The Mushroom Grove

So, Where Have I Been?

2010-10-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

Well, that's a long story and not one I feel like telling for now, maybe one day. We'll see. Has life changed me since my last post? Oh, far more than even I want to think about.

Just let it be said that I am as healthy as I can be at the moment, getting on with life, still exercising (jogging even), and keeping on.

Regrets? I have a few, who doesn't? But you deal with life as it deals with you.

Someone once asked, "Do you believe in Destiny?" The answer: "I believe everyone does the best they can until their Destiny is revealed."

I'm still waiting.

Change, like the seasons, is inevitable. To those who have passed through my life, I wish you well. To those foolish enough to still be in it, my undying respect for your stick-to-it-ness.

Y'all probably won't hear from me again for a long time. I just wanted to pop in and let everyone who gives a damn know that I'm still breathing.

Be well.

Winter Is Arriving?

2008-10-29T09:44:00.001-07:00

Life just keeps at me so I find little if any time to update this thing. I know I should get better at it. I just don't have the will or the time, of late or so it seems.

Mr M was a first responder in a three car crash last week. He had to be tested for AIDS as he had some small cuts on his fingers. The victim he assisted turned out negative so that was a relief. Otherwise, his health still continues to a big issue. Nothing has really changed in that area.

Other than doubting my sanity at times, I'm hanging in there. My health continues to improve. Odd how that works. I think I am healthier now that I am older than when I was younger. It's not because I'm older either. I think the only time I think about that is when my bones let me know it.

So, that's the Zoo in a nut shell, at least for now.

Happy Halloween.

The End of September

2008-09-28T22:32:00.000-07:00

Where does the time fly these days? Who knows but before I knew it, here we are at the end of September and it feels like fall is slipping in.

So catch up.. Mr M's health continues to be an issue. There's far more on the front now than before but the good news is that with previous health problem, we think we know know what's causing those attacks and they aren't TIAs. The bad news is, there is no cure and the treatment(s) suck. In other words, there's very little they can do for Mr M. We've gotten procedures to follow and they're going to do a tilt table test on him next month. Mostly, it's learn to live with it.

The new development to his health is a bit more worrisome. I keep asking myself, over and over, when does it stop or does it ever stop. This new thing has me worried but I'll get through it like I've managed to maintain through everything else.

Mr M is bowling and has managed to talk me into letting him have a new bowling ball -eye roll- he'll probably be contacting someone I know for some advice.

The kidlings are growing like weeds. Pookie is in the 6th grade which means a new school for her this year and that takes getting use to. Topper is still Topper.

Between worrying and WoW, I've been on an exercise regime and a new medication means I need to go give them some blood to check my liver.

That's about it folks.

Still here, Still around...

2008-09-04T08:49:00.000-07:00

...kinda. Life has its demands and mine seem daunting from time to time and downright scary too. However, thankfully, Troll has come home and he helps me maintain my sanity, whatever is left of it. All things happen for a reason with a purpose, I just maintain my faith in that and wait to see what is being delivered this time.

Unfortunately my desire for roleplaying or writing has come to a virtual stand still. The trade off being a new game to play that I find challenging and fun, when I have time for fun, that is.

For those of you who have tried calling and only getting my voice mail, my new phone was acting up but I got it straightened out and most times, I'm either somewhere where I can't answer or just too damn tired to even try. I haven't forgotten you, I promise.

I'm out of communication, but for the time being, I simply don't mind. I have far too much taking up my time and my effort and I would hope, my friends would understand this. In the meantime, I wish everyone the best and all is going well for each of you.

Ugh!

2008-07-31T21:24:00.001-07:00

So, here it is the last day in July and I suck at keeping this thing updated. My apologies. The recent news in the Grove is that Mr M was admitted to the hospital early this past Sunday morning, around 1am with stroke like qualities. he just came home today. he did, indeed, have a small stroke. Part of his vision is affected, but not overly so, words are a just a little blurry. His right side was affected. His grip in his right hand isn't what it use to be but is stronger than it was. His right leg is also somewhat weak, but all these things the doctor feels will eventually revert to normal.

Some of you may be wondering why I haven't been answering my cellphone. I've either been sleeping, in the hospital or playing WoW (to relax and forget my worries for a small bit of time), yes, I have succumbed to the game of World of Warcraft and I love it. In any case, Mr M is on two new medications in addition to his regular stuff. All the testing the V.A should have done, is finally done and it's going to cost them alot more since they decided to take their sweet ass time and do it themselves. What Mr and I thought would happened, came to pass, only we got lucky, it wasn't a severe stroke but it could have been. When I got him into the ER his blood pressure was 50/40. Yeah, you read that right. They pushed fluids into him via IV. It was a long Saturday night (or Sunday morning however you look at it) but he's home now.

Oh yeah and Troll moved back home.

That is all.

Into A Hot, Hot, July

2008-07-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

The highest temp it's been this past week is 115 degrees. Right now? It's 111.9 degrees. The fires that spawned during the last thunderstorm are still burning up here, There were 158 but some of them have merged. it's still early into the fire season and already things are blazing out of control, that's scary.

Daughter and the kids are with Troll in Oregon and will be there for a couple more weeks. The high there? About 90 degrees. -snicker- The natives are melting, personally, I'd call it a vacation.

Nothing new with Mr. M's health, but -knock wood- he hasn't had another one of those episodes lately. Hopefully, the new medication is what is holding those at bay.

I have a doctor's appointment on the 16th so I'm hoping she'll be pleased, especially with my weight. All my clothes definitely show I've lost considerably. I'm just praying my A1C is good too. I'll be surprised if it isn't.

So, that's it for the grove. Nothing really happening around here worth mentioning. Just trying to stay cool. Hope everyone had a safe and good fourth. It was quiet as it was just Mr M and myself and each of us was off doing our own thing.

The End of June

2008-06-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

Well, this is starting to be a habit =/ I write at the first of the month and at the last. I really should try to make the effort to update this more. Where to start?

Well, FB had Daughter in tears and when she came crying to me, over the phone, I interrupted her and told her to go calm down, go take a shower or a nice long hot bath, especially since FB had the kids. She also gave him his copy of the court ordered child support. I'm sure he's not happy about that or won't be when he finds out how much it is. He didn't open the envelope while she was around, so we don't know. He's suppose to get the kids back in late July for two weeks. One thing he did that upset her badly was that he kept taking the kids all over the place and spent the dollars. Well, that will stop once he sees the child support order. Daughter and kids are going up to Troll's after the the fourth of July for about a week. I get a break. Yay. We were suppose to go up for the fourth but, I have an older dog that has hip trouble and I need to stick around to help him get up. I'll have to put him down here in about a year, I think.

Mr M got a phone call from the neurologist. He did have a at least one stroke, maybe more. he wasn't too worried. They're called silent strokes and usually found in people Mr M's age. Management is the new medication they put him on but they still don't know what's causing these episodes. They're baffled. They'll schedule him for an appointment and they're going to start more rounds of tests. other than that, there's nothing they can do.

I'm staying busy. I don't see much of Sprout these days. That boy really does need to get a job and become a viable part of society. -sigh- I do worry about him.

So, in a nutshell, nothing out of the ordinary bounds of The Grove's usual routine. Oh, except that last weekend we had thunderstorms and lightning. It caused at least 100 fires in our area. I'm safe. The transformer, about 100 feet from my house, took a direct hit by the lightning. Took out the transformer and melted the wires up on the pole. I was without electricity for about 7 hours. Well, just before midnight I got electricity restored just before midnight. They say we're due for more storms this weekend. I hope not. We haven't gotten these fires contained yet.

That's it folks. Hopefully, I'll update this thing more.

On A Late Early Summer Night

2008-06-09T23:53:00.000-07:00

No, I haven't forgotten about this thing, I just keep forgetting to update it. My right wrist is doing well and oddly enough (as I have heard it said before)it seems to be stronger than before.

Mr M got his MRIs done, after he complained to a VA patient advocate. Radiology didn't like it, but then, they're not living on a edge, never knowing if they are going to have a stroke or not, are they? We're just waiting for the doctor to review them and a phone call.

Saturday, Mr M and Daughter took the kids halfway and met with FB, so they kids could spend two weeks with their dad. He'll pick up the additional two weeks sometime in late June? July? Can't remember.

Sunday we got the air conditioners in the windows. Mr M went in Sprout's room and tripped over some soda cans and stuff on the floor. He twisted his ankle out of the joint but popped it back in himself. He seems to be fine, in some pain though and he couldn't bowl that night.

I'm hanging in there. I've found something to keep my attention and keep me on my toes. Things are the same and they aren't. My exercise routine is still in place and I'm actually beginning to see the difference. By next year, who knows how I'll shape up. Which reminds me, I need to get busy and make my doctor's appointment, I'm already late for it. My surgery is still hanging out there too. My blood sugar is a little up there, but I'm not too worried yet.

All in all, the Grove is still here. It's shifting, changing even, but still here. I'm still here.

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T14:52:00.001-07:00

There isn’t a day I am not reminded of the men and women on foreign soil putting their lives on the line and for what? Freedom and the strong belief in it. If we can help secure freedom for others who can’t on their own, we are, by and large, securing our own futures and the futures of our children. For men and women to be able to see that big picture and to have the courage and the determination to see that through, is something that takes my breath away.

There are people who disagree with me and that’s quite alright. You see, they have the freedom to do so even as I have the freedom to speak my mind. They say to me, “What about all those that have died? What have they died for really?” My response to them is quite simple, my voice stays soft and even toned. “They will have sacrificed their lives for nothing if we don’t see what they saw. We can not be so eaten up by despair and sorrow that we ignore what they chose to believe. No one wants to die. No one wants to kill, unless of course, you are filled with some sort of insanity, but until mankind evolves into some high consciousness, there is always going to be killing. There will always be someone insane person with the idea that he wants to rule the world at the expense of others.

I have gone to more veterans’ cemeteries than I care to think about. If you haven’t, I invite you to find the one closest to you and go. Tell me you aren’t moved by all the headstones, all the crosses, and armed with the knowledge that these men and women died securing freedom or at least fought for it. How many more of them died alone? How many more are buried overseas far from their homeland and loved ones? Do we owe them something? Damn right we do. We owe them by never forgetting that freedom does not come free. We owe those who are overseas now, fighting or not, that honor as well. Yes, we want them home and as soon as possible, but not at the expense of creating a vacuum that would swallow up democracy if left alone to do so. It starts with one small country and if let untouched, it feeds until it grows to the point that even us, the Big Bad United States, may one day fall to its knees in anguish. Let us hope and pray none of us sees that day for then, hell has truly come calling.

For all those that have served, for all those that serve now. Thank you. Words are not enough but it is all I have. The sacrifices made, the ones being made, have not been in vain, I promise you. You all will not be forgotten.

So...

2008-05-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

We got the appointment for Mr M's brain MRI and it's this Friday. After that, it's wait for them to be read and then go see them to see what's going on, if anything is going on, and what our options are, if we actually have any.

FB just got his private parts fried in family court earlier in the week. He got nailed with a decision regarding child support I'm sure he's not going to like. Daughter tried to warn him. I guess it's a good thing he just got a job, since he and his woman have both been without a job for awhile now.

Daughter's been a bit of a pill and she knows it. However, I have to give it to her, she's trying. Pookie is in those pre-teenage hormones. Topper is his usual mischief self. He stapled pictures on my hallway walls the last time he was here. He ought top be thankful I don't make him pull the staples out with his teeth.

I'm back on my exercise routine and going strong. My diet has even changed, for the better, since everyone has moved out. My clothes are getting big for me again.

Have a safe and wonderful Memorial weekend and please, remember those who have served, those that have returned and those who have aid the ultimate price. It's the least we can do.

Stuff Cropping Up In The Grove

2008-05-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

So, I know I haven't been as updating as I should be, but no one else is either, well, except one person I care about dearly. So, I'm shamed, briefly, into updating this thing.

Mr M has been having health issues for awhile now. The medical community has been puzzled, that is, until we went to the hospital on Monday for his neurology appointment. Finally, there's some news and at least something to go on. It doesn't sound good but simply just having something to go on is heartfelt. They think all his attacks, whatever they are, are stemming from the blood vessels in his brain and or, his brain stem. They have ordered an MRI of his brain, will study the test and then call him in to discuss what the matter might be. They are pretty sure these attacks are not TIAs. The neurologist says TIAs don't happen as quick as Mr M seems to be having them. They won't say it's a tumor but they aren't saying it's not. So, we're back into that familiar pattern of having to wait and see. In any case, Mr M has been scared, I've been scared and trying to hold down the fort and keep the worry at bay. So, that's my deal of late, that and running Daughter around, but don't get me started on that. Other than that, life goes on.

