There aren't enough hours today.
First I am in the office for a few hours. After that, I have to participate in a work project in the part of the city where I work. It is not exactly the shiniest part of the city: in fact the shine there is usually from the bullets that come out of the guns shot there.Then, hoping all goes well while working in the field, I have to return to the office. Somewhere after that, I get sprung. Jim and the girls will have to find me and pick me up with the destination- where else?? "Undisclosed Location".
So meanwhile, I will be choking back some K cup Nantucket blend coffee and breakfast and praying that my new titanium knees will have me walking quickly and keeping out of harms' way in the field. Hopefully, I'll check in to let you know I am still around.**fingers crossed**
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
A hot grand..........
Just wanted to take the opportunity to thank my loyal readers for checking in with me.
This blog has hit the 1,000 view mark, and I thought I'd never have 100, let alone 1,000 views.
Thanks, folks.
Appreciate it!
This blog has hit the 1,000 view mark, and I thought I'd never have 100, let alone 1,000 views.
Thanks, folks.
Appreciate it!
The sins of my past life..
..in regard to coffee. I like flavored coffees,or should I say, some of them. My usual go to flavor is butter toffee, but after this morning I think I have reached my saturation point on the flavored Kcups.
Don't get me wrong. I drink "regular" coffee, really- I do. I started with flavored coffees just '"for something different". There for a while I had the dunkin' donuts Kcups, but was a little put off because it was high priced, quite frankly.With DD, you only get 14 cups, and everyone else gives you 18 for about three dollars less. Just ordered new Kcups on line and I am so ready for them: I'd only hope they get here soon!
There is something for the purity of the smell of coffee brewing. They always say when you eat, your eyes and your nose give you the anticipation of a meal. I feel that way about coffee.Back from the time you could walk into an A&P supermarket and smell people grinding their 8 o'clock coffee. Wow! Awesome smell, IMHO*. I really think those early days are what set me up for being a coffee lover later in life.
I'd write a little more, but I think it's time for a fresh Kcup. :-)
*-in my humble opinion.
Don't get me wrong. I drink "regular" coffee, really- I do. I started with flavored coffees just '"for something different". There for a while I had the dunkin' donuts Kcups, but was a little put off because it was high priced, quite frankly.With DD, you only get 14 cups, and everyone else gives you 18 for about three dollars less. Just ordered new Kcups on line and I am so ready for them: I'd only hope they get here soon!
There is something for the purity of the smell of coffee brewing. They always say when you eat, your eyes and your nose give you the anticipation of a meal. I feel that way about coffee.Back from the time you could walk into an A&P supermarket and smell people grinding their 8 o'clock coffee. Wow! Awesome smell, IMHO*. I really think those early days are what set me up for being a coffee lover later in life.
I'd write a little more, but I think it's time for a fresh Kcup. :-)
*-in my humble opinion.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
The week that half-way was...
This week has just been strange. Things are going on and I can only scratch my head and say, "Huh?'.
There is enough drama going on in my work space to choke a mule, which, of course, I need like a hole in the head. Then there is the issue of losing one of Mom's caregivers as of Friday and having to interview people for a replacement.There is poor Zush, who, along with me, just can't take this humidity.It is so sticky outside I have resorted to making my Iced Kcups in the morning because the idea of anything hot is just disgusting to me.
I just read in this morning's Metro how ladies who have four cups of coffee and 80% less depressed than those ladies who don't drink coffee. I chuckled to myself when I read that. I thought sure, and I am one of those who has her Kcups during the day.However, my physician also has me on anti-depressants so I figure the numbers on there study can't be right.
Off to make a fresh Kcup and conquer the world, or at least, finish the week :)
There is enough drama going on in my work space to choke a mule, which, of course, I need like a hole in the head. Then there is the issue of losing one of Mom's caregivers as of Friday and having to interview people for a replacement.There is poor Zush, who, along with me, just can't take this humidity.It is so sticky outside I have resorted to making my Iced Kcups in the morning because the idea of anything hot is just disgusting to me.
I just read in this morning's Metro how ladies who have four cups of coffee and 80% less depressed than those ladies who don't drink coffee. I chuckled to myself when I read that. I thought sure, and I am one of those who has her Kcups during the day.However, my physician also has me on anti-depressants so I figure the numbers on there study can't be right.
