Merry Christmas to me!

Last night was my Christmas with my kids. We met at Doug and Karmine's. What a nice time. All of my kids showed up. Lu Ann and Dan were here. And Steve and Kristin and her two kids (Emily and Jacob) . Steve had given Kristin a diamond back the last of April or the first of May. Last night they told us they are getting married October 10th. It will take place at Greenwood, IN. He told us where, but I don't remember. Someplace I've never heard of.

None of Lu Ann's kids made it. Caleb had to work, Matt had to work, and Eric and Katy went to Colorado where her dad had cabins rented. They were to be here this year, but went there instead. Dan brought his laptop, and they rigged Doug's computer so they could Skype with Carmen and Caleb. That was really fun. Cole is famillar with this. They Skype all the time. Now Doug wants what it takes to Skype with Carmen. Dear Doug, he is such a sweetie.

Marilynn's sister, Pam, was here visiting, and she came too. It was nice to have her because I wanted a picture of everyone. This way we had someone else that could take pictures that wasn't family. Not a bad picture either.

I got home about 11:40 last night. I was really tired, too. I took Snooks out to pottie, got my shower and went to bed.

Today is Betty and Duke's celebration. That starts about 5:30. Still have a little sewing to do before I can go. Need to get to that.

Merry Christmas to one and all.

Hello Everyone,

It's that time of the year where everyone tells everyone else how nice they are and how much they love each other. At least they do it once a year. In some cases, I hope it catches on for the rest of the year.

It's all about the "reason for the season".............The Birth of Christ. And I'm hoping that all of you have a most blessed season. I also hope that it is all that each of you hope it to be. If you are like me, you will be very busy.

Lu Ann and Dan are home for a few days, but none of their kids are going to make it. Caleb has to work. So does Matt. Eric and Katy were with her family last year, and were to be here this year. But her dad rented some cabins in Colorado so they have been drawn to the more fun times. Lets hope that next year they don't forget us.

I didn't do any shopping, only for the cards that I put the money in. That makes one less person on the road, trapesing (I guess I don't know how to spell that word) thru stores looking for something, and not knowing what I'm looking for. Maybe age has it advantages.

Am going to go to church tonight, somewhere. Tomorrow I've been invited to my brother Gene's house for supper. On Friday it's time for my Christmas with my kids. On Saturday it's Betty and Duke's celebration. Like I said, it's going to be busy. I still have some sewing I need to get done.

Hope you holiday is a Joyous one.

Thursday

Thursdays is the day of the week that I usually do my volunteer work. And that's what I did this Thursday. After that I went to Connie Lux's house. She has been telling me for a year or more that she has some alterations she wants me to do. I stopped by her house and we got to talking. After I'd been there about an hour, she asked me if I wanted a cup of coffee. I said "No" that I was going to go have lunch, would she want to go. So, we went to where her son David works (it use to be called Luxie's, now the name is changed and I can't remember what it is. sorry.) and we had lunch. We talked about the days gone by, the people we knew, how we've all changed, and just all neat stuff. I finally got home to let Snooks out about 2:30. She was ready, too. It made my day.

Yesterday was just as busy. Betty came just after 10 a.m. for a fitting. Then I was to meet an insurance lady for lunch. I finally did some house cleaning. It really needed it, too. Right after supper, I went to the pennance service at St. B. There were lots, and lots of people in church. And Fr. Tim used mostly Spanish. That's not right. I don't mind him using a little, but for most of it to be in Spanish, well, I, for one, don't believe in it. Sorry. I need to talk to him about that.

Today it is snowing. I just may get to use my new snowthrower. What a thrill, huh? It wasn't as cold walking Snooks today. Yesterday it was 8 degrees when we walked. This afternoon I plan to go to mass. Then will get something to eat and come home. A really thrilling life I lead, right?

Some Grandkids Not Getting Home for Christmas.

Talked to Lu Ann last night. None of her kids are going to be here for Christmas. So sad!!! Matt has to work, so does Caleb. Eric and Katy are going to Colorado. Her dad has rented some cabins and they are going to go skiing. Katy is pregnant, lets hope she takes the small slopes. Lets hope next Christmas will be very different.

There isn't enough snow to blow, so I haven't used my new blower yet. I bought it just in time. The ole back isn't going to be able to take the shoveling any more. I like the snow, but not the cold that comes with it. My car is great in the snow, so far, I've always been able to get where I need to go. That's why I bought the Subaru. They claim that their "All Wheel Drive" is better than all the 4 wheel drives. I can't do "donuts" with this car. Boo hoo!!

It's time to walk Snookums.

Our First Snow!

Our first snow has arrived. It's really pretty out. The snow is very slushy, and of course, wet. I wonder who's snow Mike Prangley is shoveling.

Snookums loved the snow. She just hops around and loves running in it. We didn't stay out very long, but it was fun.

Advent started and St. Boniface didn't have the new books in the pews. I prefer to follow the mass in the book. Every-once-in-awhile I have a problem understand some of the readers, and it is a lot nicer to be able to read what's being read. Maybe next week.

Steve called me yesterday, Kristin's grandpa fell a day or two ago and shattered his right shoulder and hip. He's going to be out of comission for quite awhile. And, Steve is still trying to figure out Christmas schedule and Betty and Duke's celebration. He and Kristin are working at a local restaruant and that means they will need to work sometime. Others need time off as well. We'll just have to wait and see what they decide to do (or not to do).

I bought myself a snowblower this year, and am unable to figure out the spout that throws the snow different directions. It won't turn and I don't want to force it. Tom is to come over later and help me figure out if it's the blower or me. (It'll probably be me, it usually is.)

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!!!!!!!!!

Busy, busy, busy. That's the way it's been for me lately. Most of the leaves are down and out at the curb. I raked some more of the nuts today. Have a little bit to go and I'll be finished. Yeah!!!!!!

Tom's in-laws have asked me to their house for tomorrow. I'm taking the Apfel Kuchen. How nice of them.

I'm still getting sewings to do. I can't seem to sew fast enough these days. That's good.

I enjoyed playing with my machine, but have quit the playing. I usually do my volunteer work on Thursdays, but since it's a holiday this week, I did it today.

Don't like this cold weather. Hopefully, after the first of the year I'll be able to go south for awhile. That would be nice.

'Tis the season for leaves!@^#*^^! Why???

Leaves, leaves, leaves, they are everywhere. And, I'm not finished with them. I will need to rake or blow leaves one more time. Yuk!!!!

Have been playing with my new machine. It's really nice. Have also been doing some straight stitching with it. The other day it sewed on a pair of sweat pants where my straight stitch machine couldn't seem to get it to work. Yea!!!

Hope everyone is ready for this cold weather. Not me. I don't like the cold. Finally got me a snow blower. Now I won't have to shovel.

For those of you who don't know, about three weeks ago, Geno got himself a 9 point buck....with a bow!!!!!!!!! One happy fellow was he. He had so much deer meat, there is now some in my freezer.

The sewing jobs are picking up. Just in time for the cold weather. That's great. In the summer I'm too busy running around. It's working out just fine.

Carmen Posted!!!

Hey, everyone, Carmen has a new post. It is really cute. Of course, Grannie would think so.

I'm still playing with my machine

Well, I'm still playing. It's so much fun. I'm not without my problems, like the thread bunching up on the underside. Just one of the little problems one needs to learn how to solve those kinds of things. And, I was able to solve it.

Roseanna, with that broken foot you probably can't do too much, so call me and maybe you can come down and play with my new machine. It's really fun. You will be sitting, so it shouldn't bother your foot. Oh, Oh, It's your right foot, can you drive? Am I going to need to come and get you??

Now I need to get busy on the sewing looking me in the eye. Yuk!!!

My Christmas Present to Myself,

Yesterday I went to Indianapolis and bought myself a Christmas present. I've been wanting an embroidery machine for a LOT of years. I now have one. But, now I have to learn to operate it. I can't play with it until after I finish curtains for the rebuild cottage, and finish an outfit for Betty. I've offered to make her outfit for her celebration the end of December. But, Gene and Roseanna's curtains come first. And I need to get going on them.

The classes to learn to operate the machine are in January. Not a nice month to have to run to Indy. But, it will work out. And I will enjoy it.

Sewing, sewing, sewing.....

Today Betty and I are going to the Indy area to look for fabric. I have offered to make the outfit she will wear to her 50th celebration. Last Friday we met at JoAnn's here in Lafayette. We found something we liked, but one of the fabrics was not the right shade. So today that is why we are going to look elsewhere. Wish us luck.

I've had lots of sewing lately. One day I hemmed 6 pair pants. I really enjoy that. Pants are easy. If only I had a yard boy to help clean up the Hickory nuts. I heard last week that if you roast the Hickory Nuts, they crack open. I have an outdoor fireplace and I need to try that. Any one else game to help me?? Stop by some time.

A Good Halloween it was!

On Tuesday I had lunch with Mike Lockard. Mike has done some painting over the years and I figured that he would be able to help me with painting a clown face for me. For some reason, I've never been able to come up with a good face to go with my outfit. Well, what he painted was okay. However it didn't thrill me all that much. But what it did do was to give me an idea or two. So, tonight I dressed up for Halloween. The first time in three years. So, it was a treat. Now I have to shower and wash the green color out of my hair.

For about 5 years I've been trying to catch Mike and Pam at home on Halloween. No luck. So, I did catch Pam at home tonight, Mike was out of town. What fun.

After I left there, I went to Doug and Karmine's. Levi and Karli were having a halloween party and I decided to crash it. It was cute to see all the kids dressed up. Steve and Brita were there. At first Steve didn't know who I was until I laughed. He could hardly believe his eyes. Oh, well!

I think Halloween is more fun than Christmas.

They Don't know Louie, do they???

