Coffee and...Part 26...! :-D

It was wonderful to read your post, Marsha, I do not post here too often but it is a fun thread with everyones great contribution just about everything. My life is sort of dull am now alone since my husband died last October miss him terribly. DG helps a lot to keep some of my interests up with people, gardens and cooking
Maria

Aaaaack! It was supposed to cool off today and that was another weatherman fantasy, still about 80. Enough already. Looking forward to autumn.

Went to see the kid in the hosp. this afternoon. He is a good reader so I picked up several comic books (Batman, Spiderman, etc.) since my opinion is that any reading is good reading for an 8 year old. He definitely has inherited the family reading addiction, he was chatty and sociable until he got the books and that was the end of conversation!!! But, GASP, $2.25 for a comic book and not even as many pages as we used to get for a dime or a quarter. I"m really dating myself with the dime....! Anyway they are keeping him in the hosp. until he can eat without upchucking. It appears he has some viral inflamation that causes the blood vessels to break on the surface of the skin. His mother still has not called me.

Easy dinner, reheated some brats I grilled last weekend, and salad. Darius, that looks like linguine under that shrimp! I'm sure it tasted good. Sarv has whetted my appetite for ice cream, so maybe that will be our dessert tonight. I am soooo not baking when it's hot.

My oven doesn't have a pilot light either and I no longer use it for any kind of storage after cooking a variety of items beyond their heat limits. I used to raise bread in our nice warm water bed, which was the coziest place I could find. Had to shut the door though to keep the critters out, or they probably would have slept right on top of the bowl.

Cicadas are chirping up a storm lately. Found one cricket in the garage. I think we are on the verge of a change in seasons.

I'm ready for a change in seasons, from super hot to hot would be a start. We had a heat index of 105 today. Spent it all on asphalt at the Ky State Fair!! Came home did supper straightened house and did some prep work for tomorrow's company. Now off to a cool shower and gown and robe for some serious reading, then to bed to a deep sleep (hopefully). Hope you all have a very good peaceful night.

Aria, sorry, I didn't know about your husband, as I just joined in February. I'm sure that us GOB's do provide some comic relief.

Yes, something are very funny! But Darius is one of my dearest friend on DG, she knows all about me LOL
Maria

So am I in the GOB league - or am I still a wannabe LOL???

Hi Marsha - I'm Marcia! Glad to have you join us and all the other newbies. I don't contribute much - but I love reading and "listening".

Darius - you're health and well-being chi needs work. And - if I had land I could build you a house on - I do it just so you could come cook for me! LOL! That shrimp looked so wonderful. Did you ever use that tea et al I sent you? Just wondering. I'd love to cook more - but - I'm too much of a perfectionist and only want to when I have all the time in the world to do so. Oh - an soaking in an oatmeal bath helps poison ivy too.

All for now......

m:-0 (yawn)

M5, yes that was linguine with the shrimp... didn't have angel hair pasta afterall!

Marcia,,, did you notice the cat spoon you sent me in the shrimp photo? I've used ALL you sent me, LOL. And I agree my chi needs work.

We're all GOBs in one sense or another. If ya keep gettin' up in the morning, and breathe in and out over and over, putting one foot or chore in front of the other 'til day is done. that's us. like ya got a choice?

Yep... on top of it all, if you can stack a smile to give to someone. that's the choice. all you guys on the east side gone to bed already? I'm still up watching Sean Connery. Help yourself to the cashews, they beat the heck outta popcorn. LOL ~Blooms

Darius - I wish you lived with us - at 11pm we made a run to Taco Bell - that followed by a night of indigestion. DH, who never wants to go out to eat, suddenly agreed to go, but couldn't get his fanny around until 9:30 - but we had to stop at the grocery store first. I was almost asleep as we went thru the drive thru. Your meals look delish - love shrimp, but find that when I eat it my eyelids turn red. Probably some kinda allergy thing.

Bal- I find myself addicted to different things at different times. This summer it has been ice cream - I think because of the firey hot weather we've had. Right now I've got 5 gal of different kinds in the freezer. DH makes a mean malted, so there's always fixings for that too. No wonder I can't diet!!

Speaking of ovens, I remember the time company was coming unexpectedly and we chucked all the dirty dishes in the oven and you guessed it - turned it on for some baking and promptly melted everything in there. Costly lesson - don't do that anymore...

