Best/Worse/??learnt today...Pt23 A visit with friends...

Last night when Greg put the new t.v. into the cabinet he took the old one out and set it on the couch..Suzanne was here, Kyle as well all talking and he forgot to move it, so, the cat is always laying on that den couch and it was a bit wobbly..could hardly lift it but managed came walking towards the craft room, forgot the staircase, in a hurry as usual and the support caught me in the hand so it's black/blue/a cut and swollen..my fault..am an accident waiting to happen..

Am so enjoying my aft. off..but, that raisin chelsey bun is too tempting..I'm on my 3rd. piece..not good!....

well thanks starzz for the compliments. you have some beauties yourself!

betty be careful! do you think the doctor should look at it?
cant comment too much about the little girl betty as dave doesnt allow it but you are right, the whole country is up in arms. the judge (a woman!) is to be stood down and further investigation is sought.

now that bracelet making can be difficult, after the first one your right it does get easier. it can be frustrating tho.

had a good nights sleep and start on the meds today. feel better already.

have a great day.
did you want me to send the shells shar?

Yes wonder, I do....thanks.....that would be wonderful!!!

You have d mail.

Keep forgetting about some of the topics Laura..I just think it's general conversation i.e. listening to news broadcasts but you are right..probably against DG policy so we'll skip by that one...glad you are on the meds...

Its really snowing here..if only it would continue until let's say 8:00 a.m. lol...

Judy love the fireplace, looks so warm and comfy, a place to sit in front wearing p.j.'s making out your Christmas list....

Rita and Jerry just dropped in and brought me a pressie, going to keep it to open for Sat.

Mom called, lordy I can get into trouble just minding my own business...my brother Michael from Toronto called to talk to her, he mentioned he was coming here on Saturday..well everyone is welcome, I didn't invite him, but he was snowmobiling with Greg on the weekend and I guess mentioned Saturday here and said he'd drop in which is fine...but dear mom wanted to know why she wasn't invited...well, could be because we are leaving Sunday and I'm sure she'd not want to come 100 miles north only to go back and get ready to leave...mom's...are they all alike and are we as our mothers are in the eyes of our children..don't know..will have to monitor my conversations with my children so I'm not driving them crazy..lol...

Oliver, friend of my sons called tonight and was telling me that it's 13 days since Jeff quit smoking..praise the Lord..he didn't tell me, maybe he wanted to surprise me..let's hope he makes it...maybe my nagging about the smoking is working...lol..he's probably saying 'must do it to stop my mom from nagging'...this morning when I arrived at the office I had e-mail with photo's of grandchildren in their halloween costumes...know he thought he'd better send me them or it would be a topic of conversation at our Christmas gathering..2 years in a row and not 1 photo...

Well, it's upstairs I go..will watch a movie, have an early night..

Best of today..hearing that Jeff is trying to quit smoking!!
Worse of today...hearing of illness in families of 2 friends...
What did I learn...not really learn, but I certainly appreciate sitting in my nighty...

Night all...

Migrains are the worst misery, because they are centered at the begining of the central nervous system, I think that is why they are so hard to kill and so impossible to handle. Poor thing.

B, Mom's are the same I think or atleast a good deal of them, which probably includes us, unbeknownst to us. My Grandma just died at 90 something but if you talk to my Dad, she was dieing all his life. Not to be incesitive. I was almost never around her since my parents divorced, but she was a character, diagnosed Hypochondriac.

Love the Fireplace and the cocoa, mine was sugar free.

Have any of you seen the movie, called MOTHER,with Debbie Reynalds and Albert Brooks from the 90's. If not RENT IT or buy it, You will roll at the story, it makes everyone go Oh my gosh I never want to be like that and we probably are to our kids.

Greg's Birthday is today , exactly a month from mine to the day. My X had an 11 birthday too. We are going for Steak and Lobster now so gotta go.

