I couldn't think of a title, as this is just rambling on about how life is going here.
Tomorrow is Tommy's 26th birthday. Not only this week, or this year has flown by, but the cumulative years just keep flowing on.
Tommy (Stephen Thomas) is still attending Christ For The Nations International (CFNI) in Dallas. This summer he will be helping out at a day camp for children. (Kids for the Nations? I can't remember its proper title.)
Next Friday would of been Bill's 34th birthday, and my PawPaw's 102nd. Paw was always so pleased to have a great grand baby born on his birthday!
This has been a run run run week. Tom got the garden (such as it is) planted over the weekend. We have eight tomato plants, six jalapeno peppers, seven bell peppers, two tabasco peppers, and two squash- one each of yellow and zucchini. We had to put several of the peppers in containers, plus I have lettuce, spinach, radishes and carrots in containers. Sam started some tomatoes and peppers from seed... which I accidentally killed by leaving out on frosty night. I replanted those, and now that they are up... we have no place to plant them! Looks like we may need more containers. (I also planted gallardia (Indian blanket) flower seeds. Those have also come up.)
Trim Healthy Mama has been slow going for me, but I am down TWO lbs. Tom fluctuates a lot, but mostly because he hasn't quit sugar... to the tune of ice cream every night, and pretty much whatever he wants when he wants it. I can cook THM desserts, but more often than not, they go to waste.
He does exercise, though. A whole lot. he gets up in the mornings and works out with weights. On his lunch break at work, he does walking, stairs, and other calisthenics. I just walk the dog. But the dog and I generally go about 3 miles every day. Yesterday, I met another, older lady who walked with me. Her name is Stella. We may be walking buddies. (I can use some real life friends!)
Mondays are Tom's and my grocery shopping/ errand days. Tuesdays generally see me going in the opposite direction to get our Aldi list. I try to remember to pick up their sales flyer for next week when I go. Aldi's sales week starts on Wednesday... so when Dan saw the flyer Tuesday night, he requested I go back on Wednesday. He has been learning bike maintenance and repair... and one of the weekly deals for "this" week was a bicycle maintenance stand. As long as I was all the way back down in Siloam, I hit up the thrift shops. I got some summer clothes for myself, but my biggest "score" was a carafe for my blender. It was marked $4.05... but that colored tag was 75% off! So I got it for $1.01. I'm quite pleased.
That's about all from around here. Thanks for reading.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Public Speaking
Yesterday, my three youngest sons all had public speaking engagements. Tommy (Stephen) gave a short sermon in his Homiletics class. He got a 100 score! Tommy's class was at CFNI in Dallas, and I wasn't able to attend. However, one of his classmates recorded him and posted it to Facebook. So I did get to see it, and hear it (if I listened closely!).
Later in the evening, Daniel and Sam were the guest speakers at a seminar at Lewis and Clark Outfitters in Springdale. Thursday they will do a second seminar at Lewis and Clark Outfitters Roger's location. For an unscripted gathering, they did an awesome job. I expect Thursdays engagement will be even better.
If you are anywhere close to Roger's, AR on Thursday, the seminar starts at 6:30 pm, at the Lewis and Clark store just off Highway 49. Mr C won't get to attend this second session. Daniel ended the evening last night by reciting the poem he wrote on the anniversary of starting the hike. He left the audience wowed.
Later in the evening, Daniel and Sam were the guest speakers at a seminar at Lewis and Clark Outfitters in Springdale. Thursday they will do a second seminar at Lewis and Clark Outfitters Roger's location. For an unscripted gathering, they did an awesome job. I expect Thursdays engagement will be even better.
If you are anywhere close to Roger's, AR on Thursday, the seminar starts at 6:30 pm, at the Lewis and Clark store just off Highway 49. Mr C won't get to attend this second session. Daniel ended the evening last night by reciting the poem he wrote on the anniversary of starting the hike. He left the audience wowed.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Grateful
The next big adventure Daniel has planned is a transcontinental bicycle ride. He is hoping to do it after applying for (and being accepted) as a firefighter candidate in San Angelo. The hiring process takes about a year, and Dan missed this year's deadline to get the hiring process started.
So, sometime next Spring, he is wanting to be driven out to Oregon, where he will start bicycling East. I forget how long he expects it to take, somewhat less than three months?
To that goal, Daniel the Prepper is starting to train for long bike rides. Sam would LIKE to take the trip with Daniel, but has this thing known as a "career" he is already working on. He is, however, perfectly willing to go on these training rides with Daniel.
Saturday, April 2nd, the boys went to check out the Dogwood Junction Bike Shop in Siloam Springs. Sam bought a brand new bike helmet, which fit his head better than his previous helmet.
Sunday, the boys set out on a 50-ish mile ride... To Siloam for lunch, then back to Gravette. They had originally said they would ride down on Highway 59, and come back on 43 to 72 into Gravette.
Mr. C and I had gone to drop off a couple of items to a friend of mine, then we were going hiking. We decided to check out the Eagle Watch Nature Trail in Gentry. I had never walked the trail before, it is a nice little walk, with some amazing photography opportunities for those who do shoots in natural surroundings. After our walk, We decided that we would also take 43 to 72 back to Gravette, hoping to see the boys. We were within sight of the house on the way home, when we got a call from Sam. He asked us to stop whatever we were doing and please come straight home. We pulled into the driveway about then...
Both boys were bloody messes. Sam was in far worse shape than Daniel. They had been in a fairly serious bike wreck. After their lunch, they had decided to return the same route they had gone down on- Highway 59. Less than 5 miles from home, as they were traveling downhill along the highway at a pretty fast speed, a guy in a Suburban pulled out directly in front of them. He had been watching for cars, not bicyclists. Sam was a few paces ahead of Daniel, and had almost no time to react. The choices were slamming into the side of an SUV, or braking and trying to swerve. Sam braked hard. He somersaulted head over handlebars onto the highway, landing head first on his brand new helmet. He slid and rolled down the pavement, leaving behind a layer of skin and biking jersey. Dan landed sideways on his palms and ankles, which are bloody messes as well.
The Suburban driver stopped to render aid, as did another driver who had witnessed the accident. The boys and their bikes were loaded into the SUV and driven home by the shaken driver.
We checked Sam over, concerned about internal bleeding, broken bones, and concussion. He was ambulant and alert. His pupils equal and reactive. Most of his injuries were superficial, though quite painful. (Having ones skin forcibly rubbed off on rocks is never pleasant!)
We began treating the injuries, getting gravel cleaned out of the deeper gouges, and peroxide poured over everything. Dan and I made a quick run up to the Dollar store for more gauze and larger Bandaids (TM). (Sam prefers the name brand, and if it isn't Bandaid brand, you call it an adhesive bandage... not a Bandaid!)
