Hash Notes

Christie does Audrey's hair

2011-08-06T12:40:00.002-05:00

Wedding in the Grand Cayman's

2011-07-29T21:54:00.000-05:00

Zach and Elizabeth----Best Wedding Ever!

2011-07-29T21:43:00.002-05:00

http://www.thecreativeconnectionevent.com/

2011-07-29T21:12:00.002-05:00

THE ADVENTURES OF ELIZABETH

2011-07-29T21:06:00.000-05:00

There is a blog I enjoy called The Adventures of Elizabeth. She lives in St Louis and had a store I went to with my daughter-in-law. I loved it. Went back there and it was gone. I hated that. But she has gone on to be in magazines so I guess it was a good move on her part. The button on the sidebar came from her blog.

February is for Thinking

2011-02-15T10:52:00.000-06:00

And I'm thinking of making two dresses for Grandgirls to wear at Z's wedding in the Grand Caymans this June. I'm thinking something in white with blue embrodery on the yolk. Now I need to get in gear to try this out on my soon to be DIL. I'm going white cause I like it on little girls but mostly because so does /Elizabeth and it's her wedding. We are all looking forward to it so much. How much weight can be lost in the following months? I'm thinking if I only started now I could drop 20. That would be sweet. I will post the dresses when they are finished. I will have to make my own pattern cause I can't find any I really like. And I want french seams cause the girls are so sensitive about rough tags and anything scratchy. And I just like them better. I will start on this tomorrow, cause tonight is GLEE with Audrey.

January is flying by, What the hell?

2011-01-26T16:39:00.000-06:00

normally January is slow going. Crap that means I'm old and it doesn't matter all months have been shortened to what the hell happened to the time. I thought I had more time. Now do I cut my hair? buy a sweat suit, trade in my sports car? Naaaaaaaaaah, not yet. I'm leaving middle age kicking and screaming. I don't mind the digits, it is all that goes with it. I'm sore, tired, cranky, and that's a good day! No just kidding, I'm having a great time. I did hurt my siatic nerve and that seems old. But I refuse to give up. Now let me tell you about the grandkids............. Did I tell you how slow January is going? ............ ha!

New Year

2011-01-04T23:37:00.000-06:00

2011, who would have thought it? I am kind of disappointed at the lack of progress we've made in that time. I don't mean me personally, I think I mean you. No jet packs, flying cars, traveling to different planets, and pictures phones a la Jetsons. Oh wait, we totally have picture phones, we skyped to our Grands on Long Island last night. Now we just need the masks like..what was George Jetson's wife's name? Meet George Jetson, Jane his wife, daughter Judy, his son Elroy, and crap, now I can't remember the dogs name. Anyway Jane put on this mask that she had with makeup on and hair done to talk on the phone. If I could figure out a way to do that, I could make a fortune! Oh yea, and we haven't gotten rid of greed.

Christmas Decorations 2010

2010-12-22T16:24:00.000-06:00

I'm hopeless

2010-12-14T12:26:00.000-06:00

I finally managed to do something in a timely manner. I made bracelets with the names of the children of my daughter-in-laws. Then I looked and I misspelled one of the names and made the other bracelet a little too small. Do over! In time for Christmas? Probably not.

One of my husbands employees is retiring this Thursday. The retiree gave Mark and the other officers a $30 gift certificate to Olive Garden. Wow, he's leaving and he is giving gifts? What a guy. Mark said he will probably take him to lunch. Maybe Olive Garden!!!!!! Mark is funny.

PC COORDINATOR

2010-12-08T10:42:00.000-06:00

That is me, a pc coordinator. I feel like with that title I should be arranging and rearranging pc's to go with other computers. Instead I supervise two workers that are doing a fantastic job. Way to make me look good guys! Just got a call from my boss that a user needs something, he's not sure, it was change something for an accelerator and do another thing, he wasn't sure. I called and the guy has dual monitors and wants the number 1 monitor to be number 2 and the number two monitor to be the number 1. Wow, there is a college degree that is being questioned.

It's December again

2010-11-30T16:40:00.000-06:00

so last week it was September and now it's December. Why does that always happen? Every year it takes me by surprise. Time please slow down, I'm not ready. I have to mail off packages to New York, and finish what I need for here, and find something for my guy in Texas. Oh yea, and there is the job. I think I'll get back to that.

New York, NY

2010-11-18T10:40:00.000-06:00

We spent the last week on Long Island and went to NYC on Sunday. We didn't get too much further than Times Square, Bryant Park area. Which reminded my son of a TV show where the quote was "there is more to NY than Times Square". Ok, we will discover it slowly.

Clutter abounds

2010-06-17T08:55:00.000-05:00

I was looking at the blog Adventures in Renovating a Brooklyn Limestone and posted a comment about her table centerpiece. And it got me thinking about the clutter around my house. I love my "stuff", but it may be time to clean slate things up a bit. I took a picture of #4 son who was in from Texas with his lovely girlfriend, and all I can concentrate on is the clutter above the cupboard. Tomorrow it is gone!!!

GRANDS ARE THE BEST

2010-06-09T12:27:00.000-05:00

Four year old Audrey "you never hit" Me, "no, Grandma's don't hit, but we do say don't do that"
Audrey "grandpa is a hitter" Me, "no, way!" Audrey "he keeps spankings in his pocket" Me "in his pocket?" Has he taken spankings out of his pocket for you?" Audrey "no, only for the boys, I think it's just his hands"

2010-06-08T15:21:00.002-05:00

It's summertime in Missouri. The weather hasn't been so bad, which leaves me to believe bad times are coming. I'm like the abused wife that if things are good, I'm waiting for the punch. But I'm not an abused wife, at all. I knew an abused wife when I was in my twenties. And I was so compassionate, that I think I may have actually said "what is wrong with you that you would put up with that?" Totally understanding, that's me. But still.... Anyway I finally got rid of a coworker that did not. work that is. And I like the replacement, he's great. And I'll get an extra worker in a few weeks and I'm betting right now he'll be a jerk. See, I'm always waiting for the bad. Could he be another good worker, not need his ego feed, cooperative, not a know it all? Probably not.

MAJOR B IS BACK

2010-05-07T09:07:00.002-05:00

Good News, the Major has returned to the Continental States. He will spend some time getting paperwork signed and leaving his last... last what? I do not know the military terms, so let's just say location. He is due at the next location May 28th. so that means driving a car from L.A. to Missouri, meeting up with his family here, getting everything moved from here, and driving the three vehicles up to New York. I think Long Island. Ok, one will probably get left here and then maybe we can visit later on this summer and drive it up. I don't know how else they will do it. But I have convinced M to wait until we are asked to do something. I think when volunteering, people assume it's something you want to do for yourself, and not that you are doing it for them. Ok, not visiting the Grandkids, that is something we want to do. Anyway, I'm glad he is back and their family is once again whole.

2010-05-02T16:18:00.002-05:00

so I lied about finishing something, but I'm not dead yet! Oh, speaking of dead, there was an obituary in our newspaper that was, well, quite remarkable. Since it was in a public newspaper I can copy it can't I? didn't hear a no. I don't know if I wish I would have known her or kind of glad I did not. But I'm thinking she had fun, and friends, and that is a good life.

Anyway here it is with the names sort of xx'd out.

Debby Lynn xxxx of Cape Girardeau was sent to us Oct. 1, 1964, and danced her way into heaven April 25, 2010.

We would like to thank the staff at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, where she received extraordinary care from her medical team. We adore each of them and will remain forever grateful for their kindness.

She was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Bill and Ella xxx of Olive Branch, Ill., and her father, Jim xxx of Fort Worth, Texas.

The remainder of her story is written with the irreverent affinity and mischievous zest she had for life. She loved to laugh and wasn't afraid to pepper a salty word to elicit a desired response. If you don't share her appreciation of laughter at the expense of etiquette and decorum, read no further. She made no apologies, and neither will we.

Debby Lynn packed many loves and tragedies into her short 45 years. During her life she excelled at mediocrity. She could do anything she wanted ... she just chose not to! She was wickedly funny with a penchant for storytelling. Her vivid and imaginative tall tales were usually combined pieces of personal experience with outlandish redneck wisdom. She was a living contradiction; part truth and part fiction. Most stories, both real and humorous, began with "You ain't gonna believe this s---."

Debby Lynn loved the limelight and was a master communicator via phone, e-mail, even broadcast radio. Her redneck character-driven calls earned her a recurring radio role in Cape Girardeau as "Hilda the Hen" and the voice of Circle S Saddle. She also worked with Apple Orthodontics in Fort Worth.