Last evening after 4:30 mass, I went to O'Charley's to get supper. When I go places like this, I usually sit at the bar. First, it doesn't mean the these days what it did when I was young, and, I take up only one spot as apposed to a table where about three spaces are wasted.

There was a stool at the end and a young lady said this place was not taken. "Sit with us," she said. There were three ladies, two somewhat younger than the third. We kidded each other a couple of times, and when I left I thanked them for their "company." The one lady said they were from Crawfordsville. And, yes, they know Louie. The one lady's son is a good friend of Austin's. How funny is that?!!

So I gave each of them my business card and they thanked me. None sew, so maybe I'll get their business. Didn't get any names either. So, don't ask. Oh, well.

I found a used snow blower on Craig's List that I'm going to go look at on Monday evening. Doug said he'd go with me.

Busy, busy, busy!!!!!!!!!!

I apologize for not posting for so long. To be honest, I haven't read any posts for several days. I'm a bad girl.

One of the neat things I did was to take a class at Inspired Fired earlier this week. It was three nights of three hours each. We did blow some glass, but mostly made beads. The beads are beautiful, well, not so beautiful as they would have been if someone who knew what they were doing had made them. Oh, well. I'm not sure I'll go back and do any more, it's kind of expensive. But, it's really fun. Besides, I have enough hobbies, so many that I can't keep up with all of them.

All of a sudden, I am getting lots of sewing to do. A lot of pants to put hems in. I kinda like those, they are simple and they go quickly. I've done so many of those, I can whip them out in no time.One of the guys at the Sheriff's Office has stripes he wants me to sew on, but he hasn't brought them to me. I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever see them.

I've been neglecting my house, so yesterday I spent all day cleaning. Need to finish the kitchen this morning. My dryer has about a 30 foot exhaust with a screen on the outside so the birds don't make a nest in there. Every so often I have to get my eight foot ladder out and take the screen off to clean it. Today is that day, as soon as it gets light enough to see. I have another load to wash, also. I guess I better get to work. Mass is at 4:30, suppose I'll be ready????

My Garbage men are the greatest!!!

I never in a million years thought that I'd be telling anyone that my garbage men would be interested in my welfare. In my last post I told you of my trip. The day after I got home, Doug calls. "Hi, Mom, how was your trip?" I answered, "fine." Then he tells me how at the end of the day on Thursday, (Thursday is the day they pick up my garbage) when my garbage can wasn't out, that the two guys come up to him and ask if I was okay. Wow! It's nice to know that if something was wrong, that there is someone out there that would let someone else know. I need to email our Mayor and tell him. I bet he doesn't get too many nice emails.

McCutcheon won the soccor sectional. Yeah!!!!

Yesterday was full of soccor. McCutcheon played Rossville at 10 a.m. yesterday. The Mavs won by a score of 9 to 1. The second game was between Jeff and CC. Of course, all of us were cheering for CC. But, they lost to Jeff in ( I believe it was the) second shoot out. That means they played two overtimes and then each team gets their turn at just kicking it into the goal net. After the second try, Jeff got a goal and CC didn't. All played a good game. We were all hoping for a family affair in the evening. It didn't happen.

So, at 7 p.m., Jeff and McCutcheon played. The Mavs played a GREAT game and keep those Bronchos from scoring. The final score was 1 to 0. It was really great to witness that. The Mavs now move on to another round of game. However, I don't know where or when.

It's nice to be home, but I'm still catching up. The yard is full of leaves and Hickory nuts and hulls. I'm going to have to hire a couple of high school guys to come and rake it for two or three weeks. But, my back just can't handle all that type of work. I've had several people call and come to me with sewing. So, I will be very busy for several days. And, that's a good thing.

My Trip(s)!!!!

On Tuesday I was to leave for about ten days. So Snookums would be clean going to stay with the sitters, I took her to get a bath. Usually the groomers also clean their ears and clip their nails. Well, she clipped her nails and clipped two of them too short. About fifteen minutes after I got home, my bedroom rug was full of bloody paw prints. It was also in that bathroom, the foyer, on the living room rug and in the kitchen. I called the Vet. They said to use either baking soda or corn starch to stop it. I dumped my hand full of soda and put her paw in it. About a minute later the soda was red.

After a trip to the vet (since what I was doing wasn't working) it was still bleeding. That is when I discovered there were two nails bleeding. It just wouldn't stop. About 8 p.m. I made a trip to PetSmart to get something to stop it. By this time is still had all that blood to clean up. I got the kitchen, foyer and bathroom cleaned rather quickly. Those floors are not carpet, so they cleaned easily. Then I cleaned the living room carpet. By this time it was late and I had already notified the dog sitter, Lu Ann and my friend Lori that I was postponing leaving one whole day.

I showered and went to bed. The next morning I got my rug shampooer out and it took three hoppers of cold water to get the blood out of that bedroom rug. Then I filled the hopper with hot water and shampoo soap and shampooed that rug. I needed a nap when I was finished. I was tired.

So on Wednesday (instead of Tuesday) I left for Lu Ann's. Got there about noon. Carmen and kids arrived about 3 p.m. That was so much fun. Cole is a doll and he is really smart. Catches on very quickly. Talks quite well. Carmen said that if he is trying to tell her something and she can't figure out what he is trying to tell her, he will come up with a different word so she will understand. A good job for a 2 yr. old. Gioia is the cutiest. Looks a lot like her brother.

Lu Ann took Thursday and Friday off. We went shopping and other things. Just hung out together and it was a really nice time. Went out to eat that evening. Dan had promised Cole a train ride on Friday. Cuyahoga County has a train ride from Cleveland to Akron. Round trip takes three hours. It was really nice and a relaxing time. Cole and Gioia were the center of attraction. The train people just couldn't get over those two.

Friday evening I went over to Lori's house and stayed the night there. We left the next morning for Lafayette. Stopped at Shipshewana to shop. She loved it there. Got back to Lafayette about 7:30. Got up on Sunday and went to St. Boniface mass at 10 a.m. Then to the school to commerate the schools 150 yrs of Catholic education. There was a free picinic lunch later. There were only 3 people from my class there. Me, Connie Krabbe Lux and Ron Burgess.

Then I drove Lori around the area to show her like the Subaru plant, Battle Ground and the like. On Monday Lori and I headed to Nashville, IN. Shopped till the stores closed. Stayed in a hotel that evening. The next morning we went to Fishers or Carmel and hit a couple fabric stores. Then came back to Lafayette in time to get the oil changed in my car. It was about 800 miles overdue. On Wednesday we headed back to Cleveland to take Lori home. I came back to Lafayette yesterday. Brought Snookums home. She was very glad to see me. Right now she is sleeping in her own bed.

It was a really nice trip. I had lots of fun. Lori had never been to Indiana. So, she enjoyed the whole thing. She seldom get to go anywhere. I'm really glad we did it. I think it recharged her batteries.

About 3:30 a.m., I had just been up to use the bathroom and gone back to bed. I heard the funniest noise outside. It sounded like water, but not rain. I got up and they were flushing the water mains. Yuk!!!!!!!!! Now the water will be all rusty this morning. Not fun.

The alarm just went off. It's time for me to get up. Have to do my volunteer job this morning and have a luncheon date at noon with some of the girls in my High School class.

I put about 1800 miles on my car.

No Pedi Paws yet!!

I have not been able to get Snookums to let me use the Padi Paws on her. She is still too skiddish.
I guess I'll have to have them cut one more time and hope that I can get her to let me use it on her whenever they get long enough to need cut again. (Sigh!)

Pedi Paws

Remember the commercial about Pedi Paws on the TV? Snookums hates to have her nail cut. Someone must have mistreated her. So, when I saw that I ordered one right away. Then I got a note from them saying they had a large volume of orders and mine was on back order. That it would be at least 6 weeks. Well, it arrived today. Now I need to get her familiar with it so she will let me use it on her.

Anyone want any Hickory Nuts???? My yard if FULL of them. I need to mow the grass, but can't until I get it all picked up. I picked some up yesterday. I'm glad I did.

This Week Will Be Busy.

There are several things on the agenda for this week. One of the busiest lately. I have sewing I need to do. Snooks and I haven't been able to walk over the weekend. Should make the walk today a long one. There is a soccer game at CC this afternoon, CC vs McCutcheon. Jacob is coaching CC and Levi is playing for McCutcheon. So, I just have to go watch. After that, Steve and Kristin will be in town. So, need to be home to see them.

Had plenty of sewing last week, and it's stacking up the same for this week. That's good.

Aunt Evelyn hasn't been very good lately. She is in the hospital at Lake Havasu, and is getting better. Talked to Uncle Ray the other evening. Maybe he'll call in a day or two to give us an update.

I keep checking Carmen's blog, but she apparently hasn't had time to post any pictures of Gioia. I know she is busy, but.............Grannie wants to see a picture of her. I guess I'll have to wait till I am able to go see them. Waaaaa!!!

Once Upon A Child!!

It was my first visit to the store. I wanted to take Carmen something for Gioia when I go see her. I think I got 5 outfits for under $20.00. A very good deal. Just so they fit. They started a "frequent buyer" card (I think that's what they call it) and I probably won't be there again for a long time. Maybe I'll give it to Annie. I bet she or Sarah could use it.

Have had a few sewing jobs lately. Today a phone call says they meed 3 pair of pants hemmed and a dress for a wedding hemmed. That should be a good deal. I need to return that call. Chico has patches he needs sewn on shirts. That is the best deal. It looks like I'm going to be busy for awhile.

Rocky told me last evening that he is to start work at Clarian-Arnett on Monday. In the kitchen. I hope this works for him. He's had a ton of different jobs. He's now old enough, he needs to be able to stay put.

