It All Worked Out in the End

So for Christmas gifts I quilted gift card holders for everyone except Sis because she is not someone that carries around gift cards, and she her wallet fits her needs.

I picked out fabric that fit each person. Loni's was blue and had butterflies because she likes blue, and I always think of her as a beautiful butterfly that has come out of its cocoon and is making the most of her life.

Mina's fabric looked like money because I wanted it to bring her good luck when she goes to the casino for fun.

Laura's fabric had spools of fabric because she is my quilting buddy.

Jill's was like Loni's because she likes blue and I knew she would love the butterflies and the gold accent colors.

When everything was said and done and I had given all the gifts out I had one left over, which I gave to Kinsey for her birthday because she loved the one I gave her mom, Kathy.

Well, as the months have passed, I have been just a little hurt because Jill never mentioned hers and I never saw her using it. Saturday when we were working the bake sale together she said she wouldn't mind having one some day if I ever made any more. I told her I gave her one for Christmas, and she said that I had not given her one. Well, duh, that explains why I had one left to give Kinsey. I told Jill that I had wondered about it and that I had been a little hurt that she had never mentioned it. As we talked she told me that she actually liked mine better as it is billfold size. We also talked about how the bigger size would lend itself using Laurel Burch fabric, a favorite of Jill's.

So it all worked out in the end. Jill will get a billfold after I see how much Laurel Burch is left after I cut the back for her quilt (I might have to buy more) and my feelings are no longer just a little hurt because she didn't like her gift.

Youngest Frustrated with Classmates

My youngest arrived at the van today all frustrated with his day and glad it was over. Evidently today was the day the students could go and get their class rankings. Youngest was not planning on bothering because he did not care, but he said he was hounded in every class, and that some of the students were saying he was ranked first, which we both knew he couldn't be due to his grades. He said classmates were swarming him in the halls asking his ranking.

He finally gave in and picked his ranking page up. He is ranked 15/260 with a 4.2 GPA. He said several of the people were disappointed he wasn't first. We are not sure why it was such a big deal unless bets were being placed. He was just glad that they started leaving him alone.

I'm proud of him, but it really does not matter since the school he is going to next year does not participate in class rankings.

"Handy Switch"

Sis gave me a table/lamp combo a year or two ago and I love it. It is perfect for my bedside because it has two levels. On the top level I keep my alarm clock, coaster, Kleenex, etc. Underneath I have my reading books, magazines, puzzles, and other material that helps me sleep. It is the best bedside table/lamp I have ever had when it comes to fitting my needs.

There is one downside to this table/lamp combo, the location of the on/off switch for the lamp. It is very awkward to reach, especially once in the bed. Often the movement of trying to reach the switch wakes me up enough that I end up reading even more and it becomes a vicious cycle. A lot of times I don't even bother turning the light off, but then I sometimes wake up confused as to whether or not it is daylight or the lamp lighting up the room.

Today I went out and purchased the "Handy Switch." The youngest installed it for me tonight and I am so excited. He put the switch above my pillow where all I have to do is reach up above where I like to read and flick the switch. No more twisting around and almost having to get out of bed to turn the light off.

The only downside is that there is a nightlight on the plug in part of the device. I don't like nightlights in my room. The oldest said he would put tape over it the nightlight and we probably will have to do that, but for now I am leaving it to make sure I don't need to return the "Handy Switch."

Youngest Brought Home Bronze

The youngest competed in an UIL Computer Science meet yesterday and brought home the b
bronze medal for individual, and their team came in first. The youngest doubled his score from the last time. In fact, their team took Gold, Silver and Bronze and had the fifth place member too.

They will move on to regionals in a couple of weeks.

The only thing I am disappointed about is that the sponsor has already told the youngest that he will not be chosen to compete in the programming part of the competition because he will not be part of the school next year. They want to give others a chance to know what the competition is about. I have very mixed feelings about this because my youngest has worked really hard in this program and has been moving forward very quickly. I understand trying to ready future competitors, but what about rewarding hard work and sacrifice? I think that should be part of the equation too.

The oldest should be complimented here too. He is an assistant to the sponsor and helps ready the students for the competition and teaches in the meetings. He is also works the competitions by grading, taking the tests and looking for errors, etc. He is even thinking about continuing on if his schedule allows and the sponsor would like the help next year when the youngest has moved on.

My Boys are So Wonderful to Me

I am so lucky to have two wonderful boys.

