Coffee and...Part 28...! :-D

Up too early this am.....just doin' too much thinking and praying. Nothing better, more people dying....end to story.
Have to get away from the TV today.....I'm getting no work done and getting depressed. Well, depressed is not really the word I want, I don't know how I feel really. Numb, maybe? The whole thing is getting surreal. Watching it is making my life surreal. I don't feel as if I'm in the real world anymore.

As my ex always said of me, "you think too much"

Have a better day than yesterday...

Hap

PS there is a Hurricane Katrina Forum now......come see.

Hap, I'm like you... numb to this nightmare now going on. Stays with me 24/7, making me angry for what's not being done soon enough, and estatic when I read/see the good news from good people. Our list of DG members heard from in that area is growing much too slowly, but it IS growing.

Just wanted to share something from Flylady.net (for those of us that are trying to fly):

"Just as FlyLady advised after the tragic events of 9-11, I encourage
everyone to limit the time they spend viewing the news coverage of
the tragedies on the Gulf Coast. As SHEs, we tend to be very
emotional and caring people and it's easy for us to feel the pain of
others to the extent that we suffer physical and mental side effects
such as headaches, stomach aches, and depression when we don't take
care to shield ourselves from over exposure to upsetting images and
events. Making ourselves sick is not going to help those who are
survivors of the hurricane. Try to stick with your routines; they
generate a sense of comfort and well being because we can have
control over our actions if nothing else. We have already heard
from flybabies who are temporarily sheltered in the homes of family
or friends and are trying to stick with their routines. They have
found that routines help them feel calmer and more at peace. Our
routines can give us a sense of home anywhere we may be."

I think this is so true, and so - I'm off to do grocery shopping and get away from the tv and pc for a while.....

m.

Very, very, good advise....something I will do,....definitely........tomorrow...

I find myself having tv's on in three rooms so as not to miss a thing - plus I am not getting a thing done as I sit and watch and stew and stew. I did manage to get to Curves today and do some grocery shopping. Gas dropped from 3.39 to 2.99 today - I was almost full, so I didn't rush to fill up.

I cracked a filling and my jaw is absolutely in the worse pain. When I went to the dentist this summer he told me he wanted to put a crown on and I told him just to fill it - well, I am suffering now with it. And I cannot even call the dentist until Tues- ugh, a whole weekend plus with this nasty pain. I let a cracked filling go several years ago thinking it was sinus stuff - ended up with eye swelling shut and going to the E room - they told me it was accute siniusitis (sp) wrong. I ended up getting cellulitis in my face and once the dentist looked at me he called a specialist and got me in within the hour. Hope NOT to repeat that!!! (did a root canal )

Weather is supposed to be nice here for the three day weekend and we don't have a thing planned. I should get some ribs and have the whole family over for one last hurrah. But I'm getting so lazy in my old age.

Getting my check off in the mail tomorrow for the red cross. No flowers at the year end sales for me - this is more important.

Sorry that I haven't been here much. Katrina has captivated all my interests of late, and now I am involved in the DG relief efforts.

I haven't quit smoking... so being poor, I bought a machine ($43) to stuff filtered tubes with light tobacco for about $6-$7 a carton. Not bad, and I am getting the hang of it after 2 days.

Sarv, you SHOULD do the ribs thing!

Hello everybody. I had a kind of laid back day. Went to chiropractor early this morning, for the neck and arm pain. I think it is getting better, although it tends to wake me up early every morning with intense pain. Then DMIL is in hospital went by there as she said she thought she would get to come home. SIL took her to Dr. Wednesday morning, she was having trouble breathing. Dr. sent her straight to hospital, for tests and x-rays. He thought it was congestive heart failure. After the tests, they are saying her breathing difficulties are from severe osteoporosis, (she is quite bent over) and that is limiting her breathing, plus asthma and allergies. Anyway she didn't get to come home as they wanted some more x-rays. Finally got home about noon. Did my watering routine, pulled some weeds, fixed supper and then have been watching tv and reading. Since gas prices are so high, we don't have plans for the long weekend. Might invite some neighbors for a cookout on Monday. We usually don't have BIG plans, but I want to do something.

