Best/Worse/What did I learn today..visit with friends #116

That's the way Ms. Cheerful talks. Then wonders why I can't hear her.

Dropped into Greg's on the way home, he took out of storage my picnic table and umbrella..we were going through memories, lordy it's got to be over 25 years old..lots of eats on that picnic table..already in the trunk Debbie...so stop and sit and enjoy the countryside for maybe 10 minutes or so is all looked after..lol

Jeff called while I was there..Greg is leaving at noon tomorrow to pick them up..Jeff said Kyle did well, was a hoot and he's enjoyed kayaking with him...

Hurrah, Jeff is now walking the streets of Trenton, think 1 little lock to go down or up, not sure and he's exactly where he should be and has completed his journey, even going to add Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario tomorrow if not rough..

Told me he was going out for supper, a Tim Hortons coffee and donut and said, 'mom, I'm standing here looking at a Holiday Inn, boy it looks good' so goodness knows if it's a sleep in the tent tonight or spending his last night in a tent...

Debbie, he'll be home before we leave, could always borrow his equipment..ever want to camp out???? (smilling)

Ooops forgot to add, this is the last Tuesday of the month..t.v. bingo jackpot I think is $2,000. so I bought myself some cards, going to have supper and get ready to win myself a jackpot..

Wouldn't that be something....

Good luck on the Bingo! Are you going to paint the picnic table?
Well, I just got back from the knee Dr. and I have no more stitches, but she told me when she opened my knee to fix the simple torn meniscus, she also found that I had a lot of calcium build up, she had to sand off, then she found my knee cap was off to the left, trying to tear off, so she had to try to fix that! Notice I said try. so now I have to wear a brace for the next threes months, and if that does not work, back under the knife... She also said my ACL was torn, so that was repaired.
Don't ya just love all these surprises?
LK

Linda I'm surprised you weren't in excruciating pain with that ACL torn. My goodness girl have you been hard on your knees or what?

Good Luck Betty!!

Betty, are you kidding me. I love camping. It has been years....but I used to love it, and marshmellows around a campfire...hotdogs on a stick. Yep, right up my alley! Just make sure there is airconditioning in the tent if it is over 70....and a direct line to a bathroom! ROFL

I am so glad Jeff will be home tomorrow, and Kyle also. I am sure the stores to be told will curl your hair....I bet he left some of the "deep stuff" off to protect you while he was gone.

Well, I had an emergency call from Jeanna....she was very upset...not feeling well for a couple days....and now had a rash. I knew she never should have gotten married and left home....my poor baby girl...at age 25...has ....massive heat rash!
LOL At least that is what I think it is....and matches up to the pictures on the internet...no other fever or issues. As I said...it was a scorcher here today.

Debbie

LindaKay, omg girl no wonder you've been in pain..guess they can't tell until they open you up..wearing a brace will be worth it if you don't have to go under the knife again..drats and more drats...at least they worked on your knee..do they provide the brace?

As for the picnic table, it's adorable, you've probably seen them..top is heavy plastic, folded in half, you open that up and the 4 seats are hidden within and just click out..

When Roger and I started to boat (no cuddy in our first one) we bought tent, butane cooking stoves, this table and umbrella...after he died and I didn't think I'd ever go boating or camping Greg took it home, put it in the attic..I'd forgotten he did so, the other day I said, too bad we didn't still have that picnic table, well he did, he also tried to get me to take the bug tent..you know the kind that are flat, wire mechanism, you open and they make big sitting area in seconds..said I doubted I needed it...could always get it, one never knows..shucks, with all the micro equipment Jeff bought we could easily do camping..lol

No winning at bingo, needed 2 numbers for the longest time for $2,500. oh well it wasn't to be, someone must have needed is more than I...

Saw on Jeff's blog a few photo's..

Kyle in the lock

Jeff said this was his favorite, not a ripple on the lake, no wind, no rain...just solitude..

This is when my baby did the 60K and paddle until around 11pm...knew he had to travel to the lights to camp...

Do you wonder why this island was called goat island?