Have been going thru pictures. I need to get the albums going. What a mess it is. There are soooooooo many pictures. Many of them I will probably pitch.

Hey, Annie, give me a call the first of the week. I need your assistance with something. Thanks.

Betty, I have the new short form "Hatke" book printed for you. Let me know when you are going to be close. Or, maybe lunch. Either will work.

Name and spelling

Talked to Lu Ann this evening. She still doesn't know the spelling that Carmen has chosen for Gioia's middle name. She thinks it's Claire. Hopefully, if it is not correct, I'll remember to let y'all know.

Weight and name.

Talked with Lu Ann yesterday evening. Gioia weighed 7 lbs, 11 ozs. The middle name is another thing. They are considering Clare, the spelling is another question. It might be Clare, Claire or Clair. She missed being born on Chico's birthday. I was hoping for the 21st. But, this way, she has her own day. I'll just have to let y'all know when they decide.

Gioia has arrived!

Somewhere around 4 p.m., Gioia arrived. Apparently all is well. Don't know a middle name, or how much she weighed. Carmen was to go to the hospital around 11 a.m. and they were going to induce her. Apparently she didn't labor too long. Will post the rest of the details when I get them.

Gioia.

Carmen has a post. Thought y'all might want to read it. www.costoncrew.blogspot.com .

Prophets Town.

It was my first time at Prophetstown. There weren't many people there when I was. There are front porch socials on Sundays of August. I took my crocheting and sat in the heat and talked to whomever showed up. I was getting a headache when I decided to go. Maybe one of these days, I'll go camping on the weekend. I always like doing that. I'm not sure what I think of this place. I may go again sometime and then maybe I'll pass judgement. I was to go with someone else, but at the last minute that person couldn't go.

Stopped at the Custard to get a drink and Gene came in while I was there. Said "Hi" and we both left.

Talked to Lu Ann yesterday, if Carmen hasn't delivered by Wednesday, they plan to induce her. Yuk!!!!

What A Day!!

It was a busy day yesterday, yet I didn't get much done. It was a Holy Day, so I had to go to church. Mass was at 12:10. Then I wen to Roseanna's to help her get an apron put together that she is making. This is the apron she had asked me to make a pattern for. (Not good English, I know. Sorry if I've offended anyone.) I knew when I did it, that I probably didn't get all the instructions the way she needed them. So, now we are critiquing it.

Then I had to be back home in time for a friend to arrive and help me with some computer glitches that I sometimes get myself into. That took 2 hours. A lot of glitches, huh?? After she left I needed to get me something to eat. I still hadn't had lunch and by this time it's almost 4 p.m. Soon after that I developed a headache (I do that when I wait too long to eat.) Then I fell asleep in the lawn chair. (You know, tummy full, tired.....)

After all that, and after I had my shower, I fixed myself a Margaretta. Wow, what a day!! Roseanna called me somewhere around 9 p.m. to tell me she was finished with the apron. Yeah!!!! Success feels good, doesn't it, Roseanna?!!!

Now, I'm going to get some more items on Etsy. Anyone want to see this website, go to www.etsy.com . Everything on this site must be hand made. There is quite a varity. It might be fun to browse.

Not much today.

Remember my post about the abused lady with child? Well, I saw her driving his vehicle the other day. My guess is, she is back with him.

No news from Carmen. I hope Lu Ann calls me when she's on her way to Norfolk.

Have been working on the Hatke genealogy. When I was home with my back surgery, I borrowed Cyl Senesac's book. I put that part of the Hatke's on my computer in short form because it was the quickest and I wanted to get her book back to her. I'm just now getting it from short form to long form. Finished that family last evening. It's doubled the book size. Betty proof's it for me. The one big problem is I don't have the original to proof it all. Maybe Cyl will let me borrow it again.

We sure have had some very nice days lately. I haven't run the AC for I think 6 days.

Hi Roseanna!!

Catch-up time!

Sunday was nice. Gene and Roseanna have the perfect place for a gathering. Everyone loved my Apfelkuchen. We were able to go thru all the pictures from the farm. Finally.

I went to bed at 11p.m. Saturday. Didn't sleep all night. Took two 20 minute naps in my chair on Sunday. Went to bed about 11 Sunday night and slept 9 hours.

Yesterday the weather was beautiful. I sat outside all afternoon and crocheted. Snooks was tied to a tree and she kept trying to get the critters in the wood pile.

Isn't my life exciting???

Computers!!!!!!!!!!

When it comes to this computer, I sometimes feel really stupid. Then there are those who've told me that I do really well with it. But, I want the world to know that I'm really getting better. I had a problem getting to a certain spot. Had someone help me with it twice. I finally figured out that I have to type in a name on the one window, in order to get to where I need to be. Hoorah for me, I figured it out Friday night. Oh, do I feel good about that one.

Tomorrow is reunion day for us siblings. I'm baking an Apfelkuchen (that's the German spelling) to take.

Ttthhaaaaats all folks!

Memories resurrected!!

After years pass, we remember, yet there are some things we forget. This morning as I was walking Snooks, I witnessed an incident down the street where the male friend (husband or boyfriend, I'm not sure) dropped the woman and child off at her parents house. She was crying, also yelling at him while he drove away before she shut the door. So, it was flapping in the wind. I asked if I could help. I watched to make sure she got in the house, she did. Her remark to me was that he had hit her for the last time.

It brought back memories that I really don't want to remember. We just never know, do we????

I have to do the "dog walking" early in the morning these days. That way it's not too hot.

I went to Culver's yesterday for lunch. Doug was there driving a city truck. He was glad to see me. Ha! Ha!!!

Annie, Martin and Anja were at B&N last night. They didn't stay long because Annie forgot a needle and couldn't do what she wanted to do. Also, Anja was beginning to get tired. Shari didn't come either. A small group last night.

Gioia's Ready -- So is Carmen

Just had an email from Carmen. Gioia's kidney's have resolved the problem. So, everything is a go. What good news.

Ain't nothin' about nothin'!!

Okay, okay, I guess I'll blog. A couple people have asked me why I haven't blogged lately.

Hi, Roseanna!!

Hi, Annie!!

The summer has been kinda dull. There's been things to do, and I've done some of them, just not all. So, naturally, there's still stuff I need to get done. The Hickory nuts haven't been too bad this year. Last year they were terrable. Since the temp hasn't been too bad, Snookums and I have been getting our walks in. Now it's early morning or not at all, since the temp has gone buzzurk. It is still one of the nicest summers I can remember.

I need to take a trip somewhere!!!!!!

My neighbor man sharpened my mower blad a couple weeks ago. Nice of him. It really needed it, too. I bought the mower three years ago and it's never been sharpened. It was about time I sharpened it.

I need a nap. Nite, Nite!!

Easter Lillies.

I have Easter Lillies blooming. I can't figure out why they are so late. It's been that way for 3 or 4 years now. I'm enjoying them anyway.

Today is my third anniversary!!!!!!

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The tree pollen is here!!

Ohhh, the allergy season. The tree pollen is getting me down. If they made tampons for the nose, I'd buy some. That's about all I've gotten done this last week is blow my nose, sneeze and rub my eyes till they are swollen. A cold compress helps some. Wednesday was really bad. Maybe today will be some better.

Long time, no post!!

I realize it's been awhile. Sorry, folks. When I'm going to be out-of-town, I don't like to put it in a post. So, now that I'm back, I'll tell you how it was.

Thursday morning, my computer decided to not work. I tried to fix it, but it proved not to be a quick fix. So, had to wait till today, because there was too much going on till now. Sorry.

At noon that day, there was an all school St. Francis luncheon. I went to the first one they had four years ago. The food was delicious and it was a lot of fun. The next year they had it on a week day, and since I was still working, I didn't go. Last year they had it scheduled for a day in February. I responded positively. Then, because of the almost zero temperature, they posponed it till March. Well, I was on my trip to see Uncle Ray and Aunt Evelyn. So, didn't make that one. Now this year it was on a day when I could go.

Boy, was I disappointed. It was mainly a pitch for money for the things they want to do to CC. Now, a pitch for money is fine, but I didn't think that was the place. Also, the food (what bite or two each person had) was good. But, I came home and made myself a sandwich. It just may be a looooong time before I go again.

Then on Friday morning Snookums and I left for Lu Ann's. Nice trip over. Her church was having their Mother/Daughter Banquet that evening. The food, this time, was a lot more and better, even. On Saturday we did a little shopping. Late that afternoon their church has (once a month) a "picnic" at this couple's house for all the new members of their church so they can get to know some of the others. I guess there isn't much time at church to visit and get to know others. A very nice happening, anyway.

I met one older lady at this gathering, that retired about a year ago. She's never done much traveling. A super nice lady. I told her I was looking for a traveling companion. I asked Lu Ann to kinda check on her and see if she is really willing to do this. I'll wait to hear from Lu Ann.

The trip back was not a nice one for either Snookums or me. I don't know what her problem was, but she barked most of the way. Even with the pill I gave her. It was raining when we started out. Stopped after about an hour. Then sunshine for quite a while. Then clouds. That's fine with me. I don't squint so much.

Got home bout 2:3o. Unpacked. Snooks was glad to be back home.

This a.m. I was able to get my computer going again, thanks to Daniel. It isn't fixed right. He is coming over Wednesday evening to do just that. Hope it works.

So, I spent at least an hour catching up on emails and reading the blogs. Then I mowed the grass. You know, most people say, "I mowed the yard." Now, if you did that, what would the yard look like. It is actually the grass that grows and needs mowed.

Okay, I'll quit. Bye.

A Nice Weekend

Last week was pretty nice (except for the headache) and this weekend just topped it off. Tom and Sherry took me out to brunch at Riehle's. Don and Marilyn joined us, along with Marilyn's sister. (Sorry, I can't remember her name. She and her daughter own the two Merle Norman stores in town.)

