Best/worse/what did I learn today?chat with friends..

((((((((Betty)))))))))) for you and Aline and Jaques........ Prayers are being said for all of you.

Betty - after Bob got home we went to Walmart and bought a 4 chair/table/umbrella patio set - rectangular table - for $98!! gotta love end of season sales!!

Yes Betty - I'm tired. Been "on the go" since 9:00 this am, and it's 8:30 now.

Awww..you can see how proud she is of him...attractive lady!

the photo with the blue flags was the first glimpse I got of my son.....the they started marching in.....and I got this

Almost 10:30 here Susan, just climbed into bed but knowing Thunder was posting photo's I just had to open thread one more time. Lol

What a deal that is Susan, you deserve it..bet it looks pretty! Yes, lot of the garden centers are having big time sales..

I want a few more trees, starting now I'll have to keep an eye out at home depot..

Wonder how Holly is making out??

So handsome..looks so solemn..is he liking it..is there a specific duration the must stay?

Hello To All !

I'm Back ! ((HUGS)) to everyone wishing me and all safe travels... LK you were right... it was more like 7-8 hours... I had forgotten how long a drive it was....

We left around 6pm Friday... My idea to stop and eat made trip feel longer but hubs wanted to go back to a Five Guys in Mississippi (exit 46B, in D'Iberville) and DS and I had never eaten there. Good Hamburgers....

I drove through Mobile then DS drove... We got to Marianna FL around Midnight....and tried 3 hotels before we found one ! (cue "Mary and Joseph no room in the Inn jokes here" LOL) ( Joseph is DH's middle name). Super 8 was NOT super LOL....
Got up and breakfast at Po-Folks then drove down to Wewahitchka... another good hour due to 3 stops to find air for the tires....
That day was SO long... we spent SO much time talking to my Dad and his wife... really enjoyed visiting with them both.. I was tempted to stay longer but the girls back home calling Hubby complaining the whole time... He didnt want them roaming the streets because we were out of town. They said "why should we be grounded", etc. never easy is it?

So Hubby and I left at 3pm Sunday and rolled in at 12midnight or so... I 'lurked' on here then bed time..... yard work and laundry all day today..... I feel really good about EVERYTHING... and starting to feel closer to my Dad again....which makes me SO very happy....
Betty LOL Family trees.... nice of Greg to stop by for dinner ! Deb... love the girls party idea... I know it's hard to watch the band now DS isn't playing with them ... That last concert was a tear jerker.... Thunder LOVED the pics... DS looks so great in his uniform ! very sharp ! LK glad you made it back safely too ! Barb - sounds like a great July 4th celebration ! Crissy - still slap DH in the face for me... I suppose just shows his own insecurity ....
Hugs to Dianne, Susan, Bev, Shirley, and all I have not forgotten....
I'm just SO SO Exhausted ! STILL...will check back in a bit...

Mary

Welcome Back, Mary!! glad you had a good time. Yes, 7-8 hours is a long drive..... I can never do more than 2 hours at a stretch..... then I have to stop and shop LOL Usually for antiques and/or fabric...... LOL

Betty - that plant looks so pretty - looks like it's a tropical plant. Will it overwinter, or have you got it indoors?

Some thing that impressed me???? before the ceremony started...there were many High ranking folks....male and female walking around, stopping from time to time to talk to people.....and My hubs was wearing an Army hat......well this fella came up , pointed to his hat and said "Army?? what you doing here?" hubs said "here for Sons PIR, other son is in the Army,He is in Iraq this is his hat..been worn in iraq,,.so he can be with his brother,,,in spirit." he shook hubs hand and said "Thank you very much for giving two sons to the great US Military!!" he then turned to me and said "are you Momma?" I said YES, and he gave me a great big hug, and whispered "IT takes a very special Momma to raise a Military Man, and you did it twice!" and out loud said "thank you very much, way to go" hubs took our picture, and as he was walking away, hubs asked another person that was with him who he was??? He said THAT sir is MCPON (pronounced mik pon) West......Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.......we were not to sure about it but figured he was a "big wig" well we later found out that he is the Highest ranking official of the Navy!!!! only person Higher is the President of the USA!!!!! so I was very impressed that he would be wandering around through the crowd...talking with the "common folk". been to many army functions and never saw any of the higher rank officers mingle.

Kyle told us later that he had also gotten a pat on the back from him after their capping ceremony......after they pass the BIG 12 hour test they have, they get a new cap, says NAVY on it instead of RECRUIT!!! I think the capping ceremony means more to the Sailors than the PIR ceremony!!!!

and there was lady Admiral that gave a speech...she was awesome!! very lively, very emotional, motivational speech!!!! I have heard a number of military speeches over the years, and I would have to say hers was one of the best!!!