Around here this weekend is big for yard sales, so I will probably hit some when I go pick up DGD in the morning. Stopped at a yard sale today, and didn't buy anything, but the lady had a pretty flower bed I was admiring. She had several rocks that were unusual and I asked where she got them. She took me to a shed in her backyard and she had tons in there. She gave me 6, and wanted me to take more. I offered to pay for them, and she just waved me off. Real nice lady. I have a BIL who is an artist, and I am going to get him to paint garden themed things on them. Might be something I will have to trade at RU next year. This kind act of a stranger may have steered me in an entirely different endeavor.

Well I am off to bed to see how long the pain lets me sleep. May be posting in the wee hours. LOL

Well, for me, the adventure begins. I type from the lounge at Ottawa Airport (my husband is a FREQUENT flyer and it has its perks). We are off to Portland, Oregon. My niece is being married on Monday in Hood River. DD and SIL and grandtwins come a few hours after us and we expect a reunion with Vancouver daughter as well. Will eventually drive down to northern CA where DH has an elderly Uncle and then to San Francisco. Will be travellling a week with only occasional Internet access. Probably a good thing. LOL

Hope you all have a good holiday weekend.

Ann

And yes, while we must be mindful of the needs of our southern neighbours, too much TV coverage can get to you. At this stage, I am relieved that help finally seems to be on the way and pray that succesfull rescue operations will continue.

I've been lurking on this thread, but my daughter is going back to college today and taking the computer with her. My dog and cat will go through a couple of days of depression and lurking at her bedroom door. I will keep up with you during lunch at work.

We are doing our donating for the victims of Katrina at Second Harvest and the Salvation Army as they take the least amount of the donations for administrative costs. It's heart rending to see those poor people, who had no way to evacuate, suffering from the lack of food and water and sanitation Now the troops are finally getting in there, they can help the ones who have survived.

Lazy day here, DH is off to a newly discovered junk yard where he and his buddy will scrounge for parts....must be fun although "why" escapes me.

We are enjoying donated tomatos but it looks like I might get some better girls if the weather stays warm. Big project tomorrow, digging up the dirt in front and trying to get rid of the roots of the horsetail, since it's sending up new sprouts. Defying Roundup and commercial weed killers.........Honestly, if this weed were a food source, we could feed the world.

Ann...I hope you have *the* best trip ever!

Welcome Fireant! Glad to have you open the door and come in! :-)

Unfortunately I'm one of those who sits glued to the 'Window on the World' and worries about all the stupidity I see there while feeling that what little I can do seems like SO little. :-(

I'm so proud of the DG site and I'm so very thankful that we're hearing *good* news from and about our extended DG family. I've read some very heart rending and heart warming stories in the Katrina forum.

Last night on Fox I watched an interview with a super young man who "stole" a school bus and managed to get 80 +/- people to the Astrodome shelter. The best part of that story was when he was asked if he'd ever driven a bus before...the young man said "No...I just did the best I could." I'll bet the 'little' that that person did was and is the BIGGEST part ever for those 80 +/- people. (This morning, he's MY hero!)

~julie~

Dear friends, my mother just died and I will be on my way to Boone shortly. I should be back home late tomorrow or Monday.

Oh Darius - so sorry to hear of your mom's death -she is in a better place than all of us right now. Wish I was closer just to be with you during this trying time. Take care and know that we all will be thinking of you.

(((( ~ Darius ~ ))))
Thoughts and prayers are sent to you.

~julie~

(((((((((((Lots of hugs for you, Darius)))))))))) so sorry but her suffering has ended, it is for the best.
Maria

This message was edited Sep 3, 2005 2:06 PM

|Darius, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Wish I could be there with you at this trying time. Hugs ((()))).
Bonnie

(((((((Darius))))))))))) It is a sad day fot you I know, but there will be a little relief for you, from your huge burden of stress, now that her journey is over. May she rest in peace.
Carol

Spelling!!

This message was edited Sep 3, 2005 12:51 PM

Letting go was harder for you than it was for her. Our thoughts are with you at this sad and lonely time.