Lu Ann and Dan came to visit before they headed for home. Doug brought me some flowers. Steve called before he went to work at Zydeco's.

Saturday a.m., I went down to the Farmer's Market. I wanted some asparagus and rhubarb. Got both. Fixed the asparagus when I got home and ate it all. I will cook down the rhubarb. Jerry would eat it on ice cream. Wow!!

When I got home I straightened the kitchen, ran the dishwasher. About noon I started working in the yard. The grass was so tall in spots, it didn't get dry enough to mow. But did it anyway. Stopped to empty the grass bag more often because of it. Then went to church at 4:30.

Need to take Snooks for a walk this morning. Didn't yesterday because it rained all day. I'm trying to "build" a little space in my back yard for all the flowers.....lilac bushes (1 lilac, 1 white) the peonies from the farm, clamitis,' a whisteria, and something else, I just can't remember.

I'm considering a lawn decoration or two. Just don't know what yet. Decisions, decisions!!!

It'll Be a Busy Weekend.

Lu Ann and Dan are coming to town this weekend. Not necessarily because of Mother's Day, but because there is a reception for George and his new bride, it's bride #5. So, it will be a busy one.

Cleaned house all day. Need to mow the grass, but it was too wet. Mike Prangley says it'll work tomorrow. I hope it dries soon enough that I can get it mowed and to church by 4:30.

If I remember correctly, Gene is to help me on Sunday. Yet, I thought Lori said he has to work on Sunday. Hummm.....maybe she said he works Saturday? Oh, well!! I need a couple of items moved inside the house. They are just too heavy for me. I don't need to have another surgery on my back. Also, need to have some things hauled home so I can fix the yard. No rest for the whicked.

Farmers Market is tomorrow. I would like some rhubarb. Yum, yum...

No Headache this Morning!!

My headache started going away about 6:30 or so last evening. About 3:30 I made myself a Margarita. I don't know if that's what did it or what. But, I'm glad it gone. Didn't get to B&N either. Sorry, Annie, I just couldn't do it.

The weather looks awful, but we really need the rain. So, I'm not complaining, at least not too much. It will give me time to get to the store and buy what I need to finish the projects I have going. When the rain is over, I get to go to work. Yea!

An Awful Day!

I've had a bad day. A nasty headache. It was coming on last night and hasn't let up. It got a little better awhile ago, but seems to be on it's way back. I'm exhausted, and I haven't done anything. I was to go to knit-night at Barns & Nobles. Don't think I'm going to make it.

I found out why I didn't hear from Gene and Lori on Sunday. They thought the fourth was on Monday. They are going to take me out to eat on Thursday. I forgot to mention that my friends Mike and Pam gave me a gift certificate to Interior Objects. How nice.

I found out who the unknown phone # belongs to. I looked it up on two different websites and it said that they didn't find any matches. Someone I know, who knows how to find things out, discovered it belongs to the Indiana State Police league. Now I'm sorry I've erased the "message" they left. It was a shrieking-pulsing sound. Not a nice thing for a Police League to do. Too bad they are exempt from the no-call list.

I'll be glad when we get some rain. I need to do some things outside, but the ground is too hard. The dandelions have gone wild in my yard. Need to spray. Yuk!!!!

Know Who Owns a Phone Number.

Does anyone know how to find out who a phone number belongs to? Is there a web site for this purpose?

Happy Birthday to me!!!!!

Yes, today was my birthday. And it turned out to be a very nice day. Before I tell you about it I must tell you about Steve.

Steve lives in Mooresville and has been working for his friend selling soft-ware to drop zones. Even writing the manuals. But. this isn't working very well right now, so Steve started working as a waiter at a local restaurant. A very different type of food, a lot like New Orleans. And the inside of the restaurant depicks that also. About 4 weeks ago he told me they had started serving brunch on the first Sunday of each month.

Now, Mike and Pam, my friends, have done several nice things for me and I decided this would be a great way to pay them back. And the first time I could take them was today. So, I pick them up at 9:45 and we got there about 11:10. They were really impressed, with the food and the place. And Steve does his job really well. He really knows how to pour it on!!

Steve told me before I went that everyone at the restaurant knew it was my birthday. So, when I got my desert it had a lit candle in it and the band played "Happy Birthday." He told everyone I was 21. (I wonder what he wants?)

When I got home, I fell asleep in the chair. Woke up just in time to go to the Bach Choral performance at 4. When I got home I had three phone calls. Tom, Steve and Rocky had all called. My adopted daughter had left me a card on the front porch. Then Lu Ann called while I was in the shower. Earlier in the week, Doug and Karmine were here and they wished me a good day then. So, the only one I haven't heard from is Geno. (I wonder if he worked today?)

Uncle Ray called too. How nice. He said to tell everyone "Hi" for him. They are doing well. Their computer is down and Aunt Evelyn is after him to get it going. I guess she has trouble sleeping sometimes, and when she gets up she gets on the computer to occupy her time.

It's Hell Getting Old!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't know how many of you will remember the McManus twins. They were in my class in grade school.....1 to 8. Then at St. Francis for two years. When they decided to close it, they went to West Side for HS. We were friends then, and remained so over the years. Even tho, for a lot of years we never heard from each other. Barb married John Jansen and Beverly married Ed Stoller.

When I found Beverly about 6 years ago, she was in Connecticut. She was an artist specializing in Church art. About 4 years ago Bev died of cancer. It wouldn't have been so quick if she had gone to a doctor in time. Bev and Ed had 5 children. And after her death, I was able to acquire one of her pieces of art. And it's not a duplicate. I am so proud of that, and it holds a special place in my home.

Barb's husband John, became an FBI agent and they settled in Anchorage, Alaska office in the late 60's. They had two children, a son Gene and a daughter Theresa. About 7 years ago John had a really bad heart attack. He survived, but isn't in very good shape today. Both John and Barb are now retired and living outside Anchorage.

A couple of days ago I received an email from John. He said that Barb had collapsed at home on 4-3. Was rushed to the hospital. She had 4 emergency surgeries, 19 pints of blood and spent 28 days in the ICU. She had Pancreatitis as a result of a perforated ulcer the size of a quarter. Liver damage was present and she also had gall stones.

At some point her Blood Pressure went to zero. They brought her back. It dropped again. In one of the surgeries they sutured up her lesions and drained a large hematoma from her belly. She is now in her own room, is stable, but still critical. So, she's not "out of the woods." So, those of you who know how to pray, please say a prayer or two for Barb...and the family. They are the ones who have to watch this.

Then I called Barb (Haan) Virgin, who is on her way home from spending the winter in Florida. I found her in Tennessee. I called to tell her about Barb Jansen. Well, Barb Virgin tells me she had to have another stint installed this winter. Man, oh man, my friends and I are getting old. It's no fun. For those of you who arent' old yet, you are really lucky. When I was your age, I really didn't know how lucky I was. Count your blessings, y'all.

I think I've bent your ear enough for today. Till next time.

A busy week, this week.

There was confirmation at St. Mary's last night. Levi was confirmed. Man, that will make three times this week that I've gone to mass. Tomorrow is a holy day so that will make the third time. Wow! Am I getting holy or what??!!!!! Gene was his sponsor. He is also Levi's god-father. The church was full and the Hispanic's were there in full force.

The grass needs mowed later today. Have to do some shopping before I get home today. I've been neglecting the inside of the house. Need to clean that later on. No rest for the whicked. (Is that what I am?)

Didn't get to knit-night at B&N. Maybe next week. This Sunday I'm treating Mike and Pam. Those two do a lot of nice things for me. It's time I treat them. We are going to Zydeco's for brunch.

Have started another afghan. I finally finished the first one. I ripped out more than I left in there. It was not a nice one to do. It's very pretty, but not quite right. Altho I don't think anyone will know. One of these days maybe I'll post a picture of it.

The prom season is over or just about over. I've had only one prom dress to alter. Gene and Lori went to a benefit dance a couple weeks ago, and she had purchased a full length dress. She wanted it shortened. I shirred it up and it was really nice. She got lots of compliments on it. Her friend's dress needed fixed, so I did that one, too.

Now I need to get that dust ruffle done for a friend. I need to wrap my mind around that and figure out how I need to do it. Not an easy thing, but there is a solution. Just need to find it, and quickly.

Am doing my time at the jail today. Need to get going.

It wasn't the Earthquake after all.

It looks like I was mistaken when I said the Snookums was bothered by the earthquake. Apparently that was the night I also opened the windows. Because, yesterday I opened the windows again, (had to shut them last evening when it began to rain) but she went out to the garage again to sleep. There are no windows open out there. When I went to bed, I had to shut all of them. She figured it out and came back to the bedroom sometime during the night. When I woke up, there she was. But, last year I opened windows and she didn't to that. So, why this year??? Sometimes I wish she could talk. Then there are times I'm glad she can't. Her bark can be startling enough.

Oh, Annie, I received a call from Lu Ann the other day. Her friend has a site on Etsy and does very well with it. She says it's cheaper than Ebay. It doesn't have the exposure, however. But, I thought I'd try it. I don't have everything figured out yet, but have set up the account, just need to learn to post the pictures and get the description right. Will let you know when it is ready to go. I remember you suggested that to me awhile back. So, lets hope it works. And thanks for that suggestion.

I've had a couple of requests recently for a copy of the Zink Tree. I always like that, because then I get to update their information.

It looks like a yucky day ahead. I guess all days can't be good ones.

Talent Show at McCutcheon

Last night Karli was in a talent show at McCutcheon. It lasted two hours and there were a lot of those numbers that were not of my liking. You know, the rock stuff. Some was hard rock. One of the acts were a couple of older fellows that work at the school. Doug seemed to think there were teachers. I liked their music. Karli did very well. There wasn't any judging, so now winner or looser. Those kids had a good time, and it was all clean fun. Nice job.

