Christmas is over and New Year's Eve is tomorrow! How fast time flies! The holidays were excellent and the snowfall just prior to Christmas added to the festive atmosphere! Christmas eve and Christmas morning were especially wonderful! Having the kids both here, and waking up in the early morning to the excitement of stockings, wrapping paper, laughter, camera flashes and love is so very special, and there are not words to describe how blessed I feel !
A combination of the busy hustle and bustle, a lack of funds and our desire not to pack on extra pounds this year, resulted in not doing some of the things that have become traditions in our family...and I missed them!
1-Our annual overnight shopping trip to Kansas City.
2- Our mother/son & father/daughter day shopping event (usually the week before Christmas).
3-Our candy making evening.
We did celebrate the holidays with Marvin's family, and although we were able to spend a couple of hours with my mom and step dad, my siblings and my dad were unavailable.
The past year has been a challenge financially, but, after tomorrow, that situation should improve as I begin working full time again! It has been a worrisome year, but in the long run, it should be a good thing for us, providing not only more income...but better, more affordable insurance and a return to retirement saving as well!
Chas, Shane,Marvin and I are entering this year a bit more svelte than last year! Chas has lost almost 90 pounds, Shane is down over 40, I shed more than 30 and Marvin lost over 15! If you have the need for dieting help...we highly recommend sparkpeople.com!
The past year has seen lots of illness and time spent in hospital rooms and beside sick beds. Losing Becky was very hard, and we miss her chatter and never ending supply of energy very much! Helen is much improved and her pacemaker finally seems to be doing its job! Bill is very ill, and we count every day of life for him...an extra special blessing.
I have been thinking about New Year's resolutions...and here is a partial list...
1-I resolve to spend as much time as possible with my husband and kids...they are my everything!
2-I resolve to tell all three of them that I love them every chance that I get and to hug them as often as possible!
3-I resolve to KEEP the weight that I have lost off!
4-I resolve to try each day to be more open to and aware of the needs of those around me...especially those less fortunate...and to be willing to help whenever I can.
The list will continue to grow...well into the New Year!
I wish you all a very Happy New Year, full of love, life, happiness and Gods blessing and mercy!
Be Well!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
...everywhere you go! What a beautiful time of year! Driving down the streets is like visiting wonderland! Lights and decorations everywhere! It is fabulous! Cries of Merry Christmas echo through the halls and spill into the streets, kindness and generosity permeate every heart and calories are graciously removed from all things chocolate! If only this spirit could remain throughout the year...what a wonderful life it would be!
Be Well!
Be Well!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Weekend winding down...
Sunday afternoon...the weekend is almost over and although it was actually three days this time, it seems so short! I think we made good use of almost every minute available over the past few days, though there remains much to be done.
Friday: We spent Friday Christmas shopping, except for an hour and a half...which we set aside to see "I Am Legend". It was a really good movie, and if you don't mind a bit of sci-fi sort of stuff...(which I enjoy), I highly recommend it. We headed home around 4:45, just as it began to snow. My office Christmas party was at 6:00, so we had just enough time to get home, change clothes, freshen up and head back out! The party was nice, and surprisingly, the food was good (even though it was catered by a local grocery store). The Mayor promised to get everyone "fed, gifted and on the way home" before the roads got too slick and she did a good job! By 7:30 we were back in our living room picking out a movie to watch!
Saturday: Saturday found several inches of snow on the streets, so we waited until almost 2:00 before leaving the house, in hopes that street crews would have the chance to salt everything before we got out...and the roads were in good shape! We did a bit of shopping, then stopped at Kobe's for dinner around 5:00. (Thank you Rich!! It was delicious!) The temps were dropping, and rather than end up sliding into someone as the slush refroze, we went home.
Sunday: We decided on the early service at Church, then went to McAlisters for lunch, and shopped a bit afterward at Gordman's. We spent the rest of the afternoon here at home, wrapping up some work gifts and computer work. At 6:00 this evening, we have another Christmas party (for the Park and Tree Board, of which I am recording secretary).
The coming week promises to be a busy one! I love the Christmas season! It is my favorite! I love the shopping, music, movies, decorations, food, good will, fun and most of all...the family time! Every year I am more aware of those around us who don't have such a wonderful Christmas, and this year, as we drive down Broadway and see those who are homeless and those who line up to eat at the Lord's Diner, my heart breaks. This has been a financially strained Christmas for us...but when I see those who have no homes, and when I realize that those lining up at the Diner may be receiving their only meal of the day...I feel guilty for bemoaning our own "tight finances". I have determined to help someone this week...in some way. I don't have the resources to do anything huge...but help doesn't always have to be huge. So, I will be watching for an opportunity! I encourage you to do the same. After all...we have received the greatest gift of all for Christmas...our Saviour! It only seems fitting that we pass along a bit of kindness whenever we can!
Be Well!
Friday: We spent Friday Christmas shopping, except for an hour and a half...which we set aside to see "I Am Legend". It was a really good movie, and if you don't mind a bit of sci-fi sort of stuff...(which I enjoy), I highly recommend it. We headed home around 4:45, just as it began to snow. My office Christmas party was at 6:00, so we had just enough time to get home, change clothes, freshen up and head back out! The party was nice, and surprisingly, the food was good (even though it was catered by a local grocery store). The Mayor promised to get everyone "fed, gifted and on the way home" before the roads got too slick and she did a good job! By 7:30 we were back in our living room picking out a movie to watch!
Saturday: Saturday found several inches of snow on the streets, so we waited until almost 2:00 before leaving the house, in hopes that street crews would have the chance to salt everything before we got out...and the roads were in good shape! We did a bit of shopping, then stopped at Kobe's for dinner around 5:00. (Thank you Rich!! It was delicious!) The temps were dropping, and rather than end up sliding into someone as the slush refroze, we went home.
Sunday: We decided on the early service at Church, then went to McAlisters for lunch, and shopped a bit afterward at Gordman's. We spent the rest of the afternoon here at home, wrapping up some work gifts and computer work. At 6:00 this evening, we have another Christmas party (for the Park and Tree Board, of which I am recording secretary).
The coming week promises to be a busy one! I love the Christmas season! It is my favorite! I love the shopping, music, movies, decorations, food, good will, fun and most of all...the family time! Every year I am more aware of those around us who don't have such a wonderful Christmas, and this year, as we drive down Broadway and see those who are homeless and those who line up to eat at the Lord's Diner, my heart breaks. This has been a financially strained Christmas for us...but when I see those who have no homes, and when I realize that those lining up at the Diner may be receiving their only meal of the day...I feel guilty for bemoaning our own "tight finances". I have determined to help someone this week...in some way. I don't have the resources to do anything huge...but help doesn't always have to be huge. So, I will be watching for an opportunity! I encourage you to do the same. After all...we have received the greatest gift of all for Christmas...our Saviour! It only seems fitting that we pass along a bit of kindness whenever we can!
Be Well!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Poor Marvin...
Those of you who know me well...also know that I have a tendency to blurt out whatever is swirling around in my brain...with no warning or explanation. Poor Marvin was reminded of that particular flaw of mine a couple days ago.
We were watching a news cast about a sports arena ( I don't remember the location) where fans gather in a certain area of the arena and essentially go nuts during breaks in play. The area is a spiral walkway leading from the lower level to the top of the stadium. It seems that fans gather at the railing and scream obscenities, throw beer cans and bottles, spit beer and yell for women to bare their breasts (which they do). After the story, one woman who had been caught up in their reveling by accident was interviewed by a reporter afterwards:
Reporter: What was going through your mind while all of the yelling was going on?
Woman: Oh...I was repulsed...it's absolutely disgusting! But...it's just men being men.
I sat on the footstool listening to her say "It's just men being men..." and my brain flew into a rage! I could not believe that she had the nerve to lump all men into such an outrageous statement! I wondered if she had a husband or son...and if she did, why it hadn't occurred to her that by making such a statement, she was indicating that her own men were degenerate perverts as well...after all...they are men. I could not believe that she was basically excusing the behavior of a bunch of people who needed kicked in the butt because of their gender! And...I wondered whether this woman might be blind...had she not noticed that about half of the participants were women?! My anger intensified as I thought about the way that women are often lumped into one huge category of ignorant, helpless, weak beings...by narrow minded people. And how that stereotype is perpetuated by women who ACT in those ways because they think it will further some agenda they have.
All of this occurred in a matter of seconds as we sat there together watching TV, and suddenly it spewed out my mouth.
I whirled around to face my husband, and snarled, "SO, HOW DOES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL?"
His face was a total blank and his eyes were huge, but there was no audible response.
"DOESN'T THAT PISS YOU OFF?"I hissed, "A STATEMENT LIKE THAT SHOULD MAKE ALL OF YOU MAD!"
I paused and waited. During this pause...the look of confusion and fear on his face finally registered in my brain and I started to apologize...but suddenly the humor of it all hit me and I couldn't stop laughing.
I finally managed to explain that I had not meant my question for him personally...but rather...I was wondering how men in general feel about such things. He's been a bit skittish every since.
Be Well!
We were watching a news cast about a sports arena ( I don't remember the location) where fans gather in a certain area of the arena and essentially go nuts during breaks in play. The area is a spiral walkway leading from the lower level to the top of the stadium. It seems that fans gather at the railing and scream obscenities, throw beer cans and bottles, spit beer and yell for women to bare their breasts (which they do). After the story, one woman who had been caught up in their reveling by accident was interviewed by a reporter afterwards:
Reporter: What was going through your mind while all of the yelling was going on?
Woman: Oh...I was repulsed...it's absolutely disgusting! But...it's just men being men.
I sat on the footstool listening to her say "It's just men being men..." and my brain flew into a rage! I could not believe that she had the nerve to lump all men into such an outrageous statement! I wondered if she had a husband or son...and if she did, why it hadn't occurred to her that by making such a statement, she was indicating that her own men were degenerate perverts as well...after all...they are men. I could not believe that she was basically excusing the behavior of a bunch of people who needed kicked in the butt because of their gender! And...I wondered whether this woman might be blind...had she not noticed that about half of the participants were women?! My anger intensified as I thought about the way that women are often lumped into one huge category of ignorant, helpless, weak beings...by narrow minded people. And how that stereotype is perpetuated by women who ACT in those ways because they think it will further some agenda they have.
All of this occurred in a matter of seconds as we sat there together watching TV, and suddenly it spewed out my mouth.
I whirled around to face my husband, and snarled, "SO, HOW DOES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL?"
His face was a total blank and his eyes were huge, but there was no audible response.
"DOESN'T THAT PISS YOU OFF?"I hissed, "A STATEMENT LIKE THAT SHOULD MAKE ALL OF YOU MAD!"
I paused and waited. During this pause...the look of confusion and fear on his face finally registered in my brain and I started to apologize...but suddenly the humor of it all hit me and I couldn't stop laughing.
I finally managed to explain that I had not meant my question for him personally...but rather...I was wondering how men in general feel about such things. He's been a bit skittish every since.
Be Well!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Dance With All Your Might...
Years end coming quickly now
As years are wont to do…
My inside eye relives the past
In shades of bright and blue.
The universe has handed out
What things it stored for us,
In that great cosmic sense
…All we have is trust.
Looking back with heavy hearts
Sorrow clouding what we find,
Seeking hope for what comes next
Retreading paths…behind.
While death looms in the shadows
To snatch one held quite dear…
A new life waits just in the eves,
Impending birth is near.
There is no way to gage events…
Which haven’t come to pass,
Except to say the future is
More fragile than blown glass.
Hold tight until the days are gone,
Cling fast unto the night…
Don’t live life in a quiet haze,
But dance with all your might.
Copyright©2007 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.
Years end coming quickly now
As years are wont to do…
My inside eye relives the past
In shades of bright and blue.
The universe has handed out
What things it stored for us,
In that great cosmic sense
…All we have is trust.
Looking back with heavy hearts
Sorrow clouding what we find,
Seeking hope for what comes next
Retreading paths…behind.
While death looms in the shadows
To snatch one held quite dear…
A new life waits just in the eves,
Impending birth is near.
There is no way to gage events…
Which haven’t come to pass,
Except to say the future is
More fragile than blown glass.
