Dear Chevrolet,
I love my 2003 Astro van but I know that I will have to get another vehicle in the near future.  My thoughts turned to a Suburban with 4-wheel drive.  Then I saw the new ones. Ummm, I'm not ready for a hearse yet.  Really, that's what they look like, especially the black ones.  Maybe I'll have to settle for a good used one.
And the Cruze?  I was given one as a loaner when I had to leave my van for a repair.  Not a car for people with long legs or a bad back.  When I adjusted the seat so my knees didn't hit the dash, my arms were stretched straight in order to steer.  Definitely not comfortable.
I don't know who you get to design your vehicles.  Perhaps you might think about having an ordinary citizen give an opinion.
Thanks for listening,
Me

Getting ready

I'm getting ready to go on a trip.  A quilting cruise.  It's at an odd time of year which means I've got a lot of holiday prep to do before I leave as well as packing.  We celebrate Yule (the winter solstice) here which means I have to have everything done by 12/20.  I get home from the trip on the 15th.  Sooooo.  My gift shopping is done but now there's furniture moving, house cleaning, tree decorating, wrapping, making meringues  and........ whew!  Luckily I do have this whole week.  I am looking forward to this trip, though.  It's 12 days and it's where it's warm.  And sunny, I hope.  I need to get away where there's no phone, no newspaper, no TV (not that there's much on it anyway) no drama.  My cabin mate has never done a cruise before so I'm hoping to show her how much fun it can be.
Now it's off to get a couple of table top trees.   Y'all have a Merry Chrismahanukwanzakah.
But before that.....Happy Thanksgiving.

I haven't written in a while.  I haven't had anything to say.  Don't really have much to say this morning except I'll be glad when these bloody elections are over.  The ads make me want to vomit.  I don't think any of the candidates will do as they promise.  I'm glad I got rid of my land line.  At least I didn't have to put up with all those annoying calls.  When are TPTB going to realize that the government needs to be run like a business?  You and I can't spend money we don't have why should it?  WE live on a budget, so should TPTB. 
I'm glad to see our Marine was released.  He should never have spent any time in jail in Mexico.  His spending that much time only shows what little respect the man in the White House has for American citizens. Yes, I know, we never get the whole story. 
As for what's going on in Ferguson?  Enough is enough.  And the mom giving a speech to the UN?  Really?  The future does not look bright.  I think I just may start storing dry goods (like hell it's hoarding!).
Okay, enough rant for today. Y'all have a good day and remember:  Believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see.

She's gone.

I dreamed of her last night.  We were sitting on the lanai watching the sun come up and the mist rise down in the valley.  No conversation was necessary. We were just enjoying each other's company, sipping our coffee, reading our books.  Miss Priss, her cat, was meandering through the grass instead of insisting on getting up in her lap.
I am going to miss her.  She was my refuge.

Pond

Periodically I have to go down to my pond to clear the cage around the overflow pipe.  This means putting on waders and actually getting into the pond.  There is a slight current because of water coming into it from a couple of small streams.  These push dead leaves and dead lily pads onto the cage along with silt and twigs.  Once the cage is covered the water level rises, which can be a disaster that I'll have to pay for.  Yesterday I went down and, although the situation wasn't bad, started to clear the cage.  This involves grabbing gunk and throwing it onto the dam.  Ordinarily this does not present any kind of problem.  Unfortunately one of the handfuls of gunk with twigs, leaves, etc. landed on a yellow jacket nest that wasn't there a few days ago.  Needless to say the bees were not happy with this and swarmed around the area.  Luckily I was in the water and away from them so I never got stung.  Now, however, I have to figure out where the entrance to their underground nest is so I can go down at dusk and deal with them.  Oh, the joys of owning property.

A Rant

Okay boys and girls......here goes.  We're sending money to countries that want to annihilate us.  We need to quit sending it and start working on things here at home...like trying to balance the budget or maybe even ...GASP!!... helping those who are poverty stricken here instead of over there somewhere.  We need to bring our men and women soldiers home.  We cannot be the world's peace keepers.  The countries we're in have been fighting and killing each other for centuries.  They aren't about to stop because we're there.  We need to protect our own borders against unlawful entries. We need to send back all the unregistered "aliens" to their own countries.  It's too bad they can't make as much money but neither can our citizens if unlawfuls take the jobs.  The UN needs to move to France or some other place.  Especially since it would love to rule the world.  We need to close our borders to everyone.  We need to stop trying to inflict our mores and religion onto nations that are different than us.  ISIS want to annihilate us just because we think we have better rules (maybe we do but...) and also because we are a Christian nation.  I have to ask, though, why not the Vatican?   Why not the Catholics in Europe and Anglicans in England?  Where did the crusades originate from and what was it's purpose?  To annihilate the Muslims.  We are not better than everyone else.  We have corrupt politicians who get paid more than our military and who look out for no one but themselves.  We needlessly buy oil from countries that would like to see us go under even though we have enough raw material to make it unnecessary.  Those of us who were born in the late 30's and 40's had the best of times.  We are now headed in a downward spiral and I worry for the children brought into this world today.  Would that our representatives actually listened to us.
I'd say more but the thoughts are travelling at light speed in my head and I can't get them down fast enough.  All of this is only my opinion which, as of this moment, I still have the right to express.  I can't help but wonder how long that will last.  If you don't agree with me that's fine.  If you want to leave a comment please, at least, be polite.