I hope everyone is well. I check the blogs at least once a week. Happy belated birthday Em and UPDATE yer friggin' blog. Everyone. I can't keep track of you without it! Hugs.

Updates From a Beautiful Sunday Morning

2008-04-27T06:52:00.000-07:00

I got the back mowed down. There's more I want to get but I'm going to have to go out there and separate the stuff that needs sent to the burn pile from the keeper stuff. Once those vines latch one, I'm screwed. So, I'm still not comfortable with the fire bluffer zone, but I'll work on it. I got a little sun today too.

Mr. M is working on getting the swing set up for the kids. Topper is helping him dig holes. Topper does that real well. He's not in a good place right now. He misses his dad something fierce, so consequently, he's been acing up. Part of the reason Daughter hasn't taken a job is that Topper's state of mind and his emotional well-being comes first.

An interesting new development, Pookie's sperm donor seems to have the inclination to be in his daughter's life. Daughter and the sperm donor talked several times about it, it's not that she doesn't want Pookie to know him and Pookie has been asking, she wants to insure that the sperm donor is not just going to come into Pookie's life and simply disappear when he doesn't have time for her. So far, so good. Oh, and perhaps I should mention that the sperm donor can't stand me. He's civil enough whenever we do meet in public, but I think he feels intimidated by me. Gee, I can't for the love of life figure that one out.-smile-

I started back on my exercise regime. Since everyone has moved out, I have started to loose more weight so hopefully, I'll stick to the exercise and tighten everything up as I do. I pulled out the summer clothing and started packing the winter. It's going to be 86 degrees today. I kinda like how this year we seem to be easily slipping into the summer heat instead of getting tossed into it abruptly. There are so many things I want to accomplish this spring and summer. I just never know how many I can get done before the heat drives me inside.

Mr M has good responses about starting summer bowling teams, so I guess we'll see how it goes. I am glad I suggested it to him. I think this would be really good for him. I'm still debating about bowling myself. I'm a little worried that my wrist won't be able to handle it, even if I am wearing a brace.

Joyous, I haven't forgotten, truly. It's just that at the moment, I have all these doctor and dental appointments to attend with Mr M that an extra trip down south is just a little hard, not to mention the gas prices these days. I was thinking, maybe I could either send you some money and have you mail it to me or give you the account number for our FedEx. I'm still working on that.

In any case, the Grove is buzzing with its usual activities and life is just meandering on. I hope all is well with those I love and care for.

April

2008-04-20T17:16:00.000-07:00

I'm well aware the end of April is shortly upon us. Where did it go? Things around the Grove are quiet, for the most part, we get a hiccup now and then, but we keep going. Mr Mushy has been playing havok with my nerves. Seems his blood pressure won't stay where it's suppose to stay, in a safe zone. He went to Sac for a ENT appt and I waited in the car, where it was warm. The next thing I knew, I had a security cop knocking on my window telling me Mr M was in the ER, nothing serious, he'll be alright, they just can't get his blood pressure down. Sweet Mother of Mary, just scare me half to death. I drove the car to the other side of the hospital and when I got out, my knees were shaking. We spent all day there and finally they got his bp stablized and the test results came back negative so they released him to come home. The following week he had a doctor's appt and his bp was down to normal.

FB's on my radar again, but that's nothing new, eh? Troll seems to be doing okay in Oregon. That 11 days he spent down here seemed to help.

Still sorting through stuff, what to keep, what to throw away. Not much is new.

Tuesday's Grace

2008-04-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

Troll came down this past Friday. He has needed a break from work for sometime now. Finally, he was able to break away. We've been having a relaxing good time. This week, we're going to the movies. There's not a whole lot playing that interests me, but I really do want to see "Shutter" so that's what we're going to watch. I always look forward to going to the movies with my brother as we always have a good time together. Unfortunately, he has to leave on the 7th but it won't be long now before the snows are a thing of the past as Spring and Summer set in. I'll be going up to see him a lot more then.

Things around here are in a dull roar, but then, when isn't it? If it's not one thing, it's another. I have an empty room to fix up, repaint and start putting stuff into. I've never had an actual empty room before. This is a novel idea. I like it though. I think I'm afraid to do anything to it, because something's going to happen if I do. In any case, nothing truly new to report here.

DK, I'll be leaving you a message elsewhere. Going now to write it.

The Link For Today

2008-03-24T21:24:00.000-07:00

This was sent to me and I felt compelled to send it along and if you aren't touched in some manner by it? Then you have my sympathy. Three soldiers wrote this and put it together in their spare time over there.

The Saturday Before Easter

2008-03-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had to road trip to Sacramento. Mr M had an appointment for a Doppler Ultrasound of his kidneys and liver, a three hour drive for a 15 min. appointment, go figure. At least now, the reimbursement for travel makes it worthwhile. It actually pays for the gas going down and coming back with a smidge leftover.

Yesterday, I went and got Daughter, Pookie and Topper so they could spend the night as Mr M was driving them down south so the kids could spend Easter with FB. I swear, this is the last bloody time we're going out of our way for his damn ass. The only reason I did it this is because Daughter's psoriasis is acting up something terrible and always does every bloody time she has to deal with FB. But I'm getting mighty damn tired of his being selfish in that if things conflict with what he needs or wants to do, he's in Daughter's knickers telling her how selfish she is or threatening to tell the kids how it's their mother's fault he can't see them.

So, today, I have the house to myself and shortly, I'm going to go outside and get some yard work done. I don't expect Mr M and Daughter to be back until later this afternoon.

Have a safe weekend, people.

Happy Days Are Here Again

2008-03-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I went to the Ortho doc today and I am now castless. I saw the x-rays myself. It's healed up fantastically well. I have to wear a splint for for the next two weeks and I should be totally without one by the end of April. My range of motion in my right wrist is basically nil, but I'll get that back. What I find so incredible is how sore and painful my right hand is. In any case, it's good to be back without a cast. I can remove the splint for periods of time but he rather I wear it.

Daughter and Mr M are taking the Pookie and Topper down south to FB's house. Then Mr m is bringing her here to spend the night Saturday and spend Easter Sunday. I might just fetch them on Friday so they all can leave from here. FB's bringing them back later in the week.

Mr M had another episode last night. It caught him and me by surprise. He just hit the floor. They're saying the cardiologist is not needed for a consult but something is going on here.

Not much else new in the Grove.

Happy Easter to you all. Here's to Hope, Life Eternal and new beginnings.

What's New Pussycat?

2008-03-08T21:35:00.000-08:00

Well, ya gotta know there is always something happening in the Grove, right? No matter how big or how trivial. I got called on Friday by Daughter asking me to go pick up Topper from school. Apparently, some bigger kid shoved him on the playground, he fell and hurt his wrist. He's fine, they iced it and it's not broken. He tried playing it for what he could. It got him a little somewhere but not much.

Pookie's sperm donor has come around. Pookie has been asking about him. Daughter has been handling the situation quite well and the SD is actually acting grown up for a change, of course he still doesn't like me but ask me if I care. besides, he doesn't have to like me to make the effort to get to know his daughter. Daughter has set down some guidelines and terms and SD doesn't dare forsake. Personally, I'm not pleased with the dude. my thoughts are that if he could raise his first daughter, there was no excuse for not taking an active role in his second daughter's life, but hey.. if this works out, all the better because FB is on the list again. Oh yeah.

Got a call from Troll, that poor guy surely bit off more than he could chew. Ah, hindsight, a wonderful thing..not. In any case, his store is coming along slowly. Once he gets it in shape, he'll have such a great sense of pride that HE did it, but at the moment -snicker- he swears the place is out to get him. He is hoping to get some vacation time after Easter. he needs to come home and recharge. The jury's still out exactly when he'll get to come home though.

Sprout, we hardly see at all. He's off at one friend's place or another. His car isn't working at the moment, but Mr M is going to see if he can figure out the problem. Sprout has hauled so many of his friends around, that he doesn't want for a ride. his funds are running low so he knows he'll have to buckle down soon and get a job. Did I mention he has a woman in his life? She's a few years older than he is, but they seem to like each other well enough. He even has a key to her apartment. At this point, that relationship is moving slowly along. I have a feeling she may tire of it before he does. He's just not ready for any long term serious relationship. He's still into some serious gaming as in video games and online games like WoW. -eyeroll- This new generation.

Mr M is doing okay. Nothing new or disturbing on that front. More tests scheduled though. Like I mentioned, I canceled my surgery. It is, at this point, elective. While I don't relish the idea of passing another gallstone, this was necessary until we see to Mr M's health. I simply can not out of commission while we try to figure this all out. My guess is, it will be sometime this summer if I behave with my diet.

So that's about all I have for now. As for politics? I'm not even going there. Open wheel racing starts soon so I have something to look forward to.

Zipping Right Along

2008-03-06T11:02:00.001-08:00

A week and a half left. I keep saying that. I am so sick of this cast, I can't begin to tell you. The past three months have been a challenge to say the least. Learning to do everything with my left hand has been downright exhausting. I have found that it takes minute concentration to even form some numbers and letters. Cutting a steak with my left hand has proven to be interesting, to put that mildly. The one thing I have learned through this experience is that I can function as a normal person with my left hand becoming my dominate. I still have a long way to go to perfect it and I won't need to, but it is good to know I can.

Things around the Grove are quiet since Daughter and the kids moved out. We're liking it. We don't spend nearly the money we have been and the peace and quiet is wonderful. We're still struggling to recover but I think in about two months things will look a lot better than they have. We're working on cleaning and redoing things slowly. Mr. M's health hasn't been the best lately although, she still aren't learning why. His doctor is truly puzzled but swears he will figure this out. I canceled my surgery until we figure this all out. Mine is elective surgery unless I have another bad attack,which, I am going to do everything in my power to avoid.

I Owe My Mother!

2008-02-27T00:28:00.000-08:00

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

4. My mother taught me LOGIC
" Because I said so, that's why."

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

7. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS .
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11 My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE .
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION .
"Stop acting like your father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION
"Just wait until we get home."

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING
"You are going to get it when you get home!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."

19. My mother taught me ESP .
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

20. My mother taught me HUMOR .
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me"

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

And my favorite:

25. My mother taught me about JUSTICE .
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you"

That's why MOTHERS RULE!

BEING A MOTHER

2008-02-21T13:52:00.000-08:00

After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie.

She said, "I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you."

The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my Mother, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.

That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie."What's wrong, are you well," she asked? My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.

"I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you," I responded "just the two of us."She thought about it for a moment, and then said, "I would like that very much."
That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous.When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary.

She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's. "I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed,"she said, as she got into the car. "They can't wait to hear about our meeting."
We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy.My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady.

After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mother sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips.

"It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small," she said."Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor," I responded.During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said, "I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you."I agreed.

"How was your dinner date?" asked my wife when I got home. "Very nice, much more so than I could have imagined," I answered.

A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place Mother and I had dined. An attached note said: "I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me.I love you, son."

At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: "I love you." and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than our family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off until 'some other time.'
Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby.... that somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother,"normal" is history.

Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you love the first....that somebody doesn't have two or more children.

Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery....that somebody never watched her "baby" get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten...or on a plane headed for military "boot camp."

Somebody said a Mother can stop worrying after her child gets married....well that somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a Mother's heartstrings.

Somebody said a Mother's job is done when her last child leaves home....that somebody never had grandchildren.

Somebody said your Mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her.... that somebody isn't a Mother.

Pass this along to all the "Mothers" in your life and to everyone who ever had a mother. This isn't just about being a Mother; it's about appreciating the people inyour lives while you have them....no matter who that person is.

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle".

Sulking

2008-02-19T17:48:00.000-08:00

Well, the good news is that the bone is healing well, the doctor is pleased, I'm pleased, which means no surgery is needed. The bad news is, I'm in a new cast for another month. I shall endure because it is only for another month AND because I don't need surgery. Speaking of surgery, I'm canceling my gallbladder one until later, after we find out what's going on with Mr M. His health comes first. All I need to do is keep from inflaming my gallbladder again. I think I can handle that.

Just Another Day In The Grove

2008-02-19T09:49:00.000-08:00

On Friday, Mr M took me out to dinner for my birthday to our favorite steak house. We opted for staying in on Valentine's Day. I didn't feel like waiting or dealing with crowds of people. mr M also gifted me with a new wedding band set as my old one needs some serious repair. I am not happy with the last repair. The jeweler sends it out to be repaired and whomever he sent it to? Did a crappy job. In any case, I have a nice simple set now.

This afternoon I go to the ortho doctor and see if my cast comes off for good. If not, they will have to redo this one, it's very loose. It has not been an easy ride. I have fallen a few times with this thing and I hope I haven't disaligned the bone. I guess i'll find out today.

