Coastal Comfort II

The Longest Month of a Week.....Part 3

2011-08-28T22:59:00.000-04:00

Thurs, August 4, 2011 7pm

Finally at the right hospital, Mom drives up and I jump in to park her car. Once I'm in the ER area I ask about "that lady that just came running in to see her Mom" and they told me she was in the back, but I would have to wait.

It wasn't too long when my Mom came out to the waiting area, in tears....the look on her face almost took my breath. For a second I thought she was going to say the worst.....I jumped to my feet and Mom said "I just had to give authorization for them to administer the clot busting drug....I hope I've made the right decision!" My brother tried to reassure her and she told me that I could go in the back. My baby brother and his girlfriend were back there....my poor Nanny.

Mom came back and the Dr's were there, explaining that the drug needed to be administered and we were within the window for it to work, plus he said "you need to give her a chance". They explained that it had obviously affected her left side and that we should talk to her and encourage her to talk to us.

Nanny did talk to me, we told her she was in the hospital being taken care of, she squeezed my hand. She also was wiggling her feet....and then I remembered, she didn't like her feet covered up so I removed the sheet!!!!

We were all so glad that God put my Mom and Miss T in the right place at the right time to get her help.

Within a few hours, she was at a point where they could move her to the bigger hospital. It would seem that the meds were working. They put a feeding tube in through her nose...needed to help get her the nutrition and strength she would need to fight this. She didn't seem to be able to swallow.

The next morning, she wasn't much better. The clot buster wasn't doing the job they had hoped for. I just cried...cried at the thought of losing her so quick. I had to get to the hospital, but I didn't want her to see me cry. The nurse said she is a sweet lady and I said "yes she is"....Nanny piped in with a "Thank Y'all" LOL loved it...no tears, just happy to be with her!! I told her I loved her and she said she loved me too!

I changed my facebook picture to one of Nanny and my Mom....lots of people only know them by those names and now they could put a face to the names of the 2 very strong ladies in my life. Prayers were needed for us all.....for our strength and wisdom AND for Nanny's recovery be that on earth or in Heaven.

In the meantime, Hubby is totally aggravating....he seems "off", yes more "off" than normal. He seems to be slipping, memory wise and just not with it. I think he is really losing it. And it is sooooooo annoying to deal with - because I say "I'm going to....." and he forgets that I mentioned it.

You may say it's a guy thing, man-isms, but no....I think it is possibly brain related - maybe from the alcohol and drug abuse - maybe from the Hep C and Cirrhosis. All I can do is shake my head, that a near 60 year old man is so...out of it. I don't have time to deal with his silliness. I have a MOM that needs me; I have a daughter that needs me - he IS a grown man, right? Maybe? A little?

Sunday August 7 - my Uncle's birthday

Nanny had a lot of visitors today and she even named them. It seems she's getting better every day! She looked at Hubby and said "I just thank you and Sharon for breaking into my house"..........hmmmm. Oh, yeah, it was the first time she'd seen him since that happened. Miss T went with us and she was telling Nanny that she starts driver's education next week and would soon be taking over the "Driving Miss Daisy" duties of the family. We didn't stay long - she was probably very tired from all those visitors!

She failed the swallow test when they came to do it....said she wouldn't stay awake long enough.

Monday all she seemed to want to do was sleep. We are told that is one of the affects of a stroke. I wonder if she is so tired and just wants to go. I've prayed for her healing, whether that be here on this earth or in God's Heaven....it's all in His hands anyway.

We are all confused by her behavior. Good today; tired tomorrow; moving feet but not left arm/hand. Talking, making sense; now sleep.

Tuesday wasn't much better, but on Wednesday Nanny was chattering with me, squeezing my hand. She still wouldn't/couldn't pass the swallow test. The attending physician was pushing my Mom to make decisions - life and death ones and we just couldn't fathom that because we were seeing what we thought was improvements.

I was ready to kick butt and take names with that Doctor. Who was SHE to try and tell MY MOM that there was NO HOPE????? We see what we think is progress and she is ready to kick Nanny to the curb??

She told Mom she would give her 24 hours to decide where to take Nanny....to a nursing facility to just lay around, tube fed or Hospice.

My facebook post of August 12:

My heart is heavy and breaking, yet my mind knows it is for the best. Soon Nanny will meet Jesus and my wish for her to be made whole again will come true. I love you Nanny and thank you for always loving me! (and for collards, fried chicken, rice n gravy, sweet tea, butterbeans, cucumbers, tomatoes.....you can keep the okra) ♥ ♥ ♥

Today we are telling Jesus to take over.

She is moved to a local Hospice care facility on Saturday morning. Mom didn't want to ask me to go with her. But I had been there 11 years ago when Nanny took Papa. I knew it wouldn't be an easy intake for my Mom to do alone. So I showed up anyway.

.......to be continued.

The Longest Month of a Week...part 2

2011-08-28T01:16:00.000-04:00

Well, with Nanny in the hospital since late July 18th, and Miss T battling H/F/M disease, there came up a fire behind my house. It was obviously started by a strike of good old summer time lightening. I'm thinking, here we go again....a couple years ago there was a wildfire back there that had us surrounded by firetrucks. Lucky for us both fires were under control quickly.

Whew!
I was planning to meet a J-Land pal in Myrtle Beach July 31 - Aug 2 or so. But Miss T was still contagious and I was counting days to be sure she could go with me and not infect anyone. One thing I think helped her was using Tea Tree Oil on the areas that were affected. Plus I made her sleep with her socks on after applying the oil! Didn't want her running around the house oiling up the floors.

After I determined she was ok, my little buddy (nephew), Miss T and I went to see the new "Winnie The Pooh" movie - how cute! Then he decided he wanted to stay with me for a "sleep over". Fine by me! Only I didn't know Hubby was going to be literally falling down....tipsy. Mumbling something about "calling the Mafia" and "handling things"....whatever, just be quiet already!

In the meantime, Nanny was getting moved from one floor to the next. Her numbers weren't quite right yet and then her Atrial Fib acted up a bit and well, she wasn't getting up and walking; not getting her strength back. Her appetite was good.....I cooked dinner one night and she asked me to bring her some. All this leisurely laying around though wasn't good....time to get back on her feet. Finally, the hospital staff said she was good to go home IF she had round the clock care, in case she fell, or needed help; well, that would be tough, so the best situation was to rehab at the local nursing facility.

Mom chose the one near our homes so that we could all drop in whenever, and keep an eye on things and just visit if we wanted to. Nanny was in a room with a very nice lady named Hazel who, ironically, had decided to stay at this facility. Nanny seemed to be enjoying her time there, talking with the staff and getting to know Hazel. She said the people were nice and the food was pretty good.

So far so good! Yay, Nanny isn't one to stay down. She's a mover and a shaker. As planned Miss T and I headed to Myrtle Beach to meet up with our dear friends for a couple of days of R&R.

Sunday was interesting....my hotel was over-booked; so they were trying to find me another place close to where I needed/wanted to be. As it was, I ended up with a $250 upgrade, a $100 credit to use on another booking before Dec 31 AND a refund of $25 as an "inconvenience" refund! Pretty good deal....almost a wash!

We spent the 2 nights and 3 days doing NOTHING! Ahhhhhhhh. The first afternoon it wanted to rain a bit, but, hey, that's summer in the south. My friends had some gift certificates to eat at Planet Hollywood compliments of their timeshare group, so off we went. Along with these certificates came JUMP AHEAD SEATING! Instead of an hour wait, we were seated immediately. Monday and Tuesday was nothing but sun, sand, water and lots of conversations. Good times with great people! I'm thinking "I'd like a job as a perpetual vacationer" -- I could do a fabulous job!!

I really hated to leave and head home! Work was calling and with Nanny in the rehab, I didn't need to ignore her....not that I was ignoring her, we had visited and we had talked on the phone. That j-o-b called to me...$$$$ needed. Besides, my friends needed to continue "their" vacation without us interrupting. Just happened that they came into Wilmington on Wednesday to visit some family and we had dinner together at our local Chili's!

On Thursday, my Mom had her youngest granddaughter and Miss T was over helping out. For some reason (divine intervention) Mom took the kid home early and she and Miss T stopped in to visit with Nanny. They were telling stories and Miss T was discussing her visit in Myrtle and Nanny was saying "I hope you didn't fall in love this time" and laughter and such. I don't know how long they were there.....all I know is that Miss T called me and said.............

"Grammy thinks Nanny is having a stroke!" She had gone to the restroom and the aide was helping her back in the bed. Mom said "I looked at her and her eyes were rolling so I told the aide/nurse I think she's having a stroke!!!................" They were waiting on the ambulance and I told Miss T to stay with her Grammy and help her, because she will need you with her to help keep her calm.

And then it was off to the ER....only we all went to the wrong hospital. Nanny was in the ER at the hospital that was slightly closer. The Doc was calling Mom.....they needed her there! We drove very cautiously FAST from one hospital to the other.

It is amazing how many people IGNORE FLASHERS and just won't move over!!

...........to be continued.

The Longest Month of a Week...part 1

2011-08-28T00:07:00.000-04:00

The days since mid July have all run together into one large cluster of chaos.

July 18, 2011 - Calling from their Myrtle Beach vacation, Mom says Tara has a sore throat - and then later a fever. I say "you're a Mom, you know what to do".

I had worked until 6 and decided to eat out and stroll through Kohl's looking for nothing much in particular. It was dark, Miss T was with a friend and Hubby was at his AA meeting, and I noticed my Nanny's house was dark, no porch light on - it was 9pm and this was unusual. I immediately called her number to fuss that she "didn't have that light on" but I got no answer - that scared me. Grabbing her house keys and my flashlight I headed her way, first looking through her yard and into the garden area.....remember a couple years ago she fell in the garden and laid there 8 hours! Of course I panicked.....her car was home; then I noticed her outdoor lock wasn't attached, but the door was locked from inside. I began to yell for her, ringing the doorbell, banging on windows and doors. Before long Tom was home and came up to help me.

Once we got the porch door popped open and onto the porch, the screen door was latched! OMG I had to get inside! But I was afraid of what I would find -- Lord let her be ok please! In the meantime, my Mom was on the phone with me (she and Miss T were in Myrtle Beach) and I was trying my best not to frighten her. We're figuring "Nanny probably fell asleep early and is still sleeping" -- yeah that sounds great!

We got the screen door opened and unlocked the main door, I flipped on lights calling "Nanny?" and I heard her voice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whew! I went immediately to her room and turned on her light -- she was in the floor! Oh the terrible look in her eyes....so small and drained looking at me with relief.

I determined she had not broken anything and Tom helped me move her legs and get her rolled over and upright. I insisted that she was obviously dehydrated and WAS GOING TO THE HOSPITAL!! She looked at me, almost to say no and then she said "clean me up first". We are not sure how long she was there, but Mom talked to her around 11am and this was now 9pm!! She was a mess! To the shower we went with Tom's assistance and he dialed 9-1-1. She thanked me over and over and over saying "I'm so glad you broke in and found me!" I said "So I am!"

In the ER she was very alert...finally got an IV into her around 11 - she was so dehydrated the EMT's couldn't get one. I wouldn't leave her alone - my brother came too. He stayed with her so that I could go home and shower and try to rest. I couldn't rest. I was so worried. He finally called me around 3:30am, and I said "Mom needs to know - call her".

At 4am I was on my way to pick Mom up from Myrtle Beach, but she said NO to wait and she'd leave around 6 or 7 to come home. So I went back to the ER to wait with Nanny. Poor girl. They weren't sure what was going on. They were testing her for everything and thought that she was going into kidney and renal failure, but they got that under control. She was having uncontrollable diarrhea - they ran the test for C.dif but each time it was negative. Hmmmmm.....then what?

Finally Mom got to the ER and was able to fill the staff in on some medical information that we were unaware of; latest medications and things that had happened at her last hospital visit for Gall Bladder surgery some 10 years ago. The atrial fib (abnormal heart rhythm) was present then and perhaps that is the concerns for tonight esp since this dehydration is a current trauma.

They finally admit her Tuesday and get her into a room (July 19) saying she is a "very sick lady". Each day she seemed to get 100% better and it was looking like we were on the road to recovery! I took Mom back to Myrtle Beach Wednesday and came home myself on Thursday.

While I was in Myrtle...Miss T began picking at her fingers and when I asked why she said "it looks like fire ant bites" and I said for her to stop messing with them. Then later in the afternoon she complained of her feet hurting....I looked at them and they looked as if she had stepped on a bed of nails, red prick marks on her feet....hmmmm.

Well low and behold, she had contracted Hand Foot and Mouth disease from none other than my Brother, who got it from his daughter who got it from a baby! Thankfully it only affected her hands and feet. My bigger little brother wasn't so lucky. His mouth blistered so, he could barely eat - as a matter of fact he said he could only eat Cool Whip!!

............to be continued!

Trying this out

2011-07-11T18:24:00.000-04:00

Soooooooooo like all fads, this one has potential.

A high school friend called me and said HEY NC needs to get on this bandwagon. There are loads of success stories. I told her that I had first become aware of this product by visiting the Port Chuck band website and Steve Burton (Jason on "General Hospital" hunka-hunka) is a sponsor of the MonaVie System.

When you break it down, it's cost effective. How much would you spend on an Atkins shake? or Luna Bar? or box of Slim Fast Snack Bars? Even the Hubby considered Nutrisystem -- God help you if you didn't like the taste of the food they sent you!

Now I'll be honest....I was very skeptical about the price. BUT divide that by 30 days, and I'm sure I'll have some left over. I received 2 tubs of the shake mix....Vanilla is YUMMY and you can add fruit if you'd like! I haven't tried the Choco Berry yet -- but I'm told it's just as delish. The Chocolate Bars are GREAT! And the Snack Bar (also berry) are very good - not cardboard or paste - real food!! Also included in this package was a bottle of supplement pills to "boost" metabolism.

Since I've been sick with a sore throat and cough, I waited a week to try the product. Plus it was also my birthday week, and, well, a girls gotta have CAKE right?

Sunday I made a shake mix - 8 oz milk with 1/2 a scoop of the mix and tossed back one of the tablets. 1/2 a scoop because with the fiber content of this mix, one doesn't want to BLOW the "diet" if ya know what I mean. Tried the chocolate bar, the berry bar - nice; had a 2nd glass around lunch time. Yes, I did enjoy my coffee that morning as well, and I'm sure I had 1/2 a sandwich or peanut butter crackers too AND I ate a normal dinner. Wasn't starving........didn't have a headache from hunger pains.

Day 2 - Today. Ditto. Only with my 2nd glass I added more of the mix. Today, maybe it's because I'm trying to get over this stinking summer cold, but .....I do feel better.

My next trial is going to be the JUICE that they offer!!

Check it out! http://coastalnc.mymonavie.com/

Disney Dancing!!

2011-07-04T14:48:00.000-04:00

Well we did it! Er, SHE did it. My baby girl danced down the famous Main Street of the Happiest Place on Earth known as Walt Disney World! She's the one looking at the camera with the flying ponytail and yellow ribbon! They were exhausted by the time it was over!!

Needless to say we were some happy parents to watch our 40 dancers come down Main Street with Cinderella's Castle in the background. Awesome memories! Thank you ALL that helped make this day possible. I wish everyone could have been there with us for this experience.

We arrived around 3pm on Wednesday to the resort, checked in and headed to the Magic Kingdom for a few rides, eats and the parade and fireworks. I never get tired of those fireworks over the Castle.

The lights at night change to wonderful colors on this castle, sometimes it looks like ICE, other times the music is playing a wicked queen theme and the colors are just as eerie. Still beautiful.

Since we had park hopper passes, we jumped around to Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, back to the Magic Kingdom a couple of times, and the girls went to Typhoon Lagoon....I stayed behind for that one!

Tom....well, he joined us the first night for a couple of hours; then he made it to the Parade on Friday, alone. We didn't spend any quality, family time together that's for sure. Because we checked out of the resort on Monday, he went with us to Hollywood Studios to watch the Indiana Jones show. Then it began to rain, again, and we started our trek home.

Rain, again.....yes. THANK GOD it rained Thursday. The temps were horrible - you could sweat just thinking about going outside. Friday the temps came down about 5-7 degrees and was a bit overcast, so the kids had a better day for dancing, plus there were sprinkles here and there and an afternoon 15 minute rain storm. Sat & Sun & Mon were the same.....welcome to Summer in the South!!

Thoroughly enjoyed my time with a family that we were with.....Swanno/Morris. We had rooms side by side, traveled down together caravan style, hit the parks together and .........ahhhhhhhhh! I even got to go to FRANCE for lunch.....I've always wanted to do that, jet off to France or Italy for lunch or dinner. This time though I walked....in Epcot....while the dancers were enjoying a Gala dinner party in a private section of the park, with buffet style eating, a DJ and fun, fun, fun.

I'm ready to go back! But not till it's cooler. I like it there in December - I'm spoiled that way. Next time I'll spend more time in Epcot touring the world!

Ode to a Friend

2011-05-27T12:18:00.000-04:00

http://southernbelleesquire.blogspot.com/2011/05/honorable-john-j-carroll-iii-presiding.html

Ashley sums it up in her blog about our esteemed Judge Carroll.

I met John not long after he had become Judge for our District. We had a mutual legal friend and I introduced myself as such. Noting the Judge's witty characteristics, I tossed in a bit of my own wit too. Quickly I was happy to make his acquaintance and find him to be a "real" person, a regular guy. The genuine kind, not the stuffy judge behind the bench better than you kind. This man was human and compassionate. He had a veal for life and people.

I had opportunity to watch him in action - in Court. He commanded respect, he deserved respect. He treated the cases fairly, and didn't take any beef! If it was right it was right; if it was WRONG - you knew it! Someone asked me once if I thought that his judgment was fair and I said "Yes". Most people leave court thinking a ruling isn't fair. But, crime isn't fair - did you steal from Granny? Well, guess what....just because she's your Granny doesn't excuse anything!!

He was always happy to meet you - see you on the street, in the store, at a restaurant or at our kids school (our daughters are in the same grade/school/classes). John enjoyed being with his family. We don't often see that in many Dads (parents) these days. It was refreshing to know that John Carroll was one of the "good guys", the one you could count on, a man of integrity. Our community has suffered a great loss. John was giving, kind and funny, always had a smile and something to say!!

When John was called back to Iraq, I remember seeing him at school in his desert clothes. I don't remember if it was before going or just after coming back. It seemed like he wanted to make sure to speak with his children at that time, before/after his deployment. Some would have just said "hello/goodbye" as they passed each other at home. I wish all parents paid this much close attention to their kids. When he came home, the school posted a banner outside "WELCOME HOME".

He truly touched the lives of all he came in contact with.

So, Heaven......you've received a special Angel this week. Beware: this one comes with stories and wit and may be toking on a cigar, but you'll be glad to have him!

John, friend, thank you for all that you stood for, all that you have shown us. We will miss you!

Here My Is.....

2011-05-21T13:43:00.000-04:00

Hiatus.....well, yeah I guess.
I'd like to say that I've been super busy, but that's not the case at all.
Bummed out....blah, could care less.
Watching others, wallering in my own boredom.
All around me I see things to do, places to go, people to meet.
But no......alas, I am safe in my cocoon.

I know once I'm "back in the swing" I'd have fun, feel better........now, where's that swing?

Miss T is preparing for the 8th Grade Formal.....not so formal; just a bit more dressy than church clothes. Got the dress, necklace and shoes...now what to do with hair? She loves it long and straight. Guess we'll pull up some and give it some springy curls and hope they stay! She has that fine hair that just says ........uh NO.

In a lot of joint pain. I'm sure exercise would help that (yes Mother) and I've decided to try my old tyme rheumatiz medicine again. Gin soaked Golden Raisins. Just need to remember DO NOT TAKE FIRST THING IN MORNING --- can you say GAG!!

Looking into a new endeavor too.....told little brother I would help him "officially" - that means a "real job" and on payroll. That's ok, I'll still keep the other job I've been at for 11 years, just only working 2 days a week now due to the economy. Good thing is brother's business is BOOMING and that means I'll be busy with him 2-3 days too. Geesh that puts me back at a full time scale (hmmm). It's some office work and some warehouse grunt work too. I don't mind....hope my aching bones can agree.