Sam's adrenaline rush was wearing off, and he was getting shocky before we left. Tom kept an eye on him, and we covered him up and got him settled before making the trip to the store. Once my ministrations were complete (I even used some essential oils on the areas of road burn too big to bandage), and Sam started feeling more alert... he looked at his helmet. He landed so hard that the hard foam liner is cracked. The helmet itself also has some pretty good dents in it, below the visor.
The helmet (a Giro brand "Feature" style) did its job. Sam landed on his helmeted head at a launch speed in excess of 30 MPH... probably closer to 40 MPH. It saved him.
Daniel was talking to me on our drive to the store. He said he knows he didn't wear a bike helmet as a little kid, and was just fine. But when he has kids of his own, they WILL wear helmets when they ride their bikes.
So, sometime next Spring, he is wanting to be driven out to Oregon, where he will start bicycling East. I forget how long he expects it to take, somewhat less than three months?
To that goal, Daniel the Prepper is starting to train for long bike rides. Sam would LIKE to take the trip with Daniel, but has this thing known as a "career" he is already working on. He is, however, perfectly willing to go on these training rides with Daniel.
Saturday, April 2nd, the boys went to check out the Dogwood Junction Bike Shop in Siloam Springs. Sam bought a brand new bike helmet, which fit his head better than his previous helmet.
Sunday, the boys set out on a 50-ish mile ride... To Siloam for lunch, then back to Gravette. They had originally said they would ride down on Highway 59, and come back on 43 to 72 into Gravette.
Mr. C and I had gone to drop off a couple of items to a friend of mine, then we were going hiking. We decided to check out the Eagle Watch Nature Trail in Gentry. I had never walked the trail before, it is a nice little walk, with some amazing photography opportunities for those who do shoots in natural surroundings. After our walk, We decided that we would also take 43 to 72 back to Gravette, hoping to see the boys. We were within sight of the house on the way home, when we got a call from Sam. He asked us to stop whatever we were doing and please come straight home. We pulled into the driveway about then...
Both boys were bloody messes. Sam was in far worse shape than Daniel. They had been in a fairly serious bike wreck. After their lunch, they had decided to return the same route they had gone down on- Highway 59. Less than 5 miles from home, as they were traveling downhill along the highway at a pretty fast speed, a guy in a Suburban pulled out directly in front of them. He had been watching for cars, not bicyclists. Sam was a few paces ahead of Daniel, and had almost no time to react. The choices were slamming into the side of an SUV, or braking and trying to swerve. Sam braked hard. He somersaulted head over handlebars onto the highway, landing head first on his brand new helmet. He slid and rolled down the pavement, leaving behind a layer of skin and biking jersey. Dan landed sideways on his palms and ankles, which are bloody messes as well.
The Suburban driver stopped to render aid, as did another driver who had witnessed the accident. The boys and their bikes were loaded into the SUV and driven home by the shaken driver.
We checked Sam over, concerned about internal bleeding, broken bones, and concussion. He was ambulant and alert. His pupils equal and reactive. Most of his injuries were superficial, though quite painful. (Having ones skin forcibly rubbed off on rocks is never pleasant!)
We began treating the injuries, getting gravel cleaned out of the deeper gouges, and peroxide poured over everything. Dan and I made a quick run up to the Dollar store for more gauze and larger Bandaids (TM). (Sam prefers the name brand, and if it isn't Bandaid brand, you call it an adhesive bandage... not a Bandaid!)
Sam's adrenaline rush was wearing off, and he was getting shocky before we left. Tom kept an eye on him, and we covered him up and got him settled before making the trip to the store. Once my ministrations were complete (I even used some essential oils on the areas of road burn too big to bandage), and Sam started feeling more alert... he looked at his helmet. He landed so hard that the hard foam liner is cracked. The helmet itself also has some pretty good dents in it, below the visor.
The helmet (a Giro brand "Feature" style) did its job. Sam landed on his helmeted head at a launch speed in excess of 30 MPH... probably closer to 40 MPH. It saved him.
Daniel was talking to me on our drive to the store. He said he knows he didn't wear a bike helmet as a little kid, and was just fine. But when he has kids of his own, they WILL wear helmets when they ride their bikes.
 |
| The helmet, with visor in place |
 |
| The visor removed, you can see the dents |
 |
| The cracked foam liner, next to the manufacturing molding line |
 |
| Blurry, but better shot of the crack |
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| Sam's biking jersey. The grey skid is where the fabric's color is scraped off. A couple of holes wore through. Better than leaving SKIN on the road! |
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Spraining my arm patting myself on the back...
LOL. That's what Dan says when I brag on my accomplishments.
He had asked me to please bake chocolate chip cookies. (Actually asked last week, so guess my efforts are a bit late...)
I discovered that "mice" (of the very large two-legged variety) had been in the chocolate chips purchased last week. And I was almost out of flour... not sure I had enough to bake cookies. And not enough butter.
Being the nice Mom I am (Stop laughing, Becky!) I set out to the closest grocery store (Which happens to be in another STATE!) to get the supplies for the cookies, plus the other items I missed in the grocery shopping on Monday AND Tuesday.
(Really, I go to town TWO DAYS IN A ROW specifically to buy groceries... and I STILL miss items? Items that were NOT on the list... because "You KNOW we get these every week!")
So... anyway. Off to Noel, MO. I go. Just short of the state line... Road construction. They are repaving the highway. I am NOT going to come home that way. I am NOT! To avoid going home through the construction again, I have to detour... and the only possible detour takes me by a WalMart Super Center. So, forget the small store (which is remodeling, to boot) and off to WalMart. 25 miles via this route, instead of the 11 to Noel. (Am I the only person who quadruples the miles driven, just to avoid construction?)
I got the missed groceries. I got the cooking baking supplies. Came home and walked Jaffa. Then... I baked.
I followed the recipe exactly. The dough looked "thin". But since (for once!) I had exactly followed the instructions... I scooped out a dozen balls of dough and got them on to bake. When the timer buzzed at the minimal cooking time, I checked. The balls of dough had thinned out and run together into one large puddle of cookie in the middle of the pan.
(Note to self: ALWAYS bake a test cookie. ALWAYS!)
I let it continue to bake until the edges were bordering on too brown, and the center was "set". Took it out and carved it into vaguely cookie shaped portions. Added flour to the rest of the batter, until it seemed stiff enough. Next dozen went in to bake.
At the minimum cooking time... I opened the oven to see that this batch had also defiantly rolled to the center of my warped baking sheet. They held their shapes better... but were still touching and had to be separated.
I dropped the last six cookies onto the cookie sheet as far apart as I could get them... and DARED them to roll together. Half and hour later when I remembered them... they were nicely spaced cookie briquettes.
As long as I was making messes in the kitchen, I also baked a can of "whop" biscuits and fried some sausage patties, to make ready to go breakfasts for the boys. This time, no eggs or cheese on them... just sausage on a biscuit.
I put several boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker (I got a new one!) on low. I made a huge tossed salad. We will have a lovely salad tonight, with the chicken tossed in it. I already have boiled eggs and grated cheese, olives, and assorted seeds and dried cranberries. If I think of it again... I think some pickled beets would go nicely in it.