Things around the Grove have been quiet since Daughter and the kids moved out and Sprout is hardly ever home or if he is, he's in his room. There is so much clutter to go through. Mr M and I started working on that this past weekend.

not much else folks. Things otherwise have been pretty quiet.

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T20:53:00.000-08:00

To all the people I care about.. Happy V day and I hope you spent it with someone you love or if not, at least, you got lots of delicious, decadent chocolate!!

Oooooooooo

2008-02-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

It sure was quiet last night, almost too quiet. I'll adjust. I have to get use to it all over, but I'm not complaining. They got the bulk of Daughter's and the kids' stuff over there before it got too late. Mostly I have clean up to do. Of course, I need to get use to cooking mainly for two and sometimes three (when Sprout decides to grace us with his presence) but I'll figure it all out and HEY! I -finally- have an empty bedroom! I never thought I'd see that day. For as long as I can remember all the rooms have been filled. So this is truly a first in the history of this house.

Not much else is new here. verything else seems to be status quo. I am considering putting off my surgery until we get Mr M all figured out but then I think, get it done and over with. Then I'll not have to worry about my gall bladder ever acting up again. -Sigh- Decisions, decisions.

Three day weekend. Not that, that, changes my life in the least. Will probably have to be up early Tuesday morning to get the kids to school since SOMEone for got to call the bus dept and find out about the kids bus schedule.

Oh yeah.. and in December, FB lost his job down south. We don't know how or why. Karma's a bitch, isn't it?

News Update From The Grove

2008-02-08T11:18:00.000-08:00

Well, the day has arrived. We're starting to move Daughter, Pookie and Topper into their own place. Hopefully this weekend, they'll all be moved in. It's going to be tight for her monetary wise but I know she can handle it. Then I have to be in the process of righting this house again. I want this damn cast off. I go see the ortho doc on the 19th, four days -after- my birthday. I'm hoping it comes off.

Still worried about Mr M's health. Battery of tests are forthcoming. One of his docs thinks he's been having a series of TIA's, which make sense, but what worries me is that there are far too many of them lately. This next month (March) we'll be in Sacramento, alot. There's his tests and my surgery.

Other than that, same stuff, different day. Over.

Updates In The Grove

2008-01-26T14:42:00.000-08:00

So, I've ben painfree for at least a week now. I can't believe I went through a bottle of vicodin.I have another bottle, but so far, I havne't needed it and don't think I will. I have a trip to Sacramento on Monday and then I hope that will be all until my surgery comes up in March.

The best news, I think: Daughter and babies are moving out the first of the month IF the landlady and HUD can come to an agreement.

The bad news: My planned trip to the Indy 500 for this year is off. Money saved for it is seemingly going for other things. I asked Mr M: Which do you want more: help Daughter with her deposit and get our house back or go to Indy? He chose what I thought he would, help her with her deposit. I'm a little upset at missing Indy this year, but next year for sure.

The eh news: We have to help her move. At least, she has a downstairs apt. or will have, if the contract is done deal, which we'll know for sure this week. I am alos setting about securing her furniture. Thank heavens for Free Cycle.

All in all, I want my sanity back AND I'll have a spare room!

Snoopy Dancing

2008-01-18T01:08:00.000-08:00

So, Iwent to the ortho doc today and he wanted to put me in another long cast for another week. I whined, I made puppy dog eyes and the outcome was, I got my short cast today. Champva also approved of my having an ultra sound machine to help aid the healing of this bone I broke. I started the treatment today. I have to do it everyday for 20 min. It's suppose to take about 3 or 4 weeks of the normal healing time. Well worth the effort, I'd say. In any case, having this shorter cast is great. Still stuff I can't do and I have to be more careful but it's great. The X-rays showed that the bones are still in perfect alignment. I actually could see the fracture this time.

Tomorrow is road trip. I have to be in Sac around 10:30am for a stress echo.

DK? I haven't had the chance to write elsewhere, will attempt to do so tomorrow. You're starting to worry me, Mister.

So Color Me Purple

2008-01-08T14:26:00.000-08:00

I'm back and sporting a purple full arm cast (up to my shoulder)for two weeks and then I move to a below the elbow cast for about 8 weeks. Yeah, joy. I had to break one of the bones that's hardest to heal and even then, no promises. I may need surgery. Typing is interesting along with....managing several personal matters. So far, the bone alignment is good. The prayer is that it(the bone)doesn't shift. If it does? They'll have to go in and put a pin in. So we pray it doesn't shift. I go back next week and they check it to see if they need to recast because the swelling has gone down. In the meantime, it's hunt and peck for typing.

Welcome to my challenges for the next three months.

I'm Back

2008-01-06T14:56:00.000-08:00

Did any one miss me? I wonder. My electricity went out on Friday morning and was out util today. In the interim? Guess what I did? I broke my wrist, rather, I broke a bone in my wrist and would you believe, it's the only bone in there that has a blood vessel? And if it doesn't heal properly and cuts off the blood flow,I could be in a world of hurt. So, I'm in a plaster splint for now until the swelling goes down. Then I have to go get a cast on it and wouldn't you know it, it's my right hand. :/

Other than that, we weathered the 80mph winds and came out of it okay. Even if the storm took out the main transformer hence the,lost electricity. Hope all is well with everyone else.

Time Waits On No One

2008-01-01T10:29:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Peoples! I hope you all brought in the new year in a safe and happy manner. Over here in the Grove, all was quiet. Pookie and Topper have been at their father's in San Ramon and will be until Friday. It's been mighty quiet around here,let me assure you, almost too much so. That will, no doubt, come to an end soon enough. In the meantime, Christmas has come and gone. Troll came down as promised and went back on the 26th, a good thing too, the 27th we all got blasted by a good size storm and he would have have gotten caught up in it. He brought the kids a trampoline and between him, Sprout and myself we got it set up. We havne't had much time to spend on it yet, but I'm sure we all will eventually.

Christmas was a quiet affair. The kids made out like bandits, as always but not overly so. Everyone else enjoyed their Christmas presents as well. Mr M got two gift cards for Barnes and Nobles so he was a happy clam.

New Year's Eve was quiet as well. Sprout was over at a close friend's house, they tapped into a pony keg. he spent the night there of course. One of my adopted daughters came over to keep my Daughter company. Mr M opted to stay in the bedroom with his tv and I chose to spend mine online roleplaying. I found a goodplace to roleplay and it was enjoyable. I created a whole new character just for it.

So for today? Not much. Football. My local boys (the Hawaiians-yay!) are in the Sugar Bowl. And my other team, the Trojans, are playing in the Rose Bowl. I'm doing prime rib for dinner as is the custom. There's a fire going in the fireplace, making the house nice and toasty. I got a phone call from Troll telling me we sucked because we were getting prime rib for dinner tonight. Poor baby. And in the meantime, I am killing time by roleplaying. Today's going to be an easy, lazy day. Just the way I like it.

Oh Man....

2007-12-27T05:41:00.001-08:00

...I have to make a three hour trip to Sacramento this morning to get my sonogram done for my gallbladder. I am taking Daughter, Pookie and Topper because FB is meeting us at Mather and taking the kids for a week. Why I am being so nice to FB is beyond me. -eye roll- in any case it's 5:50am in the morning, leaving by 6 and Daughter already is acting like the spawn of satan. Great, and I'm stuck in the car with her, three hours there and three hours back. -whine-

Back later today. Pray for me...or rather, you may want to pray for her because I may be tempted to throw her out of the car while going down the freeway.

I Think I Found It

2007-12-22T17:30:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure, it's squirming, but I think I located my holiday spirit. To all of you who read my blog, Happy Holidays, such as they might be for each of us. May the New Year bring promising things and a measure of happiness.

1...2...3...4....

2007-12-21T12:21:00.000-08:00

Who said counting serves to keep one's temper? All it seems to do for me is make me madder than a wet hen. I hate to say this, but this time of year, this close to Christmas, my nerves get frayed and my patience is practically non-existant. EVERYTHING and EVERYONE gets on my last remaining nerve. Four more days? I become a hermit because I don't want to be snapping off heads.

I have to go into town one last time today. Stocking stuffers, correction, mainly candy for stockings, I already got the small gifts for the stockings. And I'm sorry DK, but not even you could make me like the crowds. Forget them? Quite. Like them? Not a chance.

I'm more than ready to roll into January.

Oh Yeah?

2007-12-20T11:55:00.001-08:00

Tis the season to be merry? My arse! Someone give me a reason to thump something, okay? I mean, I want to THWAK it and good, send it into outer space and around Jupiter a few times. -growl-

Happy Holidays

2007-12-15T15:11:00.000-08:00

10 days left until Christmas. Well, the house inside is coming together and starting to look festive. The stockings are hung at the fireplace with care -grin- Mr M and Topper worked out in the front yard today and got some of the things up and running. The tree has lights and I suppose this evening I shall break down and let the kids help me put the decorations on it too. First though, I need a nap. I'm dragging today and I think it's because my body is fighting off another cold.

If it would drop aobut 20 degrees it would snow. The day is ripe for it. Feeling pensive but otherwise all is coming along and I still maintain my sanity. I can't say by how much rope though. And to think, there's X-mas vacation coming up -groan-

Sorry...

2007-12-12T17:02:00.000-08:00

I've been lax. Things have been happening at an alarming rate and at least I am capable of drawing a breath.

I saw my surgeon yesterday. My surgery is not an immediate have to so we scheduled it for March 13th. The surgeon was concerned about the Plavix. She'll be talking to my primary doctor and getting permission to have me come off it for 10 days before the surgery. She doens't think it will be a problem, but she wants to consult with my doctor. I have to go in next week and get some more blood tests done and then I have to go down to Sacramento to get the sonogram done. The surgeon wants to see this stone for herself. Then sometime, about 2 weeks before the surgery, I have to go down to Sacramento and have a consult with the anesthesiologist. All should go well and I should be back home on Friday, the 14th.

I hope your holiday season is going well and safely.. we came home last night and missed by minutes, a horrific accident on I-5. One female teen was killed. The accident was just that, an accident. A truck blew a rear tire which set in motion a chain of events. But for the Grace of God go I and I am thankful.

I'll Take That Challenge

2007-12-05T11:14:00.000-08:00

Joyous has issued a challenge, name as many songs as you can that contain the word "joy" in them. However, the two songs not allowed are: Joy to the World or Three Dog Nights, "Joy to the World" That said.. here we go.. (and just to be clear, I'm doing this for myself and for GQS, who would have taken her up on the challenge as well-smile-)

1.Mick Jagger- Joy
2. Marvin Gaye- Joy
3. Stevie Wonder- Joy Inside My Tears
4.God rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
5.Joni Mitchell- The Only Joy In Town
6.Anita Baker- You Bring Me Joy
7. The Beatles- Everybody's Got Something To Hide But Me and My Monkey
8. Elton John- My Heart Dances
9. Eric Clapton- Sea of Joy
10. Brittany Spears- Pepsi Joy of Cola (-snicker- Couldn't resist adding this one)
11. Lenny Kravitz- Fields of Joy
12. Stevie Ray Vaughan- Pride and Joy
13.Frank Sinatra- None But The Lonely Heart
14. Spice Girls- Say You'll Be There
15. Don Fogelberg- Along The Road
16. Songs of Freedom- Santana
17. Air Supply- The Eyes of a Child
18. Yoko Ono- Growing Pain
19. The Carpenters- All Of My Life
20. Elvis Presley- He Touched Me
21. Sinead O Connor- My Darling Child
22. Whitney Houston- My Love
23. Mariah Carey- Jesus, Oh What A Wonderful Child
24. Journey- When You Love A Woman
25. Lionel Ritchie- My Destiny
26. Vanessa Williams- For All The Children
27. Babyface-Honey (Oh How I Need You)
28. Elvis Presley- My Boy
29. Loreena Mckennitt- Greensleeves
30. Alan Jackson- All American Country Boy

There's more but this should do... -grin-
I hope someone's impressed.. my brain is tired now. -snicker-

-Cough- -Hack-

2007-12-03T09:37:00.000-08:00

-watches her lungs bounce across the floor- Okay, who blindsided me with this cold? I am not use to having little ones around and bringing home all sorts of germs for me to catch. I haven't gotten my flu shot yet, not until I speak with my doctor next week. I'll just have to grin through this cold I have been given.

Spoke with my number one on last night for about an hour. I haven't heard from him in awhile so that was especially nice. Sprout just ordered a new CPU. Not sure what happened to his old one. His college education is about over for the moment. He is taking a semester off then going back to finish up. In the meantime, I'm haunting him to get a job.

Daughter... -growl- yes, she damaged my rear bumper. Hit a stop sign while sneezing. Still trying to figure that one out. Mr M is taking the car down to the insurance agent and see if we can get it repaired without costing us an arm and a leg. Daughter has paperwork to complete and I have been in her knickers to do so. I don't know why I bother, it goes in one ear and out the other. She's been here a year and needs to get busy and find herself a place to live.