Hubby? Well, he visited family in Texas recently - had a good time. Godson's Communion. Now he's busy being pool and errand boy for us. Picking up Miss T from school, delivering her to me when I'm in town so that she can get to dance.

Speaking of Dance.......they started the DISNEY DANCE practice a couple weeks ago. It is a cute routine. I just hope they can last in that 25 minute march down main street in the June heat!! It's coming up fast too! June 22nd we leave out in the dark of night - easier travels. Plane fares are down a bit, but not low enough. I'm planning to rent a car rather than take mine - no need to put the miles on mine. Plus if it breaks down, Rent-a-car place can come swap out!!

Doing the math, drive/car rental & gas etc might be equal to the plane fare + car rental in Fla! AND a plane ride is faster. Just hope they don't lose my underwear!

Spring is finally here!

2011-04-06T23:18:00.000-04:00

YAY!

Bloomers everywhere

Wait, wrong kind.

THESE!

And many others.

The pool is getting into shape....and then the wind blows and out comes the pollen.

That's ok, the air is trying to get warm and for that I'm thankful.

Been tired of the grey cold winter we've had. Blah!

Did the Spring Ahead thing in March and boy was it welcome! The dark, it's so suffocating.

Now we have time to enjoy the outside!

But March and April around here seemed to have switched places.....March has been wet; April is now breezy?????? Nuts!

So does that mean Mother's Day is now in June?

If so, when's my birthday?

Small observation/vent

2011-03-07T12:29:00.000-05:00

So the economy is tanking; people are jobless, homeless and clueless.

Which brings me to an observation that I must vent about.

Bear in mind that I was raised Southern Baptist.

Hubby's Godchild in Texas is having his first communion - Catholic. Of course HE is expected to be there, after all he IS the GODFather. My Father in law made sure to remind him about his "duty" to this child. Round trip airfare is $350. Wow, that's a nice gift for a first communion, don't ya think?

The same FIL that called up hubby last year to REMIND him of this kid's birthday "after all you ARE the Godfather" - again a duty call. Hmmmm, I wondered if he made the same call to ALL of his children and to remind them of ALL the grandkids birth dates? NOT. For lo and behold, my daughter's birthday came and went.

Now, my car is in need of a full set of tires.....I'm running on ski's right now it seems.

But, I MUST book this flight................?????????

AND I'm planning for the Florida trip in June where Miss T will be dancing down Disney's Main Street in the Parade -- a once in a lifetime experience.

Asking a bit much to travel to Texas for a communion? Or am I not seeing the BIG picture here?

Feel free to contribute any funds for the FLORIDA trip to my paypal account!!!!!!!! I'll let Tom fly by the seat of his pants!!

2011-02-26T23:36:00.000-05:00

http://www.officialsponsor.com widget HTML code -->

Sounds....not so silent ones

2011-02-19T01:32:00.000-05:00

Tonight I was sitting with my niece and nephew while their parents (my brother) went out for a bit. Yes, I am the good sister/aunt; anyway, Lil Mr Man and I had dinner together. I had Hot and Sour Soup and he promptly noticed I had "worms" in it ....not really, it was the cabbage (I hope) or bok choy.

I was intrigued by the "school" attitude of my nephew....no longer the mild Clark Kent, but ready to play "bad guy/good guy" and blow up my submarine. I'm calling it a school attitude since he is in his last half of Kindergarten. His first experience surrounded by a lot of kids his own age - sure he's changing, adapting, but, where's my little buddy?

Then his sister, almost 3. Sweet, kind, caring, mild mannered for the most part tonight. Don't get me wrong she IS headstrong and will do it "her way" and that's that. She is sharp too! Catches on to everything and takes notice of each detail.

She loves her brother....when she noticed his "blowing up" of the "world around us" she would quietly remove her items that were in the way, to another area, all while she "cooked" a brownie and cupcake in her Little Tikes oven. She spilled the tea, but said it was OK.

With Nephew in bed, my niece and I went downstairs to watch "Mousey"....what she calls "Tom and Jerry". I enjoyed the background music while she carefully watched the pooosey cat and mousey.

I heard a scratching on a door and realized that it was their cat, closed up in a spare room. So I let him out and for some reason he headed straight upstairs. Then I could hear my nephew giving the cat orders to get out!! and then "Aunt Sharon, Bailey needs his dinner"....."come get the cat!". Poured a scoop of dry food out for him honestly because I didn't want to smell the can food.

Later I heard a "meow" and the cat pushed open the bathroom door----to announce to me that he had a desire to go outside -- geesh, privacy here please!!

Outside -- that is where I heard it.

In the still of the night, no wind, just a tiny breeze, I could hear the rumble of the ocean waves pounding the shoreline. I LOVE THAT SOUND!! Once more I realize that I could never leave the water. I would yearn for the sound of the ocean. It made me think of my favorite spot in Nokomis Fl, on the Gulf.....no pounding waves on the shore. Just lapping of small wakes made from the tide or a boat. I love the ocean, yet the peacefulness of the Gulf is also magnetic.

Once back inside to relax and wait for the parental units, I could hear the tick-tock of the clock and the grumbling of the refrigerator. Typical house noises. The dog and cat also stretched out to relax.....and fart....and lick....and snore.

Sigh...........

Not the best week to be..........

2011-01-20T12:42:00.000-05:00

Occasionally I get the opportunity to listen to Neal Boortz. He's wonderful, shoots from the hip, like I do. Call it as you see it, ya know? Then I learn that his sidekick and producer died, Royal Marshall. WOW, I think my heart skipped a beat. You may never meet someone in person, but you can get to know and respect them.

http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/royal-marshall-boortz-radio-805217.html

And if that wasn't bad enough, one of our Dance Mom's lost a battle to Cancer this week. She had Melanoma, and was 5 months pregnant. Seems she had the cancer beat, but the pregnancy hormones stimulated its growth and ....well, she leaves 2 small children (under 10) and a loving husband. They didn't have insurance and we've set up a donation bucket for them. Other places are having benefits too -- BBQ's, motorcycle "Poker Runs" etc. Her memorial is tonight, casual attire, her request.

Another Dance Mom lost a brother yesterday to cancer.

That's 3....3's enough.

Vote for Me

2011-01-16T14:47:00.000-05:00

Here's the deal.....Prilosec OTC is having a contest for Sponsorship.

You tell them your story why they should sponsor you.

You get as many people to VOTE EVERYDAY with every email address they have.

Voting counts! Need as many votes as I can get. I know a guy personally that received notification that he had been chosen for a sponsorship and he got $1,500! They chose 4x a year. Next round of choices is soon, so get your voting fingers ready and VOTE for ME as the official Prilosec OTC Dance Mom!!

http://www.officialsponsor.com/applications/view/9390

Where is the fine line?

2011-01-14T12:04:00.000-05:00

We had our first "Blizzard" of the year.

Interesting how we got 6-8" of the pretty white stuff on Monday. Tuesday it was beginning to ice over on the top which made it look like a rainbow of glass! It was pretty.

My neighboring county (just 6 miles away) only got 1-3" and some parts of it got -0- which is crazy. Or at least I think it's crazy. Imagine it if you will....I left home and ventured into work and there was only an ice crusting in the planters when I got there!!

When I got home, I still had 4" of snow under the ice cap. Hubby said "why do you look surprised?" and I explained how ILM didn't have ANY snow left and I come home to 4" still.

I never considered this until a friend mentioned it......it doesn't always rain here when it's raining there. You can see it coming or see it raining down the street at your neighbors house, but it might not reach your house.

But I never thought that if it was cold enough to snow, that it would not be snowing everywhere in our immediate area. Not thinking in the terms that it doesn't always "rain" all over the place.

Where was this "fine line" where the snow started and stopped?

2011 First Snow

2011-01-10T12:40:00.000-05:00

Well that's a crazy title.....especially here in the South.

It's not like we get snow often, but this is the 2nd since Christmas.

Funny, so far I've got about 6" and it's now snowing more.....they canceled school today and tomorrow. Funnier thing.....about 20 miles south, some friends are reporting NO sNOw.

A week in the New Year

2011-01-07T13:33:00.002-05:00

Well, what's been going on in 2011 so far?

Nothing!

It's cold and gray, and we usually save that for February around here. The only thing good about January/February is that March is next! I hate wearing a coat - hate hate hate, and I know Momma said "don't hate" but darn, dislike is such a mild word for how I feel.

Tuesday Miss T had an orthodontist appointment - that's coming along great. She got them on last Summer and the Doc said she'd only have to wear them NINE months!! Wow! I had a whole 2 years worth of torture with mine!

Speaking of her, at school they're doing this Career Planning for High School. I don't know about you, but at 14 I don't think I was too interested in thinking about a career. (Although I did toy with the idea of becoming an airline attendant or lawyer ---- I settled for Paralegal - lawyers have too much pressure!) She's a bit freaked out over the HS schedule because it seems she wanted to take certain classes (fun stuff) but this CP is designed to give you specific courses. That's all well and good - IF you know what you want to be when you grow up. I still don't!

The "selection test", if you will, said she would be good in the Arts field...well DUH, she is a dancer. She likes to draw and has a great imagination. I thought she'd become a writer -- she may still. So she puts down Interior Designer and Photographer.......not Engineer or Pharmacist! Momma's thinking "cha-ching" here!

As I've just said that, I am remembering my current feelings about employment. I want to do something FUN, something that is enjoyable. Guess I should remember that as I see her selections.

Now, we get to meet with the counselor to discuss these selections.

I did manage to go back to the j-o-b on Wed & Thurs. As usual, I found that the payments I left behind (Boss's mortgage etc) had not been sent -- yes, he signed them, and yes, they had stamped envelopes - I did all but hold his hand, but....sigh, He just can't get in gear. I made him run down to the Tax office (Jan 5th HELLO) to drop off the tax bills before he got hit with the 5% late penalty (on $60K that's a LOT!!). By Thurs I was still reminding him to drop of the mortgage payments!

Me=banging head on wall!

I have too much else to do - no time to babysit a grown man.

I went to the gym twice this week with a friend....need to continue doing this!! It's an easy thing to do, really, just do it already!! What else am I doing while I'm waiting on Miss T at dance????? Nothing....a whole lot of nothing. We will start putting together the dance costumes this weekend at the studio owner's house. It sounds easy, but.....we found out last night that some pieces haven't been ordered yet! YIKES!! Wouldn't it be ideal to have everything in and sorted and put together......before now, 3 weeks till dress rehearsal and 4 weeks until the first competition.

Let the stress begin!

New Year's 2011 in My Own Bed

2011-01-01T11:31:00.000-05:00

Home for New Year's Eve!

Barely, but glad we made it home before the amateur drinkers got out on the roads. Very glad to lay down in my very own bed and wake up HOME to begin the new year.

Quite a different scene coming home -- NO SNOW! Well, there were a few remnants of large "boulders" by the road side, the ones that will take a while to melt. Even though it was registering 66 degrees, I still found it odd that the snow boulders were still there.

It was a good, quiet visit to Florida. The FIL was very accommodating, and I got to eat a wonderful Lasagna prepared especially for me by my brother-in-law.

Told y'all I was spoiled!

Spent 4 lazy days....hit a few Bealls stores, visited with friends and ate a lot.

Finally made it over to the water after leaving FIL's to head home. Miss T and I scouted for shells, which is hard at this area of the "beach". It's not a typical sand to shore area this Hudson Beach. I would have much rather been a bit more South at Siesta Key (Sarasota) or Casey Key (Nokomis).

Soon....the calendar will allow me to schedule a trip further South. I really need to be meditating to the drums on a Saturday night on Casey Key watching the sun set in the Gulf!! Ahhh....

Wednesday with Shelly

2010-12-29T18:40:00.000-05:00

Still in Florida and it's beginning to warm up -- slowly.

My dear FIL says that this is the Suncoast because of 365 days there is sun on 370 of them. I'll take that! I love the Gulf side of Florida.

After a light breakfast Miss T and I set out for Tampa to visit my dear friend Shelly. It was just by luck that she didn't have any of her kids (babysitting job) today. Her youngest daughter (a Sr in HS) and son (6th grade) were home. We had a wonderful visit. I also got a surprise when I arrived, a most pleasant surprise too!

She made these just for me from her latest fabric shopping!! I just love love love these little bags. They are great for everything! Even my phone or camera, and boy do I ever need one for my camera and phone from time to time. Miss T is trying to claim one, so I'm keeping my eye on these! Shelly is such a talented lady - so smart.

While I was there she walked me through a PSP trick for tagging the blinkies I like to make. I knew there was one little minor thing I was missing and sure enough.....once she did it, I smacked my head DUH!!

Would you believe I haven't made it over to the water yet? I know this sounds silly, since I live on the Atlantic Coast, but I do love the Gulf. I just wish the holidays had been scheduled differently - we would have trekked on down to the Nokomis/Sarasota area. As it is, we'll have to head home soon to beat out the New Year's traffic. Don't want to be caught up in that mess!!

No Snow In Florida!!

2010-12-27T17:24:00.001-05:00

Wow!

When I woke up Sunday morning I noticed a bit of snow that had fallen throughout the night. Then as we began to load the car for our trip, here it came again, in large flakes. It was quite pretty.

Heading West to I-95 it was heavier, I expected that.

When we got to Pedro's "South of the Border" (SC) poor Pedro had snow on his nose!

Yep, I took pictures along the trip, I'll post them later when Danno isn't busy on his.

I'm typing on Miss T's new netbook!

The snow was light, not rain/sleet....but pretty and cold!

It snowed the whole trip from NC to around Brunswick GA near the FL border.

Finally.....no snow on the West Coast!

Still, it's COLD -- in Florida of all things!

That should be against the law, seriously.

Thursday the temps here are to be 72; 78 on Friday.

Even with the snow, it was an easy, lazy drive....not in a rush at all.

The only change in plans was not stopping overnight in Kingsland GA, but heading on out to I-10. But that got messed up too....we passed the exit for the hotel and I didn't want to turn around.

So we stretched the run on out to Lake City and stopped for the night.

That made the rest of the trip a no brainer, easy and fast.

For some reason, Tom was making himself nervous. I don't know what it is, if it's the anticipation of being with his Father (and listening to him ask questions and give advice) or....I just don't know.

Maybe it's because he can't "hide" behind the drink anymore. Used to that would "calm" his nerves. But we all know it also lead to more than that. I'm happy he's sober now 23 months!!

One day at a time!

Merry Christmas Day

2010-12-25T19:02:00.000-05:00

"And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger" (Luke 2:12).

"Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14).

What a wonderful day!

Good food, good friends and a wonderful family all gathered at one table. Is America great or what??

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T13:00:00.000-05:00

Today we are in awe of the season.

There is always a special feeling in the air. I don't know about you, but I feel it when it is late, and I'm on my way back home from my Nanny's. It's as if time is still for a few moments, and I always take a moment to take it in and appreciate it and the reason for the season.

Tonight we will gather at my Nanny's for Christmas Eve dinner. I convinced her that I wanted chicken, rice and gravy (yes, I'm the oldest and I'm spoiled) and I promised that I would fry some chicken.

I did find a recipe for the "Hungry Boy Cookies" and I'm making those today too. No telling what else I'll make, maybe some Spritz cookies - the kind you use the cookie shooter for.

For a moment, Christmas Eve is a sad occasion for me - the memories of "Christmas Past" sneak in on me and I remember the promises that were broken by my Father. I guess he couldn't help it. I try my best to shake it off and enjoy the family and certainly eat the bounty of food that is prepared.

Nanny told me Thursday that she was making an "artificial" cake for Christmas.....I was confused; no wait, she was confused. She wasn't going to make it from "scratch", she was going to use a box mix. Silly Nanny...gotta love her. I pray that I am as good at 88.

a Candy Cane Story

2010-12-23T23:20:00.000-05:00

This is one version of the Christian candy cane story:
A candy maker in Indiana wanted to make a candy for Christmas that incorporated symbols from the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ.

He began with a stick of pure white candy to symbolize the virgin birth and the purity of Jesus. He then shaped it in the form of a "J" to represent the name of Jesus and the staff of the "Good Shepherd." Finally, he added red stripes to symbolize Jesus' blood and suffering on the cross.

The candy maker hoped that each time someone ate his creation they would be reminded of Jesus and the great love God gave us at Christmas.

What is your favorite...............?

2010-12-23T11:00:00.000-05:00

Last evening we had the pleasure of enjoying a dinner with some great friends. Dinner was a pork tenderlion, mixed veggies, mashed potatoes and gravy. Dessert was a variety of homemade goodies, cookies, fudge, apple pie and cheesecake. Cheesecake is Miss T's favorite dessert.

Miss T is the official "little sis" to this family and "adopted grand" to the grandparents. Such sweet people, the Grandma (68) keeps saying "thank you for your friendship"; the Grandpa had a stroke many years ago, it only affected partially one side. He's such a hoot! and so smart too!

We played "scattergories" after dinner....oh the words we came up with! My hubby is not one for playing games, so Mr Stick In The Mud sat and listened, occasionally chiming in to vote on an answer. I think this is one of my favorite games.

I received a "Friendship" heart glass ornament from the Grands. How sweet!

Miss T got a Teal Tinkerbell pendant from their daughter straight from Disney! I love Disney! We will be there next June where Miss T will be dancing in the Parade! This family is also going so it is sure to be a great time! Once the Holiday's are past, we will get together and plan our trip. I think we're going to go a day earlier and probably stay a bit longer than the 4 days we are already signed up for.

After dessert, the Mom asked me "of your Mom and Grandma, what are your favorite foods from their table?" Well, of course from my Nanny's table it is Fried Chicken, and rice and gravy and speckled butterbeans and collards and biscuits!!!!!!

Then she wanted to know what the secret was to the Fried Chicken.....I'd have to kill her if I told her! After all, she's a Yankee and this was a Southern Recipe!

I struggled with Mom's table. Not that she's not a good cook....SHE JUST DOESN'T COOK MUCH! Haha...but overall it may have to be the Country Style Steak....and she learned that one from my Dad's Mom. So....is there an original recipe from her? Hmmmm YES, her Pot Roast!!!!

Have you ever noticed that you can make the same dish, by the same recipe and it just doesn't come out the same? What is the trick? I find that you cannot CANNOT substitute certain items. Cheese is one and creme cheese, peanut butter, chocolates -- I mean, really, use the real brand, not the store brand!!

I am missing one of my Favorite Cookie Recipes - Hungry Boy Cookies - John, I sent you some one year and I wanted to do it again. But where's that darn recipe card????? Time to tear up the house looking!

What is your favorite.............?

Consideration or is it just me?

2010-12-21T09:13:00.000-05:00

As a kid, I rambled all around the neighborhood, in the woods and such. Yes, I was (am) a tomboy. My friends and I played in each others yards, up trees and riding go carts and bikes.

I like to think that we were pretty courteous of the property owners.

My Nanny said we "like to have worried her to death" running around chasing each other and bouncing the basketball off the roof of her house.

I suppose that was a bit inconsiderate, after all she had worked all day.

Raising Miss T, I've said "thank you" and "please" to her because I felt like if I was going to make her say it to others in respect, that I, too, should be respectful of her. Maybe I also did that for my baby brother (16 years between us) because he seems to have the attitude of gratitude and doesn't mind helping out if he can.

Now, the "other" brother....the one I've told you that I should have sold when he was born. Yes, I had a contract for his sale at his birth, but, I chickened out. Guess I felt guilty about that.....I negated the contract by saying that it probably would be for the best to keep him, after all, the hospital bill was expensive.

But in those years since then.................oh my. I wondered "what if" and I even said to our Mom, "you should have let me sell him when I had the chance". Don't get me wrong, he's a good soul....to his friends. The problem is that he takes advantage of our parents too much. Thinks what's theirs is his also, no questions asked. That's why when I see some of his friends out here on "the farm" I cringe. He is telling them "come on over to our shop" and work on that .....or drop off your junk or it's ok to hunt back there.

HELLO it's NOT yours to offer out like that!!

He would not like it if we all just showed up at his place for a "party" without asking, or dumped out our trash

Whatever happened to the golden rule??