Storms are in the forecast for this afternoon and tonight... but looks like they are all going around us.
Have a blessed day!
He had asked me to please bake chocolate chip cookies. (Actually asked last week, so guess my efforts are a bit late...)
I discovered that "mice" (of the very large two-legged variety) had been in the chocolate chips purchased last week. And I was almost out of flour... not sure I had enough to bake cookies. And not enough butter.
Being the nice Mom I am (Stop laughing, Becky!) I set out to the closest grocery store (Which happens to be in another STATE!) to get the supplies for the cookies, plus the other items I missed in the grocery shopping on Monday AND Tuesday.
(Really, I go to town TWO DAYS IN A ROW specifically to buy groceries... and I STILL miss items? Items that were NOT on the list... because "You KNOW we get these every week!")
So... anyway. Off to Noel, MO. I go. Just short of the state line... Road construction. They are repaving the highway. I am NOT going to come home that way. I am NOT! To avoid going home through the construction again, I have to detour... and the only possible detour takes me by a WalMart Super Center. So, forget the small store (which is remodeling, to boot) and off to WalMart. 25 miles via this route, instead of the 11 to Noel. (Am I the only person who quadruples the miles driven, just to avoid construction?)
I got the missed groceries. I got the cooking baking supplies. Came home and walked Jaffa. Then... I baked.
I followed the recipe exactly. The dough looked "thin". But since (for once!) I had exactly followed the instructions... I scooped out a dozen balls of dough and got them on to bake. When the timer buzzed at the minimal cooking time, I checked. The balls of dough had thinned out and run together into one large puddle of cookie in the middle of the pan.
(Note to self: ALWAYS bake a test cookie. ALWAYS!)
I let it continue to bake until the edges were bordering on too brown, and the center was "set". Took it out and carved it into vaguely cookie shaped portions. Added flour to the rest of the batter, until it seemed stiff enough. Next dozen went in to bake.
At the minimum cooking time... I opened the oven to see that this batch had also defiantly rolled to the center of my warped baking sheet. They held their shapes better... but were still touching and had to be separated.
I dropped the last six cookies onto the cookie sheet as far apart as I could get them... and DARED them to roll together. Half and hour later when I remembered them... they were nicely spaced cookie briquettes.
As long as I was making messes in the kitchen, I also baked a can of "whop" biscuits and fried some sausage patties, to make ready to go breakfasts for the boys. This time, no eggs or cheese on them... just sausage on a biscuit.
I put several boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker (I got a new one!) on low. I made a huge tossed salad. We will have a lovely salad tonight, with the chicken tossed in it. I already have boiled eggs and grated cheese, olives, and assorted seeds and dried cranberries. If I think of it again... I think some pickled beets would go nicely in it.
Storms are in the forecast for this afternoon and tonight... but looks like they are all going around us.
Have a blessed day!
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Pennies from Heaven
I am pretty sure I have mentioned "pennies from Heaven" on here before. Finding a coin in an unexpected place while thinking of a loved one who is no longer "here" is getting a "penny from Heaven. I had two pennies from Heaven last week. The first one was when Tom and I had been driving to the health food store in the new car. It has nice leather interior, rides very comfortably. We got our goods at the store and came back out. Tom unlocked the doors with the remote, and I opened my door. There, on the edge of the seat, was a penny. It was on a sloping side... had it been there earlier, it would of slid DOWN between the back and seat cushion... not UP near the edge. It wasn't there when I got into the car earlier, because I would of noticed as quickly as I did this time.
The next penny, I found in the trunk of my car. Perhaps that wasn't weird or miraculous... but there it was, and I can't figure out a good way it came to be there.
Today when I got up, there was a 'sticky' note on the computer. Sam needed his forgotten phone. He had called Daniel, and Dan had left me the note. I already had errands to run, so I drove on down to Siloam Springs to take Sam his phone. And so long as I was in Siloam anyway... I stopped by the thrift store. I was looking for some summery clothes... and a replacement carafe for my blender. I didn't find a carafe. I did SCORE on a coffee grinder. We already have a perfectly good grinder. Since starting THM, I have been needing to grind even more seeds and herbs than before. We have always just used the little coffee grinder. I checked Amazon for a "cheap" grinder... but didn't like the reviews. What I didn't see in looking at $10.- $20. grinders was the little one like we already have. So I specifically searched for this brand. *gasp* *choke*. My "inexpensive" (I thought!) grinder STARTED at $89. for a refurbished model. Today, I got one just like it, still in the box! for $4. (I know a deal when it falls on my foot.)
I had picked up a pair of shorts. They LOOKED like they would fit... but how many times have I been burned buying stuff I THOUGHT would fit at a thrift store? I was debating just putting them back (before I found the grinder.) I tried them on... they fit perfectly. And... there was a quarter in one of the pockets. Last time I found money in the pocket of pants at a thrift store was when my eldest two were little, and we found several dollars in a pair of pants we bought for Bill Joe. This quarter is now in my "pennies from Heaven" container.
The weather has cooled back off here. Yesterday, I walked the dog while wearing a short sleeved shirt. (Saw TWO snakes. Nearly stepped on one that was close to 5 foot long, and the dog DID step on a small one.) Today, I shivered my way along in mittens and my coat!
Looks like a weather roller coaster for the next 10 days. Some nights into the lowest 30's, and some days in the upper 70's. Wheee!
Have a blessed day. Thank you for reading!
The next penny, I found in the trunk of my car. Perhaps that wasn't weird or miraculous... but there it was, and I can't figure out a good way it came to be there.
Today when I got up, there was a 'sticky' note on the computer. Sam needed his forgotten phone. He had called Daniel, and Dan had left me the note. I already had errands to run, so I drove on down to Siloam Springs to take Sam his phone. And so long as I was in Siloam anyway... I stopped by the thrift store. I was looking for some summery clothes... and a replacement carafe for my blender. I didn't find a carafe. I did SCORE on a coffee grinder. We already have a perfectly good grinder. Since starting THM, I have been needing to grind even more seeds and herbs than before. We have always just used the little coffee grinder. I checked Amazon for a "cheap" grinder... but didn't like the reviews. What I didn't see in looking at $10.- $20. grinders was the little one like we already have. So I specifically searched for this brand. *gasp* *choke*. My "inexpensive" (I thought!) grinder STARTED at $89. for a refurbished model. Today, I got one just like it, still in the box! for $4. (I know a deal when it falls on my foot.)
I had picked up a pair of shorts. They LOOKED like they would fit... but how many times have I been burned buying stuff I THOUGHT would fit at a thrift store? I was debating just putting them back (before I found the grinder.) I tried them on... they fit perfectly. And... there was a quarter in one of the pockets. Last time I found money in the pocket of pants at a thrift store was when my eldest two were little, and we found several dollars in a pair of pants we bought for Bill Joe. This quarter is now in my "pennies from Heaven" container.
