"It's hot! Not complainin', just sayin'."
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Why Can't I Have A Spa Day?
Yesterday was Katie's SPA day again. Just in time, too. Katie had started itching and chewing the day before so the appointment was just in time.
How is it that if I accidentally hit her with water from the hose, she takes off for the other side of the house? She'll go to the very edge of the pond to see what the fish are doing or maybe catch a sip of water but, guaranteed, her feet never get damp, let alone wet. Yet, she loves her visits to the groomer. She's been going to Pampered Pets, just down the road, in Oakhurst for almost 5 years. Venessa was amazed to find out this dog thinks water is solely for drinking; she loves her shampoos and grooming. She came home so soft and smelling so good and there were no silly little bows on her ears to embarrass her when we left.
Even living where we do, she doesn't get "dirty". We brush the weeds out every evening and she has a knack for finding the weeds with the "velcro" buds but she doesn't roll or play in mud and dirt, she prefers a bed of grass and, being a therapy dog and visiting where she does, that's a good thing.
SPA day is a good day for me, too. We have a fund-raising event coming up and it's "begging" time for me. I'm out soliciting donations and raffle prizes and I leave her at the groomer's and I'm free for 3 hours or so to run errands, maybe grab some lunch and Katie doesn't have to stay home wondering what she did wrong and why she can't go. She's perfectly content visiting and waiting in the shop for me.
It's Thursday again; church office day for us. We're off in a couple of hours to spend the day in the wonderful air-conditioning in exchange for a day of volunteering. Win-win here. And it's Kate's favorite place to visit. She has the priest trained to give her a treat upon her arrival and while mom works in her office, he lets her visit and sleep in a chair in his office. Her main responsibility is to meet & greet if we have visitors and to keep things running smoothly. She's very good at that considering she gets in a lot of sleeping while we're there.
Thursdays being my favorite day of the week, we wish you all a really good day today as well!
How is it that if I accidentally hit her with water from the hose, she takes off for the other side of the house? She'll go to the very edge of the pond to see what the fish are doing or maybe catch a sip of water but, guaranteed, her feet never get damp, let alone wet. Yet, she loves her visits to the groomer. She's been going to Pampered Pets, just down the road, in Oakhurst for almost 5 years. Venessa was amazed to find out this dog thinks water is solely for drinking; she loves her shampoos and grooming. She came home so soft and smelling so good and there were no silly little bows on her ears to embarrass her when we left.
Even living where we do, she doesn't get "dirty". We brush the weeds out every evening and she has a knack for finding the weeds with the "velcro" buds but she doesn't roll or play in mud and dirt, she prefers a bed of grass and, being a therapy dog and visiting where she does, that's a good thing.
SPA day is a good day for me, too. We have a fund-raising event coming up and it's "begging" time for me. I'm out soliciting donations and raffle prizes and I leave her at the groomer's and I'm free for 3 hours or so to run errands, maybe grab some lunch and Katie doesn't have to stay home wondering what she did wrong and why she can't go. She's perfectly content visiting and waiting in the shop for me.
It's Thursday again; church office day for us. We're off in a couple of hours to spend the day in the wonderful air-conditioning in exchange for a day of volunteering. Win-win here. And it's Kate's favorite place to visit. She has the priest trained to give her a treat upon her arrival and while mom works in her office, he lets her visit and sleep in a chair in his office. Her main responsibility is to meet & greet if we have visitors and to keep things running smoothly. She's very good at that considering she gets in a lot of sleeping while we're there.
Thursdays being my favorite day of the week, we wish you all a really good day today as well!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Froggy Mama II
This is a follow up to my last post re: Froggy Mama. First of all, I have to tell you that my froggy mama friend really is normal in almost all ways. She's an intelligent, professional woman whose only abnormality is an extremely large and loving heart. There are very few animals that won't find a home in her heart (like maybe ground squirrels and gophers and I'm willing to bet if they really needed help, she'd be there even for them). Fortunately, she's included me in her circle of loved friends, of course Katie may have had a paw in that.
Okay for those with 'inquiring minds' --- here, as Paul Harvey used to say, "is the rest of the story..." I was asked how she managed to feed and sustain these growing creatures. In her own words, "I boiled lettuce for one to two minutes then cooled it and put it on cookie trays to freeze it. After freezing, I put the frozen lettuce in a covered container and then it was ready to break into pieces for the froggies." Makes sense to me! And no, she didn't say how often. I see nothing stange here, how many of us have soaked dry dog food, squished it, and stuffed it down some baby bird's gullet until it learned to take it on its own (and then took it out to give it flying lessons).
These wonderful friends, she and her husband, keep and care for Katie when I'm in hospital or otherwise unable to be here for her and they are the ones who will take her into their home should something happen to me before she's called back to claim her wings. I'm content and confident that she won't simply be cared for, she will absolutely be loved. And she has her own water dish to go with her so she shouldn't have to share with any froggies.
Okay for those with 'inquiring minds' --- here, as Paul Harvey used to say, "is the rest of the story..." I was asked how she managed to feed and sustain these growing creatures. In her own words, "I boiled lettuce for one to two minutes then cooled it and put it on cookie trays to freeze it. After freezing, I put the frozen lettuce in a covered container and then it was ready to break into pieces for the froggies." Makes sense to me! And no, she didn't say how often. I see nothing stange here, how many of us have soaked dry dog food, squished it, and stuffed it down some baby bird's gullet until it learned to take it on its own (and then took it out to give it flying lessons).
These wonderful friends, she and her husband, keep and care for Katie when I'm in hospital or otherwise unable to be here for her and they are the ones who will take her into their home should something happen to me before she's called back to claim her wings. I'm content and confident that she won't simply be cared for, she will absolutely be loved. And she has her own water dish to go with her so she shouldn't have to share with any froggies.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Froggy Mama
Last night was "the dinner". And, it came off without a hitch. Friends brought this really nummy sausage & zucchini bake. It makes wonderful squares for appetizers or would be an excellent frittata type breakfast. They also brought a home-made roquefort spread (also wonderful as a shrimp dip). We grilled thick pork chops and chunked up veggies and I'd made an angel hair (so I'm told) pasta salad. I know it as fideo, the box says vermicelli, but, "hey". On the way home from church I stopped at the local Best Western Hotel Restaurant where they make the world's very best bread pudding. (Exercising my creativity for dessert.) I set out my own available toppings: carmel sauce, chocolate sauce, Bailey's. and/or Kaluah. My mouth went to Heaven, my hips ... well that's a whole different story.
The couple that joined us had a dog that passed away late last year. The dog's water bowl was still outside where it'd always been. Since some water, via sprinklers or rain, landed in the bowl, a daddy & mommy frog found it convenient and, tah dah, it developed little eggs that became tadpoles that evolved into teeny, tiny little tree frogs which apparently had been abandoned by mom & dad. The "family" became too big for their dog bowl digs and were relocated yesterday evening to my pond. My fish are from the goldfish family and probably not interested in tadpole or post-tadpole creatures. And it seemed only fair that since she's Katie's foster mom, I get to foster the froggies.