New DIL came over yesterday -DS was here helping his dad. I mentioned going out for dinner (I'm tired of feeding everyone!!) and every place I mentioned, she said she didn't want to go. They decided on chinese and didn't ask us, so I guess they didn't want to have dinner with us. I kinda let it roll off my back - was sick of being with her anyhow.. LOL I am amazed at the difference in the DIL's...guess it takes all kinds to make up the world. With the holidays coming up, I've decided to go to the first place I get asked. I'm not gonna cook this year (famous last words...) Teacher DIL always asks us over - new DIL never asks us and gets miffed that we go the other way. Sometimes I detest the holidays - seems like there is more strife than harmony in our family during that time.

Well, sun is about to rise and it is supposed to be a nice day =I've decided I may gutt the laundry room, but then again I may not! Started to weed the daylilybed - weeds were bigger than the daylillies =- how does that happen??

sarv48 - sounds like you have two choices. Continue to go to Teacher's and enjoy it, OR, show up at new DIL's about 15 minutes before she puts a meal on the table and make youself comfortable (and her uncomfortable!).

Good Morning Sarv,

Seems you are first one up every morning. Well, up and talking anyway. I am usually up and looking at 6. Over the years, even face to face, I've learned I don't do talk first thing in the a.m. Get the 2nd cup of coffee under my belt and I'm more sociable.

It's 85 already, so I expect it'll be hot again today. I sat in my bedroom on the computer AND watching TV until almost 6pm yesterday. I can't remember if I said, my DS is staying with me, we got him a day bed and put it in the office and had to move one of my puters out of the way. So yesterday we moved the 2nd puter to my bedroom. After finding a yard sale that had a big fat drill bit, drilled a big hole in the wall to get the network line through so now it's back up and running. I still have this puter for my business programs and stuff.

I did get a new flower bed made up in the front yard and framed it in with some pavers I had laying round. I've been trying to stay away from digging up the sod in the front yard (for the landlord's sake) but I'm running out of room for new plants in the back yard. I figured if I kept it neat, he wouldn't mind too much.

I didn't get the veggie bed prepped and amended, I ran out of time so will focus on that today, along with raking mango leaves up from the yard. And all this has to be timed for very early or after the sun goes over.

GMC has been writing me for months on a re-call item and I finally went through my repair records to find the item had already been replaced. They will reimburse you if this is the case. I put a claim in and got a check in the mail yesterday. It's like found money!

Well, think I'll nose around in a couple more forums and maybe get ouside before the sun gets too high in the sky.

Talk to yall later.
Molly :^)))

tg- welcome to the crab fest or whatever you want to call it today!! I am sure we will be invited to teacher DIL's - I would never show up at the other ones uninvited. She has a vile tongue on her. I keep attributing it to her upbringing (an even viler mother and sister), but how that she's been with our family for several years, you'd think she would have picked up on our niceities (is that a word) LOL Oh well, I just crab here as I don't want to do it to her face - she'd never forgive me.... I have a dear friend who thinks I should sit down and have it out with her, but I STAY AWAY from things like that - can't see good coming out of it anyhow.

Morning to you too Molly - yes I am a very early riser. Mornings are the best part of the day! This is the first place I come after visiting the ladies room. I often eat breakfast and lunch at the computer with the tv blaring in the background. Life is great!! Just finished three oreo cookies - a precurser to breakfast!! DH always puts on a spread on Sun morning.

I really need to make a list of things I need to get done. I spend so much time in the garden, that my house has really suffered. My mom even offered to buy me new furniture - she said mine was outdated! Heck, I know it is outdated, but it looks like new yet. I'd rather have the $$ for flowers!! My DS told me yesterday that he had never like the carpet I chose. Man, what ever happened to manners- I would never tell HIM that about his house - but now that I think of it- the ghastly orangeish/gold they painted their livingroom makes me gag. Maybe I will mention that the next time I visit LOL

Time to sit back and read the newspaper!!

Morning, everyone : ) Not the early riser I used to be... probably from staying up too late.

I need to get in gear and go over to my storage unit before it gets too hot, and fix the unmatched clothing I got for my mother. Maybe treat myself to an egg biscuit on the way. Have a fun day!

top of the morning to u all! I like early mornings but when I read till 1:30 am... picked up 2 more John Grisham and a James Michener at Saver's 'tother day. Before I had to start taking blood pressure meds, I went for years on 6 hours sleep but find I can't do that anymore and feel human.