Welcome fireant. Feel free to jump in with your thoughts and questions. We have a good time here, and welcome you.

Well DH and DGD went to a new Mexican restaurant tonight. I am not a big fan of mexican food, but I had a shrimp chimichonga (sp?) which was quite good. DH didn't like it at all. We are not refried beans or rice eaters, which came with both of our entrees.

So sorry to hear of Darius' mother's death. This has been going on for a long time.

Got word this morning that a member of my former church brother died. She and her husband went to visitation, where her husband had a heart attack. They rushed him to the hospital, but he died there a short while later. Can you imagine such tragedies back to back? So she is dealing with the loss of a brother and husband within 2 days of each other.

Well DGD is ready to go to bed, so will sign off and check in in the morning.

That is really something D'Cat....what pain that poor woman has....prayers for her at Mass later this am.

Hap

I still don't know what to say. Other than my prayers are with ALL those who need them including everyone here in our little group.

I'm forcing myself to do some laundry, and maybe I'll get some other cleaning done today, as well.

~julie~
(Edited to put in the left out words...)

This message was edited Sep 4, 2005 11:59 AM

Coming out of lurking to say, Well said Julie; couldn't say it better.

heading out to weed

karen

Hello everyone - eating some salt and vinegar chips as I type = plenty to share, so grab a handful please!

Not much going on here today. I got up, went for a garden walk in my pj's, got the paper and came in and plunked myself in my chair and turned on the tv. Watched it and read for several hours - enough of that!! I gotta move!!

Changed towels, rug in a bathroom - put in blue stuff instead of green - my decorating for the season! I have a totally white bathroom, so it is real easy to change things and I love it when it is different. Looks a tad summery, but I will change as the weather cools.

DH is out vacuuming the pool - says WE are going to close it today - ya right! I cannot lift the heavy cement blocks that are needed. I'm hiding here until he finds me.. LOL

How's gas prices by everyone? Ours dropped from 3.39 to 2.99. Sure hope they go lower yet! Our menards had a super sale for the holiday and we went and loaded up - gonna put that meshy stuff in our gutters = we have so many leaves. We tried three different ones last year and the ones that worked the poorest were on sale - guess what ones we got?? DH is such a cheapskate!! Oh well something is better than nothing. I am the one that has to climb the ladder to clean them out, so I will be thankful for anything at this point.

Tomorrow we are going to DS for the last hurrah of the summer- ribs on the grill. I bought all the ribs for everyone and am making cheesey potatoes. The weather is supposed to be nice, so we will have a fun time. DS made one of those white tube/golf ball games that you see all over. We'll put it to use tomorrow.

Katrina folks still are in my mind, but I am trying NOT to watch too much tv = makes me too depressed. They remain in my prayers daily tho.

Had an interesting even the other day. A familiar looking guy came to the door and asked if I still had the
'87 Toyota flatbed for sale. Went out and started it up and he wanted to test drive it down the street,leaving his "fathers" new truck here. Around the corner he goes, comes back a few minutes later with a noisy sputtering truck! Then had the gall to ask what I wanted now for this sputtering old wreck.After I ran him off I put the spark plug wires back where they belonged and had the truck purring again. Second time guys have come from out of nowhere, switched wires and tried to rip off my truck.Takes all kinds. So, to allay my seething anger and protect humanity from my wrath I made a peach pie. It's quite good, and I'd appreciate some help in enjoying it, 'cuz tomorrow I want to make an apple pie, this time using REAL crust instead of that old stuff in a box in the grocery store cooler. If it doesn't rain today I should get out and cut back the spent hollyhocks and trim out some of the excess growth. Kind of nice that Sally Holmes and Ballerina have come into bloom again. They always look so bright. Noonish already and I don't even have my shoes on!! Better get with it.

Afternoon all! DH and I got up early and did all the yardwork. Edged, weed"ate", mowed, cleaned up - and we just had a lovely mixed green salad and chicken alfredo for lunch. Have some leftovers if you'd like some!