Froggy mama, as we're now calling her, is a professional photographer and has shots from shortly after she found the eggs in the bowl through their growth to tadpoles and into critters with little legs and then actual frogs who'd outgrown their home. I admit, I gave some thought to frog legs for Sunday dinner but that was quickly voted down and they're still not big enough for even a taste. It has been a hoot checking out her pic's and listening to her stories of keeping the babies safe from other critters, keeping them confined to their "safe place," and everything else necessary to their well-being and their ongoing journey to adulthood. I'm sorry she doesn't blog, it would make a great book!
Last night was a late night, the weather is thick and humid as there are storms in the higher elevations, and Arthur Itis is visiting and making a pest of himself. I have a sprinkler head to replace and then I think this would be a good day to catch up on my reading and napping. Shhhhhh, I'll be in the Porch Rocker.
The couple that joined us had a dog that passed away late last year. The dog's water bowl was still outside where it'd always been. Since some water, via sprinklers or rain, landed in the bowl, a daddy & mommy frog found it convenient and, tah dah, it developed little eggs that became tadpoles that evolved into teeny, tiny little tree frogs which apparently had been abandoned by mom & dad. The "family" became too big for their dog bowl digs and were relocated yesterday evening to my pond. My fish are from the goldfish family and probably not interested in tadpole or post-tadpole creatures. And it seemed only fair that since she's Katie's foster mom, I get to foster the froggies.
Froggy mama, as we're now calling her, is a professional photographer and has shots from shortly after she found the eggs in the bowl through their growth to tadpoles and into critters with little legs and then actual frogs who'd outgrown their home. I admit, I gave some thought to frog legs for Sunday dinner but that was quickly voted down and they're still not big enough for even a taste. It has been a hoot checking out her pic's and listening to her stories of keeping the babies safe from other critters, keeping them confined to their "safe place," and everything else necessary to their well-being and their ongoing journey to adulthood. I'm sorry she doesn't blog, it would make a great book!
Last night was a late night, the weather is thick and humid as there are storms in the higher elevations, and Arthur Itis is visiting and making a pest of himself. I have a sprinkler head to replace and then I think this would be a good day to catch up on my reading and napping. Shhhhhh, I'll be in the Porch Rocker.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
There's an Octopus in My Living Room
I'm rather used to seeing lizards scamper across the floor. They really don't bother me and obviously they don't bother the cats. Now spiders are something else. The thought that some spider who/which is currently strolling across my wall or ceiling may be dropping on my bed tonight ... NO! Dead spider!!!
However, I've discovered an octopus has apparently taken up residence in my living room. There are three pairs of shoes and one pair of slippers under and around the coffee table. Every so often I find these signs that he's here or has been here, although I've never actually seen him. Again, the cats don't seem concerned and as long as it doesn't knock or drive into the yard, Katie doesn't much care either. Kinda cool though, the shoes and slippers all fit me. I'll just go stash them in my closet. I've noticed he always manages to find them and in no time at all brings them all back into the living room again.
However, I've discovered an octopus has apparently taken up residence in my living room. There are three pairs of shoes and one pair of slippers under and around the coffee table. Every so often I find these signs that he's here or has been here, although I've never actually seen him. Again, the cats don't seem concerned and as long as it doesn't knock or drive into the yard, Katie doesn't much care either. Kinda cool though, the shoes and slippers all fit me. I'll just go stash them in my closet. I've noticed he always manages to find them and in no time at all brings them all back into the living room again.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Let's Eat!
I'm having a very small dinner party tomorrow night and did my prepping today. We'll grill pork chops and vegetables and while I would normally make a rice pilaf salad, I've made it twice in maybe a month, so I cooked up a pot of fideo (vermicelli) in place of the pilaf and tossed a pasta salad instead. Tasted pretty good if I do say so myself, should be 'good enough to eat' by tomorrow evening.
We used to love to entertain and had the house & yard to do it in. I'm no Rachel Raye wannabe, but I do enjoy cooking and experimenting and sharing with friends and I still love entertaining. When I moved to my little house, I didn't think I'd be doing anymore entertaining or creative cooking and gave away most of my "tools". Then I found out I don't need much space, just good(and hungry) friends, and I've started all over again. We occasionally potluck some of these meals for real adventure. Maybe we should visit the idea of a progressive dinner before the snows set in again. There's a thought. Meanwhile, looking forward to tomorrow evening; hope it cools down enough to be able to eat outside. The deck is in the shade in the evening and we'll eat a little later than normal ... should be fine.
It's the last week in July. Can you believe it? Seven months of 2010 gone, done, fini, bye-bye! Someone want to go to the front of the train and slow it down? Enjoy this beautiful weekend everyone, Katie and I plan to do likewise!
We used to love to entertain and had the house & yard to do it in. I'm no Rachel Raye wannabe, but I do enjoy cooking and experimenting and sharing with friends and I still love entertaining. When I moved to my little house, I didn't think I'd be doing anymore entertaining or creative cooking and gave away most of my "tools". Then I found out I don't need much space, just good(and hungry) friends, and I've started all over again. We occasionally potluck some of these meals for real adventure. Maybe we should visit the idea of a progressive dinner before the snows set in again. There's a thought. Meanwhile, looking forward to tomorrow evening; hope it cools down enough to be able to eat outside. The deck is in the shade in the evening and we'll eat a little later than normal ... should be fine.
It's the last week in July. Can you believe it? Seven months of 2010 gone, done, fini, bye-bye! Someone want to go to the front of the train and slow it down? Enjoy this beautiful weekend everyone, Katie and I plan to do likewise!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Best Laid Plans - Heh, Heh, Heh!
The gods are smiling on me. Went to rent a pressure washer so I can clean my deck and front porch. Doggone if they only have gas-powered units and I don't have the ooomph to pull the starter cord. Sooo, no pressure washing for me this weekend. I'll take my non-working electric p/w in next week and they'll check to see if it can be repaired. Probably be a couple of weeks before I either get it back or have to invest in a new one. Oh well, too bad. Heh, heh, heh!!!
On the flip side, I still need to at least take the blower to the deck so it's clear for Sunday evening company ... and I'm scared to walk across my yard for fear of getting lost in the tall grass. This heat has really made it grow the last two weeks. Since I won't be pressure washing, I guess I'll go out and walk behind the (electric) lawnmower this evening after the sun drops and I can blow off the deck in the morning. Sorry to say, I can use the exercise.
On the flip side, I still need to at least take the blower to the deck so it's clear for Sunday evening company ... and I'm scared to walk across my yard for fear of getting lost in the tall grass. This heat has really made it grow the last two weeks. Since I won't be pressure washing, I guess I'll go out and walk behind the (electric) lawnmower this evening after the sun drops and I can blow off the deck in the morning. Sorry to say, I can use the exercise.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Thursday Evening
Hah, Igor, take that! The day, once advanced upon, was a very good day! Kate and I went to the church office where I had plenty to keep me challenged and busy. Part of what I was working on needed to be taken to an office where she couldn't go inside (and she certainly can't wait in the car this time of year) so she stayed in the air-conditioned office with her favorite priest while I wandered out and about. I brought her home and left her to feline sit while I went for my pedicure.
Back to normal. Note to self: I'm getting too old for this crap, I've gotta remember to not only keep mind and hands busy but to stay socially active. (Note to Barb: Thanks for the "been there, done that" and the encouragement. Among others, mine is Psalm 34.) The rest of the week and weekend is busy. Not wearing, just busy enough. Hoping for a drop in temp up here tomorrow. I'm gonna pressure wash the deck tomorrow evening and the porch Saturday morning. Shopping tomorrow or Saturday and then company for dinner Sunday. We're grilling pork chops and veggies. For dessert I found this really to die for bread pudding at a local hotel restaurant. Take out, anyone?