On the vacation they were very helpful to me on the difficult parts of our hikes to make sure I could get up or down certain sections and to help me jump over little streams and such.

The youngest was great to me Friday evening when I went into back spasms and helped me get in and out of the stores BFF and I had to stop at to return gifts, and he helped me out when my back froze and I was having trouble getting out of the chair at the restaurant.

Both boys helped me into bed on Friday night when my back really started giving me trouble. They brought me water and medicine, and promised to come in and turn off my light after I read myself to sleep. They even came running when I hit the intercom button because I had dropped my Kleenex box and couldn't lean over to pick it up.

Last night I woke up around 2:30 a.m. coughing and couldn't stop. I must have picked up a little bug sitting in the draft from the door at the bake sale table that was part of the church garage . sale. I decided to get up because of the coughing and the oldest heard me and decided he would sit up with me for a little while to make sure I was "okay."

The coughing continued and I felt like something was stuck in my throat. The coughing started engaging my gag reflex and the oldest asked if I thought he should get our "bucket." I told him he might want to if I couldn't stop coughing. Well, lucky us, as soon as he gave me the "bucket" I did engage my gag reflex and we were both ready. I was okay after a few minutes, but decided I needed to sit up for the rest of the night because I didn't want to start coughing again. The oldest sat up with me for about an hour while I dozed on and off. I asked him to bring me another blanket and then go to bed to get some sleep.

I managed to sleep until noon today in the chair, and I let the boy sleep until 1 p.m. We have all had a rough week and I thought we needed the rest. (On Wednesday the youngest asked me if we how long it had been since we had been on vacation, when I said three days, he said it felt more like three weeks.)

I'm so lucky that these boys are so considerate of me. They have some of the best traits of their father and I am so thankful Raymond had a chance to show them how to be good sons, fathers, and men.

My Boys are So Wonderful to Me

Grown Ups Are Worse Than Children

Why are grown ups worse than children? Because grown ups should know how to behave!

Some overheard words hurt some feelings among adult friends today. I did my best to mediate. Feelings are still hurt despite one of them making an extra effort to apologize.

All I really wanted to do during the whole event was to turn them all over my lap and give them a good old-fashioned spanking.

What My Youngest Did in School Today

Hexagon Spiral

Of course it would have been better if he had been in an Art class and not Spanish class.

Doing the Tax Dance

I just heard from my tax man. I'm getting some money back on my return, and the other three tax forms in the family do not owe any money, so I am doing the tax dance!

BTW: My tax man has the coolest name. The boys think his name should belong to the alter ego of a superhero. His name is Trey Bayne.

Grow Up Already!

No, I am not talking to my boys. There is a certain adult in my life that needs to grow up! What a baby. The whining, complaining, and immaturity is just more than I can take at times.

Spoiled, that is all I can figure. Spoiled and has never had to really work hard Today it was all I could do to hold my tongue. When we parted company I just got in my van and screamed.

The only great purpose this behavior has is that I can show it to my boys and tell them never ever to act like that because people will think about them like I think about this person.

At least I can blog about it and get it out of my system for the evening. That is the great thing about this blog. I can put down my thoughts and then move on.

A Great Time

I had a great time tonight with my "girls" L and M tonight and M's husband S (I love S).

We went to dinner at Uncle Julio's. I specifically asked the waiter if I could substitute another taco and not have the tamale in the dish I ordered and he assured me that this was possible. When the dish came, there was the tamale. Well, there was a reason I did not want the tamale ... looking at them make me gag. At first I thought that it may not be a tamale because the lighting is dim and I had not been there before to know what their dishes look like. I touched it with my fork and sure enough it was a tamale. Well it had to go. I kept my "willies" down and did not get up and jump around, but I really wanted that tamale at of my sight. S called the waiter over and he knew immediately that the tamale was not supposed to be there so he took the plate away. He then brought the plate back and said that they would just bring out the extra taco on another plate. The tamale was still on the plate. I then told him that would not do - the tamale had to be taken off the plate, and I was good, I did not scream "GET IT OFF NOW!" Once again the plate was removed.

M and S said that the manager was sure to be over to see what was wrong, and they were right because it was not long before the manager was there over my shoulder. I explained what had happened, S talked to him, and I was assured my plate would be out and there would not be a tamale. He also said my meal would be taken care of without issue. Eventually my meal came out as ordered, and it was very good.