Off to make a fresh Kcup and conquer the world, or at least, finish the week :)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Radio through concrete....
Nothing is worse than trying to listen to a radio, without headphones, in the rear of an office. You are away from any clear reception by a window, you can play with the antenna until the cows come home...Zip! Nothing.....
Enter TUNE IN RADIO, which is a application I downloaded for my IPhone. Well, ok, I'd have to listen with headphones on, but I figure whatever, I'd try it- it cost nothing so why not.Long story short, if it is a station I want to listen to, no dice..It won't scan to this program.
So this morning I have my big radio on, somewhat static-y on a FM station, but hey, it'll do...until co-workers come in and I'll have to go the other "phone" radio, so I can put headphones on.
Not fun being a good neighbor.....
Enter TUNE IN RADIO, which is a application I downloaded for my IPhone. Well, ok, I'd have to listen with headphones on, but I figure whatever, I'd try it- it cost nothing so why not.Long story short, if it is a station I want to listen to, no dice..It won't scan to this program.
So this morning I have my big radio on, somewhat static-y on a FM station, but hey, it'll do...until co-workers come in and I'll have to go the other "phone" radio, so I can put headphones on.
Not fun being a good neighbor.....
Monday, September 26, 2011
Hallowed-out
While at the undisclosed location this weekend, had a few minutes to go shopping for staples and was in a pretty good mood...
.....until I saw it- HALLOWEEN stuff.
Since we've been married, we usually do a big deal,as we have a corner property and we would invite our neighbors and their pups who are either in apartments or streets where kids don't really go. I decided on no party last year, as I was kind of getting fried from dealing with my Mom, but did open for Halloween.For the first time, I am seriously toying with not opening up at all.My right-hand assistant, my nephew Greg,consulted with me and he saw my point of view and said wait and see how you feel.
Halloween was my favorite holiday as a kid, but then I grew up in Northwest Philadelphia in the sixties. It wasn't until I was older that you, all of a sudden, encouraged to take your candy to the local hospital to have it X-rayed to make sure their was nothing harmful in your candy.I had always strived, as a property owner, to open and Halloween and make up bags for the kids to let them have a good time.
This year Halloween is a Monday-I probably will flip a coin at the last moment. My heart really isn't in it. Local kids are getting bigger, a lot of kids I don't know, me not having kids....we'll see.
My Godson Frankie and his sister Molly as Raul Ibanez from the Phillies and Chase Utley a Halloween or two ago.
.....until I saw it- HALLOWEEN stuff.
Since we've been married, we usually do a big deal,as we have a corner property and we would invite our neighbors and their pups who are either in apartments or streets where kids don't really go. I decided on no party last year, as I was kind of getting fried from dealing with my Mom, but did open for Halloween.For the first time, I am seriously toying with not opening up at all.My right-hand assistant, my nephew Greg,consulted with me and he saw my point of view and said wait and see how you feel.
Halloween was my favorite holiday as a kid, but then I grew up in Northwest Philadelphia in the sixties. It wasn't until I was older that you, all of a sudden, encouraged to take your candy to the local hospital to have it X-rayed to make sure their was nothing harmful in your candy.I had always strived, as a property owner, to open and Halloween and make up bags for the kids to let them have a good time.
This year Halloween is a Monday-I probably will flip a coin at the last moment. My heart really isn't in it. Local kids are getting bigger, a lot of kids I don't know, me not having kids....we'll see.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
It's not August, is it?
We got up this morning and took the girls out and after this rain, the humidity is un-freaking-believable. I mean, I washed my hair last night and fortunately put the humidity treatment on my head, otherwise I would have been a fuzzball. Unfortunately the rain woke up mosquitoes too, so it was really fun** read heavy sarcasm here** to have mosquitoes dive bombing into my ear.
We'll be off to Church and the motel six breakfast menu is double vanilla french toast and sausage for breakfast,and hopefully a restful day over here at " Undisclosed Location".
We'll be off to Church and the motel six breakfast menu is double vanilla french toast and sausage for breakfast,and hopefully a restful day over here at " Undisclosed Location".
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Lazy Saturday morning...
Missing my Keuring, that is in my office. I obviously need a twin so I can Kcup into oblivion.