Stopped at a couple of rummage sales after work yesterday and found some pots for .25 and wire baskets and plastic containers that work great for seeds, free. :D DH said, don't u have enough by now? (can a person every have enough pots?)

Gotta throw some clothes in the washer, not much left to wear that's clean. And shower, better get going. Have a good day all.

(sarv - u make me chuckle, I enjoy ur crabbing, hope u don't mind that. I keep wondering what I'll end up with some day with 3 sons!)

Well, really, I am going out to get some gardening done. I actually got up out of my chair, put on some grungy clothes and was headed outside. I paused to look back into my office and saw this.

This is my clutter. I can't begrudge anyone for doing this. Last night my DS (the one on the day bed) fixed me a lovely steak dinner while I was having a phone party, then he did the dishes as well. Later on today he is helping me spread fertilizer and mulch. So he needs his rest now. :^)))

Welcome, welcome, welcome to Marsha (digginit) (And now there are *three* Marsha/Marcia's in our midst...hehehe hope we *oldies* can keep that straight!)

Sarv...you make me laugh with your talk of diets in the same sentences with ice cream, cookies and malteds! My weight problems stem from the fact I just don't get enough exercise...AND the fact that when I eat, I eat what my head tells me I *want* not what I need. :-D My weakness (Thank goodness) isn't ice cream...I'd rather have a popsicle...but show me a GOOD loaf of artisan bread and a butter dish and I'm in HOG heaven! (The Shrimp Scampi and banana bread (EVEN scorched!) will...and did...get my saliva glands flooding.) Actually, I try very hard NOT to think about food...especially the kind I can get my hands on easily. hehehe

Not much going on here at the moment. The big 'talk' in my neighborhood is the F0-F3+ tornados that hit here this week. I agree with Kooger on "God has a plan"...and, evidently, that night just wasn't our 'turn'. We were very fortunate...the twister sat down only 2 blocks from us and we had no idea it was even there. (I guess when you're ticked off at the D.O.T (Dept of Transportation = Drivers liscenses (for son whose liscense was suspended...but who had complied with ALL rulings...and had to spend two days getting THEM to see (and FIND) the reports) and the DSS (dept of Social Services=other son whose daughter jogged by my house all spiffed up in running clothes, went to a friends house, crying uncontrollably, claiming to have been beaten by her father but was only mad at all of us because my other DGD had been babysitting at MY house (jealously over GRANDMA'S attention???) managed to get Social Services in the middle of the situation...son scared to death that he would spend time in jail for NOT touching the little brat!) you aren't really thinking about anything as insignificant as *weather*! (You may have to go back and re-read that paragraph a few times until you figure out I gave you the short version AND the long version of the story...LOL...it's up to you to decide which is which. :-)

At any rate, HELLO to EVERYONE! And to *everyone* my wish is for a great day. (Special (((~hugs~))) to Maria ....and I won't touch Darius with a 10 foot pole UNTIL her poison ivy is all gone! LOL Try the hairdryer routine on that rash...it sure helps me get rid of the itchies when I don't have anything else in the house. And the jewel weed in my yard is a lifesaver!)

I'm outta here before I remember *anything* else I wanted/needed to comment on. heheheh

~julie~

Rats! I've been having mouse problems on and off for a couple of months... and today it's been REALLY bad, have had to re-boot many times. Cannot tell if it's the mouse or the USB ports on the keyboard... or both.

SO, I just ordered a new keyboard AND mouse from Amazon. Cost was a bit higher than elsewhere on the 'Net, BUT I had a $25 gift certificate from a friend, so I'm not so much out of pocket even at somewhat higher prices.

Anyway, if I don't continue to post, you may assume the durn thing quit all together... it will be 5-9 business days to get the new hardware (taking advantage of the free if slow shipping from Amazon).

Yeah, I'm beginning to feel like Joe Btfsplk. ( He was the character in Al Capp's Li'l Abner newspaper cartoon strip that always had a black cloud over his head, following him everywhere.)

Morning all!! Was up early but needed to finish reading the early editions of the Trib and the Journal, (double comics, double coupons and double op-ed pages) and then went out for breakfast.