The weather has cooled back off here. Yesterday, I walked the dog while wearing a short sleeved shirt. (Saw TWO snakes. Nearly stepped on one that was close to 5 foot long, and the dog DID step on a small one.) Today, I shivered my way along in mittens and my coat!
Looks like a weather roller coaster for the next 10 days. Some nights into the lowest 30's, and some days in the upper 70's. Wheee!
Have a blessed day. Thank you for reading!
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Ides of March
I made it OK through the difficult days. With less tears than I thought possible. I certainly felt the uplifting power of all the prayers and warm thoughts from my friends and family members.
Today is the first 'regular' day since the 10th. I have been busy with work, and then the weekend. (Weekend here includes Monday, when Tom and I run our errands.) The house goes downhill from Friday evening until Tuesday morning, so I have plenty to keep me busy today.
I started the day with my coffee first. Then, I went to get dressed. Just as I am about to put my clothes on, I had the brilliant idea: WEIGH FIRST! That way, I will think I have lost weight, even if I haven't. (yeah, yeah. Mind games with myself!) I quickly went over to the scale and stood on it to see... I weighed exactly the same as I do clothed. I chided myself for the stupid idea, and then noticed... I had carried my clothes with me to the bathroom and held them while I weighed. DUH!
I had a good laugh at myself.
Once dressed, I started a load of laundry, and then loaded the breakfast dishes into the dishwasher, and started it. There weren't enough supper dishes to run a full load last night, so it is now musically washing away. Then, looking around the chaos left in the kitchen because I didn't get up and make breakfast for the guys, I decided I better make a good sized batch of morning foods. I am doing breakfast burritos, and sausage biscuits. And while I'm ambitiously standing at the stove, I put some eggs on to boil. Tom and the boys carry them as snacks at work. (11 biscuits, five big burritos, two THM wraps). (Jaffa and I shared a buttered biscuit. Totally NOT on the diet plan. But, in my defense, who can resist a golden brown crusty biscuit fresh and hot from the oven? at least I SHARED it!)
In the making of the morning meals, the freezer kept popping open. So I added cleaning out the freezer to my chores. I found a forgotten ham bone, so looks like maybe we shall have lentils for supper tonight. Those who don't like ham (SAM!) can have another chicken leg quarter. (I cooked a huge batch of BBQ quarters on the grill last night, to carry for lunches or snacks.)
So, here it is, almost 11:00am. Chores are going, some things crossed from "to do" over to the "to done!" list. I'm having the last of the morning's coffee, while I type. Trying to decide whether I want to work on the kitchen clean up now, or tackle the dusting and vacuuming next. The kitchen is in worst shape, after just cooking two lbs of sausage and more than a dozen eggs, biscuits, and hash browns. Guess it wins the imaginary coin toss. I'll race the dog's bowels, and see if I can finish before he insists it is time for "our" walk.
Have a blessed day!
Today is the first 'regular' day since the 10th. I have been busy with work, and then the weekend. (Weekend here includes Monday, when Tom and I run our errands.) The house goes downhill from Friday evening until Tuesday morning, so I have plenty to keep me busy today.
I started the day with my coffee first. Then, I went to get dressed. Just as I am about to put my clothes on, I had the brilliant idea: WEIGH FIRST! That way, I will think I have lost weight, even if I haven't. (yeah, yeah. Mind games with myself!) I quickly went over to the scale and stood on it to see... I weighed exactly the same as I do clothed. I chided myself for the stupid idea, and then noticed... I had carried my clothes with me to the bathroom and held them while I weighed. DUH!
I had a good laugh at myself.
Once dressed, I started a load of laundry, and then loaded the breakfast dishes into the dishwasher, and started it. There weren't enough supper dishes to run a full load last night, so it is now musically washing away. Then, looking around the chaos left in the kitchen because I didn't get up and make breakfast for the guys, I decided I better make a good sized batch of morning foods. I am doing breakfast burritos, and sausage biscuits. And while I'm ambitiously standing at the stove, I put some eggs on to boil. Tom and the boys carry them as snacks at work. (11 biscuits, five big burritos, two THM wraps). (Jaffa and I shared a buttered biscuit. Totally NOT on the diet plan. But, in my defense, who can resist a golden brown crusty biscuit fresh and hot from the oven? at least I SHARED it!)
In the making of the morning meals, the freezer kept popping open. So I added cleaning out the freezer to my chores. I found a forgotten ham bone, so looks like maybe we shall have lentils for supper tonight. Those who don't like ham (SAM!) can have another chicken leg quarter. (I cooked a huge batch of BBQ quarters on the grill last night, to carry for lunches or snacks.)
So, here it is, almost 11:00am. Chores are going, some things crossed from "to do" over to the "to done!" list. I'm having the last of the morning's coffee, while I type. Trying to decide whether I want to work on the kitchen clean up now, or tackle the dusting and vacuuming next. The kitchen is in worst shape, after just cooking two lbs of sausage and more than a dozen eggs, biscuits, and hash browns. Guess it wins the imaginary coin toss. I'll race the dog's bowels, and see if I can finish before he insists it is time for "our" walk.
Have a blessed day!
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
March 2016
Here it is the first of the month... I am trying to keep busy, keep a good attitude.
Grand daughter Alana will be a teen in a few days! My Dad will be 79.
The days turn into weeks, the weeks,months. The seasons change, and the years roll along.
Coming up on the 4th anniversary of Bill's transition into the next phase of life. In some ways, it is easier than it was at first, but in others, it is still so hard.
I see have not mentioned that Dan did finally get a vehicle. After months of searching, and many disappointments, he is the very proud new owner of a 2006 Nissan Frontier pick-up. In the last days of his searching, he saw "an old person car"... a 1998 Lincoln Town car. He was considering buying it... but it was gone when he took Tom over to look at it. Then, the truck came up, and he bought that. Tom drove back by where Dan had seen the Lincoln... and there it was. He got out to look it over. Only 70,300 miles on it. It had been owned by a little old lady whose husband passed... and she didn't drive. She sold it to another elderly couple... who owned several vehicles. A broken hip limited their driving, so it was up for sale again. Yeah, it is now parked in our driveway. (Well, *I* am old enough for senior discounts now, and Tom did pass the 60 mark!) I can hardly wait to take it for a road trip.
I got out of the house for awhile today. I voted, then went over to Hobby Lobby to get a frame for Alana's birthday present from her Dad. Maybe I can drive it on over to her tomorrow or the next day. Or wait and see if Mr C wants to go over on the weekend. I find I get out less and less all the time. At first, I blamed not having a vehicle. Now, I have TWO at my disposal... and I still seldom get out. When I do, it is on a raft of errands. (I also shopped Aldi while I was out.)