She loved to be "in the know" at the center of gossip, conflict or tragedy. One of her favorite lines was "If you don't have anything nice to say ... come sit by me!" She had a knack for "stirring the pot" for comedic effect or choosing to escalate a tense situation to get a reaction. She was equally clever at extinguishing a fire she helped to stoke. We believe Debby Lynn delighted in the resolution and redemption that comes after a "knock down drag out fight" with the ones you love.

Debby Lynn's story would be incomplete without the mention of her husband of 20 years, Joe. He was her reserved counterpart to her over the top "bossy" personality but his commitment was unwavering. Debby Lynn's physical deterioration did not effect her ability to throw verbal jabs. Joe maintained courage under verbal fire, exercising saintly restraint. His patience and selflessness is truly appreciated by the entire family.

Debby Lynn loved the Lord; husband, Joe xx; daughter, Ashley Nicole XXXXX; granddaughter, Kaysen Ashley; mother, Carole XXXX; sisters, Toni Kay XXX, Lisa Dianne XXX, Becky Ann XXX, Shelly Pooh XXX; and her sisters many boyfriends; ex-husbands; current brothers-in-law; two nephews, Brandon XX and Garrett OOO (they were both born in a manger and swaddled at birth); a niece, Kaci Jo XX; great-nephew, Colter James Dean XX; great-niece, Ella XXX; family; friends; dogs; cats; music and life.

Debby Lynn's wishes ...
1. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to an educational fund for her granddaughter, Kaysen Ashley. Send to Debby Lynn Gross Memorial Fund, Frost Bank, Fort Worth, Texas.

2. Forgo the bad organ music and somber routine. Let's raise a glass, deliver our best jokes, tell some stories, stir it up and laugh. She expects old-fashioned home cookin' funeral food! If you try to sneak Boston Market brown gravy or KFC powdered potatoes into the party, we will hurt you.

Also, please don't ask us when you can pick up your covered dishes. We're keeping them! Dates are encouraged as long as you are not too closely related. Two drink minimum, smoke 'em if ya got 'em ...

3. Never miss the chance to dance.

so that's it, pretty great, right? I especially like her sisters boyfriends and exhusbands!

I'm over it

2010-03-29T10:27:00.001-05:00

I will be better today, I won't be resentful, even though I am. It is time for projects at my house, I should pledge not to buy any more supplies until I finish one thing. Anything, just one. Starting today. I swear.

What's the date? How much more March?

2010-03-28T20:03:00.002-05:00

Weekend is almost over, another one shot. Friday Mark and I went to St Louis to Aaron's place. Mark is working on his shower. We took little Ian with us to play with Abbey and they played together really well. It wasn't pretty out but they played in the backyard, swinging, running, and just playing. A two year old and a three year old, and they were so great together. But we made the mistake of commenting on that, and immediately Ian ran by me with a book in his hands, and Abby followed crying.

Ian wasn't giving up that book cause it had Elmo on it, but Abby wanted it back. Aaron solved the crisis by reading the book to both of them. He is very patient and very good with the kids. Ian will go to him without a problem. We didn't get home till eleven, so Ian stayed over. Christie called in the morning for his return, Mom wasn't use to being without all her babies. So home he went around 10, I think. Audrey and Graham came over at 1:30 or so. We had a great day with them, and Ian came back over around 5, I think. audrey and I were shopping so I'm not sure. The kids played outside till dark.

I wish they would remember these times, cause they are not coming again. I don't think Christie and Brian and family will be living here in Cape again anytime soon. I really do treasure these days.

Last we heard Brian may be stationed in Garden City, New York. That is nothing like Garden City NJ. by the way.

Last week my office worker and I were visited by my boss whom informed us we need to email him if we wish to be considered for pc lead which would be a supervisor position. It seems HR requires both of us to be considered, but not Tom that has worked in the department for 18 years or so. But this other guy who has been here two years, sleeps at his desk, disappears for hours and says he was at one call, who pulls pc's without consideration of the po's, or who it really belongs to, works on his homework for at least two days straight, and does work for the navy during hospital time, and is really a lazy SOB. He will only go on certain calls, if he thinks the people are important enough for him, and I use to think, well at least he does the calls he does go on fairly well. Oh think again, I've been hearing complaints he screws up things when he goes on calls, doesn't finish the calls, and does the installs incorrectly. Holy Crap, this guy is working on his freakin doctorate and cannot install a pc without forgetting to put everything on that needs to be included.

I really think he is one of those guys that keeps going to school, as an excuse not to be doing anything. So my boss calls him in for a interview, for a job that will pay him probably more money than I'm making, and in a better supervisory position. Unfreakinbelieveable!

This asshole comes back into the office and tells me "well congratulations, you get the lead job" Cause I'm getting the job of supervisor to the physician something or other. So I get it by default, not because I've been actually doing the job for 20 years, set up this office and keep all the records? I am so glad I won't be in the same office as this guy anymore, but what the hell. I know I shouldn't care as long as he is gone. But I really hope he stays true to himself and is as horrible doing his new, important job, as he is doing this one. And hey boss, you are really a great judge of character, really. You couldn't do worse.

2010-03-28T19:51:00.001-05:00

I copied stuff from my old blog. That one got hacked and I couldn't get into it after a while. But this is my journal of a sort so I'm saving it.

2010-03-28T19:50:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Well Christie, I did it. Another DIL just painted her living room this color and had leftover paint. So since the exactly what color decision was moot, ta, da. I like it, but that may just be that I painted until after midnight and had to get up at 6:30 for work. I don't know what I'll think after I get some sleep.

This is Mark, standing on a branch using an extended saw to cut limbs on a tree that isn't even in our yard!! The guy who owns this house, is inside watching TV. But tht's safe isn't it?

Monday, September 29, 2008

September is almost gone. We are moving our office at work, yet again. There are two of us working here and they keep moving us around this dang hospital, like we were puppets. No more like they don't care about us at all, which is true. I wouldn't mind moving but we have to move all the equipment ourselves, and there is a lot of equipment. Right now we have mountains of pc's and monitors in the office. Not Fun!

I took pictures of my yard which I am just now happy with the layout. Mark put edging around the flower bed which has made all the difference. I will have to put in more plants but the best thing about the Fall is that it can all wait till the spring. I know if I was putting in bushes that would be better now so I guess I'll look into that. How many azeala's can you put in one yard anyway before it is too many? I will post the pictures maybe this afternoon.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

A walk on Main Street, St Charles MO

Anyway I tried to copy the arrangement and this was the result.

So I tried to get the pictures below to be side by side but it didn't work. I have got to preview when I want something exact.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Its Thursday, and it should be Friday

So this picture was quite a while ago.

I have soooo many PC's to set up and install. How can we keep getting all these pc's? I think we now have three for every employee. This is not the most creative job in the world, but luckily I can listen to the music I want and play on the internet while still setting up pc's. There is always a wait time for the pc's to connect to everything. I love looking at Rate my Space, and have even taken pictures of my house for them. But I don't ever post them cause I don't want people I don't even know to rag on me. I know I have clutter, it is a disease I have not been able to overcome as yet.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Well, twice I visited a blog and they visited back. Very Cool. I can see where this would be fun. Hi Christie!!!! I wish you guys lived closer, we could hang out more. Guess what, Zach was shot at today. For anyone reading this my son is with the border patrol. And he is not hurt and I'm pretty sure he'll want to tell his brothers all about it.

The drug smuggling and gang violence isn't reported very much, I guess it is not politically correct, but I think people should be more aware. Anyway, Zach and his partner were on their usual patrol, and they were fired on with six rounds. Thank God neither of them were hit. I don't know much more, the phone connection was pretty bad. What he was complaining about was he had to get a lawyer to go over his paperwork on the incident.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Vintage cloth

the time has come to start using all the material I have been collecting forever. I have stacks. They did not start out as vintage cloth but they now qualify as vintage. I have tried to start working on the many antiques I have in the basement, but that is slow going. I saw a mirror in trash pickup that would have probably worked for one piece. I really meant to go back to get it, but as with most things out of site, out of mind. So I am a little mad at myself, and will try to get together more vintage items to post. Here are some of the pieces we have upstairs now.

who is afraid to ride a camel?

that would be me!

I would like off now!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

It is fair time in Cape Girardeau Mo. Something I usually try to avoid, but things change with Grandkids. Can't believe Grandpa will miss this time with the kids. Maybe he will duck work and come along

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Son's Rotus 7

garden attempt

this is my summer project, its so tacky and yet not. You can get away with tacky in the garden.

I thought the garden was looking better than this post shows. More work needed!