I had the nicest conversation with our friend Judy tonight......just think, when she is on her way to Florida, she will be only a couple hours from me, and if the weather is OK.....we are planning on maybe breakfast!!! Isn't that so exciting. I cannot wait. and if it doesn't happen.....well there will be one very disappointed little old lady here if it doesn't happen. I wish there was a way to meet Betty...but Interstate 75 is about 4 or 5 hours from me, and I don't think I will be able to make that, particularly since I will have Ethan this weekend.....but geesh, I would surely love to be there. Tell me before you leave, Betty, just when you will be passing through KY.....If I check there might be a point on the interstate that would not be such a drive, particularly the southern part. I can't remember, but think it passes very close to Winchester, and possibly maybe Richmond or Lexington. I can get to Lexington in possibly 4 hours, if the weather is OK.
anyway....it would all depend on which day you will be traveling through.

So......best...talking with judy (seed)
worst....no worst, just a good 70 degree sunshiny day
Not sure I learned much, but it sure was fun talking with with a new friend....and I did learn that her daughter is an artist!!!

Shar..you are making me envious with your 70's ... first thing when I get up is look out the window..everything is calm..must have passed us over...been looking for my telephone since yesterday..waiting for daybreak..Monday night when we came home I used it to call Greg to meet us so he could bring in t.v. that's the last I've seen it..not in Suzanne's car nor in mine..have a feeling when I got out it fell to the ground..now the snowplow man has been here so guess it's in the snowbank..will check it ot..not careless/careless..just don't watch enough of what I'm doing..lol...when it costs me enough I'll be more focused...

It would be so nice to meet...if it weren't for the 'old' ladies Shar I'd make the detour...but with them and their dogs...will pass...lol...although both would give you their last penny and would do anything to help you..hearts of gold..and I DO love them dearly, not everyone would take from the same experience...let's hope you and Judy can meet up...I'm hoping the same...

Worked on the oar painting Paul's cottage and I'd say I'm 1/2 done..will bring it to work this morning and finish it...

My thoughts have been with Tangiegirl again thismorning..something is just not right...so, take a sec while praying for the many in need and add a prayer for her!

Better get myself organized and dressed..countdown is on, just tomorrow and 1/2 of Friday and it's vacation time...tonight is the last Wednesday I teach painting until mid January..that's also a plus..not because I don't enjoy it but because it makes for such a very long day...

Hoping to talk to you when I get to work...everyone is just so busy..understand the schedules but do miss you all....

Betty,

What IS your job? You talk about being "on the phones" and then you do all kinds of crafts while at "work", working from home, etc......

What do you do?

Thanks, Gita

Gita, I work in Toronto which is 100 miles from where I live..I travel with family who own the business so it's a long drive in each day and then of course the 100 mile trek home...

I do consultations with regards to bankruptcy files..so once I've done them for the day my time is my own...so I fill it with doing crafts..lol
then when weather isn't the best we can switch the telephones to my home telephone so I can answer from there

morning all,

carol the picture turned out just perfect that will make a very nice gift

judy your decorations look very festive i like the eagle picture above the fireplace very nice

shar, 70 gosh were just freezing its 38 now

betty, how is your hand? great news on jeff, ive been smoke free for 2 years now you enjoy your class this evening what are you going to be working on something fun.
funny you mentioned tangie i was working on xmas cards during lunch and saw her address, im surprised no one responded sure hope she is ok.

everyone have a great day liz

Seed- Your decorations are beautiful!

Betty- Hope your hand is feeling better. Congrats about Jeff!

Shar- How exciting that you get to meet Seed! I would love to meet all of you.

Sorry that I have not been around. My parents and I have been in Chehalis for the past three days helping our friends recover from the flood. They lost everything, the water was eight feet deep. They lost the entire herd, 80 milk cows. Vehicles, tractors and farm equipment where all underwater. The water was up to the top of the first floor windows in the house and 10 feet deep in the barn and other sheds. Mud is everywhere. I am at home today trying to salvage some of thier pictures and mementos, they still have no running water. They had no flood insurance, couldn't afford it as farmers. We are headed back down there tomorrow. It makes my heart ache. Will check back tonight with all of you. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Rachel

Will say a prayer for them Rachel...can't imagine loosing ones entire livelyhood and belongings...will they be able to celebrate Christmas in their home..guess the main problem is 'mold'..that alone could make them quite ill...all that wetness/dampness...does flooding usually occur this bad..nope, think you said it's the first time in a previous post...hmm will have to go back and check..thank goodness for friends..you'll be rewarded for your good deeds I'm sure..