Hold tight until the days are gone,
Cling fast unto the night…
Don’t live life in a quiet haze,
But dance with all your might.
Copyright©2007 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.
An icy day...
The weather outside is frightful...
The electric heater is delightful...
I have a million places to go...
Ice is falling, if only it were snow.
(My apologies to Mr. Cahn and Mr. Martin)
What a day! The temperature is hovering just above the freezing mark (thankfully), and the rain has taken a short hiatus. Trees, shrubbery, etc. are white and heavy with ice and I fear that my Pampas Grass is ruined. There are times when Kansas is a hateful place to live...this is such a time!
I arose early and as soon as Marvin was off to work, I showered, fixed my hair and put on my face, in case I was called in to work for someone who could not navigate the roads. The expected call did not come...due to rising temps and melting ice. So...since I was ready to roll...I did! I made an early stop at Wal-Mart (which was almost empty), then headed over to my nail salon to have a new set put on. To my dismay, my salon was closed (probably due to the forecast of an inch of ice), so I ended up at California Nails in the mall. The nail tech was very nice and extremely competent...but after having the same people do my nails for more than ten years...I felt as though I were cheating on someone. Yes...I felt like a nail slut.
The roads were not bad...but the potential was there. If the temperature falls, the coating of ice will be thick and swift. So, rather than risk an accident, I headed back home and after a quick bite of lunch (baked potato, peas and cottage cheese), I made a call to a certain government agency, to see if I could rectify...or at least understand...a little situation which has developed between my mother and said agency. In the end, I got a bit more than I expected...but I have to say that the person who assisted me was extremely helpful and...believe it or not...I did NOT lose my temper. However, I am now even more perplexed at the financial problems plaguing my parents. I am wondering whether financial counseling is in order...rather than assistance.
A few observations for the record...
1)Life really isn't fair.
2)No good deed goes unpunished.
3)James Taylor was right "When you're down...nobody gives a damn anyway."
However...what goes around comes around.
Be Well!
The electric heater is delightful...
I have a million places to go...
Ice is falling, if only it were snow.
(My apologies to Mr. Cahn and Mr. Martin)
What a day! The temperature is hovering just above the freezing mark (thankfully), and the rain has taken a short hiatus. Trees, shrubbery, etc. are white and heavy with ice and I fear that my Pampas Grass is ruined. There are times when Kansas is a hateful place to live...this is such a time!
I arose early and as soon as Marvin was off to work, I showered, fixed my hair and put on my face, in case I was called in to work for someone who could not navigate the roads. The expected call did not come...due to rising temps and melting ice. So...since I was ready to roll...I did! I made an early stop at Wal-Mart (which was almost empty), then headed over to my nail salon to have a new set put on. To my dismay, my salon was closed (probably due to the forecast of an inch of ice), so I ended up at California Nails in the mall. The nail tech was very nice and extremely competent...but after having the same people do my nails for more than ten years...I felt as though I were cheating on someone. Yes...I felt like a nail slut.
The roads were not bad...but the potential was there. If the temperature falls, the coating of ice will be thick and swift. So, rather than risk an accident, I headed back home and after a quick bite of lunch (baked potato, peas and cottage cheese), I made a call to a certain government agency, to see if I could rectify...or at least understand...a little situation which has developed between my mother and said agency. In the end, I got a bit more than I expected...but I have to say that the person who assisted me was extremely helpful and...believe it or not...I did NOT lose my temper. However, I am now even more perplexed at the financial problems plaguing my parents. I am wondering whether financial counseling is in order...rather than assistance.
A few observations for the record...
1)Life really isn't fair.
2)No good deed goes unpunished.
3)James Taylor was right "When you're down...nobody gives a damn anyway."
However...what goes around comes around.
Be Well!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both!
2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial…I hate stepping on pine needles hidden deep in the carpet (in June).
3. When do you put up the tree? Immediately following Thanksgiving!
4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime after New Year…and it’s a sad day!
5. Do you like eggnog? I LOVE IT!!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? I loved every gift that I have ever received!
7. Do you have a nativity scene? We have several nativity scenes, some are complete nativity sets and some are Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus only.
8. Hardest person to buy for? Everyone…I’m always afraid I will buy something they will hate.
9. Easiest person to buy for? Children…they like everything!
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I never received a bad Christmas gift!
11. Favorite Christmas Movie? Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, A Christmas Story and It’s a Wonderful Life!
12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? After Thanksgiving.
13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Nope.
14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Fudge, divinity, candy strawberries, cherry mash, candy canes, peppermint sugar sticks, brownies, pumpkin pie and of course chocolate covered or chocolate dipped…anything.
15. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear this year…but colored some years.
16. Favorite Christmas song? I love almost all Christmas music! However, “Walkin Round In Women’s Underwear” cracks me up!!
17. Travel for Christmas or stay at home? Both…travel before Christmas, home Christmas eve and day, and travel after Christmas!
18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Clumsy, Grouchy, Snoopy, Shaggy, Scooby, Andy, John, Paul, Ringo and Rudolph.
19. Angel on the tree top or a star? Uh…neither…is that required?
20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning of course!!
21. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Shortage of money and grouchy people bringing me down.
22. What I love most about Christmas? Family and giving things to people that I love!
23. Do you do stockings? Of course!
24. Do you ever peek at hidden gifts? Never in my life…I adore the suspense and surprise!!
Be Well!
2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial…I hate stepping on pine needles hidden deep in the carpet (in June).
3. When do you put up the tree? Immediately following Thanksgiving!
4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime after New Year…and it’s a sad day!
5. Do you like eggnog? I LOVE IT!!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? I loved every gift that I have ever received!
7. Do you have a nativity scene? We have several nativity scenes, some are complete nativity sets and some are Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus only.
8. Hardest person to buy for? Everyone…I’m always afraid I will buy something they will hate.
9. Easiest person to buy for? Children…they like everything!
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I never received a bad Christmas gift!
11. Favorite Christmas Movie? Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, A Christmas Story and It’s a Wonderful Life!
12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? After Thanksgiving.
13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Nope.
14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Fudge, divinity, candy strawberries, cherry mash, candy canes, peppermint sugar sticks, brownies, pumpkin pie and of course chocolate covered or chocolate dipped…anything.
15. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear this year…but colored some years.
16. Favorite Christmas song? I love almost all Christmas music! However, “Walkin Round In Women’s Underwear” cracks me up!!
17. Travel for Christmas or stay at home? Both…travel before Christmas, home Christmas eve and day, and travel after Christmas!
18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Clumsy, Grouchy, Snoopy, Shaggy, Scooby, Andy, John, Paul, Ringo and Rudolph.
19. Angel on the tree top or a star? Uh…neither…is that required?
20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning of course!!
21. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Shortage of money and grouchy people bringing me down.
22. What I love most about Christmas? Family and giving things to people that I love!
23. Do you do stockings? Of course!
24. Do you ever peek at hidden gifts? Never in my life…I adore the suspense and surprise!!
Be Well!
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Friday eve...
Here it is...a whole week since I blogged the last time! I can't believe how time gets away from me. A weird day at the office today...lots of gossip and anger...at the boss...who was off today. I have been fortunate to escape most of the ugly stuff so far...because I'm only there four hours a day. It dawned on me today that, starting in January...I will be in the eye of the hurricane with everyone else. Life is weird.
Be Well!
Be Well!
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Thus far...
Thus far this week has been uneventful. The weather is cold (in my humble opinion) and November is finally upon us. The trees are changing rapidly now, after only just beginning a few days ago, and I fear that the amazing hues of Autumn won't last long.
Last night was Halloween, which we do not celebrate (go ahead and call me a stuffy, right wing, conservative, fanatic, freak...I don't care). We did celebrate for years, with everyone else and had a grand time! However, there came a point when we felt a personal conviction to avoid this particular holiday...and that is that! I don't look down on those who do the Halloween thing...it just isn't our thing anymore. In leau of trick or treaters we attended a revival meeting at a small Baptist church (Marvin's pressman invited us). The entire experience made me remember why I appreciate Glenville Church so much!
Work has been somewhat odd this week. Special Council meetings scheduled, then cancelled, lots of phone calls from people with weird questions and requests, stinky folks at the counter and of course the inevitable personality clashes and quirks. Tomorrow is Friday...I work all day tomorrow and I have no doubt that it will seem like the longest day ever. I hope that we are absolutely inundated with those paying water bills, that's the only way the hours will EVER pass!
I am looking forward to the weekend...no particular reason...other than the alarm not ringing at 6:15 a.m.!
Be Well!
Last night was Halloween, which we do not celebrate (go ahead and call me a stuffy, right wing, conservative, fanatic, freak...I don't care). We did celebrate for years, with everyone else and had a grand time! However, there came a point when we felt a personal conviction to avoid this particular holiday...and that is that! I don't look down on those who do the Halloween thing...it just isn't our thing anymore. In leau of trick or treaters we attended a revival meeting at a small Baptist church (Marvin's pressman invited us). The entire experience made me remember why I appreciate Glenville Church so much!
Work has been somewhat odd this week. Special Council meetings scheduled, then cancelled, lots of phone calls from people with weird questions and requests, stinky folks at the counter and of course the inevitable personality clashes and quirks. Tomorrow is Friday...I work all day tomorrow and I have no doubt that it will seem like the longest day ever. I hope that we are absolutely inundated with those paying water bills, that's the only way the hours will EVER pass!
I am looking forward to the weekend...no particular reason...other than the alarm not ringing at 6:15 a.m.!
Be Well!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Arkalalah and other stuff...
After a long week of hospital waiting rooms, stress and worry, Arkalalah was a welcome relief! Marvin's mom is now out of ICU and back on the regular floor, doing well! Here is a brief rundown of the weekend behind us:
Saturday - We left early Saturday morning, stopping briefly at the hospital to check on Helen, who was doing well, then headed to Chas's house to meet Chas and Shane, and picked Candy up in Derby. After a short visit with my mom and step dad in IXL, we finally arrived for the 76th Annual Arkalalah celebration, the theme of which was "Seuss On The Loose", in honor of (who else) Dr. Seuss! We spent the first couple of hours walking the streets, passing people whose faces were familiar, but whose names we lost in oblivion. We cruised through the craft show without buying a thing, then headed back downtown for lunch from street vendors. After stuffing our faces with all sorts of junk (much of it on sticks), we settled in to watch the two hour parade. The theme of the day was well carried out by all participants and with the exception of a couple of gaps in the parade line, it was a huge success! As the parade concluded, we made our way to Green Door for dinner, followed by a tired, but contented drive back to Wichita. I don't think we could have mustered another hours worth of energy among the five of us!
Sunday - Sunday morning found us sleeping in until 9:15 or so, then we took in a really badly made movie, followed by really badly made eggs and biscuits. By the end of the day, we had accomplished several chores, including catching up the weekend laundry and finally closing the pool for the season!
The highlight of Sunday was watching Jimmie Johnson take not only the lead, but the race, in his eighth victory of the season at the Atlanta Motor Speedway! Johnson succeeded in closing the Gordon-Johnson point gap to a mere 9! Meanwhile, Jr. gained some meaningful face time with a fellow driver as he careened down the speedway backwards after losing his left rear tire.
We concluded the weekend with pumpkin pie and coffee, on the deck with a roaring blaze in the fire pit. All in all it was a great weekend!
Be Well!
Saturday - We left early Saturday morning, stopping briefly at the hospital to check on Helen, who was doing well, then headed to Chas's house to meet Chas and Shane, and picked Candy up in Derby. After a short visit with my mom and step dad in IXL, we finally arrived for the 76th Annual Arkalalah celebration, the theme of which was "Seuss On The Loose", in honor of (who else) Dr. Seuss! We spent the first couple of hours walking the streets, passing people whose faces were familiar, but whose names we lost in oblivion. We cruised through the craft show without buying a thing, then headed back downtown for lunch from street vendors. After stuffing our faces with all sorts of junk (much of it on sticks), we settled in to watch the two hour parade. The theme of the day was well carried out by all participants and with the exception of a couple of gaps in the parade line, it was a huge success! As the parade concluded, we made our way to Green Door for dinner, followed by a tired, but contented drive back to Wichita. I don't think we could have mustered another hours worth of energy among the five of us!