Thunder - that puts a tear in my eye - the PRIDE you must feel for your DS....

DS is now with My Dad... who was Career Air Force... and I am SO proud of my Dad.... I have so many benefits just being a Military daughter. I know Dad wants to talk to DS about the military... maybe take him to a recruiter while there.... I'm all for it... hope it helps...

Oh yes Susan - much longer drive than I expected...and I will drive BACK down Friday to pick up DS then back the next day with him... will be solo Friday but DS can help me drive Saturday. I think I need this very badly though...and I've great expectations... I called today at noon to tell Dad's wife (is that DW?) that we made it in.... she said DS was out cutting hedges. Until the surveyor comes to draw the line for the fence... Dad had another job... painting stuff on the mobile home roof...to seal it... apparently has to be done every 4-5 years or so but supposedly a hard job.
GOOD.

((HUGS))
Mary

My appt went well, just a follow up for my arthritis Dr. I had a great time with my Granddaughter.
Todd waters the plants while I am gone. If we both go out of town for the week-end, I just water really good before we leave, and pray for the best.
Thunder, so glad you were able to go to the graduation, and then meet Judy!!!

Betty, I have never heard of that plant.

Susan, sounds like you got a great deal on the new patio table and chairs!

He loves it Betty, they are required to be solemn when "in Ranks" very formal....lots of "rules"
Ya know they are not allowed to hold hands, when in uniform, on duty or not....and many Naval bases have rule of no hand holding at all on base......must be ready to use hands as needed at all times.....and can not hold onto right arm, as it MUST be available to salute, if required....

because of the program he signed in for.....he is in for 6 years. I think Navy minimum is 4.??? Army has two year "sign ons" first one tho is usually 3 or 4 years, also depends on what you qualify for, and what "job" you want to do....

Sailor will now be in School for about 18 months, then move to another station for about 6 months more of schooling, and maybe back to the one he is at now depending on a few circumstances......won't know that one for quite a while....

hubs and Momma, and that's it for now..... edited for spelling...

This message was edited Jul 4, 2011 10:08 PM

I have photos with Judy too, but that has to wait....time for bed.....sweet dreams Y'all

Thunder - your Mom is a pretty lady. Was your Hubs in the Military as well ?

Mary, no -that would mean "Darling Wife", like DH is "Darling Husband lol

HAHA ! Susan ! Good call... Well - I'm really enjoying getting to know her better... and getting closer to my Dad... we had a spell of not keeping in touch (My fault). So it's a good thing all around. When I left they were offering to meet me a part of the way with DS...... so I've been on tripadvisor looking for spots... although I'm still very ready to head the whole way....I'm very Thankful that they've taken me up on this offer for DS to spend some time with my Dad...

That's great, Mary!

Good morning/evening everyone! Haven't been to sleep yet but will soon grab a couple of hours.
Mary I am so glad your DS is spending some time with his Grandfather. My DB's 2 boys whorshipped their Granddad and whatever he said was worth listening too. Hope your son will enjoy the same experience.
Thunder loved the pics - what a handsome son you have!Really enjoyed your story about your DS's hat perched on your hubby's head.Waiting for more pics and stories once you get rested up.
DH's surgery following his apptment with Dr Yen July 4 will be Thursday July7. At that point Dr Yen will build a scaffold to support DH's spine and screw it into what bones are left so the scaffold can stabilize the back. Once that surgery has healed (2 - 4 weeks)Dr Yen will turn DH over to the Oncologists. At that time we will learn exactly what plan of attack is being considered for the numerous cancers in DH's body. Dr Yen suggested that once the scaffolding is in place the Oncologist just might go for a whole body treatment (which shakes me to the core) or just treat each area. Positive thoughts would be appreciated. While my DH has accepted Dr Yen's surgery he is not so sure he will go ahead with chemo and radiation but that is his choice. More than anything he just wants to be out of pain the poor soul.
Stormy and I have tramped the lane this morning so will give DH his meds and try and grab a nap.
Dianne

Morning everyone! Coffee is ready!

Dianne, please know we are sending lots of good thoughts and prayers your way!

Morning all, this coming in but 1/2 hr. Earlier has thrown me off schedule..must raarrange my schedule to accommodate..yikes just remembered, forgot to feed the fish..don't panic Debbie, called the girls who paint on Tuesdays and they'll feed them! still haven't seen them, wonder if they went belly up, floated and kitty had them for din din...but on the not so good side, I ran over a chippy this morning..have to not look in rear view mirror when they run across in front of me.. Just sick about it!!