Had a nice Iced Cappuccino, due to the gazillion % humidity in the "Undisclosed location" rain forest. The air-conditioning is on to help cut the humidity, but as soon as I finish typing this, I am putting on a hot pot. There is something about a good hot cup of coffee on the first morning of autumn.
I walked the girls this morning and the leaves are slowly starting to turn. I wore a hoodie yesterday morning and I am so set to get to cooler weather.
Cream and sugar, anyone?
Had a nice Iced Cappuccino, due to the gazillion % humidity in the "Undisclosed location" rain forest. The air-conditioning is on to help cut the humidity, but as soon as I finish typing this, I am putting on a hot pot. There is something about a good hot cup of coffee on the first morning of autumn.
I walked the girls this morning and the leaves are slowly starting to turn. I wore a hoodie yesterday morning and I am so set to get to cooler weather.
Cream and sugar, anyone?
Friday, September 23, 2011
Anybody got an ark?
Had to opportunity to take a weekend off and come down to the "undisclosed location", only to watch the skies open up and they have stayed open for awhile now. It's so nice and quiet here and the sound of the rain is very relaxing. We were supposed to have company come tonight, but due to the weather, they aren't coming until tomorrow.
So tonight, I have a three meat chili simmering, made with McCormack's chili seasoning.Sauteed onion and garlic with the meat, browned it, and then put it in a crock pot with dark kidney beans,some jersey tomatoes and tomato sauce. I have topped it off with a little sour cream, or the option of Kraft's 4 cheese Mexican blend. I was thinking it may be really nice to put it under the broiler, so the cheese can melt and brown. I have a bottle of wine to go with it, but I wish I had some of the deli rolls- the crisp Italian rolls would have been fabulous with this meal.
The girls will have to swim by themselves in the yard, as it is coming down so hard. Me and my Mister? We'll be in and dry with full bellies.
So tonight, I have a three meat chili simmering, made with McCormack's chili seasoning.Sauteed onion and garlic with the meat, browned it, and then put it in a crock pot with dark kidney beans,some jersey tomatoes and tomato sauce. I have topped it off with a little sour cream, or the option of Kraft's 4 cheese Mexican blend. I was thinking it may be really nice to put it under the broiler, so the cheese can melt and brown. I have a bottle of wine to go with it, but I wish I had some of the deli rolls- the crisp Italian rolls would have been fabulous with this meal.
The girls will have to swim by themselves in the yard, as it is coming down so hard. Me and my Mister? We'll be in and dry with full bellies.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Thursday malaise
Got into work this morning and while at my desk, was never so glad for little things to keep my mind moving.
I, along with two co-workers, am collection for an Organization called, "Get your rear in gear"-which is for colon cancer. We are going to make a contribution from our office in memory of my friend and co-worker Barbara.So as I sit here, people interrupt me and I take care of it. I got a call from my bud, Kath, who informed me that they listed in our local paper the flu shot registration.I talked to my brother Bob.
Coming into work today on the train I had such malaise.To many things on my plate, and when I try to think about it, one issue overlaps another and so on.I often wonder how many caregivers end up with dementia themselves, because trying to take care of things is often taxing on the brain.
On the flip side, my bud Denise and I went up with Jim to attend Barbara's wake last night.I watched the video montage that they do these days and one shot of Barb( recent within 5 yrs)came up with her and her son Mike on vacation. I laughed when I saw it and said what I knew what Barbara would have said-"Eww, don't use that- I look so big in that picture,"All I can do now is keep them all in my prayers. Having Jim drive us offered some entertainment in the car, because along with Jim, Denise was picking on me and we were laughing.It was truly the relief we needed post wake.
The one nice thing on Barb's prayer card was the picture, which could have been taken down the shore, and the verse underneath it:
Stay with us Lord,
for it is nearly evening:
the day is almost over. (Luke 24,29)
I will now embrace that verse for it's true to me.Now, it also has the thought of Barb. Good reasons to live the verse.
So now, with a Kcup of Keurig Island coconut and a cinnamon scone, I am ready to embrace the day to the fullest.