Sunday - Sunday morning found us sleeping in until 9:15 or so, then we took in a really badly made movie, followed by really badly made eggs and biscuits. By the end of the day, we had accomplished several chores, including catching up the weekend laundry and finally closing the pool for the season!
The highlight of Sunday was watching Jimmie Johnson take not only the lead, but the race, in his eighth victory of the season at the Atlanta Motor Speedway! Johnson succeeded in closing the Gordon-Johnson point gap to a mere 9! Meanwhile, Jr. gained some meaningful face time with a fellow driver as he careened down the speedway backwards after losing his left rear tire.
We concluded the weekend with pumpkin pie and coffee, on the deck with a roaring blaze in the fire pit. All in all it was a great weekend!
Be Well!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
And so...
It's been a while since my last post...no apologies...just life. This has been a busy time for our family, as this time of year always is. The weather has completed the transition from Indian Summer to Autumn and leaves are finally beginning to don their fall colors. I detest the cold, I abhor wet, dreary days and I absolutely pine for sunshine! That being said...I also adore the magnificence of fall foliage and I do find the sound of winter winds whipping around the house, as we snuggle up inside, oddly comforting. Each season has much to offer...some just require a bit more effort in defining those offerings.
We spent last weekend on the road, attending a wedding in Missouri on Friday evening, then continuing on to Coffeyville to spend Saturday night with my dad.
The wedding was very pretty, as weddings tend to be. The Bride, of course, was radiant...and the Groom very handsome. Instead of a Unity Candle, the couple chose to do a Sand Ceremony, which I had only seen previously on television. It was very cool and I would recommend it to anyone in the 'market' for such a thing. Shane and Candy nearly outshone the Bride and Groom and were by far the most attractive couple in the room, and Chasity turned heads all evening with her new figure and hair style and was the most attractive single gal there!
Before leaving Missouri, we stopped at a place called Lamberts (Home of Throwed Rolls) for lunch. It was probably the most unique place that I have ever eaten at! After ordering a meal from a vast selection of comfort foods, a cart laden with big, soft, warm, yeast rolls appears and the waiter begins throwing rolls across the room to anybody who wants one! Shortly after he moves on...along comes a girl holding a metal container full of mollasses...and drools it on your rolls!!! It was soooooooooooo yummy!! In the midst of all of this...our meals were delivered...followed by more servers carrying metal bowls containing the stuff dreams are made of...fried potatoes and onions...black eyed peas...etc. It was a dieters nightmare!! We threw caution to the winds and ate ourselves silly!
Upon arriving in Coffeyville, my dad took us on a driving tour of the devastation resulting from flood waters a few months ago. It was extremely interesting and heartbreaking at the same time! The depth of the floodwaters was over 6 feet in some areas...and in many areas was combined with a nasty oil slick from the local refinery...which sprung a leak adding to the disaster. Altogether, at least 350 homes and 75 businesses were destroyed. Amazingly...only one life was lost.
Saturday night found us at the home of my dads new girlfriend, where we cooked steaks out on the patio and enjoyed an evening of conversation and relaxation! We met some of her friends, which she fondly calls "The Yaya's", and I swear to you...one of them had to be the model for "Maxine"!
Sunday was another travel day as we journeyed home to catch up on laundry before going back to work on Monday.
Marvins mom was scheduled for a 'minor' repair on her pacemaker on Monday afternoon, which turned into a real mess. The doctor was unable to complete the repairs and her body became very angry at having been invaded! After a very difficult night and day, she has settled down again and the surgery has been rescheduled for Thursday afternoon...please keep her in your prayers!
That brings us to the here and now! I got home at 2:00 today and immediately began working on the pool. Due to a series of rainy days and not being home...the pool has yet to be closed for the season! It is scaring the heck out of me. I am so afraid that a typical Kansas weather event will kick us in the pants (or pump)! If the temp should drop below freezing...and the pump is still full of water...it could end up being VERY costly. I vacuumed leaves from the bottom this afternoon until my hands were almost numb...and applied the first of three solutions for winter closing...so hopefully we will be able to do the deed before the weekend! After completing the vacuuming...I went to the basement and retrieved my Thanksgiving decorations and distributed Pilgrims, pumpkins and an overflowing Cornucopia. I feel much more "Autumnish" now!
Be Well!
We spent last weekend on the road, attending a wedding in Missouri on Friday evening, then continuing on to Coffeyville to spend Saturday night with my dad.
The wedding was very pretty, as weddings tend to be. The Bride, of course, was radiant...and the Groom very handsome. Instead of a Unity Candle, the couple chose to do a Sand Ceremony, which I had only seen previously on television. It was very cool and I would recommend it to anyone in the 'market' for such a thing. Shane and Candy nearly outshone the Bride and Groom and were by far the most attractive couple in the room, and Chasity turned heads all evening with her new figure and hair style and was the most attractive single gal there!
Before leaving Missouri, we stopped at a place called Lamberts (Home of Throwed Rolls) for lunch. It was probably the most unique place that I have ever eaten at! After ordering a meal from a vast selection of comfort foods, a cart laden with big, soft, warm, yeast rolls appears and the waiter begins throwing rolls across the room to anybody who wants one! Shortly after he moves on...along comes a girl holding a metal container full of mollasses...and drools it on your rolls!!! It was soooooooooooo yummy!! In the midst of all of this...our meals were delivered...followed by more servers carrying metal bowls containing the stuff dreams are made of...fried potatoes and onions...black eyed peas...etc. It was a dieters nightmare!! We threw caution to the winds and ate ourselves silly!
Upon arriving in Coffeyville, my dad took us on a driving tour of the devastation resulting from flood waters a few months ago. It was extremely interesting and heartbreaking at the same time! The depth of the floodwaters was over 6 feet in some areas...and in many areas was combined with a nasty oil slick from the local refinery...which sprung a leak adding to the disaster. Altogether, at least 350 homes and 75 businesses were destroyed. Amazingly...only one life was lost.
Saturday night found us at the home of my dads new girlfriend, where we cooked steaks out on the patio and enjoyed an evening of conversation and relaxation! We met some of her friends, which she fondly calls "The Yaya's", and I swear to you...one of them had to be the model for "Maxine"!
Sunday was another travel day as we journeyed home to catch up on laundry before going back to work on Monday.
Marvins mom was scheduled for a 'minor' repair on her pacemaker on Monday afternoon, which turned into a real mess. The doctor was unable to complete the repairs and her body became very angry at having been invaded! After a very difficult night and day, she has settled down again and the surgery has been rescheduled for Thursday afternoon...please keep her in your prayers!
That brings us to the here and now! I got home at 2:00 today and immediately began working on the pool. Due to a series of rainy days and not being home...the pool has yet to be closed for the season! It is scaring the heck out of me. I am so afraid that a typical Kansas weather event will kick us in the pants (or pump)! If the temp should drop below freezing...and the pump is still full of water...it could end up being VERY costly. I vacuumed leaves from the bottom this afternoon until my hands were almost numb...and applied the first of three solutions for winter closing...so hopefully we will be able to do the deed before the weekend! After completing the vacuuming...I went to the basement and retrieved my Thanksgiving decorations and distributed Pilgrims, pumpkins and an overflowing Cornucopia. I feel much more "Autumnish" now!
Be Well!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
My contribution to Arkalalah...
Go Cat Go...
Just on the eve
Of the Autumn bequest,
When the bears were all sleepy
And the trees were at rest…
Along came a party
For all…young and old,
With a beer garden…
…Or so I am told.
I mention this only…
Because you will see,
How this purveyor of spirits
Came famous to be.
A feline in a cap…
Who we all love and know,
Yes…the Cat In The Hat…
Was the star of the show.
The queens were all sashed up
The floats in a row…
The pancakes were cooking,
When it started to snow.
He felt not the chill
All covered in fur,
But all those around him
Were uttering “brrrrrrrr…”
And soon his concern
For this…his big day,
Mounted and grew…
In a troublesome way.
Sending his minions
To do a dark deed…
Unhosing some hoses,
And releading some leads.
Soon the Cat manned a booth
From which he called out…
Come let me warm you,
Put this in your mouth!
They lined up quite quickly
With goosebumps galore…
As the Cat poured them toddies
They called out for more.
Goosebumps all gone
Along with some clothes…
The warmest ones there…
Drank straight from the hose.
Policemen and firemen
All run amuck…
As atop the big bank
Mayor quacked like a duck.
The Shriner’s decided,
To start the parade…
They fired the cannon
Right onto the stage.
The floats began moving,
Quicker than ever…
They went up Summit and down,
Then straight into the river.
The Cat looked about
And made a quick note,
Get more booze…
All you can tote!
And so it went on…
For three frenzied days,
Some folks, legend says…
Are still in a haze.
Arkalahlah is well…
For that I am glad,
As for that Cat…
He’s still in rehab.
Copyright©2007 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.
Just on the eve
Of the Autumn bequest,
When the bears were all sleepy
And the trees were at rest…
Along came a party
For all…young and old,
With a beer garden…
…Or so I am told.
I mention this only…
Because you will see,
How this purveyor of spirits
Came famous to be.
A feline in a cap…
Who we all love and know,
Yes…the Cat In The Hat…
Was the star of the show.
The queens were all sashed up
The floats in a row…
The pancakes were cooking,
When it started to snow.
He felt not the chill
All covered in fur,
But all those around him
Were uttering “brrrrrrrr…”
And soon his concern
For this…his big day,
Mounted and grew…
In a troublesome way.
Sending his minions
To do a dark deed…
Unhosing some hoses,
And releading some leads.
Soon the Cat manned a booth
From which he called out…
Come let me warm you,
Put this in your mouth!
They lined up quite quickly
With goosebumps galore…
As the Cat poured them toddies
They called out for more.
Goosebumps all gone
Along with some clothes…
The warmest ones there…
Drank straight from the hose.
Policemen and firemen
All run amuck…
As atop the big bank
Mayor quacked like a duck.
The Shriner’s decided,
To start the parade…
They fired the cannon
Right onto the stage.
The floats began moving,
Quicker than ever…
They went up Summit and down,
Then straight into the river.
The Cat looked about
And made a quick note,
Get more booze…
All you can tote!
And so it went on…
For three frenzied days,
Some folks, legend says…
Are still in a haze.
Arkalahlah is well…
For that I am glad,
As for that Cat…
He’s still in rehab.
Copyright©2007 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
NASCAR...
We spent this entire weekend at Kansas City Speedway...experiencing NASCAR! Above are Marvin, Chas, Shane and Candy with 80,000 of our closest friends! It was very unique! I went with very low expectations...and was pleasantly surprised! Not only did we all enjoy it very much...but we all agreed that we would definitely go again next year if given the opportunity! The sheer enormity of it is absolutely awesome! We arrived early on both days and by the time we got there...several hours before race time...there were cars, flags and people for as far as the eye could see! The sound and power of engines capable of speeds of 175+ MPH...barely harnessed by the driver...is something that you have to feel to believe! It would be impossible to be there and not feel the excitement! Despite rain delays, yellow flags and a final thunderstorm...which ultimately caused us to listen to the end of the race on the radio as we drove home...it was a wonderful weekend!! More later...I need sleep...now!
Be Well!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
FYI...
There are a few things that have been driving me crazy lately. I will list them in order of aggravation:
1. Idiot parents who are raising ill-behaved children. I absolutely LOVE children!!! Children are a gift from God and they deserve to be loved, respected, protected, provided for, educated and cherished. I am so fed up with children who act like the spawn of Satan in public places...because their parents are absolute irresponsible, self-centered, idiots. Case in point - We were at Applebees the other evening, sitting at a nice quiet table, minding our own business after a long day at work. Several families (each with several small children) came in and were seated all around us. Within 5 minutes a total of 5 babies were crying in unison! After several minutes of almost unbearable noise...4 of them ceased. The table directly behind us however was quite another story. The tiny baby continued to cry while a toddler standing in the booth next to her mother also bawled. Dad eventually took the toddler to the restroom and when he returned announced loudly that she had been crying because her sister had smacked her in the eye (and indeed it was red). We were then treated to a ridiculous diatribe of stupidity from the mother as she ranted and raved for all to hear. This kind of behaviour went on for the next 15 minutes. The waiter then brought dessert menu's and was told curtly that the children were "bad" and could have no dessert. After an eternal meal from hell, the family stood to leave. Dad took the baby and his carrier out first and mom stood there with the toddler in tow while she argued with an unseen child (who had crawled under the table). At one point, mom reached under the table, grabbed the child, braced her feet and tried unsuccessfully to extricate her from the nether regions. Throughout the entire ordeal, mom continued to say things like "Are you embarrassed? Well you should be!" and "Fine, you stay here then...I'm tired of messing with you!" I wanted to spank them both!!! After watching the behaviour and responses of the parents, there was no doubt as to the source of the bad behaviour of the children! Oh...and by the way...when she finally did get the child out from under the table...it was not a toddler...the child was at least 5 or 6 years old!