Well - Friday night - after I went to bed and couldn't stop thinking of all the horrible things - I got back up and had a good old fashioned pity party. Cried until I couldn't anymore then went to bed. Yesterday I purposefully didn't watch much tv or do much surfing for news - and I felt much more hopeful. Then today - after getting the yard work done and being busy - I've felt even better. I know it's all still out there - but I think routine and going on is important. I've given to both the Red Cross and the HSUS - and I'm going to help Trish with some spreadsheets - but other than that and saying prayers - not much else to do. I did think many times about being grateful to have a yard to mow and plants to grow - and a loving husband and a home. Even just having clean water to drink - it's amazing what you take for granted.

So - my advice - imho - get up and do something! Stop watching the news and start counting your blessings - you'll feel better and should you need to be faced with the "realities" you'll be better able to handle it.

Love to all!

m.

OKAY DGers - here is a missive from one who has been through a very minor part of this latest storm. Please, do not blame anyone for slow respone to this emergency. All roads were blocked by water, trees, etc. They are doing their best to reach thousands of people over hundreds of miles all at once. I'm not preaching, just trying to let you know where things are. I have been on the road a lot over the last three weeks, and I assure you, over the last few days, I have seen MANY rescue people, and truck loads of supplies headed South. I ask that, along with victims of this storm, you also pray for these people who put their lives on the line to save as many people as they can.

I came through in good shape, but for awhile will be very limited for on line service, so you wont hear from me much.

WARNING - Do not give money to just anyone who calls to say they are collecting for relief! Give ONLY to known relief companies, Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc. With reliable people, your contributions will reach those in need.

Thank you for listening to me on my soapbox!

love to all,
ginni

Balvenie, what a rat!!! Made me mad just reading your post. There are all kinds in this world, shame everyone can't follow the golden rule.

There is all kinds of sorrow in this world. At church this morning heard of the death of a woman we know. She was crossing the road from her mailbox yesterday, and was struck and killed by a teenaged driver who was speeding, and blinded by the sun.

I too have been praying for the victims of Katrina, but am not watching as much tv as I did at first. Found myself weeping right along with those people. In order to remain half way sane (i haven't been sane in a long time)!! I have to limit my time with the news.

We have no plans for tomorrow. I may go to my mothers and start tilling her flower bed that I used round up on last week. Seems that it has done it's job. Then will plant a few things. This will be my project for the week.

Beginning on Thursday, I will be getting ready for our annual fish fry. Last year we had 80 friends, this year we have invited about 95. So it will take quite a bit of preparation. DH commented the other night that we will have to start limiting the number of people we invite. My reply was that we are so fortunate that we made that many NEW FRIENDS this year. We furnish and prepare the fish, hush puppies and the drinks, the rest is pot luck. Last year it was fantastic.

Some of my wildflower garden annuals are just about gone. My annual bed is absolutely gorgeous. Have lots of things in bloom. I will start cleaning up that wildflower bed week after next. Am saving quite a few seeds, so I will be posting trades in the coming weeks.

My microwave died on Friday night, trying to cook a bag of pop corn. It was a good one, had it about 20 years. So yesterday went and purchased a new one. It's a lot smaller and gives more counter room. I just commented that I was a complete idiot, as I could have bought one to go over the stove and freed up a lot of counter space. Maybe in my next life I will be blessed with foresight, instead of too much hindsight!!

Got to go turn on the tv. This time to watch the state wide football rivalry between University of Kentucky and University of Louisville. This is the only time during the season that I actually watch football. This is such an intense game, that it is a mortal sin, not to watch.

I will post again later.

Oh my gosh, Robert, that is awful! Makes you wonder what makes peole be that way and to think they once were a little innocent baby.

Just a quick note on contributions. (Thanks ginni...) Personally, I used the Red Cross web site to send a bit of aid down to the Gulf. I was *very* pleased to see that they had a place where you could specifically donate to the Hurricane Katrina victims. I haven't checked the Salvation Army site yet...but it's next on my list.

Hi everyone!

(Robert! I never *heard* of such a thing. Good thing it wasn't me. I probably would have fallen for the scam.)