I'm ok with you being in my home or on my property if I've invited you. If you're family you're welcome most anytime. If you're here and you're thirsty or hungry, help yourself. You don't need to ask. My pool is open to the family anytime......clean up your own mess and don't leave your kids crumbs all over my deck. Well, that's another blog entry entirely.

Merry Winter

2010-12-20T12:38:00.000-05:00

Oh I'm tired of this cold and of it being cold.

Poor Miss T was out of school Thurs/Fri sick and most of the weekend.

I kept her on a schedule of tylenol, sudafed, etc and now she's off to school.

Yes, school.

Today and 1/2 of Tuesday are make up days from when we had those hard rains back in September. Poor kids, everyone else is out enjoying their CHRISTMAS vacation.

Yes, I said CHRISTMAS.

I guess it stared with the Winter Solstice way back in the day. The preparing for the winter season by making sure there was a fresh supply of meats to hold throughout the cold.

Christmas, Christ's Mass, the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated Dec 25th, mid-winter, which was according to the Roman Winter Solstice of the Julian Calendar. Doing good deeds and giving gifts like St. Nicholas (Greek, Christian, saint) soon caught on. The "12 Days of Christmas" begin on December 25, but really, please, geese make an awful mess. I'll settle for a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

http://www.crivoice.org/cy12days.html

It is also the shortest day of the year and now the sun will begin its trek back "out" again for longer periods of time, warming the earth. I am ready for some warming!

As I pack for a trip to Florida, I am concerned about my wardrobe. I find it offensive to be packing "winter" stuff for "sunny" Florida. It really hurts my feelings. The idea of Global Warming somehow fell off the face of the earth for sure!! Checked on the 10 day forecast....ugh......I'll check it again later this week, hopefully a pleasant change will occur.

Baby it's cold outside!

2010-12-15T11:17:00.000-05:00

Brrr....I looked at the temperature on my Android this morning and at 9:30 am it said 19 degrees!

Wow....I'm glad the wind wasn't blowing.

I do hate to be cold....I hate to wear a coat. Guess I should have known I'd dislike cold weather way back when I was about 3 or so when my Granny took me to a Christmas parade. She tells the story of how when she parked the car, she told me to put on my hat....only I said "I don't want to wear my 'boggin". Quickly she said "well, if you don't put it on you will have to stay in the car while we go to see the parade"....then I put on my cap with a "Ok Granny I'll wear my 'boggin!".

I still don't like to wear a 'boggin....it messes up my hair, plus adds the static electricity to boot.

In the South we call those knit hats a "toboggin" - my Yankee hubby reminds me that it's a sled.

He "shuts" the lights....I turn them out.

He "brings" the garbage to the curb, I "take" it to the curb.

Shoulda heard me explaining that one to him....the difference between "bringing" and "taking".

I think "bringing" is bringing something in and "taking" as taking out. Whatever.

Shopping.....it's even too cold to shop.

sNOw...they say that might happen here tonight, after midnight and up until about 8am.

It won't be much, and here on the coast a lot of times the salt in the air just won't allow for much. But it is cold -- the sun is shining YAY. Ahhh 29 now!

Losing my cool - rant

2010-12-11T20:57:00.000-05:00

"...the effect of afflictions on the minds of Christians is to make them patient." Barnes' notes on the Bible

Romans 5:3

Husband and Child...on the way into town this afternoon, of course are not on the same accord. One hears 1/2 of the others comments and the other one "forgets" he was told what was happening. I mention to Miss T "after you practice with your dance teacher on Sunday....." and Tom chirps in "what do you want me to do after I finish?"..........??????????????????????????????????????

I say to him...."What?" He's confused, I say "I was talking to Tara" he says "I thought you were talking to me" and I say "Oh? Do you have dance practice?"

This goes on constantly my friends, I MEAN CONSTANTLY.

There's never a time when we're all on the same page of remotely the same book. Therefore, my mind is in a perpetual whirlwind trying to keep everyone on subject. K-3 classes stand a better chance!

We pull into Taco Bell, he gets out and I say under my breath "God give me patience" and then I quickly rebut that saying "No Lord, sorry, I take it back because I don't want anymore tribulations!"

A couple days ago, dear hubby says "I know what you need -- a pair of Christmas pajama's" and I give him a questionable look and say "No I don't". Really, I don't. I have pj's. I have a favorite night gown and a couple of fave night shirts; 2 pair of pj's that are pants/tops. I'm set. I'm hot-natured so I really DON'T NEED anything else. I especially do not need flannel, red and green plaid sleep pants! Understand?

Yeah right....we're in Sam's today looking over things, just looking, not on a mission of any sort. Hubby says he wants to show me something. (SIGH) Ok, I follow him and low and behold........

it's a pair of pajama pants!

"These are the ones I want to get for you"

I just mutter "no" and "no" and "no" and "NO". This lady gives me a knowing smile.

Hubby says "Why can't I buy you something for Christmas?"

As we're leaving the store, Miss T is in a hurry to pick up a friend for the night and states that they were thinking about seeing a movie. Tom acts like this is the first he's heard of it........round two! Plus I'm a bit irritated with her too, for acting like it's always all about HER.

I let them both have it, with both barrels!!!!!!

I was waiting for this one!

I told Miss T that I was tired of her acting like it is all about her; that it's always whatever is in HER schedule and not giving thought to mine; also that I did not want to drive into town JUST for her and her only; that while I'm here I WILL DO what I WANT TO DO and she will just have to deal with it. I PAY for the gas and I PAY for the food and I AM NOT WORKING as much as I used to and she needs to keep this in mind. PLUS I do NOT want to pay for her AND a friend to see a movie - she can spend her money. You guys think that I get to do whatever I want to do anytime I want and that is just so not true, but here I am in town, with y'all and it's what YOU want.

Well, by now she's in tears and texting her friends that She's Pissed!! I took her phone away.

Sitting in her friends yard waiting for Miss T and kid, something comes up about the PJ's.

ROUND TWO EXTENDED!

I screamed -- I really screamed

I DON'T WANT ANY PAJAMA PANTS WHY DON'T YOU LISTEN AND UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM SAYING I HAVE TOLD YOU THAT I DON'T WANT ANY AND YOU KEEP BRINGING IT UP FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, JIMMINIE CHRISTMAS ALREADY WOULD YOU PEOPLE JUST STOP AGGRAVATING ME ISN'T IT ENOUGH THAT I HAVE SO MUCH ELSE IN MY MIND GOING ON THAT I HAVE TO HOLD YOUR HAND AND KEEP YOU STRAIGHT!?!?!?!?!?!?!

I am ready to run away!

I guess I just got knocked off Santa's "GOOD" list.

Time to make amends.

Thank YOU Martha

2010-12-10T11:51:00.000-05:00

Been wondering about why you guys couldn't comment. Then my pal Martha said that I must have my "allow" button turned off. Well, I came over here and sure enough.......DUH. Don't know how that happened!!

I miss catching up with my pals from J-Land......oh those were the days! I am also missing my PSP group....loved that interaction. I would go back but Christmas is coming and I won't have time after the holiday. Facebook is great for a quickie, but we all know we can't air our dirty laundry there for all the world to see.

THE OFFICE.....yes, that is a private pool. In the back of the "Bud-mahal" I call it. The house is where all MY money went instead of FULLTIME work and a raise. Grrrrrr....whatever, what goes around...

So here is the picture of what I look at when I go to work:

There are 4 levels to this house....you can clearly see 2 of them. Yes, that is the main living area there that you walk up those stairs to - kitchen, dining, great room, living, enclosed lani, master bed/bath, laundry. Above that is the bedrooms (4), 3 or 4 baths, sitting room and boss's home office. Then up another level is glamorous storage area....and game type room with Xbox stuff. The BASEMENT, as they called it, is a 6 car garage, mini full kitchen/den, weight room, and theater room complete with 12 leather theater seats and a HUGE TV. I'll bet there are at least 10 TV's in this house including one in the master bath.

I got the feeling that the boss's wife thought it was way too much - overkill! I could see her rolling her eyes when we went down to the "basement". I agree. What a waste. There was nothing wrong with the home they were living in. This one is a carbon copy of it....just BIGGER,

Beyond the house is the Intracoastal Waterway and from the upstairs bedrooms you can see past Wrightsville Beach. This house sits on a peninsula at the end of a cul-de-sac.

I'm so glad to get home.......to this............ignore the mop.

New Office

2010-12-09T23:08:00.000-05:00

Well, back in the end of September the boss sold the office and moved me in to this!

The view isn't bad, and I'm greeted by the family pooch each time I arrive.

It's quiet....a nice change. No luck of solicitors dropping in YAY!! The crazy thing is I don't have a key. For whatever reason, I have to have "permission" to work - go figure! He comes in, gets in the way, and then is gone. I tune into Pandora, get my work done and head out quickly.

Trouble is, I only go in 1 or 2 days a week.....payroll sucks!

There's still a lot to do...no time to do it all.

I am liking this semi-retirement though.

Wish the benefits were better!!

What tha Heck?!

2010-12-08T16:55:00.000-05:00

Poor Hubby....first our water heater wasn't working this weekend. Changed out all the elements and thermostats. Yay!!

Second....a belt on his car broke. This meant he had to take mine to go purchase a belt, go next door to the shop and get the jack, etc and repair the damage.

Not as easy as it sounds. His poor broke up legs are aching so bad from this cold snap. Plus I know his arthritis is bothering him. He says the hardest thing is the getting up and down from the floor or ground.

Well, it just meant that I didn't go into work today. For some reason, I had a crazy feeling that I should stick close to home.

I went over to Mom's....she likes to write in a journal. So I said "Howz about starting an online blog?". She said she'd give it a try. I set her up!! Help her get a following!!

http://seashoresounds.blogspot.com/

Smelling Like Christmas

2010-12-05T21:14:00.004-05:00

I love the smells of Christmas!

Especially a real Frazier Fir. We have an artificial tree - the real ones aggravate my allergies.

So, I stick to Yankee Candle scents like "Balsam and Cedar" and "Cranberry Chutney". I plugged in the Balsam and Cedar on Tuesday; a couple of days later hubby said "What's that smell?" and I say What smell? He says "It smells like...(sniff, sniff) .... Christmas!"

LOL!! That's been our running joke this weekend!

Old Williamsburg also makes a "Winter Spruce" that smells like a fresh tree.

I also like those scented packets you find in Michael's or AC Moore or a home store. "Pear Spice" is a great scent ...... last year I bought 4 and spread them throughout the house. Mmmm a wonderful fragrance!

And then there's the ultimate Homemade Apple Pie! Oh my! Fresh baked cookies and brownies all around. No wonder we gain so much weight -- the smells alone will pack on the pounds!

Cloves, orange peels, cinnamon and a bit of water simmering in a pot on the stove.

It turned cold yesterday! They even threatened a taste of snow in our area. We didn't get any, but about 60 miles above us did. It's still cold! Cold enough to think about snowing that's for sure. That fresh cold, snow smell is a great scent too!

I've got all my presents wrapped! I've done so good this year (I think).....my Mom is the only one on my list left to buy for. "Santa" has the list covered....I hope!

Why is it that we go overboard at Christmas? I'm trying to stick to a budget and I've done pretty good....

Except for Miss T. Geesh, what a tough age; however she is very good of pointing out things she'd love to have. I file them in the back of my mind and sometimes right under her nose, I'll get it!

She keeps asking "where do you hide things?" and I say that it's sometimes right out in the open. It's true!

Hello! Is this thing on?????? Can you hear me now?

2010-10-09T01:39:00.004-04:00

Well, I'd like to say that was ME and that's what I've been up to. But.......

NOPE!

I'm still the dance Mom.....Tom's still sober! YAY! 19 months and counting. He gets his license on Oct 20th....say some prayers that he will stay on the straight and narrow. It will be great having a 2nd driver in the family again, to take some pressure of of me.

Miss T, well, she had her first "date" with a boy this summer. Nice kid.....he moved. (Whew!) She has started 8th grade with a bang....Algebra and, get this...an online World History Class!! It's kicking her butt, but.........she can handle it!

The dance studio was invited to dance in the Disney parade in Orlando next June! WOW that's a biggie. So we've been working on some fund raising ideas. The kids get a costume and ruby red shoes and will perform to "Ease On Down The Road". Shelly, mark your calendar for June 23-26, 2011.

My boss finally sold the office......and I moved into his pool house as an office just today. What a mess. Boxes everywhere. But I gotta hand it to him and his brother, they set up the desks, hooked up the computers and put the supplies in a closet! Now I just gotta rearrange everything and figure out where I put it all over again.

I'm still on short time....only getting about 10 hours a week from him. That's ok for now, I still get the "attached claim" payment from the employment commission every week. That won't last much longer. I really should start looking for a better job. Now that Tom's getting his wheels back, maybe I can.

So what have I done with all my time off? Nothing.....sleep, drive to dance, help with homework and watch Criminal Minds. Don't you just LOVE that Agent Morgan!! Woooo now that's some eye candy if I've ever seen any.

May-be

2010-05-23T12:55:00.004-04:00

May-be I'm getting the old me back.

I've changed up my medicines and I'm eating less.

I do feel better. My friend and I have had a hard time making it to the gym lately, I was sick one week, then she the next. Soon.

In the meantime, I'm getting more energy - starting to "spring" into action, although a bit late for "Spring". The sun is shining and the temperatures are great right now. Miss T and I enjoyed a dip in the pool last weekend with my nephew; 2 birthday parties this weekend - perfect days for them. Now she wants to go to the movies - not a bad idea since it's about to rain.

But I need to stay home lol.....sigh....Momma Taxi!!

Hubby and I enjoyed an afternoon boat ride on Friday. We followed a school of porpoises up the waterway hoping for the "million dollar shot"..... didn't happen, but it was fun just watching them leisurely swim upstream. One came right by the boat, but I didn't see him in time to take a pic.

I showed hubby how to get to the Island from the Waterway on the north side of the dock. Hmmmm things were ok until we grounded on a sandbar. They're bad over on the sound side of the island and you need to keep a sharp eye out. Luckily, 3 jet ski's came by and towed us off.

Spring 2010

2010-04-12T00:53:00.003-04:00

I'm springing....joined a gym. We'll see.
How many years have I been saying I was going to do that?

My old body just ain't what it used to be!
I honestly am disgusted with what I've become.

Mayonnaise Jar

2010-04-06T13:34:00.000-04:00

The Mayonnaise Jar

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle,
When 24 hours in a day is not enough;
remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class
and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly,
he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar
and start to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured
it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again
if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand
and poured it into the jar.. Of course, the sand filled up everything else
He asked once more if the jar was full... The students responded
With an unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table
and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively
filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided,
'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things - God, family,
children, health, friends, and favorite passions
Things that if everything else was lost
and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car.

The sand is everything else --
The small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued,
'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for the things that are
important to you.

So....

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.

There will always be time
to clean the house and fix the dripping tap.

'Take care of the golf balls first --
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand
and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled.

'I'm glad you asked'.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

Please share this with other "Golf Balls"

I just did.......

Welcome 2010

2010-01-01T20:59:00.003-05:00

Already 2010? Weren't we just worried about Y2K? How funny.

I hope you all have a wonderful, prosperous, healthy year!

I almost ran Joseph over

2009-12-30T22:31:00.003-05:00

This has been an interesting year and Christmas for me.

First, Tom's spiral out of control; then his sobriety! Yippee!

A friend now spiraling out of control on drugs and pushing everyone away - she even left home, a husband and 15 yr old son. My heart breaks for them. She won't answer my messages.

An unorganized dance schedule; job cuts and both court dates done.

With Tom on probation, we did not get to make our annual Florida trip this year to see his Dad, Brother and MY TRIP to Nokomis for the now annual reunion of some of my favorite JLand peeps. That I'm so sad about.....so sad.

We'll try to make a Spring trip.

The week of Christmas I had begged for my 4 yr old nephew to come sleep over and hang out with us. His Mom and Dad work; my Mom wanted a day off from babysitting ---- so why not? Only his parents never answered me....until the Tuesday that I wanted him.

I got a call from my brother saying they didn't want Nephew staying overnight due to "Tom's drink/drug issues - you never know if he might have made someone mad that would come to get revenge....." and how his wife just wasn't comfy with that. PLUS some of the "kidding around" we do, well, that's just not the way they are trying to raise their children.

I reminded brother dear that Tom was 11 mos sober and did he forget that his sister slept with a gun beside her and that if ANYONE should be afraid it would be any intruder! But that as a mother I could understand his wife's concerns to a point; however, ALL OF A SUDDEN????? HELL NO!

Whatever.....whatever makes her comfy. I didn't need to fight this....not just yet. It was just a couple of days until Christmas and I knew we needed to be peaceful. Besides, I would make my point, yes I would. Somehow I would get in my digs about how I would "miss him this summer while I was in my pool".......or "don't ask me to babysit".....in a gentle manner of course.

I called Mom. Filled her in. Shocked she was; she told the stepDad; he had a talk with the brother about "hurting your sister's feelings". He said he didn't mean for that to happen and he figured he had not said the right words the right way.

Ya think?

Guess who ONLY wanted Aunt Sharon all Christmas Eve and Day? Yep!! I couldn't do anything without him....he even wanted to come into the kitchen to eat Eve dinner with me rather than the others at my Nanny's dining room table. Aunt Sharon, come on, it's time for presents!.

Guess who said "I wanted to have a sleep over with you but why didn't I?".....my answer was "I know, but it's Christmas week and everything is just sooooo busy right now". Didn't satisfy him.

I said to my SIL "It's a shame he doesn't love me". (DIG)

Anywho, my Mom went upstairs to show brother a mirror Christmas Day after lunch and they had a talk! She explained to him how Tom had really changed and how much she enjoyed being around him etc.....also that Sharon protects Nephew and loves him as if he were her own. And by the way, she takes up more time with him than you or your wife EVER have with Miss T. She also asked brother if it meant that she wasn't going to be allowed to bring him to our pool this summer? He said "Is that what Sharon said?" and she said NO, it's MY question because of what you said about your kid not going to her house. In the meantime SIL came upstairs and got into the conversation.

Later brother tried to get me to go out to the garage, but I declined. Then I got a text from him, saying he wanted me to go out there so he could appologize.....for what I asked......for being an ass. Said his kid was welcome anytime at my house.

Interesting.

My Nanny, 87, God Bless Her....fried chicken, made rice, gravy, field peas, homemade choc cake, lemon & coconut pies for our Eve dinner. Awesome! Her home is truly a Christmas House, all decorated, 7 trees of various kinds and sizes, Santa's everywhere, several Nativity scenes.

I didn't decorate full out this year......wasn't in to it.

Christmas Eve I texted a dance mom "Merry Christmas" and she said no.....they were at the ER; her kid's father had a massive heart attack and died - he was only 41. SHOCKED. The kid is only 14 (she's at my house now) and I'm so afraid that she's going to turn into a rebellious kid. Hanging around with the wrong kind and all.....at least the Mom could turn to the Dad and stepMom for assistance keeping her straight. So very sad.

Christmas Day was windy here. We looked out my Mom's window and wondered where Joseph went? He had left the manger scene outside, poor Mary and Jesus all alone. Before long I realized it had gotten dark....time to go home. I began to back out of the driveway, then decided to go around the circle instead.

Was a good decision......we noticed Joseph was near the driveway, face down, lost, cold, lonely.

I left my laptop behind so I turned around to go back to Mom's....stopped by the road to let Miss T get out and help Joseph back to the Manger.

Otherwise, the story would have a different ending after all these years.

Holidaze

2009-11-28T23:56:00.004-05:00

One would think that having the last several days off that I would have accomplished a lot.

WRONG.

Well, I did a little cooking Wed for the Thanksgiving celebration at my Mom's on Thursday. Mom cooked the turkey and ham, but the Turkey wasn't the same this year.

Friday Miss T and I braved Toys R Us at midnight.....nothing I bought was on sale! Phooey!

Last night Miss T got the tree up. Today I tackled the lights, all 1500 of them; put on a few of my ceramic and glass ornaments and the bow/streamers. Miss T is supposed to finish it. Maybe Sunday we'll finish the ornaments....it looks a bit bare right now. It's done in Red, White and Gold. Tom hung the wreath on the door. Other than that.....that's it so far.

Tonight one of Tom's "Anti-drunk" friends had a birthday party which we attended. It was a nice bash; catered food, drink variety and a DJ.