Liz, I did try everything..even to contacting their local municipality for tel.#, work # etc.we are still able tosend out d-mails to her but never an answer...not like her..she loved posting up until her fall...regardless of her not responding, think we should continue with prayers!

My hand is still black and blue on both sides..looks like I used my knuckels to belt someone..girls are going to call me Rocky..

This afternoon everything was melting but within the last hour you can feel it get colder...but NO SNOW..so it will be a no stress drive home...

Brought in two glass blocks to make the light boxes..went downstairs for coffee and when I came back Suzanne and Wayne were smilling, apparently the night before I had gone into Michaels to pick up the strings of lights we needed and in the bag when she went to get the strings was my telephone...

Did not find my wallet as yet, though I went to the bank and they issued me a new 'interact' card..well that's fine, got to Barrie yesterday where I was parked and drove home on my own, thought to drop in at the bakery for some goodies, another good thing..anyway this morning we went to McDonalds for breakfast..I've got no money and no interact card..either I left the card at the bakery or I washed it early am in my suit jacket or pants...so, it's a wait till I get home so I can find it...did you ever!!! I need a mommy to travel with me as not to loose my things...but lost 3 found 1 so I'm on the upswing..lol

I painted for most of the afternoon yesterday and this morning on the oar painting cottage for Paul..absolutely hate it so my thoughts are this..I have a new photo medium that you give it 2 or 3 coats and once it's dry in 12 hrs. you submerge it in water and take the background off..basecoat the area you want to put it on, let it dry, coat with a crackle medium and voila an antique..so complete change of plans..let's hope it works...lol...

I did this technique on canvas, putting photo's of ancestors, five generations including my home, antiqued it and it makes a lovely souvenir..if all fails, Robert will have to go purchase a gift for Paul...not the end of the world..but am sure it will turn out lovely...

Now what have you all been doing today, anything exciting?

Betty,
They won't be celebrating Christmas in thier home. We had to gut the first floor down to the studs. There was even mud behind the lathe and plaster walls. Here is a few pictures.

Here is one of the outside.

Forgot the pic.

And the tractors.

OMG, look at the inside..almost easier to build a new home isn't it...now the tractors, are they still operational or need light repairs or will they all have to be replaced...will the government help them get animals? know a friend of mine in England was hit by made cow disease and gmt. paid them for the destruction of each and every cow... sure hope there is a program out there to help...such a pretty looking farm...you are all such wonderful people to go out day after day and help rebuild their lives...I'll say prayers for you all!

They have been in that house for 35 years. Now that we have it gutted we will let it dry (there are four huge propane heaters running) for a few weeks, rewire the whole house, put up sheetrock, cabinets, appliances, toilet, sink, tub and new flooring and then they can move back in. Hoping to have them back in the house by end of March. They had no flood insurance, couldn't afford it as farmers (it's very expensive) in 35 years they had never had water in the house during a flood. President Bush did declare it a disaster so hopefully they can get some money from FEMA (Cindy was applying for that today.) Farmers from Washington, Oregon and Montana have offered to give them some cows. The biggest tractor (not in the above picture) is running. It took several friends who are mechanics three full days to get it running, hopefully that will be the case with the rest of them as well. Still have to get the milk parlor up and running, will probably have to replace wiring and the cooling unit for the tank. Pete has been helping other farmers that still have cows get there's up and running and once that is done they will help him fix his. Thanks for the prayers, they/we need lots!

That sure is a heck of a lot of work..isn't it fantastic though to have so many willing to help in different ways..let's hope they get some funding to help...however, it takes a lot of time doesn't it for the red tape...

It is wonderful to see how much people care. Let's hope that the red tape is minimal.

Aren't you all concerned about the mold..that would be my main concern..