Jeff said he and Kyle ran into a few kayakers but they weren't friendly at all, wouldn't gab...that wouldn't sit well with Jeff...lol

Silly kid, took a photo of his feet after the 60kl. day..

No wonder he's looking forward to his own bed..

1910 antique canoe..can't imagine what you'd pay for it..mint condition..hope Jeff doesn't decide to take up canoeing...

Well it's that time of night...

Best of the Day...seeing LeeAnn back at work

Worse of the Day..Paul getting the entire 2 offices in an uproar...not nice..even those who had work after his antics couldn't settle in for the day!

What did I learn..you can't win at Bingo just because you'd like to..lol

Good Lord willing, we'll gab tomorrow...

Night/night

Good night Betty....sweet dreams, your boys will be home safe soon!

I had been a waitress for my first 14 years of working. Lots of time on my feet on the hard concrete restaurant floors!

Oh well, maybe better luck on the Bingo next week!

LK

Hello To All;

I am having a hard time keeping up! But trying! :)

I'm getting to work early and leaving late...and today took an old friend to dinner who can teach me a thing or two about the business.....and she did...

But it's catching up with me...I should be in bed now...

JUDY JUDY JUDY! (triplet) so glad to hear from you....sounds like the trip was FABULOUS...Go Cubs...I actually once saw them at Wrigley Field....a "new" co-worker was at the last game...showed me some pics...

TUbby - love the funnies....

Debbie (triplet) (Oompa)...you always make me laugh! Teens all over the house...I certainly can empathize with that...

I did read all else but my head is swimming....learning so much at work now and not many brain cells left for after hours.....

Hugs to all,

Mary

I want that Canoe!!!!! Oh it is beautiful!

HOT, HOT, HOT........bank temp showed 105 at four this afternoon.....put a small table top fan on the floor for the dog and she smartly has stayed in front of it most of the day....too hot to do anything!! Mom even had me turn on her A/C today.......Bike Ride canceled.....don't like this stuff.....

Have a good night everyone.....going to be a long warm night here even with the fans!!

morning all,

trisha, sent it here! our weather is cooler this year, i guess we will get it in sept our indian summer.

betty, been following the trip very interesting, boy does he have drive! dont know if i could of done such a thing, i need some of that drive now lol i have so much to do here and so little time.

mary,glad your liking your new job, oh it was me who has been bombarding trisha with plants lol. shhh im not done yet lol cactus is next

debbie, oh your probably xing the calander by now lol look foward to meeting you to, you all packed? im embarrassed to say i havent started, omg!

tubby, lk how are you feeling?

bev how are you doing scotty ok?

crissy, oh dang she must be back from vacation? when do you get to move out of the office?

judy, ok im not talking about trip! lol im getting to goofy..
but i wont be picking lemmons till saturday.
also didnt steve say something about san francisco sourdough bread? let me know fishermans warf is close to north beach.
we will be doing a quick drive by, by northbeach to bring you some foccica bread also
lol kenny heard the news yesterday, he says; ummm did you hear thunderstorms in chicago? i said oh ya then the sun comes out then hummity, no biggie im not going to be the one to tell him he he he..
ok back to more cleanning so everyone have a wonderful day

Liz some better..need to get blood pressure up..90/56 it has always been low This is about 20 lower then usual..Makes winded,fill it in legs mostly..
No long walks in the moonlight..LOL
Water Water Water..Fill like a Fish.LOL
I have never been good about drinking water..Now if Pepsi tasted good NO PROBLEM I'd have more pressure..But it taste like syrup.Fresca isn't bad but..

You girls & DHs are going to have a wonderfull time on your trip..
The fun you'll have when you get together and visit face to face..
Oh no puffers,,HEE HEE

To bad Scotty can just beam us all together..LOL


Mary need an address to send Hibiscus seeds..I'm sure they will do better for you..

lol now im going to have to smack you with a news paper!
does chewing count?
maby one day we could all find a midway point and all meet up there now wouldnt that be a party of a life time!!!