Soon as the weather breaks I'll drive down to the city again. The price of cat food locally is killing my wallet. They won't do boiled chicken & rice with yogurt or cottage cheese like Katie. If I don't open a can, it's obviously not fit to eat. They nibble on kibble (pun intended) now and then but breakfast & dinner requires a pop top ... and yes, specific ingredients pop tops. Given their ages and condition, I tend to spoil them. If they were younger and healthier, I'd spoil them anyway. Why change now?!
Pull out the porch rocker and have a great weekend! I'm gonna!!
Back to normal. Note to self: I'm getting too old for this crap, I've gotta remember to not only keep mind and hands busy but to stay socially active. (Note to Barb: Thanks for the "been there, done that" and the encouragement. Among others, mine is Psalm 34.) The rest of the week and weekend is busy. Not wearing, just busy enough. Hoping for a drop in temp up here tomorrow. I'm gonna pressure wash the deck tomorrow evening and the porch Saturday morning. Shopping tomorrow or Saturday and then company for dinner Sunday. We're grilling pork chops and veggies. For dessert I found this really to die for bread pudding at a local hotel restaurant. Take out, anyone?
Soon as the weather breaks I'll drive down to the city again. The price of cat food locally is killing my wallet. They won't do boiled chicken & rice with yogurt or cottage cheese like Katie. If I don't open a can, it's obviously not fit to eat. They nibble on kibble (pun intended) now and then but breakfast & dinner requires a pop top ... and yes, specific ingredients pop tops. Given their ages and condition, I tend to spoil them. If they were younger and healthier, I'd spoil them anyway. Why change now?!
Pull out the porch rocker and have a great weekend! I'm gonna!!
Thursday
All in all this has been a pretty good week. Yesterday I had my house open all but an hour or two and only ran the ceiling fans. I don't have a/c and the swamp or evap' cooler, well - I try not to use it if I don't have to.
The week itself was uneventful. I had a brief meeting in town Monday morning and the rest of the week until today has been mine. I've done the minimum since the living and bedroom renovations. I didn't even get the trash down to the end of the driveway Monday; and Tuesday when the truck went by, the trash was still in the carport. Hey, there's always next week. I've managed to procrastinate pressure washing the front porch and back deck; good weekend project. The freezer is defrosted and the laundry room cleaned and caught up on some computer work that needed attention. That's it!
Igor, the anxiety ogre, apparently doesn't like hanging around the house. I'd make a great hermit. I really shouldn't go more than a day or two without at least running into town for an errand or two. Makes it too easy to just stay here and makes me uncomfortable the next time I have to leave home. Today will be full and I can feel the tension. Fortunately, the church office is one of my favorite places (like home) and the priest is one of my favorite people, he makes me laugh and keeps me busy and distracted. I'm comfortable there and always leave feeling like I dumped Igor over the drop off. Well - Time to jump in the shower, throw some lunch together, grab Katie, and here we go! Planning on a fun day, keep a good thought.
The week itself was uneventful. I had a brief meeting in town Monday morning and the rest of the week until today has been mine. I've done the minimum since the living and bedroom renovations. I didn't even get the trash down to the end of the driveway Monday; and Tuesday when the truck went by, the trash was still in the carport. Hey, there's always next week. I've managed to procrastinate pressure washing the front porch and back deck; good weekend project. The freezer is defrosted and the laundry room cleaned and caught up on some computer work that needed attention. That's it!
Igor, the anxiety ogre, apparently doesn't like hanging around the house. I'd make a great hermit. I really shouldn't go more than a day or two without at least running into town for an errand or two. Makes it too easy to just stay here and makes me uncomfortable the next time I have to leave home. Today will be full and I can feel the tension. Fortunately, the church office is one of my favorite places (like home) and the priest is one of my favorite people, he makes me laugh and keeps me busy and distracted. I'm comfortable there and always leave feeling like I dumped Igor over the drop off. Well - Time to jump in the shower, throw some lunch together, grab Katie, and here we go! Planning on a fun day, keep a good thought.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Bucket List Anyone?
Are there one or two or a whole bunch of things you'd like to do or see before you leave this earthly plane?
Years ago my husband and I took a cruise to the Caribbean. One of the ports of call was Jamaica. We didn't do the escorted tours when we'd take a cruise, we liked to wander about on our own. But there was a tour that consisted of horseback riding along the beach at Montego Bay. This was a MUST! He wasn't terribly thrilled, in fact he was completely against it. But later it was great fun to be able to say, "we went horseback riding on the beach in Montego Bay." It sounded so romantic.
We used to feel guilty taking cruises or flying to Hawaii or Mexico when our kids were barely making ends meet. Then we remembered barely being able to make ends meet and some how we made it through, so would they. And, we'd have our memories. We might be living on rice, beans, and tortillas, but we'd have those memories. Little did we know. Today, I'm so glad we did all those things we did. I have the memories and I have the pictures, still and motion, to bring them back to life.
After watching Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson and their "Bucket List," I've thought about what else I want to do and see before I'm done. It's not the same without that someone special to share it with but then sometimes it might even be better.
+ He loved flying glider and war planes. Not on my list.
+ I want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. Wasn't on his list.
I'd done the parasailing and hot air balloons, not his thing either.
+ He loved air shows, I love musical theater.
+ I want to see Europe. He'd been there on business and had no desire to return.
So, what's at the top of my list today?
1) I want to be able to fly again. No fear, no anxiety, just go! And I'd still like to skydive just once (a tandem jump with a really good looking, strong but gentle instructor ... hey, I'm a senior not dead).
2) A photo safari. What're my chances? Somewhere between slim and none. I have to
be able to fly again first and then there's that little thing called finances.
3) I want to see a Broadway Musical - on Broadway (there's that flying thing again).
4) I want to go back to our favorite camping/fishing spot in Utah (I could drive it).
5) I want to write short stories (or long ones) - with animals as my main characters.
Having one published would really be cool.
6) I want to spend a week, or at least a weekend, with all our kids and grandkids
around me and me still breathing and mobile. In a jar reduced to ashes isn't
exactly what I have in mind.
7) I want to drive from the bottom of California and see all the California
Missions. I want to follow Fr. Serra's route.
8) I want to throw Katie in the car and just drive; no agenda, whatever happens,
happens. Right now I have two senior kitties dealing with kidney disease and I
won't leave them for more than a weekend and then only with someone checking on
them, but down the road (pardon the pun) it's doable as long as Igor stays home.
Okay that's a start; if I come up with anything else I'll add it in. Oakhurst was once at the top so maybe I'm living my bucket list. Meanwhile, as I look at this, I realize how contented I am, right where I am, doing what I'm doing. The view from the porch rocker's not a bad start.
Years ago my husband and I took a cruise to the Caribbean. One of the ports of call was Jamaica. We didn't do the escorted tours when we'd take a cruise, we liked to wander about on our own. But there was a tour that consisted of horseback riding along the beach at Montego Bay. This was a MUST! He wasn't terribly thrilled, in fact he was completely against it. But later it was great fun to be able to say, "we went horseback riding on the beach in Montego Bay." It sounded so romantic.