The Chicago Tribune had an interesting and lengthy article on food, comparing food addictions to other kinds...made some good points, and accounts for the uncontrollable urge to consume food that isn't really good for us but gives us the chemicals that provide a "high" in the parts of our brains that respond to it. It should be available on line, if anyone is interested in reading it. Made me think twice about after dinner raids on the Pepperidge Farm cookies.
My problem is that I like just about everything. If I make bread, both ends are missing by the time DH gets home, hot crusty bread with melting butter, is only two steps away from heaven. Also, my metabolism was running amok for the first 50 years and I burned off everything as fast as I consumed it. Not so anymore, but my brain hasn't caught on yet.

Your DS looks very comfortable in his temporary quarters, Molly! And what a lovely back. Just begging for a good back rub! And isn't he a sweetie, making dinner and cleaning up too! Is he rentable? My son was here for a year and a half while he rehabbed his little house, and I don't recall a steak dinner anywhere in that time frame.

I'd opt for the dinner with the teacher, Sarv, and avoid the other DIL like poison ivy. (Sorry, Darius, couldn't stop myself.) We have managed over the years (19) to eliminate the unpleasant relatives from our social life, which is pretty limited by now, but a great deal more tolerable. The one thorn is my BIL, but let's not plow that ground again.

Speaking of ground, it looks (crossing my fingers, knocking on wood), like we might- maybe- possibly have sounded a death knell on that miserable horsetail weed. Nothing new coming up,as far as we can see. DH thinks we should put a couple of trees in there, which would be nice to shade the hostas which get pretty toasted by August.

Also thinking that instead of fighting the juglone that the black walnut trees have seeped into the soil for many years, we may be better off leveling the strips of flower beds we've tried between them and putting down landscape fabric, and building raised beds over them. We've tried almost everything suitable for zone 5 under there, and even barberry isn't thriving. We've had raised beds before at other homes, and they are nice for weed control and fertilizing. And they are much easier to trim around than rocks like we have now. This is how that bed looks after four summers of failed plantings. Way in the background are the row of barberry, which are smaller than when we put them in, and struggling. The lilies survive but don't grow larger, so we need to admit we can't fight mother nature and try something different.

JULIE!! What a little snot!!! Tell her now that she's cried "wolf" she can be beaten daily and no one will believe her. Children don't realize the consequences of doing something like that, and a neighbor trying to do a good thing ends up being embarassed and unlikely to help in the future. The worst of it is that there will be a report on file forever. How old is this child? Certainly old enough to have heard classmates discussing Social Services and how they intervene in cases of abuse. Sheeeeesh.

Absolutely beeee-yooo-tiful day today, sunshine cool breeze and no big jobs hanging over my head. Would be perfect, except that my Maytag dishwasher which was just repaired on 5/4 is clunking and grinding again just like before. I called the repair service that charged me $105.00 to fix it last time and said it appeared to be the same problem, was it under any warranty? Sure....they said cheerfully, the part is guaranteed for full year. However, ( brace yourself!) there would be a $95 service charge to come and fix it. I said. "Right. I want to pay you $95 every four months to keep this dishwasher running. No thanks, I think I'll buy a new one." So, yesterday while I was out running around, I went to Sears and bought a Kenmore, w/ the three year service agreement, (which they will probably renew) for under $300 and the Maytag is going out. No more Maytag. Ever. Nothing but problems with my Jennaire range, and the dishwasher, both made by Maytag. . Bahhh!
So, that's MY grumble for the day.

Senior moment, got distracted and forgot to post the pic.

I love it when someone posts a senior moment - makes me feel so----not alone!
mezer - build a small rail fench along that "dead zone", sink some large pots along it and plant vines!

When I started my earlier post, Molly and Kooger weren't there!! I really need to start writing more often and a LOT less when I *do* write. :-)

Darius...I hope you don't *look* like 'Joe'. LOL

M5...that Not-so (right now) DGD is 14 and most definitely *knows* the consequences of having SS in your life. The got hold of her when she was barely 3 months old, took her away from her mother because of neglect (debatable in my point of view). She was a premmie and didn't like to eat. I should know...SS gave her to me for 3 months and all I did during that time was *try* to get her to take down a 4oz bottle...each one took *4* hours to drain. SO got so used to SS being around and got the idea real quick that they were THE answer to ALL her problems. When she was 6 she tried to burn down the house lighting fires under her dad's bed. That's when all hell broke lose and he spanked her! :-O (Not in THIS county!) If the DA had had his way DS would have been in jail for 7-10 years! As it was, he got 7 years probation and the *promise* that if he *ever* touched the kid again he'd get the max penalty.