I love elephant ears and impatients.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Monday, need to clean and laundry. The little things that make a mess of your life. I once read where housework was the only job that was noticed only when you did not do it. But I think others fall into that catagory like not fighting that fire. Someone might notice that.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Imagine being killed by a bow and arrow. That would suck. An arrow killed you, they would never solve the crime. "Look at that dead guy. Let's go that way."

I want to hang a map of the world in my house then I’m gonna put pins into all the locations that I’ve travelled to. But first I’m gonna have to travel to the top two corners of the map so it won’t fall down.

order the club sandwich all the time, but I'm not even a member, man. I don't know how I get away with it.

You know, I'm sick of following my dreams, man. I'm just going to ask where they're going and hook up with 'em later

If you drink O'Douls, you don't drink. But if you drink 20 O'Douls in a half hour, then you're a fucking non-alcoholic. Non-alcoholism is a problem too. And there are symptoms, like when you fall down, does it always hurt?

I haven't slept for ten days, because that would be too long.
Mitch Hedberg

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

well that was almost exciting, I put a widjit on the site with live feed, and at first there were people, but they disappeared. I guess they weren't real.

Its back to work today. We moved computers all day long, very boring. Only had one problem which we were able to figure, so no repair work needed. I have to understand a little more of this blog stuff. Why blog? How are things done? Just professional curiosity.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

I'm also working on this cabinet, it started out an ugly wood color. Then I went black and it looked like a big black monster cabinet, so I put crackle white over it and then I didn't like that. Now I'm going for the shabby chic look with white. I've got the inside primed white now, and I'm thinking of decapouge old sheet music inside. Its a thought.

this is the top of a trunk I bought for $10.00 I have to order trunk hinges and pulls.

A marble top dresser I'm working on, very little marble but still it counts. I'm not sure where I'll put it but I know it will fit somewhere in the house.

An old ice box I didn't put in the Antique Booth. I don't know when I would see another one around here.

I started working on furniture in the basement last night. Took a cabinet and arranged my paint & supplies. Just got tired of buying the same thing over and over. I wound up with 6 cans of primer.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

The month of August is flying by quickly. I have to start some projects for Christmas so I have plenty more unfinished projects by December. I do have plans to finish all the UFO's when I'm an old lady, or at least an older lady! I think I will start with my unfinished antiques in the basement. Promise.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Almost all of us have been sick with the flue. Although most have bounced back, I am enjoying not being able to eat very much. Gods answer to not dieting on my own! We went to Shaw's Park in Clayton and such a beautiful day. All of my boys, and Dottie, Lauren, Jackie, Jim, Karen, and Ollie came by and that is the most socializing I've been involved with all summer. Kids were great, so a perfect day not counting most of us getting the start of being sick.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

It is August already! Well close enough. The weather is hot in Southern Missouri but no surprise there. My antique booth is closing this weekend. I am rather relived. I don't want to pay every month for an antique booth anymore. but I have been thinking of signing up and being a vender at an antique fair. One or two days and over for the year. I wonder if that works for anyone else?

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

grandIan

2010-03-28T19:48:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Thanksgiving is closing in. I thought we might have had more people down for the meal, but as it turns out we are just having Craig, Nell, kids, Aaron, Tammy, Abbey and Mark and I. So what is all that food for, ridiculous. I wish I could borrow G.M. or Ford or the other broke car maker's private jet and run around this country picking up my other Hasheiders. A fast trip to San Clemente, then down to Loredo, and back home. I will start cooking tomorrow night, and finish up Thursday morning, and then clean up, give away all food left and Friday morning we leave for Texas! We will meet #4 son in San Antonio, where we will be staying at the RiverWalk. Well in a hotel at the RiverWalk. They have the Christmas lighting this weekend so that should be pretty. I'll post some pics. Also shopping at the Outlet Mall. Drive back home Monday morning, and wait till next Sunday when we are leaving for Roatan, Honduras, Belize and Cozumel and Bahamas and Key West. Another cruise which will get in the following Sunday, the 14th and we'll drive down to Key West so Mark can dive once more. The only thing that would make this trip even better would be if I could wear a swimsuit in public. But you can't have everything. Pictures to follow. And by pictures, I do not mean of me.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

I found these clear dry erase boards at our local everything for a dollar store

Using MSword 7, printed out the lettering I wanted.

I am inspired to use print from my daughter-in-law Christie who does such beautiful word art. MSword 7 is nice because you can inlarge the print infinitaly instead of earlier versions where 72 seemed to be the largest print.

tape to hanging side to trace.

finished project

This all cost me $3.00. That is right $1.00 a piece. Of course I went back to the store and bought more, and other stuff so I spent about $50.00. Its a compulsion.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Went to another auction, spent over 300.00 and picked up some more furniture. I really am planning on selling some of this stuff, I swear Mark. I'll post pictures later. Right now I am busy at work setting up pc's, BORING.

My partner in crime and I were delivering pc's yesterday and we happened by the hospital's counselor's office. I guess nurses go to her with their problems, personal and work related regarding personalities and such. Her door was kind of open so I went in followed by Tom. I sat down and she said "do you have a problem?" I answered "how would you feel about that?"
counselor "I don't know"
me "and how do you feel about that?"
counselor "I am not sure"
me "well, never explain, never complain"
counselor " I'm thinking of retiring and I'm going to reccommend you for my job"
me "I'm glad we had this talk"
counselor "will you be able to work with people's problems?"
me "all you need are three little phrases, it would be a cakewalk"
counselor "tell me"
me "No. 1 (from the Captain) Suck it up, buttercup, No. 2 never explain, never complain..."
counselor "I don't really understand that one"
me "well, I'm not explaining, so don't complain"
counselor "understood, what's the third one?"
me "get the hell out of my office you whiney, complaining, baby.
counselor "you're hired"

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

No Knead Bread

So I was reading about this no knead bread the other day, and since I have no other half finished projects around the house, (ha) I thought I would give it a try. Now the thing about this bread is it is suppose to be easy and so tasty. So off to the store to buy better flour than what I have at home, and yeast, that's it, the ingrediant list only has salt added to that. "This is easy"

After a second trip to the store cause I didn't look at the ingrediants close enough, I got the instant yeast which is also disguised as bread machine yeast.

I mixed the bread, easy peezy, and set it away to rise. "It needs to be warm to rise?" Since we don't turn on the heat until November or the tempreture reaches 25 degrees outside, thank-you Mark, where do I put this bowl? I have a gas stove I'll put it in there. Next morning look at bowl, didn't rise much. I was informed there is no piliot light on stoves anymore, all electronic ignitions. Oh well, I will put it in the window and it will be warmed by sunlight. Set up a table by the window. Go to work.

Wait, the bread is suppose to be cooked in a ceramic pot. Go to Kohls, go to Walmart (the most expensive), go to Macy's, wind up at Tuesdays morning bought a corningware ceramic pot, 31.94 with tax. Take it home, fold the bread up to rise yet again, read directions again, bought the wrong size pot, must take back tomorrow. Look for old dutch oven I use to have somewhere........ find it but no lid, will a glass lid on a metal pot crack in 500 degree oven? Go back to work, come home bake bread. Clean flour from every possible surface in kitchen, have husband pick up chinese. I can't cook dinner, I'm making bread.

After dinner, bread is finally done. Looks great, smells good, read directions again. Takes 2 hours to cool? Are they crazy? I have to fast tonight cause my physical is tomorrow morning, cut bread after 45 minutes. Kind of hard to cut, rather crusty. But I cut two pieces, spread with that yogurt stuff that disguises itself as butter, and bit in to the.... well just not good. Crust is hard to chew and inside was shall I say a little gummy with a yeasty flavor. It was crap, total crap. But luckily it was easy so not much time wasted.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Its been a busy week, we had a funeral in St Louis on Tuesday. My sister in law has passed after a very long battle with breast cancer. She was diagnosed ten years ago, and was living by sheer will power. We did not see her often, we don't live in the same city. We also did not have a lot in common, but she was something else. She did not know a stranger, she would talk to everyone and anyone. Her daughter talked at the funeral and said she did not realize that her mom was in such pain. She said her mom was at every recital, every game, every event her and her sister were involved in. Her mom would be the biggest cheerleader, and sometimes embarressed her, but she will remember it all with love. I really like that kid, she is honest and talented and funny which shows what a good mom she had. So here is to you D, you did not live a long life, but I believe you lived it to the fullest. I have always been one of your admirerers I just wish I would have told you.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

A country Antique Auction.