As good as the meal was, it did not come close to the company. I have missed my girls so much, and then to have the added bonus of Stan being there, well it was like having another vacation.

My biggest hope is that some day my boys can meet Stan. I think they would love him too. That of course will have to be some where besides my house since Stan will not come to my spider and snake infested property.

All it all it was a great time and I had lots of laughs. I'm so glad the girls invited me.

Colorful Morning

I have three bird feeders outside my living room window, and I have quite a few feathered friends that come and visit me every day. Usually it is the old "birds of a feather" adage with only cardinals, dove, or finches, etc. at the same time. This morning was special though, I had a red-headed woodpecker on one feeder, a bluejay on the one next to that one, and a cardinal looking in at me from the feeder closest to the window. It was a beautiful way to start the morning.

The woodpecker has only been coming around to the feeders for a couple of weeks. He has been on the property for a long time. He scared us one day when we were in our out building because we kept hearing this weird squeaking and as we were looking for the source he crawled up the window screen and started pecking on the window. He is quite large. He seems to like the ceramic feeder with the holes that I inherited from "Sis" the best.

Let there be LIGHT!

Some of my friends are going to be so happy now. Today I had a new light installed on my walkway to my house. It is a double flood that will light my breezeway and the path to the backdoor.

I love it because it is on a clicker! I am forever going out during the daylight and forgetting to turn on my lights and then I have to come up to the house in the dark. This light has a remote control so I can turn it on from my car when I come home after dark to no lights. I'm so excited!

Of course now BFF will be able to see all the spiders and squeal even more than usual.

I can't wait to go out later so I can come home and click my clicker and say "Let there by LIGHT!"

Readers Are Going to Get Dizzy

Okay, I changed the blog template again this afternoon. When I looked at what I had completed last night on my computer at work today I realized that what looked like a nice light melon on my laptop was a hideous orange on the desktop at work. I can't have that.

I hope this one looks okay on all computers. I'm too lazy to fire up my desktop to look at it at the house. Hopefully I can look at it on the youngest's desktop tonight when he gets home. I know he will be turning his one since I found out about a huge assignment he has due on Friday that he has not started working on yet.

Blog Template Boredom

Blogger is great for creating blogs. It is so simple. The problem is I get bored and since I have three blogs, I am running out of choices for the templates. I don't want them to all have the same template, so I am very limited.

Tonight I changed this blog about 15 times. I am still not happy, but the oldest thought this one came close to what I want and he promised that he would help me edit it later this week when he has finished his school projects. So since I want him to get good grades, I will try to be patient.

No Goodies This Time

We went shopping two different days on our vacation. I was specifically looking for gifts for my Sis, BFF, L and M. The boys even got involved in looking for something they would like, and we made a couple of special stops on the way home to places we thought would have something for Sis since she was looking after the turtles.

I came home with zilch.

Here is the thing. Sis is in the process of simplifying her life. She has cleaned out her house of fluff and is very happy with what she had done. Like me her next move will be to downsize, so she doesn't need stuff. I was looking specifically for something to put in her flower beds, but everything was so "tourist" looking we gave up and I decided lunch in the near future would do.

BFF is in the process of cleaning out her knick knacks so she doesn't need any more of those, and the one thing I thought about getting her for her garden was just not "it."

The closest I came to finding something for L was at the Half Price bookstore in McKinney. She probably already has it. And I saw nothing that said "M" to me.

So I came home with no goodies. I was disappointed, but feel like it was a good decision.

Kindle2 or Not Savings Pot Update

I am up to $180.02 in my Kindle2 fund.

I gave the boys $50.00 each to spend on our Spring Break trip and they only bought a couple of trinkets, so I gave them each $40.00 in cash to put in their wallets for anything they might find in the upcoming weeks that they might want.

Tonight as I was counting my recent additions to the Kindle2 fund I decided to give myself $40.00 too. I mean I did not make any major purchases on the trip and I thought I deserved a little something for not purchasing a $450 sculpture I liked, or the $100.00 turtle birdbath.

Top Rubberband Marksman of Allen, Texas

My oldest competed in a rubberband marksman contest at the new "When Nerds Collide Comics and More" store in Allen, Texas over the weekend and came out the top marksman. He won a $25.00 gift certificate to the store. He is so happy.