2. Smokers - It is my firm belief that if smokers get to take 10 - 15 minute breaks at least 4-5 times a day...they should be required to come in an hour earlier than the rest of us...or stay an hour later! We don't get to just walk out every once in a while to 'feed our habit'....though I could use a chocolate break every now and again! AND...if you insist on sucking on cigarettes all day long...don't whine to me about that horrible cough, congestion, or chronic bronchitis that you can't seem to kick! AND...I'm sick of your nasty, ashtray breath and clothing that reeks! Perhaps all smokers should be relegated to a closed in area in the work place where they can choke each other with their aroma.
3. WALK ON THE FREAKING RIGHT!! Nuff said.
Be Well!
1. Idiot parents who are raising ill-behaved children. I absolutely LOVE children!!! Children are a gift from God and they deserve to be loved, respected, protected, provided for, educated and cherished. I am so fed up with children who act like the spawn of Satan in public places...because their parents are absolute irresponsible, self-centered, idiots. Case in point - We were at Applebees the other evening, sitting at a nice quiet table, minding our own business after a long day at work. Several families (each with several small children) came in and were seated all around us. Within 5 minutes a total of 5 babies were crying in unison! After several minutes of almost unbearable noise...4 of them ceased. The table directly behind us however was quite another story. The tiny baby continued to cry while a toddler standing in the booth next to her mother also bawled. Dad eventually took the toddler to the restroom and when he returned announced loudly that she had been crying because her sister had smacked her in the eye (and indeed it was red). We were then treated to a ridiculous diatribe of stupidity from the mother as she ranted and raved for all to hear. This kind of behaviour went on for the next 15 minutes. The waiter then brought dessert menu's and was told curtly that the children were "bad" and could have no dessert. After an eternal meal from hell, the family stood to leave. Dad took the baby and his carrier out first and mom stood there with the toddler in tow while she argued with an unseen child (who had crawled under the table). At one point, mom reached under the table, grabbed the child, braced her feet and tried unsuccessfully to extricate her from the nether regions. Throughout the entire ordeal, mom continued to say things like "Are you embarrassed? Well you should be!" and "Fine, you stay here then...I'm tired of messing with you!" I wanted to spank them both!!! After watching the behaviour and responses of the parents, there was no doubt as to the source of the bad behaviour of the children! Oh...and by the way...when she finally did get the child out from under the table...it was not a toddler...the child was at least 5 or 6 years old!
2. Smokers - It is my firm belief that if smokers get to take 10 - 15 minute breaks at least 4-5 times a day...they should be required to come in an hour earlier than the rest of us...or stay an hour later! We don't get to just walk out every once in a while to 'feed our habit'....though I could use a chocolate break every now and again! AND...if you insist on sucking on cigarettes all day long...don't whine to me about that horrible cough, congestion, or chronic bronchitis that you can't seem to kick! AND...I'm sick of your nasty, ashtray breath and clothing that reeks! Perhaps all smokers should be relegated to a closed in area in the work place where they can choke each other with their aroma.
3. WALK ON THE FREAKING RIGHT!! Nuff said.
Be Well!
Monday, September 24, 2007
The sun is setting...
...on Monday. Today was busy! I got around early and headed for the post office in Kechi to send the world's ugliest bedspread back to LTD before going to work. It was one of those days when my concentration seemed to be split into tiny pieces. I generally use the time during my shower to start the day with prayer...probably sounds silly...but there are few interruptions and virtually no distractions! This morning however, I kept losing focus on my prayers. My mind kept skipping around to chores that still lay ahead, grocery shopping and a million other things. While I was putting on my makeup I remembered that I needed to start the dishwasher, so with half my face on...I went to finish loading it. I hit the start button, then returned to the bathroom to finish my makeup, when I noticed a smudge on the mirror...so I cleaned the mirror. As I finished wiping the mirror I looked down at the floor and was horrified to see a colony of dust bunnies next to the trash can...so I went after the broom. As I swept the floor in the bathroom I realized that I had not put the 'innards' of the coffee maker in the dishwasher so I hurried in, paused it and took the necessary parts out of the pot and put them in to wash. I returned to the bathroom, finished sweeping and put on some more makeup. As I was almost done, I remembered an idea that I had last night for moving the bedroom around, so I stepped in to check it out. As I stood there I caught a glimpse of my hair in the mirror and realized how badly my bangs needed trimmed. Back to the bathroom I went, retrieved the scissors and trimmed those bangs. Noticing the time, I headed back to the bedroom to dry my hair and as I picked up the dryer I realized that I hadn't measured the bedside table to see if it would fit in the place where I had decided to move it. I dried my hair very quickly, threw in a few curls, then proceeded to look for the tape measure. I was sure that I knew where it was...but I was wrong. However, there was a yo-yo where the tape measure should have been...so I unfurled the string and measured the table and the space with the string! Good news! It fit with several inches of string to spare! By that time I was really running out of time, so I grabbed my purse, the LTD box and my work bag. I hurriedly crammed in two cans of soda and a bottle of water, then realized that I had no lunch. Oh well...! On to the post office! The package was ready to go and I spent a total of 3 minutes in the building, then headed back to Park City. By then I realized that I had about 15 minutes to spare, so I decided to drive through Spangles and grab a jello for lunch. I flew straight up 61st street...right past Spangles...and ended up with a McDonald's yogurt cup instead. The whole day went pretty much the same way...everything that I started doing reminded me of something else that I was going to do...and I kept ending up with a myriad of things going on all at once! The good news is...I finished all of them except the grocery shopping...which I will do tomorrow!
Be Well!
Be Well!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Here we are...
Another weekend fading into the sunset. This has been a busy one! Saturday found us at Chas's house, helping her prepare for a wedding shower on Sunday! We accomplished everything on her list and the house and yard looked great...although...they always look great! Sunday was Church, then the shower afterwards! There were 15 women in attendance and everyone had a great time! Candy had chosen an icebreaker game, which made everyone laugh and absolutely served its intended purpose! Then, those who had known the bride for a long time, shared their fondest memories of her as a child and growing up. After that it was time for her to open the mountain of gifts ranging from a frying pan to pretty nighties and bubble bath and an assortment of fabulous smelling lotions! We topped the afternoon off with refreshments of lemonade, sugar cookies, snicker doodles, chocolate chip cookies, brownies and Rice Krispy treats! Everything went off without a hitch and hopefully the afternoon provided some nice memories for Chelsea!
I have rather neglected my housework this weekend (being either gone or pooped out most of it). After work tomorrow I will dig in and play catch up. Next weekend we will be at NASCAR in Kansas City! None of us have ever been to NASCAR before, so it will be a totally new experience!
Autumn is upon us, although temps today topped out at 92 degrees. That hint of change is still in the air and the weatherman tells us that it is indeed on the way later in the week! The leaves are already letting go of their benefactors, V's of geese have begun to fly over routinely, and the sun sets a bit earlier each day! The pool cover has been ordered and we will soon set the fire pit back on the deck for those cool evening tete-a-tetes that we so enjoy! Time passes so quickly that it is sometimes frightening, and we are reminded so often just how fragile life is.
That big, soft bed is calling my name! More tomorrow!
Be Well!
I have rather neglected my housework this weekend (being either gone or pooped out most of it). After work tomorrow I will dig in and play catch up. Next weekend we will be at NASCAR in Kansas City! None of us have ever been to NASCAR before, so it will be a totally new experience!
Autumn is upon us, although temps today topped out at 92 degrees. That hint of change is still in the air and the weatherman tells us that it is indeed on the way later in the week! The leaves are already letting go of their benefactors, V's of geese have begun to fly over routinely, and the sun sets a bit earlier each day! The pool cover has been ordered and we will soon set the fire pit back on the deck for those cool evening tete-a-tetes that we so enjoy! Time passes so quickly that it is sometimes frightening, and we are reminded so often just how fragile life is.
That big, soft bed is calling my name! More tomorrow!
Be Well!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Almost to the finish line...
Friday eve!!! Remember a few days ago when I told you about an adorable little puppy visitor at work...his name was Harrison and he had been left behind by his family? Well, after two days of searching, and phone calls his family was located. Apparently, as they were moving, somehow both of their dogs got out of the truck and they didn't realize it. They had been searching for Harrison and his Schnauzer brother every since they discovered that they were missing. They came back to get Harrison but are still searching for dog number two. All's well that ends well! On a sad note, the compliance officer came through today and made the following announcement, "If anyone is interested, I have a totally blind Pappillon in the truck..." Needless to say...it broke my heart. I didn't dare go look at it...it would have gone home with me. I have been suffering from much deserved guilt every since...even blind dogs need homes. Some days just suck.
Be Well!
Be Well!
Monday, September 17, 2007
A fast one...
Monday night again and another weekend has come and gone! It was a good one though! Marvin's sister had surgery on Thursday, so his mom spent Thursday night and Friday night with us. Chas got home from her Florida vacation late Thursday, so Friday evening was dinner at our house and vacation pictures, stories and souvenirs! It was sooooooo good to have her back safe and sound again (especially after the mess she got caught up in on the way home) and the pictures made me really want to go back to Florida (even more than I already do)! Saturday was State Fair day! We headed for Hutchinson around 11:00 and took in the whole thing from the rabbits to the butter sculpture! It was a really fun day and we were all exhausted by the end of it! Sunday was Church and the best sermon that Pastor Bruce has ever preached! Chas had been plagued with a nasty headache for several days, so she slept in and met us for Shane's birthday lunch at Pistro's, which was fabulous! Then back to our house for cake, ice cream, gifts and a movie!
Today dawned sunny and warm, and I have the opportunity to work some extra hours this week, although tomorrow night is a special Council meeting which is promising to be the meeting from hell. A bright spot in the day was an office visitor! Code enforcement was called to pick up a stray dog and he was soooo sweet that they let him roam the office soliciting "pets" all morning! He was wearing a collar and tags, but was apparently "left behind"when his owners moved. The name on his tags (his owners last name) was Harrison, so that's what we called him all day! He ended up going home with the Mayor and as she carried him past my desk I heard her say to him "Now Harrison, this is NOT permanent!"(Famous last words)!
The news about my step dad continues to worsen, he is down to 125 pounds now, which is a loss of 5 more pounds in two weeks. Apparently, the decision has been made not to let Hospice come in to assist him...a decision that I strongly DISAGREE with...but it's not my call.
I have been plagued with leg cramps for a month or so and my right leg was really cramping yesterday. Enough that I didn't go down the stairs to see the kids off when they left. I thought that I had slid by today without a problem, but even as I type, the darn thing is tightening up! I think that I really need to hit the vitamins again...I just have to remember to buy them
! So, I think I will sign off here and take a hot shower and peruse the cabinet for leftover vitamins before I hit the sack! Don't worry guys...I will check the expiration date before consuming them! LOL!
Be Well!
Today dawned sunny and warm, and I have the opportunity to work some extra hours this week, although tomorrow night is a special Council meeting which is promising to be the meeting from hell. A bright spot in the day was an office visitor! Code enforcement was called to pick up a stray dog and he was soooo sweet that they let him roam the office soliciting "pets" all morning! He was wearing a collar and tags, but was apparently "left behind"when his owners moved. The name on his tags (his owners last name) was Harrison, so that's what we called him all day! He ended up going home with the Mayor and as she carried him past my desk I heard her say to him "Now Harrison, this is NOT permanent!"(Famous last words)!