We used to feel guilty taking cruises or flying to Hawaii or Mexico when our kids were barely making ends meet. Then we remembered barely being able to make ends meet and some how we made it through, so would they. And, we'd have our memories. We might be living on rice, beans, and tortillas, but we'd have those memories. Little did we know. Today, I'm so glad we did all those things we did. I have the memories and I have the pictures, still and motion, to bring them back to life.
After watching Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson and their "Bucket List," I've thought about what else I want to do and see before I'm done. It's not the same without that someone special to share it with but then sometimes it might even be better.
+ He loved flying glider and war planes. Not on my list.
+ I want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. Wasn't on his list.
I'd done the parasailing and hot air balloons, not his thing either.
+ He loved air shows, I love musical theater.
+ I want to see Europe. He'd been there on business and had no desire to return.
So, what's at the top of my list today?
1) I want to be able to fly again. No fear, no anxiety, just go! And I'd still like to skydive just once (a tandem jump with a really good looking, strong but gentle instructor ... hey, I'm a senior not dead).
2) A photo safari. What're my chances? Somewhere between slim and none. I have to
be able to fly again first and then there's that little thing called finances.
3) I want to see a Broadway Musical - on Broadway (there's that flying thing again).
4) I want to go back to our favorite camping/fishing spot in Utah (I could drive it).
5) I want to write short stories (or long ones) - with animals as my main characters.
Having one published would really be cool.
6) I want to spend a week, or at least a weekend, with all our kids and grandkids
around me and me still breathing and mobile. In a jar reduced to ashes isn't
exactly what I have in mind.
7) I want to drive from the bottom of California and see all the California
Missions. I want to follow Fr. Serra's route.
8) I want to throw Katie in the car and just drive; no agenda, whatever happens,
happens. Right now I have two senior kitties dealing with kidney disease and I
won't leave them for more than a weekend and then only with someone checking on
them, but down the road (pardon the pun) it's doable as long as Igor stays home.
Okay that's a start; if I come up with anything else I'll add it in. Oakhurst was once at the top so maybe I'm living my bucket list. Meanwhile, as I look at this, I realize how contented I am, right where I am, doing what I'm doing. The view from the porch rocker's not a bad start.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
I'm Truly Blessed!
Sometimes you know how much God loves you by the people he brings into your life. It may be for only a brief moment, a season or two, or a lifetime.
I've been truly blessed. I whine and moan from the aches & pains from my pal Arthur. You probably know him, Arthur Itis. He has a few other buds he hangs with and they're usually all together seeing what kind of trouble they can stir up. Then there are the visits from Igor the anxiety ogre. He doesn't come around as often as he used to but when he's here, he's every bit as unpleasant as ever. Regardless, I feel truly blessed with the people I've been surrounded by.
A dozen or so years ago I met my friend Liz. We "just happened" to start at the same new church on the same day and one day discovered we were joined at the soul as well as the hip. She was my best and dearest friend. We did stuff together, we did nothing together. We just enjoyed sharing time together. We took a family cruise for my 60th birthday and Liz came with us and was formally (or maybe informally) adopted into the family. You can give up friends, family is forever. She's the one I called to come to the hospital at 3:am to sit with me while I waited for the kids after dad died. She's the one who held me 3 months later when I finally lost it and cried until there was nothing left. She's the one who came to the hospital and told them we were sisters so she could sign papers and they could put my hip back in place so she could take me home (2:am this time) and two months later when it slipped out again, she had to follow the ambulance down the mountain, in the dark, in my car which she had never driven before. Ohhh, we did have some times. She's still "my sister," but the season(s) passed. Someday we'll revisit the trips to the wine country or Las Vegas, but that's for another time. I relocated to the foothills, maybe an hour away, and she showed me, she relocated across the country, to Tennessee. Now we visit by phone, email, cards and promise to get together for a real face to face, with hugs, visit "soon".
I've kept up with many of the friends I left when I moved up here. I learned who were friends and who were FRIENDS! Since I moved up here, I've made both very good friends and VERY GOOD FRIENDS. This is now my HOME! If it's only a season, I hope it's a l-o-n-g season.
Some who were friends when I lived down below have become FRIENDS since. The kids who were up here a couple of months ago to help keep my yard from doing me in, have taken me into their hearts. They visit regularly and keep in touch by phone and f/b. I know they're there if I need them and it works the other way as well. I've become a courtesy grandma to the boys (and a couple of the older boy's friends). They had to be up here today to drop off Wesley, the younger boy, at church camp and they came by to take me to dinner with them. As long as they were here Mike and the boys hung my mirrors for me. They'll be back Saturday to pick Wesley up from camp and will check in, visit a bit and they'll mow and edge for me if I haven't already gotten it done. They've taken it on themselves to make it possible for me to keep up with this place I've chosen for my home and that I love so much and even through all this they still manage to make me feel worthwhile. They let me know they care. I pray this season lasts indefinitely.
Mike and Jennifer, I can never thank you enough for coming into my life and taking me into yours. God Bless You!!!
I've been truly blessed. I whine and moan from the aches & pains from my pal Arthur. You probably know him, Arthur Itis. He has a few other buds he hangs with and they're usually all together seeing what kind of trouble they can stir up. Then there are the visits from Igor the anxiety ogre. He doesn't come around as often as he used to but when he's here, he's every bit as unpleasant as ever. Regardless, I feel truly blessed with the people I've been surrounded by.
A dozen or so years ago I met my friend Liz. We "just happened" to start at the same new church on the same day and one day discovered we were joined at the soul as well as the hip. She was my best and dearest friend. We did stuff together, we did nothing together. We just enjoyed sharing time together. We took a family cruise for my 60th birthday and Liz came with us and was formally (or maybe informally) adopted into the family. You can give up friends, family is forever. She's the one I called to come to the hospital at 3:am to sit with me while I waited for the kids after dad died. She's the one who held me 3 months later when I finally lost it and cried until there was nothing left. She's the one who came to the hospital and told them we were sisters so she could sign papers and they could put my hip back in place so she could take me home (2:am this time) and two months later when it slipped out again, she had to follow the ambulance down the mountain, in the dark, in my car which she had never driven before. Ohhh, we did have some times. She's still "my sister," but the season(s) passed. Someday we'll revisit the trips to the wine country or Las Vegas, but that's for another time. I relocated to the foothills, maybe an hour away, and she showed me, she relocated across the country, to Tennessee. Now we visit by phone, email, cards and promise to get together for a real face to face, with hugs, visit "soon".
I've kept up with many of the friends I left when I moved up here. I learned who were friends and who were FRIENDS! Since I moved up here, I've made both very good friends and VERY GOOD FRIENDS. This is now my HOME! If it's only a season, I hope it's a l-o-n-g season.
Some who were friends when I lived down below have become FRIENDS since. The kids who were up here a couple of months ago to help keep my yard from doing me in, have taken me into their hearts. They visit regularly and keep in touch by phone and f/b. I know they're there if I need them and it works the other way as well. I've become a courtesy grandma to the boys (and a couple of the older boy's friends). They had to be up here today to drop off Wesley, the younger boy, at church camp and they came by to take me to dinner with them. As long as they were here Mike and the boys hung my mirrors for me. They'll be back Saturday to pick Wesley up from camp and will check in, visit a bit and they'll mow and edge for me if I haven't already gotten it done. They've taken it on themselves to make it possible for me to keep up with this place I've chosen for my home and that I love so much and even through all this they still manage to make me feel worthwhile. They let me know they care. I pray this season lasts indefinitely.