We do not have an ocean nearby, nor a large theatre district or museums, but one thing we do have in Southeast Missouri is Auctions. Most weekends during the Spring, Summer, and Fall, you can find two or three Auctions. We travel into the countryside enjoying the view, and turn when you see the large amounts of trucks and cars parked in an empty field or on the sides of the road. When you walk up to the house, there on a few flat bed trailers is someones life spread out for all to pick over. Most people arrive early to look into boxes and scout the items to which they might bid. (awkward sentence, I was trying not to end with a prepositional "they will bid on") It is suggested to put a mental limit on your bid so you don't go over, but that doesn't always work. When you want an item, you catch the auctioneers eye or one of his helpers and from that point on a wink or a nod will up your bid. Newbies are the only people who make huge gestures, you should be able to be bidding and the person next to you won't realize you are the one raising the bid. After going to many auctions, you start to recognize the same people and you'll even pick up on what items they will bid on. And you know who the dealers are, and there are always dealers. The more dealers around will affect the price things go for, but remember they have to resale so they aren't the problem. The people you hate to have are lots of relatives, they take everything personal and they'll bid crazy on everything. If you find out there are lots of relatives, leave and go to another auction.

I've seen these phones at quite a few farm auctions and they usually go between 150 and 200, I think this one was about 160.

Not a lot of smalls, and that is why the auction was held on a Sunday. If there was a lot of glassware and depression glass, it would have gone a lot longer and been on Saturday.

I think the rocker went for about $15 and the trunk for about 35 or 40. If you notice I have the same trunk listed in the blog that I picked up for $10, so you never know.

Can you bleieve I dropped out of the bidding at $18 for these. But last time I got one of these it broke right away so I let her have it.

This wheelchair went for about $30

quilt tops only, they went for 20 to 30 dollars

no idea what this went for but it wasn't that much

I was bidding on this and dropped out at $19, I
planned on buying furniture and didn't have the room in the truck for much more.

my sister-in-law use to have these mushroom canisters, I hate them, I like her but hate them.

this is the house where the auction was held

this is the view from the front of the house. The place has been in the owners family since the ancestors arrived from Germany. They are not selling the place, a Uncle that lived there died this year, but they want to keep it in the family.

One of the best thing about auctions is talking to the people about the old places. Love that!

I paid the most for this, I won't say how much but I will tell you I spent right under $200 for all three pieces of furniture.

I bought this for $26 it is a lot like one I already have. You can see it on another post. I think I paid 150. or so for the other one, but it was in better shape. This is missing the mirror.

I bought this bed for $25, I'm thinking of painting it a cream color. Or just off white.

this is where we stopped to eat after the auction. Would you?

making a holly wreath

I didn't have a wreath form, so I used a wire that I wrapped into shape. Best tool ever is a sharp wire cutter, I use it constantly. Below is the base using holly from a male bush.

Then I wire on using 18 gage wire, the female holly.
So for almost no money I have two holly wreaths.
The bad thing about double doors is the wreaths kind of look like eyes. It took about a half of an hour.

Monday, October 13, 2008

One persons trash

When my husband and I were first married we lived in St Louis. Every so often there was a big trash pickup day, and that was the day we went shopping. At that time garage sales were not as plentiful as they are today, and people would just set out their unwanted items. It was always fun to look through, and perhaps find a treasure or two.

In the town we live in now, there are still some people who will haul things to the curb when they clean out the house. We have wondered if we'll ever reach the age where we don't slow down and look over the pile. That day has not come yet. Here are a few items I found at a neighbors curb.

Is this too much? I can buy another shadow box instead of glueing anything on the outside. I haven't a clue where this could be hung.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Pretty things for a Fall setting

This is a book of photo's I bought at an auction. Below is just one of the pictures inside. I'm thinking early 1900's or late 1800's. What do you think?

Glass doorknobs are a favorite

My dad use to sing this song to us.

I can't help it I like clutter

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ues, redecorating, and junking.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

And one we could afford.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

oops, I may have made a costly error

I have included some pictures of the beautiful Claire, and forgot. She is a professional model, and I may owe a hefty fee. What an absolute doll!

Ocean 1 Mark 0

Mark and Claire were playing chicken with the ocean. Mark lost.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Playing with pictures.

my dil and I spent a day in California taking pictures. I don't want to brag, but I think we are both getting very good at it. She more than me, but its still fun. This is what I'm doing with one of them. I have to get eight more frames to finish. I'll post the finished product on the wall when I'm done. Anyone want to know how this was done?

btw the Rotus 8 is for sale

The Rotus 7 is for sale if anyone is interested. No it's a Rotus 8, based on a Lotus 7. I'm really not sure of the price. But I can get you the connection to my son. Also pictures.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

What I bought at a Estate Sale today

I bought this ring for eight dollars today, what do you think?

cool, huh?

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

10 things about me

I was tagged to tell 10 things you may not know about me:
1. I was educated by nuns
2. I hated nuns
3. When I was 10 I traveled with Irish gypsies known as travellers.
4. By the age of eleven they dropped me back home because I couldn't clog.
5. At the age of twelve I made a living by singing at weddings
6. by twelve and one half the money people gave me to stop singing at their weddings began to taper off
7. At the age of fourteen, I was on television about 20 times.
8. At fourteen and a half we had to buy a new television that I could not climb on
9. At sixteen I could speak six lanquages, but I couldn't understand them.
10. At 18 I learned to clog.

really no one tagged me, I just felt compelled to share.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

stuck in Denver airport

our flight was cancelled so we are stuck here in Denver for about eight hours, too bad. But here is the advice I'm giving, if this happens to you. Go to the courtesy counter and ask for vouchers. We did and got two free tickets to fly next time, and 14.00 to spend for lunch. So it kind of sucks, but SCORE! It also helps to have a spouse with at&t global internet, I'm just sayin.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Yet Another Jay and Deb Production.

I went to this site and it proposes Tuesdays can be a day when you post about someone other than the fascinating me. I will tell a tale of my co worker, who is one of my best friends, ok..a workfriend but that is the only kind I've kept up with in life. (Another story) What the heck, he isn't one of my best friends, he's it. We've worked together for about seventeen years and he is like a younger brother. He is a people pleaser which drives me crazy but makes him a poplular fellow. Now we'll call him "Tim" he has been married for about I don't know 12-14 years. The girl he married has turned into a very unhappy person. She is a person that gets upset at the smallest thing, and just doesn't let it go, ever. Tom, I mean Tim is a joker, for example when his wife was getting stitched up after the birth of their first child he said to the dr. throw a couple of extra in there ok doc? Now granted not an appropriate time but 11 years later she is still mad. Well fast forward to Spring a couple of years ago, they aren't getting along, and he is drinking and gets into a bad wreck, now he has a bum leg. She went for a divorce but didn't go through with it, then she kicked him out during this Summer. On, & on, and who knows who is to blame, but he wanted back so Christmas she let him move back. Ok, why am I involved at all in someone elses marital problems? Well, #1 its kind of like a soap opera, and when he tells the stories they are funny and #2 our desks are butted up to each other so I'm like less than four feet away from him and about two feet away from his phone. So lately the wife has taken up yelling at him for a couple of hours when he is going to bed, I thought he was kind of crazy, and who just couldn't tell their spouse "enough, I have to work tomorrow, you're right, you're right about everything" So she calls him the next day to say she is sorry, and if he is not there she lets the phone ring about 30 times, till I get aggravated and pick up to tell her he is not here. Then she rings his cell which he leaves at his desk so the other guy that works here and I have to listen to that while she calls, and then calls again, and then again. Fun, huh?
Well the other day she calls, he tells her not now, I'm working and everyone is here close by. she hangs up then calls again in a fake friendly loud voice says " hi, are you having a great day? then other stuff, then she starts in on I'm sorry I yelled at you for so long last night (what do you know, he told it like it was) but you are not taking consideration of my feelings, and I'm trying to tell you with my words (yes, she actually said that) what I'm feeling, and my emotions have been .......................................................on, and on, for 30 minutes. Finally I started writing down what he should say to try to calm her down, and he read my lines and she would start in again. And I have got to tell you I was really trying to calm her down. I tried "ok, I know you are very upset, I'm sorry, we'll talk about it when I get home" "What can I do or say to make it better?" And other brilliant lines of B.S. and she just wouldn't shut up. Then I wrote for him to say " shut the f*** up you crazy b****. and fortunatly he held back. Finally, I yelled, hey the boss is coming our way, and she let it go.
So since its Tuesday I thought I would give you a glimpse into the life of someone other than myself, what do you think?