Troll is doing okay despite the cold and snow. With his cue ball head, one would think he would cover it... nope. Stubborn man and now he has a killer cold as well. He's haning in there with his job, and hopefully by next year, will have it all down pat.

I've been out of commission the last few days so nothing on the writing front or rping front. I have been transcribing roleplay into the narrative and that is time consuming, not to mention many pages, but well worth it I believe.

Still working on a major issue here in the Grove. Hopefully, will have something to show for the effort soon enough. I would like to get something more concrete done before the holidays.

Still trying to figure out where to put the Christmas tree. It means really rearranging the living room. Ugh. That's the only part I truly hate. I have got to get Mr M busy getting the house decorated or we won't have anything up and running.

Still haven't forgotten, Miss Joy.. just extremely busy not to mean not well, physically. I know you'll safeguard everything until I can get there.

PITA, got your last message but down with a cold and not feeling like talking to anyone. nothing personal, just me.. blech.

-GROWL-

2007-11-30T19:37:00.001-08:00

My daughter has damaged the rear bumper of my car. I am NOT a happy camper.

I Did It...Why, Again?

2007-11-28T19:38:00.000-08:00

Will someone kindly remind me WHY I had children? -growl-

Just What I Need

2007-11-26T17:50:00.000-08:00

...another hole in the head. -grin- I have had a bad tooth for a few years now and sometime before Thanksgiving, I lost the cap on that tooth and that's when I discovered the tooth was broken right in half. So, I knew it had to come out. Today, I got it taken out. It wasn't as painful as it could have been. My jaw aches from the pressure of having it taken out. Otherwise, I am quite surprised at how little it actually bled, considering that I take aspirin and Plavix. I am so glad it's gone. The strong antibiotics that I was taking for my gall bladder, seems to have also taken care of the infection that has been lying under the tooth. In any case, I have another hole in my head.

There's a little stress in the Grove, nothing I want to share, but I'm working on taking care of the matters. I'm worried, but I have faith that it will work out, maybe not carefree, but that's okay too. There's a price to be paid for everything. I just don't want to lose everything.

I miss Diana, so much. I don't dwell on it and concentrate on moving forward, but there are moments, strong ones, when I miss her beyond belief.

Darkness before the dawn, eh?

After The Turkey

2007-11-25T15:31:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was nice. I think over the years I have developed a routine because every year it seems like it gets easier and easier to produce. This year was no different. Everything went smoothly. Dinner was held by 2:00pm and we all sat around after that in a daze. Later that evening was filled with movie watching, playing cards together and just having nice chats. Troll was here Wednesday morning as he had to be back sooner than planned. The powers to be required him back in his store for when the ads broke today. Christmas is going to be even shorter. He has to return on the 26th. That's okay. It just would not be holidays without him. So, we'll take him whenever and for however long we can get him. Sprout disappeared after dessert. -grin- He knew better than to disappear before that. I just can't believe he devoured a huge piece of apple and pumpkin pie. He missed out on the turkey leg as Pookie and Topper laid claim to those. Sprout sure can pout, not that it did him any good. I guess he decided to make up for it with the pies.

Tomorrow I have to go the dentist. My bad tooth, the one root canaled, filled and capped has to come out. I lost the cap. I do believe I swallowed the darn thing and looking in my mouth, I can see the tooth is completely split in half. I'm not sure if the dentist will require a release from my doctor because I am on Plavix and aspirin. I may well have to come off those two things for a couple of days before he can pull it and if he doesn't feel comfortable doing it, I make have to go to an oral surgeon. I hope not. It's not that I don't trust oral surgeons, it's just that I have had teeth pulled before and had no any outstanding problems. In this case, I may well bleed more, but I shou;d be okay. We'll find out the plan of attack tomorrow morning.

Daughter, Pookie and Topper seem to be coming down with colds and I am trying my best to not catch it. I still have not had my flu shot. My doctor wanted my liver to have a chance of fully recovering before I got the shot.

Things in the Grove are relatively quiet (Topper and Pookie keep getting into it but Grandma threatens to send them to bed early-and does-so they chill) and thankful am I for such. It won't last, I know this, but I sure do enjoy it while I can.

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving.

Yanked From Joy

2007-11-24T15:44:00.000-08:00

Here's the deal: Turn to page 161 of the book you are currently reading. What is the SIXTH sentence on that page?

Mine:

"Whoever sacrifices to a god other than the Lord alone shall be proscribed."

Gobble, Gobble

2007-11-22T09:20:00.000-08:00

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone. I raise my glass in a toast for what you all mean to me.

Be Safe. Be well.

Oh Yeah?

2007-11-20T17:47:00.000-08:00

Lets101 Quizzes - Blog and Myspace Quizzes

Ooookay

2007-11-19T14:03:00.000-08:00

Your Power Bird is a Cardinal

You believe that each day is precious, and you spend your times as best as you can.
You see the wonder in small things, and you are often content with what you have.
You life an interesting, colorful life - and you bring color to those around you.
Confident and expressive, you believe you know how to live a good life. You're living it!

What's Your Power Bird?

What's It Say About Me?

2007-11-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

You judge...

Lets101 - Free Online Dating

It's Storming...

2007-11-12T15:13:00.000-08:00

...from West Coast to East Coast. If y'all have rain gear better get it out now, because, Chicken Little, it's more than the sky falling. Hm, might wanna dig a large ditch and cower down until the dusts settles. That certainly seems like a good idea. What the heck is in the air, I have no idea. But trust me when I tell you, I am feeling so much better (physically) that my temper has/can boiled to the point of exploding and it's a dang good thing Mr. M is giving me a lots of space. My temper is simply awful when roused and I mean, in this frame of mind, I will go for blood and I don't give a penny in heaven how I do it. This started on Saturday night and I am just now starting to get it under control. I have been brooding in the meantime. The time of reckoning is coming, but hopefully I'll have the beast under control by then. I really do love him, but I'm getting mighty sick and tired of all the lies and they have to stop. Now.

Health Update

2007-11-08T15:38:00.000-08:00

Well I am breathing a sigh of relief. My hepatitis blood panels came back and they're all negative. We think what happened was a serious gall bladder attack and it irritated my liver. My liver enzymes are not quite back to normal but so close to being so I don't have to go back and repeat my blood tests. I just need to watch what I eat so I don't set off another attack.

I have a doctor's appointment in Sacramento on Dec 11th for a surgical consult abot having my gall bladder taken out. On the 13th a phone consult with my doctor to decide if I stay on my cholesterol meds. In Dec. I also have an appointment in Sacramento for the dreaded "duckbill". I also have an appointment with the plexiglass specialist. After that, I am good for another year.

My A1C looked okay. It's at the same place it was six months ago. The doctor is okay with that. I lost 11 or 12 pounds this past week and gained back 2. Oops. But hey, food actually tastes good again. I'm still tired but regaining my energy. That's my liver talking and expected.

Mr M is actually getting some sleep now since he knows I am doing better. He absolutely hates it when the shoe is on the other foot and it's me that is sick. fair exchange if you ask me, although I rather not be sick.

All quiet around the Grove for the most part. An occasional call from my PITA brother-in-law to give me heartburn.

Troll is coming for Thanksgiving we just found out. I'm so glad.

Remember the men and women in our armed forces. Others have given their lifes for a purpose, don't throw yours away this weekend. Be safe.

Just What I Always Wanted To Hear

2007-11-05T12:12:00.000-08:00

The good news:

My liver enzymes are on the down swing. I am feeling like myself again. The hepatitis panel hasn't come back yet so we don't know if I have it or not. I'm still on the antibiotics and I have to stop taking the cholesterol medication for the next month or two and no tylenol. I need to check with my doctor on Thursday and see if there is something else I can take in the meantime. I just have to watch what I eat so I don't flare up my gall bladder again.

The not so good news:

I have to get my gall bladder removed. Oh joy. Thy simply won't remove the stone because once my gall bladder starts making stones, it will continue to do so. So, it is far better to simply get the darn thing removed. I will check with the doctor on Thursday and see if I can wait it out through the holidays. If not, I need to see if Mather will do the procedure and if not, I have to find a local surgeon to the do the job. It should only be an overnight procedure. Just what I want, someone slicing small incisions in my abdomen and sticking tools and cameras in my insides.

Troll asked me if I was going to ask them to save my gallstone. I told him he was a freak!

I lost 10 pounds this past week. What a way to do it though. ugh. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.,.... wait.... no, I wouldn't.

I swear, if it isn't one thing, it's another.

Congratulations...

2007-11-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

..it's a gallstone or it's acute hepatitis. Damn. I won't know about the acute hepatitis until next week when that blood panel comes back. In the meantime, the doctor has me on two antibiotics and some sort of pill that cuts back the stomach acid. This all started Monday afternoon, when I got a severe attack of something that didn't feel good at all. It sort of chilled and mellowed out than kept sticking around and got pretty damn bad yesterday. I got Mr M to haul me off to the clinic and they, bless them, ran me through a battery of blood tests and then made me head uptown to the a hospital and had a CT done. I had to go back this morning for more blood work and I'll go back tomorrow for more of the same. results: They're not sure. I have two doctors on it (a husband and wife team. The wife is my normal doctor) It looks like acute Hepatitis, but it could be the gallstone on the move. The blood statistics are showing one thing, but I'm feeling another and this morning I am feeling far better than I have the last two days. I may have to go get an sonogram done if the blood work keeps coming back with contradictory numbers vs. how I am feeling. In the meantime, I am also on a liquid diet. Bleh. One heck of a way to lose weight, eh?

Joy, I have not forgotten. It's still high on my "to-do" list, but at the moment, as you can tell, other things have me by the scruff of the neck. I know she is in safe hands until I can get to her. I wonder... if Fed-Ex would ship? I do have an account with them. The downside is, I wouldn't get to see you though. Sigh. Right now I am not feeling well enough to think let alone make any kind of decisions.

Other than that, Troll came home for a couple of days. He snuck in on me this past Sunday and left on Tuesday. I got to see and ride in his new Jeep. Pretty nice.

Everyone else is SOP here.

California Fires, Halloween & All Around Maddness In The Grove

2007-10-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I checked on D and all is well with him and his, a bit crowded in his house, considering those that had to evac and ended up there. The air quality has to suck. I'm just glad that those winds have settled down a bit, giving the firefighters a standing chance.

I have heard that they have one suspect in hand. Not sure for which fire though. I can't understand why anyone would deliberately set these things. They have to comprehend the massive amount of damage it would cause, wouldn't they? How can anyone simply not care about that?

We've gotten some smoke here in our valley, but not much. Because of the rains we've had, we aren't out of the woods yet, but we're getting there. Fire permits are still needed until the 31st of Oct. I have a whole pile of stuff that needs burning but I'm waiting until the permits are lifted.

In other matters, Fall Festivals are all over town this weekend. Daughter is probably going to take the Topper and Pookie to the one at their school this afternoon. I'm going to give her $20.00 for the kids and drop them off. Grandma can not be around all those kids for any length of period. Nope nope. I horde my sanity, with so little of it left. I will be taking them trick or treating though. Why, Im not sure. It's not like they eat all that candy they bring home. -grin- Oh heck, I am not such a fuddy-duddy I can't remember the fun of trick or treating. I just can't eat refined sugar like that anymore.

I didn't have the time to go dig out the Halloween decorations this year. Time just seemed to slip by me way too quickly, but rest assured, starting next month, Christmas decorations are coming out and up. Next month is Thanksgiving, already. Is it just me or does time slip by you the older you get?

With the World Series in action, little is getting done with my roleplay let alone my writing, but I am slowly working on transcribing what I do have from roleplay into narrative. What I find interesting in the world of basball is the designated hitter issue vs. the non-designated hitter issue. So, on to Colorado we go. The Rockies aren't out of this picture yet, by any means.

A couple of hours of outdoor work is on my list for today. Then it's back indoors to get more done. Got to get those pumpkins carved, don't ya know. -grin-

Almost There

2007-10-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

Well, the weekend is almost on our doorsteps. Hopefully, I'll have a restful one. Ha-ha.

Heard from Troll last night, he just traded in his 2001 Ford Escape and got himself a 2006 Jeep Liberty. He's happy with it even if for the next month he is eating rice and eggs or top ramen. I don't miss those days at all! I'm happy for him. He seems to be settling in okay. It's an adjustment and he inherited a whole can of woes with this store, but he's turning it around. The main problem is that he has all young adults for the most part and they seem to have funny ideas about work ethics.

Haven't heard from my #1 son in awhile, but I'm sure he is just busy working. Sure do miss him.