Mike and Jennifer, I can never thank you enough for coming into my life and taking me into yours. God Bless You!!!
So Far, So Good!
It's cooler today! Yay!! It's well past noon and I'm not pricing tickets to Norway. The house is still open. The only shade drawn is over the southern window, where the sun is right now. I don't even have all the fans on --- yet.
It's been a great weekend in spite of the heat. I've rearranged living room furniture, the coffee table base has been painted a wrought iron black so it looks like it belongs here (ironically, it's the oldest piece of furniture in the room) and I have friends coming today who can put the glass top back on it for me. The rug it sits on (and that the cats regurgitate on) is shampooed and clean again - for now. My mirrors may even get hung today. The infamous "back room" (cat's room, office, catch-all) is a real room again. I can't close the door because of the cats but it's okay now if someone looks in there and if someone should go in, they'll be able to find their way out.
I'm thinking of revamping the guest bedroom next. Unless the temp outside drops and then I have outdoor work that needs doing first.
Went to church this morning, really good sermon; friends coming by and we're going out to an early dinner this evening (and she's bring me goodies from Entennman's, OMG!) If you don't have or don't know Entennman's, their bread and pastries, even the day olds, are to die for. Now, I don't NEED the pastries, but I believe in the adage, "Life is short, eat dessert first" and this fits in there somewhere; and Leverage is on tonight. I ask you, does life get any better than this?
It's been a great weekend in spite of the heat. I've rearranged living room furniture, the coffee table base has been painted a wrought iron black so it looks like it belongs here (ironically, it's the oldest piece of furniture in the room) and I have friends coming today who can put the glass top back on it for me. The rug it sits on (and that the cats regurgitate on) is shampooed and clean again - for now. My mirrors may even get hung today. The infamous "back room" (cat's room, office, catch-all) is a real room again. I can't close the door because of the cats but it's okay now if someone looks in there and if someone should go in, they'll be able to find their way out.
I'm thinking of revamping the guest bedroom next. Unless the temp outside drops and then I have outdoor work that needs doing first.
Went to church this morning, really good sermon; friends coming by and we're going out to an early dinner this evening (and she's bring me goodies from Entennman's, OMG!) If you don't have or don't know Entennman's, their bread and pastries, even the day olds, are to die for. Now, I don't NEED the pastries, but I believe in the adage, "Life is short, eat dessert first" and this fits in there somewhere; and Leverage is on tonight. I ask you, does life get any better than this?
Saturday, July 17, 2010
The Phone Call
Since their dad died and I sold the house and moved to the mountains, I don't hear from my stepkids very often. My biological kids weren't thrilled that I'd sold "Dad's house" either. But it was too much house for me. The costs stayed where they were and the income dropped by half. There was going to be needed upkeep and no one was volunteering to help with expenses or maintenance. And I'd always wanted to relocate to the mountains and opportunity was knocking. A year and a half after he died, I made the move.
My stepson was the voice of reason in this decision. Although I'm sure he too hated to see me let go of the house and all the memories, he realized, as he said, "it was 13 times too big for me" and when the time came, he drove up from SoCal to help with the move.
Out of the blue, day before yesterday, my cell rang and a voice said, "guess who this is?" He always waits months to call and then is afraid to call because I may be angry that he hasn't called. I can wait while you read that again so it makes sense to you. We had a wonderful telephone visit. Jeff and I can pick up right where we left off last time we spoke. To me that says a lot. He's planning a fishing trip up this way in early September and will visit with me while he's here. I'm really looking forward to seeing him. Partly, because I just plain miss him and partly because when I look at him, I see his dad and, as emotional as he is, he's not afraid to share memories with me. Our kids were never Larry's and/or mine. They were always 'ours'. I truly love and miss this son and can't wait for his visit and one (or more if I work it right) of his special hugs.
It was the best phone call I've gotten in months!
My stepson was the voice of reason in this decision. Although I'm sure he too hated to see me let go of the house and all the memories, he realized, as he said, "it was 13 times too big for me" and when the time came, he drove up from SoCal to help with the move.
Out of the blue, day before yesterday, my cell rang and a voice said, "guess who this is?" He always waits months to call and then is afraid to call because I may be angry that he hasn't called. I can wait while you read that again so it makes sense to you. We had a wonderful telephone visit. Jeff and I can pick up right where we left off last time we spoke. To me that says a lot. He's planning a fishing trip up this way in early September and will visit with me while he's here. I'm really looking forward to seeing him. Partly, because I just plain miss him and partly because when I look at him, I see his dad and, as emotional as he is, he's not afraid to share memories with me. Our kids were never Larry's and/or mine. They were always 'ours'. I truly love and miss this son and can't wait for his visit and one (or more if I work it right) of his special hugs.
It was the best phone call I've gotten in months!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Taking Advantage of the Heat Wave!
I suppose there's something to be said for this hotter than usual weather. I find myself taking care of outdoor things early in the day or late in the evening; that means the things in the house that I've been happily putting off are now getting done during the part of the day when it's too hot to be outside and I haven't done enough to warrant a nap.
My coffee table rug has been shampooed and is outside drying. I've taken the coffee table apart (no easy task) and the base is waiting for me to paint it. Today, I tackled a back bedroom/office that had become a catch-all (again) and I'm pleased to say, "I won". Tomorrow I'm emptying cupboards & shelves in the laundry room. The idea is that less than half will make it back in and, when that's done, the freezer needs defrosting.
And then ... this heat wave has to break. Or, I need to pay more attention to my roomies and learn from them. They're all laying on the wood floor under the ceiling fans waiting for evening when I open the house and hopefully we can all sit outside for a bit.
My coffee table rug has been shampooed and is outside drying. I've taken the coffee table apart (no easy task) and the base is waiting for me to paint it. Today, I tackled a back bedroom/office that had become a catch-all (again) and I'm pleased to say, "I won". Tomorrow I'm emptying cupboards & shelves in the laundry room. The idea is that less than half will make it back in and, when that's done, the freezer needs defrosting.
And then ... this heat wave has to break. Or, I need to pay more attention to my roomies and learn from them. They're all laying on the wood floor under the ceiling fans waiting for evening when I open the house and hopefully we can all sit outside for a bit.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
"More Birthdays!"
Having lost my husband and my father-in-law as well as some very dear friends to cancer, I tend to hold a bit of a grudge against this horrid disease and I work and encourage others to work to find relief and, one day, a cure.
Reading a post on F/B by some yahoo who goes by GKW telling the world what a waste of time and money it is to support the cancer society and relay for life and any other organization that just might find the key to unlock this mystery really set me off (as it apparently did a number of other F/B members).
My husband's been gone a little over 6 years from lung cancer ... don't you even think of telling me it was his own fault. My father-in-law has been gone going on 8 years ... same rule applies. I've lost friends and other loved ones throughout.
Many of us give of our time, effort and yes, even hard, cold, cash trying to eradicate this monster. And, every so often, we see that we're making some headway. This yahoo seems to think we're doing nothing more than supporting the organizations' CEOs and feeding a pot for free-loaders. Everytime I see a cancer survivor, whether of a few months or years, I know we're on the right track.