I'm Probably Too Far Gone

Every once in a while I think it is time to consider dating. I'm not saying I would date, I am saying I am thinking it is time to consider dating. Lately I have been thinking about considering it a lot more than usual. Wondering how I would meet a man. (L&M have already told me they can't help in that department.) Wondering if I have the nerve to try an internet dating site, because I can't imagine going and trying to find a man personally, just various wonderings on the subject.

After this Spring Break vacation, I have just about decided I am too far gone to date again. Too far gone as in set in my ways. Just traveling for six hours in the car with two males about did me in. I forgot what it is like to have to listen to another human being in closed quarters.

My boys both suffer from horrible allergies and WILL NOT take their medications. So all the way to Arkansas there was nose blowing, sniffling, and general nostril sounds that really started to get on my nerves. It was at that time I started thinking about spending quality time with another human being again.

If the allergy noises were not bad enough, at one point my oldest started breathing really hard. At first it was just once in a while, then it just got to be a constant panting that was making my brain hurt. It really sounded as if he was hyperventilating. I finally asked him what he was doing, and of course he was clueless. My youngest piped up and said "Yeah man, you are breathing weird." It was then my oldest admitted that the seat belt was constricting him because of the way he was sitting. I pretty much screamed for him to fix it, and life got better, but really I was about to lose it with the sounds.

After that instance I still had three hours of driving so I decided to take an mental inventory of all the ways I am set in my ways. (It truly is amazing that I have any friends.) I have decided that I am probably too extremely eccentric and egocentric to be able to find another mate.

Raymond and I were together a long time, and he married me knowing I was odd, and I think he just adapted as I got odder and odder. Now I am probably too odd for anyone.

I also took an inventory of things that annoy me when they are done by other people, and I realize that it would probably be impossible to find anyone that did none of those things. Or worse yet, I were to marry someone only to find out they did some of what I consider to be the worse offenses.

I have an in-law that constantly clears their throat and then spits in my kitchen sink. It makes me want to hurt them. I cannot stand it. It does not matter how many times I ask them not to do it, they do. If I were to date someone and then marry them only to find out that they spit in the kitchen sink ... well, Raymond wouldn't be the only one whose last resting place was the back field.

After this trip, and taking my inventory, I think I'm probably too far gone to date again. I think I would be willing to try dating, I just think it would be pretty darn impossible for anyone to put up with me, or me them.

Old Growth Forest Gone, Time for Spring

It is the time of year again. Spring!!!

I love Spring with one exception - it is leg shaving time again. The winter break is over and it is time to get ready for those shorter pants and the wearing of skirts.

So today I shaved off the "old growth forest" to make room for new growth.

How I wish I had inherited my paternal grandmother's trait. She shaved her legs once, and the hair never grew back again.

Spring Break, Hot Springs, Arkansas, Final Thoughts

View Across the Cove

We all enjoyed our Spring Break in the Hot Springs, Arkansas area. We also all agreed that we were pretty much done with that area. We have seen all tourist things, and hiked some good hikes, but we feel as if we have done all in that area that we would enjoy doing.

The house we stayed in was really nice. I would recommend it to anyone that wanted to rent a nice house for a vacation, especially if you have a boat. (The above picture was taken from the back deck and is a picture of the other side of the cove from the house.) The owners of this home have done everything they can to make their guests comfortable and it is a very clean environment.

I would not mind going back and seeing Garvan Woodland Gardens at its peak if I was in that area. I also think I would enjoy staying on Lake Ouachita in warmer weather when we could go kayaking or spend more time on the water. March just does not lend itself to a lot of lake time when you don't own a boat, and don't want to rent one.

All in all it was a very relaxing trip. I was able to finish four blocks on my turtle quilt, and I finished 450 of the 752 pages of Wally Lambs "The Hour I First Believed."

The boys had a good time, there were a few rough moments on the second day, but we got through them without major physical injuries.

I don't know how many more family trips we will take, but I am thankful we had this one, and I am thankful that I was able to get away and clear my head for a while.

Last Day of Vacation in Hot Springs

We spent our last day of Spring Break, 2009 in Hot Springs. We had missed a couple of galleries that were closed early in the week and I wanted to check those out, plus we had decided the night before to go to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for our last day.