Now, supper is in the oven. I am interested in seeing how this turns out. I called it "Culture Clash". I made "lasagna"... out of what we typically use in our home cooked Chinese food. I cooked (quick fried) some eggroll wrappers, and set them aside. Sauteed some cabbage with some teriyaki sauce (divided use), cooked some sliced marinated chicken breast along with some sliced mushrooms, and added some drained water chestnuts. Two packages of two different kinds of frozen "stir fry" veggies. One had sweet and sour sauce, which I added to the chicken as it cooked. I crumbled some of the eggroll wrappers into the bottom of a sprayed casserole dish. Layer of cooked cabbage, layer of stir fried veggies. More crumbled eggroll wrappers. Layer with the meat mixture. another layer of cabbage, eggroll wrappers, and final amount of stir fried vegetables. I added 1/2 cup of water with Better Than Bullion chicken flavor to keep it from drying too much in the oven. Covered with foil. It is baking now. I am fixing to uncover it, and lightly sprinkle a last topping of the fried eggroll wrappers. We shall see how the boys like it. The fried eggroll wrappers keep it from being totally a Trim Healthy Mama meal, but it should come in fairly well on the low calorie scale. Let's see how the guys like it!
Grand daughter Alana will be a teen in a few days! My Dad will be 79.
The days turn into weeks, the weeks,months. The seasons change, and the years roll along.
Coming up on the 4th anniversary of Bill's transition into the next phase of life. In some ways, it is easier than it was at first, but in others, it is still so hard.
I see have not mentioned that Dan did finally get a vehicle. After months of searching, and many disappointments, he is the very proud new owner of a 2006 Nissan Frontier pick-up. In the last days of his searching, he saw "an old person car"... a 1998 Lincoln Town car. He was considering buying it... but it was gone when he took Tom over to look at it. Then, the truck came up, and he bought that. Tom drove back by where Dan had seen the Lincoln... and there it was. He got out to look it over. Only 70,300 miles on it. It had been owned by a little old lady whose husband passed... and she didn't drive. She sold it to another elderly couple... who owned several vehicles. A broken hip limited their driving, so it was up for sale again. Yeah, it is now parked in our driveway. (Well, *I* am old enough for senior discounts now, and Tom did pass the 60 mark!) I can hardly wait to take it for a road trip.
I got out of the house for awhile today. I voted, then went over to Hobby Lobby to get a frame for Alana's birthday present from her Dad. Maybe I can drive it on over to her tomorrow or the next day. Or wait and see if Mr C wants to go over on the weekend. I find I get out less and less all the time. At first, I blamed not having a vehicle. Now, I have TWO at my disposal... and I still seldom get out. When I do, it is on a raft of errands. (I also shopped Aldi while I was out.)
Now, supper is in the oven. I am interested in seeing how this turns out. I called it "Culture Clash". I made "lasagna"... out of what we typically use in our home cooked Chinese food. I cooked (quick fried) some eggroll wrappers, and set them aside. Sauteed some cabbage with some teriyaki sauce (divided use), cooked some sliced marinated chicken breast along with some sliced mushrooms, and added some drained water chestnuts. Two packages of two different kinds of frozen "stir fry" veggies. One had sweet and sour sauce, which I added to the chicken as it cooked. I crumbled some of the eggroll wrappers into the bottom of a sprayed casserole dish. Layer of cooked cabbage, layer of stir fried veggies. More crumbled eggroll wrappers. Layer with the meat mixture. another layer of cabbage, eggroll wrappers, and final amount of stir fried vegetables. I added 1/2 cup of water with Better Than Bullion chicken flavor to keep it from drying too much in the oven. Covered with foil. It is baking now. I am fixing to uncover it, and lightly sprinkle a last topping of the fried eggroll wrappers. We shall see how the boys like it. The fried eggroll wrappers keep it from being totally a Trim Healthy Mama meal, but it should come in fairly well on the low calorie scale. Let's see how the guys like it!
Thursday, February 18, 2016
"Valentimes"
Valentine's Day isn't really "celebrated" at our house. I sent the grandkids a card and a couple of dollars each, instead of the little box of chalky conversation hearts I used to send. Mr C said he wasn't getting me anything. That's pretty usual. I about fell over the one year he got ALL of us a box of candy and flowers. I didn't get him anything either. No heart shaped goodies were either purchased nor hand formed this year.
However, since long before we moved to the new house, Tom has been talking about us needing new furniture. He hated the set I picked out (with his permission, if not his supervision) the entire 10+ years we owned it. Green microfiber sectional, with reclining love seat and hide a bed couch. Well worn, and filthy despite many cleanings. Moving here was not only hard on the furniture... but the furniture simply did not fit the layout of this house. We got rid of the corner piece of the sectional, and I have kept my eye out at second hand shops for a couple of months.
The day prior to Valentine's Day, Tom mentioned we should just do it- buy new furniture. I suggested some of the second hand stores, but he wanted new. So, on Valentine's Day, we went furniture shopping. A local store was having a gigantic moving sale, as they close one warehouse showroom and move to another. That was where we went.
We bought "separates", rather than a set.
Poor Jaffa. He was suddenly bereft of his favorite lounging places. Mean old Mom had started out not allowing dogs on the old furniture. I was chasing them off every time I turned around. Tom and the boys would allow the dogs onto the furniture when I wasn't around. Mixed messages don't confuse dogs TOO much, as long as the people who order them around are consistent. When I would walk into the room, the dogs would reluctantly get off the furniture the guys had allowed them on.
Eventually, I gave up trying. However, with the new stuff, Jaffa has met a consistent front. He is NOT allowed on the furniture. He has been AMAZINGLY good. No one has caught him on any of it. Not so much as a hair, or doggy shaped indentation.
He does like to be elevated though. I took an old PVC laundry sorter frame, and re-purposed it into Jaffa's very own bed. The cloth is Velcro-ed on, so it can be removed for washing.
However, since long before we moved to the new house, Tom has been talking about us needing new furniture. He hated the set I picked out (with his permission, if not his supervision) the entire 10+ years we owned it. Green microfiber sectional, with reclining love seat and hide a bed couch. Well worn, and filthy despite many cleanings. Moving here was not only hard on the furniture... but the furniture simply did not fit the layout of this house. We got rid of the corner piece of the sectional, and I have kept my eye out at second hand shops for a couple of months.
The day prior to Valentine's Day, Tom mentioned we should just do it- buy new furniture. I suggested some of the second hand stores, but he wanted new. So, on Valentine's Day, we went furniture shopping. A local store was having a gigantic moving sale, as they close one warehouse showroom and move to another. That was where we went.
 |
| *MY* chair is the white two piece "Grandma Kathie" on the left |
 |
| The 'bonded' leather couch does NOT fold out into a bed. |
We bought "separates", rather than a set.
Poor Jaffa. He was suddenly bereft of his favorite lounging places. Mean old Mom had started out not allowing dogs on the old furniture. I was chasing them off every time I turned around. Tom and the boys would allow the dogs onto the furniture when I wasn't around. Mixed messages don't confuse dogs TOO much, as long as the people who order them around are consistent. When I would walk into the room, the dogs would reluctantly get off the furniture the guys had allowed them on.
