Saturday, the day I start my trip, is coming soon. I have lots to do in the meantime. I got my baby time yesterday. And the shopping done that I needed to do. Now all I have to do is clean house, finish laundery, decide what to take and pack. I'll save the packing 'til Friday. Don't want the clothes to get too wrinkled. Good thing I'm not afraid to wear the same outfit more than once. And one can come up with a LOT of outfits with jeans and a few shirts. Packing for a 20 day trip would be hell otherwise. I'd have to have a ginormous suitcase. I have two mid-size instead. Easier to handle and, in the long run, they hold more.
Did some laundry yesterday in my new machines. Oh, boy, they're marvelous. No more stooping over to load the dryer. Everything neatly placed in the drawers below. Washing machine nice and quiet. I'm glad I got 'em.
It's raining today...a good day to get things done. Y'all have a quiet day and remember: Different is not another word for wrong.

Gettin' baby time

Although I've only been home a day and a half, I'll be returning to Casa de Crazy for some more baby time today. I'm also taking down a rocking chair from my porch (so Sprout can get a bit of rocking time) and (hopefully) the spare key to the pickup truck (Someone had his mind elsewhere....who can blame him?......and locked the key inside). I'm also going to get another suitcase that isn't black to go along with the silver one I have, for my trip. I realized as I was trying to decide which suitcase(s) to take that when I last looked over the vast sea of luggage in the ship's terminal that almost 90% of that luggage was black! Oh what fun trying to find your own. Sooooo, I think I'll find another silver one and maybe I'll attach colorful ribbons or something so they'll be easier to find. Why do I need more than one large suitcase you ask? Because I'm getting along in years and don't want to put out my back trying to wrestle a huge suitcase into my van. Better two medium size. Besides, I'll be gone for almost three weeks (I'm glad I have family and neighbors that will look after my place) and need to pack enough clothes..not that I'm a clothes horse (where did that term come from?). I don't mind wearing the same outfit two or even three times. I doubt anyone on board would notice anyway.
At any rate, I think I'll get a move on before this new modem decides it wants to act like the old one (which it did yesterday and that's another story).
Y'all have a peaceful Sunday and remember: We are all children of the same universe.

I get to go home today. Mama, papa and sprout came home yesterday. Those of you who follow Kyddryn's blog will see pictures. While I have enjoyed my time here I'm plum worn out from an 8-year old who has more energy than a whirling dervish.
Time to go ....Sprout is up and I want to say hello.

Y'all have a good day.

Saw my new granddaughter yesterday afternoon. I took her big brother over to get acquainted and even talked him into holding her (with a little help). She's beautiful and yes, I'm biased. While mama and Sprout and papa get better acquainted I'll stay here with big brother and try not to go bonkers looking after a very active 8-year old. Don't get me wrong, he's a really good kid, just very active. If you want to see a picture of Sprout go to http://kyddryn.blogspot.com.

Am hoping to find my new modem at home when I get there. At least while I'm at daughter's I don't have to worry about getting booted off without warning. And I have to get my mini computer taken care of. Don't know what I did but it sure isn't working now. I'm taking it on my trip so I really need it working.
That's it for today. Y'all have a good one and remember: desserts is stressed spelled backward.

My granddaughter, Katherine Saoirse Pearl came into this world at 8:07 a.m. this morning weighing 7 lbs 13oz. and 20 inches long. I just received the call from her proud papa. Mom and baby doing well. I'm sure papa will be posting pictures, etc. soon. I'll be taking her brother to visit sometime this afternoon. Look for posts from papa.

Since we received some snow overnight I think I'll head down to my daughter's a little earlier than originally planned just in case it turns nasty. The sky is looking snowish and the temperature is in the right range. Either that or freezing rain. Ugh. Wish it had held off just another day or two. Still waiting for Sprout to sprout. Tomorrow for sure.
Need to get going as I have a bunch to do before I leave. Will get back later. Meanwhile....
It's well documented that a broken heart feels far more painful than squeezing lemon juice over a deep paper cut. BTG