This week Tom has to do 3 of his 7 jail days; Tues 8am unitl Fri 8am. Then next week he finishes the 4 days. Aahhhh quiet! Still means I'm the TAXI/chief-cook n bottle washer while he's away. I will have Wednesday off, so hopefully I can get busy with house cleaning and finish the decorating.

On to the holidaze.......

The local radio station started playing the 24/7 Christmas music Thanksgiving Day. I love Christmas music! What is your favorite song? Mine has to be "O Holy Night" and "Carol of the Bells" and of course "Santa Baby"!

I would love to get some new decorations. Guess I'm just getting bored with the same ole same old. I didn't even put some of my old ornaments on the tree....just the special ones like "Our first Christmas Together" and Miss T's 1-5 yrs; some she made in pre-school and my Chris Mouse ornaments.

Thought about changing the color scheme, but RED is THE color for Christmas to me (and it's also my favorite color). So I have lots of RED and white lights....Tom wants colored ones -- NO! The white lights remind me of candles and stars. After all, what other kind of light did they have way back in Bethlehem?

Snowmen too! I like those....I have a blue snowman shower curtain in the hall bathroom and a snowman on the shelf. Besides, you can keep them up through January. No need to hurry up and put them away.

Speaking of putting them away.....used to the day after Christmas my tree HAD to come down. I was tired of it! My Papa used to say you had to keep it up until "Old Christmas" (when is that? Jan 7th, 9th or 12th?). He also said that the animals would face East and get down on their knees at Old Christmas too. Anyone else hear of that?

Cirque de whatever it's called is having a performance called "Holidaze" this month up in Raleigh. I have tickets for us to see the show. These are the acrobatic people who perform. Since Miss T is so flexible I thought she'd like to see it. We'll go up next Saturday, have lunch and catch the 2pm show and come home.

I've wrapped some gifts already. Got most of the "mail away" gifts; just need one more then off to the post office they go. Gotta check my list, see who's been Naughty........and Nice. I will fall somewhere in between I'm sure.

A teen in da house! Oh my!

2009-11-23T20:43:00.002-05:00

Where did they go? All those years of sugar and spice?

13 already.......

What a change from one year to the next.

Still she is the best kid.....(hope I didn't just jinx it).

The toys have changed; the prices are larger!

Playing dress up to being dressed up, oh my!

So from now on if my post only says ARRRRGH! you'll know why.

Suggestions welcomed!

Merry Christmas

2009-11-13T11:59:00.001-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Twas the month before Christmas*

*When all through our land,*

*Not a Christian was praying*

*Nor taking a stand.*

*See the PC Police had taken away,*

*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*

*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*

*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*

*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*

* December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.*

*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*

*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*

*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*

*Something was changing, something quite odd! *

*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*

*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*

*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*

* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*

*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*

*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*

*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*

*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*

*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*

*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*

*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*

*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*

* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*

*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*

*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*

*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*

*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*

*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,

not Happy Holiday !*

Please, all Christians join together and

wish everyone you meet during the

holidays a

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Christ is ¡The Reason¢ for the Christ-mas Season!

Court is Adjourned

2009-10-20T17:12:00.003-04:00

(Sorry for the late post. I was writing this but time slipped up on me and I had to go get Miss T from school and transport her to dance.)

We were done by noon. The Atty had said (in the beginning) Tom would have to have this one. A lot of back door talking; then the Atty talked to me, asking what could I offer by way of Tom's changing, attitude etc. I said "He's done a complete 360 and is diligent" with his AA meetings etc. He asked if I would be willing to tell that to the Judge (which was a friend of a friend of mine). Of course.

Then I had to talk to the Cop......what? I felt like I was on trial lol.

Our turn, I had to stand with him, the Judge was not happy with Tom's DMV report at all esp since his last conviction in 2004. However, none of the other charges had convictions, so.....

I said what I had to say to the Judge. She wrote up her decision:

1 year no license; handed them over right then and there;
No paper license either (which means I'm back to the family taxi status)
24 months supervised probation
No alcohol or firearms in house (now I'm on probation lol - they're MY guns)
Comply with minimum 3 AA meetings per week.
$500 fine; $130 court cost
7 days jail....time served NOT counting (she said be glad I'm not giving you 60 days, you can thank your wife for that)

You could see it in her face she was NOT HAPPY!!!!

We met with a guy in the back to go over things. He gave Tom a number to call to set up his Probation appointment. We didn't have to pay anything on Tuesday, I guess that will be handled through probation like the last time (2004).

Tom was shut down for about 36 hours.....sad, but OK with the decision. He knew it was coming. By Thursday he had an outing with an AA buddy and they went around looking at boating and fishing stuff, then took in a noon AA meeting. It was a good day. It was good for him to hang out with this guy. He's 30 years sober!

Friday he was back to his aggravating normal self around the house.....he went with Miss T and me to her solo practice then out to eat.

He's trying to humor himself. Thank GOD cause I don't have the energy to do it for him!

Happy Fall Y'all

2009-10-19T12:41:00.001-04:00

Well, Brrrr....it turned chilly here! I actually had to turn on our heat for Saturday night, was going to the upper 40's lower 50's and I knew Tom would freeze to death.

I took a picture of him earlier last week, all bundled up like the abominable snowman on the back deck. So?? The problem with that pic was that I was walking out onto the same deck in shorts and short sleeves. That's what I mean when I say he would "freeze to death". The high's are low 70's and mid 60's.

Speaking of Tom, today is his 9 month sobriety anniversary! Wooo hooo! We are all so proud of him. Tomorrow is the court date for that accident that changed his ways. He may have to pull 2 days in jail (was told up to 7 and he's already served 5 when he was arrested) so he may be on a mini "vacation" this week. We'll see. It all depends on which Judge is sitting and if the State has the blood work back yet.

Isn't that sad? A simple blood test, analyze it and send the results....9 months later. Sigh. Our government at work.

So Miss T is working on her Solo for this year. It was going OK to begin with. This past Friday though the teacher was firm with her. She told Miss T that she didn't see her having any "fun" with it.....not "looking forward to" the practice sessions. She also said that T wasn't "improving" and should have been up to this point. Also said for her to make a decision to do this or not.

Now Momma, who knows the kids routine, is thinking that she is of the personality that she will learn the steps proficiently, before adding emotion. She has always been this way. Teacher, however, thinks she should be feeling it all at the same time. That's not easy for Miss T to do.....we talked about that in the beginning of this Solo and she said "that's ok, she's at the stage and age where that will be developing, don't worry it will come"....

But Friday my kid left in tears.

Ready to give up.

My heart was breaking for her - I could hear the conversation through the closed door. When the teacher came out she looked at me and said "I'm ready to get paid and leave - she needs to decided if she wants to do this solo or not."

I'd like to have another teacher look at it.......but do I dare overstep that boundary? Do I just write this off as "teacher was having a bad day" which often she does? Maybe as this week goes on, I'll get the answer to that question.

The other thing from Friday was her bus ride home....she had found out that one of her busmates had died that morning in the Outer Banks - drowned while surfing (his tether got tangled on a piece of a pier and it held him under). He was only 15 -- a Christian boy very involved and much loved. The bus was quiet, bus driver in tears. I know the emotions that were going on....I too experienced tragedy like that when I was just a year older than she is now, and another 3 my Senior year. It's not easy comprehending death at such young ages much less the "why" that goes along with it.

Last night was the visitation for this boy. I'm told some 400 students were there...and that many gave their lives over to Jesus. Today is his funeral, praying for comfort for the family and friends.

Enjoyed my Saturday

2009-09-13T11:44:00.006-04:00

It was a tough choice but, I had to do it. I just had to get out in the elements. My nephew wanted a boat ride with his daddy and called us. So Miss T, nephew, my bro and I piled in on my parents boat and took off to the south end of the Island.

Tom left Friday at midnight to join a group going by bus to DC to the 9/12 Taxpayer Rally. He had a great time, although it was a very long day. I sent him with a camera but he only took about 6 pics. Geeesh.....He got home last night about midnight, worn out. He said "we need to look into getting that chair" referring to the Scooter chair advertised. Poor guy, his legs cannot handle even a normal day. Even after the knee replacement surgery....you'd think that would have helped more.

Trouble is Medicare doesn't pay for the chair until you need it......that means you have to have troubles with your arms too. Funny, those people on the commercial don't seem to have arm trouble. I have a friend whose Mom had the chair....last I heard she wanted to sell it since her Mom passed away. $300, not a bad price. Maybe I'll see if she still has it.

It's another beautiful day here....guess I'll see if I can enjoy it too!!

9/11 remembering Joey

2009-09-11T22:54:00.004-04:00

This is a COPY of my 2006 post when we were in AOL.

http://www.legacy.com/Sept11/Story.aspx?PersonID=117392

My Hero that I picked to Honor is our very own: Joseph P. Henry, age 25. Place killed: World Trade Center. 9-11-2001 Resident of New York, N.Y.

Now as Tom puts it: "I remember Joey and my daughter going to school together PS-212 and playing in the playground in the neighborhood of Waterview Towers. (Joey's sister would also babysit for Tom's daughters) Tom's family along with Joey's family and others from the area would spend summers in upstate NY, the kids rode their bikes, went swimming in a creek and a pool...it was such freedom to the kids to be out of the confines of the city and the apartment co-op. Big Ed (Joey's Dad) was the youngest Battallion Chief in the fire department at the time of his promotion. Joey and 2 of his brother's followed their Dad and Grandfather by joining the team."

Tom called his daughter that night after the towers were hit. She told him "Dad, Joey was there".....his heart dropped. Tom was already in tears because 'his city' was being attacked. Imagine his pain having found out one of "his kids" had given his all. I must also mention that my Tom is a Retired NYPD--so this truly was "his city" in all aspects. It could have easily been him, had he still been working, and even if he wasn't working, I'm sure he would have felt it his duty to respond.

http://www.fallenbrothers.org/community/archive/index.php?t-3183.html

Bay 44th forever Joey's street [Archive] - Fallen Brothers Community

This is Joey in his probation hat (on the job training). To YOU Joseph P. Henry we remember you proudly and fondly. Edward "Big Ed" & Alice Henry, Eddie Jr, Michael, Danny, Mary & Kathleen, the LaRocca's say God Bless YOU and thank you for your service to the people. NYFD & Ladder 21 lost a great American. May God continue to give you His peace that passes all understanding as you remember Joey.

Love & peace to all the families, Tom & Sharon.

Bay 44th forever Joey's street

Renamed for firefighter

By MELISSA GRACE
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Firefighter Joseph Patrick Henry was just 25 when he was killed by collapsing debris at the World Trade Center.

Last week, the street he grew up on, Bay 44th St. between Shore Parkway and Cropsey Ave., was renamed in his honor.

"It's unbelievable how much I miss him. I wish he were here," said Alice Henry, the firefighter's 63-year-old mother. "I'm so proud this street was named after him. He was born and raised here. His name will live forever."

Joseph Henry - Joey, to his friends and family - grew up in the Waterview Towers in Bath Beach in a family of firefighters.

It was on Bay 44th St. outside his apartment building that Henry, a sportsman and Yankee fan, played countless games of football. It was where his brother taught him to throw lefty, and where he pitched more than a few snowballs.

Henry joined the FDNY as an emergency medical technician in 1997. In October 2000, he became a firefighter. He was assigned to Ladder 21 in Manhattan.

During a solemn, snowbound ceremony to the skirl of bagpipes Friday, Henry's mother and father, retired Battalion Chief Edward Henry, unveiled a green street sign. It reads, "Firefighter Joseph Patrick Henry Lane." Close to 300 firefighters, family, friends and neighbors looked on.

The tribute was held near a flagpole and a commemorative stone placed outside Edward and Alice Henry's apartment by their neighbors, in tribute to Joey Henry and all those who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

"We never saw each other that day," said Edward Henry, 62, even though both he and his son responded to the World Trade Center that morning. Henry believes his son was in the north tower helping to evacuate people when the building crashed to the ground.

The firefighter, whose remains have not been found, has three older brothers. Two of them, Eddie Jr. and Michael, are FDNY lieutenants. The other, Danny, is a Port Authority police officer. He also is survived by two sisters, Mary, a schoolteacher, and Kathleen, a college student.

Pol lends a hand

The idea to rename the street in Henry's honor came from Arnold Belkin, 58, a neighbor of the Henry family. Belkin's son, Adam, was one of the firefighter's closest friends. Belkin set his plan in motion with a letter to City Councilman Domenic Recchia Jr. (D-Coney Island) asking that the street be renamed.

Choking up with emotion as he paid tribute to his friend, Adam Belkin, 27, said at the renaming ceremony, "I wonder what Joey would have thought of this. ... He would have done a double take, put his hand over his mouth ... and then laughed."

Originally published on December 9, 2002

http://www.nydailynews.com/boroughs/story/41764p-39404c.html

Labor Day already?

2009-09-06T21:54:00.003-04:00

It's hard to believe.....school has started. Summer seems to have slipped out of here. In the 60's-70's at night already. 80's in the day. Even the pool is too cool. Very unusual for us. Labor Day weekend is normally very hot!

Does this mean we're in for an early Winter? I hope not. I am NOT a cold weather person. Miss T would LOVE if it would snow -- for some reason she's into that.

Tom on the other hand cannot handle cold weather....his legs ache terribly.

I am worried about him though. His mind doesn't "connect" anymore, and he doesn't eat right. He has a Dr appointment Tuesday. We'll find out then if there's more to it.

Headed over to a friends house last Friday night for some tunes and beer. It was nice to just hang out, relax and chat. At least I had my designated driver with me. Trying to get back into some real world activities.

I've changed my medicine, so I'm hoping for more energy and a happier outlook. Let's hope this helps.

So today I went out with a girlfriend....we went to see "All About Steve" then out to dinner with our kids. Should have left the kids at home lol. What were we thinking?

The movie is a bit annoying....I'd say wait for HBO or Netflix.

Otherwise, not much going on over here. Busy Dance Mom now. Miss T's solo practice is looking good. Just waiting to hear the competition dates....and fees.

I can't plan a Christmas trip just yet, not till after the October court date for Tom. But I am looking into dates to head to Florida. School's out on 12/18 and I'm trying to talk everyone into a flight out of here on 12/25. Yep Christmas Day. Wonder how that will go over? Wake up, shake the stocking and grab your luggage! Merry Christmas!

I met Ellen!

2009-08-23T17:00:00.002-04:00

It's about time too! LOL. I finally got to meet Ellen (NY State of Mind), a fellow JLander from the days when AOL was good to us.

2 years ago Ellen was coming through our town on her way home from vacation to visit her sister in law and family. We had hoped to get together then, but our schedules just didn't allow it.

The next summer she got a different job and wasn't able to make the trip.

So finally we made plans for this year. Since her SIL's family is near me ( our kids are in the same school too), we talked via Facebook, making our plans and I followed them to Myrtle to the condo. We left about 8:30am for the 1:15hr trip.

It was like old home week, except it was one day.

TnT went with me too. Miss T didn't hesitate, anytime you say Myrtle Beach she's in the car. I told Tom that he'd enjoy meeting these people, especially since they were from his neck of the woods....NY. And talk they did!!

It's a good thing I can speak NYeese -

Ellen's husband met us all in the garage and gave us our parking passes. I went over to greet him with a hug just like "long time no see". Then it was up to the room.

Wow! Ellen is more beautiful in person. She was just as expected; warm, sincere and fun. And her kids! Double WOW. The daughter (10) accepted us into the fold and immediately took a liking to Miss T, as did the son (15).

Now about that..............

Well, let's just say - Ellen, we may have to begin saving money NOW for the wedding ROFL.

The girls played in the pool and the boys (hmmm the men count too - 5) played in the surf. The weather was beautiful and the water was perfect for wading or swimming and the guys got in some boogie board time.

Lunch was a delicious meal of bread, salad, meatballs and rotinni cooked by the Inlaws and consumed by all....twice! Guess it WAS good....

The kids stayed busy on the Nintendo's when they weren't in the water. Luckily those games interact so they could play "teams" and I learned a new trick. You can buy an adapter to house all the games in one place on a miniSD card. Thanks "J"!!

After waiting the traditional "one hour after eating" (we didn't intend it that way, we were just talking and cleaning up) we spent the rest of the evening on the beach.

The "boys and girls" played frisbee; I took pictures while us ladies (and Tom) watched the game. SHOW OFFS!!

Hmmmm that's funny. Tom is always among the ladies.....well, we all know his legs don't let him participate in much, so he's better off hanging out with us. Except we can't tell all our secrets when he's around.....

Back up to the room to shower off and get ready to leave.

Only I really didn't want to leave. I could have stayed and talked all week (I know Ellen is glad I didn't). It was the best day I have had in a long time! A much needed "me" day with some good people. I am so very glad we were able to meet!

I would post a picture of us, but trust me.....no one wants to see me in my bathing suit ROFLMAO!!!! Let's just keep that to ourselves Ellen.

Now Miss T wants to go to Long Island. Hmmmmm wonder what for?

2 months later......

2009-08-16T14:21:00.002-04:00

Wow has it really been 2 months?

Bad me BAD ME.

Seriously, bad me. My heel spurs still hurt. The cortizone shot lasted good for about a week, then slowly lead back to the original excruciating pain. As long as I keep it stretched it's not too bad....but as soon as I sit (here to write this) for a while or sleep BAM !! Just careful to not step wrong, think I'll try accupuncture now....just got to remember to call.

In the meantime, that makes me walk funny and that throws my hip/back outta whack so it's off to the Chiro.

Bear with me, I might get long winded,

Tom is good at the no drugs/no drinking game. Continuing AA 3x a week and looks forward to it. 7 months next week FREE!! What a great accomplishment.

We went to ECity for the court date (April 08 when he did the Uturn and got stuck and DUI). Trial by jury - that's what he wanted. Went up Sunday night to be in court bright and early Monday morning 9:30am. Waited.......and waited, and...

Waited.........they picked a jury for another case and said "come back 2pm tomorrow". OK, easy enough.

NOT.

Tuesday was a bust, did not hear Tom's case, so I had to head home to work Wed & Thurs, leaving him there in the hotel room. Said I'd be back Thurs night/Fri morning or before if he needed,

Thursday afternoon they started his trial, I drove up after work, arrived around 11pm and hit the sheets saying "take the cab in the morning and let me sleep in" which is what he did. ($550 for hotel for week) I arrived 11am in time to hear the Patrolman give his testimony and our cross exam. Then Lunch.

Resume trial and Tom decides to testify (OMG).....the DA tried to discredit him and then the Jury was dismissed. At 3:30pm the jury came back in with a NOT GUILTY!!

Wooo hooo.............until Saturday when he received a bill from the attorney for $4,500!! Are you kidding? No one ever said that there'd be more money than the original fee.

This takes its toll on me.....working, driving 4 hrs up there, worrying, money, worrying, driving, worrying...you get the picture.

Not Tom. He sits around listening to Talk Radio and just exists. No desire for anything. In an "I've made my bed now I'm wallering in it" mood.

Sucks for me. I'm 44 and my husband is a knot on the log! Hello.....this is not fun for me. We can barely agree on doing anything...no movies (he's not into that) no live shows, no trips to remote beaches.........

Now Depression.............

I have been in such a bad funk all year...yes all year.

Need a new roof on the house, which will mean fixing the ceilings, repair, mud, repaint. Do I have the cash? Hell no. Can we get an equity line? Maybe, but there goes another $$$$ per month to pay out.

My work load is piling up, need to start working longer....try telling that to the boss. We started another 7 unit building of townhouses which is keeping us busy. In the meantime the 10 renters we had have begun to move out.....I get to go take the pictures and assess the units.

These were brand new....so you figure there's going to be a "lived in" look now. Only the boss has lost his marbles. An 8x10 kitchen with vinyl on the floor has a 1" gash in it....he wants to hold out $800 (because he'll have to replace it if someone wants to buy the unit).

HELLO! Um, normal wear and tear (in NC) does not mean return to brand new condition. So this has actually made me ill! I know it's not my money but think about it.......$1,200 security deposit and you want to keep $800 for a small cut? Speaks like a miser to me. And yes, he's known to be "gimme gimme gimme while I takey takey takey" - trust me he does not reside in the real world. Can anyone say "Ebenezar Scrooge"?