Knit night at Barnes & Noble

Last night I went to Barnes & Noble for the knit night. I've started another afghan and took that with me. Didn't get very far because I forgot to take the next color with me. When I arrived at the point I needed to change colors, I had to quit. Duh!! I had thought about the color change and went to get the next color, but as senior citizens sometimes do, I was distracted and didn't get it done.

Annie and Martin and little Anja were there. Martin's mother held Anja all the time I was there. At least until she had to leave. I can't go next week, Levi is being confirmed at St. Mary's. So I will need to be at this confirmation.

I remember before I was married, mother belonged to a sewing circle in the neighborhood. The ladies would mend, tat, knit, crochet or maybe darn, whatever needed to be done. Even tho I was only a teenager, I enjoyed that whenever it was mother's turn to be the hostess. Then after I had some kids, I started one of those in my neighborhood. That was about the time a lot of women started going to work. So, it didn't last very long. But, it was still a lot of fun.

And this at B&N was really nice because I didn't have to clean house, make sure I had something to eat or drink on hand. Did't even have to clean up after them when they left. How nice!

The weather has been very cooperative. I mowed my yard yesterday, even pulled a few weeds in the flowers. Have more weeds to go, it's just not my favorite thing to do. But it was nice to have that lovely day to do it.

A Beautiful Day!!!!!!!!!

What a lovely day today was. I did a little sewing this a.m. to let it warm up some. Then I pulled weeds for a couple of hours. Very enjoyable day. Will need to mow the grass tomorrow. I need to see what the weather is going to do. Oh, good, Mike Prangley just said the rain looks like it will hold off till Fri. Yeah.

Where did Snookums sleep last night????

Snookums slept in her bed last night. Yeah!!! It didn't take her too long to get over it.

Went to church last evening and then to the Bach Chorale Singers show. It made me late getting to bed and late getting up this a.m. Oh, well, I guess I'll live.

Janice Boes was there. She's been there in the past. I always speak to her. Nice lady

Doug left a message on my phone while I was gone last night. Karli is singing in a talent show at McCutcheon on Wednesday. They are charging $3 to get in. Doug was laughing on the phone, cause he knows how cheap I am. But, the county has a program where a senior citizen can get a pass to get into these school functions for free. But, since I live in the city, I can't get one. At the door, I'll ask for a senior discount. Ha! Ha! I've thought of applying for one of those passes and using Doug's address. I'll be up that creek if they ask for ID.

It would be nice if this weather would get just a little warmer. There are some parts of this country that need rain, and here we are, we can't get it to quit.

Earthquake and animals.....

Did this earthquake affect anyone else' animals? Snookums won't sleep in her bed. That's where she was when it struck and last night she slept in the garage.

An Earthquake??!!!!!

Well, I must say, I often wondered what an earthquake was like. I now know. I was awake, just hadn't gotten up. Snookums moved to another room. Maybe she thought she could get away from it that way.

Yesterday was a really nice day. Mowed some of the yard. The flowers are blooming and how nice it is. Fixed ribs on the grill. Yeah!!! I slept with my window open last night. It is to get to 75 today. As soon as I'm finished with the sewing I need to do, I'm going to take Snooks for a long walk.

Web-stalking!??

Okay, I didn't know there was such a thing. But, apparently there is. This post was prompted by Annie. I read her last blog and she talked about web-stalking. It's becoming apparent that company's are reading blogs. People seem to express their delight or disgust with people, places and things on blogs. Well, I 'm here to tell you that what you write is open to be read by all. As did Comcast when they read my blog, and Hooter Hiders when they read Annie's blog.

Frank (the nice fellow at Comcast) told me that he learns a lot from blogs and was hiring more people to just read blogs. So, if you want to complain or send compliments to someone or some company, maybe a blog is the way to go.

I have a new monitor!

Steve was here visiting on Monday. Nice of him. I was showing him something on the computer and he had a fit because I was having so much trouble reading the screen. Especially when I told him I'd been having trouble with my eyes. I was tired a lot, there were little squigglies sometimes, and just want to nap to fix it.

He mentioned his flat screen monitor and how big it is. So, he ordered me one online. It arrived today. And, I'm so happy with myself because I was able to hook it up without help......and it is working!! Now I don't have to lean forward to read it. Nice!!!!! And, thanks to Steve.

It's prom season here. I've had four dresses come in for minor alterations. It's been fun. Yesterday, early evening, a lady (who goes to St. B.) called me. She's been sewing all her life. Has made a business if it for several years. She is 85 and her eyesight is bad enough she now has to give it up. She wanted to know if I would want any of her machines or some of the other stuff she has accumulated over the years. (She said her sewing room looks like Neuwelts.) When she is ready for me, she is going to call me and I am going to go see what she has. She does have an embroidery machine that I just might be interested in. How about that.

Lately I've been looking at them, but just couldn't justify that much money. Hopefully hers will be what I want. Good things do come to those who wait. Well, hopefully, anyway.

Another Hatke/Antonio is born.

Sarah and Andrew have another girl. Brother Gene says she looks a lot like Gracie did when she was born. And Gracie is just beautiful. Anyone wanting to view this new little lady, go to www.beanieschapini.blogspot.com . This is Annie's blog, and she has more pictures. And there is a link to Sarah's. (And to mine, ha, ha, ha!!!!)

Whenever I log on, I go to Annie's. She has links to everyone else'.

Frank, with Comcast, has been a big help!!

When I sopke with Frank yesterday, I was having trouble with my computer. So, later yesterday afternoon I finally got it straightened out. It came up with the Insight screen and features but my Comcast email address. So, now I'm quite happy. My credit card statement came today and there isn't any charge for cable this month. Yeah!!!!! He did just as he said he would do. Nice fellow. So, Frank, if you are reading this, a great big thanks to you!! Nice doin' business with you.

I now have another great-niece. No name yet.

I would complain about the cool weather, but then this summer I'll be complaining about the hot weather. I just can't be satisfied.

The Comcast saga continues.

Anything I've heard about Comcast isn't good. I've heard that there are some people at Insight that were very concerned when they heard that Comcast was buying them out. I haven't heard anything more to know how they are feeling about it today.

If you've read one or two of my previous blogs, you know that I haven't been happy Comcast and why. And, if you've kept track, you know that they have been in contact with me. The gentleman with whom I spoke said he credited my account for one months charges. Whenever my Credit Card statement comes, I'll be able to see that.

And, I've decided to go to Outlook for my email format. My address will not change, but the screen will now look different. It won't be the Comcast format. I was going to have to download the Comcast toolbar to get the features I liked with Insight. That will slow down my computer and didn't want to do that. I hope it won't be too difficult to get use to. I spoke with this gentleman this a.m. My computer was hanging up, so we had to continue it until i get it working right. It is doing good now, so will call him tomorrow and finish the procedure. He is a very nice person, and maybe he can be the person the will help give Comcast a better name. That would be nice. He listens to me, passes my suggestions on to the people that need to know. Maybe others ought to complain to Comcast. It couldn't hurt.

Over slept by two hours this a.m. and now everything I did today is off. My meals, just everything. Yuk!!!

About 9 this morning one lady called, the dress I'm altering for her daughter isn't finished and I thought I had more time to get it finished. Well, I've been working on it off and on most of the day. Need to finish it so she can send it to her daughter who goes to school in VA.

Martin's Opinion?

Hey, Annie, what did Martin think of Snookums???

My constant companion, Snookums

I met Max yesterday.

Yesterday was not very busy, but interesting. About 11 a.m. I decided to go to the mall. Walked the mall once and stopped in at Macy's. They had some good sales....50% and 75% off. I found a pair of slacks, tried the on, and the zipper was broken. Also found a sweater, a emerald green, crew neck, long sleeves and cables up and down it. The price was $12.75. I took the pair of pants to them and told them the zipper didn't work. She rang up the sweater, put another tag on it, and told me I owed twenty-two or twenty-three dollars. I told her it was only 12.75. looked at the tag, and the price was covered. I then told her I didn't want the sweater. That might be the last time I go to Macy's.

In the afternoon it was so warm I raked the yard for awhile. I still had a decent size section to finish. Well, I raked until it started to rain. Then I had to come in. Didn't quite get it finished. It won't take long to do so. Snookums was out with me. She was ready to come in too, she doesn't like the rain.

About 5 I went over to Gene and Lori's to meet Max. Max is the prettiest black dog. Max will be two in June. He has some Chow, some Lab and there is something else in this pup. He has the longest, softest coat that I've ever seen on a dog. I should have taken my camera. Never thought of it. Max had been at the shelter for 6 months. They were getting ready for a kill and Lori's friend called her and said that it would be a shame to put this dog down. Would they want it. They met with them and took the dog. This friend said that few people want black dogs. That they kill mostly black dogs. What a shame. It's neat that they saved him. It's neat that Annie and Martin have adopted their dog.

Web Address

There is a website where one can look up what day of the week any day occurred. Does anyone know that address?? I had it once, but now don't.

A Second post for today!!

I guess it pays to complain. My last couple of posts have been about how much I don't like Comcast. Remember the comment yesterday from someone at Comcast? After I posted this a.m. I emailed this person Well, I got a call from Comcast just a little bit ago. We talked for about 45 minutes and he was super nice. Helped me with my billing problem and even gave me a credit. He also told me about coupons coming out and how to take advantage of them. And, the one thing that Insight had that Comcast doesn't is when typing a message, that at the beginning of a sentance, the first letter is capitalized. And, also when typing the letter "I". He liked my suggestion and said that he is going to suggest it to the (I suppose he meant) programing people. (I can't remember the exact words he used. Sorry.) There are other things we discussed, but that was the most important.