Dianne know that I'm keeping the two of you in my prayers. I'm sure you are overwhelmed by it all and the most difficult is accepting his wish decision should he not want to proceed with chemo treatments!
It truly amazes me as to how far they've come in the medical field ie the scaffolding and yet although they've come so far, no cure for cancer!!

On a lighter topic Dianne, my youngest son Jeff will be traveling the Rideau Canal by Kayak in 9 days..for 2 years he's done the Trent waterway and kept blogs of his planning and trips ..you might want to follow as much of the area you might know??

Http://2011summertrip.globally.com/

Mary, wow that was a long trip indeed, perhaps it took longer due to. July 4th traffic..sorry to hear you could not have spent at least another day..bet you've gained a new perspective with your step mother after all you've done through with your step-children!

Meeting part way would be wonderful Mary, they would likely enjoy the trip..am sure there are many places mid point that you all could act as tourists and enjoy a day together..at what age does the military/ navy take young men?

Omg Thunder, your encounter with the Navy Brass is something you will always remember..isn't it awesome that he took the time to mingle? Doesn't sound as thought your son will be put in harms way for awhile until he's finished his schooling..what will his studies be?

Mary, seeing how happy Thunder's son is I hope that your son will take advantage of his grandfather's knowledge and take an interest in checking either naval or army opportunities..hugs for you, must be upsetting for you..

Wow - so much to catch up on!!!
Thunder, what a wonderful experience for you. I was there 50 years ago and remember the clock tower too. It is a very impressive ceremony and you all look so happy and proud. Will your son get any "Home" time between basic and school? Where is he going to school? Maybe a bit closer to home? Wonderful pictures and I'm happy your Mom was able to be there too. Can't wait to hear about your meeting with Judy. She is one special lady.

Mary, I'd be a basket case after all the driving and riding. I think it's great for your son and for your Dad to have this time together. It will give him a better sense of just who HE is and where he fits in in the scheme of life. Maybe he will get a good attitude adjustment out of it.

Susan, sounds like you are having a busy week too. And thank you for your good wishes on the 4th. Any camping soon?

Betty, Betty Betty --- where are you going to put more trees? I love your gardens and I can't see where there is room for more!!! I can't wait to get up there. Did I already tell you the the new company is okay with Norm taking our week off. He told them he would lose deposit money and they said it was fine with them.....Hooray!!! He talked with them on Friday and his drug test had come back to them clean of course. Now they are just waiting for his background check which should be a piece of cake too. Since he will be handing money occasionally, he must be bonded. Once they get that he will go to Long Island, NY to the headquarters for orientation and paperwork. He was told he should hear from Human Resources this week...

Dianne, my heart goes out to you and your DH. I will send extra prayers for his well being and yours. I hope we will still be able to meet but if not, we will next year when I come again for Betty's reunion. I've already started the savings club for that trip!!!!
Sending hugs and prayers to everyone - Shirley, Bev, Debbie, and all in need.

Going to be a really busy week here as Sean is in All Star baseball and the tournaments are continuing today. There are four tournaments that his team is entered into this summer. His team is playing their first championship game is tonight. Then tomorrow it starts a new tournament against a different league. These games are held all over the state so there is a lot of traveling involved. This last one was in Manchester - 35 miles away. This week it is in Claremont which is about 30 miles away. I'm not sure where they go after that yet.

Having a family cookout next Sunday so I'm off to start the housecleaning. You all know how it is. Family coming who have never been here so everything has to be spic and span!! Or as much as I can make it so! LOLOL I clean to 10 minutes and sit for 20 and then start over again!!! Have a great day everyone~~~~~

Barb, lol still trying to make me yard more secluded..you will see that although I'm right in town that when in the backyard it feels like I'm somewhere completely different...it's fantastic that this new company understands about your traveling plans and I'm more than thrilled .. Next rainy weekend I'm going to cut out a few sleighs , by the way, kind of vehicle will you be driving? Hope it's a tractor trailer type..Victorian Santa won't take much room, maybe a few pieces of jewelry. ( while I think of it, Susan, have your envelope with replacement pieces but they are asking for us to give it another week for backlog to be caught up). Barb what kind of things does Norm enjoy doing?? Think I asked but you didn't reply, what kind of work will Norm be doing?

Exciting that you are saving for next year, hope you all have a little piggybank with Canada written on it..

Dianne, typing on my I-pad but looking at main computer..should at least take my camper somewhere once don't you think before summer is over?? My cousin whom I was raised with and we are more like brother/sister than cousins has a cottage in Tweed, could unhook trailer and visit only long enough to bring you a Timmies..