I, along with two co-workers, am collection for an Organization called, "Get your rear in gear"-which is for colon cancer. We are going to make a contribution from our office in memory of my friend and co-worker Barbara.So as I sit here, people interrupt me and I take care of it. I got a call from my bud, Kath, who informed me that they listed in our local paper the flu shot registration.I talked to my brother Bob.
Coming into work today on the train I had such malaise.To many things on my plate, and when I try to think about it, one issue overlaps another and so on.I often wonder how many caregivers end up with dementia themselves, because trying to take care of things is often taxing on the brain.
On the flip side, my bud Denise and I went up with Jim to attend Barbara's wake last night.I watched the video montage that they do these days and one shot of Barb( recent within 5 yrs)came up with her and her son Mike on vacation. I laughed when I saw it and said what I knew what Barbara would have said-"Eww, don't use that- I look so big in that picture,"All I can do now is keep them all in my prayers. Having Jim drive us offered some entertainment in the car, because along with Jim, Denise was picking on me and we were laughing.It was truly the relief we needed post wake.
The one nice thing on Barb's prayer card was the picture, which could have been taken down the shore, and the verse underneath it:
Stay with us Lord,
for it is nearly evening:
the day is almost over. (Luke 24,29)
I will now embrace that verse for it's true to me.Now, it also has the thought of Barb. Good reasons to live the verse.
So now, with a Kcup of Keurig Island coconut and a cinnamon scone, I am ready to embrace the day to the fullest.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Moon,spoon, June, croon....
No, I haven't had my trolley go off it's track, although some of you might think that's debatable.
Much to the chagrin of my buddy Denise, I have grown fond of the song " Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood, who, if you aren't in the loop, was a prior American Idol winner. Until this song, the only song that I really knew of hers was her cover of a song, which I think was written by Martina McBride, called "Independence Day". I am NOT, as a rule, a country music person, but there is something there that makes me reminisce about the old days of when you could understand lyrics **OMG, I am that old**and the music was pretty darn good-not that there isn't some good music out today.
"Right now, he's probably slow-dancing with a bleach blond tramp and she's probably getting frisky.
Right now, he's probably buying her some fruit drink because she doesn't shoot whiskey"....
Oh man.
Come on, if you are a woman. How many of us know, if not first hand, but know of a guy who would qualify for the fore-mentioned lines...lol..And if you are a guy reading this, you're going to tell me this never happened to you?
They always say about the country lyrics-the dog died, guys sleeping with their sisters, and all sorts of twisted stuff like that. Maybe, MAYBE, some songs follow that beat, but right now, I'm digging Carrie Underwood's music. Hell, I am even jealous that I can't come up with some of these lyrics. I can think of worse songs to have going around in my head**hear that Denise?**...lol..
Much to the chagrin of my buddy Denise, I have grown fond of the song " Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood, who, if you aren't in the loop, was a prior American Idol winner. Until this song, the only song that I really knew of hers was her cover of a song, which I think was written by Martina McBride, called "Independence Day". I am NOT, as a rule, a country music person, but there is something there that makes me reminisce about the old days of when you could understand lyrics **OMG, I am that old**and the music was pretty darn good-not that there isn't some good music out today.
"Right now, he's probably slow-dancing with a bleach blond tramp and she's probably getting frisky.
Right now, he's probably buying her some fruit drink because she doesn't shoot whiskey"....
Oh man.
Come on, if you are a woman. How many of us know, if not first hand, but know of a guy who would qualify for the fore-mentioned lines...lol..And if you are a guy reading this, you're going to tell me this never happened to you?
They always say about the country lyrics-the dog died, guys sleeping with their sisters, and all sorts of twisted stuff like that. Maybe, MAYBE, some songs follow that beat, but right now, I'm digging Carrie Underwood's music. Hell, I am even jealous that I can't come up with some of these lyrics. I can think of worse songs to have going around in my head**hear that Denise?**...lol..
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The morning after...
the Phillies game and the hoagie I had last night...
I love my morning coffee. Really, I do. After a Phillies loss to the Cardinals last night, and an Italian hoagie chaser, real life has once again settled in. Issues in the office, the upcoming viewing of a good friend who passed away, the imminent loss of a paid caregiver, life's general agita has found its' way to my doorstep. It's incredible but even with enjoying Italian hoagies( it always has been my "go-to" hoagie), eating something that heavy was a little rough.