The news about my step dad continues to worsen, he is down to 125 pounds now, which is a loss of 5 more pounds in two weeks. Apparently, the decision has been made not to let Hospice come in to assist him...a decision that I strongly DISAGREE with...but it's not my call.
I have been plagued with leg cramps for a month or so and my right leg was really cramping yesterday. Enough that I didn't go down the stairs to see the kids off when they left. I thought that I had slid by today without a problem, but even as I type, the darn thing is tightening up! I think that I really need to hit the vitamins again...I just have to remember to buy them
! So, I think I will sign off here and take a hot shower and peruse the cabinet for leftover vitamins before I hit the sack! Don't worry guys...I will check the expiration date before consuming them! LOL!
Be Well!
Sunday, September 09, 2007
At a glance...
Friday - Dinner with the kids at our house and lots of laughter!! Talked with Marvin during the evening and the conference is going well. I puttered around the house doing odd chores, then read until 1:30 a.m.
Saturday - Writer's meeting at 10:00 a.m.! We had not met in a couple of months due to scheduling conflicts and it was great to get together and get/give some much needed encouragement! After the meeting I shopped for an hour or so to kill some time before heading to Chas's house (in case she was still sleeping). I arrived at her house at about 12:15, just as she was finishing her lunch. We left her house about 1:00 with no particular direction in mind other than to stop at Shane's (he was in Kansas City with Candy for the day) to feed Sugar and let her out for a bit. We spent an hour or so at an antique store downtown, then went to the Warren hoping to find a movie that looked interesting. After perusing the titles and talking to the ticket takers, we decided that there really were no good movies out this weekend, so we got back in the car and went to Cheddars to share a Monster Chocolate Chip Cookie topped with fudge sauce and whipped cream (ice cream on the side)! It was delicious!!! Then we hit the mall for an hour or so and ended up back at Chas's house and watched several episodes of Feasting On Asphalt, and visited until around 9:30 p.m. Since Chas was still fighting a nasty cold and trying to heal in time for vacation on Monday, she decided to take some cold meds and sleep in on Sunday morning. A quick call to Shane told us that he and Candy were just leaving the Kansas City area with a three hour drive still ahead of them and the decision was made for all to sleep in on Sunday morning, then meet at our house for lunch at 1:00. I headed home. Once I arrived, I folded some laundry, read, showered, channel surfed until I fell asleep on the couch, then got up and went to bed at 2:00 a.m.
Sunday - A huge noise, which literally shook the house, windows and bed woke me at 7:30 a.m. I got up and checked around inside and out and could not determine the source...so I put some yeast rolls in a pan to rise for lunch and went back to bed until 9:00 a.m. At 9:00 I got up again, fixed a smoothie for breakfast, put some chicken breasts on to boil for dumplings, watched a bit of news, checked email, then showered. I talked to both kids briefly about the days plans, and Marvin called to chat for a bit. Around 11:00 my dad called to say that he would arrive in Wichita around 1:30 and wandered if we could all have lunch! It was a wonderful surprise! I called the kids to let them know , then put the chicken breasts and broth in the fridge, baked the rolls while I dressed and put them away, then we all met at Shane's house and proceeded to Karen's hotel to pick Dad and Karen up. Lunch was at the River City Brewery, then we took them to see the Keeper of the Plains and the Wichita Troll! It was a beautiful day for walking along the river front and we really enjoyed it! After that a short drive through Riverside park and the surrounding neighborhood, then back to the hotel. The kids both had things that they needed to do, so we went back to Shane's house and I picked up the truck and went back to the mall for a bit with Dad and Karen! I spoke to Marvin several times during the day and he sent pictures via cell phone of Chicago sites!
That brings us to the here and now! I got back to the house at 5:45 and after eating half of a baked potato and a bit of cottage cheese, I did some research on the Denver Airport and Municipal and Industrial bond issues. The former was very intriguing (I am a conspiracy buff) and the latter two were most boring, but necessary for better understanding of some work issues.
I have been without Marvin for three nights now and I miss him soooooo much!! I am very anxious to see him come down the hallway at the airport tomorrow!!! Chas begins her vacation tomorrow! I am so excited for her! The trip that she has planned will be absolutely awesome!!!! Please pray for her safety in travel and while she is there as well, for her terrible cold to be well quickly, and her safe return to us!
Be Well!
Friday - Dinner with the kids at our house and lots of laughter!! Talked with Marvin during the evening and the conference is going well. I puttered around the house doing odd chores, then read until 1:30 a.m.
Saturday - Writer's meeting at 10:00 a.m.! We had not met in a couple of months due to scheduling conflicts and it was great to get together and get/give some much needed encouragement! After the meeting I shopped for an hour or so to kill some time before heading to Chas's house (in case she was still sleeping). I arrived at her house at about 12:15, just as she was finishing her lunch. We left her house about 1:00 with no particular direction in mind other than to stop at Shane's (he was in Kansas City with Candy for the day) to feed Sugar and let her out for a bit. We spent an hour or so at an antique store downtown, then went to the Warren hoping to find a movie that looked interesting. After perusing the titles and talking to the ticket takers, we decided that there really were no good movies out this weekend, so we got back in the car and went to Cheddars to share a Monster Chocolate Chip Cookie topped with fudge sauce and whipped cream (ice cream on the side)! It was delicious!!! Then we hit the mall for an hour or so and ended up back at Chas's house and watched several episodes of Feasting On Asphalt, and visited until around 9:30 p.m. Since Chas was still fighting a nasty cold and trying to heal in time for vacation on Monday, she decided to take some cold meds and sleep in on Sunday morning. A quick call to Shane told us that he and Candy were just leaving the Kansas City area with a three hour drive still ahead of them and the decision was made for all to sleep in on Sunday morning, then meet at our house for lunch at 1:00. I headed home. Once I arrived, I folded some laundry, read, showered, channel surfed until I fell asleep on the couch, then got up and went to bed at 2:00 a.m.
Sunday - A huge noise, which literally shook the house, windows and bed woke me at 7:30 a.m. I got up and checked around inside and out and could not determine the source...so I put some yeast rolls in a pan to rise for lunch and went back to bed until 9:00 a.m. At 9:00 I got up again, fixed a smoothie for breakfast, put some chicken breasts on to boil for dumplings, watched a bit of news, checked email, then showered. I talked to both kids briefly about the days plans, and Marvin called to chat for a bit. Around 11:00 my dad called to say that he would arrive in Wichita around 1:30 and wandered if we could all have lunch! It was a wonderful surprise! I called the kids to let them know , then put the chicken breasts and broth in the fridge, baked the rolls while I dressed and put them away, then we all met at Shane's house and proceeded to Karen's hotel to pick Dad and Karen up. Lunch was at the River City Brewery, then we took them to see the Keeper of the Plains and the Wichita Troll! It was a beautiful day for walking along the river front and we really enjoyed it! After that a short drive through Riverside park and the surrounding neighborhood, then back to the hotel. The kids both had things that they needed to do, so we went back to Shane's house and I picked up the truck and went back to the mall for a bit with Dad and Karen! I spoke to Marvin several times during the day and he sent pictures via cell phone of Chicago sites!
That brings us to the here and now! I got back to the house at 5:45 and after eating half of a baked potato and a bit of cottage cheese, I did some research on the Denver Airport and Municipal and Industrial bond issues. The former was very intriguing (I am a conspiracy buff) and the latter two were most boring, but necessary for better understanding of some work issues.
I have been without Marvin for three nights now and I miss him soooooo much!! I am very anxious to see him come down the hallway at the airport tomorrow!!! Chas begins her vacation tomorrow! I am so excited for her! The trip that she has planned will be absolutely awesome!!!! Please pray for her safety in travel and while she is there as well, for her terrible cold to be well quickly, and her safe return to us!
Be Well!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
A day...
Friday...my elusive friend...I have missed thee!! If only every second day was Friday what a world it would be!! I'm a bit at odds tonight...I have tried on all sorts of old blue jeans...put new songs on my Ipod shuffle...showered...channel surfed...checked email...chatted...talked myself out of a snack...and now I seem to have no alternative...time for bed! Until the morrow!!
Be Thee Well!
Be Thee Well!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Just some stuff that I thought was interesting...
Okay boys and girls...just a few things that I have found interesting lately and have not had time to blog about!
The first two shots are of a mother duck and her baby. They have remained at the pond across the way throughout winter, spring, and summer! They have braved fishermen, fisher boys, fisher children (who throw more rocks than worms), algae infestation, moss as thick as a carpet, ice, snow, rain, hail, wind and hotter than hades temperatures! They are absolutely beautiful!!! When they go...and I know they will...I will miss them terribly!
The next two shots are of a prairie dog village on the way to the lake. This is not a zoo or a preserve...it is a common site along the side of the road in many areas of Kansas and Oklahoma! They are adorable little animals and they are busy, busy, busy! I absolutely love them!
The last shot is a rather unique lesson in looking both ways when crossing the street where I walk...it is the flattest squirrel that I have ever seen! I don't generally stare at gory things...but this poor baby was so flat that I went back to look again after gingerly stepping around it the first time!
Be Well!
In a nutshell...
It is Tuesday morning, though it will seem like Monday all day! The weekend whizzed by with lightening speed, just as I feared it would! A short recap below:
Saturday - After a call on Friday evening from my sister, letting us know the most recent prognosis from my step-dad's doctor, we decided a family get-together was in order. We had originally planned a cookout and swim party at our house for Sunday, but a picnic in Ark City seemed like a better idea. It was a good day. Almost everyone was able to attend, and we visited, played Monkey Bar Golf, and ate! My step-dad is horribly thin and pale, but his spirit is not diminished. Mom hasn't told him that the doctor has given up...but I think he knows his time is now drawing to a close. It seems extremely unfair to lose two parents in the same year...but life is extremely unfair...and so we keep on keeping on.
Sunday - Church was good and after lunch with the kids at Braum's, Marvin and I headed to Best Buy to see about having his new digital camera repaired. It is an expensive camera and suffered a bit of damage at the picnic on Saturday, when he slipped it into his back pocket then sat down. Apparently the LCD screen was punctured. The news at Best Buy was bad...they will not cover the damage even though we had purchased the extended warranty. We were told that only hardware malfunction is covered...not damage. After receiving a piece of both of our minds...which neither of us could actually spare...they remained unmoved on the repair issue but offered to pro-rate the remaining warranty and refund the balance...since the camera is no longer functional. This amounted to only $42.00...which did absolutely no good and seemed like insult to injury.
Monday - We spend Monday morning accomplishing some household tasks, including hanging shelves in the teddy bear room. Marvin spent some time playing with his photo software and after a light lunch of picnic leftovers, we hit the pool for a while. The water temperature was only 82, and the air temperature was in the upper 80's. Suffice it to say that it was coolish...so we only stayed for an hour or so. Monday evening we drove over to a local park and Marvin ran his RC Truck for a while. There were a couple of other guys there with their cars and they were quite impressed with the size and speed of Marvin's...right up until it crashed and broke a steering rod. He worked on repairing it at the scene of the accident for a bit and finally gave it up. We headed home and went for a walk around my pond...which is beautiful right now! The new aeration system has cleared 99% of the moss away and the two ducks which have remained throughout the winter, spring and summer were gliding about on the near perfect water like feathered ballerinas!
That wrapped up the weekend. I think we have probably been in the pool for the last time of the season now...the forecast for the coming week is low 80's with low 70's at night and rain several days...all of which will drop the water temperature even more. I am afraid that we probably had the last family gathering with Bill as well...he is so frail. Work beckons.
Be Well!
Saturday - After a call on Friday evening from my sister, letting us know the most recent prognosis from my step-dad's doctor, we decided a family get-together was in order. We had originally planned a cookout and swim party at our house for Sunday, but a picnic in Ark City seemed like a better idea. It was a good day. Almost everyone was able to attend, and we visited, played Monkey Bar Golf, and ate! My step-dad is horribly thin and pale, but his spirit is not diminished. Mom hasn't told him that the doctor has given up...but I think he knows his time is now drawing to a close. It seems extremely unfair to lose two parents in the same year...but life is extremely unfair...and so we keep on keeping on.