GUM LOL

lol tubby

well the day got off to a wonderful kick start!
you know those stupid screens that go in the sink drain????
well i guess it was full of lint guess what happened? yep flooded garage lol
at least i can say floor will be clean when my sister comes to stay.

Cool


The Secret

One day, one friend asked another,

"How is it that you are always so happy?

You have so much energy,

and you never seem to get down."



With her eyes smiling, she said,

"I know the Secret!"

"What secret is that?"

To which she replied,

"I'll tell you all about it,

but you have to promise to

share the Secret with others."


"The Secret is this:

I have learned there is little I can do

in my life that will make me truly happy.

I must depend on God to make

me happy and to meet my needs.

When a need arises in my life,

I have to trust God to supply

according to HIS riches.

I have learned most of the time

I don't need half of what I think I do.

He has never let me down.

Since I learned that 'Secret', I am happy."



The questioner's first thought was,

"That's too simple!"

But upon reflecting over her own life

she recalled how she thought a bigger house

would make her happy, but it didn't!

She thought a better paying job

would make her happy, but it hadn't.

When did she realize her greatest happiness?

Sitting on the floor with her grandchildren,

playing games, eating pizza or reading a story,

a simple gift from God.



Now you know it too!

We can't depend on people to make us happy.

Only GOD in His infinite wisdom can do that.

Trust HIM!

And now I pass the Secret on to you!

So once you get it, what will you do?



YOU have to tell someone the Secret, too!

That GOD in His wisdom will take care of YOU!

But it's not really a secret...

We just have to believe it and do it...

Really trust God!









In everything you do, put GOD first, and he will direct
you and crown your effort with success.

(Proverbs 3:6)

Good Morning!!!

Liz I'll dmail you.

Couldn't go to sleep last night. Well I had just gotten to sleep, then Dave called at 11:10pm when he was driving home from work and woke me up wanting to chat, had to take nyquil after that to go back to sleep. I hate taking that for that reason, but I bet I sleep tonight LOL!!

Well shoot, I have a little work to do and I'll be back.

How lovely Tubby..will share for sure...

I best win that big lottery, boy oh boy, we'll all be on a cruise to somewhere..that's a promise...

Just what you needed Liz, moping up for the day...is it Friday or Saturday you leave..not many more days..you'll be in deep trouble if it rains for most of the time you are in Chicago...let's pray for sunshine so you can enjoy..

Mary, the next few weeks I'm sure will be your hardest..not easy learning a new business even if it's in somewhat a similar line of work..now are you in a training process for any length of time or are they assuming you know the business..you probably do but just worried with being new and all..guess the children are 1/2 way through their summer vacation, all going well with them?

Trisha, did you also canoe as well as kayak..I keep thinking they'd both be about the same work wise with the oars but guess probably a lot of difference...

Debbie, suitcase packed..just groceries to do and service the car tomorrow at lunch and I'm ready..seems like no work, perhaps it's because I've travelled so much this year that I've everything under control...watch me forget something important...

Betty, I haven't started packing yet. That is my agenda for today when Iget back from "running" yet again. I am so sick of the college already and semester hasn't even started!

My stomach is a bit jumpy, so I know the excitement nerves are kicking in. Another scorcher here today, but supposed to rain also.

Did you write a list...that is how I do everything in my mind...but too bad my mind goes blank so much! LOL

Welll, I have to run. Liz, yes I am excited....but nothing done so have to get moving!
I will post when I get back, hopefully this will be a quick trip...but with these two, I doubt it!

Debbie

Jeff's blog for those who enjoy reading...

Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Day 14/3 - Trenton baby

We are sitting at lock 2 and 1km to the last lock in the trent severn waterway, 2.9k after that to the end of the trent severn waterway itself, also the point where I break the 400k mark on this little adventure. Short hop skip and a jump (about 3000 paddle strokes) across the bay of quinte, down murray canal, across the gap to the park in lake ontario and that's all folks.

Yesterday started off a little slow, I was up at 6 but my travel buddy slept in to about 8, teenagers, sigh. We had breakfast and just relaxed, took out time packing up camp and finally set off at 10:30. Absolutely gorgeous day and sun was out the entire trip, not a hint of rain nor a cloud in the sky. Wind on the otherhand was back in full force.