Eventually, I gave up trying. However, with the new stuff, Jaffa has met a consistent front. He is NOT allowed on the furniture. He has been AMAZINGLY good. No one has caught him on any of it. Not so much as a hair, or doggy shaped indentation.
He does like to be elevated though. I took an old PVC laundry sorter frame, and re-purposed it into Jaffa's very own bed. The cloth is Velcro-ed on, so it can be removed for washing.
 |
| Good Dog |
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Just for my Auntie!
Hello Aunt Lennie! (And everyone else).
Today's update on everyone:
Daniel and Sam went hiking on the Ozark Highlands Trail. (If you follow the link, you will find more information about the trail.) They had planned to do a 165 mile stretch in 8 days. They decided in the third day, this was somewhat ambitious. They no longer had their Appalachian Trail stamina, and were pushing hard to do almost 20 miles per day. Daniel had wanted to do the trail "ultra-light", which is difficult in winter conditions. They did go as light as they could- just sleeping bags, a rain fly, and a groundcloth for protection. No tent, no hammocks. They carried a 4 day supply of food, and had me cache the midway resupply point. I picked them up at the midway point yesterday. The forecast had remained looking fair... yet snows came blowing in from the northwest. REALLY blowing in. The high temperature for a couple of the days was mid 30's... if you were in a sunny sheltered area. Out of the winds of 35 to 40 MPH, which drastically reduced the temperatures with wind chill. The boys DO use high quality equipment, so fared well. They just decided that 165 miles was too far, too fast over the mountains in February. And as I looked up the site for the link above, the portion of trail they would have been on today is closed due to wildfire. Tom and I had noticed a widespread fire over a portion of the forest as we headed to the point where we cached the boys resupply... I think it MIGHT of started as a controlled burn. Maybe. But no fire is safe when the winds start whipping.
Anyway, they are home safely. I have them working on cleaning their room and the music room. They have been so busy working lately, they haven't ever got completely unpacked.
Tom isn't too thrilled with not getting to come home for lunch any more. It is just too far to drive for his allotted lunch break. He has almost got the garage set to his satisfaction. My giant rocker is still using his real estate in there. He hasn't had time to make a seat for it. I have been too busy to complete the lower edges with a second coat, though I may get to that later today. I got some yellow enamel to embellish the sun/ sunflower in its back.
Tom had a nice 60th birthday. Becky and her kids were here, as well as Tommy. His siblings and Mom sent cards and gifts. Connor and Alana (Chris' older two kids) were here as well.
Tommy is still in school at Christ for The Nations International in Dallas. I think he has two terms left until graduation? I may be wrong on that.
Benjamin and Paula are doing well. Their trip to visit us has been postponed as they are pinching pennies these days for a big project. Not sure if they want that project shared here, so I will have to wait and ask them. Those two are determinedly frugal, and pretty amazing at what they have been accomplishing. Jasher and Althea are well, and both seem to really be talking up a storm these days. Jasher is very curious about everything... and, well, BEN is his Dad. I expect he will be scary smart.
Althea is walking... a real toddler, not baby anymore.
Becky and Paula both gave talks at the annual Heart Of Motherhood retreat this past weekend. Paula spoke of healing through diet and healthy eating. Becky spoke on Joy.
Becky and Stephen are doing well. They are continuing their search for a house. Tyrel cut his finger recently, trying to cut fruit for his sisters with a knife he had been forbidden to use. That is healing well. Kimber got her fingers shut in a door at retreat, but is just fine now. Dakota and Grace are growing so fast it's hard to believe. Grace will be 2 in May.
Our next upcoming birthday for grandkids is Nickole. She will be 7 on the 25th of this month. After that, Alana hits her teens on March 5th. Alana is in band and cheerleading. Connor is leaning to drive! I don't hear much about Nickole or Gavin. Their mothers tell me they are doing good, and what address to send gifts to. I am left to assume the gifts are received. No recent pictures of either.
Tom and I fell off our THM (Trim healthy mama/man) diet. Time to get back on that! He doesn't have more vacation until mid summer. Jaffa helps me, as I have to actually walk him a few times each day, rather than let him out for awhile on his own. Town living.
That's about all from us.
~Tammy~
Today's update on everyone:
Daniel and Sam went hiking on the Ozark Highlands Trail. (If you follow the link, you will find more information about the trail.) They had planned to do a 165 mile stretch in 8 days. They decided in the third day, this was somewhat ambitious. They no longer had their Appalachian Trail stamina, and were pushing hard to do almost 20 miles per day. Daniel had wanted to do the trail "ultra-light", which is difficult in winter conditions. They did go as light as they could- just sleeping bags, a rain fly, and a groundcloth for protection. No tent, no hammocks. They carried a 4 day supply of food, and had me cache the midway resupply point. I picked them up at the midway point yesterday. The forecast had remained looking fair... yet snows came blowing in from the northwest. REALLY blowing in. The high temperature for a couple of the days was mid 30's... if you were in a sunny sheltered area. Out of the winds of 35 to 40 MPH, which drastically reduced the temperatures with wind chill. The boys DO use high quality equipment, so fared well. They just decided that 165 miles was too far, too fast over the mountains in February. And as I looked up the site for the link above, the portion of trail they would have been on today is closed due to wildfire. Tom and I had noticed a widespread fire over a portion of the forest as we headed to the point where we cached the boys resupply... I think it MIGHT of started as a controlled burn. Maybe. But no fire is safe when the winds start whipping.
Anyway, they are home safely. I have them working on cleaning their room and the music room. They have been so busy working lately, they haven't ever got completely unpacked.
Tom isn't too thrilled with not getting to come home for lunch any more. It is just too far to drive for his allotted lunch break. He has almost got the garage set to his satisfaction. My giant rocker is still using his real estate in there. He hasn't had time to make a seat for it. I have been too busy to complete the lower edges with a second coat, though I may get to that later today. I got some yellow enamel to embellish the sun/ sunflower in its back.
Tom had a nice 60th birthday. Becky and her kids were here, as well as Tommy. His siblings and Mom sent cards and gifts. Connor and Alana (Chris' older two kids) were here as well.
Tommy is still in school at Christ for The Nations International in Dallas. I think he has two terms left until graduation? I may be wrong on that.
Benjamin and Paula are doing well. Their trip to visit us has been postponed as they are pinching pennies these days for a big project. Not sure if they want that project shared here, so I will have to wait and ask them. Those two are determinedly frugal, and pretty amazing at what they have been accomplishing. Jasher and Althea are well, and both seem to really be talking up a storm these days. Jasher is very curious about everything... and, well, BEN is his Dad. I expect he will be scary smart.
Althea is walking... a real toddler, not baby anymore.