We will be spraying all of the wall studs, subfloor and floor joists with a water and bleach solution and then letting the propane heaters run for several weeks to hopefully dry the wood completely. It's the best that we can do, they can't afford to build a new home from the ground up.

Guess it's a concern of mine..my dad, a young 78 was having problems with his breathing..in a few years it ended up being terminal..he passed away 4 years ago, anyway, my BIL bought the cottage, started to upgrade and had to tear most of it down..mold/mold and more mold...supt. that came and looked at it said probably was the cause of my father's death! So just concerned for your friends...off home..talk later...

Oh My God!! Rachael,

How devestating for your friends. Most certainly will add them to my prayer list as well. Will pray for them and all in that area to get funding to rebuild their lives, my gosh I just can't imagine such conditions as that. I am glad you are able to go and help, that is a blessing I am sure. Will keep you all in thoughts and prayers.

Shar, I most enjoyed chatting with you, last night, and I too am so looking forward to meeting up with you and Betty too.

It would be wonderful to meet each one of you...I love meeting people, especially those i have been in touch with via computer...would just make my happiness complete!

Ok, Went to eye doc and my Breenie got her first set of contacts! very exciting...Dh took them shopping and they got all they needed so when we returned they locked us out of basement so they could wrap...then we decorated our tree last night! Oh so much fun, then girls disappeared into their rooms! DH actually went to our room and *Gasp* watched a two hour show!! so, poor lil Jake and I were left to our own imagination of what to do with our down time...guess what we did, if you guessed crafts then smile big cuz thats what we did. Now, we made a few mini sleds. Told him he had to cut out his own just like the big ones, then was trying to offer assistance with this and that...and golly I was almost in tears as the kid says...mom, I remember how to do it, this is my sled so I will make it work...boohoo, mom's not needed so much anymore.
He did make it work, but had to laugh...Was making one with school logo on it,
had a bit of time in doing so, so he was cutting away and says "oh,oh...this pretty small, so continues cutting conquers, and then says, "well it must just be my Masculin hands" !!! Oh gosh I almost hit the floor.

Now, today is Julia's 18th birthday!! I now have a young adult in my house, wow.
Going for dinner tonight, should be nice.

........
Carol, What a wonderful way to spend time with your grandaughters. Your photo's and framing is beautiful, surely Mum and Dad, will love it.

Dawn, Happy Birthday to Greg a day late. How was dinner?

Jeannine, forgot to mention, how cool you making your own pillow cases. My you find some interesting projects. How is the redecorating coming along?

Very nice Laura to send shells for Gunnar, surely will make him smile.

Oh yeah, Hey Rocky...LOL so glad you found your phone, hope the card is in your washer...puts new meaning to laundered money huh? hahahah, crackin myself up here. seriously hope it's there. Now if we can just figure out werar you left your wallet., Hope your soaking your hand, feel bad your hurt.

Thanks all about decorations and fireplace...that is where I chat with you all. glad you enjoyed coco, and snuggle in p.j.s

Well, I am off for home will check in later.

Funny Judy, got me in stitches, just got home and yep that's where my card was, all nicely washed..now I'll have to test it out in the morning to see if it works lol .. now if I could only find my wallet with the money in it I'd be back to square one...carelessness, that's what it is..wouldn't you tell your children that, know I would..well, it's snowing ever so lightly, girls will be here in a few minutes so off to get into gladrags

Betty,

It is not so much carelessness as it is that your mind is going in 99 directions at 60 miles an hour at any given moment. You gotta learn to slow down! Get a bit more methodical. Anticipate what you might misplace and what is the main thing distracting you and then do something about it. Have a definite place for everything--and always put it back in that place. Your wallet belongs in your purse!!! Nowhere else!

I have long ago learned that if i don't put everything back exactly where I am used to having it--I won't find it! If I ever change a location of something, thinking it will be "safer" in another place, I cannot find it and then I freak out--running all through the hose wondering where I put it. I sure don't need that. Sameness is the key! As boring as that may sound...

Losing your wallet is not good. I sure hope you find it!

Have a safe trip! DON'T lose anything!!!!!

xoxoGita

Gita, do you make lists, write yourself notes.....I do, I wouldn't make it through a day without something to tell me what I already have so that I don't purchase it again.