~julie~

Robert, I'll have some of that pie, I'm not at all fussy about crust. as long as it holds it together till I get it in my mouth. Sounds so good, I'm off to eat a meal in a restaurant and then go grocery shopping for the stuff to eat for the rest of the week. saving on gas usage. /:-)~Blooms

TNX Julie, whatcha havin for supper?

I'm back home, folks... or at least my body is.

I'm shell shocked between the double whammy of the nightmare of Katrina followed by the death of my mother. Arrangements are all taken care of, including my having to go in the morgue and identify the body.

Also, I have emptied all her personal belongings from her room at the nursing home. The back of my pickup has a camper top and now it stinks of nursing home. The things in there will stay in there until I can get together enough quarters to go to the laundromat in town with them.

Her 3 wheeled walker is so nasty. I know she hadn't used it in months but they at least could have dusted it. Later I'll take out and use the hose first, then wash it with clorox and soap.

Please forgive me for not being more upbeat.

LizH, a member here, has always been SO generous in offering me a place to stay overtnight when I have gone up there to see my mother. Plus, her hugs are invaluable. I really don't know how I would survive without my DG family.

Maria, what tickled me was the fact that this same guy was here several months ago driving his "bosses" new van and pulled the wire switch then too. Guess he thought I'd forgotten.He was so obvious.I know how the truck runs, and when he left the yard he goosed the gas pedal to make it look like the engine was missing, went around the corner, switched wires, waited a couple minutes then came sputtering back. Then since he was such a sterling person, asked how much I wanted for it now that it didn't run. I'd give it to a charity before selling it to him. Next week an ad goes in the newspaper! I love that little truck, but it has sat around unused for over a year. Might be time to 'let go'. DW and friend have gone to see that movie about Penguins that is supposed to be so good. Paying too much to sit in a theater with a scad of people, with audio too loud and popcorn equalling the price of Caviar to watch a bad movie isn't my idea of a good time. This movie might be an exception though, I'll know later. Wish there were some movies that weren't rife with filthy language and violence. Cyrano de Bergerac with Jose Ferrar was good, and the violence was in good taste, as was Sound of Music, and even most of the old black and white movies. Don't get me started on that! ' Lost' and 'Desperate Housewives" are due to start up soon. I liked both of them. Adventure and humor in good taste. Where has the day gone? its after 3:00 and all I've done is water and build part of a gate. Did spend too many hours on-line this morning looking for another blue merle shelty. There is a huge number of Sheltie breeders listed from all over the world-- mind boggling. Hope I can find one nearby to give Tinker a playmate.
Why do you let me ramble on so much and say so little! I'm going in the kitchen and brew up a pot of Earl Grey tea and have another piece of peach pie, maybe with a bit of vanilla ice cream. There's lots there so come on over.

I saw the penguin movie with my sister a while back, and it is captivating. Didn't think I could watch Penguins for well over an hour and be entertained but I really liked it. I try to catch a movie every week with or without my DH, and find about 1 in four are worth while. But I get in for cheap senior prices, and bring my snacks along so even a stinker isn't a financial disaster.

I haven't done anything all day either..sloth overcometh me. DH off on another road trip with his buddy. Hope he isn't expecting dinner when he drags his sorry a__ home. Woke me at 3:30 this morning bumbling around, didn't make for a cheery farewell.

I'm going to open a package of Pepperidge Farm Macadamia Nut and Milk Chocolate Chip cookies, help yourselves.

D'Cat...

You made the right move on the microwave not over the stove....Just look at the depth, add it to your cabinet and you will see that it hampers the use of the stove... I had one there and I could not wait until it died and then it was out in a flash. As you probably have read, I am a chef and like to entertain. It was absolutely dangerous for me to use a big pot and a spoon under the microwave. I got burned a couple of times....(Slow learning curve there, I guess)

Keep the small footprint and be happy....