To quote my post: "GKW: May you never know the suffering of being a cancer patient and may you never know the heartbreak of loving and losing a cancer patient and may you never, never need our nickels, dimes, quarters, and many, many hours to keep you alive. As for the rest of us, we'll never give up nor give in ... we just simply and quietly give!"
Please don't let close-minded idiots sway your thinking. Participate, give, help create another cancer survivor. Let's celebrate many more birthdays!!!
Reading a post on F/B by some yahoo who goes by GKW telling the world what a waste of time and money it is to support the cancer society and relay for life and any other organization that just might find the key to unlock this mystery really set me off (as it apparently did a number of other F/B members).
My husband's been gone a little over 6 years from lung cancer ... don't you even think of telling me it was his own fault. My father-in-law has been gone going on 8 years ... same rule applies. I've lost friends and other loved ones throughout.
Many of us give of our time, effort and yes, even hard, cold, cash trying to eradicate this monster. And, every so often, we see that we're making some headway. This yahoo seems to think we're doing nothing more than supporting the organizations' CEOs and feeding a pot for free-loaders. Everytime I see a cancer survivor, whether of a few months or years, I know we're on the right track.
To quote my post: "GKW: May you never know the suffering of being a cancer patient and may you never know the heartbreak of loving and losing a cancer patient and may you never, never need our nickels, dimes, quarters, and many, many hours to keep you alive. As for the rest of us, we'll never give up nor give in ... we just simply and quietly give!"
Please don't let close-minded idiots sway your thinking. Participate, give, help create another cancer survivor. Let's celebrate many more birthdays!!!
Monday, July 12, 2010
It's So Nice to Have a Man Around the House ... Just Not Full Time!
I'm finding that I sometimes get quite frustrated with myself. After having a couple of walls painted for me (something that I should be, used to be, able to do myself, I now need to hang my large mirrors. Let me rephrase that ... I need to find someone to hang my large mirrors. What's that about?
I needed to readjust my sprinklers just before summer hit but someone lowered the ground out of my reach and tightened the pop-ups; another call for help. I can still walk behind the lawn mower but the edger/trimmer put on weight over the winter. The summer furniture that was doing absolutely nothing in the shed also got heavier and more awkward to carry (drag) up to the deck. What used to take 15 minutes with the edger is now a weekend production and thank goodness for the hand cart or the furniture would forever more live in the shed. Thank goodness 440' snakes (Judi) aren't a concern and a normal snake I could deal with. Although, a tall male that could swat that spider strolling across my ceiling would be welcome.
Since ladders have joined the "danger, don't go there" list, even changing light bulbs has become a challenge. Now part of this is age and part is health and I'm not sure that one doesn't have bearing on the other but ... I've always been very self-reliant and out there and very capable, thank you, of doing things for myself. I'm NOT old, not by today's standards (I'm younger than Ringo Starr, maybe only two or three years, but younger is younger.) When and how did I get puny?! Well, I'm going out to see if I can still muscle the power washer and clean my deck & porch. If it doesn't work out, I guess I'll start looking for an old folk's home or a handy man who doesn't need money, just a very occasional home-cooked meal and a "gee, thanks". Yeah, that'll be the day.
I needed to readjust my sprinklers just before summer hit but someone lowered the ground out of my reach and tightened the pop-ups; another call for help. I can still walk behind the lawn mower but the edger/trimmer put on weight over the winter. The summer furniture that was doing absolutely nothing in the shed also got heavier and more awkward to carry (drag) up to the deck. What used to take 15 minutes with the edger is now a weekend production and thank goodness for the hand cart or the furniture would forever more live in the shed. Thank goodness 440' snakes (Judi) aren't a concern and a normal snake I could deal with. Although, a tall male that could swat that spider strolling across my ceiling would be welcome.
Since ladders have joined the "danger, don't go there" list, even changing light bulbs has become a challenge. Now part of this is age and part is health and I'm not sure that one doesn't have bearing on the other but ... I've always been very self-reliant and out there and very capable, thank you, of doing things for myself. I'm NOT old, not by today's standards (I'm younger than Ringo Starr, maybe only two or three years, but younger is younger.) When and how did I get puny?! Well, I'm going out to see if I can still muscle the power washer and clean my deck & porch. If it doesn't work out, I guess I'll start looking for an old folk's home or a handy man who doesn't need money, just a very occasional home-cooked meal and a "gee, thanks". Yeah, that'll be the day.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
A Weekend at Grandma's
Reading a post from a friend of mine on Facebook ... this post's your fault Maggie, she speaks of preparing a bedroom especially for her young granddaughters. When the two granddaughters who live in my area were little and started coming for sleepovers at Grandma & Grandpa's, I decided they had to have a room just for them. Their colors, their interests, and if they wanted to add to the decor, it was their choice.
Like Maggie, I sometimes wondered if I was indulging in this project for them or for me. I convinced myself that it was strictly for them. But I loved the painting and decorating and making it special; making it theirs. The biggie was convincing Grandpa that he could NOT "borrow" the room when they weren't visiting because he, at that time, was a smoker and was too big for their twin beds, he'd have to settle for his den.
I loved having the girls with us. They played dress up, we did crafts, we watched movies, during the summer they lived in the swimming pool. For Halloween, we went to the pumpkin farm and then they, with Grandpa, carved faces on their pumpkins. They decorated our Christmas tree every year and decorated a small tree in "their" room and even strung lights in there. We took them to San Francisco by Amtrak for their combined birthdays, and I took them to musical productions at the Saroyan. I so very much enjoyed those little girls. The only thing the oldest didn't like was going up the stairs and passing "the monkey in the mirror", it scared her half to death - so we avoided looking at the mirror.
Enjoy this special time Maggie. It passes all too quickly.
Like Maggie, I sometimes wondered if I was indulging in this project for them or for me. I convinced myself that it was strictly for them. But I loved the painting and decorating and making it special; making it theirs. The biggie was convincing Grandpa that he could NOT "borrow" the room when they weren't visiting because he, at that time, was a smoker and was too big for their twin beds, he'd have to settle for his den.
I loved having the girls with us. They played dress up, we did crafts, we watched movies, during the summer they lived in the swimming pool. For Halloween, we went to the pumpkin farm and then they, with Grandpa, carved faces on their pumpkins. They decorated our Christmas tree every year and decorated a small tree in "their" room and even strung lights in there. We took them to San Francisco by Amtrak for their combined birthdays, and I took them to musical productions at the Saroyan. I so very much enjoyed those little girls. The only thing the oldest didn't like was going up the stairs and passing "the monkey in the mirror", it scared her half to death - so we avoided looking at the mirror.
Enjoy this special time Maggie. It passes all too quickly.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
"Will You Still Love Me When I'm 64?"
Forget 64, Ringo Starr turned 70 years old today; Seventy!. Tell me this isn't true. It's something the media made up to get our minds off of the oil spill and the economy and everything else going on.
Now I realize that the Beatles, or at least a couple of them, were older than me back in the 60's, but not by all that much ... back then. Apparently they aged much faster than I did. I can't be more than 45. Wait - two of my kids are older than 45, how did they manage that?
It just isn't right. I just saw Bobby Rydell in a movie (Bye-Bye Birdie) Sunday and he wasn't any older than maybe 18-20. Of course the movie was made in 1960 but that's non-essential information and surely a typo.