Took kyle about a half hour to wake up and had to coax him along a little, that first hour or so is always the worst. He said he was glad the wind was with us again, I didn't have the heart to tell him yeah, but only for the next 2km then we are straight into it for the rest of the day.

Now at this point I was pretty sure no more lakes until trenton, wrong, opened up to an 8km lake that didn't appear on my tiny little map. She was tough going, wind howling and 1-2 foot whitecaps all the way, kyle is an expert now and I don't worry about him crossing. I ask anyway and he says he can't even feel the waves, minnow works just as good as the coffin, same kayak so it should.

We try and find shelter closer to shore but the weedbeds are thick and get in the way of paddling, we go back out to the main channel and the wind. About 3/4 of the way there is a swimming dock offshore and we stop for a good rest. We finally make it across and get protection from the wind in the channel to the next lock.

About 1/2km to the lock there is a convenience store and I pull up and leave kyle tending the boats while I get us a chocolate bar sweet. As I'm coming back I see a cruiser coming down the channel almost on plane and throwing a big wave, can't make it in time to prevent, kyle from swamping a little, he was smart enough to let go of my kayak. Now I'm mad. Tell kyle to take his time and I'm going to go have a quick chat, I race to the lock ahead of him.

I politely ask the lockmaster if he minds that I have words with the people in the boat and he says, be my guest. Brilliant! The guy on the boat, driver, stays silent and I have a conversation with the wife in broken english, I tell her after 400km and 14 days they are the most inconsiderate boaters I have encountered, she said but we here doing the 10k max, I politely explain that the purpose is not speed but wake size to protect the shoreline and 14 year olds sitting in a rock lined 60 foot wide canal holding an empty kayak afloat. Husband wakes up and asks his wife what the problem is, she explains and he shrugs his shoulders. Well..... I smack the side of his expensive boat with my trusty paddle and wouldn't you know it, his english improves, go figure. At this point I thank my father, god bless him, for it is from him that I learned the 7 words you can't say on television, but in french.

Kyle paddles in and I say have a nice day, they went nice and slow to the next lock but we didn't have any nice weather conversations from that point on. As expected. It's now 1:30 and a few short locks to get through.

We get within 2km to our stop for the night and when we come out of glen miller lock the wind hits us like my paddle on buddies boat. Strongest wind so far and it's a tough paddle to say the least, we are both tired and just want to get out. At a few points kyle was moving backwards and still paddling forwards, I'm not moving at all. He finally chirps up, "I don't like wind", I concur. We finally get across and it's now just after 4.

One thing I won't miss about this trip is the lack of exit points for kayaks, this one is the worst. We figure our only bet is the rock lined 2 foot shoreline about 100 yards down, also lined with poison ivy, I could use the stuff as toilet paper but like his father, kyle breaks out from the stuff. We manage to get everything including kayaks out and over to camp. Much easier with two people that's for sure.

We are now on a mission, we were told there was a mcdonalds and tims just across from the lock, at the back of the lock there is a big hill you have to walk down and just as kyle says that's a big hill I, I slip and tumble down, great.

Normally you would walk under the 401 and up the road, there is construction so we have to walk about 2k in the ditch of the 401 and over the overpass. We are now in trenton proper. .

We see mcdonalds and have a big meal with all the fixings. I get two extra large coffee, one for walk back and one for at camp. As we get to the construction site kyle decides to tightrope walk the hay bails and slips, I dive to prevent the fall, with no success, my second cup of coffee is now on the ground, I turn around and ask kyle if he is ok.

We get back to camp and relax, I head off to the washroom and when I get back, no kyle, hmmm he says hi, I look up and he is on the third branch of this massive willow tree beside our tent, I explain we don't need a trip to emerg, wait till I cross the finish line, then if you want to, climb all the trees you find. Kyle crashes around 9.

Rain sets in around 11 and we get thunder and lightning, I'm the only one who hears it.