So here is the heads up to those who are in my path today. I am operating on minimal caffeine, due to circumstances out of my control. Be patient with me, please!
I love my morning coffee. Really, I do. After a Phillies loss to the Cardinals last night, and an Italian hoagie chaser, real life has once again settled in. Issues in the office, the upcoming viewing of a good friend who passed away, the imminent loss of a paid caregiver, life's general agita has found its' way to my doorstep. It's incredible but even with enjoying Italian hoagies( it always has been my "go-to" hoagie), eating something that heavy was a little rough.
So here is the heads up to those who are in my path today. I am operating on minimal caffeine, due to circumstances out of my control. Be patient with me, please!
Monday, September 19, 2011
After 6 months...
Yesterday, my new knees had their six month birthday. It is hard to believe it's been six months since I last experienced the wonderful sensation**read heavy sarcasm here**of bone on bone pain.
Those who know me know I waited to get the new knees because of being caregiver to my Mom, who has advanced dementia. I would do it again, wait, that is, because of Mom. Fortunately, my Prince of a brother helped cover for me with the aid of a few of Mom's workers, and I was able to go in and have it done.
There is no pain in my knee joints: that is gone. The only occasional ache is from the muscles around the knee. They got off easy for three years, and they are protesting any attempt to tune them up. Too bad, because I remember how much I loved walking and have started to up the ante, so to say.The oldest pup of mine, Zush, who is 9, now has a little more pep in her step. When the knees were aching and I struggled to walk her,Zush walked very slowly-she mirrored my gait. Now, she's right up there with me and it's like she'll look at me and say- wait, Mom, I remember how this walk went! Her sister, Kasia, goes out with us and the two of them are quite happy for the exercise.
Don't get me wrong: the operation and recovery is rough, but being a seasoned hospital veteran, I knew what I was in for. Age was my chief ally- I am only 51.It was so easy to do physical therapy because you WANTED to return to a normal life, walking, stair climbing, etc.If anyone is second guessing about having it done, it is so worth the time.You'll end up feeling wonderful!
Those who know me know I waited to get the new knees because of being caregiver to my Mom, who has advanced dementia. I would do it again, wait, that is, because of Mom. Fortunately, my Prince of a brother helped cover for me with the aid of a few of Mom's workers, and I was able to go in and have it done.
There is no pain in my knee joints: that is gone. The only occasional ache is from the muscles around the knee. They got off easy for three years, and they are protesting any attempt to tune them up. Too bad, because I remember how much I loved walking and have started to up the ante, so to say.The oldest pup of mine, Zush, who is 9, now has a little more pep in her step. When the knees were aching and I struggled to walk her,Zush walked very slowly-she mirrored my gait. Now, she's right up there with me and it's like she'll look at me and say- wait, Mom, I remember how this walk went! Her sister, Kasia, goes out with us and the two of them are quite happy for the exercise.
Don't get me wrong: the operation and recovery is rough, but being a seasoned hospital veteran, I knew what I was in for. Age was my chief ally- I am only 51.It was so easy to do physical therapy because you WANTED to return to a normal life, walking, stair climbing, etc.If anyone is second guessing about having it done, it is so worth the time.You'll end up feeling wonderful!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Partly cloudy? Not any more...
My friend Barb passed away yesterday morning, after her long struggle with cancer.
It was funny, but we were laying in bed this morning and the sun came out. I turned to Jimmy and said Barb was sending down her radiant glow. It's sad to think I'll never see that smile again.
It'll always be partly sunny, now that Barb is in charge of it.
Sleep well, my friend.
It was funny, but we were laying in bed this morning and the sun came out. I turned to Jimmy and said Barb was sending down her radiant glow. It's sad to think I'll never see that smile again.
It'll always be partly sunny, now that Barb is in charge of it.
Sleep well, my friend.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Lazy Saturday
Ah..
Kicking back with Jim and the dogs and after a quick deli trip, brought home some crusty Italian rolls and decided to celebrate a new toaster oven! Picked up a Black and Decker toaster/broiler oven at Walmart for $19.44. From the deli with the crust rolls, brought back some longhorn colby jack cheese and put it under the broiler.Nothing like the upgrade of a basic grilled cheese sandwich. Wash it down with some chilled apple cider and mmmh....nirvana!