When we arrived in Hot Springs I realized I had forgotten my mountain tower coupons and map, but heck we could see the tower, and there are obvious trails to it, so we figured you just climbed up to the tower. We climbed, and climbed, and climbed up to the tower, only to notice then that there is a parking lot right next to the door of the tower, with free parking. So yes, I should have paid more attention to the brochure, but hiking is good for you, and I figured it was pretty much like having a stress test on my heart.

The tower was nice. I did quite well for someone terrified of heights. It helped that it was not like the other towers I have been in before in that it did not sway. The oldest took a lot of pictures. I took a few. They looked a lot like the ones from the ridge we had climbed to earlier in the week.

We left the tower and decided to take a different trail down so that we would end up on the promenade. We took the Shortcut Trail and the Dead Chief Trail down the mountain. We kept meeting people barely able to breathe on the Shortcut Trail and I kept thinking I was in better shape than I thought until I got to Dead Chief Trail. I am not sure I could have made it up that trail. Going down was enough of a problem. I did not have my walking stick, and there was gravel on the trail. It was quite steep and I was really afraid of falling. My youngest and I decided that the best thing to do would be for me to place my hand on his shoulder so I could feel a little more secure. It worked, but what a work out!

After getting down the trail, we headed to the Golden Leaves Art Gallery and Book Store. We had seen it on St. Patrick's Day, but the crowds were gathering and decided to leave it until later in the week. Evidently we missed the part about it being a metaphysical book store. Quite an interesting experience. I haven't had one like it since the '70's, but the boys have never seen one like it so it was a learning experience. I used to hang around places like this all the time when I was my oldest's age, but it didn't do a thing for me on March 20, 2009. The art was different too. Really just not our style. The people were quite nice, and I was sorry there was nothing in there I wanted to purchase. I hope people that read this will at least check out their website.

From "Golden Leaves" we went to the Blue Moon Gallery. There I fell in love with the works of Tom Richard. I particularly liked Chapter 20 "Existentialism" Jean-Paul Sartre and "Who Wants to be a Superhero."

We stopped at another gallery, but I don't remember its name, but I do remember the works of Peter Razatos. I cannot find a website for him, but there are some pictures posted here of some of his pieces.

When we went back to the house that night we went fishing again. Just as it was getting too dark to be on the dock I caught a small striped bass. That is all it took for me to consider the trip a success.

Rain in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Thursday, March 19, 2009 was rainy in Hot Springs, Arkansas. We had planned on going go-kart driving and playing miniature golf after a brunch at IHop, but we ended up just eating at IHop. We did drive past all the go-kart/golf places to get a feel of them, and decided we didn't like how they looked for the prices they charged, so it worked out.

After brunch (the youngest had two orders of french toast), we went to the Sprint store to see about the oldest's phone's screen which had broken on the ride up (not dropped, just broke while in his pocket), and then to Game X-Change for games and movies, Best Buy because it was there, and Kroger's for more milk.

Back at the house we watched movies, played games, and then I quilted for a while before making spaghetti for dinner.

Hunt's Loop Trail, Ouachita National Forest

The View from the Ridge, Hunt's Loop Trail, Ouahita National Forest

On Wednesday, March 18, 2009 we decided to go hiking. The night before we had chosen Hunt's Loop Trail in the Ouachita National Park. Now the brochure I had said this was an easy to moderate hike. We found out later it was an easy to difficult hike.

The trail is a 4.3 mile loop. The nice man at the information center recommended that we start up the mountain as it was easier on the knees going up than down. Up the mountain was correct. I would not have made it without my walking stick. It was steep, rocky, and I thought we would never get to the top.

I started off carrying the bag. I always carry the bag. After I got about 3/4's of the way up the mountain, I decided the youngest should carry the bag. I was struggling to keep my balance. When we got to the top it was marked as 1,372 feet. I never knew if that meant that was how far up we had gone or if that was just the elevation for the ridge we were on. I just knew that I was tired, and we still had a long way to go. While there were some easy paths along the ridge, I would consider this to be a moderate trail from the ridge down, and I really thought it would never end.

I have hiked a lot over the years, but this was a tough one. Of course I am fatter than I was last time we went hiking by about 10 pounds, and I am a year older, but still, it was a hard hike. The boys were hurting too. By the time we got to the car we didn't want to move another step.

We decided to stop at Wendy's for dinner and then head home to watch the youngest's and my favorite show "Life." I have to say it was hard to raise the food to my mouth at Wendy's, and getting up out of the chair was not easy. As the boys were helping me up I told them I was too old for this stuff, and another man in the dining area said he was right there with me. It was all I could do to say "I didn't see your butt up there on that ridge." Exhaustion makes me meaner than usual.