#2 son is still plugging away at school. he took his mid-term in hydraulics and passed, by the skin of his teeth. Not bad for a kid with reading disabilities. I keep plugging away with him. He's got one more semester, one more class to take. Math. Then he'll have earned his certificate for heavy equipment. In the meantime, he's going to skip a semester, but I informed him that if he does so, he needs to pound the sidewalk for a job. Any job.

#3 Daughter is daughter. Enough said.

Had lunch with two of my favorite ladies today. It was nice to see them. They were glad to see me too. Of course they wondered what about me was different. Nothing. But they thought so.

Pumpkin carving on the agenda for this weekend. Oh joy. Daughter refuses so I stepped in and said I would help. Translation: Grandma cuts open the pumpkin, they scoop guts and I carve the design.

Oh the tangled web we weave, when once we practice to deceive...

I'm stressed, got chocolate? Sugarless, if you please.

It's Tuesday

2007-10-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

The weather has been great here yesterday and today. It's been warmer than usual for this time of year as well. Yesterday we got the HD all set up and Mr M got the bedroom one all done last night. The directv/tivo we bought won't work with the HD so we went out and bought a receiver last night. FINALLY that got all hooked up. It's been worth the efforts. HD is great. So, what's next on the list of things to do for the Grove? Getting the air conditioners put back into storage. I'm not sure if we'll get the Halloween decorations out this year but I did promise the kids that we'd carve pumpkins and I have three of them to help with.

We're hoping Troll can make it over the passes for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Although he did say he'll fly home for Christmas if he has to. It just wouldn't be the same without him and I hate the idea of him spending the holidays alone this year. Other wise he is finding life as a manager.... -grin- trying. I'ts good for him though. I think give him a year and he'll find his grove.

Everyone else seems to be in the same old flying pattern. Personally, I am a walking, talking grumbling mass of... humanity. I need a vacation.. at least two weeks worth.. -grumble-

And So It Begins... Again

2007-10-22T16:45:00.000-07:00

Here we are, another week. This morning was spent getting the HD hooked up for the satellite boxes in the livingroom and the master bedroom. Mr M is going to be happy. He gets to watch the World Series in HD. I also took time to have my nails done. So they're pretty once more.

Sweet. The Red Soxs are going to the Word Series. I have to hand it to them, when they had to get it done, they sure did. Now, I'm not a baseball fan, by any means, but if I had to pick one to root for, it would be the Red Soxs. Colorado may be good, but my money is on the Soxs.

Nothing much to report except that FB was being a total ass this weekend. I've rave about it later. I also need to take this opportunity to get some work done outside while we have good weather. Dang, it's been really warm today.

On the home front, I heard some scuttlebutt from the Post in regards to Mr M and it's causing me some sleepless nights. We've got people working on it. It can turn out to be pretty damn serious but we'll just have to wait and see what happens. So, I'll have a few sleepless nights. What else is new?

I -think- we'll be driving to Indiana this next May for the Indy 500. Not only will we save some bucks, but it will give us some time to travel cross-country and enjoy it, take some pictures, etc. Now I just have to work on getting hotel reservations made and buy our tickets for the 500. I am so looking forward to this. In 2008, the purse is the largest yet. I believe it's 2.8 million? Don't quote me.

Hope all is well with everyone else.

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

2007-10-16T15:24:00.000-07:00

..the old man is snoring.. yep, he sure does. -grin- We had one heck of a storm come through here yesterday.It's still raining today. I don't mind. I'm actually enjoying it. Things on a family level seem to be on an even kewl -shhh. We don't say that too loud- Mr M is focused on the Marine Corps Ball for next month. After that, he'll be resigning from the organization.

I got Daughter's/Grandchildren's dressers into their bedroom. She has a lot of sorting and cleaning up to do. She hasn't even started yet. I despair of her ever getting it done.

I have been non-productive today. I spent my whole morning sleeping. I pulled an all nighter last evening and crashed on the loveseat around 0530 hrs. I started a new rp with Janna and I think we got off to a good start but soon after, we both were starting to lag for need of sleep. So, it's shelved for another evening.

Mr M has KP duty tonight, he's cooking so I'll get some other work done around the house while he does. I live in a crazy schedule, but I love it. I love having such freedom from routines, not that routines are bad.

I've been missing GQS terribly these last few days. There are times, I can't believe she is really gone and when reality sets in, the void inside me is tremendous and I ache, horribly so. Tears fill my eyes, but they refuse to fall. Then I pick myself up, shut down the emotions and get on with living. I miss her.

Should I Be So Cheerful On A Monday?

2007-10-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

Good Morning, People!

Yes, I know I am way too cheerful for a Monday. I'm not sure why I am, but there ya go. other than waking up to Daughter being very vocal in tryng to get her kids up for school, I am quite well. I don't know what has gotten into Topper but I swear, I wanted to duct tape that boy's mouth shut yesterday. He just wouldn't stop. Either he was constantly chattering away like a squirrel who got into a cup of espresso or he was into something. It all goes to show that I am getting far too old to be raising kids anymore or even helping to do so. Pookie is going through growing pains and finds herself in trouble while doing so. She'll live through it although according to her, she won't. The one thing I keep trying to get Daughter to understand is: "Pick your battles." When dealing with children, you have to stop, take a deep breath and think. If this is something you can't hope to win or you'll put them in a position to refuse you, and it's not a major issue, let it go. I know, some would argue that it sets up a precedent for future arguments or actions. Not necessarily so. Deal with this one and deal with the next one, the next time around. At any rate, I am glad mine are all grown and that I had them early.

Got the wood delivered AND the wood guy said he has another cord for us in December. Good man. It's far more expensive this year, but that can't be helped. Some think it's going to be a mild winter. I, personally, don't think so. Looking to nature, I think we're in a for a good, cold, wet one. I haven't been wrong yet. Now, all I have to do is rent a wood splitter for about an hour and then restack everything and we're all set. -knock wood-

Roleplaying: Talisman and Xan are on indefinite hold, since My Knight is off slaying personal dragons. Janna D`Arvan and Terin are progressing well. Most of Terin's story isn't up on the internet yet. Most of it has been done in private but I'm hoping to get her story updated and put up. Janna's new storyline is found here. I've removed that character from Camelot and moved her into a more fantasy based line. I've also started a new one called, "The Strength of Five" which is a more modern day story. I haven't gotten very far but it can be found here. The title is in Greek. This last link is to the main site. Feel free to explore and read. Not much there, but I'm working on it.

PITA, you get better, hear me? I want to hear from you when you get out of the hospital. I can't remember if the procedure is outpatient or in. Pet the hairy one for me.

Honorable Knight: Hang in there. Everything will work itself out. And I do mean everything.

Friday? Again?

2007-10-12T15:59:00.000-07:00

I must have blinked and the week got by me. I can't believe it's Friday. I guess that goes to show how busy it's been around here this past week. From the looks of the family calendar though, things should be quieting down for the rest of the month.

Hell yeah, the Yankees got beaten! Now to see who will win between the Red Soxs and the Indians. I'd like to see the Red Soxs take it and as for Colorado and Arizona? I have no pick there. No, I'm not a big baseball fan. I got disillusioned with it all several yars ago. A very dear friend of mine is, however and we talk about baseball sometimes. We also talk football some nights. He's a diehard Colts fan.

It's raining here. It's not cold enough yet to start a fire in the fireplace but I can't wait. There's nothing like a cozy fire to snuggle up to on a cold wet rainy night.

I've been watching, "Dancing with the Stars" because Helio Castroneves is dancing. Helio is an Indy Car driver and I adore open wheel racing. He looks so graceful on the dance floor although his last performance fell short.

Well people, not much to add. Have a great weekend. Some of us are going to try and preserve our sanity. I need to go round up ingredients for dinner, Mexican, of course.

My Flavor Is...

2007-10-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

Hot hot! I am Curry Flavoured.

I have a spicy personality. If you can take the heat, you'll love me, if not, I'll probably make you cry. I am not for the faint-hearted.

What Flavour Are You?

Friday, It Is. Finally.

2007-10-05T11:42:00.000-07:00

Well, Mr M is back and with a trailer full of stuff belonging to his brother. All of it is going into the barn, darn it. We had every intention of getting our stuff out of storage and stacked in the barn. It would save us some money on storage fees every month (which, btw, is getting out of hand). Oh well. There's still the other side we can use once we get all that old hay out of there and clean it up. We have to go back down Monday morning to get the rest of his stuff. Mr M is pretty darn sore today as he had to do all that stuff by himself yesterday. I was worried. He doesn't have the best heart. I'm keeping a close eye on him for the next couple of days.

This weekend is the Ren Faire and I do believe we're going. It's something I always enjoy. One of these days, I'm going to go in garb as they call it. As what? A Lady of the Court, what else? Think I don't take my roleplaying to heart?

I'm still puttering around the house. I have found it all so overwhelming but I also found a way around that. If there is a job to be done that is overwhelming, I start off by doing 15 mintues a day. You'll be surprised just how much you can accomplish in 15 minutes a day. So, that's where I am there.

We're all beat around here so tonight is leftovers and relaxing. This weekend the Ren Faire. Monday, it's the Bay area. Ugh.

Have a good weekend, people.

Life In A Neverending Swirl

2007-10-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

So... I'm back from Oregon. Had one of the most relaxing weekends, ever. Didn't want to come home. Got back and wanted to go back. Ah well, not until after the winter thaw is over. Got an email from Troll, he's sick. Not sure what he ate that made him that way. Mr M and I are fine.

Got a phone call from Miss Marla last night. My brother-in-law has brain damage. He won't be going back to his apartment which means, the family has to go, pick up his stuff and store it. He doesn't have much. Oh and get this, this is so messed up, his roomate gave the brother-in-law his share of the rent but it can't be found. Which, probably means, the brother-in-law, spent it. I say this because of the way the brother-in-law is, worse than FB and that's saying a lot. So, we have to take the gas hog and go down on Thursday to bring back his stuff and store it here, like I have room. -eye roll-, especially with all of daughter's stuff here. Then Friday, I'm due in Sacramento to take Mr M for a dental appointment. It never seems to stop.

Joyous, I got your email. I'm just trying to figure out when a good time to come down would be. At the rate I'm going, you be guardian for another month. -sigh- Don't think you and Podling will mind much though.

Bend, Oregon is lovely. It's not too crowded or big. We ran into some snow flurries on the way up but other than that, while it was chilly, it was beautiful. I think if I didn't have ties here, I'd move there. rent is pretty decent too. Now if only I can get Troll to go downtown -grin-. Inside joke.

Home Again, Home Again

2007-10-01T19:02:00.001-07:00

Have returned. Enjoyed myself a great deal. More later

Head 'Em Up, Move 'Em Out

2007-09-28T08:39:00.001-07:00

Okay people, I'm all packed and we're off to Oregon. Have a safe and good weekend. I'll catch ya on the flip side and as a side note? -smacks PITA along side his head- Don't ever call me at 06:45hrs. I haven't even had a cup of coffee yet, think I'm answering my phone? -arched brow-

Choices

2007-09-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

Quite a few years ago, when I first back to the mainland and got my divorce, a neighbor at the top of my road took me under her wing and befriended me. It was, at best, an up and down relationship. She is one of those people who needs to mother other people. She NEEDS to be needed. Well, at the time, I needed someone to help me get out of my shell and back into a single's life. She and her husband did that for me. A couple of years later, she was diagnosed as a diabetic, Type II and one that needs insulin. She never truly took it seriously. She doesn't take her insulin like she needs to, she continues to eat all the stuff she shouldn't and to great quanities, I might add. After I married Mr M she got pissy. It just floored me. You see, I didn't NEED her like I use to. Eventually, she and her husband moved back to Oregon, where they are from. I haven't spoken with her in years. I see a kid of hers now and then. I just found out that two weeks ago, she had a stroke. This does not surprise me. Given how she ignores the things she shouldn't, like I said, I am not surprised. She has about 30% of her legs. Her mental state is deteriorating. She threw a cup of hot coffee at her oldest stepdaughter. They have never gotten along, but that is unexcuseable.

Diabetes is a chronic illness that can be dealt with successfully if you pay attention and take care of yourself. Yes, it requires some work and sacrifice but the alternative is not acceptable. A person can die from this disease if you don't take care of yourself. A person can go blind from this disease if you don't take care of yourself.

Choices. We all have to make them.

Sunday

2007-09-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

Well, brother-in-law is coming out of the coma and starting to respond to stimuli. I'm thankful. I don't know if I could handle another not so good ending. I don't know who the heck I ticked off, but is it time to GIVE ME A BREAK, yet? I'm not asking for alot, just some time off for good behavior. I have been a good girl, I swear. You can ask any of my friends.

It rained yesterday. That was nice. It cleared the valley of any smoke and this morning the air smells so clean and fresh. We got all of Daughter's stuff put up so now I need to get outside and work on the front of the house so it doesn't look so junky. I'm still working on gettting all of Sprout's stuff out of his old bedroom. We're almost there. I even managed to get some stuff done in the livingroom.