Looks overcast today and they are calling for rain, let's get this show on the road, breakfast, pack and paddle, then sleep.

Debbie did learn I always pack much too much so all fits in one little travel bag..then I start thinking, well if it fits in a little bag like that I must be forgetting something and add more..now I'm smarter..no extra's..
Seeing I don't take pills and don't wear makeup that makes quite a difference in what I have to remember..

Maybe I should pack a bag and just leave it in the trunk, then when I feel like leaving for a few days, voila, I'm packed and ready..might do more of that when Sailor is gone...

Try not to exert yourself..but then you'll have quite a few hours in a vehicle in which you can rest...

Packing is always a chore, can't stand it with the stress of forgetting something. I have a medium size new Sampsonite roll along. Love It! It was perfect for all of my things for our 7 day cruise, plus the carry on thing. We both use just that one for weekend trips. Dave's is a little older therefore a little smaller and I use his if I'm going for a weekend by myself.

For me Crissy it's not the packing but the making sure I've treats/food for Cathy, know she eats most of her meals at her house but still don't want to leave the fridge bare as it is most days..that's what I get for eating out all the time...

Would you believe it's pouring again...

Looked at the days and where I'd be, much the same as here, think the rain will follow us...

We're in a flash flood warning from 7am this morning to Friday at 1pm, so we're going to get some rain sometime... Severe weather is supposed to happen tomorrow ug.

Much of what we have...feel sorry for folks who have this long weekend planned..not just chance of rain but 80% chance of rain...

My friend Bob who died a few weeks ago took in a young man more than 25 yrs. ago as son, his name was Bob as well..so young Bob just dropped in to visit..I was hoping the memorial wouldn't happen while I was away and luckily it won't be until September..Bob's says that Bob hoped all his friends would get together for a big shindig and that's what he is planning...

Good morning all!
Running through, Lupe is coming over in about an hour...woohoo we haven't seen each other all month, so lots to catch up on.
Hopefully we will go somewhere for lunch, I am starving, lol.

Wanted to say, checked the weather and it's going to be gorgeous...Yuck with the exception of Sunday, Liz & Kenny's arrival day expecting T'storms. Well I am just praying they won't blow through until we get home, They have have been hitting in the evening, so lets just keep fingers crossed. Liz, We have been having an unusually cool, comfortable weather, Today sunshine in upper 70's, thankfully not humid!! Perfect. Checked extended weath and looks about the same when your here. might rain a couple days.

Anywaqy, got lots done yesterday, lol played sock brigade in the afternoon. yayay, won't have to do them again in a long while...

So today, working in the yard again...Debbie, Liz and Betty, yard is a bit better then last time you were here, jungle. But don't be suprised, my gardens are not beautiful, most blooms are spent sooo...

Now, I know you are getting excited with all the luggage talk, lol...I have packing down to a science. lol, as long as laundry is caught up, I can pack in about 20 minutes flat! Hehehe, are you making mental notes on what you want to bring? hint start your stack in designated area...out in open so you can keep adding or removing items...Don't forget your swimming wear, Still working on getting that pool up! LOL...Liz only for you ya know.

Oh my gosh i got to run, wanted to yank out a few burdock before Lupe comes.

See you in little while.

Judy, save the sunshine for us...

Sounds as though you are all organized for Liz and Kenny's arrival..

As for the gardens Judy,mine is starting to be the same..fall has hit..still a lot of blooms but nothing like last year..

Starting to get excited now...

Crissy has booked our Memphis room, think I'll go on-line this aft. and look for something in Nashville for Sat. night...might even boot scoot and boogie...

Dave told me he's changed his mind again and isn't going. I'm to the point I don't care if he does or not, just make up his mind so I know what I'm doing...

Hello everyone!
I got my brace today, and I thought it was going to be bulky and binding, but it actually feels pretty good. So maybe my knee will heal quickly now that I ahve the support I need?
Betty, that storeis from the kayak trip is exciting. I could not have done that trip for anything in the world, but WOW. Sounds like they are having a great time! Will he be writing a book about his adventures?
Crissy, I thought women were bad about changing our minds?
Take care everyone!