My opinion has changed, (and maybe he's also reading this) I just hope I learn to continue to like it. There is nothing worse than not liking something you think you really need. I guess only time will tell.

Read the comments on my last post!!

Well, I think I shook the bush. My last post was read by Comcast and they commented. So, anyone that is interested just might want to read those comments. It doesn't commit to anything, but they now know that some people don't like their way of doing things.

I don't like the way their email works. They need to make it more user friendly. I was accustomed to Insight and really liked it. But now when I click on Compose, I don't get my address list. And they said that my address book would move over and it didn't. When I go to my address book, it says that it's empty. I've even clicked on "Save address" and it still doesn't do any good. I realize that each time we get something new, it takes a little getting use to, but this is ridiculous. I do not find it user friendly. I still think I should have gone to gmail.

And another thing, they are charging us for two months the first month. I wonder how many people will get a one month's rebate when they stop the service. I really think I paid one month in advance to insight and now I've paid two months in advance. Wow!!! I think the whole town ought to rebel. I still think Comcast stinks. (I wonder if I'll get another response.)

I also want to thank Annie for being to patient to tell me how to post a picture of Snookums. I need to take a picture of her first. I have one as wallpaper, but can't seem to find it anywhere to be able to post it. Oddly enough, she doesn't like her picture taken. Oh, well.

At least it getting a little warmer these days. I still have a little cleaning of the yard to do. Hope it gets warm enough to be able to finish it.

Just lately I had to use the services of our new Animal Control Officer. That officer is Randy Hale, an ex-policeman. He is an animal lover himself and a really nice person. When I contacted him (by email) he took care of the situation. I mean, the bad situation is gone. He went and talked to the people involved and everything is now quiet. If it stays that way, it will be great.
So, a big thanks to Randy.

I don't like Comcast!!!!!!!!!!!!

Usually when I start with a new carrier, it takes me a little bit to become accustomed to their way of doing things. But, Comcast is really bad. The big problem is, none of us asked for Comcast. I wonder when they will deregulate cable.

My TV went out yesterday. Now I must wait for a repairman and he won't be here until next week. It is a good thing that Lori (Gene's wife) had talked me into getting the service agreement. They will come a fix it for nothing. But, since it's sitting in a wall unit, they want to send someone to pull it out and unhook it so they can get to it. And that would cost me. So, a friend of mine is going to come over that day and pull it out and unhook it so they can do what they have to do. I'm beginning to think this whole world is crooked.

Yesterday was beautiful and I got some yard work done. I'm almost ready for Chico to roll it. Have one section to clean up yet. If it's a nice day on Friday, maybe I can get that done.

New email address

Now that Comcast is having everyone set up their email with them, I have a new address. It follows: grannieannie39@comcast.net . If I haven't sent you an email about this, then maybe you will want to make this note. I still have to change it with blogger.

Betty visited me yesterday. She has some scrubbies and wanted to know if they were crocheted or knitted. Well, they were crocheted. I tried to show her how to make new ones. I hope that if she gets stuck, she'll ask for help.

If anyone wants any crocheted dishcloths, I have several for sale. Or, if you know if anyone that needs any, have them contact me. Thanks.

I think I have a new sewing machine. Well, it's not new-new, but new to me. A lady I've done some work for has it and doesn't have time to use it. She wants to trade for work. I'm for that one. A couple weeks ago I went to Rossville to that new quilt shop there to check out their embroidery machines. Loved them, but couldn't justify that much money. The lady today suggested I go on ebay. That maybe I could find one there. Duh!!!!! Guess who is going to be on ebay a lot for awhile.

Karenin

Just saw a picture of Martin and Annie's new puppy. Pretty dog. I wish I knew how to put pictures on here. I'd put Snookums picture up.

Logged onto Carmen's blog and she posted a new one recently. She, like Sarah, has revamped her site. The only problem is, she use to have a link to Eric and Katy's blog, and now I don't know how to go and read theirs. I don't know their address. I'll have to contact Lu Ann and get it. By the way, Carmen's address is www.costoncrew.blogspot.com . Ya all know she is pregnant again. Due the last of August.

I guess it's a good thing I'm not going to Alaska. Now maybe I'll get to go to Norfolk in September and see this new little one. Great-Grandchild #2. Yeah!!!

It's getting warmer!

How about this weather today!? Not near as cold. It still gets pretty cool overnight, but warming up in the day makes up for it. We walked today. It was really nice.

Have been getting a little yard work done. Very little. It is so full of acorns, tiny thin twigs from the Hickory Trees, and Hickory hulls and the decorative grass is to be trimmed at the ground about the first of March. . I've almost filled three large bags, and I'm only about half finished with the raking.

Did my volunteer work today. Major Williams was in the office this a.m. With the long sleeve shirt, I couldn't see the bandages.

Did Annie get her dog? The last I looked, she hadn't posted today.

It wasn't that much to post about, but at least y'all know I'm still alive.

Did We Have a Lazy Weekend???

In checking the other blogs, I didn't really find any new posts. Everyone was either lazy or out doing something with all that nice sunshine we had. However, there was a skiff of snow on the ground yesterday morning when I took Snookums out. And, it was a cooler day. The walk was nice.

The news today said they had something like 4 inches of snow in Flagstaff, AZ yesterday. What a mess that was. It's really bad when something like that happens in a place like that. It's probably melted by now.

Was able to clean some of my yard on Thursday. This week looks pretty busy. Maybe it'll warm up enough that I'll be able to get more of it cleaned. Have a chiropractor appointment this a.m. Tomorrow I need to go to the funeral home. Denny Kochert died. When those boys were young, I babysat with them. Wednesday evening I have a meeting. On Thursday I will do my volunteer work. Also have some sewing to finish. So, I should stay pretty busy. Need to walk somewhere in there.

Talked to Steve last evening. Jerry is on his own now. Good for both. Also talked to Steve about all of us going to Turkey Run one day fairly soon. I don't get to see those kids very often. When I'm down there, they are usually with their dad. So, this would be a good time to do that one.

Last year I wanted to take Kaylyn to Turkey Run, and even said something to Rocky about it. Then my Plantar Fasciitis got a hold of me, and I was having troubles just walking. So, now I need to take her there for a day sometime this summer. It's really a nice park and, for those who like walking trails, that's the place to do it. It's not that far away. Pack a lunch and it can be a fun day for not a lot of money.

I guess I'm not going to get to go to Alaska. Can't find anyone to go with me. Then with the price of gas what it is today, I'm not sure this is the time to go. Things usually work out for the best.

A busy day!

Got up early because I had an 8 a.m. appointment for my car. Had the alignment checked and fixed. Then I went to the license branch to renew my driver's license and get my new plates. I got there early enough that I didn't have to wait very long. After that I did some shopping... Got Snookums some treats, rolls for my breakfast tomorrow, cashed a checked, returned something to JoAnn's and also bought some black denium. Then came home and ate lunch. Later I went back out to my hair appointment at 1 p.m.

About 3:30, Snookums and I went for a walk. She gained 3 pounds this winter because we didn't get out for a walk every day. After supper I went to the mall and ran into Jan Slate. Haven't seen her in ages. Had a nice little visit with her. Then went to church this evening. Even tho today was busy, it was nice because the winter was so bad that I got lazy. The busyness of it was good for me. I'd also be happy if it just slowly got warmer and that cold stayed away completely.

I hope tomorrow is warm enough for me to clean up the yard. When I was out with Snookums today, the side yard is just full of remnants of the acorns. What the squirrels didn't eat, that is. The only way to get them up is to rake them. That isn't too good on the back. So, I can only do a small amount at a time. Yuk!!

And, I haven't totally gotten into this DST thing. I'm still trying to adjust.

Life in the BIG city!!

The weather people say it's going to warm up some the middle of this week. Yeahhh!!! I'm tired of the inside of this house. However, I did a lot of crocheting. Didn't finish that afghan, tho. The lady in Crawfordsville emailed me yesterday and said she finished hers, but finished it her way. She had a terrible time with the instructions, as did I. So, it's not just me. I tried another pattern in that book, and it was the same story. I think I'll find different book.

I've now made several washcloths. And, thanks to Roseanne, I learned to google and find patterns for doing them. Both knit and crocheted ones. One lady offered to buy some of them. The great thing about the dishcloths is that they don't take long to make and one doesn't get tired of the item before it's finished. I also found a pattern for a purse. Just finished that last evening. It took a lot longer. I should have chosen a different color, but it is really nice. Great for when I wear jeans.

Roseanna must google everything. Now, I knew how to do that. But, after she told me I could find patterns for those washcloths I remembered I had another problem that could possibly be solved by googling. One day I decided to render my own lard. Bought 5#'s of pork fat from Beutlers and did it myself. As I'm cooking it, I realize I don't know how long to cook it. Then later I remembered to google. So, I looked up how to render lard. Several versions, but I now know a better way. I love the cracklins that are the by-product of rendering lard. By the time I use all this lard, I will be ready for more cracklins. This is one of the things that takes me back to my roots. I wonder if that is good or bad.

I'm anxious for this next week. It is to be warmer which means I can get out and do some of the yard work I didn't get finished last fall. Then there is the work that needs to be done in the spring. So, have lots to do. The yard needs rolled and I need to clean up all the acorns that the squirrels didnt' get before it can be rolled. Need to move about four plants and erect a trellis.

I tie Snookums to a tree when I'm out working. She doesn't liked to be tied up, but if I didn't she'd run off. And a city ordinance says they have to be on a leash. However, she does like being outside. She gets to bark at the cats, squirrels, school buses, UPS trucks, other dogs, the mail man, and anything else she decides she needs to announce their presents.

Life is fun in the big city!!!!!!!