BUT! The *judge* ruled differently. (The DA and Judge *don't* agree on child discipline!) He told DS that he had his permission to swat *3* times on the butt and suggested that he apply the ruling 'liberally'. AND it was *also* put into the official papers that were sent to SS after the fiasco.

I'm SO sick of kids and the attitudes most of them carry...at least those in my family. Granted it's a matter of "His/hers...but no Theirs" but I still don't see where kids 'get off' using foul language any and everytime they feel like it...or calling SS to bale their butts out when they don't want to do chores any more. Good Lord! My father would have literally torn my limb from limb if I'd even *thought* of "sassing" him...much less tell him to "F-off".

Sorry...I just get SO angry when this subject hits the fan.

Outta here...again. LOL

~julie~

Julie... kids are so attuned to what SS can do these days, to everyone's discredit.

A couple of years ago, hy half-sister whipped her 15 year old daughter. The kid yelled loudlly, and a neighbor called the police. When the police came, she admitted to whipping the kid and then showed the cop the kid's room. The cop said he'd have whipped her too.

Oh, Julie, I feel for you. Life was SO much simpler when I was a child, and so much safer. But I do get VERY tired of all the excuses that are made for rude and uncalled for behavior these days. I know many children have too much abuse of many kinds heaped on them, and I ache to help them, but that isn't the case all too often. There are too many kids who just use it all as a way to get away with too much. It would never have to occured to me to sass my parents, or any other adult, when I was young. I did what I was supposed to in the way of chores. I enjoyed a vast freedom for "play time" that would have everyone gasping now. I believe it was, and still is the "family unit" that makes all the difference in most cases. Even with more couples having to have two incomes, there should still be some effort put into the family time to create a lasting bond. If a couple can't, or won't, commit to that, why have children in the first place? I am 56 years old, the youngest of 4 children. All 4 Garndparents and my Father have died, but my Mom, now 92 1/2, (and sharp as a tack) is still the center of all our lives - no matter how far away we live! I'm sure I would feel different if I had to deal more closely with the society-vs-child problems today, but I still hope for the pendulum to swing back to "family".

OK - off the soap box!
ginni

julie - wow, do I hear u!!!! My parents had a home for juvenile delinquents after us 9 all were out of the house. They were gifted with the ability to deal with many kids - seldom did we have only 9 kids in the house, we had foster kids, training school kids, kids that just needed a place to stay for awhile, etc. So they had a group home for the juvie kids - total of 6 max. They got the SS (or whatever it's called in Canada, I forget) threat constantly from the kids and a few of them got walloped - the social worker who came to the house was also a Lutheran minister and a very wise man. Told dad if they really needed a thumping, give it to them, make sure it's on the butt and not right before one of their court days! LOL Years later, my parents were surprised at how many kept in contact when they were grown. The kids realized my parents cared because they handed out punishment when needed and enforced the rules. There was a whole bench full of Mom and Dad's kids at their funerals. ...But it sure would be easy to be terrified of SS, if u ask me.

Well, tmr is the first day of school for Samantha (DGD). The journey begins........ hope they come over this afternoon, kinda lonely here with just DH and I. This empty nest thing is weird - DS will be home Wed. and school starts Thurs. for him. He's been gone almost 3 weeks now.

Oscar has been MIA for 2 days now. Wonder what he's up to. Miss the big orange blob. Longest he's ever been gone is 3 days, I think, since DD adopted him 2.5 years ago. Seldom is he gone this long - I'll be really glad to see the rascal. Hope he's ok. Winters are spent mostly inside but summers are different - he comes home every night and greets us in the morning when we get up. Lays around all day then goes exploring late afternoons and returns in the wee hours. Sure hope he shows up today!

Man, I gotta stay off the computer! I sneak in the house to use the little girls room and think "oh, I'll take just a quick peek to see if something new is there!" I really should keep track of the time on here. I am sure I would be shocked!!

Speaking of kids. When I was first a teacher (33 yrs ago) we routinely spanked naughty kids, taped their mouths shut and tied them in their chairs when they wouldn't stay in their seats. I have done all of that!! I tell ya, we didn't stand for any naughty behavior. When I retired from teaching we were given the directive that under no circumstances were we EVER to touch a child. That means even to take their hand and lead them outta the room. Man, oh man, did the kids ever latch onto that. More than one said "if you touch me, my parents will sue you!!" Time for me to leave....sorry state when the kids run the show.