Yesterday I went out shopping. Yep, you read that right, S-H-O-P-P-I-N-G. Troll asked for a few things so I went out and got them. Daughter isn't too happy that I went out without her, but oh, well. I did forget that blow-up mattress I want to get and leave at Troll's house. We'll go get that this week. I also want to go to the meat store and bring some stuff back for him too.

I took Mr M to the movies last night. We went to go see 3:10 to Yuma. Good movie. we both really enjoyed it. If you like westerns, I reccomend it. There's a couple of others I want to go see as well. For Christmas Eve, I want to go see The Golden Compass.

Today is pretty much a gentle day, a bit of puttering here and there.

TGIF

2007-09-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Already??? Where did the week go? I am a bit concerned with Mr M this morning. Last night he was in the kitchen retrieving a snack and I found him standing at the stove,swaying. I also could see that he wasn't 'right'. His manner of speech, his eyes, his focus was minimal at best. He said around 5pm he was feeling dizzy. We have gone through this before, although it is has been awhile since it last happened. It's his blood pressure and they told him he just needs to get up a bit slower instead of standing upright right away. Usually, a few hours later he is okay. We'll see how he is when he wakes up. Still, I am concerned.

Now that the weather is cooling off I can get outside and start working on stuff again. I did make a small start yesterday. We got (with the exception of two) all of Daughter's boxes in the storage trailer. Yes, that trailer has become storage instead of Mr. M's new workshop, at least for the moment. We need to convert the barn into storage space before he gets his trailer back. Mr M will be working on getting Topper's bunk bed up today.

Brother-in-law still in coma. The doctors don't understand it. There's no reason why he should be. All his other medical problems are being treated successfully enough. I suppose it is a just wait and see thing. They still can't find the source of the infection. They do know it's not in his brain or his spinal cord however. They have him on massive doses of antibiotics.

I still have two more trips to make before winter sets in: Oregon and Fresno. Hopefully, I can get both done soon. I have this desire to hear the joyous one, sing. -grin-

Troll called the other day, "Is it too late to quit?" He was having a very bad day. Poor thing. He called to vent.

Sprout is still in school. He hates his early morning class today. School he enjoys, I believe. Currently seeing a 27 yr old. He's 23. Not a problem as far as I am concerned. He says, just friends. Uh-uh. Heard THAT one before.

Daughter still getting on my last frayed nerve. That woman needs a job and something to do with her time. All she seems to do is sleep.

Topper is a little chatter box. I swear that boy doesn't stop until he's in bed, asleep. I think I should invest in a muzzle. lol.

Pookie joined band this year. She's playing the drums. Heaven help us all. But that's my girl. Just got to be different.

My cup runneth over. Um...yeah.

*&^%$%^ People!

2007-09-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

Talk about roasting my chesnuts! -growl- Some people need to stay off their bleeping cellphones while they're driving. I had some IDIOT almost take out my car because he wasn't paying attention but yakking on his cell.

God save me from IDIOTS before I have to kill them myself.

Just Color Me Purple

2007-09-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, people just confuse the hell out of me. I try not to read someone. I try to take them at their words. Sometimes... people throw words out there and they can only mean one thing, there's no mistaking that, not by a long or short shot. Yet, I come to find out, it's not what they really mean. So what the HELL do they mean? -sigh- Can someone buy me a friggin' clue, please? If I'm batting my head against a brick wall, can someone just point that out to me so I can stop? I really do not care to sport a flat forehead. It really isn't a fashion statement. I thought I knew this person like the back of my hand. Now, I'm not so sure.

I'm tired, people. So unbelievable tired. Cut me some slack here. Tell me what you truly mean. I'm not going anywhere, but I'd like to know where I stand. Tell me I'm one thing then define it. Because apparently, my idea of that word is something different than yours.

When you figure it out, let me know, okay? In the meantime, I'm going into hibernation.

It's Not Over Yet

2007-09-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

Well, just when I think things are going to settle down, I findout it isn't. I got a phone call form my sister-in-law today. Apparently her brother, the one who has alienated everyone, was found in the back of his taxi cab, unconscious. His blood sugar was read at 1300. Doctors have been trying to find a relative for a week now. They finally phone my sister -in-law's phone number in his address book, although it had Mom's name. He's been unconscious and on a respirator. It doesn't look good for him. My sister in law hasn't reported back yet. The doctors need family tomake some decisions and only she and Mr M are close by. My sister in law and Michael are full-bloodied relatives, the other two are halves, Mr M and Pooh. I don't think it looks good at any rate. Time will tell.

Troll just called to vent. He asked me, "Is it too late to quit?" LOL. That poor man. He'll have a better day tomorrow. Hopefully. I still plan on going up to see him at the end of the month.

Life will get better. -nodnod-

A New Day, A New Start

2007-09-15T17:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I got up kinda late for me, but I guess I can be excused for it. I went into town and deposited Troll's check. We got Sprout's essential stuff into Troll's old room and got Daughter's bed set up. There's still a lot of Sprout's stuff to move over but he can start with what he has. We still have the bunk beds to set up. One will go in the bedroom with Daughter, for Pookie and the other one will go into the office for Topper. Daughter isn't all that sure Topper will sleep in the office but I think he will. We called it quits for the day. Tomorrow is a new one. After we get everyone moved into the rooms they need to be in, MAYBE I can start cleaning up my house and getting my living space back. Huzzah!

The trip to Vegas is just what I needed. I am, if nothing else, okay. I still have to make plans with Joyous to pick up a small package that she hand carried back for me. I probably won't be able to get down there until October some time. I have so much on my plate for the rest of this month, it isn't funny. Mr M is in the process of being re-evaluated for his disability percentage. So, he's off to take tests. I still need to make my own doctor's appointment for October or so. Ick. Necessary, but ick.

In the meantime, the world turns. Drama is the thing that holds this world together it seems like. Wonderful place, isn't it?

The Flip Side

2007-09-14T20:52:00.001-07:00

Home again. Got here around 7:30pm, PDT... wish I was gone again. -grin- More later

Home Again

2007-09-09T18:53:00.000-07:00

I spoke briefly with Em, E and Marty on MSN Messenger last night. I sorta heard Joy by proxie -grin- I truly wish I had been able to go but if there was anything Di understood, it was family. Besides, Troll was her "Polynesian God", she wouldn't have wanted me to forsake him for her. Gotta love that woman.

We got Troll all settled in. I put out a few bucks but he was pretty poor. he had to lay out cash himself first although he is awaiting reimbursment. I'm going to get part of that, but for the moment, we had some money and we helped Troll get on his feet. I put groceries/supplies in his house, bought him a diningroom table w/chairs and a small microwave. The money he gave to me last week? Well, I'm dropping that into his checking account so he has a few bucks until Friday, his payday. I told him he could mail me a check if he didn't use it.

I had my down moments all the way home, tears filling my eyes, my lip trembling, my stomach in knots but I got through it. Troll did too. We've been together, he and I for 19 years now. This is the first time we've been apart since Mom died and that was hard. I love him to pieces and I know the feeling is mutual. I want what's best for him and he felt this was it. I just wish he wasn't so far away. I know he's not, not really. He can be home in 5 hours on any given day. Once winter sets in, that's it until the spring thaw.

Now it's a rush to get laundry done, shopping done, and things done so we can leave on Tuesday for Vegas. It's only three days, but I plan to spend them in the jacquzzi.

Welcome To Friday In The Grove

2007-09-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

Friday? -blink blink- -groans- It is Friday, isn't it? Man, oh Man. This is one weekend I am not looking forward to. We decided to wait and bring Sprout's car in for windows on Monday. Troll and Mr M went to go get the moving truck. I have to make a trip in town to cash a check and gas up the red little hot rod. I'll be doing some grocery shopping for Troll too once we get there. After that, he's on his own.

I'll catch you all on the flip side. Have a good weekend.

Good Morning, People

2007-09-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know. It's been awhile. Don't shoot me. I've been trying, I really have. Let's see... what's going on in my mundane every day life...

I've gone out and got another set of ear piercings done so now I sport three holes in each ear. This last one kinda stung a bit. Ouch. Looks good though.

I didn't have jury duty today but I need to check back tonight to see if they need me tomorrow.

My little red car is going in for her first oil change tomorrow.

Troll is coming home tomorrow night. Oh man, does he have stories. LOL. He's working hard but he is so looking forward to having a couple of days off. He has Friday and Saturday this week and Sunday and Monday next week. His employees are pretty much new people who need to be taught how to do things. He hasn't fired anyone yet, but he won'thave aproblem if a couple of them quit. We're moving his stuff to Oregon this weekend.

Next weekend, Mr M is suppose to book us three days for Vegas. We're looking at the middle of the week. More than likely Tuesday through Thursday. It's about the only free time we have open this month. We go to relax, the only problem is, I like to get out and Mr M likes to lounge around. I might simply enjoy lounging for those three days except to fit in going to Medieval Times at the Excalibur. Always have to do that one.

I noticed it's getting cooler out. I hope that means that fall is just over the horizon. I am so ready for it. It'll be time to order another cord of wood soon. I still have quite a bit from last year. But I think I'm going to need at least two cords this year. I think I'll have them deliver two cords. Then I rent a splitter and have almost double of what I ordered.

For those of you going to Lexington, Ky this weekend. I hope you know you carry my love with you. I wish I could be with you all. Full report due when you all get back. Maybe we could all schedule some sort of get together next year or the year next, maybe when Em goes to Reno. -grin- I can't wait to meet Em, that's for sure. Then there will be only three I haven't met and I'd love the chance to see Joy again. Give her and E a hug for me,will ya Em? Oh yeah and one for Sir Rex as well.

Summertime

2007-08-31T11:53:00.000-07:00

Well, summertime is closing and none too soon. I'm ready for fall and winter. I've been driving all over the town as I haul people around. I'm beat. I have to leave here in about 45 min to go have my hair cut. Then I have to go pick up Morgan from college. He's getting his car hauled off to be fixed today. Hopefully, they'll get it all done and he'll be back on the road again soon. He hit a skunk last night while using my car. Fortunately, my car doesn't really stink.

Tomorrow we take the kids to the local swimming pool for the day. Yes, I do own a suit and yes, I have been known to don it. Don't even think about giving me a hard time.

The following weekend we move Troll to Oregon. I spoke with him last night and he's doing okay. Getting his store into shape. He really does enjoy the work. I am so happy for him.

Dealing with the loss of Diana much better. I'm not saying it feels any better, because it doesn't. I'm just dealing better. I'm still waiting to wake up and find out that this has all been just a nasty bad dream. It is nasty and bad but it isn't a dream, unfortunately.

You all be careful out there, this long weekend. I don't want to find out that something bad has happened to any of you. Take care and enjoy.

In Sadness

2007-08-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, I lost someone dear to me. It wasn't unexpected, but still, when it happens there is truly a finality to it that is undeniable. I think even when I saw the writing, I still hoped. Until there was no hope left.

I was just telling someone that I feel like a ping pong ball. I go from moments of happy times with her to the sorrow. I'll get through it. I know I am in good hands. I know I am better person for having her in my life. It's just the knowing that I can't pick up the phone and call her and I'll hear her voice or have in the moment conversations. Not that I ever counted on getting presents from her or anything, but whenever I did, she always somehow managed to pick out something that would suit me, something I would never have thought of myself. That part of her, that's part of what I'll miss. Sometimes, I think she knew me better than I know myself... or at least that quirky part of me most others wouldn't see.

I have some serious writing to do. For her. It will help me, I think, in my healing. Whenever something bothers me or touches me profoundly, I always turn to my writing for my expression because I don't do well otherwise. I'm not comfortable in anything other than my writing.

In the past few days, weeks even, through all this, I have the last silver lining Diana would have shown me. I have spoken and grown closer to Stacy and I have finally spoken with E. Always in my mind and heart is Joy. I haven't spoken with her though. There is nothing I can say to her that she doesn't already know, doesn't already feel. And right now, I'm just another blithering idiot. In situations like this, I never know what to say or when. I usually just keep my mouth shut and depend on the people who know me well to understand the reason for my lack of response and that despite it, I am there and willing to help out in any way I can.

Of Bill, I depend on others to see him through this, not for my lack of desire, but because we have grown apart, although I know he still thinks of me and I, of him. Daniel and I, well, no matter how many months or years can pass, we're still connected as we have been from day one. It's just one of those things or at least so I feel.

Of E, well, he has always been this gentle presence in my heart, somewhere. He is funny, he can be cutting and he is caring. Over the last few days, he has been a balm to my soul, even if we have only spoken a few times, either by messenger, email or over the phone.