Becky and Paula both gave talks at the annual Heart Of Motherhood retreat this past weekend. Paula spoke of healing through diet and healthy eating. Becky spoke on Joy.
Becky and Stephen are doing well. They are continuing their search for a house. Tyrel cut his finger recently, trying to cut fruit for his sisters with a knife he had been forbidden to use. That is healing well. Kimber got her fingers shut in a door at retreat, but is just fine now. Dakota and Grace are growing so fast it's hard to believe. Grace will be 2 in May.
Our next upcoming birthday for grandkids is Nickole. She will be 7 on the 25th of this month. After that, Alana hits her teens on March 5th. Alana is in band and cheerleading. Connor is leaning to drive! I don't hear much about Nickole or Gavin. Their mothers tell me they are doing good, and what address to send gifts to. I am left to assume the gifts are received. No recent pictures of either.
Tom and I fell off our THM (Trim healthy mama/man) diet. Time to get back on that! He doesn't have more vacation until mid summer. Jaffa helps me, as I have to actually walk him a few times each day, rather than let him out for awhile on his own. Town living.
That's about all from us.
~Tammy~
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Dreamed
I dreamed of Stacey last night. Like I often dream of Bill Joe... while we are talking, I enjoy the visit, but at the same time know they are dead. They know they are dead as well... but dead doesn't mean they aren't still in existence. It means they have moved out of their fleshly body on to the realm of the Spirit. In our visit last night, Stacey showed me that there is a doorway, or gate if you prefer... between this life and the life with the Father. The gate is always there, but our mortal eyes cannot see it until it is time to decide- Do I want what is on the other side more than I want my life here?
In my dream, Stacey told me she was given that choice... stay here, or go through the door. She told me she saw so many people who loved her, waiting there to welcome her. She saw the Lord standing by the path- not rushing her. Did she want to come now, or stay longer in her mortal body? She laughed and said that this was what she had waited her whole life for- meeting Him. She told me grieving is for those who stand on this side, but one day every one she left behind will understand- there is no sorrow on the other side of that door.
I woke up with less grief. If it is only my mind putting these so-real encounters into my dreams, I would rather keep on dreaming them. It shortens the time until I see Bill Joe, Roger, my Grannies and Papa. I awake feeling as if I HAVE visited with them awhile, and now have to go on with my job here. Our time on earth is short in comparison to the eternal.
In my dream, Stacey told me she was given that choice... stay here, or go through the door. She told me she saw so many people who loved her, waiting there to welcome her. She saw the Lord standing by the path- not rushing her. Did she want to come now, or stay longer in her mortal body? She laughed and said that this was what she had waited her whole life for- meeting Him. She told me grieving is for those who stand on this side, but one day every one she left behind will understand- there is no sorrow on the other side of that door.
I woke up with less grief. If it is only my mind putting these so-real encounters into my dreams, I would rather keep on dreaming them. It shortens the time until I see Bill Joe, Roger, my Grannies and Papa. I awake feeling as if I HAVE visited with them awhile, and now have to go on with my job here. Our time on earth is short in comparison to the eternal.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Not my Normal
We got a phone call this past Thursday evening. No work on Friday- the restaurant would be closed for a few days.
It was easier to get that out up front, because the force of the following words drove every other thought from my mind. Two of my co-workers had been in a tragic car accident.
One does not use the word "tragic" lightly. I must of gasped at the word, because before anything else was spoken, Mr C and the Individuals were looking at me with questions in their eyes. One of the young women, Stacey, had been killed in the accident.
As it turned out, the young women were on their way to a farewell dinner for Stacey- she was moving to another state this week. Instead, she takes up residence in her heavenly home.
Daniel and Sam and I attended a dinner before the "visitation" Sunday night. We wept with Stacey's many friends and family members. I couldn't go in to the visitation. I sat in the car while the boys went on inside. They didn't stay long. The funeral was yesterday. Stacey was prepared to make her journey from this body. The message centered around her readiness. I wanted to scream and scream, and scream some more. I saw her death as a robbery. Stolen from those of us here- not me so much as her family and friends. (We were acquainted through working together on Friday nights.) I kept my mouth shut, because I would not disrespect her beliefs, their beliefs.
As the funeral drew to a close, her casket was opened. I didn't want to walk by her. I didn't want to see. But I looked. That wasn't Stacey. That wasn't her. It was empty of all that was Stacey. I wanted to grab her Mama and hold her. I went to the car. I couldn't attend the burial. I was barely holding together as it was. It was a ceremony of farewell, for the comfort of those close to her. Not about me, and I was too close to "losing it".
It seems like when I think I have finally gotten a handle on my own grief, some small thing can set me off anew. And this wasn't a small thing.
I sat in the car, and "got a grip". Deep breaths, think of something else. I thought of ceremonies.
People need ceremonies. We have births, followed by a dedication or baptismal ceremony. Most of us honor birthdays with ceremonies. Graduations, award presentations, weddings. Sometimes engagements. New years' celebrations. Many cultures have coming of age ceremonies. A formalization and acknowledgement of some deed, done before man and God. And funerals. The last goodbye, where we formally recognize our earthly separation.
Funerals are the ceremonies that start our journeys of grief. It starts in a deep pit on one side of the tallest mountain you can imagine. You have no choice but to climb from the pit and up the mountain. There is no place else to go. No one can climb out of the pit, or climb this mountain, but you. God's grace helps carry our burdens, but it is still you who must climb.
At times, you think, "Oh yes, I can see the top of this mountain! I will soon be beyond Mt. Grief!"
It takes as long as it takes to get to the top.
For awhile, you think, "I did it! I am over grief!" Then, the clouds around you part for a way... and you see you aren't conquering one mountain. An entire range of mountains stand before you. There are more peaks ahead... and the valleys below. You hand your burdens back to God, and keep going.
(I know that once I have given a burden to God, I shouldn't take it back. I don't know many who have succeeded in not grabbing that pack back and rummaging through it again, to see if there is anything in it I "need".)
It was easier to get that out up front, because the force of the following words drove every other thought from my mind. Two of my co-workers had been in a tragic car accident.
One does not use the word "tragic" lightly. I must of gasped at the word, because before anything else was spoken, Mr C and the Individuals were looking at me with questions in their eyes. One of the young women, Stacey, had been killed in the accident.
As it turned out, the young women were on their way to a farewell dinner for Stacey- she was moving to another state this week. Instead, she takes up residence in her heavenly home.
Daniel and Sam and I attended a dinner before the "visitation" Sunday night. We wept with Stacey's many friends and family members. I couldn't go in to the visitation. I sat in the car while the boys went on inside. They didn't stay long. The funeral was yesterday. Stacey was prepared to make her journey from this body. The message centered around her readiness. I wanted to scream and scream, and scream some more. I saw her death as a robbery. Stolen from those of us here- not me so much as her family and friends. (We were acquainted through working together on Friday nights.) I kept my mouth shut, because I would not disrespect her beliefs, their beliefs.