I did put a bug in the ear of the tenant's father.......ask for photos and look up the regulations. Ooops, did I say that??

It's not just that....it's the little things like "fill out this (personal) for for me" when he can clearly see that I am swamped.

Then to come home to find out no one has even remotely considered DINNER. (Um Mr Mom, retired remember? Home alone)

There was dance drama throughout the summer over silly things -- think cat fight - "why is this kid doing that and not mine?" whine whine whine.

One parent was even sooooooo close to being asked "don't bring your kid back". OMG, if that had been me I would have been so embarrassed.

Friends? Where? HA! I can't even muster up enough enthusiasm to get together with anyone. My bestestfriendinthewholewideworld Cindilouwho even threatened to divorce me, and I haven't seen her or my gal pal T since JANUARY! Bad me, bad me.

I've blamed it all on being a one car family of 3 needing to be in 3 different places at 3 different times between the hours of 7am and 9pm. Who can do it all and still have time, much less want to do anything else?

So I bought a new car July 1....an '07 Endeavor SUV. It's nice. Has plenty of room for us and Ms Dancer's stuff for her competitions.

Did that solve my depression? NO.

But a light bulb has blinked......I've been slowly getting like this ever since the co-worker left for Texas. It makes sense now....with no other interaction in the office (just me and boss) I have been slowly sinking into my own depression.

Yes, I do see my girl pals at dance...but it's not the same as hanging out at the beach or getting together for a drink or meal. We're still stuck to the kids schedule, not on our own time. And of course the dance drama.......

Miss T is growing.....GROWING you hear me. Dance starts back tomorrow. She's "graduated" to the Jr Senior groups at the studio. YAY! She'll be 13 this Fall. I've reflected back to when I was her age (OMG!) and I've got to say I am thankful, very thankful to have such a great kid, drama free (for now). I was a pistol and drove my Mom crazy. (Memo to self...pretty soon you won't know anything according to your kid...they know it all.)

7th grade will start in just over a week....hard to believe.

OK, foot feels a bit better....back to that place she calls her bedroom. I'm working on it - alone! Watch out!

Happy Day...Happy BD StepDad!

2009-06-23T23:07:00.002-04:00

Did I tell you that about 2 months ago I took a 2 mile walk in my Keds (shoulda been my walking shoes, I know)? Well since then I've suffered with plantar faciatus and the horrible heel spur.

Today I had Dr visit #2....I had decided that I needed the cortizone shot YAY me. He walks in and says "Hey you ready for a shot?" and I shot back "Yeah, whattcha got for a chaser?".

I am sooooooooo hoping this will work long enough, at least let me have a good summer. Right now I can only take one store at a time, even if it's the grocery store - that sucks!! I'm a shopper!!!! It's my therapy!!

Then it was off to the chiropractor...needed a visit. This foot pain has me walking weird and throwing me off kilter.

Nevertheless the BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION was to continue. I picked up Rib Eyes and salad fixings and a bunch of potatoes for baking and headed to Moms. Called Nanny to come on too. NINE people plus 2 small kids....I'd say that was a nice 71st birthday party.

OH YEAH......yesterday Miss T learned (finally) how to ride a bike! Yes, 12 years old (almost 13). I had given up, thinking she'd never give it another try. She is so proud of herself....literally living on that bike.

I remember back when...........when I would live on my bike too. It was the best freedom for me, just riding, wind in my hair, sneaking down to see the boyfri....

...wait a minute! She'd better NOT!

I do remember though....nice....and I was 12, riding my bike to the end of the road so my Mom wouldn't see me talking to him. OMG!

I'm not ready for THAT!

Hmmmm funny, I've been remembering that time a lot lately. Maybe it's because Miss T is at a "crossroads" of life, one that I can relate too. Maybe I'm just remembering my first "love" fondly. Yes, fondly.

Monday Muse

2009-06-22T20:45:00.003-04:00

We had a great weekend and Father's Day.

Saturday my nephew came over for a swim. He is going to be a fish soon....I was actually able to convince him he could float with his water wings on without the tube too. "LOOK AT ME SWIMMING" he said....LOL. He did great. We're working on the "keep your mouth" closed rule.

Later TnT&me went out to eat at O'Charley's....I do love their Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad. Would you believe that at 6pm the temps were 97 degrees still???? Gosh it musta been over 100 Saturday and close to it on Sunday.

Tom kept saying "Kohl's is having a sale" several times during the day, and I ran with it...we went after dinner. Miss T picked up some goodies, of course. Jeans were buy one get one....picked those up for the fall. So glad she's getting BACK into jeans.

Even though I tried to keep a headache all weekend, we still managed to have some fun time.

Father's Day we took Tom out to "Bonefish Grill" - it's his favorite. He enjoyed a stuffed Mahi with rice pilaf. Then an ice cream from Dairy Queen later in the afternoon hit the spot!!

Did I call my Dad? No. Did I think about it? Yes.

Did I go see my Step Dad? YES.

Afterall, he's been the best Dad for 31 of my 43 years.

But he cheats......Tuesday just happens to be his birthday. So he gets the best of both all wrapped up in one week.

That's alright.....my birthday is soon too....hehehehe.

June already and it's almost over?

2009-06-19T13:15:00.004-04:00

Great time of day...I can't believe I haven't posted before now.

A lot going on just not all at one time.

The dance year is officially over, recital was great!! Miss T learned the value of eating before dancing. She had to come out of her acro routine because she was dizzy and began to shake. I said "seeeeeee? I told you to eat properly". Why don't they listen? Bet she does now.

We start the summer dance program June 30 with technique classes. Miss T is almost convinced to go back to clogging this year. The teacher asked her about it and she is thinking about it. She hasn't done that in 4 years.....she did for 5 - 3 years competitively.

www.clog.org

And I was hoping to cut back next year.....sigh!

Mr Man is doing great. Received his 5 month chip last night in AA. He's so proud of himself. In the past his idea of "handling things" was to drink or drug it away but now he is really trying to deal with things head on. The minor brain farts still appear, like "um you wanted me to have dinner ready?"....hmmm oh I don't know, you've been home all day while I was at work.

Go figure. It's very exasperating. Like raising another kid.

I am getting tired of only having one vehicle. It's such a chore to be able to get around to all the things that I do and Miss T that, we're borrowing my Nanny's car once or twice a week so that Tom can bring her to dance and get himself to AA meetings. But until the court stuff is done, I can't see buying anything just yet. Maybe in September when prices could be better and I can arrange decent lending.

Tom still wants a boat so bad he can taste it...but I've reminded him, those are luxury items. He doesn't "deserve" that yet.

I'm hoping for a great weekend....some of the girls are in from out of town, I've been invited for a night on the beach. And one of my besties invited me to the pool at her house just to catch up.

I think it's time for some ME time!!

TGIF

2009-05-29T00:39:00.002-04:00

Thursday's are my Friday's....nice!

I get to sleep in while Miss T is at school and tomorrow Mr Man is taking my car to get 2 new front tires. It's amazing how fast you can wear out a set of tires.

Guess I shouldn't be too surprised...it's the only set of wheels we have right now and I'm not running out to buy another one. Not until this court stuff is settled.

My nephew dropped in on me Thurs morning before I went in to work. I think his Grammy put him up to it -- asking if I had any cake left. I had made the decorator's buttercreme icing -- they all love it.

When I said there was only one piece left, my Mom quickly said "What? It's only Thursday!".....I made it Monday.

Hey, I like it too!

My new camcorder arrived too! I ordered one from Tiger Direct. Since my battery in my old one was deader than a doornail and costs about $80, I looked into getting another camera. Picked up a Canon for $139 and it's so compact. I think I'm going to like it. It's charging and I plan to play around with it later.

Small enough to fit into my purse....sneak it in to recitals and competitions without much bulk. Not too bad for vacations either. Compact!

I still want a new camera.............just hate to spend THAT kind of money. Maybe I'll ask Santa to help out.

Foot pain and other stuff

2009-05-26T17:03:00.003-04:00

A couple of three weeks ago I set out to take a walk with some other dance mom's. I didn't plan this...and I wasn't in the proper shoes. Just some Keds.

OUCH

I have a heel spur and now it's aggravated the plantar fasciatis so the Doc wrapped my foot/ankle tight and said to leave it like that for 2 days. Wrote me a Rx for super dooper anti-inflamitory and some cream. Come back in a month.

He did say he was glad I was wearing the tennis shoes I came in with (Avia's). I have enjoyed these. My NB and Nike's just weren't doing it for me.

Very glad he didn't slice my foot open and start digging around. He of course wants to avoid that. Hello! Me too!

So what's up?

I had an enjoyable 5 days off and boy was it hard to come back to work today.

Last Thursday Tom had a court date, only to be put off until June 18th - the state hadn't received the results of the lab work. So much for the right to a speedy trial.

Friday....home alone! Oh yeah! Nice.... Later in the day I did something scarey....I opened an investment account. I decided to take a certain sum and buy into some stocks...haven't made a purchase yet, waiting for the right moment. Boss daytrades, so I'm expecting some good tips from him. Still waiting....

My niece had her 1 year old birthday party (a week early) and it was beautiful weather on Saturday for that. She's been sick but she was such a good little hostess that day. Even her big brother was a trooper.

Sunday was lazy....jumped in the pool finally. All that rain in the weeks before had dropped the temps, but they were right back up to 80! Afterwards, we went out to Macaroni Grill for dinner.

Monday we grilled burgers n dogs for the family. I had invited everyone, but my niece wasn't feeling well, so her mom and brother didn't come over; the brother was working; the baby bro showed up and did his famous back flips into the pool. Mom, stepDad and Nanny joined us. We just sat around, lazy, talking, laughing.

Miss T had the dreaded EOG's last week....but she just called to say that she passed them with flying colors...I knew she would. Why do they scare those kids like that? All these tests are for is to grade the teachers...poor kids.

Now it's back to the full dance schedule. I hope we have good things coming up for the summer session.

Maybe now I can get back to PSP'ing....

Can You Hear Me?

2009-05-23T22:44:00.002-04:00

OMG what a week....every time I spoke, hubby didn't comprehend.

I wanted to pull my hair out.

It's like his brain remained on the drink. I would say "I'm at the store" and he would say "when you leave your office....."

Huh?? It was my day off.

So I start s-p-e-a-k-i-n-g
v-e-r-y
d-e-l-i-b-e-r-a-t-e-l-y
and he wants to know what's wrong with me!

Hey, I'm just trying to make sure you hear and understand me.

Seriously, he's not "hearing" me...you know, understanding.

I'm the one with the list of things to do: work, clean, kid to dance, bathe every Sunday, you know, the normal stuff.

On another note, Tom is doing great with AA! He enjoys the meetings and looks forward to going. He doesn't even want to associate with "old" friends and I don't mean the old drunks. I mean his oldest friend from High School who lives near us. He wanted to "get together" because a mutual friend was in town from NY, but we were out of town. When we got back home earlier than expected, I said "hey, call Jim" and he said NO...he didn't want to...he didn't want to be around them (surely he mean the A-hole friend). He knew one of them would be drunk, perpetually and the other tipsy.

Wow.

4 months sober and counting.

It's a good thing!

Mischievious

2009-05-17T13:01:00.002-04:00

I am a
Snapdragon

What Flower
Are You?

"Mischief is your middle name, but your first is friend. You are quite the prankster that loves to make other people laugh."

What a clever little quiz.

Scarey, the truth in this.

Yes I do subscribe to mischief...I love a good laugh, a joke, a prank. I get it from my Nanny. The original family prankster.

Once she was stocking a walk in cooler (convenience store) and a man reached in to grab a soda, only my Nanny reached out and grabbed his hand. Imagine his shock!!

After she finished laughing her butt off, she thought "OMG, he could have had a heart attack!"....then kept laughing.

She handed an envelope of rattlesnake eggs to a stuttering customer and his response was "Oh Sh-sh-sh-sh-SHIT!" -- I'm still laughing at that one!

Friend first.....yes. I will do anything I can to help my friends and be a good one to them. I don't ask for any kudo's in return - that's what friends are for. Just knowing that YOU trust ME is kudo's enough.

I've loaned my best gal pal $$ for a car payment....she paid me back, not all in money, but in trade offs. I didn't hound her about it, I was glad to help. After all, my family helps me so I "donated" to a cause. What better cause than a friend?

I wonder sometimes if those monetary gifts from the parents come at the right time just so that I can "pay it forward" by helping someone else? If so, I try to remember that I am the lucky one and do the right thing. If not, then I've just acted on my instincts.

Thank you Shelly for posting about this quiz. I like Snapdragons!!

Good News, Whew!

2009-04-27T12:48:00.002-04:00

Oh thank you ALL for your prayers and comments!

My Mom took Nanny to the Doc today and from his thorough exam she didn't have TIA or a stroke!! She just basically leaned over and tumbled. He said "I can't find anything wrong with you!"...I hope they can say that about ME at 87!

Thankfully she had a base tan and had rolled in the dirt cause she would have been burned to a crisp. She's taking Aleeve and staying inside resting, eating and drinking.

Normally she would have had her phone with her, but not this time. So now we're considering a cell phone on one of our plans and I'm going to get her a different phone system for the house. Maybe we should also look into an "alert" system. It's hard to think of these as her "last days" with us....her people live long and die fast, those are her words. Her sister died this year, 94; her oldest sister died some 7 years ago, 95. Long lives.....

The Divine Grace of God kept her safe, I know that. She is a Godly woman and she said I just prayed "Lord help me get up"....I said "You should have added 'soon' to the back of that!"

Yes indeed it was God's protection. Just think: 87 years young and I do mean YOUNG because she IS active - in her yard and garden and home. She recently painted 4 rooms in her house...all by herself. I can't even get up enough gumption to paint my lil ole bathroom!

ME=lazy Nanny=always busy. That's what keeps her healthy. Plus she is so vain....about her looks and dress. Her hair is naturally auburn and only has a small streak of grey in the front - NEVER COLORS IT.

ME=jealous LOL!!!!

She is the only Grand I have left...she is da bomb!

Kowabunga, but I feel like a heel now.

2009-04-25T22:03:00.004-04:00

It was a beautiful, cloudless day. The air temp was in the 80's. I had decided that Miss T and I would spend a couple of hours outside, she needed some color for this weeks dance pictures.

It was about noon. I noticed that Nanny had hung out some sheets to dry at her house. Decided to take "Just A Guy" by Bill Engvall out to finish it.

Of course Miss T grumbled, "I don't wanna be outside" but I insisted. She grabbed "New Moon" and headed to the trampoline to read to get away from my radio noise. Tom had been cleaning the night critters off the pool and had the filter running.

Soooooooooo tempting.

Then I couldn't stand it anymore.

I actually said "Kow-a-bunga" and jumped in the pool!

It almost took my breath, that initial shock as hot as my body was. The pool temp was 74.5 and GREAT! Only the top layer was cool, everything else under was perfect. While I was in, I did a short stint of water aerobics. I kept looking towards Nanny's thinking I'd catch a glimpse of her or that she would show up and say "Gosh, isn't that water too cold?".

All in all we were out there about 2 hrs before deciding just to chill on the deck. Then I called Mom to see what the status of the boats (2) were. Both are here at the farm being cleaned etc....my StepDad said he'd come put the cover back on the engine and launch one so we could take a ride.

Speaking of taking a ride, my lil nephew was up in the air today with his Papa flying over our house and his house and my Mom's house then they flew to Elizabethtown to refuel and have lunch before coming back home.

After about 30 mins stepDad called back to say, wait till next weekend, too much left to do to get the boat ready, and besides the water was very choppy. Not condusive for pleasure boating.

OK fine. I hop in the shower, send Miss T in for hers. In the meantime, I am just relaxing on the couch, playing a game of "Aggravation" with Miss T. 6pm rolls around and I'm wondering "what's for dinner?"....suggestions were made.

By 7pm I'm ready already and we hop in the car. As I pass by Nanny's I notice her laundry is still on the line and I have Miss T give her a call to break her shoes about it.

She had just come in the house.

She had FELL in the GARDEN! Went out there at 10:30am, got about 1/2 of a 40' row of mustard clipped and FELL OVER! I guess she just lost her balance.

BUT SHE STAYED THERE UNTIL SHE CAME IN THE HOUSE AT 6:50pm!!!!

Do you hear this? She layed in that garden for EIGHT HOURS!!! and couldn't get up! Couldn't yell for anyone - no close neighbors - and didn't have her phone with her.

So she slept! Then eventually crawled over to the fence and basically climbed up the fencing to her feet.

No wonder I kept looking her way....something had me looking, I just wasn't looking in the right direction.

OMG! I have allowed my Nanny to lay there! Not once did I bother to call her today and see what she was up to. It didn't even occur to me that she hadn't called me. Although my Mom had called a couple of times, I thought it might be my Nanny. But still, I didn't call her.

Strangely enough my stepDad didn't spend his normal time at the farm today. He's usually there until 2pm but had gone home to help Mom with some flower planting.

I turned around and went to Nanny's to get in her laundry and had Tom gather the eggs (image: yankee/city boy in a chicken lot). When Nanny came to the door her face was black with dirt --- she was dirty from head to toe and burnt! (She already had a good base tan)

She was attempting to take a bird bath in the sink and I said NO WAY. You're getting in the tub. Got her a stool and helped her in. I washed her hair and gave her a rag with soap to wash her face. Then I washed everywhere else.

Ya know....at 87 her boobies are prettier than mine!

She said "that water feels sooooooooo good". Miss T had already called my Mom to tell her about this and to "get over here".

Nanny said she immediately fixed a glass of lemonade and then a glass of water when she came in and took 2 Aleeve. We made sure she kept drinking and Tom ran out to get her a hamburger, just to get some protein in her tummy too to keep her from getting so sick.

She dressed and I had clipped one of her Aloe plants and rubbed on her shoulders and arms and she put some on her face. You could see it in her eyes she was drained. After a bit, I heard it in her voice --she was fine, normal, but tired.

My Mom didn't want to leave her alone, but she insisted she'd be fine. Was gonna take a Xanax and go to bed. We didn't come home until 10 pm. I'll bet she sleeps all night....boy is she going to be sore tomorrow. Kept complaining about her shoulder and kept an ice pack on it.

Keep her in your prayers please, she's a trooper, an independant soul, but stubborn! No signs of anything wrong, no stroke or other weakness.

She said she'd call me in the morning....I hope she does.

I'll go up there tomorrow, fix her something to eat; clean the kitchen. Fold the laundry that I put in the wash/dry tonight for her.

I hope she will be OK. She's a very Godly woman and I'm sure she's already asked for the Lord to keep a watch over her.

I'll do the same.

T-shirt Orders for Breast Cancer

2009-04-23T21:48:00.004-04:00

http://lvskemosharkreport.blogspot.com/2009/04/t-shirt-for-lavondas-benefit.html

Click the above link to link to the link to buy a TShirt.

A while back I posted that one of our former dance teachers was having a breast cancer battle. The Relay For Life starts off this weekend with benefit concerts and raffles and such.

In her last couple of posts, it mentions these concerts etc and the benefits going towards her financial burden of the treatments.

If anyone can order a shirt, please do. I plan to get us one, I'm already sporting the bracelet that reads "we love lv".

My (Paternal) Great Aunt Bobbie has just been diagnosed with Stage One Breast Cancer, and is following up on her test results and talking with a surgeon. She's in her 70's. Nonetheless, we'd love to see her beat this too.

My paternal G-ma was a breast cancer survivor.

Please remember LV & Bobbie in your prayers.

So far there are no cases on my maternal side....yay!!

What a beautiful day!

2009-04-21T15:01:00.003-04:00

You could not have asked for more perfect weather. Mid 70's near 80 this week with a beautiful sky.

This past weekend was spent at a dance competition. We had a burger n dog cookout with Tom as head Chef on Saturday. It was so relaxing to be outside in lawn chairs in between dances....the kids had a blast.

We ended up spending a night in Myrtle just because....why not? The commercial always says "wanna get away"....my answer is YES.

Monday was back to reality and work...I don't know where my head was but while I was upgrading our accounting software I lost 2008 in on of our sister companies. Hope the CPA has my back up disk and emails it to me. Luckily 2008 wasn't "busy" for that particular company so even if I have to enter it by hand, it will be OK.

