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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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.