We got back to the house and I decided to jump into the shower before "Life" started. Well, jump wasn't exactly what I did. First of all, it was a jacuzzi tub and the wall of the tub was higher than my knees which made every shower a challenge, but that night, okay, I'm not proud of it but there was screaming involved. Fortunately, the water pressure there was heaven and the water was hot, hot, hot. It was wonderful having all that heat hit my sore muscles.

The rest of the night was just television watching. No quilting, no reading, just television. We didn't even play our nightly game of Quirkle. We didn't think we could lift the tiles.

St. Paddy's Day in Hot Springs, Arkansas

We spent Saint Patrick's Day, 2009, in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

We walked around the historical downtown with the full intention of going to the world's shortest St. Patrick's Day parade. We were right there on Bridge Street, and it sounded like fun. However, as we talked to merchants and found out the size of the crowd they were expecting, the boys became very reluctant to stay around, and that was fine with me. The parade was supposed to start at 6 p.m. and people were already lining up at 3:00 p.m. We figured we would not be able to see much unless we started lining up and we were not done with our visit to the sites.

We did see some spectacular art in two great galleries that day. The first gallery we went to was Taylor's Contemporanea, Inc. Salon of Fine Art. She was very nice and had some beautiful pieces in her gallery. I could have stayed in there for hours and hours looking at some of the pieces. We also went to the Art Church Studio, where we met some very nice people.

Next it was off to the aquarium because the oldest had not been there, and the youngest loves all the turtles they have. Not the best aquarium in the world, but I do like the turtles they have, and I had coupons off the admission price.

We toured all the little shops and I purchased a lucky turtle charm and the oldest found some rock dice for his collection of dice.

We stopped at the visitor's center which is actually one of the old bath houses restored that you can tour. We started the tour, but I told the boys they could go on without me. It was making me ill thinking about all those people in those steamers, and tubs. Also some parts of it looked like torture rooms to me. I was not enjoying myself. The boys said they did not care to go further either.

We did go to the outside pool and dip our hands into the water. It was hot!

Our late lunch was at Bella Arti. The youngest had the individual gourmet pizza. The oldest had minestrone soup and fried calamari. I had caprese and linguini fra diavola. We all had triple chocolate truffle cheesecake for dessert. It was delicious.

We left after our late lunch because of the crowds coming in for the parade.

One nice thing about being in Hot Springs was that the oldest fit in and we didn't have all the glares.

A lovely day full of beautiful sights.

March 16, 2009 in Arkansas

We planned this day to be a fishing day. Since the house we rented had its own dock we took our lawn chairs, poles, tackle, and worms down there and set up for a day of fishing. Only problem - no fish. Not even a nibble. We tried everything and nothing. We stayed down there for an hour or so before deciding to wait until later in the day.

We went for a walk around the community and I talked to one of the neighbors. He told me they had just raised the lake 9 feet a couple of days before our arrival and finding any fish in the cove might be tough for a while.

It ended up being a day of games, television, and quilting. I also did a lot of reading. The boys were supposed to work on their school projects, but they did not get very far. We ended up watching a dvd.

Garvan Woodland Gardens, Arkansas

On Sunday, March 15, 2009, we went to Garvan Woodland Gardens. I really enjoyed walking the natural trails through the woods and seeing all the displays. Even though the blooms were limited to the season, the displays were spectacular. I thought it was better than the Dallas Arboretum because of the setting.

As we started down the trail to the gardens were were met by three hawks flying over our heads. One had a bad wing. They circled several times before flying off.

The tulips, daffodils, camellias, and azaleas were in bloom along with some of the trees.

The lady running the map station told us to throw small gravel into the koi pond to get their attention since they cannot feed until after the water temp reaches 50 degrees. So the youngest had fun having them swim up to him and churning up all the water.


The oldest took so many pictures that we had to go buy another card for his fancy camera. I will have to wait until he goes back to his apartment and makes me a dvd to see his pictures.

It was a very nice afternoon. We did not go to the chapel and I wish we had, but it was getting dark and we thought it would be best to head back to the house.

Back, Nice to Get Away, But Home is Better

The boys and I spent their Spring Break on Lake Hamilton in Arkansas. We rented a house, http://www.vrbo.com/144785#inquireForm, and spent the week hiking, fishing, sight-seeing, and relaxing.