On our way home from dance last night the sky was gorgeous. The setting sun reflecting through the trees and clouds...it was like a Monet print! I do love God's coloring.

Too bad I had left the camera at home...would have been a perfect sky for beach shots.

But today! Wow! I couldn't stand it anymore...the pool filter was on, making splashing sounds. So I donned some tanning clothes and grabbed a book (Bill Engvall's "Just A Guy"). Sitting on the deck, hearing the pool and smelling the chemicals......oh my. I soooooo wanted to dive in. However, the pool is still a chilly 68-70. Darnnit.

Soon, I'll be on my float, soon.

I think I'll fill some floats with water and let em float around and heat up the water faster.........

Top 25 Car Theft Cities

2009-04-15T17:17:00.003-04:00

No. 15: Myrtle Beach, S.C.

2008 Rank: 15
2007 Rank: 23

# Thefts in 2008: 1,586
Rate of Thefts: 616.21

Notes: A vehicle theft rank of 1 is the worst. The rate of thefts is determined by the number of vehicle theft offenses per 100,000 inhabitants using the most current U.S. Census Population Estimates available. A higher rate means more thefts per capita.

Well this bites! I mean, we're there at least 6 times a year....bet they won't steal my lil old go cart Nissan...nooooo.

(Better clean it out now that I've said this - ya know?)

We travel to the lovely Myrtle a lot...sometimes just for fun. Hell, who am I kidding? It's always for fun whether it be for a dance competition or dinner or shopping or just lazying on the beach in July when the parents are there.

Hmmmm, I'll be close to that this weekend, I wonder.....

Spring is finally here, but where have I been?

2009-04-11T17:35:00.002-04:00

HAPPY EASTER ALL!!

Geesh, it's like an eternity since I've posted.

What have I been up to?

Not much.....same old stuff. Having to fix a dance costume for Miss T's acro class. They gave us a black unitard and said "enhance" to match with the crazy circus theme they're doing. Having fun with that....I'll have to post a pic when it's done. Then another kid wants me to fix hers...never ending...LOVE IT!!

We ran away, again. Once we found out we didn't have to dance at the Azalea Festival after all last weekend I booked a room in Charlotte and took off for Carowinds (theme park).

Miss T hates rides....such a sissy mary. Tom loves roller coasters and we put him on about 5. Did the water rafting ride and I didn't get wet ha ha ha!! So glad too. The weather was PERFECT! Sunny and 74 - gorgeous. The tulips were blooming.

Started to go over to Asheville to the mountains, but that would have been a long ride home on Monday...sooooo....I headed up I-77.

WRONG IDEA.

Traffic! 10 miles = 1.5 hours. Road construction! How rude.

So we begged off around Hwy 421 and headed over towards the mountains, just for a peek. Stopped to stretch and turned around to head to Winston Salem for the evening.

Just touring.

No schedule, no fuss......just out and about.

Miss T has been on Spring Break this week...and bored!

It is amazing to see how green everything has all of a sudden become. Dogwoods in bloom....Red Buds too. Gorgeous.

Mom's church had an egg hunt today; my niece and nephew went and so did Miss T, to help. Then lil mr man came home with me so his mom and baby sis could nap. He continued hiding eggs in my yard and then inside.

He learned a new phrase thanks to "Alvin and the Chipmunks"....."Daddy likes to wear dirty underwear"...oh his Mom is real excited over that one.

Tom has been Pool Boy today....cover is off, chemicals are in and the water temp is 68! Won't be long. Think I'll fill some floats with water and let them heat it on up for an early dip soon. One problem...the pump seems to be leaking. Hope it's just a gasket, an easy fix. Cross your fingers.

After this week I think I'm going to have to go back to working on Tuesdays, at least for a while. Things are slipping through the cracks and I'm really getting behind! Told bossman it wasn't a great idea to cut my hours. Sigh...I will miss having that extra day, but the cha-ching will be good!

Happy Easter everyone!

Put a Cork in the Weenie Balloon The Owners are home!

2009-03-22T19:22:00.004-04:00

Good Grief Charlie Brown!

Girls night out...hmmmm. Used to be about bar hopping and yelling from the car windows. Now a days we just crash someone's house and throw a par-tee!

Friends early birthday party at the home of another friends parents. Follow that? I'm getting the shtz talked about me because I can't go to the beach and hang out with them.

Little did this "one" know that I was at the 'rents house getting the food on the table while they drove the birthday girl around. They lure her to this house under false pretenses of dropping in for whatever, then meeting ME at a restaurant in town, and after that heading to Myrtle.

WRONG!

Party planner sticks her head out the front door and says "Come on in for a minute, I gotta pee" so birthday girl and friend 3 get out. BD girl comes in to "SURPRISE" and gets tears in her eyes. No one ever plans a party for her, so we just had to do it.

Unbeknownst to her, her daughter (who was at a game and "couldn't make it") was also on her way here. Playing a game of hide n seek with one of the kids, the BD girl was hiding and her own daughter found her! She was shocked! More tears.

So, we're all caught in the lie! Ha ha ha on her!!

Beer and wine on ice, music and laughter...food everywhere. The homeowner left for a meeting so we just kept on keeping on. One time someone said "hey were are the owners of this house?" as if we had just landed in a vacant home.

It was kinda odd, I mean, there we were having a good time and ....no owners.

I came into the room a little late (camera in hand of course) to find them trying to stuff a weenie into a balloon. Well, they got it, but it broke in half. So someone had the bright idea to stick one of the wine corks in it.

Hmmmm wonder what kinda gasses would have built up if we had let that stay? No telling who or when the cork would pop.

Well, the owners showed up (Mom & Dad to planner) and the laughter just kept roaring. Finally about 1 am, we all found our way to a spot to lay our heads. Sleep? Nope, not me....I ended up with a stiff neck and nodded in and out of sleep.

We swore that we wouldn't post any of the incriminating photos, so ...sorry, no evidence.

All in all it was a good time, much needed by all!

Love is grand!

2009-03-20T22:29:00.002-04:00

Thank you all for snapping me back to reality. I'm just experiencing overload and it should ease up soon. (It had better!!) I should prioritize my workload better and not let it get so overwhelming. Home...that needs orgainizing too.

The new great-nephew in Hot-lanta should be home today. Got to see some email pics of him and his big brother. Such a happy family.

My niece (10 months) is finally walking on her own. Boy does she want to go everywhere RIGHT NOW! She's fearless too. Watch out mom and dad.

My nephew, Lil Mr Man, is such a joy...always full of hugs n kisses and so glad to see his Aunt. Does me good. We all had dinner together tonight at our favorite pizza joint up on the beach. So nice.

Then I headed over to the pier because the sun seemed to be in a decent position for some pictures. I hope so, I haven't looked at them yet. I do so love the beach, the sand, the shells, the smells.

Today is DAY 60 for Tom. 60 days sober.......WOW! I am so proud of him and I know this has been hard, very hard. Miss T and I both can push his buttons, so you can imagine. He seems to be taking things one day at a time, slowing down, not over-reacting...he's happier and calmer. God is good!

Tomorrow is GIRLS NIGHT and anything goes. I need a night to veg! Wine me up and watch out! Just keep the vino chilled and pouring!

There is a new blogger out there....a former dance teacher of Miss T's who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. After a mamogram something still wasn't feeling right for her so she had a MRI and low and behold...you just never know. Girls, keep pushing and insisting to your Dr to look harder if you sense something is amiss.

http://lvskemosharkreport.blogspot.com/

She is taking this like a trooper. Go over and give her a shout and keep her and her 2 small kids in your thoughts and prayers. God does work miracles...we just need to ask!

I wanna run away....

2009-03-19T21:01:00.003-04:00

I found myself checking out an airline ticket and rental car to Florida for a quick get-away today. Not bad for 4 days....$200.

Knew just where I was heading too....

For some reason today was tough. No, not just today, but this whole week. Guessing it's all catching up with me.

Ever since Tom's accident, we've been a one car family. I work 20 miles away; which means I leave work early to drive home just to turn around again to get Miss T to dance. Before, Tom was the taxi.

This week we've looked at 2 different vehicles...the Highlander and just yesterday we found ourselves at the GMC dealership looking at a truck almost identical to the one we lost.

I think that I have not truly mourned the loss of my baby truck. It was a senseless thing; however it has lead to the much needed sobriety of Mr Man.

Everyone depends on me to do any and everything; I think for these people (even at work) and it gets next to me. ME: "Tom, did you call R for a ride?" T: "No" ME: "It's getting late, better get him before he makes other plans"....

No brainer...if you want a ride to AA....duh.

BOSS: "I paid a bill but I don't know why, find out for me"
ME: "Um, you signed up for this service in January!"

MOM: "I'm stuck in your yard"
ME: (I'm not home) "OK, I'll be there soon" in the meantime I run into my neighbor and ask him to help us.

NANNY: "Sharon I want to go get a haircut if you are going into town on your day off"
ME: (sigh.................)

Miss T: "Mom, where's my......? Oh!"
ME: It doesn't matter if it's in front of her nose she just can't see it. I swear sometimes she's a real blonde!

And then there's all these projects I'd like to start or finish, not to mention house work.

I keep hearing about this archaic word...."fun"...anyone have any idea what that's about?

Where is my ME time?

Now I feel like there is something physically wrong with me. I know it's the stress, tension and all, but in the back of my mind I can't help but wonder.....is there more?

A new Great Nephew on Patty's!

2009-03-18T11:20:00.003-04:00

Now the Luck of the Irish was indeed upon us.

Ashton Patrick was born on ye old St Patrick's Day. I'm sure his Great Grandma would have been very proud to share "her" day with him. Maybe she was giving a "push" from Heaven eh?

Seems the real "push" came from Scalini's Eggplant Parmesean. There is tales of many a baby being born within 48 hours of consuming this "famous" dish and yes indeed, my great niece indulged! Maith thú (well done!)

www.scalinis.com/backgrounds/bambino1

A couple of pushes and all 8 pounds of hisself arrived! Shamrocks, shilelagh and all that other blarney accounted for!

Congrats to the Mama & Papa!!

Happy St Patty's!

2009-03-17T22:56:00.002-04:00

This was a decent day for a holiday.

Tom didn't want the normal Corned Beef....said it had too many bad memories. So I made Beef Stew, the "original" meal of the great Island.

Miss T and I made a Pistachio Nut Cake (delish) and she made 7 layer cookies. I had plans to make the Irish Soda Bread, but Tom said "don't worry about that".

My Mom picked Miss T up from school at the request of my nephew. They came over, and my Mom got STUCK in my back yard! (It's been raining for 3 days) Luckily my neighbor was riding behind me, and I pulled into his yard to say "hey come help me pull her out". The funny thing about this was that my nephew whipped out his pretend cell phone from his back pocket to call ME!

"Aunt Sharon, hurry come help us we're stuck in the mud"

Too funny.

And Aunt Sharon did just that!

He thinks I can do everything.

It made me remember, I miss my truck, I really miss my truck. But that was a small price to pay if it sobers Tom up and makes him well. So far so good (knocking on wood still). I am proud of him for going this far. He reaches day 60 this Friday. WOW!!!!

Keep up the prayers for him, for us...there's still court to come.

On a happier note, I've been getting to know my new sewing machine. I put together a dress for Miss T. One of those tube type dresses that are elastic banded across the bust...and added some straps, cause she's weird about "what if it falls down?". It's in a favorite pattern of hers...cherries on a black background.

Now Tom wants to make over our extra bedroom so I won't be sewing on the kitchen table. Hmmmmmm, my own hideaway. Could be nice.

G'nite, Sharon go Braless!

Brother

2009-03-12T11:31:00.002-04:00

This is the California brother.....

Drama Mama

2009-03-10T22:18:00.002-04:00

I must be getting old and cranky.

The rules and regs at our dance studio are relaxing and I fear it will continue to get worse if things don't change.

Some parents are wishing for more updated dance techniques (me for one). I just don't see the "pop" in ours much.

The irritation for me is the lack of respect for the presentation. We are required to present a uniform fashion: tights, shoes, eyelashes, makeup/hair color/style. I am one of those Mom's that everyone can come to for help with applying such especially the false eyelashes. They are a chore.

But what I have observed is the disregard the kids have for the efforts put out by the studio and their parents.

For instance, walking around in bare tights without shoes on concrete outside and across the street to a burger joint.
1) Tights will be ruined and dirty
2) Tights are expensive ($15 up)

Not wearing protective coverup over expensive costume while not onstage.
1) running around, playing, falling,
2) EATING! OMG! If there is a stain on that costume, I'll......

And the parents are allowing this....I watched it.

Our kids are asked/required to keep up their dance skills throughout the summer. When we were at the School of the Arts we watched very talented teachers bringing some new skills to the floor.

My question is, why aren't the teachers requied to have "continuing education" as well? We need some fresh art.....fresh steps. I spend a lot of money each year in "tuition" and, yes, she's a stronger dancer, but they are the same steps.

Time for teachers to step up too!

Home from Competition, again.

2009-03-09T22:20:00.003-04:00

These dance weekends are showing MY age!

My aches have aches. Nevertheless, I push forth. The show must go on they say. Miss T's tap group got a judge's award "fun, fun, fun award" -- I admit they're group was entertaining.

Golden awards for the groups and solo...nice!
Saw some old friends that had moved away, that's always great.

Sunday after our last dance I did treat Miss T to the Cheesecake Factory, her one request other than shopping at the mall. The weather was awesome. High 70's even 80 on Sunday and a light breeze. Perfect Spring like weather for walking and enjoying the landscape.

Tom is still dilligently attending AA and determined to keep the demons at bay. We're all so proud of him. It is nice to see him smiling these days.

I won't be smiling come 8am Tuesday....the dreaded Jury Duty Selections! Ugh.

To snow or not to snow?

2009-03-03T23:12:00.002-05:00

It's certainly a snow job.

Seems the weather around here doesn't know which way to go. Threats of snow Sunday night and into Monday delayed schools in surrounding counties. The sight of snow Monday night delayed our county schools 2 hrs on Tuesday.

Then the sun was out most of the day. Windy and cold for the past 3 days. 20's tonight. Going to be up in the 70's this weekend.

I'd say Mother Nature has it in for us. No one can get better; my niece and nephew are still sniffly; Miss T has a bad cough too.

I'm not the only one surprised by the latest Winter storm. Seems we were in the bubble and missed out on the worst of it. Even to the South of us it was blizzard like. My lil brother was in Charlotte trying to get back home via airplane and was delayed. He must have been one of the last planes they let out.

Lot of my Facebook friends even were amazed at the snow, in March!

So I'm thinking, "gee wonder how the weather in Raleigh will be this weekend?" since we have a dance competition. They get snow and ice! Not my cup of tea.

Speaking of cups....I broke my coffee pot this weekend. Just tipped it ever so gently off the side of the counter and it broke into thousands of pieces, luckily on my old rug by the sink. Rolled up the rug and tossed it and glass in the trash.

Gotta shop for a new rug....and coffee pot. Thankfully I had a back up coffee maker. Miss T has become a coffee drinker too. It helps with her throat in the morning. Yeah, right, she just loves the French Vanilla cream ....makes it more like a Latte than anything.

It would have been nice to have a bit of accumilation of snow this year. We barely had enough for decent snowballs. Although, I'm not a lover of snow, it is fun to watch and know the kids are having a blast in it.

Don't know about y'all, but I'm ready for some warm weather!

More treats for me

2009-02-26T20:43:00.002-05:00

I finally bought the sewing machine. A Viking 118. I couldn't talk myself into the computerized one...too afraid it wouldn't work right or it would need "updating". LOL Just gimme a good dial in setting and I'll be fine.

This past Monday I gave it a test drive. Last night of classes and I finished up my little elastic do dad, I brought out the book and started playing with the different settings.

Did my very first "automatic" button hole and sewed the button too with the machine. Blind hem was a breeze. Amazing what the proper tools can accomplish. I'm so excited.

Now I need to clean out that space and make room for some creativity.

Another treat (for us all) is that it has now been 5 weeks of sobriety for Tom (still knocking on wood).

Still trying to be positive and looking up instead of down. But I did blow my top this past Monday when I asked if he had accomplished some things and he said NO. I've asked him to make a list....of anything, feelings or things to do or places to go. Nope, just won't do it.

Told him I couldn't take care of everyone and work and be Miss Nice all at the same time.....loudly.

I know, bad me. Hey, I can't always be Mary Sunshine ya know.

Hello from NCSA in Winston Salem

2009-02-20T16:17:00.003-05:00

This is way too cool...

Using my very own laptop in the comfort of my own hotel room.

Nah, (ok yes, but....)

This Dance Festival is AWESOME! It's not a "festival" as in carnival and cotton candy. These kids are divided up into small groups and given extensive training by some wonderful teachers. A real live college experience included with its own country mile walk across campus.

Boy am I ever outta shape!! (Huff puff gasp wheeeeez)

Miss T is done for now. We have tickets to a show later on in the Stevens Center which is just beyond our parking deck ...how convenient!!

From our room you can see the mountain line. We have a view of the 2nd floor roof top which is covered with pebbles, so I have properly named it "Pebble Beach". As I told Tom we have a view of Pebble Beach and the Mountains...best of both worlds!

And wouldn't you know I forgot to bring my camera!! Never EVER do I do that. Miss T grabbed hers but it's in the car for now.

Speaking of the car.............

I rented a car (due to the truck...) went on Hotline, picked out a $16/day full size special...$88 bucks. Cool. Easy enough. At the rental counter I said to the lady "so what am I getting?" and she said "a Malibu". OK.

When the guy came in with the keys, she said "Oh. No it's a Town Car."

Wooooooooo Hoooooooooo!

It's just like my Mom's only black. We girls are stylin and profilin in our "mini limo". At the front of the hotel the valet guy said "for a minute I thought it was a limo" and me being me said "I know, my late husband left this to me in his will!" just as serious as I could be.

The fellow thought I was serious and I didn't tell him any different!!!!

Well, as Tigger would say, "tah tah for now"!!!!

I gotta new toy just in time for my trip!

2009-02-18T21:35:00.003-05:00

I'm in the big league now! Bought myself a laptop!

HP G60 16" screen; 3GB / 320GB with webcam & wireless built in!!

And the Vista Home...grr....I've been tweeking it. I've a good mind to put XP on and then dump Vista!

Thursday we're heading up to Winston to the School of the Arts for the weekend. Miss T will be in classes Friday afternoon, then a show; classes all day Saturday and part of Sunday. The forecast is for snow Saturday night. We'll see.

I'm so excited..to be going. The teacher chooses the students to go - this year I think about 20 kids from our studio. The largest ever!!

My nephew is much better...seems it was indeed an allergic reaction. His lil sister is good too...everyone is good!! (still knocking on wood)

Today is Tom's 30th day! Woooo hooooo! I've made a big deal of it, sort of. He had his eye on the 260pc mechanics tool set on sale at Sears for $199 soooo...yep, I bought it too!!

It's just like Christmas around here today.

I've been kicking around more on Facebook...that can be addicting. Plus Angie turned me on to some fragrent sites and of course I ordered some goodies. Figured Miss T would want to make some soaps again.

Ooooh yummmmmmmmmm....I smell warm brownies. Miss T popped some in the oven and WOW it's time to dive into them.

I would share, but......!

All's Good, knock on wood

2009-02-13T14:04:00.003-05:00

Happily reporting that the Nephew was suffering from an allergy to the antibiotic Augmentin that he was taking. Hmmmm....must not be the penicillin doing it but the other ingredient since he's taken Amoxil before.

He went to pre-school this morning and I'll get to see him for a bit today (I got him a M&M's Valentine Candy!!) before me and Miss T head to Myrtle for the Dance Competition this weekend. Mr Man is not going. He'll be home, alone, by the phone as the saying goes.....no car.

Speaking of Mr Man.

Interesting developments with him.

AA is going well for him and he even said this past Monday "I need to go to the meeting".

Everybody scream YAY!!

He did get the Antibuse Rx from his Doc on Monday and is taking it. This is a GOOD thing especially since I'm out of town this weekend and next weekend (Dance of course). Can you say TEST? If he slips off the wagon he'll get violently sick while taking the meds.