Some things are worth a lazy day...now, back to cleaning.. **sigh**
Kicking back with Jim and the dogs and after a quick deli trip, brought home some crusty Italian rolls and decided to celebrate a new toaster oven! Picked up a Black and Decker toaster/broiler oven at Walmart for $19.44. From the deli with the crust rolls, brought back some longhorn colby jack cheese and put it under the broiler.Nothing like the upgrade of a basic grilled cheese sandwich. Wash it down with some chilled apple cider and mmmh....nirvana!
Some things are worth a lazy day...now, back to cleaning.. **sigh**
Friday, September 16, 2011
Ah....the chill of it all
Yup.I said chill.
Some people go by when school supplies get bought, but I see commercials for Target school ads or Walmart back in July.
It's all in the temperature.
Bring me the temperature where figure challenged girls like myself get to go comfortably( aka without sweat) into jeans, fuzzy socks and flannel shirt-which just happens to be my wardrobe today. The only place I want to see sweat is in the word sweater...fall is almost here.
So ice cubes for the morning coffee, well, you are on hiatus for awhile. Freshly baked scones from last night, you are in. Shoes with no socks, sandals, bye-bye. See you on the next 85 degree day. It's time to break the hoodies out for the weekend and about time.
Fall?
Welcome back!
Shoobies are gone and the beach is great ! :-)
Some people go by when school supplies get bought, but I see commercials for Target school ads or Walmart back in July.
It's all in the temperature.
Bring me the temperature where figure challenged girls like myself get to go comfortably( aka without sweat) into jeans, fuzzy socks and flannel shirt-which just happens to be my wardrobe today. The only place I want to see sweat is in the word sweater...fall is almost here.
So ice cubes for the morning coffee, well, you are on hiatus for awhile. Freshly baked scones from last night, you are in. Shoes with no socks, sandals, bye-bye. See you on the next 85 degree day. It's time to break the hoodies out for the weekend and about time.
Fall?
Welcome back!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
About tonite...
Don't have Mom tonite, so have the National Weather Service on the radio and am listening about temperatures going down a little bit. That itch I am scratching? Not cooties or mosquito bites...it's the itch to bake.
Turning around in my brain if I am going to make scones( with vanilla sugar-thanks Denise!), or some low-fat brownies. Thanks to the new issue of food network magazine, I now know that you can substitute canned pumpkin( a la apple sauce)for fat in your brownies. Have got to figure it out, and of course, if the weatherman is not right. well, I'll be sweating walking the girls and maybe squeezing a little wash in instead.
Hmmm...put your cash on the baking... :)
mmmmmh........brownies...........lol
Tired of H8-ers...
..who will walk up to you and shake your hand and then stab you in the back like their life depended on it. It constantly amazes me that at this age, I still have to deal with this in a work environment-oh, wait, I work in fantasy land, I forgot.
I hold in much higher esteem those who choose to ignore or have minimal communication with me, as that is what I am happiest dealing with. Haters are so obvious and hypocritical ones might as well have blue beacons on their heads, because you can see them coming a mile a minute. Just leave me alone, let me deal with my job and do what I have to so I can get home.
This "Mama" has more than enough drama on my plate-there's no room for yours-take it somewhere else.
Thanks!
I hold in much higher esteem those who choose to ignore or have minimal communication with me, as that is what I am happiest dealing with. Haters are so obvious and hypocritical ones might as well have blue beacons on their heads, because you can see them coming a mile a minute. Just leave me alone, let me deal with my job and do what I have to so I can get home.
This "Mama" has more than enough drama on my plate-there's no room for yours-take it somewhere else.
Thanks!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
People who cook..(part deux)
I am calling this part deux as my Internet connecting suddenly went down and lost what I had just written so, thus, Part Deux...
I would like to cook someday like those people who cook for a hobby. Really. I came home from work, am defrosting chicken legs, am basically trying to do/figure out 15 things at once and would LOVE to be standing by the stove, freshly chopping ingredients, mincing some garlic...between walking the dogs and putting a load of wash in before I have to go up to Mom's in 4 hours.
So in honor of the road to hell being paved with good intentions, the dogs will get walked, dinner will get made, and for "confession", I'll read the new food network magazine that just came in...maybe even with an adult beverage...whoo-hoo!