Monday, February 16, 2009

CALIFORNIA HERE I COME

We will be leaving for California on Wednesday. Looking forward to the trip to San Clemente. I haven't posted for a couple of days because I haven't had much going on here. Went to St Louis last week and visited two different Goodwills, on on Olive and bought a fire truck for one of the Grandkids, we were hyped so we went to an even better neighborhood's Goodwill. Well rich people give away crap. You wouldn't think they would waste time on garage sales or hoarding, but that goodwill had nothing good about it. Chesterfield, you should be ashamed, and more giving of good stuff. I see you guys buying and buying, do you never let any of that go? Think about it, and when you decide call me.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

February

Caesar knew what he was doing, making February a short month. Good thinking on his part. I'm reading that a lot of bloggers are busy preparing for Valentines Day, making hearts with cupids and cards, and tags. Well that is all very nice, but what would make Valentines Day for me is for once being able to eat some of the boxes of candy women keep on their desk during this holiday. That is right, when we work on your computers we feel anything on the top of the desk is fair game. At least everything edible, or purchased by the hospital, like a pen or paperclip, maybe a stapler or two. But only if we are in need, we do not steal indescriminatly.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

St Louis Worlds Fair 1904

Thank-you to my mom for giving me these spoons she had from the 1904 Worlds Fair in St Louis. And no she didn't get them personally, but was given them from an aunt. And thank-you to my sisters and brother for not having any interest in anything from history, or the past, so I get all the good stuff! You guys rock!

the drive to work on Wednesday.

I work here.

I got to be with three of the Grands

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Winter has come to Missouri

I know northern Missouri has already had its share of winter, but this is new to those of us in Southeast Missouri. We woke to ice and snow, but somehow managed to arrive at work early. Of course it helps to be driven in, and dropped off at the door by Mark. I took pictures to post and now I can't find my cable to attach to pc, so I will post those later. The pictures are for a certain granddaughter residing in Orange County, Calif. note to Claire: you poor thing, I know you have school today, and if you were here you would not. you could sleep late, then dress warm and take to the hills with a tobaggan or a saucer. You could fly down the hill in the back of our house, landing in a heap of snow and ice. The ice crystals could freeze on your gloves, incasing them in a layer of crust that would make the gloves stand on their own when you pulled them from your hand. Your face would be red from the excitement and probably the cold, but that's ok, cause for a while you wouldn't be able to feel your face anyway. And when your feet could not take anymore, you could come inside for some hot chocolate and marshmallows. Claire, I feel so bad for you. I mean you are at school today, and what then? you come home and what can you do? Go to the beach? Really? But you might get sand in your hair! And aren't you getting tired of all that warm weather? Come to Misery, I mean Missouri!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

What is it about the man and his ego? I work with two guys in an office. Now they are both nice guys, nothing obviously wrong with their mental capacities. But when confronted with the opposite sex, (I don't count, I'm grandfathered in) they honestly believe these women are hitting on them. Before I get too far into this let me draw you a mental picture. One skinny, one not. People, we are talking average computer nerds. And ok, I'm right in there with them but we are not talking about me are we?

But let these two walk into an office with some attractive girls, they really, really think "Hi, we are so glad to see you" means "I want you" and not the true "where have you jerks been my computer hasn't been working for hours" When I get through scoffing at them they have actually said when a female puts their hair behind their ears when talking to you, it means she like you. Holy Mother! I have to remind you these guys are not in grade school, although that is their maturity level most times. These guys think that waitresses are really coming on to them, and not just working for tips. They are to be pitied.

I have been a witness to people actually coming on to someone. And you are right it wasn't me, but a friend in the hospital's business office. She is pretty, and blonde, and bombshell. Once when I was walking with her, I mentioned how I must look pretty good today cause all these guys are turning their heads to get another look at us! She just said "what?" And seriously she never even notices. Once one of the directors keep looking back at her while walking and ran right into a telephone pole. I don't think the girl has ever had to open a door on her own. She is hit on all the time, and is going through life just thinking "aren't people nice?"

So conclusion: if you think people are sending subliminal come-ons to you, it probably just isn't so.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Saturday night

We are having a bit of a heat wave, it has reached a balmy 20 degrees today. Got to love that global warming! After the weekly visit to Lowes, where my peeps hang out, we went to Sams. I don't have a card mainly cause I do not subscribe to the idea of paying to shop. But I will say to hell with my scruples, and enter with someone else who does have a card. And to tell the truth I just don't get it, the prices of items didn't seem like such a good deal to me. At least not for a family that has dwindled down to two. Then we ran over to Walmart, and I found out where the majority of Capes population spends their Saturday. As we passed others that we knew, we could only shake our heads and repeat "what the hell were we thinking"

So back home we went, the wind blowing my coat straight back like supermans cape. Wow, that wind blows right through you. I'm not leaving the house again unless I really, really have to go. Like maybe a chocolate run or something. It was nice that my eldest son called, we don't hear from him all that often. And how great to hear how nice it was by the ocean, with the waves coming in and the kids playing in the surf. So after he hung up and I bundle up in a down comfortor, I was thinking maybe I should warm up by cleaning or by refinishing some furniture. But that comforter (is it comfortor, comforter?) well let's just say blanket, is so great, I think I'll just hibernate here for the day.

Tomorrow we travel to St Louis so Mark can visit his brother who has had a stroke. He is in a rehab facility, and we have every hope he'll recover. So we will visit with my second grandchild Abbey. She is little miss independent, and so funny to be around. And you know how some kids are climbers, well she is a great one. I think we'll have to start looking around for a climbing wall for her. When do the garage sales begin again?

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

January Blues

I've been listening to the blues at work, and it suits my mood. Now I love the blues any time but when you've been stuck in a room without windows, it's cold outside, and there are pc's to fix all around you, the blues seem right. Ruth Brown, Honeyboy Edwards, buddy guy, BB, Bonnie Raitt, they are all here keeping me company.

I have the feeling I am suppose to have done something but I can't remember what that something is. It's a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach, but I don't believe I've promised anything I haven't delivered. Mostly cause I don't promise things. Can I blame everything on the fact that it is January? The only good thing that has ever happened in January is the birth of Ian Christopher, and while that was very good, it happened at the beginning of January. So it could have been the leftover good times from December. After the first week, it is pretty much downhill from there. February is better, but for some reason March sucks. I think cause it should be starting to be nice out but usually isn't. I believe if I used this time to regroup, redecorate, well just plain keep busy, I wouldn't be in such a pissy mood. But that is not happening. Last weekend Mark was gone, I was at home and I hardly accomplished a thing. Unless watching Monk on USA is a great accomplishment. I vow to do better, not a lot better but maybe a little better.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

80% off at Hobby Lobby

Sorry to Dave but I'm a slow learner, just don't get the concept of not spending any money. Especially at 80% off. Items are a little hard to see, but consist of large silver balls (about 8 of them) priced regular at 7.99 ea. A crown voltive candle holder, mercury like glass with purple insets, and a silver tinsel tree. The tree had candy canes on it but they pull off easily. Also about six silver icicles.

Also picked up some silver items at an auction this weekend along with a few other items. Example:

and this

this piano scarf is a favorite from a past auction

bought this picture today for 3.02, I've already painted the frame ivory which looks better but didn't take a picture of that.

sorry about the sideways post, I really thought you could rotate the pictures. Oh Well. Christie I loved the little Santa in the hammock, very cute. Thank-you

My ambition

I had two antique booths at local antique stores. One changed ownership and I no longer felt a part of things so I moved out, the other had a great owner. She actually knew who I was, unlike previous stores owner. She had a monthy newsletter for her booth owners with information on what was wanted and some educational items. unfortunatly her husband was transferred and she had to give up her store. So I became storeless. All the goods came home with me, and I'm still collecting. What I want to do is sell at Antique Shows. That seems logical, as I have a full time job and do not want a full time booth again. I can find great Antique Shows in Texas, and of course the Northwest area seems to have wonderful shows. I even saw some for Kansas and West Missouri near Kansas. Now I live 100 miles south of St louis in Southeast Missouri, where are the St Louis shows? Are they out there? I saw one called Missouri Heritage, which seemed to have high end furniture. They sold a bench for over a thousand dollars? I've had benches I've sold for 30.00 so I'm not in their league. Does anybody out there know of any shows I could sign up for?

Monday, January 5, 2009

Redecorate

I've decided I have too much brown in my house. As in wood furniture, everything is wood. I don't know why but all of a sudden this bothers me. Maybe cause it is winter and I need light, but I'm debating on what to change. And should I get rid of the red in the kitchen? Wait I can't cause I have red chairs, slipcovers maybe? I don't know. I'm thinking change is in the air.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Normalacy

The weekend after Christmas day the decorations went down. The trees are packed away and the room is back to normal status. I love the decorations and usually wait until the weekend after the new year to take everything down. This year I couldn't wait to pack it all up.