On the other hand I have turned families into SS for beating their children. When they come to school repeatedly with bruises and won't tell what happened or give some cockamainy story - you know you got problems. I never turned anyone in unless the problem happened several times and I knew something wasn't right - altho by law teachers are required to tell their administrator of any suspected abuse. I routinely spanked my own kids - it was called education...mind or else!! Wouldn't want to raise kids in this day and age.

Darius - need more cops like the one you told about!! Good one!

Julie - what a mess for your DS

M5 - good luck on the new dishwasher. I want one, but DH installed the cupboards and made them 1/2 inch too low and we can't fit one in. I had a portable one, but hated it, so I do them by hand - cleans the fingernails out!! That article on eating sounds interesting - I should read it. I am outta control eating. I love anything and everything. My only salvation is that i don't really enjoy cooking - imagine if I liked whipping up delectable desserts!!

Having another hot flash - need to get some ice water to cool down the body...

The tribune article is available on line...Google Chicago Tribune, it's right on the first page, headline oreos. LOL That's why it got my attention...............

Hello again. I brought some mellons for the kitchen counter. Oh, and lots of napkins to wipe the juice off your chin and elbows because they are so juicy. I guess you could be proper and eat them with a fork but the more primitive style is more fun. So enjoy!

It took me an hour or more to catch up with all of you. Broken tooth, unruly and manipulative kid and all the rest, you've had an eventful few days. Welcome diggingit, I like the name. I wasn't very original when I chose mine.

It was hot this weekend. Near 100 today at home and yesterday where I was for my endurance ride. We rode 50 miles of the Weiser River trail in Idaho, an old railroad right of way complete with trestles across the numerous streams, sloughs and river crossings. The highest one is about 50 feet above the river, has planking to walk on and steel railings. The horses got used to the lower and shorter ones before we got to the big high bridge and just walked across without hesitation. Patch was reluctant to cross the little low one closest to camp on Friday so I got off and lead him across it a few times, then rode him across it twice and we were in business for Saturday.

Our start time was 6:30am, about 20 minutes after daylight, and we finished about 5pm with about an hour to spare. Although it looks like an easy ride because of lack of hills, we are in fact climbing all the way going north and decending all the way back to the start point. Many riders including myself put easyboots on their horses because of the rocky surface. There wasn't much shade on the trail so we were pretty hot by the time we finished the ride. 22 riders started the 50 mile ride, 17 finished, we were 14th. Most of the pulls were for minor lameness. A couple of the riders opted out at some point during the day because of the heat. After getting Patch's final vet check and taking him back to my trailer with hay and water, I sat down in the shade and ate a big slice of watermellon! I could have eaten a whole one I think.

See you all later.

Mary, what are Easyboots?

My goodness, so much to read! Did not get here early morning and later went to my daughter's home had lunch and went window shopping at the mall, had fun, she is a wonderful daughter as is her sister who lives almost next door since we gave her some land to built her house.
My other two are guys, one lives in New York Cty where he teaches, not married, the other one in western Mass. as where I Iive on the coast. Never had too much problems with any of them, all are very educated with their approbiate masters to boot. I have three beautiful grandaughtes 21, 18 and 6. One grandson, 33, is Dean of Admission at Haverford College in PA, he has a 2 1/2 daughter making me a GGM, just do not feel like one LOL.

Just thought I fill you in on my family since some of you do not know much about me.

Thank you for the hugs, July, I do miss them a lot, guess I always will.
Maria

My daughters

What pretty girls, Maria! How about the boys' pictures?

I heard many years ago that everyone needs 12 hugs a day to keep our spinal cord from shrivelling. (Figuratively.) For myself, I find hugs help all around!!

I'm gonna resign from the human race for a few days. Managed to cut my left thumb quite deeply half an hour ago in the kitchen doing routine chopping. I guess the moon isn't in my sign or something.

Jeez, I've been away all day, you GOBs sure have been busy. While I was enjoying my company, you talked about all kinds of things.

Had a great visit with my family, all of them were here with exception of one BIL, who was ill. DTS (dear twin sister) brought her new Yorkie to visit with my Parson Jack Russell. Boy did they have a time, little yorkie bit my Bruno's ear, and that set the tone for the day. The yorkie is only 4 months old, so in Bruno's eyes, a snotty brat!! They did settle down and got along great.