And the invitation to my 50th high school reunion? Obviously someone's bad idea of a joke. 1960 was NOT 50 years ago, couldn't be, could it? Ohhhh, I really need that rocking chair.
Now I realize that the Beatles, or at least a couple of them, were older than me back in the 60's, but not by all that much ... back then. Apparently they aged much faster than I did. I can't be more than 45. Wait - two of my kids are older than 45, how did they manage that?
It just isn't right. I just saw Bobby Rydell in a movie (Bye-Bye Birdie) Sunday and he wasn't any older than maybe 18-20. Of course the movie was made in 1960 but that's non-essential information and surely a typo.
And the invitation to my 50th high school reunion? Obviously someone's bad idea of a joke. 1960 was NOT 50 years ago, couldn't be, could it? Ohhhh, I really need that rocking chair.
A Little Whine With That Cheese?
I find I'm dealing with the anxiety again. I thought I had this disorder pretty much behind me with just an occasional, very occasional, reminder that the ogre lives. Maybe because of this heat or because I overextended myself, or for no reason at all, it seems to have come for a summer visit.
Although it's not as scary as it was, except when I'm actually in the throes of an attack, it's frustrating and really beginning to p##s me off. It's virtually impossible to make plans more than 5 minutes ahead and even that can be iffy. I wanted to go down to the city to see friends this Saturday, it's predicted to be 100 degrees and it's an hours drive each way. Maybe I'll wait for cooler weather. I went to a gathering last night that I'd really been looking forward to. Felt fine going, was uncomfortable there and couldn't quite decompress after I got home. I want to go to southern Calif. in Sept. to my brother's retirement dinner. Right now that doesn't look real promising. To say I'm not a happy camper would be putting it lightly. I'll still push the envelope and step just over the edge and sometimes I feel like a conquering hero, other times the payback can be miserable.
Okay, I've whined and groused. Maybe today will be better. If you didn't quit reading two paragraphs ago, thanks for letting me vent. I promise, I won't make a habit of it. Meanwhile, maybe I just need to go out and sit on my porch rocker and enjoy the view.
Although it's not as scary as it was, except when I'm actually in the throes of an attack, it's frustrating and really beginning to p##s me off. It's virtually impossible to make plans more than 5 minutes ahead and even that can be iffy. I wanted to go down to the city to see friends this Saturday, it's predicted to be 100 degrees and it's an hours drive each way. Maybe I'll wait for cooler weather. I went to a gathering last night that I'd really been looking forward to. Felt fine going, was uncomfortable there and couldn't quite decompress after I got home. I want to go to southern Calif. in Sept. to my brother's retirement dinner. Right now that doesn't look real promising. To say I'm not a happy camper would be putting it lightly. I'll still push the envelope and step just over the edge and sometimes I feel like a conquering hero, other times the payback can be miserable.
Okay, I've whined and groused. Maybe today will be better. If you didn't quit reading two paragraphs ago, thanks for letting me vent. I promise, I won't make a habit of it. Meanwhile, maybe I just need to go out and sit on my porch rocker and enjoy the view.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Now What?
I just read a blog about a cat stuck in the rafters, Ceiling Cat by Will Think For Wine (willthink4wine.blogspot.com), and it reminded me of a kitty we had years ago. My neighbors were splitting up and he took the boys, she took the girl, and they gave me their cat. This cat was very prolific, popping litters one right after the other.
Her last litter, that I know of - she moved to the corner gas station shortly after, produced two little tuxedos. One (Bartholomew) was a buff long-haired, black & white. He was handsome and he knew it. His sister we called Mouse. She was one of the most loving and affectionate cats. She was a black & white short hair and scared of everything. She slept where he allowed her to sleep, ate what he allowed her to eat and pretty much lived under his shadow. Bart liked to chase cars, what can I say? One day he caught one. Mouse began to blossom with him not around. Then she contracted Feline Leukemia. We thought it was curtains for her but a wonderful vet took an interest (my sobbing little girl probably didn't hurt) and he kept her going and she went in to remission. She was probably 10 to 12 years old when we moved from southern California to Fresno in central California. She'd always been a housecat but my husband decided that with the big backyard, she could learn to be an indoor/outdoor (mostly outdoor) cat.
Okay, now I'm getting to the point of the story. One of her favorite places was the roof. However, she couldn't figure out how to descend from this wonderful place and the food dish was down below. We tried any number of things. We ran a plank from the roof of the house to the top of the shed and another from the shed to the ground; it wobbled - no good. My husband, not being a cat person at that time, tried leaving a ladder against the roof - yeah, right. We tried to get her to go from the roof to the patio cover and then to the apricot tree. Patio cover not stable enough and what do I do with the tree? He even climbed the ladder and tried enticing her. I think she felt it was partly his fault she was up there in the first place and wanted nothing to do with him. I could climb the ladder and she'd let me take her down but this wasn't an option 2, 3 or 8 times a day. I finally went to the front yard where there was a palm tree growing alongside the house. Armed with a can of her favorite food (and the ladder - for me,) over a two or three day period I was able to teach her to climb down the tree. She came down slow and she came down backward but she came down. Needless to say, we had quite an audience. I'm sure the neighbors had a few conversations about the crazy cat lady.
Mouse was quite a girl. For a kitten who'd been given a month at the most, she did very well. She was just past twenty when she went to sleep for the last time. If you can have favorites (they're like children, you know) she was one of my all time favorites. Thanks, Barb, for the memory.
Her last litter, that I know of - she moved to the corner gas station shortly after, produced two little tuxedos. One (Bartholomew) was a buff long-haired, black & white. He was handsome and he knew it. His sister we called Mouse. She was one of the most loving and affectionate cats. She was a black & white short hair and scared of everything. She slept where he allowed her to sleep, ate what he allowed her to eat and pretty much lived under his shadow. Bart liked to chase cars, what can I say? One day he caught one. Mouse began to blossom with him not around. Then she contracted Feline Leukemia. We thought it was curtains for her but a wonderful vet took an interest (my sobbing little girl probably didn't hurt) and he kept her going and she went in to remission. She was probably 10 to 12 years old when we moved from southern California to Fresno in central California. She'd always been a housecat but my husband decided that with the big backyard, she could learn to be an indoor/outdoor (mostly outdoor) cat.
Okay, now I'm getting to the point of the story. One of her favorite places was the roof. However, she couldn't figure out how to descend from this wonderful place and the food dish was down below. We tried any number of things. We ran a plank from the roof of the house to the top of the shed and another from the shed to the ground; it wobbled - no good. My husband, not being a cat person at that time, tried leaving a ladder against the roof - yeah, right. We tried to get her to go from the roof to the patio cover and then to the apricot tree. Patio cover not stable enough and what do I do with the tree? He even climbed the ladder and tried enticing her. I think she felt it was partly his fault she was up there in the first place and wanted nothing to do with him. I could climb the ladder and she'd let me take her down but this wasn't an option 2, 3 or 8 times a day. I finally went to the front yard where there was a palm tree growing alongside the house. Armed with a can of her favorite food (and the ladder - for me,) over a two or three day period I was able to teach her to climb down the tree. She came down slow and she came down backward but she came down. Needless to say, we had quite an audience. I'm sure the neighbors had a few conversations about the crazy cat lady.
