for social interaction not learning.  When report card time came it was unbelievable.  Bobby always thought he did good because he had one of everything. He was the class clown.  Grace thought the lower the mark the better.  Stacy would goof off till progress reports came then pull her marks up.  The two older ones have actually hid their report cards until a neighbor asked how they did.  They would even try to get the mail before me to intercept them.  Caught again.  Now I sit back and listen to Bobby checking up on the girls marks.  He insists that they bring home C's and above, which they all do.  Shoe is on the other foot now.  Paybacks are fun!....

We are in trouble.

Here it is November 8th and it was 60 degrees outside today.  Listening to the weatherman it is suppose to remain warm for another week at least.  It hasn't rained here in 10 days.  I'm sure a drought watch is right around the corner.  Now when I was a child, we were already knee deep in snow.  I do remember the one year the snow was falling on my birthday in November and my Mother slipped in the snow, falling on my cake.  Yes, of course we ate it.  It came from the best bakery in town! 

So the rest of the nation is getting snow and we are getting warmer by the day.  The only problem with that is when the temperatures drop it goes down in the 20's.  We don't get use to the gradual decline in the coolness.  We go from air conditioning to wood burning in a day.  I much rather a gradual decline in the temperature.  I do dread the cold temperatures, but enjoy watching the snow fall as I sit inside my nice warm house, knowing that I don't have to go out in the nasty weather.....

Marketing!

A new book store opened today in Borders place.  I had fun browsing.  Bought some of my favorite magazines and some new books.  I was finally done and went to the counter to pay.  I was practicing my marketing speech all the while.  When the associate was done I started my pitch.  I had her full attention. Then all of a sudden I saw the look and I stopped and said, "I must tell this to the manager, right?"  Of course she said yes and went and paged the manager.  In the mean time we continued to discuss the book.  She was really interested.  I gave her a business card and told her where to get the book.  She wanted it as soon as possible.  The manager arrived and I started my pitch all over.  He was interested in what I had to say.  Of course he said I have to go through corporate.  I said my thank yous and left the store with the phone number in hand.  That goes on tomorrow's to do list.  In the mean time I will continue to practice my speech.  Good afternoon, my name is......

New appliance!

My electric stove died.  The heating element in the oven melted one day while I was cooking supper.  The roast wasn't even done.  I had to cook it in a pot on the top of the stove.  The drip pans were a pain to clean.  The wire that held one of the elements in place was broken.  I had to wiggle the burners when I washed the stove to get them to sit right.  Alright I will break down and get a new stove.  I just hope I can get one that isn't all electronic.  You know how I am with that stuff! 

I hopped in the car, this was an alone shopping trip, he had better things to do.  I walked around the stove section in the store.  Wow, there were some that you need to read the book every time you go near it.  Count them out!  Ah, here are two I like.  One is steam clean and one is self clean.  The salesman explained the difference.  I want the self cleaner, but I like the color of the other one.  He did have the one I liked in the color I liked.  It has burners that are built in, no more drip pans.  I wonder if I will like it.  Okay deliver it.  I was hoping within a day or two.  Delivery was five days away.  I guess I have to cope with no oven till then. 

Friday came and it was delivered first.  It fit and looked great.  Bob asks, "Where's the burners?"  He was amazed as to how it worked too.  Now come the instructions - no glass on the top, and this is the cleaner for the top.  Then he tells me to read the instructions before I use it.  Not if you want supper now.  Yes, I got away with it.  Just don't tell him I needed to get the book out to bake and time the cake I made today, part is electronic.... 

"Don't Slam the Door!"

I know how many times a day I would yell the words, "Don't slam the door!" when the kids were mad, how about you?  The kids would get mad or upset, run to the room and take their frustrations out on the door.  Sometimes I would overlook the slamming but some days, like everyone else, I can't take anymore.  Yes, I would threaten the kids with bodily harm, that scared them for a few minutes!  Finally one day I came up with a good one.  "Slam that door one more time and I will take it off the hinges!"  I knew how to do it too!  So one day Stacy slammed the door once too often.  Time for action.  With screwdriver and hammer in hand, I threw open the door and proceeded to take the dowels out of the hinges.  Finally I had the door in hand.  She sat on the bed watching, shocked that I actually did that.  I was proud of myself.  "When you learn how to shut not slam a door you can have it back.  Fair enough for me.

Dad got home and of course instantly saw the door and thought it was broke.  Nope, it's mine.  When she earns it she can have it.  She tried to plead innocence, but it didn't work.  Dad did see the humor in the situation.  It took a few days but she finally came to me and apologised for slamming the door and could she have her door back.  Between the two of us we returned the door to its proper resting place to be slammed at some future date.  Yes, I know it won't last forever, but at least it worked.....     

Confusion!

Some days it just doesn't pay to get out of bed.  Gram becomes confused at times.  It really must be awful.  We all try to keep her in a good mood, but some days it is impossible.  She throws things when she is fustrated.  Usually it is her glassess, today it was her walker.  When I was a child she liked to throw things even then.  I remember one day she got mad and threw a plate of spaghetti at the wall.  Yes, even the plate broke.  Spaghetti stains aren't easy to get out of paint either.  I won't give her a baseball or bat any time soon!  She still has a good arm.  I talked with her and hopefully this will be the last time she does that.  I know, reality orientation for me: it will happen again in three days.  Help me....

Cable TV

When colored TV came out years ago, we looked forward to getting one.  The TV came "cable ready."  That was something new.  The kids were jumping with anticipation.  They can now see shows clear and in color.  After it was delivered I was reading the directions and there was a switch you could flip to lock stations out that I don't want the kids to watch.  Good, I can lock out HBO and some of those channels.  I put the book away and never showed it to the kids.  Little did I know that whenever I went out they played with all the switches and buttons to see what they did.  I came home one day and they switched the channel as I came in the room.  Okay, what were you watching?  Just a different cartoon.  Why I believed them I don't know.  This seemed to happen quite often.  Then I started to find the switch was flipped.  Caught like rats!  I caught them one day with HBO on and they told me they knew about the switch.  Punishment time.  No TV for the day.  Yes, this works but now they will be watching whatever they want when I leave.......

Weather

We just received the word - 2011 was the wettest year and October 2011 was the snowiest.  This doesn't surprise me.  We had snow and a frost all at once.  All my lovely flowers are now dead.  It just means another season is upon us.  One thing I like, no blasted bugs to fly in your eyes or ears.  No more bites.  Now I can go and continue my outside work.  It turned into the perfect day today.  No wind blowing, sun shinning brightly, and so quiet and peaceful.  The urge hits.  I feel the local cemetery calling.  As I am grabbing the camera Bob is asking where I am off to.  He sees the look and really knows but must ask.  Yes, the local cemetery.  Look at the weather, it's perfect.  All equipment is in hand and a wave and off I go.  There isn't a breeze or any  weather problems.  There is still some snow in the cemetery, but that won't stop me, not today.  I'm on a roll and have my list.  It doesn't take long now that I have figured out how to accomplish doing pictures and copying writing.  All too soon I am done.  At least this time I was alone and stayed alone.....