But I see in him an honest desire to be rid of his demons. He is opening up more with me and in the meetings (I'm told). Our home life is "easy" for now. Next Wednesday will mark his official 30 DAY dry anniversary and he'll get a new "chip" on Thursday. Let's keep everything crossed and the prayers going for the next 60 days. I'm told the first 90 are the roughest.

I remain optimistic and encouraging. This positivity can only help in his recovery.

There is an appointment made for next week with an attorney...we'll see what could happen then.

On another note, I'm looking for a new ride since the family truckster met its demise. I can't travel in this Altima, not to these dance competitions with all I have to take. Been looking at the Toyota Highlander....Tom isn't attracted to it...he likes the Buick Rainier or GMC's Envoy or Arcadia.

Sigh.......anyone have any experiences they'd like to share on a nice SUV?

My Nephew is So Sick!

2009-02-12T12:23:00.003-05:00

His poor Mom is beside herself...he's been sick, fevered, snotty etc off and on for over a month and finally this past Monday he got "the shot" -- one in each leg and seemed to get better. This was after he was 106 and seeing "spiders and snakes" and afraid to go to bed.

He was at my house yesterday when I got home, running around, playing and loving.

He had another rough night and now today he's throwing up! Might be the Augmentin, God knows that stuff is nasty enough.

Say some prayers for him....he's just 3 1/2 and too little to be so sick. His sister (9 months) is so far so good.....but she's on antibiotics too!

Ups, Downs and more snow

2009-02-04T10:08:00.003-05:00

Snowing today.....what's up with that? Just a drizzle of snow though. It will be gone before sunset. It did look pretty as I was driving into work this morning - all flakey and flying around. Luckily our ground temps are warm enough to go ahead and melt the mess although it will stay on the bushes and trees for a bit.

I know the kids at school were hyped up to see it -- hoping for another "snow day". But as I reminded Miss T recently, that just means you'll have a make up day.

I remember loving to see it snow as a kid. Playing in it as long as I could since we rarely got any snow here in the coastal south. Christmas of '89 we had the "big blizzard" and there was about 30" of snow in my yard! What a slushy mess!

Ups & Downs?
Well, yeah, I know I've been MIA for over a week. Trust me when I say OVERLOAD.
January 19th -- my first night of sewing classes. Always trust your instincts. Miss T wanted a dance mom to drop her off to me when they were done (7pm) so I agreed even though I wouldn't be finished until 8:30pm.

Mr Man had been in town earilier that day...checking on his new glasses and had been drinking. I was furious! Why was he driving around like that? Said he had hit the front of the truck on something, he "thinks" a tree....????? but was on his way home. (Yes he DID go home; began to ready himself for the court date of 1/20, packing an overnight bag and meds cause it's a 4 hour drive up to ECity.)

You cannot rationalize with a drunk. I've learned to let be whatever will be.

After classes we headed on home, and I was on my cell with my Mom explaining this to her. I turned down our main road (a state highway) and about half way home I noticed ahead beyond a curve LIGHTS...an accident. I said to Mom "wonder if it's Tom?". I mean for real, he was already "under the influence" and you never know what they'll get to thinking. I approached a guy directing traffic and asked "would that happen to be a 4 dr grey truck?"........

He said "maybe"....I'm still on the phone with my Mom and I say "hmmmmm". Next I approach one of the patrolmen and ask the same question and his response was "Yeah. Lives right up the road here?" asking me in return. I said Yeah, then that's my husband and sure enough standing in front of the ambulance is what I expected.

Miss T saw him first....I looked past him at my beautiful truck crumpled in the deep ditch, kissing a tree. He had near missed a head on, and clipped the mirror and gone off the road. He had a slight cut on his forehead and stood there with the dumbest care less look on his face. The cop says to me "he's drunk" and myself says back (without thought) "ya think?". One day they're gonna arrest my smart ass!!

The patrolman took him to the hospital first, then to jail. It was 2 days before I would really talk with Tom. I let him sit and sober up.

That was a Monday night. In the meantime I'm calling all around to rehab centers for help....right! Good luck. You've got to almost be court ordered to get in or brought in by hospital referral (remember the Thursday before? Tried that one.).

Fast forward to Saturday afternoon when I finally bailed him out of jail under the assumption that he was now ready to reclaim his life. He sat in jail, listening to other "guests" and said to me more than once "you wouldn't believe the attitude and comments coming from these" drunks....I said Oh yes I would. He realized then he was basically watching a mirror image of himself.

What happened?

He came home that Monday as he said he would; got ready for an early bedtime (since he was to get up early on Tuesday); took his pain meds and an Ambien (yes on top of all that drinking) and got dressed for bed.

Sometime unbeknownst to him, he got in the truck and drove away. His only memory is trying to back out of the ditch and then a cop getting him out of the truck. Nothing between bedtime and then.

Scarey. Had I not been in a class until 8:30pm it could have been ME and Miss T he hit.

The Ambien label warns about sleepwalking.

In the back of Tom's mind, what was he pondering? Death? It sure looked like it.

"Scared straight" Tom began AA meetings, saying "I don't want to live like this anymore" and it seems he really began to look at this problem sincerely. His comment to me was "I thought I had it under control, but I guess I was wrong."

He came home from the first AA meeting excited! Roomie's hubby took him...I have strict orders that I don't drive him to or from a meeting unless it is a dire emergency.

This past Monday he had an appointment with a clinic to assess his need for counseling. He seems to really want to go through with this!

I am handling this much better than I thought. I can see the sincere pain and desire to be whole. So it is my job (I'm told and I read) to remain optimistic and encouraging which is what I am trying to do. I have told him how proud I am that he is taking these steps on his own.

He visited the truck yesterday, shocked at its appearance. At dinner he became very emotional while talking about it. Seeing the truck was a solidifying realization of just how far out there he was - and how close to death he came.

Scared sober?

Let's hope so. I'm knocking on wood......and hopeful.

Snow-more

2009-01-21T13:44:00.002-05:00

“I think you will see between two and four inches of snow,” said Mark Bacon of the National Weather Service in Wilmington on Monday. “Not as much closer to the coast but more in the northwest part of the county.”

I traveled up to the county seat and it was only a dusting, like that that I had at home. There may have been an accumilation of 2" on my deck, but I didn't notice that much in my yard.

Funny...I guess the Weather Service wanted to be "safe" rather than "sorry" in its predicition. Nevertheless, the schools were closed Monday for the Holiday and then Tuesday and Wednesday because of the potential of ICE patches. Safety First!!

So today it's melting, melting, melting. YAY.
And warm - 41!!

I'm at work, but not, you know the kind of day. Won't be here long because my windshield wiper is acting funny and I don't want to get caught where I have to use it and can't.

Friggin Brrrr - Cold Day In......

2009-01-20T22:48:00.007-05:00

Cold....it's just plain cold.
I'm not supposed to be cold. I'm a Southern Belle.
I'm a SOUTHERN COASTAL BELLE for crying outloud!!

Snow! Most of the afternoon a light flaking. Not much. Not like the headline on my local AOL said --- 4 inches. It was about one inch...maybe a bit more. Our coastal air helps to keep it at bay which is fine with me.

So we have a new President....big, nice speech I'm told. I didn't get to watch it at all because I was running an errand before the roads turned to ice. It was weird watching the snow coming down as we were swearing in the new President.

Miss T went out several times to "dance" in the snow...she loves snow. Later I went out with her for a friendly lil snowball fight. One time I was standing inside the door taking a pic of her holding the snowball and I said "dare ya". She tossed it as I snapped the pic and it whizzed by my head and into the house!

There is a Mr Man update....but I won't go into it now. He didn't go to Court today and not because of the weather. Some drastic changes are a coming.

SNOW ?!?!?!

2009-01-19T15:25:00.005-05:00

Up to 4 inches of snow forecast around Wilmington; no word on school schedules yet.

(This was an internet headline on the starnews section of my AOL -- gotta love reporters....we barely got an inch)

YIKES! I hope that's all!

The forecast is COLD all week...and the sky today is gray. Perfect for s-s-s-s-snow. It would be my neice (8 months) and nephew's (3 yrs) first snow ever.

I'm off tomorrow, so I will get my "snow day". Tom will be traveling to ECity for his court date.......ALONE! Nope, I'm not going. Not my problem.

Time for me?

2009-01-13T22:37:00.002-05:00

Funny.

Every time I think I have time for me, something blows in.

But I'm not letting it take over this time. I signed myself up for some sewing classes that start next Monday - 6 Monday's in a row. It's been 30 years since I started sewing and I figured I needed a "refresher" course. Besides I need a new machine. My old Singer aka Satan's Spawn has finally bit the dust.

My Great Grandma sewed on the old foot pedal machine and my Nanny still has that thing. I learned on it!! Mom had a fancy new machine when I was growing up so I jumped on it, just messing around. In High School, Home Economics had a semester where we were taught sewing....

When I was pregnant, I made myself a maternity dress....Nanny said it looked like a TENT! Well, duh..so did I.

I've made dresses etc for Miss T. Pantaloons, crinolins and mice heads for Nutcracker. I even made myself a skirt and shirt for one Nutcracker performance a couple years back. Those "leg o mutton sleeves" are fun. (I won't say how many curse words I uttered using Satan's Spawn) I have a serger and that helped save my day sometimes.

These classes will also give me an opportunity to feel out some new machines and decide which one I want to buy. Yes, I'd love to go for the $1000 type with all the bells and whistles, but........

I'm ready to refresh my skills and possibly turn this craft into, who knows, a profitable art? There are so many new ideas and creations. I wouldn't mind making items for local events or charity for a raffle or the like. As it is, I help out with the dance costumes, adjusting straps and hems etc...I could do more.

I just want to be creative again!!

Sew-EZ is a quick & cute pattern; Simplicity isn't too bad either. Butterick too.

So Bloggerville gang, what pattern maker is your favorite?

Do you have a sewing machine tip for someone in the market?

Here we go again.....

2009-01-11T23:00:00.003-05:00

Let's just say there's a lot of Crap around here.

Not just the ordinary daily stuff. The Tommy-drama.

Who knew as soon as I had written/titled the last post that I'd be really "back to reality"? Only this time too close for comfort.

Wrong place, wrong time on Tuesday.

Jumped, beaten with fists and a handgun. Broke nose, 5 staple stitches closing up the gap in the back of the head. Truck stolen and wrecked (rear bumper/tailgate damage); recovered.

My comment: " - next time you probably won't get out alive."

Don't even offer to suggest he attend AA or the like, I already did. You have to "have a problem" first.........ahem. Remember he's the "victim" here, uh huh.

This shit'll kill him sooner or later.

Hardens my heart....

I have options.

Back to Reality

2009-01-06T12:31:00.003-05:00

Lovely, just lovely. Going back to work after being OFF for 12 days. Isn't WORK a four letter word anyway? And Momma said stay away from 4 letter words, didn't she?

So here I sit at work, trying to remember where I left off. I have a tub of mail, you know the kind they give you at the post office when you've been GONE for a long time. It's time to pay bills and get the draws from the clients. Balance 8 checkbooks and begin the dreaded W-2's.

I had a terrific headache yesterday and stayed home. Told Tom I wanted a week in the Tampa/Sarasota/Nokomis area....just to do nothing! He said when and I said NOW. I had wanted to do this and that and didn't get the time. Guess I could have "bit the bullet" and let the FIL assume we could only be with him for 2 days, but......

He's 80. How many more holidays will there be?

Now that I'm a certified flyer, I can JET off anytime...well, as long as Mr Wallet and Ms Bank Account says so. Hmmmm...weekend getaway? I sat looking at my map of the area, saying to myself "I didn't go here and there and....."

I gotta say...Miss T did an AWESOME job in the airplane. The trip down you could see the fear in her face (I have pictures). She claimed she was "never doing that again" but as the week wore on, she realized it wasn't so bad.

The flight home was bumpier than the ride down...I pointed out to Miss T that there were scattered rain clouds about, and that she had learned enough about clouds to know if they had water in them and we "drove" over them, we'd "bump" just like a car does on the road. She didn't pull my arm off this time! All she wanted was something to drink....when she's nervous, she's thirsty!

Tom? Well waiting for us in the mailbag at home was notice from the Attorney of the new court date of January 20th. Remember he was "appealing" the previous decision. I think he'll lose the appeal especially if he gets a jury with some MADD mothers etc on it.....but, the attorney wanted the sentencing of "1 year no license and probation and $500 fine" in the bag before he would do the appeal.

I think he should take what he got....he could get worse. We'll see.

Home Sweet Home

2009-01-02T22:39:00.004-05:00

1 hour and 14 minutes total plane ride!

WOW! It's like a time warp...first you're in Florida then POOF you're home in NC.
In the picture above you can see the tip of Wrightsville Beach's Shell Island (bottom right of picture).

Now I've decided I like plane flying and always want a window seat with camera in hand!

The week at the FIL's was, well, ............decent, but quiet with the occassional table talk laughter. New Year's Eve we had fingerfoods of pigs n blankets, shrimp, chips, dip, cheese, deli meats and bread. The Champagne was chillin and I was downing a rather large bottle of wine with my BIL...we opened bottle #2. After Aulde Anxiety was sang and the kisses and toasts, we had cheesecake and waddled off to bed.

My favorite part of the whole trip:

My girls: We forgot to make a crazy picture!!

and the one we missed----Martha, I hope you are feeling much better. I missed you so much!

HAPPY 2009 Y'ALL!!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T01:00:00.000-05:00

I was trying to come up with some TOP reasons we are glad to see 2008 behind us.

The Elections.

The pain & suffering of the Recession.

Watching my savings dwindle.

Highest Gas Prices EVER.

Tom's incident in E City.

My stepDad's heart attack and surgery.

Then what were some of the GOOD things that happened?

Miss T started Pointe.

2 beautiful weddings.

The Holiday's were good, for a change.

Miss T and I made our FIRST AIR PLANE TRIP.

So what am I looking forward to in 2009??

Changes (LOL)

Re-filling my savings & sticking to it!

Tom still wants a boat.

A new sewing machine and taking some refresher classes.

Completing some projects.

Tom's sentencing...ugh.

Watching my niece learn to walk and talk.

My 3 year old nephew going to pre-school.

Miss T's experience at NC School of the Arts in February.

Then her science trip to NC State for the Solar Sprint.

And more FUN!

Happy New Year to us ALL!!

Honeymoon and Sponges?

2008-12-31T10:21:00.008-05:00

Quiet time....... just for us.

While here at my FIL's I frequently leave the premises to go exploring. I can't stand to just sit in the house when there's so much I haven't seen (and there's also the frequent trips to Bealls).

Miss T and I took off for Honeymoon Island. Bethe couldn't meet up for lunch since she was expecting company and spring cleaning so it was just me and my baby.

After a lunch at Chick fil A (which I had to use my GPS on my phone to find) we were off to Honeymoon Island.

There are picnic areas and swings for cozy time. The kids that were there were enjoying running through the Crape Myrtles.

Very nice, quiet, secluded. But...the water's edge is loaded with rocks, so it's not like you can run out into the Gulf. That's ok, it actually helps protect the island. There are shells galore! It was such a peaceful trip.

Since Bethe is near, we drove up to her Abode for a chat and a tour. What a nice peaceful area she's in....sigh.......

Miss T walking Jasmine (Bethe's dog).

Too short of a visit, but Bethe had to get busy for her daughter's arrival and Miss T wanted me to take her back to Tarpon Springs to the Sponge Docks. "Sponge Capital of the World" and indeed it is...loofa's everywhere. It's a Greek area full of Greek goodies and pastries.....yes I did! Baklava Tiramisu...delish!!

These pelicans were aggressive .... feed me Seymore!

Safe & sound and having fun!

2008-12-28T23:44:00.005-05:00

I am so very proud of Miss T.

She got on the plane! I didn't tell her she was flying until about 30 minutes before we were to leave for the airport. She cried alligator tears and said outloud her fears.....running out of gas, crashing etc.

My Mom was there to take us to the airport. Luckily she helped talk Miss T into the flight and I promised her if it was the absolute WORST thing she'd ever experienced that I would drive her home. My Mom also said that "45 years of her life was spent being afraid to fly" and she decided that she didn't want to live in that kind of fear, so she took a short flight. Miss T seemed to listen to our rationalle and walked, head high, fear still showing, but brave, into the airport and onto the plane.

She almost tore my arm off holding on when we took off and when we landed.
I was sitting on the wing window seat and was able to get some great pictures.

The pilot announced were were coming in over Daytona Beach to begin our decent to Orlando. I've been to Daytona several times and quickly recognized the bridge and the racetrack! It was awesome!

It was an hour and oh, 5-15 min flight. But it took us over and hour just to get OUT of Orlando and on our way to Nokomis. The rental car wasn't ready....and by the time it was we were heading out into 5pm traffic straight through I-4 and the Orlando hub-bub of theme park and after work traffic.

Finally reached our hotel at 8:30pm....ahhhhhhh.....

Merry Christmas to ALL!

2008-12-24T21:26:00.000-05:00

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

Tom is watching his tradition of "A Christmas Carol" to help him get into the spirit of the holiday.

So far this has been an easy day. Miss T and I cut out cookies and baked them. I made a dressing for a mixed fruit dish that was a hit tonight at Nanny's. Also the sweet potato and apple casserole was deeeelish! 2 new recipe's I tried that turned out well!!

The sweet potato/apple was easy...sliced 1 large peeled sweet potato and 2 granny smith apples and layered them in a casserole dish. Sprinkled Allspice, Cinnamon and a bit of Nutmeg on them; sprinkled 1/2 cup of brown sugar over that; added dots of butter (1/4 c cut into small pieces) and a handful of Craisins. Baked at 350 for 30 minutes covered....nice! Bet it would be just as good in a pastry too!

The fruit was effortless too...blueberries, strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, grapes all mixed well. The dressing was a sugar/water/honey/lime juice/zest concoction that boiled for 1 minute then was cooled in the fridge for 1 hour. I poured it into the fruit. It called for individual fruit bowls and "add your own", but I figured let em marinate!

So I had enough of the juice leftover tonight and cut up 1 apple and 1 orange into it so that hubby and I can have that tomorrow night with our leftovers from Mom's.

I plan to tell Miss T about the plane ride tomorrow at Mom's. All those people can "help" convince her that it's OK. I hope and pray she doesn't panic. Sometimes it's hard enough to get her on an elevator! Imagine a PLANE!

Well, it's getting close to Santa time here on the East Coast...guess I'd better go to bed so the big guy can make a drop off.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a GOOD NIGHT!!

"Twas the day before Christmas Eve.....

2008-12-23T15:57:00.000-05:00

Counting down the minutes until I leave work
Boss didn't come sign checks, the jerk;
So I did and that's that jack...
We'll all have a Merry Christmas till we get back!

Couldn't help myself. Sometimes you gotta poke fun at your self or your day to get through it. I'm pretty sure I'm ready (not) for Christmas (not) Eve dinner at Nanny's and (not) Christmas Day (not) at Mom's. Planning the dinner goes like this:
"What do you want?"
"I dunno, what do you want?"

"I dunno either....what do you want to fix"
(Doesn't this bring us back to the original question, but in a "back in your court" kind of effect?)

"Well, I'm cooking a ham and a turkey breast and your stepDad wants some kind of potato that we can top with cheese, so I'm suggesting Baked Potatoes....what else do you want?"

(Round 3)

Keep in mind, my family is used to the "old fashioned" way of cooking. Nothing fancy, we have field peas or collards with our meal; probably a sweet potato of some sort usually the casserole with the pecan topping; we don't get into the all day affair....that's kind of sad in a way. Plus now we have 2 under the age of 4 to feed and they won't want to eat brocolli ala anything.

My Tom is used to the Northern way...the Italian's cook all day and you eat all day. This Suthern stuff is, well, foreign to him. My mom always tries to have a dish that he would especially like or want to have to keep him "in tradition". I think that's neat.

My Dad called me today.....same old story with him, as usual. Funny, my Mom and I just mentioned that yesterday how there's always a story with him for the holidays.
Seems he is under the weather (and not drunk SURPRISE) and taking BP meds along with some lasix so he's afraid to travel far especially with traffic. He did seem genuine about meeting up maybe tonight or......