Hap

All I can say, Robert, you have excellent taste in what you want to listen to and what you want to see. I do not enjoy going to see a picture show either , for one thing the smell of all that popcorn makes me very unhappy so I see some of them on TV or through Netflex. The last one saw was very good and that was this afternoon on TV, the name is 'The Shawshank Redemption' an excellent movie. I know I will want to see about the pengiuns. they are such amusing birds.
Of course, I thought"Sound of Music' was a grand movie, after all it took place in my beloved Austria, when I was there with my children we went specifically to Salzburg so they could see all the places they saw in the movie. It was lots of fun. We also went to the home of the family where we met Maria von Trapp and some of the children , of course, all grown up by then.
Maria
I'll have a little taste of you pie with lots of tea, thank you

Pass the pie AND the cookies. I just made hot fudge sauce from scratch (woe is me!) and had it over butter pecan ice cream - yum. Now I am drinking hot cocoa made with the hot fudge sauce. Calories galore!!

Welcome back Darius - glad you made the trip safely and it is good to hear that you stayed with a DG friend.

Bal- what skunks....I hate people who try and take advantage of others.

Our cat is driving us nuts. She meows like she is in heat and she's not as we had that taken care of. DH just heard her doing it again and went to see what was the matter with her - she had a mouse for him! LOL He sure moved fast!!

I was weeding in my flower bed and a snake slithered up and about touched my finger - I went balistic - I hate those darn things!! In our veggie garden we have a lonely pheasant that keeps hanging around - in fact it follows me! I can't believe our cat hasn't made a meal of it yet. They were raised from chicks by my neighbor and they are real tame. The rest of the flock bamboosed, but this one must have gotten left behind - poor gal.

I go to movies once a year - a bunch of gals and I go from 11am until midnight the week after xmas - we usually see 5. The past few years I have only been able to see 4 of them - my behind and my legs wouldn't let me see the 5th one. I love the smell and taste of that buttery popcorn, but man do I pay for it after eating it - tummy ache for sure. Sound of Music is one of my favorites too - 'the hills are alive etc"

The news says we in Mich are hosting a huge group of the Katrina victims. I am going to send $$ down to them to use. They said they would be there for a few weeks, then moved out to houses...Another news reporter said they would be there for 6 mos. I don't think anyone knows what is happening for sure - different stories each time! Those poor people are sure gonna be shell shocked for awhile.

There's a good movie on TV tonight- mystery/thriller. I know I won't be able to stay awake for it all, but I have read the book, so I know what happens.

DH stopped over to pick up the ribs I bought for our gala tomorrow. He told me the ones I got were the 'crappy' ones. I almost snapped back - 'why didn't you buy them yourself then!' But I bit my tongue - getting good at that...
Time for the movie- take care all

Ooooh Pepperfarm Cookies irresistable. :))
good thing too, didn't have room for desert while I was out.

Darius, you're not expected to be upbeat. would be surprised if you could be. Sad for you to lose your Mom again, know you lost connection a while ago. It doesn't help to not be able to talk to them and know they hear you. I went thru the same thing when my Dad died. He'd been out of reach of my voice for a while before he left too. ((((Darius)))

Don't get pulled into the negativity on tv right now either dear, an update now and then. Not hours. HAh...as I say, not as I do .!.

Hello All,

It was a long 3-4 days fer sure. Between my son and I, we worked 67 hours in 3 days, not counting travel time. Along with the boss we put over 40 gallons of paint on the walls of offices approximately 13000 sq ft. Boy am I tired, my feet, and back and arms, oh, everything hurts.

The weather in Baltimore was very nice, hot but less humid than here at home. The big joy of the entire trip was finally getting to meet my good friend Dravencat and her daughter Isabel. She drove an hour up to see me last night and we spent an hour or so visiting. She brought me a wonderful box of plants and a Pink Fox. She is a delightful young lady and her daughter is adorable.

Darius, I am so sorry about your mom. I only just saw this today. I was away from phones and computers all the while. ((((((Darius)))))))

I have watched only a little bit of TV these past days, too tired from working. I've read up on the Katrina threads and see Dave opened a forum. Happy to see so many of our DG friends are no longer on the missing lists. Everything is so overwhelming I can't pull the reality of it together to do anything yet. I remember after "Andrew" our local channel 7 preempted any regular programming for about 4-6 weeks after the storm, showing nothing but the devastation and aftermath, every waking minute. It is more than overwhelming.

We're taking the next few days off and I plan to do some more reading here and try to plan a course for what I can do to help.

Molly