Sunday - Church was good and after lunch with the kids at Braum's, Marvin and I headed to Best Buy to see about having his new digital camera repaired. It is an expensive camera and suffered a bit of damage at the picnic on Saturday, when he slipped it into his back pocket then sat down. Apparently the LCD screen was punctured. The news at Best Buy was bad...they will not cover the damage even though we had purchased the extended warranty. We were told that only hardware malfunction is covered...not damage. After receiving a piece of both of our minds...which neither of us could actually spare...they remained unmoved on the repair issue but offered to pro-rate the remaining warranty and refund the balance...since the camera is no longer functional. This amounted to only $42.00...which did absolutely no good and seemed like insult to injury.
Monday - We spend Monday morning accomplishing some household tasks, including hanging shelves in the teddy bear room. Marvin spent some time playing with his photo software and after a light lunch of picnic leftovers, we hit the pool for a while. The water temperature was only 82, and the air temperature was in the upper 80's. Suffice it to say that it was coolish...so we only stayed for an hour or so. Monday evening we drove over to a local park and Marvin ran his RC Truck for a while. There were a couple of other guys there with their cars and they were quite impressed with the size and speed of Marvin's...right up until it crashed and broke a steering rod. He worked on repairing it at the scene of the accident for a bit and finally gave it up. We headed home and went for a walk around my pond...which is beautiful right now! The new aeration system has cleared 99% of the moss away and the two ducks which have remained throughout the winter, spring and summer were gliding about on the near perfect water like feathered ballerinas!
That wrapped up the weekend. I think we have probably been in the pool for the last time of the season now...the forecast for the coming week is low 80's with low 70's at night and rain several days...all of which will drop the water temperature even more. I am afraid that we probably had the last family gathering with Bill as well...he is so frail. Work beckons.
Be Well!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Marinol...
It looks as though my step-dad has been the final lap with medical care. He went to see his heart doctor today and was told that they have done all they can do for him...in every capacity. He is losing weight and so very frail, not to mention in pain 24/7. They have tried many pain meds, but each one comes with its own little bag of ugly. Most cause severe dementia, even violent behaviour. It was recently recommended that he try Marinol, which is synthetic THC. I was at first in favor of this, having come through the late 60's and early 70's in a pretty active fashion. I assumed that the Marinol would affect him like Marijuana...alleviating his pain, relaxing him, and increasing his appetite (which is almost non-existent). I went to a site and read a bit about Marinol and now I'm not so sure. Manufactured THC is about 98% pure (the Cannabis plant is between 2% and 10%). The unfortunate result is that there are terrible and severe side effects that don't exist in the natural form of this product. One of the worst that I read about is hallucinations and extreme fear and paranoia...he has been down that road with the meds they have already tried. Please pray for some resolution to the pain situation for him.
Be Well!
Be Well!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Peace be still...
It feels like autumn today. The sky is overcast and the temperature is only 80 degrees. I came home from work a bit ago and turned the AC up to almost 85, then opened the window by my desk. I am sitting here listening to the wind blow gently through tree tops and pampas grass. The only other noise is the clicking of my keyboard and the occasional buzz of locusts. I would not commit the sacrilege of inflicting the foul blast of television noise on this perfect afternoon! Even a dogs bark would seem a huge transgression. I love these times when the world is at peace...at least my corner of it. It is almost more restorative than sleep.
Be Well!
Be Well!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Poles...mud...volleyball...and other acts of insanity...
An entire week has passed since my last post...it has flown so quickly that I didn't even realize it until I sat down to do this one! The past week was not a good one, Shane was very sick for most of it (scary sick). No one in our family ever gets normal illnesses...we always have weird stuff:
1. Bacterial Lung Infection(Chas)
2. Heart Arrhythmia brought on by reaction to Seldane(Shane)
3. Cracked Tailbone(Chas)
4. Viral Pharyngitis(Shane)
5. Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum(Shane)
...and that's just the stuff that readily comes to mind. Shane's recent bout with number 4 on the list has finally wound down and he is feeling much better! I hope everyone stays healthy and well for a while!
Work is erratic...this time of the month is strange. Water bills and related issues have dwindled down until the new bills go out on Friday, but the community at large seems to be in a gripy mode. We have been getting calls on all sorts of petty complaints from water in a ditch...to..."my neighbors grass is too high...I don't want them to know that I"M the one who called though!" Although a lady called this morning and her complaint was extremely valid...she had a snake in her house and wanted compliance to come and remove it (which they did post haste)!
I think that being confined to the indoors due to the extreme heat that we have had for a while has caused some people to become bored to the point of ridiculosity. A rumor started last week that one of the "Gentleman's Clubs" (I have never understood where this name came from...it seems to me that "Slimeball Club" would be a more apt description) from a neighboring city is opening an establishment in our little village. Although this rumor is most decidedly NOT true...it is growing rapidly. (A sure sign of boredom). This morning someone noted that a truck load of "poles" had been spotted in town...(for dancers assumably)...good grief Charlie Brown! We had a bit of fun with the whole thing at that point...noting that paraphernalia for the mud wrestling pit would be delivered this afternoon...as well as the naked volleyball fencing. It wouldn't surprise me to see an uprising of citizen concern over this non-existent enterprise at Council tomorrow night!
Be Well!
1. Bacterial Lung Infection(Chas)
2. Heart Arrhythmia brought on by reaction to Seldane(Shane)
3. Cracked Tailbone(Chas)
4. Viral Pharyngitis(Shane)
5. Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum(Shane)
...and that's just the stuff that readily comes to mind. Shane's recent bout with number 4 on the list has finally wound down and he is feeling much better! I hope everyone stays healthy and well for a while!
Work is erratic...this time of the month is strange. Water bills and related issues have dwindled down until the new bills go out on Friday, but the community at large seems to be in a gripy mode. We have been getting calls on all sorts of petty complaints from water in a ditch...to..."my neighbors grass is too high...I don't want them to know that I"M the one who called though!" Although a lady called this morning and her complaint was extremely valid...she had a snake in her house and wanted compliance to come and remove it (which they did post haste)!
I think that being confined to the indoors due to the extreme heat that we have had for a while has caused some people to become bored to the point of ridiculosity. A rumor started last week that one of the "Gentleman's Clubs" (I have never understood where this name came from...it seems to me that "Slimeball Club" would be a more apt description) from a neighboring city is opening an establishment in our little village. Although this rumor is most decidedly NOT true...it is growing rapidly. (A sure sign of boredom). This morning someone noted that a truck load of "poles" had been spotted in town...(for dancers assumably)...good grief Charlie Brown! We had a bit of fun with the whole thing at that point...noting that paraphernalia for the mud wrestling pit would be delivered this afternoon...as well as the naked volleyball fencing. It wouldn't surprise me to see an uprising of citizen concern over this non-existent enterprise at Council tomorrow night!
Be Well!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Another one bites the dust...
Sunday evening...the weekend comes to a close and I'm saddened at the realization that not only is the weekend almost over...but summer is on the verge of bidding us adieu as well. We went for a stroll along the riverfront this afternoon, to discover the home of Wichita's Troll. As we walked along, looking out over glimmering water, the mid-day sun shone hot on our flesh...but in the breeze...was the inescapable whisper of autumn. It wasn't a chill, it wasn't even cool...but it was there. That tentative feel of seasonal indecision. That time of year when the elements are in flux, transitioning from Summer to Fall...not having quite decided just when the finale will be. Very soon now the days will become noticeably shorter...and though the temperature changes will happen gradually...a few degrees each week...the lush, green trees and foliage around us will give notice by donning their fall wardrobe in magnificent hues. The view from my window will change from green to yellow, brown, gold, rust, flaming red, and everything in between....eventually ending in a soft white blanket some morning...as nature moves on...into winter. I'm not ready yet...I love the heat, sunshine, birds, trees, and flowers of Summer! I love the early morning smell of fresh air and the feel of soft, supple, green grass under my bare feet. I love the freedom of shorts, tank tops and flip flops. I love fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, strawberries and ice cream. I love morning walks and evening convertible rides with the top down and the warm wind in my face. And so I watch and wait...knowing that the changing of the guard is unavoidable...and already I am counting the days until Spring next graces us with her lovely presence!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
To my husband…
In the even time,
When stars draw near…
I count it good
To be right here.
This is where
I want to be…
Me with you
And you with me!
Even though
We sometimes see…
The things of life
Quite differently.
Just so you know
In case you ponder…
I hold your love
In awe and wonder.
I’m so amazed
You chose to be
So in love…
With one like me.
My heart is yours
And yours is mine…
Each the other’s
For all time!
Copyright©2007 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.
In the even time,
When stars draw near…
I count it good
To be right here.
This is where
I want to be…
Me with you
And you with me!
Even though
We sometimes see…
The things of life
Quite differently.
Just so you know
In case you ponder…
I hold your love
In awe and wonder.
I’m so amazed
You chose to be
So in love…
With one like me.
My heart is yours
And yours is mine…
Each the other’s
For all time!
Copyright©2007 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Within my heart...
To My Kids...
My makeup’s way too heavy,
I’m dressed up like a tart…
As you gaze upon the outside,
Look deep within my heart.
My being isn’t flat and plain,
I’m quirky, strange and weird…
I’m not an average, boring mom,
My brain is ‘multi-tiered’.
Fun and play
Are part of me.
What you get…
Is what you see.
I love to swing and slide and bounce,
And play in tent and sand,
But when we cross life's busy streets…
I always take your hand.
I never made you clean your plate,
Or eat what you disdained…
But I’ve cried and prayed with all my heart…
Whenever you’ve had pain.
Though my “hooker heels”
…create a spark…
And my too blonde hair
…glows in the dark…
I’ve done my best,
I’ve always tried,
To be right there…
Close by your side.
When the day
Comes to a close…
Don’t dwell upon
My funny clothes.
Remember though,
For all time…
To be your Mom…
Is joy sublime!
Copyright©2007 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.
My makeup’s way too heavy,
I’m dressed up like a tart…
As you gaze upon the outside,
Look deep within my heart.
My being isn’t flat and plain,
I’m quirky, strange and weird…
I’m not an average, boring mom,
My brain is ‘multi-tiered’.
Fun and play
Are part of me.
What you get…
Is what you see.
I love to swing and slide and bounce,
And play in tent and sand,
But when we cross life's busy streets…
I always take your hand.
I never made you clean your plate,
Or eat what you disdained…
But I’ve cried and prayed with all my heart…
Whenever you’ve had pain.
Though my “hooker heels”
…create a spark…
And my too blonde hair
…glows in the dark…
I’ve done my best,
I’ve always tried,
To be right there…
Close by your side.
When the day
Comes to a close…
Don’t dwell upon
My funny clothes.
Remember though,
For all time…
To be your Mom…
Is joy sublime!
Copyright©2007 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
The view from the window...
Towels on the clothesline across the street flutter softly in the early morning breeze. I watch them, thinking that they must smell fresh, and fabulous...and feel stiff and hard...thank God for dryers and dryer sheets. The man across the way prunes his meticulous shrubs with a weed eater...held high and sideways...I wonder why he doesn't use shears. The sprinkler next door spits a ten foot stream of moisture on the lawn as it turns in a jerky motion to the right...then clicks softly and rapidly back to the left...only to repeat the regurgitation of H2O again...and again. 6401 left their garage door open all night...I wonder if anyone pillaged it while they slept. Old Glory waves proudly in the sunshine of the garden at 6405...though it is tattered and faded and in need of replacement...one would think that such patriotic people would know better. The man across the way puts the weed eater in the shed...and emerges with a plastic bag and gloves and proceeds to rid the lawn of little gifts left by the dog two doors down. Meanwhile...I close my eyes and listen to the host of the weather channel droning on, from the living room, about the heat advisory for this afternoon...and the gentle whoosh, whoosh of the dishwasher from the kitchen. The freshly vacuumed carpet is soft under my feet and a smile of satisfaction steals across my lips. I reach for the glass of soda on my desk...reveling in the taste and feel of the dark, cool, bubbly liquid and wonder why everyone doesn't drink Diet Coke in the morning. This particular moment in time...is good...I encase it in my heart and mind...for remembrance later...when the stress and turmoil that is life...will undoubtedly overpower me.
Be Well.
Be Well.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Bible study...