Mouse was quite a girl. For a kitten who'd been given a month at the most, she did very well. She was just past twenty when she went to sleep for the last time. If you can have favorites (they're like children, you know) she was one of my all time favorites. Thanks, Barb, for the memory.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
It's a Grand Old Flag
It's now officially the Fourth of July ... I just finished watching "The George M. Cohan Story" with James Cagney. I've watched it every 4th of July for the past 30 plus years. I loved Jimmy Cagney as an actor and especially as a song & dance man and this movie is special, it renews those feelings of patriotism that the politicians work so hard to kill.
The movie was made in 1942 and released just prior to the start of WWII. It told the life story of Cohan and his contributions, through his music, to the war (WWI) effort. He wrote, he acted, he sang, and he danced ... and he entertained the troops. He was the first, if not the only, person to receive the congressional medal of honor for his musical contributions.
I run the total gamut of emotions watching this movie. I love to sing along - loudly (used to like to dance along). It makes me smile and laugh and it brings out the tears. Want to revitalize those deeply patriotic feelings again? This is the movie to do it for you.
For you youngsters, George Cohan wrote songs for World War I; "Over There," "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Grand Old Flag," and more. He later wrote a number of broadway musicals as well. And Jimmy Cagney, who portrays Cohan, was one of the finest hoofers ever to strut across the stage or screen.
If you haven't seen it, where have you been? Rent a copy or borrow one from the library. Ted Turner, in his infinite wisdom, colorized it some time ago. I guess I'm a purist, I prefer the original black & white version.
Hope you're enjoying the Fourth and the long weekend.
The movie was made in 1942 and released just prior to the start of WWII. It told the life story of Cohan and his contributions, through his music, to the war (WWI) effort. He wrote, he acted, he sang, and he danced ... and he entertained the troops. He was the first, if not the only, person to receive the congressional medal of honor for his musical contributions.
I run the total gamut of emotions watching this movie. I love to sing along - loudly (used to like to dance along). It makes me smile and laugh and it brings out the tears. Want to revitalize those deeply patriotic feelings again? This is the movie to do it for you.
For you youngsters, George Cohan wrote songs for World War I; "Over There," "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Grand Old Flag," and more. He later wrote a number of broadway musicals as well. And Jimmy Cagney, who portrays Cohan, was one of the finest hoofers ever to strut across the stage or screen.
If you haven't seen it, where have you been? Rent a copy or borrow one from the library. Ted Turner, in his infinite wisdom, colorized it some time ago. I guess I'm a purist, I prefer the original black & white version.
Hope you're enjoying the Fourth and the long weekend.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
The Four Musketeers
My faith in the younger generation (18 - 21) has been revitalized. I've been searching for just the right colors for a living room wall and a hallway for better than two years. Last month I found them and I bought the paint. Cameron, the son of a friend of mine had committed to coming up and helping me apply the paint to the walls when the time came. Today was the day.
Cam and three of his friends arrived this morning - ready, willing, and able to tackle my project. They gathered the materials from the shed, placed plastic on the floors, taped off the ceiling, baseboards, doorways, etc. and got to work. They did a beautiful job. I had asked that they do just the areas that I can no longer reach and I'd do the rest but they finished it all, top to bottom, and cleaned up the mess when they were done. I don't have to go behind them to touch up or fix anything. They were here to work and they did, and we still had a fun time in the process. My main job was to make a run to Me & Ed's. We did take a pizza break to keep their strength up.
What a neat group of young men. They refused to take the money I offered them and said they'd enjoyed themselves and would be back when I come up with my next project (just keep the pizza coming).
Needless to say, I'm delighted with my walls and the new colors. I can hardly wait 'til I can put up pictures and "stuff". (Photos when the project's completed.) But I'm really pleased to see that the youth of today are still caring and feel good about themselves when they reach out and do for someone else. Thanks, guys!
Cam and three of his friends arrived this morning - ready, willing, and able to tackle my project. They gathered the materials from the shed, placed plastic on the floors, taped off the ceiling, baseboards, doorways, etc. and got to work. They did a beautiful job. I had asked that they do just the areas that I can no longer reach and I'd do the rest but they finished it all, top to bottom, and cleaned up the mess when they were done. I don't have to go behind them to touch up or fix anything. They were here to work and they did, and we still had a fun time in the process. My main job was to make a run to Me & Ed's. We did take a pizza break to keep their strength up.
What a neat group of young men. They refused to take the money I offered them and said they'd enjoyed themselves and would be back when I come up with my next project (just keep the pizza coming).
Needless to say, I'm delighted with my walls and the new colors. I can hardly wait 'til I can put up pictures and "stuff". (Photos when the project's completed.) But I'm really pleased to see that the youth of today are still caring and feel good about themselves when they reach out and do for someone else. Thanks, guys!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
A Day at the Spa
Although Katie strongly feels that water is solely for drinking, she really looks forward to her visits to the Spa (Pampered Pets in Oakhurst). Water has never been her idea of fun. We'd take her to the lake, she'd chase the ducks into the water and look at me with an "eeewwww, this is wet," come on shore and then repeat the process. We'd do the Wiggle Waggle Walk in Fresno and all the other dogs (okay, a lot of the other dogs) would jump into the pools set up for them. She avoided them at all costs. She wasn't a big fan of grooming either. I remember when she used to throw all four legs out to avoid going through the door. She loves Venessa and eagerly runs through the door and into a kennel to wait her turn. She usually goes in for a shampoo, light trim, and a pedicure (as a therapy dog, her nails must be kept rounded and smooth). Yesterday was the full treatment, she got her summer cut. It's taken me a while to adjust to her summer "do" without the skirts and ear fuzzies ... she looks like a whole different dog, like her personality was in her coat. But, since she's happier with this cut in the summertime, so am I.
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On a different note ... Tuesday I took a friend out to lunch and got hit with an anxiety attack. I was able to get my friend back to the elder care residential home and me back to my home but was really drained when I got here.
Kate's normal routine in the morning is to come in, jump on the couch, put her head in my lap and give me good morning kisses, then she's ready for breakfast. During the day, if I'm sitting on the couch, she lays on the floor resting her head on my foot. However, if I'm not well, she picks up on it and goes into caregiver mode. When I got home and hit the couch she leaped from her chair, jumped up on the couch, cuddled, kissed and otherwise comforted me. I lay down and she immediately crawled up and lay with me, nuzzling me occasionally, while I slept and stayed there until it passed. Then she was content to again be on the floor next to me. For more reasons than what I've spent on her at the vet's and the emergency clinic, this little girl is worth more than twice her weight in precious metals and gems!
,On a different note ... Tuesday I took a friend out to lunch and got hit with an anxiety attack. I was able to get my friend back to the elder care residential home and me back to my home but was really drained when I got here.
Kate's normal routine in the morning is to come in, jump on the couch, put her head in my lap and give me good morning kisses, then she's ready for breakfast. During the day, if I'm sitting on the couch, she lays on the floor resting her head on my foot. However, if I'm not well, she picks up on it and goes into caregiver mode. When I got home and hit the couch she leaped from her chair, jumped up on the couch, cuddled, kissed and otherwise comforted me. I lay down and she immediately crawled up and lay with me, nuzzling me occasionally, while I slept and stayed there until it passed. Then she was content to again be on the floor next to me. For more reasons than what I've spent on her at the vet's and the emergency clinic, this little girl is worth more than twice her weight in precious metals and gems!
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