I would like to cook someday like those people who cook for a hobby. Really. I came home from work, am defrosting chicken legs, am basically trying to do/figure out 15 things at once and would LOVE to be standing by the stove, freshly chopping ingredients, mincing some garlic...between walking the dogs and putting a load of wash in before I have to go up to Mom's in 4 hours.
So in honor of the road to hell being paved with good intentions, the dogs will get walked, dinner will get made, and for "confession", I'll read the new food network magazine that just came in...maybe even with an adult beverage...whoo-hoo!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Survivor's Guilt
When she first was diagnosed, it was so hard for me to talk to her with optimism about her diagnosis. I mean, I also lost an 18 year old niece to a mid brain tumor, and unfortunately learned enough cancer buzz words along the way that I knew Barb was going to have a battle. Still, hopes springs eternal and I hoped that if anyone could beat this she would. It's not to be.
They always say it is hardest for those who are left behind.
That is the understatement of the century.
God has blessed Barb with a wonderful, loving husband and wonderful son, and soon she will be at peace.
Sleep well, Barb.
I love you. Godspeed.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Pre 9/11
This weekend marks the end of the country's innocence pre9/11/2001.Remember when you could have ate food on an airline, brought whatever you needed onto an airline,remember the World Trade Center for its' tourist observation desk, never heard the phrase homeland security, and knew of no such alerts as code yellow or orange, just to name a few?
So much as changed.So many lives gone. So many people with lives changed forever.
I remember getting home and meeting my friend and neighbor KJ outside with my Mom and her infant daughter( my Goddaughter,Angela) and, after hugging, we held hands and prayed together. To me, it's incredible all the things that have happened and yet I can recall that day as if it were yesterday. I would always hear about what happened when President Kennedy got shot, but I was 3 1/2 years old back then. Unfortunately, as I got older, you remember Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Ronald Reagan, Three Mile Island, and other events.Yet none really affected the country as 9/11. Still, as a whole, we managed to survive. God is good.
Here's remembering the day and the people and the experience. May eternal rest be granted to those who have lost their lives, healing occur to those who had been affected by the day and may we always be mindful of the home of the free and the land of the brave, and thank God for it and those who are fighting for and guarding our freedoms.
So much as changed.So many lives gone. So many people with lives changed forever.
I remember getting home and meeting my friend and neighbor KJ outside with my Mom and her infant daughter( my Goddaughter,Angela) and, after hugging, we held hands and prayed together. To me, it's incredible all the things that have happened and yet I can recall that day as if it were yesterday. I would always hear about what happened when President Kennedy got shot, but I was 3 1/2 years old back then. Unfortunately, as I got older, you remember Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Ronald Reagan, Three Mile Island, and other events.Yet none really affected the country as 9/11. Still, as a whole, we managed to survive. God is good.
Here's remembering the day and the people and the experience. May eternal rest be granted to those who have lost their lives, healing occur to those who had been affected by the day and may we always be mindful of the home of the free and the land of the brave, and thank God for it and those who are fighting for and guarding our freedoms.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Argh!
Thought I was going to be a good sister and put Mom's trash out early this morning. This way my brother Bob wouldn't have to put it out later.
Surprise!
Went downstairs and for the first time since 1992, there was water in my Mom's cellar. Not the get a rowboat and shop vac type, but I swept it out and put a fan on to help dry things up. Finish up there and get up to the bus.The expressway is closed in my area and the bus has to go the old "local" route. Gee, glad I left at 5:30 to get to work by 7am.
Allegedly my train is also suspended due to weather. Here's hoping to no or minimal surprises the rest of the day-don't think I can handle them.
Surprise!
Went downstairs and for the first time since 1992, there was water in my Mom's cellar. Not the get a rowboat and shop vac type, but I swept it out and put a fan on to help dry things up. Finish up there and get up to the bus.The expressway is closed in my area and the bus has to go the old "local" route. Gee, glad I left at 5:30 to get to work by 7am.
Allegedly my train is also suspended due to weather. Here's hoping to no or minimal surprises the rest of the day-don't think I can handle them.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
My pack mule days may be over
Taking care of my Mom and getting things to her house and/or work require me to often, if not always,carry a second bag- a carry-all, if you will.