Last winter was keeping my husband's nephew's 2 boys, while dad was in jail, and mother away, God knows where. She is a tramp and you don't need to just capitalize the "t" but the whole word!! Anyway, they are not used to any kind of discipline and they tried me in every way they could think of. Finally after 2 days of this I sat them both down at the kitchen table and had a heart to heart with them. They are 12 and 9. I told them that unless they wanted to be placed in foster homes, that there were rules in this house and they would abide by them. I let them know that this was no picnic for me, and was benefiting them greatly. They said "you just don't like us", and I replied that I did in fact LOVE them, but didn't like their actions and their lack of respect. This was all done in a normal tone of voice, but with more authority than I felt at the time. The next day after school, they came in changed clothes, asked to go out to play, were mannerly at the dinner table and put up no fuss about baths and bed time. I am fully convinced that as with animals, you need to win the upper hand and then keep it. Never go back on your word, no is no etc. And heap praise on them for things done right!! Those boys just bloomed from our praise and love as they have little love and no
discipline in that house. When it was time for them to go home, they really were reluctant.

Well, off that soap box. Darius, how is the poison ivy?
Molly what a great son. Sarv, my DS has been married 4 times, and believe me, I have had a variety of DILs. From down right mean, to snippy, to sweet and present girlfriend, who is a doll. We get along great. I just started out being very honest with her, and told her that this is what I am, like it or leave it!!

Oh well, I'm out to water flowers. May be back later.

Darius...ain't it grand when an "official" sees life the way it *should* be? YEAH for that cop!! (Wish he'd run for president! LOL)

Ginni...when I read your comment, I *knew* you had to be over 50. It seems that the majority under that age...including my own siblings...haven't got a clue about respect their elders. Man! that was #1 rule in my dad's house...and he backed it up with a good ole razor strap or a willow switch (I liked mom better...she used a hairbrush or a flyswatter...or whatever was handy at the time. LOL) And I agree with your hope the pendulum "swings the other direction" *soon*. Families *are* important!

Kooger...we have a friend here that has the same "arrangement" in his house. I can't tell you how many kids have lived in his family nor how many years 'Charlie' has done it. But now he has a Mother's Day party for ALL the kids that called his wife "mom"...and the yard and house are filled to capacity with all these "Old" children. My hat is off to the very rare people who can actually manage not only their own kids but willingly take on the challenges of so many other children for so many years.

Mary...sounds like you had another good ride. If I'd have done it someone would have to guarantee that I wouldn't have to sit in the sun at ALL...much less for 50 miles. (I'd have melted!)

Sarv...you need to sit in ICE water to cool those flashes down...not drink it! (I do *not* envy you. I remember all too well all those hot flashes and night sweats. I was really happy when I could actually pull the sheet back over my body after it was all over!) So you were a 'teacher' eh? And you remember when it was "acceptable" for a teacher to paddle a kid? When was that, an eon ago? IF I got a spanking at school...I got a second one from my mom when I got home...and a third one from my dad when he got home at midnight. Sheesh...now days they'd have jailed that whole bunch! ;-)

Thanks for the comments everyone...I really appreciate it!

~julie~

Darius, I cannot belief this!!!! Now you cut yourself and I am beginning to be really worried about you, just cut that out, will ya?

To the above Ishould have added that myhusband died having had Parkinson Disease, it was a long good by for about 10 years He also suffered dementia at times when he did not know who I was. It broke my heart but I took care of all his needs till the drs said no more, you will die before him if you keep that up, he went to the hospital and lived only ywo more weeks. Of course I thought it was my fault for sending him there so he just gave up. Our marriage was made in heaven, it was wonderful all the way for
57 1/2 years.
Maria

My son Parker in western mass. I don't think I hava picture of his brother

Ooh, fine lookin' man, Maria. Too bad he's married AND too young!

HOW could you not have a picture of your other son? Did you discard him?

here is my younger daughter with her two girls

Maria - what a handsome man, and such a sweet smile! You truly have a beautiful family.

They all have your blonde looks!

Face it, you are just a sentimental ole' grandma... LOL.

The boys were blonds also when young but their hair turned dark and the oldest is now totally gray, got to find a picture of him, but here is one of my DH when he was well
Maria

Your Richard was certainly a handsome man. No wonder he was able to keep you for so many years!

I had one uncle die froom Parkinson's... husband to my favorite aunt.

Knowing that he is not really gone, just in the next room, next time you "visit" him, tell him I think he left the world a beautiful legacy.

ginni