Thought I'd have my new modem by now but nooooo, it wasn't sent out until Wednesday which means it will arrive possibly Monday by which time I will be at my daughter's...not here! I was not a happy camper when I found out.
Now I'm waiting for the arrival and installation of my new washer and dryer. They're supposed to deliver them between 8 and 12 and they'd better. I got up before breakfast dang it. Of course I knew they wouldn't be here at 8. I'm never first on the list. Guess I'll get some knitting done while I'm waiting. Have the second class on socks this afternoon.
Y'all have a good 'un and think about this....Why do we go on and on about individuality being the very essence of who we are and then accept a degrading level of conformity in virtually every facet of our lives?...BTG

I'm at the co-op, using their computer since the router at my house is not working at the moment. So this is short. Waiting for granddaughter to make her arrival. It would be great if she could wait until I get my washer and dryer delivered and set up tomorrow morning but....

Y'all have a scrumptious day and rmember: It's never too late to become a rock star.

Once again I am blessed to have the internet.
I slept in this morning. Needed to give this old brain a rest I guess. Think I'll work on getting some more cleaning done. Am on standby for the imminent arrival of the granddaughter so I don't want to get too involved with anything just in case. Cleaning can always be interrupted, lol.
I have dust rhinos (yes, rhinos, not bunnies) under my bed and my closet could use a good sorting out of clothes that I no longer want or wear, some of which can go to the local thrift store. Besides, it'll give me a chance to choose what I want to take on my trip.
Y'all have a glorious day and remember: In spite of our feelings of invincibility and immortality, our existence is more tenuous than we think.

Wow, I have the internet. At least until the modem decides it doesn't like me again. Every morning I try to log on so I can read my favorite blogs. It seems that that's okay for a while just so long as I don't try to leave comments or stay on too long. I'm ready for the new modem.
Mundane chores today. Glad I have a self-cleaning oven. And then there's the top of the refrigerator which hasn't seen soap and water for a loooooonnnnngggg time. I think I could have started a garden up there. I think I may tackle the cupboard with all the leftover containers. When the counter/cabinet was built for the drop-in stove they failed to put in any shelves so I had to go out and buy some of those wire ones. Needless to say they are not that stable so I have tops everywhere, etc. etc.. Don't know why I feel like spring cleaning when it isn't even spring. Yes, I want to come back to a clean house. But when I walk in the door am I really going to be concerned about the inside of the cupboards? I think not. Oh well...onward and upward. 'Course sometimes it's interesting what things you find when you decide that those shelves really need to be straightened out and those cupboards could use some organizing.
You'll have a productive day and remember: No matter how you look at it, life is strange.

I knew it....

I spent quite a bit of time yesterday morning with my internet provider advanced help person. I knew what the problem was from my experience with the "Level 1" help person "Brian" in India. However, since everything tried didn't work and I went ahead and bought a new network (ethernet) cable (suggested by an English speaking tech of "Level 2" and which also didn't fix the problem), I called back yesterday and a different person of "Level 2" (who spoke English clearly) had me run some other tests which showed that the modem is the problem. I could have told them that. I'll be getting a new one sometime next week. In the meantime I just have to be patient with the one I have and hope it doesn't crap out on me in the middle of a post or something. So if y'all don't hear from me in the next few days, you'll know why. It certainly isn't because I don't like you.
In the meantime, y'all have a splendiforous day and explain this: i before e except after c.....weird?

Since I can't seem to leave a comment on Hermit Jim's blog page, I'll leave it here and those of you who read his blog will know what I'm talking about. Jim, thank you for taking all the calories we (daughter and I) sent you. You saved us from a perilous fate. We'd send more but will be busy soon with a new arrival. Perhaps later on in the year.
Was able to get out and about yesterday. It took me all afternoon to get all the back errands run. Went and bought a new washer and dryer so daughter could have my "old" ones. They still run just fine but hers are crapping out. Now they just have to come get them. Lowes had a deal so I took advantage of it. The gentleman who helped me was very knowledgeable about the brand I bought as he had worked for that company for 16 years. It's the same brand I have now and I find it very reliable and long lasting. Okay, okay, the brand is Whirlpool.
Must get a move on. I hope to make it to the co-op today. The main roads are just fine it's trying to get out of here that can be tricky. There's a shaded hill I have to get up before I can get out to the main road and it's usually nice and slick.
Y'all have a nice warm dry day and remember: Any time you think you have it made, you ususally don't.