I'm back from my visit with my friend in TN.  When my daughter and I went up she was in rough shape.  What a change!  When I went this time she was no longer looking like she wouldn't last a month.  Her color was back, she was up and around, even though she had a nasal cannula for oxygen (the tubing for which is EXTRA long so she can get almost everywhere in the house).  The reason for the change, her husband was no longer in the house.  You see, her husband no longer has any memory.  He can't remember, literally, from one minute to the next.  My friend was getting totally worn out trying to keep tabs on what he was up to every minute.  He would try to sneak out to the garage and get in the car and leave.  His daughter would have to go after him and take the keys away that he somehow found.  Luckily they were able to find a good assisted living place for him and he is very happy there.  He has moments (literally) of lucidity but not too often.  Anyway, with the stress gone, my friend has rallied....at least for a while.  My visit was, therefore, a restful one as usual.  We enjoyed one another's company, didn't make any plans to do anything, watched a couple of movies I took with me (The Lone Ranger is a hoot).  We sat out on the lanai and watched the birds while enjoying breakfast.  It was peaceful.  I plan to go back in October with the hope that she is as strong then as she is now.  She is one amazing woman.

I'll be traveling to TN tomorrow to see my friend who doesn't have much time left.  By going I hope to give her daughter some respite.  It's going to be a sad trip but I believe it's important.  I don't know why she has held on this long.  This pending death has been a long, painful journey for her.  She who wanted to outlive her husband because he needed looking after.  Because he is now in a home she no longer has to worry about him, just herself.  Her daughter is there to care for her and her sister lives just down the hill. I don't know if I could hang in there as long as she has or undergone all the treatments she did.  No matter....I will just be there to let her know I love her as my sister.

Maybe not

I'm back from two road trips with my daughter.  The first was to Illinois.  We went because the band my daughter is in was performing.  We set up a vending space hoping to at least make the entry and vending fees.  The weather did not cooperate.  It was either hotter than hell or raining cats and dogs.  The heat affected me partly because of medication I take.  I got sick.  Nothing like wondering which way to turn in a porta-potty.  I quit taking the meds and recovered.  The band performed beautifully.  We did not make our fees and travelling expenses.  So much for that trip.
The second was to Ohio.  Her band did not perform there.  The temps were in the mid to upper 90's and we had one day of rain.  It was HOT.  Putting up and taking down 10x20 canopies in the heat takes a toll.  I did not take my meds and survived without getting sick.  This time we did make our expenses plus some extra.  I don't know that I want to do it again.  As I told my daughter...I'm getting too old for this s--t.

Shunned

My daughter's boyfriend was arrested at her house some time ago.  For purposes of this writing why doesn't really matter.  No, he isn't a murderer or anything like that.  The reason I write is because now the neighbors shun my daughter and her children.  When she or the children are outside they go or stay inside.  If she waves they don't wave back.  Their children aren't allowed to play with hers.  They have condemned her as if she had committed the same misdemeanor as her boyfriend.  Guilt by association.  What they don't realize is that it doesn't hurt my daughter so much as it does the children.  They don't understand and it hurts them to be excluded.  The children have done no wrong.  I wonder if the neighbors would feel the same if the roles were reversed.
It's also a shame that J's (the boyfriend) family has basically shunned him.  And in shunning him they have shunned my daughter.  His being incarcerated means no money coming into the house to help support his daughter.  His daughter (who is 3) did not commit any crime.  I help out as much as I can but it has been rough for my daughter, who is unable to work.  The so-called social resources have not been any help even though she has applied.  At this point the only thing I can say is that it is a shame that my granddaughter's other grandparents, etc. won't get to know this vivacious beautiful little girl.