HEY!

I just had a thought!

Why not Christmas Day?

After lunch, there won't be anything else to do (but nap) and we can come into town to meet with him.

BINGO! Unless of course he is "celebrating" or "on vacation" as we've been known to call a drunk spell.

It's always sad for me at Christmas just for a bit, because of all the Christmas' past where he's promised to show up and didn't.

We'll see.

Have a Merry Christmas Y'all!!
Martha - Don't drink my Sundrop!!!!

Silent Night Tag

2008-12-21T23:23:00.001-05:00

It's beginning to look a lot like....

2008-12-21T19:34:00.001-05:00

My Tree....full of white lights and red decorations.
Red is the official color of Christmas, at least to me! Miss T fusses because there's "no other colors"...well when she has her own place........

I cannot believe it is this close to Christmas already. Ready? Sorta. I have the presents wrapped...the meals are in the planning stages.

We'll go to my Nanny's for Eve dinner and gifts and my Mom's on Christmas Day. Ham and Turkey for Christmas and stepDad said "fix baked potatoes"
HUH?
OK I guess that'll work.
I'm going to make a fruit dish (with honey, sugar and lime juice poured over berries and melons)--a new recipe I found. (Remember last year when I said new recipes shouldn't be tested at the holidays??) Maybe a chocolate pie and take some cookies I've baked....and whatever else Mom decides we need (sweet potatoes etc).

It's also going to be in the high 70's here! Chili today hot tamale...geeeesh.

Cross your fingers that bossman comes up with a good bonus on Monday. I'd sure love some traveling cash since we're on da plane to Florida day after Christmas! Pray for a safe trip....pray that me and Miss T will get on that plane -- our first! (I'm getting nervous - tell me I'm silly)

Pray that Martha's gang doesn't drink my SUNDROP that I mailed to her house!

I can hardly wait to be on Casey Key!

Christmas Card

2008-12-10T13:16:00.000-05:00

http://www.dancingsantacard.com/?santa=64668

I guess since Unc Sam and Co won't bail out little ole me, you'll get THIS card for Christmas.

ROFL....Missie did hers and she Rocked! So....here's to you!

2008-12-08T23:20:00.001-05:00

Hot Bird

2008-12-03T22:31:00.000-05:00

This morning as I was sitting at my table enjoying my everything bagel with link sausage I looked out my back sliding door. The temps were in the high 20's so there was frost everywhere. A rather plump bird had perched on my deck rail and I thought "now that's a beautiful picture" and I pondered about getting my camera.

I said "If I move, he'll fly away...maybe...."
Then I remembered my stepDad was on his way over for some coffee, so I said "well, he'll be here soon and probably scare him off before I can get the shot".

Needless to say, I didn't move or get the camera or the shot.

But I watched this bird with the background of glistening beauty. Then I noticed "steam"....the kind like when you're out in the cold and you can "see" your breath. I thought this was odd....can the bird be breathing that heavily??

Too be sure not?
But what?

Then he turned a bit and ruffled his tail feathers my way.
NO FRIGGIN WAY!!

YEP....the bird was crapping on my deck rail and the steam was coming from "you know what/where"!

Just messed up that perfect picture for me right then and there, damn bird.

Thanks & Giving

2008-11-30T00:28:00.000-05:00

Yeah the Turkey is finally outta here.....but I really like cold turkey especially the sandwiches. But only the white meat! I'll even eat cold dressing!

Miss T and myself joined the rest of the family at my Mom's house for the feast. My little brother had brought a girl-guest with him. Of course Tom is still in TX and was missed at the table.

Everyone has been sick....except my Nanny. But her heat system is broke and they are ordering the part. She cannot even run the emergency heat, so I am insisting that she stay with us at least at night...she goes home during the day to do her "busy work". She has to be doing something and at 86 I would hope I would be too.

Miss T was home from school all week with her cold/flu whatever it was...sore throat and cough/sneeze/snot etc. I only worked one day this week....and I'll get paid for Thursday. Whoooopie eh? That's ok.....I'm thankful I have a job and things will pick up soon for us. If not....I'll worry about that later.

While we were home this week Miss T put up our tree....I've never had it up this early before in my life! She did a great job - ran me out of the room until it was time to put on the lights.

What kind of lights do you have?
I insist on ALL WHITE and at least 1000 on my tree. Tom says planes have trouble landing because of it. It seriously troubles my eyes when I'm decorating it....and it is done in RED decorations too....

I use a big bow on top. No angel or star for me.

I've also been gathering the gifts and wrapping them. My Brother & SIL and I decided we'd do only for the kids this year....we're all watching the wallet. But I didn't exactly stick to the plan...I ordered a magazine and a cookbook for her. Shhhhhh don't tell. It will be ok...I'll just say it's from Miss T.

She and I spent about 5 hours today in the mall....just wandering around. Not in any hurry, just somewhere to be, had lunch there at Chick Fil A and got a Great American Cookie cookie....hers was Snickerdoodle and I got triple chocolate chunk.

Tonight I packed a box to send to the nephew's in TX...I'm getting into the spirit of giving this year. They're both big Carolina Panthers fans...go figure. The oldest was born here, so he has an excuse. The little one just wants to be like big brother. Tom's been having a blast playing with them....lots of testosterone in that house, unlike ours.

Christmas! Yikes......I'm getting my house decorated INSIDE. It was raining today, so nothing outside yet. I really dread doing that one by myself this year since Tom won't be home until late on the 10th.

Hey Martha, Shelly, Angie, Bethe & Rose....I'm heading SOUTH for the winter...well, at least a week of winter. Planning to FLY in on the 26th...drive to da beach for a circle of drums and beer for the weekend, then head up to the FIL's. He'll just have to live with the fact that we're not going straight to his house first. It's MY vacation.....

So Robin that means LUNCH OK????

How fast can you type?

2008-11-20T22:05:00.001-05:00

71 words

Typingtest

This was the second try.
Funny test....it seemed to stall because I know I can type faster than that!

Anyway where have I been?

BUSY! With Tom gone I'm a "single mom" getting the kid off to school, packing lunches, being the Dance Taxi and chief cook and bottle washer! Whew!

Today is Miss T's 12th birthday. She said "this has been a weird birthday". First, I didn't have a cake, because she's getting the Cookie for her Ice Skating party Friday night. So.....I had those Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls and popped them in the oven this morning. I figure, that's cake enough. Hmmmmm now where's a candle?
Good Grief! Not one single birthday candle in this house. SO whatta ya do? You grab a votive!

She sat down and shook her head at the candle and roll. Hey, you do whatever you can to make the most of the moment. She made the wish and ate the roll.

What did I get her? HA! Nothing....yet. Well, that's not completely true. We had just gone shopping for some warm pants last night, and some shirts, and a new sleeping bag, and a movie, robe and socks, gloves, hat and scarf......oh yeah and a green fuzzy pillow and bath gel.

Once she said she'd like to have a Nintendo DS, but she has a Game Boy. Don't know if she really wants the DS....she even said so.

After school my Nanny met us at the house and gave her 2 gifts; a chair from American Girl Dolls and a long sleeve T-shirt with a monkey all tangled up in Christmas lights on the front of it.....and collards.

After dance we ran to a favorite hot dog place and had a load of fun. The owner (a friend) made a fuss over her princess hat and threatened to sing to her. I told him I'd pay him NOT TO!

Then it was off to my Mom's....card and cha-ching!

Oh? What's that? Where's Tom? He's in Texas. Helping his brother who is swamped with work after the hurricane in the Houston area. He calls at least twice a day and is in good spirits (and not the kind in the bottle).

My OCD's have not consumed me since he's been gone and that is a GREAT thing. (Knocking on wood)

I had a talk with "Santa" today and he concurred on some gifts for this year. He assured me they're "in the bag" and on the way. This kid has a list as long as your arm of nothing but American Girl Doll stuff.

Do you think one day I can sell all this stuff and get her a car?

Rake Mice & Sunglasses at Night

2008-11-11T18:33:00.000-05:00

Wow time flies.........I've tried to post before, but blogger loves to upload about 425 of one picture, so I said "grrrr" and gave up.

So what's up along my Coast? Well.... let's see.

1) My bestestfriendinthewholewideworld was going to Illinios to see the estranged hubby BUT that got canned quickly when his parents said "If she came ...." well, you can imagine. So he's still letting the 'rents dictate his life. She may move to Raleigh.

2) The weather is nice.....65-70 daytime; about 40 at night. The leaves have really colored out nicely. I'm still running my AC from time to time.

3) My stepDad and baby bro are in CA visiting the middle movie star brother. Then off to Vegas for a day or two.

4) Tom is going to TX for about 3.5 weeks to help his brother with some overwhelming plumbing jobs........cha-ching.....let's hope he sends da money home!!

and the greatest news........

Miss T going to NC School of the Arts in February for 3 days of dance classess WOO HOO! Can you say Proud Momma!!!

She is so excited! Her ballet teacher chose some of the top dancers in her age group plus is taking all of the Seniors that can go. We'll go up on a Thursday afternoon, classes will be promptly at 8am on Fri & Sat with a show on one of those nights....there's also a class early Sunday too. That's gonna be one tired kid!

What will I do?????

Duh.........SHOP!

Now about my caption.....

Last weekend Tom and I picked Miss T up from my mom's and as we were driving down the road I noticed the lights on the truck were very dim (9pm). I mentioned it but TnT didn't notice a difference. Then I tried the High Beams and said "hmmm they look dim too". Then Miss T looks at me and says "MOM! You've got your sunglasses on" and I swear I don't remember clipping them on!

We had a good laugh on that one.

Then this past weekend I said to Miss T that it was time for her to learn some other cooking methods.....she is a rice and gravy lover, and that was her request for lunch. So I said to her, "Come over here and I'll teach you how to Rake Mice".......I never knew I said it till she started laughing and repeated it....."Did I really say 'rake mice'?".......

Someone send me a box of Calgon!

Changes!

2008-10-30T15:21:00.001-04:00

Geeesh why does Blogger post 10 pics? I had to CHANGE this by deleting them .........

The weather here took a dip 2 nights ago....into the 30's. Our first frost. But that's OK, that means the collards will be much more delicious now that they've been nipped.

Which also has meant that our coastal climate is experiencing the change of colors in the foliage too....our leaves are turning and the wind picked up some this past weekend.

I did enjoy lunch this past Monday in the park - while I was there I tried out some photo shots, but the colors just aren't right yet. The dogwoods have berries now and the leaves are orange, red and yellows.

Miss T....ever changing. Growing into a young lady. She is a typical middle schooler, getting the attitude and the "teachers are mean" syndrome....she turns 12 next month. (I know I already posted her as 12 in my "all about me" section.) She wants to get some friends together and go ice skating for her birthday celebration.

When did my baby get this old?

When did I GET THIS OLD?

J-O-B....changes....3 day work weeks for me now. The economy is really hurting our business. I applied for some seasonal work, but I haven't heard anything yet. And wouldn't you know as soon as I started applying, Tom's brother called and said "come on to TX, I have a big job to do and need your help"...so he's thinking of going. To be gone, oh, 30 days or so. So that means no extra workie for me......gotta be home with Miss T.

I did look into some "at home" work - transcriptions. Digital of course and in the legal field. As a trained paralegal, I can transcribe dictation into documents and email or snail mail them to the customer. I just need the equipment i.e. transcriber and foot pedal. That's anywhere from $200-$500 depending on what you get.

Maybe after the holiday's I'll look into that harder. Right now, I have to focus on paying the piper, peter and paul and Santa. Kinda knocks out my wishes for a new sewing machine and camera for a while.

Changes.........I don't like changes.

What's up?

2008-10-21T16:06:00.001-04:00

My computer troubles was more than just AOL....seems the automatic updates have been sneaking toolbars etc in the system and some of them were double firewalling me.....hence the reason I had such troubles.

Nevertheless, my xRoomie computer guru came over Sunday under the bribery of homemade Chicken Pot Pie and fixed my troubles.

YAY!!

The girls weekend was , well, ok...it rained ALL DAY Saturday so that put a damper on our outdoor activities. The Festival was just too wet to get out and walk through, so we tooled around in some of the local shops on the Island.

We hit the Libations store early enough to insure we'd have plenty of liquid entertainment if necessary. Then it was a stop for an early dinner at the favorite sub stop. A quick run through the grocery store and we were in for the night.

The blender whirled, corn popped and cards shuffled. Do you know how difficult it is to teach a drunk girl how to play Rummy? Poor Cindilouwho...said it was too much thinking for her.

Where was TnT you ask? Miss T was at my Mom's....Tom was, home. He had visited his friend "J", but come back home to hang out. Hmmmm, surprised here....

Miss T and I did a little shopping around on Sunday. I made the Chicken Pot Pie and put on a pot of Chili too. xRoomie came to fix my computer and had dinner with me.

Monday I stayed home....sort of. My Nanny found out I was home and wanted to go to Kohl's to shop for some "everyday clothes". We had lunch together and had a good time shopping.

Today I filed the "attached workers" benefit claim...since I'm still employed but working way less hours, I think it is a nice bonus.

Let's cross our fingers and say our prayers that it will pay off....literally. Since I do payroll, I am able to do some creative movements.............I can pay me "hourly" up to the point they will allow; anything over that I can add as "mileage reimbursement" or such. Every little bit helps.

Ya know, the Fed's bailed the big guys out, what about us little guys? Why not! And they want to "talk about" a second stimulous payment...wow, can ya spare it? http://voanews.com/english/2008-10-20-voa49.cfm I'd certainly take their money!

Gas us under $3 now....down to about $2.90 and dropping a little bit almost every day. That's GREAT news. Wonder how low it will go?

Back on track & Economy

2008-10-17T21:30:00.001-04:00

It came to me that maybe, just maybe, McAfee was the culprit.

So I unplugged my modem; removed Mac and replugged the modem to restart AOL and viola! My AOL desktop icon worked! Then quickly reinstalled McAfee.

Now things are running much faster at the home 'puter. That IE and foxfire mess was suuhhhloooooow........and caused me to curse.

Whew! Now I can relax.

Back to "normal" if there is such a thing.

Back to the PSP group in full force. Back to "the Spot" and my friends.

It seems that we're all worrying about the same thing right now. The Election and the Economy. I gotta say, so am I. My Boss recently added another day off without pay of course to my schedule. I'm going to file the "attached claim" through ESC soon. Just had to make sure of the legistics now that my status has officially changed. Not too many people building custom homes right now or buying the stock we have.

Miss T's birthday is next month; then Christmas. A very tough time of the year for the economy to be biting us in the

Well you know.............

But, I'm not gonna let that get me down.

Thank GOD Mr Man's retirement and SS is in tact....for now...(knock on wood - hope I'm not jinxning myself)....did I already say that?

Tightening up the old purse strings........I'm going to suggest to my brother that we make Christmas about the KIDS this year...no sense in adding any stress to the already stressful situation....his business is slow (land clearing) and at least he has a full time job as a firefighter. His wife hasn't gone back to work yet after the baby....4 months old....and she's a mortgage officer. YIKES....not good. Just as well, daycare would take all her pay, so why shouldn't she stay home?

My little brother's job is up in the air too....the England based owners have come here to take over - question is will they keep running this business here? and keep the bro on at his requested salary? He's been there for, gosh, 7 years? or more basically running the joint, AR/AP, shipping etc.

I really want a new sewing machine. There is a sewing place just up the road from my office that offers classes and new machines for sale too. I figured I'd like to take the basics over again and buy a new machine....she suggested the Singer Curvy or one of the Vikings. Now I'd LOVE to have the Viking....but see the above entry about purse strings.

Lately it's been about going to work, T's dance, sleep, repeat. Time to get back into some ME things.

A little of this n that

2008-10-16T13:41:00.000-04:00

I am having such a time at home with my computer! Grrrr comes to mind and out of my mouth often. I don't know what's going on. At first I thought it was my firewall...so I deleted it; deleted AOL and reinstalled it. BUT it still won't connect....

I hate going into AOL through IE or Firefox..but it seems that IE is treating me better than Fox. They're both very slow about AOL. There is still so much information in my AOL account....trying to get to it to archive it at home is a bear!!

Which is why I haven't been participating in many of my PSP quests. I think I posted about this earlier.

Anywho, different subject.

Girls weekend coming up!
Hopefully Friday night I'll be slumbering with my pal Cindilouwho and a couple of girlfriends at her home; we'll have breakfast on Saturday and head over to the Island for the annual Autumn with Topsail www.AutumnWithTopsail.com celebration. Bands, food, artwork and a nice stroll on the beach....who could ask for more?

I should have TnT stay at Mom's beachhouse then I could just head on over there later Saturday and Sunday......then I'd feel guilty because there is still so much to do at home. Still finding stuff for that Nov 1st yard sale; cleaning out Miss T's clothes etc.

Yesterday I was off from work (instead of Tuesday) to spend time with my nephew. He and my Mom came over about noon and we jumped on the trampoline and had a picnic under it.....yes, under it.

He suggested Chips N Grapes. I brought out a tray with 2 kinds of chips (cheddar/sour cream and barBque); goldfish; dried fruits via Welch's; Hershey's 100 calorie snack bag and a cinnimon granola mini snack. Then I went in and made him a turkey n cheese sandwich. We found 5 baby snails under the trampoline.

I could just imagine my Nanny calling asking what we were hiding from....and I would have had to say "obviously nothing if you can see us from your house".....rofl.

Tom's birthday was Tuesday (14th) - we gave him a Giants Jersey #27; a tshirt and hat; he said he didn't want a cake, then later mumbled "and I didn't even get a cake".....so he promptly bought himself one on Wednesday, chocolate chocolate chocolate.

He's thinking of going to TX to help his brother on a hotel plumbing project (due to the hurricane). That'd be nice for him and me....time alone, little extra mooola (hopefully).

In the meantime I'm on short time at work. 3 days.....sigh.......

Butt......Projects

2008-10-12T20:57:00.000-04:00

Oh yeah....it's been crazy.

Friday was Tom's visit to the VA hospital for a colonoscopy...woo hoo. Yes he's been the "butt" of jokes all week. Going to see Dr Ben Dover and all.

I went to bed very late 2am friday morning only for him to have to wake up at 5am to drink more juice. Then a quick nap for me until about 7am when it was time to get up and get busy. It's a 2 hour ride to Fayet-nahm from here. Get Miss T on the bus and start out.

We were early....about 10:15 so we checked in and he was taken right on in the Daybed area. She said I had time to get a bite to eat but to be back in that waiting room until they called me.

At 1:30pm I decided I should find some lunch....but first I checked on him. He had just gone into a recovery area (geeesh - a 30 minute procedure????). In about 10 mins she called me back to the area....there he was sitting up fixing a sandwich....with his shirt on backwards!

One polyp removed.....eat more fiber and fruit!

Was a quiet ride home.....I made it just in time to get Tom to the potty and to turn around and head to town to see Miss T's last 10 minutes of her solo practice. Off to dinner with the 'rents for my baby brother's birthday celebration.

If that wasn't enough, one of Miss T's friends called "Let's go Ice Skatin"...so I took her and stayed with them till we left at 10pm.....

Whew! Finally home and bed!

Saturday was tough....I was so tired from the day before. I had also promised to go to the local Spot Pagaent to support a friend and her daughter. The kid was 1st runner up, but that's ok, she already holds a title (and has held many others). She was so sad because last year she was 1st runner up....she said "what am I doing wrong?" and of course we assured her it was NOTHING. The only difference I noticed was in the confidence level of the winner....she ACTED like she WAS very confident.

Today....Sunday....
Aye...Miss T and her school project. She and her BFF were going to do a Bake Sale and buy supplies for the animal shelter with the proceeds....only the BFF mother said at the last minute NO WAY when she found out the local grocery store was already booked for an event. Well, we COULD have gone to another venue.

Thanks.....so we took off to my office and snapped some pictures of her working...filing, answering phones etc...things she had done for me this past summer. Her project was based on "Service". She dolled up 8 pages with information and pictures. I hope it's acceptible...they said that helping parents wasn't allowed. But what do you do when your BFF bails on you at the last minute?

I think I'll turn in early tonight. ExCoworker is in town and we're supposed to meet tomorrow, early...it will be great to see her!