And last, but no way least, Stacy. Stacy has been... there are no words for her... but I'll try. She has been my sanity, my cheering squad, my... well, I think I've run out of words. Hopefully you all got my drift.

Of course there is someone else that I have deliberately left out of this equation. They know who they are.

As for Diana, I think I've almost said it all, almost. I still have a couple of things to do. You'll find my words of farewell on her memorial blog and to be posted to Camelot list, by way of another.

Things will never be the same, but nor will we, those left behind, let them die. She wouldn't have wanted us to.

Test Thingie

2007-08-24T17:29:00.000-07:00

Which Characteristic From the Samurai Code Matches You Best? (You may find out your best trait)

Honor: You are an honorable person who is firm with his/her beliefs and treats others as you are treated. People would consider you humble at times and very respectful, and someone to definitely respect back.
Take this quiz!

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Stoic

2007-08-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

I don't know what else to be. I have done everything I could think of, everything that is in my knowledge and ability to do. As I see it, it is in hands Greater than my own. It always has been. To stay or to go, this is a decision between her and her Creator. I've "talked" to her, wherever she now is. Hopefully, she's heard me. I need her to take control of this so her husband does not have to make a decision. No lifemate should have to make such a decision just as no parent should ever have to. I don't want her to go. I want her back, just the way she was before this whole mess came into play. Unfortunately, I do not believe that is going to happen. Not any more. I can't. Not after what I experienced. I love her. I will always love her and always treasure the times we have shared. My life is a better thing for having her in it.

There is a heaviness in my soul I can not ignore. There is still some sliver of hope that shines within me as well. There always will be until either the light goes out altogether or a miracle occurs.

What I will NOT accept? Is ANYONE who loves her, to feel like that they have let her down in some way. STOP IT!!!!! If anything, it's been exactly the opposite. You love, respect and honor her. She would not allow you to think for one moment that you have let her down. NOT ONE! None of this is in YOUR hands or ever has been. No fault lies at your door. All any of us can do is love her, pray for her and her family and in the end, if we must, let her go to a far better place and be grateful that we each had her in our lives and the value she has given each of them.

Now, we stand beside her, hold her hand, tell her we love her and we wait. It is her decision to stay or to go and we will honor it.

Back

2007-08-13T00:51:00.000-07:00

I have returned from Portland. Have to go back on Thursday, back Friday night. More later. Tired.

oh yeah... focus energy on the DIC (? I am so tired I can't think at the moment)now... think... white light coursing through her body... some of us think green for healing.. whatever color comes to you. White light general all around color, always seems to work.

I think I need new batteries.. -grin-

Monday in the Grove

2007-08-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

-Whoosh- Another week in the Grove and it's already buzzing. Today I am carting people around to appointments and such things. My whole week is pretty much of that. Sometime this week I need to squeeze in a nail appointment, get another hole put in my ears, start going through stuff so I can begin to rearrange living quarters and other people's personal stuff, gather stuff from freecyle for Troll and his new household... um, can we say, stop the bus and let me catch my breath? Yeah.

In the meantime I am striving for GQS' recovery. I spoke with her husband last night, pretty much went over the same stuff I got from Em. Her husband had me laughing in regards to paying bills. It was nice to share a bit of humor with him. I think he might have enjoyed making me laugh. There will come a time when GQS and I are going to have a good laugh about it. I can't wait.

The heat wave has downgraded around here since yesterday and today seems like it's going to turn into a bit of relief as well. Maybe it'll stay this way as we stroll into fall. I certainly hope so.

FB is going to get away without me burying him in my rose garden. A pity. They look like they could use the nutrients. His current hoochie momma is finding out what kind of arse he is, but she has decided to stay with him. She -loves-him. -eye roll- Whatever. Her choice.

Daughter has divorce papers to file so I can serve FB with them and don't you know, I am sooo looking for forward to serving him those divorce papers. I'll even do it with a smile. You know I will.

I'm a bit worried about Mr M's health. He has been getting an upset stomach lately. A lot. He hasn't been eating much either. It could be the heat, I'm not sure. He has an appointment with the doctor this week or next week, so we'll find out if there is something going on. He's also due for a colonoscopy as well. I always worry about those.

Troll is apartment hunting, hopefully, he may have found something, finally. He has to go to a trade show on Sunday so Mr M and I are taking him up to Bend on Saturday. We'll all spend the night there and head over to Portland Sunday morning before coming back down the hill. He knows he'll be homesick. He'll get use to it.

I can feel that urge to write starting to tug at me. Oh, I hope so. I miss it. Very much.

Other than that, things are okay around here. -knock wood-

New Beginnings & Concerns

2007-08-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

The latest news in The Grove:

Troll got the General Manager's job for a well known pet store in Bend Oregon. I am so happy for him. He has lived with me since he was 16 when Mom died. He owns an interest in the house so living here has never been a problem. Troll and I really tight. We are each other's sounding board. At one time, I took care of him, now it seems like he takes care of me. I'm going to miss him, so much. However, this is something I have wanted for him. The start of a new beginning and a new life for himself. He won't be all that far away. It's about a 4 hour drive from here to Bend. he doesn't have anybody up there, well, actually, he has a friend about 3 hours north of him and she may just come down to Bend and go to work for him at some point. Troll negotiated his salary like a pro. He went high, the big boss went low and they settled in betwee, which was EXACTLY where Troll wanted to be. There is much to do here in the Grove as we get him ready for the big move. he has to start working on finding a place to live. He has never lived alone before but I think he's ready for it. He'll adjust, in the meantime, I am only a phone call away and by email and messenger, I am always available. Once we get Troll all settled, then the Grove has to readjust living space. We're moving Sprout and getting Daughter and the kids, rearranged. By Christmas, I hope we're a ll adjusted. If I can get Daughter and the kids into their own apartment by then, want to watch a naked snoopy dance? -GRIN- I was kidding.

So, while in Bend yesterday, I went to the Hallmark store and got GQS this purple/pink hippo called Cupcake. it has a little cupcake in its mouth. It brought a smile to my face so I hope it brings one to hers. I'll get it off in the mail to Sir Rex in the next day or two. While waiting for Troll to finish his job interview, I took theliberty to step into my first Borders store. I liked it. I found three books I was looking for to complete a series I was reading so that was cool. When I went up to pay for them I was asked if I had a card. I told him no that we don'thave a Borders down here, but THAT OTHER store -grin-. He convinced me to get a card anyway, it was free. Good enough for me. Now I should be hooked in, both Borders and Barnes and Nobles.

Mom's memorial service is set for the 11th so I need to travel for that one. We don't plan on staying long. Mr M doesn't know half the people who will be attending and he doesn't do well among people large crowds of people he doesn't know. So, we'll do the token thing and leave. Mom's ashes are going back to Arizona with her oldest daughter. I think that is right move.

So, it looks like my life isn't going to settle down into an even keel until Sept. As much as I sigh or moan and groan, I wouldn't have it any other way... -snort-

GQS: A setback. Truthfully, I've been expecting that. Since the medical field can't find the exact source of entry for the infection in the first place, treatment is like pouring water into a sieve. Yes, it's helping her to a point to recover, but they need to find the source in order to insure her complete recovery.

So, my line of attack? Prayers for the source to be found. I'll be doing a few other "hoggity-boggity" things. The power of prayer is not to be dismissed, so keep them coming. GQS IS NOT going to go quietly into the good night or any other way if I can help it at all. I don't care whose "toes" I step on... and I AM a force to be reckoned with, doubt it not.

Tuesday In The Grove

2007-07-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

Aside from dealing with the heat? I'm dragging Troll off to go do some grocery shopping. Yes, it's true, misery does indeed love company. Last evening we went to FB's storage and unloaded Daughter's and the kids' stuff. It's all stuffed in the back of our truck and in the rental trailer. We got a trailer from freecycle last year and it was going to be turned into a woodworking shop for Mr M, currently it's storage for her stuff. This fall when things cool off, she's going to be spending a lot of time in there getting rid of junk.

I've been finding myself really tired lately and not sure why. I checked my blood sugar and it's elevated a bit,not much. From experience I know I can get that down in a few days. I haven't checked my blood pressure yet but I'm going to. It's been running about 130/76. Doc isn't going to like that 130. I daresay my meds are going to alter slightly again. Of course, most of this I am thinking is from the lack of exercise lately. Between the heat and stress, I haven't gotten any done. Like I mentioned before, that will change with the cooler temps. I'll move things to twice a day, morning and evening. I really do enjoy the cardio workout and the weight training. It makes me feel better and hey, it even looks like I might be making some progress on gravity. Now wouldn't that be a kick?

I still have a long way to go before I'll feel comfortable in Vegas and I'm not sure if I'll make it to my considered destination in March. After all, there is no way I can go in March and NOT see that someone, who will be there as well. So, for March, the jury is still out on that one. It also remains to be seen what's happening on the other end and what companions there will be, if any.. and the simple matter of getting a decent price for airfare. Driving? Maybe. I have a friend who is willing to go with me. Yes, I plan on leaving Mr M at home and 'sneaking' out. -grin- unless of course he gets his -cough- balls together and joins in tourny fun. That, a whole different dynamic but doable , I think. Yes, I know, riddles. -smirk-

Can you tell I am finding reasons not to get busy and go shopping? I can't put it off long. The natives are getting restless. Damn, why do they always require feeding?

Monday,Monday

2007-07-30T23:19:00.000-07:00

I'm not overly fond of Mondays. Mondays seem to make people go crazy for some reason or another. It was at least 108 degrees F. here today. I am so ready for the weather to cool off.

We use propane here for heating our water and our gas company is a pain in the arse. We always meant to change but it was just one of those things we haven't gotten around to... until today.. when I went out to check the tank for propane and found it on ZERO. Can we say shower with cold water? -shudder- So, Mr M got on the horn and got us a new company, although they can't come out until tomorrow to hook us up, they did tell us to use one of our bbq propane canisters until they can get out here between noon and two pm.

Mr M's sister kind of 'jumped' on him yesterday evening. He was kind of upset about it and bummed out, but we talked. I explained that she's been under a tremendous load for a long time where Mom's health was concerned. I know, though she didn't say anything, she would have liked for one of us to step up and helped her with Mom. Unfortunately, that wasn't possible, given the Grove's current situation with Daughter and such. The family had a deadbeat person in it (a lot of families do, mine included) and asking Mr M to speak with this person was not going to change what we all already knew. With some people, experience tells you, they aren't going to change,no matter what. In the meantime, arrangements for Mom's memorial service still ongoing.

I got an email from Em, letting me know about GQS. I am thrilled, if not downright envious, that Em got to speak briefly with GQS. It's enough knowing that someone got to speak with her so we all can know she is healing. I trust her hubby, but it's always reassuring to hear from the person we've been worrying over, you know?

Did I mention I am going with Troll to Klamath Falls, Oregon Wednesday morning? I'm going to keep him company during the drive up for his interview. I believe the only thing that will keep him from taking this job is going to be the money. He's not in a desperate situation, he has a job. So, either they are going to give him what he wants or he'll just stay put. He'll get another shot at another job somewhere along the way. But I'm feeling pretty optimistic about his chances for this one. More to come on that one. I just wish he wasn't going to be in another state even if it is only 2 1/2 hours away.

Only one day left in July. HUZZAH.

-Blink-

2007-07-29T17:17:00.000-07:00

You scored as Sacrifice,

Commitment

100%

Ambition

100%

Passion

100%

Respect

100%

Sacrifice

100%

Friendship

87%

Sympathy

67%

How much of each LOVE component do you have
created with QuizFarm.com

I'm a sucker for these things

2007-07-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

Moi? An Angel? Hello! They're talking about someone else, right?

You scored as angel, You are an angel! You often look down to Earth and watch the mortals struggle, and help them through their hardships. You often find yourself crying for the follies of man, although you are a very optimistic person.

angel

40%

vampire

30%

faerie

30%

mermaid

30%

fallen angel

10%

Which mythological creature is most like you?
created with QuizFarm.com

July

2007-07-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

You know.. last night I was thinking... July sucks. My mom died on July 12th, my niece this month on the 13th, my mother-in-law died yesterday....

Yep... July sucks.

Come Abide With Me

2007-07-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

At 5:30pm this evening, my mother-in-law, went gently into the arms of God and left behind her earthly, diseased, body. The Divine One and I had a chat the other night. I also "spoke" with Mom as well.

At the moment, I am filled with sorrowful peace. Her suffering and struggling is now over. My sister-in-laws' torment and silent pain, also over.

Mr M is holding up. He and I had a long talk on the drive home Thursday night. He saw the same thing I did. It was to the point, that he wanted peace for his mother. He couldn't stand to see her suffering anymore.

I would have liked for her to abide with us a while longer. However, it was not to be. I said my good-byes on Thursday, we both did.