It's ten o'clock...we just got back from attending a Bible study with one of the cell groups from Glenville. It was a nice evening, interesting study, very friendly people. The highlight of the evening for me was an old Pentacostal paster (retired), who is now part of this Baptist group! He was very cool! More later...that big ole, soft bed is calling my name!
Be Well!
Be Well!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
It's a boy!!
The first pictures of our great-nephew...who will be born in mid-December!! How adorable are these?! Technology is awesome!!Be Well!!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Time passages...
Another weekend comes to a close. The minutes seem to fly by with amazing speed during time off. It has been a good weekend...albeit fast. We attended a beautiful, garden wedding on Friday evening at Botanica. After the reception, we went for a drive and stopped for a bite of dessert. Saturday was a bit of housework, and an afternoon performance of the displaced Chinese Acrobats formerly of the now defunct Wild West World. They were absolutely fantastic! Performing with them were a Chinese dance troupe (so beautiful), and a Chinese yo-yo group (very entertaining)! We were surprised when the Prairie Rose Wranglers of the now defunct Prairie Rose Chuck Wagon Supper, gave a brief performance as well...it almost seemed like an insult to the Acrobats! Saturday evening we helped Shane unload and install his new washer and dryer, then came home and watched a movie and went for a moonlight swim around 11:30 p.m.
After opting for the late service on Sunday, we went to Pizza Hut for lunch then went to our house and visited for a while. Shane and Candy were absolutely exhausted after their whirlwind trip to Springfield this weekend, so they left early to go home and rest, and Marvin, Chas and I hit the pool for a couple of hours!
This evening found Marvin and I hard at it...he washed his truck, shocked the pool and cleaned the garage out, while I did several loads of laundry and vacuumed the living room furniture and upstairs carpets.
Back to work tomorrow...Council on Tuesday...blah...blah...blah...yada...yada!
Be Well!
After opting for the late service on Sunday, we went to Pizza Hut for lunch then went to our house and visited for a while. Shane and Candy were absolutely exhausted after their whirlwind trip to Springfield this weekend, so they left early to go home and rest, and Marvin, Chas and I hit the pool for a couple of hours!
This evening found Marvin and I hard at it...he washed his truck, shocked the pool and cleaned the garage out, while I did several loads of laundry and vacuumed the living room furniture and upstairs carpets.
Back to work tomorrow...Council on Tuesday...blah...blah...blah...yada...yada!
Be Well!
Friday, July 20, 2007
Kansas Weed Eater Massacre...
July 17th, 2007, shall go down in the annals of gnomedom as “Red Tuesday”. Once again, “Marvin The Mangler” strikes! Throughout recent history, he has become known and feared around the world for his indiscriminate destruction of flowers, bushes, and now…gnomes! In the late 1970’s, he boldly beheaded his mother’s Peonies…during the mid 1980’s he iradicated his wife’s Iris’s, now it seems that he has developed a “bloodlust” with his most recent tearing off of tiny people’s toes! One can only imagine the maniacal laughter that must have rang from sea to shining sea as his terrible tool of transgression lopped off the magical, mystical digits of this proud little man, resulting in the new nickname…”Gimpy” for this heretofore graceful garden prince.
BE ON THE LOOKOUT…for a 6 foot tall, wild eyed, redheaded madman…roving the neighborhood with tools of grass destruction!
Be Well!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Whirlwind...
The Chinese Acrobats with the Mayor and special Park City Police car and motorcycle during the farewell picnic.We got up early on Saturday and headed to Chas's house to help her with some yard chores. We started about 10:30, and with all three of us working, managed to mow, weed eat, trim some limbs, and blow the driveway and both porches clean. We finished at about 11:45 and by then...the heat had begun to bear down terribly! We had intended to go from Chas's yard to Shane's, but instead we headed for our house and the pool!! After a bit more than two hours in the water, we dressed and drove over to Newton for dinner and a bit of shopping! Chas and I both came home with two outfits apiece, and Chas bought a very cool spice rack!
Sunday morning, we arose a bit earlier than we had on Saturday and met at Shane's around 9:30 (hoping to beat the heat). It only took the three of us an hour to mow, weed eat, and blow the drive, porch, patio, and the front walk clean! By 10:30 the yard work was complete...and the heat was back! We headed for our house and collapsed on the couch in the cool house while lunch cooked (pasta bake, green beans, and peaches with fat free cool whip). After lunch we hit the pool for a couple of hours, then Chas headed home to do laundry and Marvin and I watched a bit of "Como vision". Around 5:45, we drove over to the grocery and bought a cherry chocolate cake, and went to a farewell picnic for the displaced Chinese Acrobats formerly with Wild West World (the short lived, now defunct amusement park in Park City). The picnic was sponsored by the City of Park City and Park City Pride, and turned out to be a very nice event! A total of approx. 77 people attended. The Mayor gave a brief speech, presenting each of the Acrobats with a 'goodie' bag of memorabilia to take home with them. The interpreter for the Acrobats spoke as well, thanking the City and community for their support, assistance and kindness during this stressful time. They are not only very talented performers, but pleasant, gracious individuals as well!
After the picnic, I took Sugar for a short walk (the mosquitoes ate us up), and I think we will hit the pool for a moonlight swim before retiring for the evening!
Shane returns tomorrow, and I hope that the weather cooperates and he doesn't end up sleeping at O'Hare International again! The forecast for Chicago is a 40% chance of thunderstorms...with chances increasing later in the day... hopefully he will slide out between storms. He has had a wonderful time in Kentucky and we are very anxious to see pictures, and have him home again!!
Be Well!!
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Fast weekend...
It’s been a great weekend! Saturday we got up around 8:00 a.m., got all of our chores done, and spent two full hours in the pool!! It was luscious!! Afterwards, we went to Kobe (thank you Candy for the Christmas gift certificate), and had shrimp, steak, chicken, fried rice, mushrooms, cucumbers, onions, bean sprouts, and clear chicken soup! It is a Japanese Hibachi establishment and it was so fun! Our cook flung eggs in the air, made an onion volcano, tossed shrimp into our mouths from across the grill, and kept us totally entertained with witty repartee! Afterwards, we did some shopping and got home around 10:00.
Sunday was early service at church, and then we all came to our house for pasta bake, and hot rolls. After lunch we took some pictures and hit the pool for a couple of hours, then watched a Julia Roberts movie, while we ate angel food cake and whipped cream!
I sooooooo hate to see the weekend behind us! It seems as though having fun and relaxing just gets started…when it’s over! The coming week will be the week from Hades…Park and Tree Board on Monday, Council on Tuesday, and of course…work all week. Shane departs for Kentucky on Tuesday; please pray for a safe journey and lots of relaxation and fun for him…he deserves it and needs it!
Be Well!
Sunday was early service at church, and then we all came to our house for pasta bake, and hot rolls. After lunch we took some pictures and hit the pool for a couple of hours, then watched a Julia Roberts movie, while we ate angel food cake and whipped cream!
I sooooooo hate to see the weekend behind us! It seems as though having fun and relaxing just gets started…when it’s over! The coming week will be the week from Hades…Park and Tree Board on Monday, Council on Tuesday, and of course…work all week. Shane departs for Kentucky on Tuesday; please pray for a safe journey and lots of relaxation and fun for him…he deserves it and needs it!
Be Well!
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Sky...
Just a couple of pictures that I took of the beautiful sky tonight...on my mosquito infested walk. I'm afraid that this is the last walk that I will take outdoors for a while. The treadmill and Gazelle will be my mainstays until the bug season passes!
My soul is heavy tonight. Several things on my mind. I actually took my walk tonight for the main purpose of praying, without distraction. My heart is full of things that we Baptists call "Unspoken requests". If you are a praying person...please lift my prayers up with your own?
Be Well!
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Wet weekend...
It has indeed been a wet weekend! The rains continue to fall, although they are forecast to begin receding soon. Areas all around us are experiencing flooding problems. I spoke to my dad just a bit ago...he and his friend are members of the Red Cross. It seems his friend is stranded in Fredonia...for at least a couple of days...maybe longer. Not only has 1/2 of Coffeyville been flooded by swollen rivers, creeks etc...but officials have now opened a nearby dam to lower the level in some areas...causing more flooding in the Coffeyville area. My aunts home has approx 4 feet of water inside and it is still rising. She and her husband are now staying with my dad. Sadly, they have no flood insurance...as most people don't. There hasn't been a flood of this magnitude in that area since 1942...and it was considered extraordinary.
I went out a bit ago to check the pool, empty the leaves from the skimmer and put in chlorine. The water is nice and clear...but if the rain continues...I don't know how long that will last! Storms are no deterrent for fireworks...each time there is a break in the rainfall...people venture out of their homes and set off firecrackers and night works!
The coming week is looking somewhat dubious. We have planned a cookout/pool party for July 4th, and the weatherman just announced that the rains could continue through that day. What a mess! I suppose if they do...we shall simply move the party indoors!
Events overseas have been more than a little disturbing this weekend! It has become a frightening world that we live in.
Be Well!
I went out a bit ago to check the pool, empty the leaves from the skimmer and put in chlorine. The water is nice and clear...but if the rain continues...I don't know how long that will last! Storms are no deterrent for fireworks...each time there is a break in the rainfall...people venture out of their homes and set off firecrackers and night works!
The coming week is looking somewhat dubious. We have planned a cookout/pool party for July 4th, and the weatherman just announced that the rains could continue through that day. What a mess! I suppose if they do...we shall simply move the party indoors!
Events overseas have been more than a little disturbing this weekend! It has become a frightening world that we live in.
Be Well!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Rain, rain go away...
Raindrops keep fallin on my head! I can't believe that they changed the forecast again! When we got up this morning, the forecast was for rain Friday, decreasing Saturday, and Sunny and dry and almost 90 on Sunday! This evening...it has changed again....it is now forecast to rain Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and most of Monday. I spoke to my brother on the phone this evening...the small town that we are from (and Marvin's family and mine still live in) is on the verge of real flooding trouble. Both underpasses are closed due to high water, several streets have now been closed...and several more will be closed before the night is over. What a mess! According to the news this evening, Wichita is even beginning to see flooding of creeks, and some streets in low lying areas! Here is the flood report for Ark City (our hometown) this was before the weather service decided that the rain will continue until Monday, so the times and depths for rivers cresting will change dramatically:
The Walnut River is right at flood stage (18 feet) and is predicted to crest at 21.6 feet early Saturday morning. The Arkansas River currently sits nearly a foot over flood stage level (17 feet). It is predicted to crest at 19.1 feet early Saturday morning.The high waters on the Walnut forced the closure of Walnut Park on Thursday.
Road closures: Chestnut (West of Eighth to 10th Streets because of pumping;
parts of Sixth Street because of a water backup.Forecast calls for rain until Sunday.
Road closings
Road closings due to high water, according to the county engineer Dale Steward and the office of Emergency Management, are:
*11th Road, north of U.S. 160, the first road east of the Sumner County line.
*Cowley 2 (22nd Road ), west of Rock.
*Cowley 14 (231st Road), south of Dexter.
*Cowley 20 (202nd) Road, west of Dexter.
*Junction of Cowley 3 and 4 ("McClung's Corner,"), five miles west of Strother Field.
*Cowley 1 and Cowley 6 in the Silverdale area.
*Old W. Chestnut Road on the west side of the river, Arkansas City.
*Cowley 1 and Cowley 6 around Silverdale.
*Cowley 3 and 18 intersection 1/2 mile west.
*Cowley 1 and 6 intersection east of Arkansas City.
*Cowley 3 north of U.S. 160.
*11th Road north of U.S. 160.
*All county roads around Dexter are closed. K-15 is open.
*Oxford did not have any road closings, according to the police chief. Water is over the roads, and drivers are discouraged from taking these.
It looks like a good weekend to drink hot coffee and watch movies...while snuggled under a nice soft blanket!
Be Well!
The Walnut River is right at flood stage (18 feet) and is predicted to crest at 21.6 feet early Saturday morning. The Arkansas River currently sits nearly a foot over flood stage level (17 feet). It is predicted to crest at 19.1 feet early Saturday morning.The high waters on the Walnut forced the closure of Walnut Park on Thursday.
Road closures: Chestnut (West of Eighth to 10th Streets because of pumping;
parts of Sixth Street because of a water backup.Forecast calls for rain until Sunday.