And Yesterday was such a nice day!!!!

Oh, where did yesterday go? Too bad today isn't the same way. I've been doing a lot of griping about the weather we've been having. Is anyone else disgusted with it as I am?

Finished a blouse for myself this a.m. Was cleaning up the sewing room and found my water bill, and yes, it's overdue. OOooops!!!!! Now I need to run downtown and get it in that little box. That probably won't happen until tomorrow, again it's this weather.

What a nice day!!

It's been a beautiful day. Went to church this morning, something I usually don't do on Sunday morning. I prefer the Saturday late afternoon mass. Lots of family was there. This mass was being said for Mother and Daddy.

Took Snookums for a walk this afternoon. She loved it. So did I. I had put my boots on, and it's a good thing I did. The school yard was full of water.

Talked to my friend Pam this aftenoon. She worked at Kirby Risk with me. She's had a lot of problems the last year and a half. And she is finally getting over all of this. I was happy for her.
She watched Snookums when I went to Kansas City, Mo for Eric's wedding.

Did a little sewing this afternoon, just for me. I'm trying to make a blouse. It's red. Daddy would have liked it. One time I showed him a flower I had made out of ribbon. It was pruple. He looked at me and said, "Why don't you make a red one." Such a sweetheart. Loved him anyway.

Are there going to be any craft shows around town this summer or fall that anyone knows about? I have some stuff I need to sell. Also need to have a garage sale this spring. too. Have a bunch of stuff in the garage that I needs to go.

Dishcloth websites

Thanks so much, Roseanna, for the tip to google the croched dishcloths. I did and found several I liked. Then I googled the knitted dishcloths and found several more. A very good tip. Thanks again.

Only Chatting today.

All the comments are now visible. I discovered where they were and have clicked the right place for them to now show. So, Roseanna, your comments are now visible.

Yes, I was with Annie yesterday when her little angle didn't like something. The tears were just streaming down her face. I have seen her when she was awake and just really smiling....really big. She is a very sweet little lady. But, Annie, we'll have to try that again sometime.

I'm on the downward side of that afghan I talked about in early January. It has been giving me fits. It took me about three weeks to get it where it is. Then I started to have lots of problems. So, I put it aside for about another three weeks. Picked it up about 3 days ago. It's coming along, but it's just not easy. I gave this pattern to a lady in Crawfordsville and have been in contact with her via email. She also said that it is the most difficult pattern she's ever encountered. So, I guess it's not just me. I won't ever make another one like that.

Tom did well on Tuesday. I talked to him after he got home. He said it took Dr. Hagen 9 minutes on that hand. Once he got in there he discovered that it was a really tight situation. And he had to go slow and be very careful. It took him only 7 minutes on my hands. So, it must have really, really been tight. In about six months, he'll be really glad he had it done and that it is all over.

Sue, a lady at the Sheriff's Office, asked me this morning if I'd crochet her some dish cloths. Mom made them all the time. I looked for a pattern for them in mom's stuff. Just didn't find one. Another lady there has more than one pattern, so she is going to bring one to me. How do I get myself into these situations??

Tomorrow I'm having lunch with Pam. Must remember that it's a day of abstinence. The first Friday of Lent I forgot. So, I fasted and abstained on Saturday. Not the way it is to be done, but, hey, when ya get old.....well.....what was I talking about???? Picked up my taxes today, so need to mail them tomorrow. Also need to go to the grocery. I've had someplace to go every day this week. I don't know if that's good or bad. There were some days this winter that my car didn't leave the driveway for four days in a row. Maybe that's one of the reasons why I didn't like this winter.

Hope winter is over soon!!

Is it me, or is this a really bad winter? I haven't had any energy and just don't want to do anything. I'll be glad when we have some nice weather. I wonder how the people in Alaska do it. It's darker longer there than it is here. Yuk!!! I just looked outside, the snow is really coming down. It's sooo pretty. But, enough is enough.

I found more posts that weren't showing up. I've moved them to the post. Thanks to those who answer.

Tom is to have carpel tunnel surgery today. Now I don't have anyone to shovel my walks. Another reason to want the winter to be over. Geno is in Florida this week, so I understand. He has a dog now, also. A friend of Lori works where they rescue them and when they get too many, they put them down. She called and said that they were going to do a kill and she would like for this one to get a good home. So, Gene and Lori took it. How nice of them.

Steve called me a couple nights ago. He said that Jerry is doing much better. He's walking without a walker. Steve was on his way from Mooresville to Lafayette on Sunday when he called me. He thought that no one stayed with Jerry on Saturday night. He wasn't sure. So, things are improving, I guess. The only reason I check is for Steve. His back was broken several years ago, and even tho Jerry isn't a big person, it was still causing Steve some discomfort. So, like I said, it is because of Steve I check.

Glad to hear so many are going to be able to go to this mass. About a year ago there was to be a mass for mom and dad at 6:30 one morning. Gene and I went, but no priest showed up. This must be the one to make up for that one. I was told they would make it up. I don't like to go to this mass, but this is better than none. Does anyone know if there is anything else scheduled for this mass, like a wedding, or extra blessing, or a baptism, or whatever?

Last Friday someone ran into the mailbox across the street from me. That night they replaced the stand and the next morning (before the mailman came) they had a new box on the stand. I wish I knew what else they did to him. He was driving without a license. He also was hispanic. I think he was going to try to get away. No such luck.

Boy, was I mistaken!!

On my February 21st post, I mentioned that a cat had killed a rabbit and my driveway was covered in rabbit fur. Well, I've since determined it wasn't a rabbit that was killed. When I found the fur, it was the first thing in the morning, it was just beginning to get daylight, there was a HUGE amount of it, and since I had heard the cats the night before I just assumed it was a rabbit. As I would open and close the garage door, some of that fur would drift into the garage. Well the morning I decided to take a closer look at a piece of fur. It's not rabbit fur, it's cat fur. I don't see wild black rabbits. I don't know what got that cat, but the cat was black. And, because of the amount of fur that was lost, I'd guess that it's dead.

Saw Levi last evening. After church I decided to have a salad at Arni's on 350 south. He busses tables and I believe he does some dishes too.

In St. Boniface bulletin there is a mass for mom and dad next Sunday at 9;30 a.m. That's for those who don't already know.

Today I'm going to take Snookums for her walk and then get my tax stuff ready. I haven't yet done that awful chore. Ughhh!!

I'm still learning!

The comments now show up on the blog. I went to where they are, clicked the box in front of each comment, then clicked "publish." So, now they show.

Had a little excitement out front this afternoon. A fellow driving a van, came around the curve from the south and apparently lost control. I didn't see it happen. Snookums started barking and I went to the window to see. He had slid to the right, ended up across the street in the neighbor's drive sliding side-ways. Then slid side-ways far enough that he took out the mailbox. I called the fellow that live there, and the cops. It took the officer the longest time.......he just sat out there and sat. Finally the neighbor lady (who was out with her two kids) called me to tell me the fellow didn't have a driver's license. The van is still parked across the street. I wonder if he'll come back and drive it home??!!!!

The driver of the van had to get the jack out of his car to get himself off the base of the mailbox. It was one of those boxes on a cement stand. It broke the post and box off, but he was stuck on the stand.

Lu Ann's birthday was the 13th. I sent it about 4 days before. I got it back today. I didn't put the Zip on it. I'll have to call her tonight to tell her it was my fault. Rocky will get his before she gets hers. Am I getting old, or what?

About the time the fellow ran into the mailbox, UPS delivered a package to my door. It should have gone to a house on Dover CT. So, I called UPS and they wanted my phone number. I said no. Well, about an hour and a half later, they got it. Now, did they need my phone number????

Hey, Roseanna, I haven't heard from the museum in Indy. Whenever I do, I will let you know.

For those of you who are eating fish on Fridays, Culver's has a good piece of fish. It's Walleye. I got the sandwich today and didn't eat the bread. It was really good. But, Culver's make a Ruben sandwich and it's the best one I've eaten. And if you are old enough, ask for the senior discount.

Tom came and shoveled my walk and drive awhile ago. There is more snow on it. It is to stop anytime now.

Roseanna answered yesterday's post. Thanks for the tip, Roseanna. I went back in my settings and there was something about hiding comments. I changed it to "show." Maybe this will correct it. I'm going to email the museum and ask what the kind of knitting is all about or if the work "subversive" has another meaning.

Tom and Sherry came over last evening and helped me bathe Snookums. Will be taking her to the Vet this afternoon. Today is my volunteer day. Later I heard a cat outside my front window. It must be mating season. Then when I took Snookums outside before I went to bed, it, or they, had killed a rabbit. There was rabbit fur all over my drive. I guess I need to get the Animal Warden out here. The new city ordenance states that when the cat is off the owner's property, that the cat must be under the owner's control. The cats I see, clearly aren't under the owner's control. They are just running loose. Cats are more difficult to catch. What I need to do is turn Snookums loose.

The comments now appear; or I just found them!

Yes, this morning I had another comment appear. Yeah! Thanks to Roseanna. The sergers are neat machines. One can't do everything with them, but it sure helps with a fabric that ravels easily. Really glad that you like it so well. You also learned quickly.

Yesterday I had an email that took me to YouTube (I believe that's the spelling.) There were other choices so I clicked on one. It was a woman giving sewing tips. I need to go back and look at that one again. And look at the other ones on there.

It snowed again, and is still snowing. Have to go to the funeral home early this afternoon. So, need to do the shoveling. Tom won't be able to do it for me today. Maybe if I wait long enough, Geno will come around. He isn't working his job today. But he could be working for his father-in-law. So, I guess I'll have to do it. Tom and Sherry are going to come this evening and help me bath Snookums. She doesn't like it, but she's going to get it. She is heavy enough I can't lift her into the tub.