One of my favorite gifts this year was a picture of my Mom & Dad. Christie, Ians hair just might have come from our side of the family! Mom was still in her teens here and I believe my Dad was about 11 years older than her.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Christmas decorations at our house

this is the first year ever that I haven't spent a lot of time decorating and preparing for Christmas. Making gifts? No Making cookies? No Five Christmas trees? No. But I did drag out a few items that I can share.

Can you see the Merry Christmas? That was made last year by my talented daughter-in-law

One guess what my husband does for a living.

yes that is a pink Christmas tree.

I will change this, but I don't want to drag out anymore Christmas stuff. Oh well, no one is coming over for Christmas so it can just stay. And yes someday I will finish the tile around the fireplace, but Mark wants to change the fireplace out for a vented one. Oh boy!

My favorite Christmas decoration is the ceramic santa given to me by my mom many years ago.

things on my table. Clocks and little girl bought at an auction this fall.

Snowman is lit up! There you have it, I'm almost ashamed to post any of these with the beautiful postings I have visited. Maybe next year.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Our December Cruise

This is Roatan, Honduras. The poverty is always there, but things seem to be getting better.

Of course the riches are also there, this is the mayors house.

The wildlife abundant.

And oh my gosh, the views were beautiful.

This is the west end where Mark went diving and we both snorkeled.

Snorkeling, and the water was so clear. The coral is right there, really great snorkeling.

One of these are Mark.

Can you just see how peaceful and beautiful? This is Belize, or an island right off of Belize City, so pretty! Then we went to Cozumel and it was a little cold, maybe in the 70's so we didn't snorkel, at least I didn't, but Mark dove off the side of a street into the ocean and played. I wasn't with him so I didn't get pictures. A storm was coming and the sea was rater rough, I went back to the boat. We couldn't tender off of Bermuda, so the ship's next stop was Key West.

I thought this was a good picture, I liked the bricks and the painters pallette with the almost started pictures. I snapped a shot of it and the artist yelled at me for taking the picture. Really? What the hell was he afraid of? It was on a public sidewalk and the pallette is more interesting than the picture.

I was taking pictures of everything that caught my eye, like the brick sidewalk on the way to the southern most point of the United States.

Peoples houses that caught my eye.

Mark by a cool door.
And because he was such an ass, the finished pictures of the artist. Does he think I'll go home and mass produce his oh so very original art? A beach chair on the beach, and an island on the ocean, you're breaking new ground there Da Vinci!!!! So go ahead and copy these if you feel the need, I'm sure he wouldn't mind.

Another beautiful house on key west.

And one for Sale. As a matter of fact almost every other house was for sale. I'm thinkin times aren't so good on the Keys.

But the houses are really nice, and old.

The views are good

The locals are a little odd. Can you tell where these dogs are pearched?

That's right, the roof. I couldn't see how they got up there, but they seem content.

Closer to Key Largo the guys are kiteboarding.

I'm thinking this is the next thing Mark tries.

A nice path.

Mark Kayaking on our last day.

I thought these Kayaks looked like a bunch of bannanas So that's it, we had fun but its good to be back home. Kind of hard to get back into Christmas mode though. Maybe by the weekend.

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Monday, May 4, 2009

Garden no party

It is spring, what a wonderful time of year. the tempreture varies between 50 degrees and then the next day 85. Then it rains, and rains and rains. Upside, the grass is a beautiful green and the flowers are beautiful. Downside, ITS STILL RAINING. and the weeds are growing faster than anything. And spring adds another area of my home I have to feel guilty about not keepin up with. But I'm working on it........ The pictures are my backyard and the work in which I'm already behind. ok, the first and last are pictures of my neighbors flowers. Side note is that Mark hates those flowers for some reason. I think its that you can't cut down the green after the flowers die for a couple of weeks. he hates that.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

advice column

When I was younger I could never decide on which direction I should go to for a career. I thought I should have one, but which one? What are my talents, likes, dislikes. At eighteen I didn't know, during my 20's I didn't know, or 30's or 40's . But I think I know now. In my middle 50's, which is great cause it's a little late to go there now. I once told my husband I was glad I was turning 50 cause it was too late to worry about what I wanted to do with my life. He said it was never to late to become whatever I wanted, what would I want to do? I said be a ballerina. So he said "too late". Anyway I should have had an advice column. I could have been Dr Deb. That would have been great. Or a magazine editor, wouldn't that be an adventure? It would so fit me, I love magazines, and I can spot an error in printing or english with the best of them. I think I should have used the fact that I'm so opinionated to make a fortune instead of giving those opinions away for free to an ungrateful public. Next Life.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

We're having some fun now.

Here is the better model of old hats and the dressed up dressing table.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Weekends go by so fast

I'm playing with this arrangement on the wall, I want to put some saying on the side of the clock. I just don't know what. how about "Tempus omnia sed memorias privat" Time deprives all but memories, in latin. Or "Carpe Diem" or Chicago's "does anyone really know what time it is? "Time flies when you're having fun!" Any votes out there?

Wall has been repainted, and picture put up. I went with the three up, and over. Kind of a pain, but I like it. Thank-you Mark

We babysat Saturday and Sunday, the kids were great for the most part. I stapled some leftover material from a wedding on the old dressing table. The grand saw it and claimed it for her own. Three years old and she spent two hours arranging, playing, and make-uping in the back bedroom. She would have stayed longer but the aroma of my new bottle of "romance" cologne permeated the air. We moved to the kitchen to make cupcakes. If I was a very bad model of hats, I will show you a good one. Audrey tried on all the hats and was camping up a little. She picked the purple flower one for her own. Hope everyone has a great week, and spring is really here.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

my auction purchases

doilies many, many doilies
about 12 pairs of womens gloves
two chenille bedspreads, one white with flowers and one pink.
many women's hats
crock, sewing box, lamp, telescope,etc
A full pink bedspread w/flowers and a kids apron that looks like a rabbit, at least I think it looks like a rabbit.
a Silhouette picture pair
earrings
tri-fold mirror, a hat box etc.
aprons

I'm thinking the 50's may have been my decade. I picked up a lot of hats now what do I do with them? I like that I even have the prerequisite lipstick stain teeth. I don't wear lipstick, but I'm pretty sure that now that I'm in my mid fifties I should start!!

Tuesday's Auction

Lots of stuff at this auction, but why have it on a Tuesday? I do not know,
I know I couldn't stay for the whole thing. But I will show you what I got a little later. A few of these items wound up being mine. I went through at the beginning and took some pictures, sorry some are a little blurry. I couldn't use the flash and didn't know if I was going to be told not to take the pictures. but I have found out in life if you do things with confidence, like you were suppose to be doing it, people think you were suppose to be doing whatever it is you are doing.

50's ladies hats (mine)
a "signed" Beatles picture, I am way too much of cynic, but it went for about $12.00
Luggage, couldn't wait for this
Depression glass. went fairly cheap, but I have too much of this now
jewelry, sold each piece separately, I hate that
Sewing box, (mine now)
old bedboard lamps, pink is mine
Kennedy pictures, went for under $20.00 probably a good deal. I'll post more tonight.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Giveaway

There is a giveaway that anyone will love to win sponsored by online printing at 4 Reluctant Entertainers. Click here to enter!

check this out you might be very glad you did.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

A ballerina in the making.

Our second grandaughter has just turned three years old.

Dance classes imminent

Ready to dance.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

I just don't get it

I don't get toddler beauty pagents, I don't understand Nicolas Cage movies, or why anyone would think he was attractive, but most of all I do not get Twitter or Facebook. Or texting, I just don't. Why communicate in short sentences and with no thought or rambling? I thought blogging would keep people abreast of what was happening in the life and times of me. Ok, so most of the time that would be "hey, nothing new here", but every once in a while I may have something to say that is worth knowing. Not today but maybe some day. How about this.......hey relatives, would it kill you to hit the comment button once, just to say hi, or something?
Anyway, we've had some bad news, my DIL's stepmom died in her sleep last night. And she was younger than I am. I know that is not what I should be focusing on right now, but still it makes you think. Anyway Joette was a very nice lady, and a great grandma to my grandchildren. She lived in Tucson, Az but flew in to stay with my son & doughter in law for a week at a time a couple of times. She babysat the kids and totally loved being with them. She was even tempered, and sweet. I am so sorry that the kids have lost someone that loved them so much, they will not know what they are missing. I hope we can keep her alive in their hearts cause in this world the people that love you unconditionally are few and far between.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

We went to Branson

Mark and I stayed at the beautiful Chateau on the Lake in Branson Mo. Thank goodness SEMA will be paying for it, or FEMA, or well I'm not sure who but as long as it is not us I don't care. Below is just a picture of the back of the hotel. And next to this is a view from the 6th floor outside the glass elevators but insinde the hotel. It was a very relaxing week, I meant to go shopping but I didn't really want to when it came down to it. So I just played around, read, and took it easy. We were taken out to dinner by some company, and it was very nice. I met the fire chiefs wife from another Southeast Missouri city and it seemed as if I already knew her. She has two kids that are now married and she is very proud of, one a dentist and the other a speech therapist. They are also enjoying traveling around now that the kids are out of the house. She and her husband scuba and they are having a great time. I don't know if I'll ever be able to do that, snorkeling is about my limit. But I think I need to swim better, which means I have to just start swimming every day. So maybe one day, I was tempted to try it in Cozumel, cause the water is so clear it didn't seem like a bad idea. I didn't though. I'm such a coward. Another thing this other couple is enjoying is a Harley Davidson- and she tried to talk Mark into getting one. I don't think after all the threats we gave the boys, we could take one up as a hobby though. But it did sound like they were having a blast.