Vacation

I'm going away for a while.  A vacation.  A trip I bought for myself as my 70th birthday present.  Today I fly to LA, then tomorrow to French Polynesia.  I look forward to seeing another part of the world.  And it will be sunny and warm.  I understand the language is French.  Good thing for me as I didn't do too well with the Spanish in January.  I'll see just how much French I remember.
On a sad note.  My friend in Tennessee is not doing well at all.  I'm hoping I don't get an email from my daughter that she has passed while I'm away.  We plan to go say goodbye when I get back.  Damn cancer!  Her daughter says she doesn't know how long it will be.  Unfortunately the husband, who has no short term memory whatsoever, is in good health so a decision is going to have to be made on what to do about him.  I truly believe that it won't be long before he just gives up since he won't know what to do without his wife.  They've been together for almost 55 years.  When she is gone I will miss her a lot.  She was a good friend and a good shoulder to cry on.


I'll be back in a while.  Since everyone has told me to have a good time...I will.  Y'all take care, stay out of tornados, stay healthy and remember:  not all who wander are lost.

Quiet

Took my sister to the airport yesterday.  Her visit was short but it was sweet.  We don't see or talk to each other often.  It's just the way our family is.  Guess it's going to be my turn to visit her out in MO.  We had a good time catching up on each other's news.  Daughter came up on my birthday and all three of us went to quilt guild then we had dinner together.  All in all a great day.  Now it's back to normalcy, if there is such a thing.  Going to get a hearing test today.  Daughter is happy about that.  At my age it's a good idea.  And I do have problems now and then catching conversation.  Of course the constant hissing in my ears doesn't help.  So if I have to wear a hearing aid, so what?  My new TV got hooked up with the DVD player, etc. when my son came up on Sunday.  My sister hadn't seen him in many years so it was a treat for her.  And him.
I'll be going to my son's place on Sunday.  I haven't been to the new place yet and am looking forward to it.
Guess I'd better get a move on.  Going to walk my mile, etc.  Y'all have a gracious day and remember:  Accept what is; let go of what was; have faith in what will be.

My sister is here for a visit.  She'll only be here for a couple of days but that's better than none!  It's great.  I look forward to the time we'll be spending together.  But wouldn't you know it's going to rain?  Of course.  My son came up yesterday afternoon to visit and finish hooking up my new equipment (hooray).  We all had dinner and good conversation.  An early night with good sleep and we're ready to go.  Y'all have a pleasant day and remember:  all who wander are not lost.

A Visitor

Tomorrow I drive down to the airport to pick up my sister who is coming to visit for my 70th birthday!  It's the first time she has come to visit.  I am soooo looking forward to having her here.  She lives in Missouri and has had a pretty rough winter.  It's been nice and warm here.  Mother Nature is cooperating in a way.  The dogwoods and azaleas are in bloom, trees are greening up and so is the grass.  The forecast is for rain on Monday and Tuesday, which is a bummer since she's only going to be here until Wednesday, but we'll make the best of it.  My son is coming up for dinner tomorrow and my daughter will be joining us on Tuesday at quilt guild.  It's been a long time since my sister has seen either of them.  Boy, will she be surprised!  Like I said, I'm looking forward to her visit so I'd better get a move on and get some dusting done!  Y'all have a gorgeous day.

Aaargh

BlogSpot is trying to tell me that I'm not following any blogs.  Horse hockey, bull cookies!  I have a number of  blogs I follow.  Quit telling me that I don't follow any.  And no, I don't want to add any at this time.   Grrrr.

Typing with one hand is a bit frustrating.  So is doing a lot of other things. After the stitches came out a brace was put on so my thumb and its tendon could rest.  I had my first therapy session the other day and have been given some exercises to do at home.  Needless to say the housekeeping has been put on hold as well as just about everything else.  My maternal grandmother had only one arm.  She lost the right one when she was in her twenties..and she was right handed.  Back then there weren't the modern conveniences we have now and she had to learn how to do everything with her left hand. I admire her tenaciousness, especially since my mother hadn't been born yet.  She lived with us when I was young and taught me some things, like how to tie a shoe lace and do needle punch.  Eventually she lived by herself and she managed.  I honestly don't know if I could do it.  I will do the exercises and when the brace comes off I will be careful not to do what made the surgery necessary.  In the meantime I'm learning to make do and not worrying about making my bed or housekeeping.
Y'all have a thankful day.

Stitches out

Am getting the stitches out today.  Woo Hoo!  It's been an interesting, if sometimes frustrating, experience trying to do things with my left hand that are usually done by the right one.  Every time I brushed my teeth the right hand and arm would start to move along with the left if I didn't pay attention.  Weird.  Opening jars and bottles was a challenge but somehow I managed.  You don't realize how much you depend on the dominant appendage until you can't use it.  I'll be asking if there is some kind of glove or limited brace I might be able to wear so this doesn't happen again.
This time change is for the birds (maybe).  I had to get up in the dark this morning.  Why can't "they" just put the damn clock in between and leave it there.  Or leave it on DST.  Woke up at 6:30 but the body clock says 5:30.  Geesh.
Y'all have a tremendously wonderful day.