Still can't get out due to ice on road. I have intermittent internet. Spent over an hour with "Brian" (in India) yesterday then at last was passed on to someone who speaks the Queen's English. Everything in their equipment appears to be working perfectly. I may need a new ethernet cable. Simple to buy......when I can get out. Supposedly the man who usually does our roads is coming in today to plow. I hope so.
Spent the morning knitting. Decided to see if I could get on the 'net and whoo hoo here I am....temporarily at least. I keep looking at the little icon in the lower right hand corner to make sure I'm still on.
My poor heat pump must be exhausted. It was down to 11 degrees this morning when I got up. Near 41 now which is hopefully melting some of the stuff. Unfortunately it may freeze up again tonight. Sigh.
Supposed to get into the 50's over the weekend. I wouldn't might this cold and snow so much if I could get out and about. I don't have my 4-wheel drive anymore so have just had to find things to do here. People who live with this kind of weather every year laugh at us southerners when we get storms like we had 'cause our road departments just aren't equipped. That's okay. At least we don't have to put up with it every year.
Y'all have a warm day and remember: Think outside the quadrilateral parallelogram.

Lost the internet yesterday and part of today. Don't know why so I unplugged everything, counted to 10 and replugged. Guess it worked. Could be the modem is getting old. Will have to call the young man who installed the unit and get his opinion. Since I am only leasing the equipment I should be able to get a replacement no charge.
We had snow. Boy did we have snow! Unusual for this area. We got about 8 - 9 inches. Then it turned to freezing drizzle which put a coat of ice on top of everything. My poor van looked like a vancicle. I see blue sky out there now....in patches and hear snow/ice sliding off the roof. Still can't get out, though. Everything will probably ice up tonight. At least I got all my laundry done and was able to get the cruise challenge square finished. I don't like the square but couldn't come up with much in the way of ideas with the fabric they sent.
Saw deer track coming right up to the front of the house where I dumped all the sunflower seeds. Little birdie tracks on the porch. At least I think they were birdie tracks. I didn't hear anything out there so I'm guessing the tree rats are staying away from the porch.
Have watched more TV than I want to admit to but can't continue to do close work all day. Makes my eyes go wonky. They don't re-adjust as quickly as they used to.
Y'all have another cozy day and remember: friendship is having enough dirt on each other that you'll never part ways.

More snow

It snowed all night and it's snowing again. There must be anywhere from 6 - 8 inches out there. It must have blown hard, too 'cause there's a half inch of snow on my porch almost all the way to the front door. I am truly snowed in. Fortunately the electricity has not yet gone out. Hopefully, it won't although I'm ready for it if it does. The snow last night looks to have been a dry snow as it did not really stick to the trees like the last snow fall. What's coming down now looks to be a bit wetter.
Guess maybe I'll get some laundry and sewing done today so long as I have power. Glad I could get on the internet. Last time it snowed I couldn't. Am going to quit while I'm ahead this time.
Y'all have a cozy day and remember: The sun is always shining somewhere.

Baby, it's cold outside!! In the low teens when I arose this morn. A bit nippy in my bedroom as I've turned off the heat for up there. It'll warm up with the sun, however.
The sock class was intense yesterday and I'm not even going to try to continue until Tuesday afternoon knit group. I'll have help if needed then and I don't want to screw things up. I did get two toes done. I'm not sure this is an easier way but I'll slog on through and get them done.
Daughter and grandson are coming up today....just for a little while. Going to do some grocery shopping and picture taking.
Y'all take care, have a relaxing day and remember: Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

Looking forward to knitting class today. Going to learn how to knit socks, two socks on one circular needle. Those of you out there who knit know what I'm talking about. It's going to be an interesting experience. The shop owner/instructor's husband is also taking the class and he is a hoot. We're sure to have a lot of laughs as we learn.
Cold and windy today. Weatherman calling for snow/rain/ice starting tomorrow night. Fine with me. I'm not going anywhere.
Successfully solved daughter's card rack problem. No more cards falling to the floor! Speaking of daughter......just another two weeks perhaps before granddaughter comes into this world.
Hermit Jim's mom is in the hospital with pneumonia/pleurisy. Please keep her in your prayers.
Guess I'd better get a move on. I'm sure there are things I can get done before class.
Y'all have a warm day and remember: Light travels faster than sound. tis is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