What I was most proud of though on this trip was the fact that I did not screw up anything. That is right, I got the right date, the right hotel, and remembered to bring the right amount of stuff. I do believe this is a first for me. Usually I mess something up, I've gotten the wrong date for a vacation with the entire, extended family before. I had to scramble around to find new accommodations. I've messed up so many times, I just expect to now. And why do people still trust me to make arrangements without checking on them multiple time? I have no clue. Well I do send my California DIL my tickets and information ahead of time so she can check. I've been pretty good there, but not without compulsively checking the date & times over and over. Like an OCDer checking to see if the stove is off.

So I'm back at work, and just waiting for the next trip. Which may be California again, I have to make arrangements with C to stay in San Francisco in June. Hey, C, could I just give you my credit card and you do the booking? I really don't want to break this lucky streak I have going now.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

George Clooney where are you?

George Clooney is in St Louis. I don't know what movie it is, but they are filming in St Louis. So the radio stations are playing "where in St Louis is George". I think that is kind of idiotic, why don't they leave those people alone. Now I've never seen a star up close, or far away for that matter. At least that I know of, cause I don't know who these new celebrities are now. Where are the Jimmy Stewarts, the John Waynes, the Paul Newmans? Oh sure Brad is cute in a Robert Redford kind of way, and I guess there are one or two more, but for the most part, eeechhh. Is ugly the new thing? And it is not like they are good actors, they pretty much play the same character over and over. I mean so did the DUKE but he had such presence. I think we need new stars, not just relatives of old stars. We need looks, and likabilty, and star quality. Even though George is just another relative, (Rosemary), he does have those three things going for him. Sooooo wait, I think I will keep an eye out when driving through St Louis. I'm sure he might just want to meet me.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

We saw a house we really liked.

dimes

2010-03-23T08:52:00.002-05:00

A while back I was told a story about a little boy who had a mom that was very sick. They were a family of two and it didn't seem as if that family would last past the year. The mom wanted the year to be special for her son so he would always remember and not ever feel alone. They went on walks to the parks, and lakes, and nature trails. She would throw dimes down, and when he'd find them she told him whenever he finds a dime to remember how very much he is loved. He found dimes in his drawers, and toys, and clothes until the day finally came when his mom left him. His grandparents took him home with them, but a funny thing happened. The little boy kept finding dimes. He would walk to his new school and on the steps would be a shiney dime. He would sit at a restaurant and on the bench, another dime. Everywhere he went, he found dimes. And when he found them, he would think of his mom and the love they had for each other and through his sorrow, he would smile.

Sad, but nice story, right? Well since you know the story now you will find dimes and when you do, know that you are also loved.

I was told the story, and I repeated it to some friends and my husband. I wasn't sure he really listened as he sometimes appears not to, but it's a story that I thought was sweet enough to share.

But again, funny enough, I started to find dimes. Maybe I always saw dimes and since I never gave them any significance it just didn't register. But I found them on the floor, in drawers, on the counter, in pockets. And not with other change, just dimes. Now I would have been suspicious, but I found them at home, at the store, in my car, and at work. No person, as far as I knew, came to all those places.

After a couple of weeks of finding dimes, I found out my husband was putting the dimes everywhere for me to find. Wow, we usually just go about our lives, taking each other for granted, (like you do) and then... If he was romantic all the time I would take that for granted, and let's face it, it would kind of creep me out. But once in a while..... After almost 40 years of marriage, he can still surprise me! So now I make sure he also finds dimes in unexpected places.

Pictures from the weekend

2010-02-24T08:40:00.006-06:00

The girls are having so much fun playing together now. Audrey is three, will be four in April. Abbey is two, will be three in March. I hope they will always love each other as much as they do now.

Oprah wants to know

2010-02-24T08:33:00.002-06:00

for some reason Oprah has asked me "how do you make the big decisions". I'm not sure why Oprah needs my advice, she seems to be doing pretty well on her own. But I was feeling generous and decided I could share. my answer: I procrastinate until the decision is made for me. That way I really can't be blamed for a bad decision or for that matter a good one. I've been that way all my life. Oh, no. Wait a minute, now that I've read over that, I realize I've been completely wrong. I should have weighed the pro's and con's, did a lot of research, asked for council from those whose opinions I admire, then flipped a coin. Yea, that would have been better!

2010-02-19T10:50:00.002-06:00

Some years ago, Mark and I lived in a two bedroom duplex in St Johns, a neighborhood of St Louis County, the street was W. Milton. We lived in the rear apartment which gave us access to the backyard

The only room we spent anytime decorating was the nursery which was for our much anticipated little boy. And no I did not really know he was going to be a boy, no ultrasound, we just knew. We painted a used crib a bright enameled chinese red. Then we took a upright chest of drawers, removed the top three drawers. Then using shutters we made doors, making the chest into an armoire of a sorts. This was also bright red. Mark and I read that babies liked bright colors!

I made a baby quilt, hung raggedy ann and andy on the wall. A sister-in-law made two pictures, one of a lion and one giraffe with red borders. The room was ready.

On February 19th, 1971 I went to bed early since I wasn't feeling well. I did not get to sleep till morning. I woke up with stomach cramps, feeling only sick. I never thought it was anything else. But the feeling didn't go away or let me go back to sleep. Around six A.M. I thought maybe I should wake up Mark. He immediately got us ready for the hospital. Did we call ahead? I don't know, I do remember the trip downtown to Jewish Hospital. I wondered if we were doing the right thing.

It was early and I was taken upstairs to the maternity floor. I tried to let people know I did not think I should be there yet. They weren't listening. Into a room that was small and only for laber. That's odd now, but there were labor rooms then. I just thought I was sick. Then the pains amped up and there was no doubt left. They gave me a shot that they called twilight, and it didn't take away the pains but they said I would forget. I made a consious effort not to forget becaus I thought it was so stupid not to ease the pain. Of course it's all a blurr to me know, I don't even know if Mark was allowed in there or not. I think he was.

Then off to delivery. My doctor didn't talk to me at all, he just kept talking about his landscaping and the trouble he was having getting his trees delivered. And not to me, only to the nurses. I felt like I was just a prop in the room. They didn't ask if I wanted any shot or if I was ok or anything. I hated that doctor. I think I finally said, "hey, I don't care about your yard, I'm having a baby here" They still didn't talk to me but they shut up. Oh wait, they did ask me if some students could watch the birth, I said "hell, no". So now they did not like me. I did not care, what a bunch of assholes.

So my baby was born, I held him and they wheeled us out and Mark was there. I'm glad I didn't realize he was just thinking that I had a baby that looked funny, with a big nose! I guess he never saw a new born baby before. Then they took the baby, and then I went to a recovery room. I guess i recovered and they took me to my room and I got to hold my baby. And I think that was when I fell in love with him. I thought he was beautiful. And I still do. So February 20, is the day of his birth and I thank God he was given to me. I would go back in time and do it all over again if I could, and with a lot less mistakes on my part, but I wouldn't change a thing about that baby or the man he has turned out to be. A mother could not be prouder of a son than I am with all my sons. Happy Birthday Major Brian, I love you.

Son at work

2010-02-15T11:39:00.000-06:00

This is work?

2010-02-15T11:04:00.000-06:00

This is familiar.

2010-02-15T11:00:00.000-06:00

Who does this for a living?

2010-02-15T10:59:00.000-06:00

random thoughts

2010-02-09T15:29:00.000-06:00

At one time I thought I had a different kind of sense of humor. I actually thought I looked at things differently than most. I watched television during the early sixties and it didn't seem as if I had anything in common with any of those people. why were they so nice? did they really feel that way all the time?
Then the seventies and what....the brady bunch? Mary T Moore? Still too nice. Possible exception M*A*S*H.