Then I think, a relaxing weekend at home would also be nice...

Dianne you know I always have good thoughts for you and your DH.

ROFLOL LK!! Pack my bags, ha! that's my house, I would have been packing his bags! The only reason I didn't go off is because I know he doesn't have a pot to pee in without me, I brought everything into this marriage and if he gives me much more of that and I will take everything out. I still didn't talk to him, too upset about it still and now I'm PMSing on top of it. I ended up getting ready early this morning and did Mr. Mistreated's dishes for him (1 bowl and one spoon.)

Thunder I'm so glad you got to meet Judy and see your son!! Yay for the hat!! Way way cool!

LOL Barb, isn't that the way it always is? By the time you finish cleaning it's time to clean again! I'm so glad Norm gets his vacation time! Hooray!!!

LK Glad your appointment went good and you and your granddaughter had a great time!!

Stress is high this week, Dave's unemployment runs out on Friday and without it we are screwed, after his attitude this weekend I'm wondering if he's more of a liability than an asset. I'm horrible! LOL!!! I'm also PMSing so please stand by.... lol

Crissy, no laughing matter but having met you I can see you all worked up and add the mix of pms well Dave had best apologize and mind his p's and q's

Did he not hear from the company that introduced him to employees?? Could he call them for update as to wether they have hired someone or not...terrible that they keep him dangling

Betty do not worry if you miss feeding the fish. They will do fine a day with no food. They eat the bugs that land on the pond also if they are small enough.

I am very tired from the weekend, but it was a good one with the kids. Spent 3 full days with Carrie...and that was the best for me. We went to Home Depot Saturday and got some plants and hanging baskets, just felt so good to work in the yard with her. I was even "buzzed" by a ruby throated hummer.....which made my day!

Yesterday down at the craft show after the parade, ran into some of my "older kids" that used to hang out here from Jeanna & Carries class....and that just was so nice! Her friend Zac saw me....and I was just hugged big time! He actually now lives in Louisiana and is an electrician....and true to form, still had his skateboard under his arm!

Have to take DS for his physical and college shots this afternoo. Hoping he behaves! Need to have a talk with the doc about "the child" also. He helped deliver her....and knows every inch of medical history. Although he is a Pediatrician....we need to find an "adult" doc for her now that can handle her special needs.

Crissy...I just don't have anything positive to say about Dave...and I am SORRY about that. BUT, he reminds me of my ex big time. YOU know what is right for you and what you can (and can't) deal with....and I am glad we are here so you can vent....PMsing or not! Now, on that new pet.....I was thinking a black widow or a tarantula (evil grin).

Debbie

Dianne - Loving thoughts and prayers being said for you and your DH - you're right, it's his decision, and it's got to be difficult for both of you at this time. The LORD bless you and keep you both in HIS loving arms.

Crissy - I agree - Dave should call them and see what his standing is. I'll bet the MRO hasn't given them the results of his drug test, but the company may be able to push for the results, so they can let Dave know.

Betty - it's another busy day today. Have to take down old patio set, find a place for it, and put up new one.
Going to church to paint one wall, and clean the bathrooms (Stampede Lunch this weekend, and the church has to look spotless!), water veggies, and 2 flower gardens, at Marlene's and my home.
Then it's back home to do some deep cleaning HERE! lol
I have some paperwork to do, and send off to Blue Cross to get reimbursed for stuff up to the end of June which is my last reimbursement date from previous employ. Busy, busy, busy!

I hope everyone has good news today, and a more relaxed day than they've been having..... Bless Everyone with HIS love today, and always.

LOL on the tarantula, Debbie LOL

Betty he hasn't but with the holiday that's not a surprise, usually the week before a holiday no one does anything about anything that has to do with work, half the people take vacation either the week prior or the week after. The holiday being on a Monday usually makes everyone take the week off, which is this week. It could be next week at the earliest before we hear anything. Dave's planning on going to the employment office on Friday to see if there's anything further they can do for him, he is going to tell him how close he is to getting this job. Remember, it took them a month to call him for a second interview so it could be another month or more to be called again, if they call him again.

Dave won't apologize, he probably doesn't even remember saying all of that nonsense. One thing about it, I'd say I have more of his friends friendship than he does! LOL

Crissy - I know it took a company from my application on Sept 29, to Nov 21st to let me know that I was hired (and 4 interviews, for pete's sake!). Just the fact that he was introduced to everyone, and he only needs to receive the MRO/drug report in order for them to hire him is a good thing. They have to have all their P's and Q's in place and "dot the i's and cross the t's).