As the funeral drew to a close, her casket was opened. I didn't want to walk by her. I didn't want to see. But I looked. That wasn't Stacey. That wasn't her. It was empty of all that was Stacey. I wanted to grab her Mama and hold her. I went to the car. I couldn't attend the burial. I was barely holding together as it was. It was a ceremony of farewell, for the comfort of those close to her. Not about me, and I was too close to "losing it".
It seems like when I think I have finally gotten a handle on my own grief, some small thing can set me off anew. And this wasn't a small thing.
I sat in the car, and "got a grip". Deep breaths, think of something else. I thought of ceremonies.
People need ceremonies. We have births, followed by a dedication or baptismal ceremony. Most of us honor birthdays with ceremonies. Graduations, award presentations, weddings. Sometimes engagements. New years' celebrations. Many cultures have coming of age ceremonies. A formalization and acknowledgement of some deed, done before man and God. And funerals. The last goodbye, where we formally recognize our earthly separation.
Funerals are the ceremonies that start our journeys of grief. It starts in a deep pit on one side of the tallest mountain you can imagine. You have no choice but to climb from the pit and up the mountain. There is no place else to go. No one can climb out of the pit, or climb this mountain, but you. God's grace helps carry our burdens, but it is still you who must climb.
At times, you think, "Oh yes, I can see the top of this mountain! I will soon be beyond Mt. Grief!"
It takes as long as it takes to get to the top.
For awhile, you think, "I did it! I am over grief!" Then, the clouds around you part for a way... and you see you aren't conquering one mountain. An entire range of mountains stand before you. There are more peaks ahead... and the valleys below. You hand your burdens back to God, and keep going.
(I know that once I have given a burden to God, I shouldn't take it back. I don't know many who have succeeded in not grabbing that pack back and rummaging through it again, to see if there is anything in it I "need".)
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Command Center!
The basket holds incoming mail. Outgoing mail has a clothespin on the outside of the basket, to hold it up and in view.
The key holder Becky made at a VBS when she was in grade school is on the side of the shelf,and down between the desk and the shelf is a power strip so that multiple devices may be plugged in.
I certainly hope to have no more repeats of this morning... First of all Mr C couldn't find his coat. A very specific work coat. For some reason it wasn't hanging up in the coat closet. Nor was it tossed on the back of the couch. Or across a chair. Or on the bed. Or any other likely place one would expect to find ones coat. Especially since we have a COAT CLOSET and I am adamant about people hanging up their coats!
I asked if perhaps he had left it in Sam's truck? We had driven Sam's vehicle yesterday, based on other vehicles blocking the truck in when it was time for Sam to go to work. (It had also snowed during the night, and I felt safer with Sam in a rear wheel drive car, than in the truck. Especially since Mr C had lots of fun scaring the bejeebers out of me sliding the truck around on the roads when we did go to get groceries!)
Tom said he didn't see his coat in Sam's truck, and with no time left to search, reluctantly put on a different coat. Moments later he was back inside... he HAD found his coat, in the back of the seat of the truck. (His second choice coat was tossed onto the couch as he left.)
So, Sam is preparing to leave for work, with school tonight. A long day ahead of him... where are his truck keys? Tom couldn't remember where he had left them. The second crisis of the morning was escalating, as we looked the house over and over again. I suggested perhaps they had been left in the truck? Sam was horrified at the thought, and took the car keys out to start warming the car. Dan woke up, and I warned him that the keys being found was about to become HIS problem... so he began to search as well.
Sam decided to grab a juice from behind the seat of his truck, to take with him. (He keeps a supply there for work and school.) And there he found his keys. He was able to take his still cold and frosted over truck to work. HOW Tom mislaid the keys there is a mystery.
But now... the Command Center is put together. Nicely organized. Room to lay out those things that need to be remembered when leaving the house. I just have to train three guys to put their stuff there so it won't be mislaid!
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Oh boy, a fresh new year!
I am trying to get new habits going in the new house. The kitchen stays clean. Beds made, bathrooms presentable. Laundry washed, folded and put up on the same day...
It isn't always all done. But I am trying. Even the guys are trying. Most of the time.
We had a great visit with Becky and Tommy and 3/5 of the grands. 6 out of 10 were here for at least a few days together. We didn't get too stressed, even though everyone was cooped up in close quarters, due to record breaking rainfall.
There are some new pictures up at Moocrew3 .
Tom had a nice 60th birthday, very low key. We made a pumpkin cheesecake. He had already found his guitar, so played that awhile, and was thoroughly clambered on by grandkids.
This past week, he had off on vacation. With no place to go, he worked on the garage. He built a storage shelf from scrap lumber. We unpacked lots of boxes, and have been dropping items off at the local thrift store so often, I am pretty sure they should assign us our own place to park.
Today is my first day home alone in weeks. I got my basic chores out of the way, and have spend a good deal of time working on the pantry. We have been living out of the boxes in it, for the most part. I got in there and unpacked boxes and did re-arranging.
This is the pantry at the moment....
And the next picture is taking a step back from the pantry... all of the non-pantry items that have been stowed away in it since the move. Mostly DVD's and a few VHS cassettes.
I got a good sale on ham at Aldi last week. Tonight, ham and beans. Since Sam has class tonight, he will get leftovers of his choice for his supper. Believe me, ham is never a leftover of his choosing. (That Sam I am, he doesn't like ham!)
That pile of stuff is just going to keep sitting there, mocking me, until I go deal with it. So I will say, have a blessed day and Thank you for reading!
It isn't always all done. But I am trying. Even the guys are trying. Most of the time.
We had a great visit with Becky and Tommy and 3/5 of the grands. 6 out of 10 were here for at least a few days together. We didn't get too stressed, even though everyone was cooped up in close quarters, due to record breaking rainfall.
There are some new pictures up at Moocrew3 .
Tom had a nice 60th birthday, very low key. We made a pumpkin cheesecake. He had already found his guitar, so played that awhile, and was thoroughly clambered on by grandkids.
This past week, he had off on vacation. With no place to go, he worked on the garage. He built a storage shelf from scrap lumber. We unpacked lots of boxes, and have been dropping items off at the local thrift store so often, I am pretty sure they should assign us our own place to park.
Today is my first day home alone in weeks. I got my basic chores out of the way, and have spend a good deal of time working on the pantry. We have been living out of the boxes in it, for the most part. I got in there and unpacked boxes and did re-arranging.
And the next picture is taking a step back from the pantry... all of the non-pantry items that have been stowed away in it since the move. Mostly DVD's and a few VHS cassettes.
I got a good sale on ham at Aldi last week. Tonight, ham and beans. Since Sam has class tonight, he will get leftovers of his choice for his supper. Believe me, ham is never a leftover of his choosing. (That Sam I am, he doesn't like ham!)
That pile of stuff is just going to keep sitting there, mocking me, until I go deal with it. So I will say, have a blessed day and Thank you for reading!
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