Eighties, Benson, a different world, Lavern & Shirley, Little House on the Prairie? Come on people.

Ninties, ok, tv is starting to catch up. Seinfeld, Drew Carey, 3rd Rock, Frasier. Finally, a little sarcasm, not so nicey, nice.

And then.....Reality TV, Cable, well crap, I'm out of it again.

2010-02-07T01:27:00.000-06:00

Its Saturday night, or rather Sunday morning 1:30. We kept the three and two year old Friday night over to about 5 or 6 Saturday. I thought I would have help today from the fireman (husband), but it was not to be. The Polar Bear Society or whatever took their yearly dunk in a lake today. The temp outside is around 20 so yes of course lets take a swim. The fireman said he would be back (yea, right) he was only going to help set up. He returned about 4:30, did I mention the kids woke up around 6 AM? Long day, but they were better behaved today. They at least let me get some cleaning done. Oh, and they took a nap around 1, so tolerable. Even so when the fireman came home finally, I couldn't help but be pissed.

So it's late on Saturday, sorry early Sunday morning and I'm still pouting, kinda. Well how can you pout when your reason to pout went to bed hours ago?

I don't want to waste the day tomorrow, so I guess I'm off to bed now. In a minute, or maybe an hour. When did tv get so terrible late at night? I would be watching channel 131, except I'm writing this boring tirade. Go to bed. It's late. Oh wait a minute, are you smarter than a 5th grader is on. Oh crap, I wasn't that smart when I was in 5th grade. What school do these kids go to? I can't help but think it's not one around here. History channel is about the Templar's. They seemed like fun guys to hang with. Did you know our government was based on religious society? I just did and not from a 5th grader. The founding fathers borrowed from their church's to form the structure of our government. Who knew! And no I didn't get that from television, but from a book on Abe Lincoln. Oh, look, Tom Hanks in the churchy movie. What was the name?....... Isn't that funny, maybe it's a theme tonight. My brain isn't working tonight, what is the name of that movie..... You know, that crazy albino monk, the priory, holy grail, louvre, Michelangelo. Now I just cought the end of Kell on earth, I never saw that, what is it? I really like that there is all these shows with people yelling at each other and cursing. Makes you feel all warm inside. And all the family, sisters, who in the hell are these people, Bravo? What is going on? I'm too old to watch tv now. What does it say when the only family reality I'm the least bit interested in is the Duggers? No, not really. Although I've seen one or two. But they are the only family I would want to know personally. Hey Rue Paul is on with Rickki Lake now. It's a sign I've got to go.

2010-02-05T09:56:00.000-06:00

Last night I stayed with two of the grandkids overnight. Those kids were wild! How much energy does a three year old and a two year old have? Well way more than I do, that's for sure. And what is with the craziness right before bedtime, is it that they have to get a lot of movement done before they hit the bed? And everything is so funny, everything. And really, since when do I do everything wrong? My mom does that this way, or my dad never says that, or my mom doesn't use that. What happened to Grandma is wonderful? I want that back!!!!

2010-02-03T21:31:00.000-06:00

Today my son left again for Iraq. He should be there for another 6 months or so. I was to be at his place to watch his two kids while his wife goes with him to the airport. I think they said they needed to leave at 5:30 AM to catch his flight out. So my husband and I kept waking up all night to look at the clock so we wouldn't be late. Almost every hour on the hour. Why do we not just set the alarm clock? I don't know. Even though we both have an alarm clock on each side of our bed, we just don't set them. Well I know I don't bother cause I'd screw it up. I tried once and the alarm kept going off every hour and a half. Or I'd get AM and PM messed up. My internal clock woke me up again at 4:00 AM. I got up and dressed and went to the "Major's" house. Since he was back in uniform, he informed us that we had to call him Major. Even if it was"Does the Major want a piece of gum?"

Anyway had a good day with the kids, I wasn't scared at all. Usually babies scare me, I don't handle crying well at all. But for some reason this little one month old is just easy to be around. And his older brother has been good to be around for quite a while. That two year old is a riot. He is silly and cute. And surprisingly good. And he kisses. Which is very sweet. After Christie got home I went to work out at the gym. Had a Doctor appointment to check my weight for the month and didn't think I lost any at all. three damn pounds. I have to end this, really work all month long instead of just the last week. Another appointment in March, and the doc said I have to lose 30 more lbs. I'll look like crap, but what the hell. I haven't weighed that since I was in my early 20's. And although I will fit in a size 6 or 8, I'm happy in size 12. Really what is wrong with that?

Seeing my house in pictures, I want a do-over.

2010-01-22T12:54:00.000-06:00

This is my kitchen and I can't decide whether to change out the cabinets, paint them, live with them. Change is hard.
Love Seltzer bottles.
family room, probably needs work!

old typewriter, gloves, hankie, and an old journal. my lame attempt at a vignette.
where did the snow go? Most days I'm at work and I don't know what the weather is doing outside. Once in a great while I'll step outside and I'm pleasantly surprised, then it's back to the windowless office. It's no wonder I'm so cranky!

2010-01-07T21:50:00.000-06:00

So it's 2010, who would have thunk it? We also have a new baby, and he's very cute. It is amazing that babies are not here one day and then there they are the next. My daughter-in-law is now safely home and coping with her 12 yr old, 2 yr old, and now 6 day old. Remember sleeping, Christie? Maybe that will happen again one day. They were home before our big snow, but not before the big freeze. I have been so busy at work I haven't even had a chance to call my mother and inform her of the baby's birth. I am not going to be daughter of the year again this year.
I can not wait for the new little one's dad to come home from Iraq. I think he'll be here for two weeks and then have to return. How tough that would be. Sorry he missed the excitement of the birth but the two weeks at home should be wonderful.

I will be back to write more, after I repair my laptop. Blue screen of death! I haven't got the time to reformat the darn thing. If this was work I'd just say, buy another one. hey wait this is from work........but no, its up for repair as soon as I can get to it.

DECORATING AROUND THE HOUSE

2009-12-13T22:02:00.000-06:00

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

2009-12-13T21:48:00.000-06:00

We went to Marks work Christmas party on Friday. Christie, Craig, and Nell made it with their kids. The kids were very clingy with Mark, especially the two little guys who did not leave him alone. Mark had to give out awards and the boys each clung to one of his pant legs. Then Audrey chimed in. They were really pulling him apart! Except when they went traveling. Ian started playing with another family and decided to leave with them. One of the firefighters caught him outside. Graham was missing and when I looked up at the dessert table he was sitting on a cooler at the end of the table eating m&m's out of a bowl. People were just going by him and talking to him. I doubt anyone else wanted any M & M's. No one stopped him from eating all of them. Aud and Graham wouldn't sit on Santa but Ian did. Then he saw Graham crying and you could tell he was thinking"what?, maybe I should not be here" Cute kids. Claire started to hang around some older girls, I so admire how she can make friends.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

2009-12-04T12:48:00.000-06:00

I promised Liz I would post something and I will. Maybe the house decorated for Christmas. Or this really nice new thing I bought for the craft room. I would post something I made but I've been really lazy about that lately. Hmmmmm..

How about writing about work.. no I'm there and even writing about it would put me to sleep.

I have to get a more interesting life.

2009-11-16T16:18:00.000-06:00

The picture in the middle was by my DIL, Christie, Everyone loved it. Deservedly so!!!

Inside the Veterans Center.

Mark simulated a playhouse on fire, threw a baby doll in the house and had the toddlers rescue the "baby".

Great weekend, started on Thursday night. Mark and I left Cape Girardeau with our DIL Christie to travel to Tulsa OK. We were attending a dedication at the Tulsa airport. My eldest son is a Captain in the Marines, he is deployed to Iraq right now. So in his stead, we three went to the dedication of a military hospitality room at the airport. The room is dedicated in the honor of a marine in Brian's platoon that was killed by an IED along with two other fellow marines. Also attending this was the lone survivor of the vehicle. I had not met him previously but heard of him through my son. He seemed to live up to the reputation of an very nice guy. His wounds while extremely serious, does not define him. I know the burns and the rehab he receives in San Antonio at the burn center had to be excruciating and would have embittered a lesser man. Although I did not speak to him at length, I observed him and his graciousness and likeability was amazing. Here's to you Cody Hill, you are an inspiration.

We reached home on Friday night and Saturday was spent on projects. The kids and grands were over on Sunday and filled the day with fun and laughter. Enjoy the pictures.

The Hot Rod Boys

2009-11-12T07:56:00.000-06:00