LMAO Debbie, that would be great!!! He thinks that animals take to him, which they do, but I don't thing a tarantula or black widow would! That's awesome!!!

Susan he hasn't taken a drug test or anything else, he just had a second interview where he met everyone.

I know and understand it's just the stress of it all, but he doesn't need to be talking down to me. He didn't do it at the reunion at all, he had Aunt Eller's problems to deal with! LOL That was hilarious!

He doesn't know how many interviews they require, normally for a buyer position it's two but you never know.

OH, I thought it was your Dave that had to take a drug test. That's different then - does he have anyone's business card/contact info from the company? If he does, then he should email them, thank them for the interviews, and ask if they have any status on his application........

He will have to take one but hasn't been told to yet. He did that twice after the first interview, I think he should leave it alone for a bit. Once they call you for the second they know who you are and won't forget you. It's just the economy and this wonderful waiting game that we all have to play, it sucks but what do you do, other than breaking all of the windows and busting down their door LOL!!

He is at Goose Creek, in South Carolina....will be there approx. 18 months...
Sailor's time off was Friday afternoon...and then the time he had waiting in the airport!!!! he also had yesterday off, and got to spend it with an "old" friend...from the town he grew up in, in Ma. !!! He was at a subway restaurant, on the base in SC, after arriving and checking in..(sat morn).....and Josh walked in!!!! He jumped up and yelled "josh is that you ?? JOSH !! whole place went quiet...good thing it was just all sailors!!!! as I am sure there were a few other expletives flying!!!!

they were gonna spend the 4th together, as they both had day off, but had to remain on post.....we knew Josh had been there for school, but thought he was gonna be gone by the time Kyle got there...Josh is there still for a while longer, in "holding" to wait for next assignment post to finish their length of classes....So very nice for him to have a Buddy to get tips from!!! they were close through school years 1 - 7, they were on track and cross country teams together!!! and have stayed in touch....

Kyle is also "in holding" waiting for classes to finish...will be about two weeks...while in holding, the Navy gives them odd jobs to do to fill their time...I spoke to him on the phone, yesterday, and he knew that today he would be working at the bowling alley (on post)starting at 9am for 2 hours, then a 2 hour lunch, then back to work for 2 more hours...then rest of day off.....does not know if that will be his same schedule for the two weeks hold????

He is gonna take some cell phone pictures of his room and send to me via e mail, says it is a good size, him and 1 other guy, bathroom in between another room with 2 other guys.....had not met his "roomie" yet, as he was in classes....

crissy , so sorry hubs is being that way, I too would be "not speaking to him"

LOL - you're right, of course Crissy. They spent time to introduce him (in real time) so won't forget him. I'm sure they wouldn't take the time out of their busy day to show him around if they weren't going to hire him. They surely wouldn't do this for all or most applicants!
Yes, the US economy is bad, and they have other things on their minds, of course. I know you're anxious, but I waited for almost 2 months myself, in a decent economy, so I can imagine what it will take for Dave..........
Are you sure you can't break their windows and bust down their doors? LOL!!

Morning / afternoon !!!

couple more pics of seeing the Sailor!! Momma and I trying to be patient, while waiting to see our Sailor :)

See that little "smirk" on his face??!!! when he realized we were there !!!??? His Daddy was talking to him, told him he looked awesome!! and told him not to be makin' any faces....He told us later it was very hard not to break out in a great big smile when he saw us!!!!

Debbie, got some coffee all over me while chocking over pets of choice..you have the greatest sense of humor!! Glad you got to spend time with Carrie..one on one is nice..know I love grandkids and Dil's but just being with each of the boys is precious...

Any news on the elderly lady who was driving when the kids had the accident?? Are the feeling any better? Got vehicle back yet?

Does the 'child' know you've given her the nickname?? Lol. Yes, with all her health issues it is time to find an adult doctor..would yours not take her on..

Debbie, how are your gardens? Worry about those fishes..would like to know I still have them...think next time I'll buy a large pike just so I see him!!

Susan, think someone should pay you a floaters pay, few $$$ for helping this one, few for helping someone else etc. You work so hard for no pay..know the Lord appreciates the work you do at the church !! You are a blessing to all!

Did he grow another inch??? lots of recruits lose weight in boot camp, he gained !!! good thing and he could still use some more weight...and that also means I am gonna get some new camo pants in the mail pretty soon!!! :) blue digital

MY SAILOR ^_^

LOL Susan!! I better not, that's something that I don't want to pay the consequences later.

Thunder awesome pics! That's way cool he got to see Josh, awesome!!!!

Debbie I'm still laughing, I think a black widow will be in order, I know my boss has a whole slew of them at his old house that he hasn't sold yet.