Is it me, or has this been a bad winter? I just haven't wanted to do anything. Is that called being lazy? Ha! Ha! Also, my feet were always getting cold. I've not had that trouble any other winter.

Hey, Roseanna, what is subversive knitting? Saw a flyer at JoAnn's that there is some kind of show for this at the Indiana State Museum in Indy from April 25 to August 24. The gal at JoAnn's said it is a neat thing to see. Do you know anything about this?

I learned something new!

Today I found a link on my blog that said "5 comments that need "attention." I've forgotten the word they used. But, never-the-less, I found it. Clicked on it and found those 5 comments from like late January that I didn't even know about. So, thanks Sam for the comment on Canada. The time I went from Toronto to Detroit was probably a similar drive as yours. It's a pretty drive, but nothing spectacular. I'm so glad I found your comments. Does your mother read my blog too? I don't hear from her about it if she does.

Then I found Roseanna's comments. Sure glad you are liking your serger. They are wonderful. Just watch that bottom piece of fabric. Sometimes it can get where you don't want it and the machine will cut it before you know it, and then your item is done-for. Oh, oh, bad English.

Why didn't my "comments" space show that I had comments? Also, what did I do to get this space and a half, instead of just one space between lines. I don't know how to fix it. Someone, HELP!!
Thanks also to Annie and Sarah. Nice to know there is someone reading this stuff. Even tho it isn't very interesting.
Karli went to the state music competation on Saturday. She received two more golds. Again, one for her solo and one for the quartet. There isn't any higher competations, but she did really well.

What was I thinking??!!

Boy, did I goof the last time. I really don't know what I did to get that last "post." I guess I was having another 'senior moment.'

Shoveled the snow yesterday. Thought I'd sleep better because of all the exercise. No such luck. Got about 4 and 1/2 hours last night. Not good.

My Social Security check came in the mail yesterday. Scheduled to be here today. Because it was dated for today, I couldn't cash it. Oh, well!!!

Yeah! I found someone that will watch Snookums while I'm gone this summer. Now I can start making more definate plans.

Cold again???? Why?

Why am I posting???

There isn't anything to post about. It's been snowy and cold and just plain yucky. Went for a walk today for the first time in days. I've had sewings to do and just didn't feel like doing it. Shame on me. The sewing room has been so cold that I didn't want to stay there very long at a time. Thru December and January I was leaving the lights on to help with the heat. When my electric bill came in, it was over a hundred dollars. So, I shut off the lights. Then the gas bill came in. Another biggie. I just never stops.

I have tulips coming up! What kind of weather are we having??

Saw in the paper where a Janet Klutzke died. Her mother was a Hatke. I did make a note of it in the genealogy.

Steve tells me that Jerry did okay Thursday. That he probably will get to come home on Monday.

Karli received two golds.

On Saturday Karli got two golds for her singing. One was for her solo and the other for a group. Now she goes to the state competition. There were a lot of people there. I'm not sure of the area this competition served, but it must have been huge. I'm hoping I'll get to go to the state to see her.

We had a pretty warm day yesterday. It is to be even warmer today. Maybe the rest of the snow will melt. And maybe I'll have to do a little work in the yard. Yuk.

Snookums and I took a nice long walk. It's tough to take her out when it's so cold. I'm going to have to make her a coat. She doesn't have much of a coat of her own. Her stomach is really bare. Hay, Annie, are you able to walk the dog and Anja at the same time?

Steve had offered to watch Snookums while I went on my trip to Alaska. But, Jerry is having surgery on Thursday and will be in a body cast for six months. Steve doesn't want him to have to go to a nursing home, so he is going to come and live at his house and take care of him. So, I guess I'll have to find someone else to watch Snookums. Does anyone know anyone that might watch her?

Lu Ann called me this weekend. She was out buying fabric for some windows and needed to know how to figure how much to get. Now I wonder if I'll have to go over and help her make them. She needs to have her serger fixed so I don't have to take mine. What a talent I have, it takes me all over the country. Ha! Ha! Ha!

Okay, okay, I'll post again!!

Hey, Annie, how does one post when there isn't anything to post about?!! I don't like cleaning either. But, you are right, once it's that way, it easier to keep it. A lot more fulfilling too, right?

On Thursday I went to my volunteer job. Had to get right home because I had a repair guy coming to fix my dishwasher. It hadn't been working for about a year. It was only a stuck valvue. It wouldn't allow water to fill. I'm not really sure I like dishwashers. Over time they leave a film on everything. That was one of the reasons I started washing them by hand. So, if anyone knows how to fix that, let me know.

But, my kitchen is a lot neater since it's fixed. That is because I have a place to put the dirty ones until there are enough dirty ones to run it. One other time when this repair guy was here, he said not to use the gel's in the dishwasher. They cause the yuk to build up and this clogges the holes in the sprayer arms. So, I went back to the granules (spelling?).

It's been too cold lately to take Snookums for her walk. Today is to get to about 20 degrees. Maybe I'll get her out for a short walk.

What ever happened to the degree symbol on the keyboard????? Now I have to spell it out. If there is one there, and I'm too blind to see it, someone tell me where it is. Or, how to use another character for that.

I've been keeping busy crocheting. I'm still working on that afghan. I'll have to take a picture of it and then post it (provided I can figure out how to do that). It is really pretty. It's in browns with a little green. They aren't my choice of colors, but should be good for where it's going. I've been wanting to make this particular afghan for about 9 years. I think I'm about half finished. I'm planning on another one when I'm finished with this one. I think that one will be black to dk. gray, to medium gray, to lt. gray to white. I may put a touch of red just for a little color. But, I think I'll knit that one.

Doug just called.....Karli is singing at Harrison in about half an hour. I'm going to try to make it.

I'm hoping to get to church this afternoon. I like going to that mass.

Bye.

Busy, busy, busy!!??!!!!

Church, for me, is usually late Saturday afternoon. Last saturday while at church I saw Martin and Annie come in with Anja. After mass was over, I was able to see this little sweetie. She smiled (most cry when they look at me).

When it's this cold outside, I usually stay in. And, that's what I've done the last few days. Kinda boring, but Snookums keeps me company and keeps me going out about 4 or 5 times a day. I did go out yesterday to go to the grocery.

Keeping my spools of thread organized is quite a chore. I'm trying to put strips of wood on the wall, and it's not going very quickly. (But, I get very impatient.) Then I want to put dow rods in the wood to hold the spools. The wood is bowing, so have to use screws instead of nails. Need to predrill the holes so the wood doesn't split. What a pain.

Duke ripped the wood for me on Friday. I also had a nice visit with Betty and Duke. Don't get to see them very often, so it was a really nice visit.

Have some sewing jobs I need to get finished. One is for the lady that came here over a year ago to work at Home Hospital as a lab tech. When her contract was up, she moved back to western Illinois. So, now when I finish her stuff, I have to send it to her. Kind of a pain, but she is thrilled and pays for all of it. So, who am I to complain.

Another person I made a shirt for last summer, brought me fabric for another shirt and said she doesn't need it until February. Well, February is almost here, so now I have to get that finished. Another lady wants me to make some kind of a dust ruffle for her bed. And I wanted my winter project to be picture orgainzing. I also need to sweep and dust this house. Oh, well. No rest for the whicked. My guess is, I'll live thru it.

Does anyone know of anyone that has traveled thru Canada? Have been wanting to travel that way, but someone tells me that there is nothing to see but trees, trees and more trees. Unless one goes to the West Coast or the East Coast. In between it just trees. If anyone can help me with this info, let me know. Thanks.

My most interesting life

I guess I haven't posted for a very long time. There hasn't been anything to post about. My life is sooooo interesting!!

Christmas was at Tom and Sherry's this year. It was nice. Carmen and Caleb and Cole were there. That Caleb is such a nice person....calm, can do anything, and just an all around nice fellow. I just love him.

Sarah, if you would like to read her blog, the address is "http://www.costoncrew.blogspot.com . She is about like her grandmother when it comes to frequent postings, but she does have pictures of Cole. They are so cute.

I rode with a Deputy on NYE. Rode from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. For some time I have been wanting to see the differences between the city and the county and how they do some things. I found out. It was a very interesting night.

Have had sewings to do. Still don't have them finished. Have decided to make an afghan for someone special. Can't tell you who, that person just may read this. Haven't made an afghan for quite sometime. It is the thing that I can do while watching TV. That's why I really like doing that kind of thing.

It's so nice that Anna finally had her baby. Such cute little girls those people have. Just darling. Someone also mentioned having a knitting night. Whenever it is the girls get to where they can do that, it ought to be a lot of fun. Anna wants to learn to knit socks. Not a tough thing to do. I hope they don't wait too long to start that. Winter is the time to do that....when you can't do anything else.

Have been doing a lot of volunteering at the Sheriff's Office. With the start of the new year there is several things to do to retire old files and start new ones. It just takes time, and time, and time.

Have a little project to do for my sewing room. I must have 300 (or more) spools of thread. They are just sitting on a table. Can't always tell the color because they are sitting too close to each other. I want to put strips of wood on the wall, drill a small hole to put a Dow Rod in. The rod will be long enough to hold the spool and a matching bobbin. Bought the wood the other day. Duke has agreed to rip it length wise, because I couldn't find the right size wood and I want it ripped at an angle. So, another project for me. Then I can get the spools off the table and have some floor space. The one big problem with that is that I will always find something else to put there. Can't put too much there, because then I won't be able to reach the spools of thread. Oh, my, life is so complicated. This is also part of my decluttering. It takes so long to get it all finished.

My car hasn't left the driveway since Saturday evening. I hope it starts when I need to go out next. It was too cold to go for a walk yesterday. Altho it probably would have been good for me. Oh, well. Maybe the next time I can post sooner.