Post surgery

The surgery was quick.  The prep and waiting long.   I was given medication for the blood pressure being on the high side (and yes I am now on medication for that).  Daughter drove me down and stayed with me until the surgery.  She was there when I came to.  I don't know what the anesthesia was but I thought I would be awake for the procedure.  Maybe I was but I don't remember.  After I was awake and ready to leave daughter took me back to her house where I spent the rest of the day and night mostly dozing.  I slept for a few more hours yesterday then drove home.  Took a nap then went to bed.  Wasn't hungry but did have a protein drink before calling it a night. Believe it or not the bandage comes off today.  I have to keep the incision site dry.  Hmmm, that should be interesting.  Hopefully I'll be knitting again soon, just not so much.
Y'all have a peaceful day.

Surgery

Today's the big day.  I'm having surgery on my right wrist.  There's a tendon in there that is VERY irritated with me and has been letting me know it.  Luckily I know a really good surgeon who has already done my left wrist for the same problem only my right wrist just happens to be worse.  Cause?  Two things, knitting with 8 inch number 2 circular needles (to make socks or leg warmers) and stress.  It's going to be interesting getting some things done since I'm right handed.  Driving, at least, won't be a problem (yes, I can drive with one hand).  Unfortunately I can't have any breakfast or coffee.  The surgery isn't until after noon and my tummy wants to be fed.  Geeesh...not even water! I understand why so I'll play along like a good girl. 
Y'all have an adventurous day and remember:  sometimes it isn't what it seems.

Seeds

I went to the local big box store, gift card in hand.  I was actually looking for a gift card for a gift for a friend.  I found what I wanted and spotted vegetable seeds on my way to the bird seed.  I'm going to give it a try again this year.  I bought Seeds of Change peas, beans, and chard.  They are labeled organic.  Hopefully I'll get something out of them.  Last year was a bust.  Instead of trying to start them indoors as I did last year I'm going to put the seeds directly in the ground.....after I do a little work on the soil.  I think if I'm not successful with the veggies this year I'll go back to growing flowers.
Y'all have a bountiful day.

Daughter's Birth day

Today is my daughter's birth day.  I won't tell you how many years 'cause that doesn't really mean anything except it's another year she's made it through life.  It hasn't been and isn't now easy for her.  She has strength, though.  She's tougher that she thinks she is.  We're going to our favorite Thai restaurant.  I'd love to have some spring rolls but, unfortunately, they've taken to using cilantro in them and that makes them taste like soap.  Soooo, chicken coconut soup (no mushrooms) with a side of rice and a cucumber salad will do it for me.  Daughter can have whatever pleases her.  Afterward we're going to JoAnn's to see if there's anything we can't live without.  I received a gift card at Yule so I may buy some thread.  I can always use thread for my embroidery.  I may see if she'd mind doing a slight detour on the way home.  I want to see if the orthopedist's office is where it was the last time I was there some years ago.  I have to go get my wrist checked out.  Seems the tendon is irritated with me.  Really irritated!  The original source is probably stress (beginning in the neck) and the constant knitting just made it worse.  Not knitting now.
Y'all have a stress-free day think SPRING.

It's white out there

It's snowing...again.  This time it's a very fine dense snow, that can't decide which direction it wants to come from.  There's a dusting of it all the way to my front door which means the wind must have kicked up during the night.  My whole porch is covered including the seat of the bench swing!  At the moment I still have power but if the snow turns to freezing rain that could change.  Luckily I have wood on the porch, with a coat of snow, so I can at least have a fire in the fireplace and, if necessary, in the wood stove in the basement.  Wouldn't be the first time.  I also have a bit of dry wood on the back porch.
I don't plan on going anywhere but started the van just in case (wanted to make sure it would start).  Sooo glad I had remote start installed.  Didn't go anywhere yesterday either.  Did get some sorting and such done both in the den and basement.  It's slow going but I plan on doing a little every day.
This weather is crazy.  Last week it was fairly mild.  Sunday it's supposed to be in the high 50's or more.  At least I made it down to the pond before this craziness.  I know I'll have to go down again when it warms up a bit. 
Saturday is my daughter's birthday and I'm going to take her out to lunch.  There's a Thai restaurant we both really like and that's where she wants to go.  Sunday I'll be helping her move someone's stuff.  Luckily she has a friend who will watch the kids while we're busy.
Guess I'd better get a move on.  Don't have anything concrete planned.  Guess I'll just putter about, maybe get some more sorting, throwing away done.
Y'all have a peaceful day.