On a different note: I just got word that my ex, the kids' father, has masses on his kidney. -sigh- No one is borrowing trouble, but you know.. I don't know if it's because of all things that has happened so far.. but I have a bad feeling about this. We'll have to wait and see.

ISTJ

2007-07-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

I believe this changes time and time again. I am not one that is written in stone.

From the Grove: Mom Update

2007-07-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

Mr M just heard from one of his sisters. I was in the shower, daydreaming.

The tests have come back on Mom not so good. They are now saying she has either hours or days, but the bottom line is, she will not be coming out of the hospital. They are getting ready to move her out of CCU to a private room so the family can come and go without the CCU staff constantly interrupting. So, in a nutshell? There's nothing further they can do but to make her comfortable until she leaves us. We'll make another trip down if the doctors tell us she can go anytime. Mr M's feelings are that we have said our good-byes and he just can't sit around down there, like some vulture waiting for her to die. We didn't stay too long yesterday because he couldn't handle it. My youngest sister-in-law, is not doing too good at the moment and I am worried about her health. My other sister-in-law, the one I know hardly at all, is a rock solid gem.

Heard from Troll. He's got a job interview for the Bend store next Wednesday in Klamath Falls. He went to the see the store and it's not bad. It needs some work but he can live with it. He's on the way home now. I'll probably go with him to Klamath next week if it doesn't conflict with anything else.

GQS continues to improve, for which I am grateful to hear. We came too damn close to losing her. Too damn close. For the rest of you GEMS out there, BE CAREFUL. It seems like between Amythest and good old Moonstone, they have enough going on for everyone else. Amber has her share as well.. and poor Emerald, *shakes head in amusement* Woman, how you get into these situations is beyond me. I thought I was the weird one.

In any case, I'm on phone watch again.

A Test Thing

2007-07-25T22:09:00.001-07:00

Is It Friday Yet?

2007-07-25T21:57:00.001-07:00

I have spent the last two days running people around for appointments and errands, couple that with the heat and I'm beat. I have to be in Sacramento tomorrow at 1300hrs. Mr M has a dental appointment. The kiddos will be with their dad overnight and Troll is taking one of my adopted daughters with him to Bend, Oregon to check it out. Looks like he has a shot of getting his own store there. I will be very happy for him if he gets this job and at the same time, I'll be sad to see him go. I have prayed for the day he would have the opportunity to move out and start a life without all of us in it. At the same time, he has been my rock, my sanity where other family are concerned. I'll miss him a lot.

It has been both humid and hot here, although not as hot as it has been known to get. The humidity is getting to me. I lived in the panhandle of Florida for a couple of years, been in North Carolina and South Carolina so I know humidity. It just wipes me out.

GQS continues to make steady progess. My heartfelt thank yous out there for everyone who has her in their prayers. I know that they have contributed greatly to her recovery. We damn near lost her. I'll sleep better once I know she IS back to herself again, until then, I am ever vigilant. EM has been a darling through all this. Boy, ask that woman to pick a ball and she most certainly does! She is priceless. I have counted on her so much through all this because my own hands are quite full at the moment and without her out there, I think I would have gone quietly insane. Love you, EM!!

And then there is DK. -smile- My other link to sanity.

PITA, you always find time to make me smile. Thank you. Yes, I know, I still need to get you my mailing address. I will, I promise. She'll enjoy those cards, I'm sure.

Is July Finished Yet?

2007-07-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

What a month this has been and I am not sorry to see it go. To catch up on the grove and happenings in my life:

My mother-in-law, is back in the hospital again. Apparently the oral medication they have ordered for her to take to drain the fluid from her lungs is not working. So, she has been admitted again and they are draining it slowly and then they will administer the drug via IV and that should work. Her cardio enzymes is above 5000, which is not good, but they said she didn't have a heart attak this time, but she is in congestive heart failure. She is not eating and wasting away according to my sister-in-law. She won't even pet her dog, whom she adores. We're watching her slowly fade away.

I attended the memorial service of my niece this past Saturday. The church was packed and I took some solace in the fact she was so loved. God and Jesus had always been a driving force in her life. The service took much out of me emotionally. I would have liked to stay longer and I am sure Daughter and Sprout would have too, but I do not like driving at night and that mountain road can be very dangerous if you don't know it.

GQS has taken 5 years off my life and trust me, she's going to hear all about it when she's back on her feet again and she WILL be back on her feet again. I simply refuse to allow her to be otherwise, damn it. Em and I have been in constant contact with each other as we get reports from GQS' huband. She IS improving every hour and I actually am breathing a bit easier with each day. Em has been a GEM (well of course she is) taking the ball on this one as I handle everything else bouncing around in my life at the moment.

I can use a break here, Universe. Hint, hint, hint.

Writing has been nil and blogging as well (as one can see). The only thing I am capable of at the moment is reading Harry Potter. I seem to be sleeping alot lately too. I guess my body is trying to catch up with itself.

I ran into my ex at the memorial service. That man continues to irritate me. I'm not going to go into the issue here or now. Ran into Daughter's "sperm donor" also. No,not FB but the biological father of Pookie. He irritates me as well, the jerk. Might as well throw in something about FB as well, since he keeps company with the other two. FB is beyond a jerk but I refrain from stating what.

This week is loaded with appointments. I am suppose to go for jury duty but I am going to have to ignore it. Not a big thing, they'll just recycle me for next week or so. I have too many appointments to see to and nothing I can see them excusing me from jury duty for.

Mr M is doing well. Troll is on vacation this week. He is also applying for a GM position in Bend, Oregon. I would love to see him get it and at the same time, I keep telling him I'm going to beat him if he leaves me to deal with Daughter on my own.. lol.

2007-07-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

Apologies

2007-07-17T01:10:00.000-07:00

My apologies for my silence. I haven't felt much like talking or blogging or anything else of late. On July 13, 2007, at 11:30 pm, I received information that a certain young lady that will always hold a very special place in my heart passed away due to a car accident. Services are pending. She wasn't part of my immediate family, but a niece by marriage. I've known her since she was born. I may no longer be married to her 'uncle' but she has always been loved by me. My love and sympathy to her family in this hour of their need. She was the youngest of three girls and she was only 26.

I'll be back next week.

Too Little

2007-07-11T21:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was talking to someone dear to me and I was envious of the rain they were having. I whimpered and asked them to send me some. They didn't think it worked backwards (moving from a easterly direction to a westerly one) but today, while I was at the beauty salon, it actually rained! We didn't get alot but I got to step out of the salon and stand in it, with my face turned up to it. I can't begin to describe how it felt on my skin.

I also think this person is right; we're going to have an early winter and it may well be a very wicked one. I saw my oak trees already growing acorns and they are big for this time of year. Usually, we don't get acorns until the end of July/beginning of August and by then, they're just little tiny things.

News in the Grove:

Mr M is talking about bowling again. That certainly makes me happy. FB told Daughter today he's transfering to the Bay Area in about 30 days. Can I hear a double Huzzah?! It is just what Daughter needs to make the break clean and final. I've been hoping for something like this. Of course, I am not happy for the kids, because FB won't be seeing them as much and that's going to bother the kids. I guess grandma and grandpa and uncles are going to have to step in a bit more for awhile when it all comes down.

Mr M and I had the house to ourselves this afternoon and this evening. Troll is out at the ball park, Daughter just left to spend the night with a girlfriend and the kids are with their dad. I even got some much needed cleaning done. I still have one part of the livingroom to go through but it feels so good to see the livingroom less cluttered.

Mr M, Troll and I are going to go see Harry Potter this weekend. My book order is already in place as is Troll's for the final book of the Potter series. Sure am going to miss not having something to look forward to except the last two movies.

That's about it.

PITA! Update your blog. Quit playing with the hairy one. *snicker*

EM! It's July *grin* We're waiting.

I'm Melting.

2007-07-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

...or rather, it feels like it. It's been 113-115 degrees. I can always tell it's going to be hot because the rising heat wakes me up in the morning. By 9:00am it's usually in the lower 90's. My exercise program has gone to nil since the hot weather invaded. I am going to try for it in the late evenings, but we'll see what happens. if it turns out that summer days are not conducive, I'll just double up in the fall and winter, i.e., morning and evening.

Life has been a comedy of errors for the last week or so. I have to look at it that way or else the other alternative is not pretty. Some of the things have been funny and the rest? Not so.

First, I discovered that the bank didn't have Mr M's OPM disability. Rut-oh. Where did it go? A call to OPM says they had the old account. Oh great. It's going to take a few days to get the money routed back into our account. Call to the bank because I don't have a few days, checks are going to turn rubber. Bank called corporate office. They had the money in a 'limbo' account pending enquiry. Bless them. We had our money within hours and a promise that no checks would bounce and we wouldn't have a fee to pay. Checking online, I found the money BUT I also found someone else's DFAS Ret. pay. Oh dear. Too late to get to the bank so it had to wait until Thursday to get there. Went in, told them that there was money in the account that wasn't ours. Call back from the bank later to inform they found where it needed to go. Can I get a HUZZAH?. That got straightened out. In the meantime, Mr M and I go to Olive Garden for lunch. I HAVE TO get out of the house. We go to Olive Garden alot. We have always had excellent service, even when they are packed. This day, it was horrible. We had to wait a long time just to get water an our drinks. Mr M asked to speak with the manager. It was a polite conversation. Our salad comes, no dressing. call for the waitress. Our appetizers came (stuffed mushrooms), no spoons. They always come with spoons. Call to the waitress again. Manager comes by to see how things are going. I don't have the heart to inform him of the comedy of errors. We found out he picked up the tab for our lunch.

Earlier last month we went to Red Lobster. I do My Points and I earned enough points to get a few gift cards for Red Lobster or Olive Garden. Mr M's steak had a rub on it that was way too salty. We found out we weren't the only one to complain about that. Then his cheese cake came frozen. I mean, FROZEN. He was hitting it with his spoon and getting nowhere. The waitress brought him a new one to go,no charge. In the meantime, yours truly had a hole in her lip, I swear. Everything I drank or ate sort of ended up on the front of my blouse, no matter how careful I was.

Top this off with arguments and shouting matches with Daughter. Oh, the stories I could tell, but I won't,not here. Did any of it sink in, some of you may ask? HELL NO. Just yesterday, she's going to give me attitude. Let me tell you, I am this close || to jacking that woman against the wall and I'll make sure Troll isn't around to pick me up and remove me. Oh yes, he did. He heard me yelling at Daughter, came in, picked me up (I'm no featherweight people) and moved me from in the room to the hall, then proceeded to get in her face himself. I'm still trying to figure out how he did that. It's not often someone gets the better of me.

I did pamper myself yesterday by getting a manicure and a pedicure. I also got a couple of cellphone calls that made me smile. Good friends. better than--- a glass of wine. *smile*

So, that's it for now. I'm just trying to maintain my cool in the Grove, in more ways than one.

-GROWL-

2007-07-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

Romans, Countrymen, Friends....

Lend me your ears...

Naw, keep 'em. I still have a collection of those and they're turning weird colors in that jar on the shelf.

Listen up... my cellphone is again functional.

That is all.

The 4th of July

2007-07-05T01:47:00.000-07:00

Things in the Grove were not all that exciting this day. It was simply way too hot, about 110 degrees in fact. We all simply took cover indoors. We never go out to attend the fireworks at the civic center down by the Sacramento River. We always stay home in case a fire should break out. That may seem a bit extreme to some of you out there, but it truly isn't. It doesn't take long for the wild grasses around here to dry out. A piece of glass or a small piece of metal has been responsible for starting a fire before, not to mention some idiot who still flicks his cigarette ash out an open window.

We did barbeque ribs and I made colesaw and there was corn on the cob to round out the meal. When it's this hot outside, dinner tends to be served late. I really didn't mind because Troll took me out to lunch at Olive Garden. And oh gee, I forgot the Ladies Auxiliary meeting and forgot all about the Trustees doing the books this month. No matter, they had two other Trustees, so I wasn't truly needed. For the record, I did remember the meeting, way too late. However, I wasn't heartbroken over missing it.

Here it is 2am in the morning and it's still quite warm outside. I still have the fans and the swamp cooler going. If the predictions are true, it's going to get to 115 degrees tomorrow. No let up in sight this week or next.

Mom is home now. Apparently she came home this past Friday. It's simply become living day-by-day. So far, so good. As far as I know, they have taken her off her blood pressure medication completely and her BP seems to be good. Again,wait and see.

Tomorrow, I hit the floor running. So,I guess I probably go attempt to get some sleep. Maybe if I lie under the ceiling fan I'll get comfortable.

FYI

2007-07-02T16:44:00.001-07:00

My cellphone is temp. disconnected as SOMEONE has taken advantage of my generosity. Hopefully, I shall have it all straightened out by the end of the week.

-growl-