Didn't get much done at the co-op yesterday. Helped move in some of the stands and bookcases that were brought over from the gallery. More stuff coming today. My muscles are going to let me know they are there for sure. I need the exercise.
We may get some more winter weather tonight or tomorrow. It's kinda gray out there now. Got my electric bill and almost fainted it was so high. I've turned off the heaters on the back porch. Sorry plants. There are two I can't move inside so if they croak, they croak. My budget can't afford to keep them alive. Have I told you how much I despise heat pumps? Just let the temp get 32 or below and they just can't keep up. Never again if I ever build again. Next month I'll turn down the thermostats before I go on my trip. I've turned off the one in my room.
Y'all have a cozy day and remember: Being loved gives you strength. Loving someone gives you courage....Lao Tzu

Went to the gallery yesterday and helped dismantle stuff. Scored a great bookcase for granddaughter's room and may have found the solution to daughter's card rack as well. I'll find out today when I go to the co-op. Other than that not much goin' on.
Y'all have a silly day and remember: You never get walked on unless you throw yourself on the floor.

Did get a few things accomplished yesterday. The living room, however, is still not put back together. Oh well, there's plenty of time.
Would like you to keep HermitJim's mom in your thoughts. Apparently she is quite sick. Jim is frustrated with the doctors and hospital. I don't blame him. Why don't doctors LISTEN to their patients? I happen to be lucky in that mine does listen. It's why I'm still his patient. I've had bad experience with the ER NOT listening when I tried to explain what was wrong. Apparently, unless you are bleeding or having a heart attack, ER personnel don't think you know what you are talking about. Sometimes what's wrong can be so obvious even the clerks would know what's wrong, but noooooo, the doctors have to run all kinds of tests that cost a zillion dollars, before they tell you that what you have described and KNOW is wrong isn't what is wrong and then you go see another doctor on down the road and have a special test that tells him that what you knew was wrong really was wrong. Don't even get me started about radiologists and obvious broken bones.
Okay, enough. Y'all have a calm day and remember: Question authority.

I was going to post yesterday but my computer decided it didn't like me and wouldn't behave so I gave up. Yesterday was not a good day for me (family stuff) but it's over and today will be better. At least I hope so. I have plans of things I want to get accomplished that did not get done yesterday. The living room will get put back to pre-holiday lay out. Luckily the furniture is easy to move. I might get some more work done on the challenge square for the cruise although the fabric they sent does NOT instill creativity in me. We'll see. This month cannot pass too quickly for me. Next month I get to go where it's warm and sunny. I need it.....desperately.
Y'all have a good day and remember: he who hesitates is sometimes just slower than others.

Me, two; tree rats, zero

Shot my second squirrel with my BB pistol this morning. For those of you who are tree-hugging animal lovers be advised: I consider squirrels, aka tree rats, a pest. I tolerate them trying to rob the bird feeders, but when it comes to them coming up on my porch, chewing on the railing or trying to chew their way into my house, uh-uh (ever see the damage they can do?). Ordinarily my shooting at them only scares them away. BB pistols are not known for accuracy, especially if there's a breeze. Every once in a while, though, luck is on my side. If you are offended by my actions, don't bother leaving a comment.
Think I'll finish the job of de-holidaying my house and getting some other stuff done since I have no social or other obligations today. Actually I have a few days....whoopee!
Y'all have a nice quiet day.

Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes.

The new year

I hope it IS a happy new year for everyone. My fingers are crossed that things go better for my daughter and her family. I don't make any resolutions. I believe it's a waste of time. I was in bed by 9:00 last night and was awakened around midnight with the sound of fireworks and gunfire (sounded like a semi-automatic). I think I made a rude noise and went back to sleep. Today is just another day, except for the fact that my daughter's best friend is giving her a baby shower today so that's where I'll be. That's cool. Otherwise I'd be continuing to undecorate the house. I'll do that tomorrow.
Y'all enjoy the rose parade (I'm recording it) and know that I wish each of you bright blessings for this new year.