Retreat

I'm going on a quilt retreat this next week.  Am hoping to get a few projects finished.  It'll be nice to be with friends with no worries about cooking or cleaning or laundry, etc.  Just sewing which I should be able to do with this stupid bad wrist I seem to have all of a sudden.  Hope it isn't the same problem I had with the left one.  I really don't want to have to go through surgery, especially since I'm right-handed.  I know what caused it and have quit knitting for the time being.  When I get home from retreat I'll be making an appointment with the doctor who took care of the left one.  Daughter and a friend are coming to take care of the cats.  Because daughter will be bringing the young 'uns the cats will most likely go into hiding.  Granddaughter likes to chase.  She means well, she just wants to pet them.
The snow is gone.  Temperatures are supposed to be much warmer these next few days and the rain comes in on Monday.  Great.  that's the day I drive to NC for the retreat.  Am picking up another guild member on the way and hope that we don't get too wet loading the van with her things.  I plan on getting everything I can into the van tomorrow.
Guess I'd better get a move on.  Cleaning won't get done by itself, darn it.  Y'all have a pleasant day and remember.....today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.  

I know that those "Up North" are probably laughing their collective butts off at our "Snowpocalypse" panic but they should understand something......we aren't used to this stuff!  I stay home 'cause I know how the roads are and how most people don't know how to drive in the stuff.  And now we have ice.  Whoopee!  I do have to get out today and so does my houseguest.  We'll wait until the sun is over the yardarm and some of the ice has melted.  Then I will tiptoe to the highway to get my van serviced then on to the grocery store to get.....no bread, no milk.....toilet paper, cat treats, cat litter.  Maybe some groceries. 
Y'all have an interesting day.

Costa Rica

I got back from  my tour of Costa Rica a few days ago and am slowly getting back into the swing of things here.  At least I am no longer sick like I was before I left.  As for the trip?  Well, there were parts I enjoyed and parts that weren't so enjoyable.  Don't get me wrong, the country is beautiful...at least most of what we saw was.  The problem was all that time spent riding on the bus.  I still have ankle and feet slightly swollen from it.  Much better than they were.  That and, perhaps, the sunburn they got after sitting in the shade for an hour.  The sun is VERY powerful down there.  The original itinerary I signed up for last year is not the one we had due to criminal problems in one of the original areas.  I don't know that I would do the same tour again. As for the food....it was good enough.  I really enjoyed the fresh fruit.  For the most part I skipped the rice and beans....which are served at every meal.  There were a few things that were never explained such as when we arrived we weren't informed we were in the central time zone.  Also, in most public places, including some hotels, people are requested to put the toilet paper in the waste container instead of the toilet.  I know why, but first time travelers wouldn't.  Then there's the hot is cold and cold is hot. Took us a while to figure that one out.  But only in the showers.  We did have a very nice young, enthusiastic tour guide who tried her best to make the disappointments palatable.  I think if I ever go back I'll go to the Pacific coast.  It was warmer, sunnier, and less windy than the Caribbean coast.  All in all though, I'm glad I made the trip.

Away, away

I'm away to warmer climes today.  It's gray and gloomy here so sunshine and warmth will be most welcome.  Not knowing about internet access wherever I'll be each day I probably won't be getting in touch.  Hopefully those of you who are where it's going to be coldest are prepared for staying warm.  Stay healthy.....

A little better.....

...but I still need that lung!   The cough just won't go away!  Although it doesn't happen as often it still makes me think I'm going to cough something up.  Actually I wish I would.  Almost feels like a hairball down there.  I've been up longer today than the last week, I think.  Food actually sounds good.  I am bound and determined to be okay by Sunday.  Why?  Because I'm going on vacation.  To someplace warm...where the sun shines.  I'm looking forward to seeing new places.  Now all I have to do is pack and hope I don't forget anything.  Not taking much...just my onboard suitcase and a fanny pack.  Might take some knitting for the long day trips.  I'll have reading material, of course.  Luckily I have someone who will come and check on Cleo every day.  PB goes to the vet for spaying and will board there while I'm gone.  Let them make sure she's okay post-op.  And they're better at dealing with a cat with that cone thing on it's neck.  I'll take a couple of toys and food just so she won't feel totally abandoned. 
Looks like a snow sky out there.  Doesn't matter, I was here first and am not afraid of a few flakes.  Snow flakes, that is.
I don't know what this year will bring but my hope for everyone is that this year is much better than last.  Blessed be.