Well, this over 50 body says carry this **expletive deleted**.....as I was walking up the hill to the bus yesterday morning, my left hip started burning. Made it through work yesterday, only to have Mom again last night, and what else?...another bag to carry. This morning, same path to the bus, same burn in the hip. In fact, as I type this, I have a small pillow bent over behind my left hip to relieve some of the pain.I also gulped two Aleve down with my coffee, so hopefully that will also kick in. I guess after sixteen, yes SIXTEEN years of carrying a book-bag, and then 27 years on a job that had me lugging a bag more times than not, well, I think it's time for me to practice what I preach. I often tell my friends to listen to their bodies. Well, mine says, the pack mule days are done!
Well, this over 50 body says carry this **expletive deleted**.....as I was walking up the hill to the bus yesterday morning, my left hip started burning. Made it through work yesterday, only to have Mom again last night, and what else?...another bag to carry. This morning, same path to the bus, same burn in the hip. In fact, as I type this, I have a small pillow bent over behind my left hip to relieve some of the pain.I also gulped two Aleve down with my coffee, so hopefully that will also kick in. I guess after sixteen, yes SIXTEEN years of carrying a book-bag, and then 27 years on a job that had me lugging a bag more times than not, well, I think it's time for me to practice what I preach. I often tell my friends to listen to their bodies. Well, mine says, the pack mule days are done!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
After a quick recess.....
..now back to life as we know it.
My Mom is hanging in there, although it took her a bit of time this morning to answer me: it makes me wonder if she had another mini-stroke.
I found the answer to one of my prior posts. Folgers' Vanillas biscotti Kcups work better with a shot of Torani vanilla, which clocks in with 35 calories a tablespoon. It may have me reconsider trying the biscotti Kcups one more time.
We relaxed while we were away-a truly unusual sensation,as it has been far too long!
My Mom is hanging in there, although it took her a bit of time this morning to answer me: it makes me wonder if she had another mini-stroke.
I found the answer to one of my prior posts. Folgers' Vanillas biscotti Kcups work better with a shot of Torani vanilla, which clocks in with 35 calories a tablespoon. It may have me reconsider trying the biscotti Kcups one more time.
We relaxed while we were away-a truly unusual sensation,as it has been far too long!
Kasia girl loving the beach!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Needing a little hit....
Due to company we had, I made a pot of decaffeinated coffee for breakfast this morning.
I miss my Keuring...somehow what a Mr. Coffee spews out is not quite the same. I don't know if it's the concentration of coffee in a Kcup or what, but even this fresh fine quality Dunkin Donuts decaf left much
to be desired.
Think I am going to doctor up a vanilla coffee on the rocks**feeling better just thinking about it**...lol...after all, it's vacation, right? :-)
I miss my Keuring...somehow what a Mr. Coffee spews out is not quite the same. I don't know if it's the concentration of coffee in a Kcup or what, but even this fresh fine quality Dunkin Donuts decaf left much
to be desired.
Think I am going to doctor up a vanilla coffee on the rocks**feeling better just thinking about it**...lol...after all, it's vacation, right? :-)
Friday, September 2, 2011
Greetings from the "undisclosed location",,,
...and I do have to admit that is was weird being here on a Thursday night to start, rather than a Friday. It's kind of nice trying to remember what day it is..lol.
So far there have been plenty of walks and some work done too, as we cleaned up the limbs and branches left over from Hurricane Irene. Now I am looking forward to actually kicking back and not doing anything...I wonder what that feels like?
So far there have been plenty of walks and some work done too, as we cleaned up the limbs and branches left over from Hurricane Irene. Now I am looking forward to actually kicking back and not doing anything...I wonder what that feels like?
Thursday, September 1, 2011
And we're off..........
...to the 'undisclosed location'...to celebrate the anniversary, albeit a little late, and see how much tree and limbs we have to rake up post-Irene. It goes to reason that adult beverages will be consumed and the girls will get plenty of walks.I am also looking forward to actually doing some beach walking.
Everyone enjoy the Labor Day weekend and please stay safe!
That's me with Zush to my right and Kasia to my left..wishing you all a Happy Labor Day!
Everyone enjoy the Labor Day weekend and please stay safe!
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