Road closings
Road closings due to high water, according to the county engineer Dale Steward and the office of Emergency Management, are:
*11th Road, north of U.S. 160, the first road east of the Sumner County line.
*Cowley 2 (22nd Road ), west of Rock.
*Cowley 14 (231st Road), south of Dexter.
*Cowley 20 (202nd) Road, west of Dexter.
*Junction of Cowley 3 and 4 ("McClung's Corner,"), five miles west of Strother Field.
*Cowley 1 and Cowley 6 in the Silverdale area.
*Old W. Chestnut Road on the west side of the river, Arkansas City.
*Cowley 1 and Cowley 6 around Silverdale.
*Cowley 3 and 18 intersection 1/2 mile west.
*Cowley 1 and 6 intersection east of Arkansas City.
*Cowley 3 north of U.S. 160.
*11th Road north of U.S. 160.
*All county roads around Dexter are closed. K-15 is open.
*Oxford did not have any road closings, according to the police chief. Water is over the roads, and drivers are discouraged from taking these.
It looks like a good weekend to drink hot coffee and watch movies...while snuggled under a nice soft blanket!
Be Well!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The day after...
Last night’s Council meeting was…interesting. Tempers flared, people yelled, it’s possible that there may be gavel cracks in the counter top and things were hurled through the air. The fun ended at aprox.10:30 p.m. All in a night’s work I suppose. On the upside…I completed the first draft of the minutes before I left today! I turned down the offer of yet another evening meeting at which to take minutes…I hope my reluctance doesn’t cast a bad light on my review…which I’m told is forthcoming.
Another cloudy, gray day is upon us…it seems that it may never end. I’m sick “nigh unto death” of rain…I desperately need some sunny, warm days! My soul and spirit are beginning to feel dreary…and I hate that! I heard a commotion yesterday, in the midst of another downpour, and I went out on the deck to investigate. Across the way (actually two houses over) were six children, jumping on a trampoline…in the pouring rain! The commotion was their squeals and laughter! It was awesome! I soooooo wanted to join them!!
A while back I complimented Candy on a great jacket that she was wearing, and she told me that she bought it and several others at the Goodwill store. So, yesterday as I was driving home from Ultra Modern Pool and Patio…I pulled into the Goodwill store to check it out! I left with three dresses…which I only paid $4.99 a piece for! It was awesome! They are pictured above, First the Gingham checked one, with two pleats in the front at the bottom (just above the knee), then the flowered one (ankle length) with a split up each side, and the black one (middle of the knee) with a split up the left side. The black one has really fun detail on the back…in the form of 22 small, fabric covered buttons (they don’t really button, but are attached to the zipper flap), and all three are simple A-lines, fitted a bit at the waist. Perfect for work, church or just about anything! Thanks for the tip Ms. Candy!
Be Well!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Early morning blog! Everything’s better in the first light of day! That time when the air is fresh and still…and void of the acrid scent of auto exhaust and the shrill complaints of human frailty….ahhh…bliss! I walked under an overcast sky this morning, a sustained wind of about 25 mph cooling my skin as my feet kept time to the tunes in my head…made possible by the miracle of the IPOD shuffle. I left the house a bit depressed…but returned smiling, contented and encouraged. Above are pictures of the pond which has become a constant source of joy and discovery for me over the past year. I have done some “powerful thinkin” and have shed a lot of tension walking around it and sitting beside it! A few months ago it began to take an ugly turn…curly leaf pond weed and an aggressive algae had almost overtaken the calm, tranquil waters. Even though official, chemical treatment of the situation has not yet begun, nature seems to be saying ‘enough’! The weeds and algae are receding! I suppose this constitutes a certain aspect of the natural cycle of life.
Tonight is Council meeting…so I am off until 6:45 p.m. The agenda looks fairly benign…but personalities being what they are…who knows what may develop. Retrospect seems to be tugging at my mind today. I have pondered Poverty Syndrome for several weeks now…in the beginning it was just a curiosity, but the core of it has sparked questions in my brain that I cannot answer. The very state of humanity is such a massive, overpowering thing. Why are we ‘who’ we are? Is it nature or nurture…or something else? Which choices do we really ‘make’…and which are thrust upon us by forces beyond our control? Is anything really out of the realm of possibility…for any of us…if we have the proper motivation? Why do some people dig in their feet and ‘make’ their way…while others are content to be pulled along in the current, bouncing off the boulders of life …offering no resistance? And in the middle of it all….."yet I wonder…still I wonder…who’ll stop the rain?”
Be Well!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Fast trip...
Coffeyville was good this weekend! The Relay For Life was very nice and much more than I expected! There were many luminary tributes to Becky, and the booth hosted by my sister-in-law was at the top of the list of contributors! The theme of the booth was Hawaiian, and in keeping with that...there was a roast pig. I had never seen one before and seeing the head still attached was a bit disconcerting!
We had the pleasure of meeting my dad's new 'friend' this weekend. She is a lovely woman. Not only was she personable, but she had a great sense of humor and kept us all laughing! Everyone liked her very much...and most importantly...she seems to make him happy!
As I watched them together, it was obvious how different she is from my late step-mom. My dad is now doing things and going places that I would have thought completely out-of-character for him before....because he is adapting to someone new in his life. He has never been alone (except for the few months since Becky passed away) in all of his 70+ years. As I pondered these changes...it occured to me that he has spent his entire life adapting to whoever was in his life...and has never really just been 'himself'. I wonder at the confusion and conflict that must surely be swirling around in his mind and heart now, and I realized that it is entirely possible that even he has no idea...what is truely 'in character' or 'out of character' for the man...who even he...doesn't really know.
Be Well!
We had the pleasure of meeting my dad's new 'friend' this weekend. She is a lovely woman. Not only was she personable, but she had a great sense of humor and kept us all laughing! Everyone liked her very much...and most importantly...she seems to make him happy!
As I watched them together, it was obvious how different she is from my late step-mom. My dad is now doing things and going places that I would have thought completely out-of-character for him before....because he is adapting to someone new in his life. He has never been alone (except for the few months since Becky passed away) in all of his 70+ years. As I pondered these changes...it occured to me that he has spent his entire life adapting to whoever was in his life...and has never really just been 'himself'. I wonder at the confusion and conflict that must surely be swirling around in his mind and heart now, and I realized that it is entirely possible that even he has no idea...what is truely 'in character' or 'out of character' for the man...who even he...doesn't really know.
Be Well!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Busy Monday...
It's good to finally be home for the day! I am really beat! Work was very busy, added to the stress of knowing that I would be tackling things that I've only done once or twice before (and that was weeks ago) if ever! Being the 'fill in' person is harder than it sounds. I don't get to do things often enough to get really good at them, and it is usually weeks between each time that I do have the chance to do them. By this time in any other job...I would have put the 'notes' that I took during the first few days on the job away in a drawer...because I would have learned to do the tasks. But...in this situation...I keep the notes handy...because many of the tasks that I have notes on...I have never actually done yet.
Dinner just wasn't appealing tonight, so I fixed pancakes and eggs, then spent some time on the Gazelle. The table has been cleared, dishes are done, kitchen is clean, laundry is folded, and the bed is turned down. I am looking forward to putting my feet up and watching a bit of TV.
Be Well!
Dinner just wasn't appealing tonight, so I fixed pancakes and eggs, then spent some time on the Gazelle. The table has been cleared, dishes are done, kitchen is clean, laundry is folded, and the bed is turned down. I am looking forward to putting my feet up and watching a bit of TV.
Be Well!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Father's Day
Happy Father's Day to all you father's out there! This has been a good day, in fact a good weekend! Chas and I took that 'itty bitty drive' to Ark City on Saturday to take my step-dad his gift, and did a bit of shopping on the way home. Chas bought an absolutely fabulous jacket, and the cutest blouse, and I picked up a sundress and pair of shorts that actually fit...pretty much. Marvin and Shane spent Saturday putting in two more windows, and despite a few unexpected complications...they got the job done! Only one more to go!
We went to early service this morning, then came back to the house for lunch and swimming. Lunch was great! Marvin grilled chicken breasts, burgers and ribs outside and I fixed baked potatoes and salad and sliced tomatoes inside! The weather was not cooperative...it was cloudy, cool and windy...not exactly pool weather! So, we watched several old episodes of WKRP and ate cake, then tried to get Marvin's new toy to fly! Unfortunately, there wasn't quite enough room in the house to launch it, and it cannot be flown outdoors in more than a four mile an hour wind. Kansas summers are notoriously windy, it us not uncommon to have sustained winds of 30-35 mph and gusts up to 50 mph...so it may be a while before we get to see it fly! We ate, talked, laughed and watched TV until around 4:30, when it began to absolutely poor outside! It was still a great day! Anytime I get to spend the day with the people most precious to me in the world (my husband and kids)...it is a great day! We have been blessed with the two most wonderful kids on earth...and like Marvin said today, they make it easy to be good parents!
The rain has stopped now...and the kids will be glad to hear that we have turned on the air conditioning! We had to close the windows when the rain began and it pushed us right over the edge! I think this is the latest that we have been able to put off the inevitable air-conditioner for several years. I will miss the fresh air and hearing the birds sing in the mornings...but I won't miss the sticky afternoons.
The coming week will be a tough one, I am working 40 hours this week. It will be good for the paycheck though! Next Friday...off to Coffeyville for the cancer walk with my dad and my late step-mom's sister. It will be nice to see everyone again...but the occasion will be a sad one and Becky will be uppermost in our minds.
Have a great week!
Be Well!
We went to early service this morning, then came back to the house for lunch and swimming. Lunch was great! Marvin grilled chicken breasts, burgers and ribs outside and I fixed baked potatoes and salad and sliced tomatoes inside! The weather was not cooperative...it was cloudy, cool and windy...not exactly pool weather! So, we watched several old episodes of WKRP and ate cake, then tried to get Marvin's new toy to fly! Unfortunately, there wasn't quite enough room in the house to launch it, and it cannot be flown outdoors in more than a four mile an hour wind. Kansas summers are notoriously windy, it us not uncommon to have sustained winds of 30-35 mph and gusts up to 50 mph...so it may be a while before we get to see it fly! We ate, talked, laughed and watched TV until around 4:30, when it began to absolutely poor outside! It was still a great day! Anytime I get to spend the day with the people most precious to me in the world (my husband and kids)...it is a great day! We have been blessed with the two most wonderful kids on earth...and like Marvin said today, they make it easy to be good parents!
The rain has stopped now...and the kids will be glad to hear that we have turned on the air conditioning! We had to close the windows when the rain began and it pushed us right over the edge! I think this is the latest that we have been able to put off the inevitable air-conditioner for several years. I will miss the fresh air and hearing the birds sing in the mornings...but I won't miss the sticky afternoons.
The coming week will be a tough one, I am working 40 hours this week. It will be good for the paycheck though! Next Friday...off to Coffeyville for the cancer walk with my dad and my late step-mom's sister. It will be nice to see everyone again...but the occasion will be a sad one and Becky will be uppermost in our minds.
Have a great week!
Be Well!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Gazelle...
Chas called this afternoon, one of her friends was trying desperately to give away a Gazelle! How awesome is that?! I have been wanting one, but frankly, since our incomes have been reduced...I don't spend money on many "wants". So I was very happy to take it off her hands!! I offered to pay her for it, but she really just wanted to get rid of it!! It wasn't until after I saw the photo above that I realized why it is called a Gazelle! It's in our family room downstairs...just to the left of the T.V.! I am looking forward to some diversity in my cardio!
In other news...the new neighbors came over to introduce themselves this evening. We had a nice chat on the porch, but I couldn't help noticing that the girl looked a bit terrified. Her husband was totally relaxed and extremely outgoing, so the whole thing was a bit odd.
When I left for work this morning, the sky was grey and heavy with clouds, so I closed all of the windows. By the time I got back at 3:00 it was hot as heck inside! I spent an hour or so in the pool, then at 5:00 I fixed a quick dinner of fish, baked potatoes and carrots, which we ate on the deck where the breeze was blowing nicely! After we got the Gazelle cleaned up and carried downstairs, we got back in the pool for an hour or so! It was great!
All in all...the day turned out a lot better than I anticipated!
Be Well!
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