Crissy, look at it this way,lol, we can have an old fashioned p.j. party...
Thanks for booking the hotel room..all I have to do is make sure I keep us with the schedule...

Now looking at hotels/motels in Nashville for Saturday...

LindaKay, everything nowdays is so high tech, know they've improved on the leg braces once worn...you'll be able to get around a little more now???

Yes, I'm sure he'll have lots to gab about now that he's heading back..should be home by 8 or 9...hope I can stay awake that long to sit up with them all..lol..

I needed my own Kleenex..




Red Shirt

If the red shirt thing is new to you, read below how it went for one man...



Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine Sergeant traveling with a folded Flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the Sergeant , who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home. "No, he responded."

"Heading out I asked?"

"No. I'm escorting a Soldier home."

"Going to pick him up?"

"No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq , I'm taking him home to his Family ."



The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the Soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the Soldier's Family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.

I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, "Thank you.. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do."



Upon landing in Chicago , the Pilot stopped short of the gate, and made the following announcement over the intercom:

"Ladies! and Gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen Comrade back home to his Family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his Fellow Soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."



Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the Sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.



So here's a public "Thank You" to our Military Men and Women for what you do, so we can live the way we do.

Red Fridays: Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing RED every Friday.. The reason? Americans who support our Troops used to be called the "Silent Majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, Country and Home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing. Many Americans, like you, like Me, and all our Friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of American's supports our Troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our Troops with Dignity and Respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the Troops all come home, sending a deafening message that .. every red-blooded American who supports our Men and Women afar, will wear something RED.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of RED much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this Country will share this with Acquaintances, Coworkers, Friends, and Family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED; and it will let our Troops know the once "Silent Majority" is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the Media lets on.



The first thing a Soldier says when asked, "What can we do to make thin gs better for You?" is: "We need your Support and your Prayers. "Let's get the word out and lead with Class and Dignity, by example, and wear something RED every Friday.



If I get in trouble for this I don't belong here !!!!!!!!

Betty, you have no idea how excited I am about Nashville....I no nothing about Memphis...but Nashville, OMG...I am so excited. I just cant wait to see and take in everything...just feels like excitement in the air. LOL And heaven forbid, we see anything of my long legged man Alan Jackson...you will have to scrape me off of the floor! I almost ended up in the hospital one time getting a guitar pick he tossed out....Paul says I was in the Mosh Pit....but I have the pick up on my nightstand! LOL

I can rest a bit easier now. I have some things taken care of that I really needed to get in order. College papers are all dotted, crossed and turned in. Shannon got a tour of the dorm rooms...so she feels better about that. And I picked up a project for her to work on for the Grad party while I am gone, and hopefully that will keep her occupied.

Now, as long as everything goes well with DH's sleep clinic follow up tomorrow...I will be so out of here! LOL

We have rain, yet again, but it has cooled down a bit....hoping it stays nice.

LIndaKay, DD has a knee brace...this one just pulls on and holds the knee cap in place. Her knee is still having trouble so it looks like another surgery in her future come December....which will be the longer brace with the velcro wraps for a few months. Her knee cap was damaged in a car accident ...a year ago Feb. Ugh.

Tubby, how are you doing today? Saw several farms digging potatoes today....and there are so many HUGE tractors out on the road, couldn't believe it. This time of year we expect it...and I admire them all for the work they do.

Will be back in a bit....I hve to start laundry! UGH!

Debbie

Debbie, don't even think that bad news will come tomorow..am sure Paul's results will be fine...

Been looking up Nashville on-ine..remember when I took a bunch of girls to Nashville years ago we went to the Stock yards Bull Pen Lounge..the upstairs was divided into a dozen or so of private little dining areas then downstairs the entire area that once was the bull pens is a dancefloor..best entertainment ever as all the up and coming play there .. then there is Long Hollow Jamboree..perhaps when we leave Bonnie's I might speed up so we can have some hours to sightsee..have you not been to Nashville?