The house was really nice, and on a deep water cove of the Lake. Fishing was lousy from the dock and when I asked around they said it was because they had just raised the lake 9 feet. There was stuff floating all over the lake. We fished on day, and then I just let it go until the last day. Just as it was getting so dark you couldn't see the end of your pole I caught a small striped bass. That was all it took to make it a good vacation. I would have preferred better fishing, but we were able to stay busy with other activities.

We arrived there late on Saturday, March 14th, and spent the evening getting groceries and settling in. The house is located pretty far out from town and we just went locally to get the groceries because we were tired. I must say that after the looks we received at the store I was pretty sure I heard dueling banjos in the parking lot. One older, but not elderly, woman was really giving my oldest the evil eye. I told him to get used to it in that area because from the looks of the people we were shopping with long haired teenagers with dice pendants around their neck were not something they were used to seeing in their stores. Let's just say we were really happy the next day when we drove into Hot Springs and found the Krogers. He fit in a little better in Hot Springs.

The house was very nice. I would have preferred to have been a little closer to Hot Springs, but it was quiet where we were and I enjoyed having so many conveniences in the home. There were four televisions, one in each living area and one in each bedroom, so we never had to compromise on what to watch. The kitchen was well stocked with pots, pans, dishes, etc. There were 1.5 baths so that was convenient over a hotel room.

The beds were very comfortable so the sleeping conditions were perfect. I really felt rested in the mornings.

So all in all a very nice trip. I will be posting more about our day to day activities with pictures when I get a little more settled back into my routine. It was nice to get away, but it is sure nice to be back home.

Just When

Just when I finally get my sleep schedule all straight and have started getting a good seven hours a night, the time change comes along and I'm right back where I started.

I haven't been able to fall asleep before 1:30 a.m. since the time change, and there have been a couple of 3:00 a.m. sleep times.

I am hoping that I will adjust soon. I was really enjoying the sleep.

Just Rain Already

It is so damp and humid outside, I wish it would just rain.

The pain a day like today causes me is tolerable, but miserable. Everyone notices too because I cannot walk without limping. I feel like Chester on "Gunsmoke."

On days like today I think about how much Raymond suffered when the weather changed. The phantom pains would just about drive him out of his mind. I would watch while he would joke and laugh with the boys and as soon as they would walk out of the room he would show his agony. It was horrible. When the boys were not home he could scream if he wanted to because I understood what the pain was and that until he could get enough pain meds on board he would be about out of his mind. He never wanted to frighten the boys though, so he would put on that brave face.

So yes, I hurt, but I could have it so much worse. I know this will pass with the weather, and it is not permanent. Just annoying.

I also know that if it would just rain, I would feel so much better.

Worrying, Worrying, Worrying

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All I seem to be doing lately is worrying.

Worrying about taxes.

Worrying about how low my retirement accounts are going.

Worrying about losing my job.

Worrying about whether or not I have active termites again.

Worrying about my youngest and his long term health.

Worrying about my oldest and his stress level.

Worrying about all the stuff I need to do this week and how I can get it all done in the hours I have available.

Worrying that some mail I need to arrive before Friday won't arrive.

Worrying, Worrying, Worrying.

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Oh Man, I Cannot Believe I Did That!

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The boys and I got up and readied ourselves for church this morning. We were all ready and getting ready to go out the door when the oldest said "Mom, we forgot Daylight Savings Time."

Well, no I did not forget it. Actually I almost changed my clocks yesterday morning when I knew I would be gone all day, but the oldest always does that for me. I even sent out a message to the church email reminding everyone to change their clocks or they would miss the Praise Band today. I was so angry with myself.

I remembered when we were out last night, and started to say something to the boys but they were talking about something else and I didn't want to interrupt. When I got home I was so worn out from my food reaction (see "Not Fair") that I answered a couple of emails, spent some more time being sick, and crawled into bed holding my stomach and hoping that I could relax my muscles enough to drop off. The clocks never came to mind again.

So a little change of plans. French toast breakfast, followed by church instead of the other way around today. We don't want to miss the Praise Band, they are wonderful.

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Not Fair

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Okay, I ate a dish at a restaurant yesterday that I have had before with no issues. Yesterday, I had a reaction. I have not had such a violent reaction to anything in quite a while, but by the time I went to bed last night I was exhausted (it didn't help that BFF and I had a marathon day, and then I went out with the boys until after 9).

I got up this morning thinking the scale should have been kind to me, but I had a gain. That is not fair. I deserved to have seen at least a drop of a pound after all I went through.

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"Grim" GiGi

"Grim GiGi"

Okay, I know it is weird, and a little gruesome, but today would have been my mother's 87th birthday, and she loved this picture that my youngest made of her on the computer. He was playing around putting images together that did not fit together and this is one of the pictures he came up with. Mom thought it was hilarious.

We have the picture on our refrigerator, and many visitors find it in very poor taste, but I don't care. When I see that picture I see my mom laughing and showing it to everyone that came to visit. She loved my youngest and all his quirks, and that is all that matters.

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I told my oldest I would post about the blog he started last night. So here it is: I Am About Us.

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Okay, I Cheated

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Okay, I cheated today and had a large Coke from Sonic, but only because I developed severe indigestion after lunch and needed some relief.

Coke really did not taste that great, but boy did it help!

I will not feel guilty about it because sometimes you have to do what you have to do.

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Happy 50th Raymond

(I love this photo. The youngest finally beat his dad at Chess)

Happy 50th Birthday Raymond, wish you were here.

Love you.

Oldest Comic "Published"

The oldest has been getting some of his comics published in the campus newspaper. Since I posted the youngest's political cartoon, I think it is only fair that I post one from the oldest. I cannot get it sized right from the original, so you will have to click it to read it.

And yes, some of you will not like it.

Just Because It Is So Darn Cute

The oldest sent this to me.

To see other really cute animal pictures, click here.

Nice to Remember

"The Big Chill" always makes me happy. The friendship, the music, and Kevin Kline.

The music brings back so many memories.

I know you cannot live in the past, but it sure is nice to go back once in a while and remember old friends and good times.

"What Are You Going to Do?" "Sleep"

It has become the "Question." What are you going to do come August?

I just got off the phone with my brother. We speak almost every week now that he has moved back to California. Every time we speak he asks me "What are going to do when you are on your own?" He wants to know if I am preparing myself.

Friends ask me, acquaintances ask me, my boss asks me.

The answer is always the same. "I don't know."

I don't know because I don't know what it will feel like.

I lived by myself almost the whole year we were in Houston because Raymond spent almost the whole time in the hospital, and yet I can't say I was really living on my own. I spent between 10-16 hours a day at the hospital every day, and sometimes there would be days that the only time I was in the apartment was to shower.

There were three weeks the summer after Raymond died when I was here alone, but I was still taking care of my mother in her apartment and quite frankly I was trying out a new prescription and pretty much slept those three weeks away, so I didn't really get a feel of how it felt.

It is not like I lead a very exciting life now. The only difference I can see coming is what it will be like knowing that I am alone with no one to call to when I don't feel well, or when I need help with lifting something or reaching something. So, other than being a little more lonely than I am now, I cannot see how much will change.

I know it will be quite an adjustment, but it is one that almost everyone makes sooner or later in their life.

I guess I just don't know what people mean when they ask "What are you going to do?" What am I supposed to do? Am I supposed to sprout wings and fly? Am I supposed to suddenly become charming, witty, and beautiful?

I hope no one is holding their breath and expecting something great out of me, because I don't feel anything great coming on. In fact most of the time I just feel exhausted. Maybe I will just sleep come September. Maybe that is the answer to the question.

Question "What are you going to do come August?"

Answer: "Sleep."

Thumbs Up, There Was Laughing and Sobbing

I just finished watching P.S. I Love You. It was great. It had laugh out loud laughs in between scenes that caused great sobbing. A perfect movie for me.

I loved the letters that the dead husband wrote.

I still get mad at Raymond that he left letters for the boys and not me.

I want a letter. I want something I can read over and over again. I want a goodbye letter.

I have all the letters we wrote each other in college, but some of those are not happy letters because it took me a long time to get to the place I needed to be to appreciate Raymond. I need to dig through the stacks though to get to the happier times we had together in college because I remember one particular letter that Raymond wrote me that still makes me laugh and I would like to read the actual words again.

I wish I had several more movies to watch today, but I have completed my stash except for the ones I have set aside to watch with the boys. All the chick flicks have been watched.

I guess I can dig out "The Big Chill" again, anything to avoid doing the very last bit of the tax preparation for the CPA.