There is something about aging.........

OMG Rachierabbit did all their animals drown? That is awful. We had a flood three years ago and it was terrifying, but it stopped before coming up into my house but it sure was a nightmare.

Will pray for your family.

Rachie, i am so sorry about your friend's farm. Glad that they have so many to help them, but makes the rest of us feel helpless because we live so far away. They have been and will be in my thoughts and in my prayers....

you take care, too....get lots of rest because it seems all of you are running on adrenaline.
shar

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers they are greatly appreciated. Rachel

Shar,

I make lists--sometimes--but mostly about what I HAVE TO do, not about what I already have in the house. I really DO know everything I have and also where it all is.

I have a LARGE calendae hanging in my kitchen. My whole life and scedules and when i work and when I have to go somewhere is on there. If it wasn't on there, i would probably forget. My mind also goes 99 mph all through the day with thinks I should, would, could do......
That's why I wrote all that to Betty......

I like to be semi-organized, but it sure seems that life gets more and more overwhelming...:o(

Gita

Shar,

I make lists--sometimes--but mostly about what I HAVE TO do, not about what I already have in the house. I really DO know everything I have and also where it all is.

I have a LARGE calendar hanging in my kitchen. My whole life and scedules and when i work and when I have to go somewhere is on there. If it wasn't on there, i would probably forget. My mind also goes 99 mph all through the day with thinks I should, would, could do......
That's why I wrote all that to Betty......

I like to be semi-organized, but it sure seems that life gets more and more overwhelming...:o(

Gita

No, i don't have lists of what I have, just keep my last grocery list in a notebook so I don't get the same thing the next time......otherwise I would have repeats of the same thing, and i also keep a calendar. couldn't function without it. It's worse now that I am retired because I never do the same thing any two days in a row!!!!

Evening all..well everyone has left..Kyle and Noah joined us as well, few friends dropped in with gifts...keeping them for Sat. but June made me open one from the day crafters (seniors) and they bought me a $50.00 gift certificate for Home Sense...will wait till I come back to spend those pennies...

Now Rita was parked in the driveway along with all the other cars so Suzanne parked behind them and had to go out to move her vehicle...when she came back into the craft room she was holding what? You guessed it..my wallet...guess when I was bringing all the light blocks downstairs on Sunday it fell out of my pocket..now the back stairs has an opening between stairs not more than 2 1/2 "..wouldn't you know it fell between the cracks..as she was going up the stairs she saw something red, coming back in she investigated and I now have my wallet...

Gita, so do appreciate your note on keeping the 'sameness' Gita..will do..that will be my 2008 plan for sure...and you are right, my mind is going on how to finish up with the girls, the gifts..the last minute shopping, arrangement for Florida, worrying about my mom, painting a paddle for Robert with cottage on it, Sat. Christmas dinner, etc.etc.etc. perhaps I should buy a waist purse, might keep me a little more in tune with my belongings..must go tomorrow morning and check to see if I can still use my interact card...

BUT I now have my new interact card that I WASHED today, found the cel. phone and now my wallet..great day after all..lol..

Judy, before you know it you'll be empty nesters...


Best of today...finding all my lost objects..had wondered about St. Anthony - patron of lost objects..thought maybe he had taken on new assignments - tired of hearing my needs...

Worse of today...this morning while travelling to work about 15 miles from here the Moonstone cutoff was closed and green ribbon around a large transport with 2 or 3 OPP cars around it, well tonight Rita was here and her husband is an officer...apparently this truck was travelling north, had a passenger in it, and just as it was nearing the bridge someone shot at them..in hospital but not critical..think the passenger got the worse of it..driver just shook up..imagine..why would anyone do such a thing...1:30 - 2:00 am in the morning...sure hope they find him/her or them...random acts..makes it so much more difficult to understand...

Will respond to all of you lovely ladies tomorrow from work..tired tonight..off to bed..4:30am comes early...

Morning, dropping in to say hi..weather is crisp but no signs of snw...will enjoy today..got a call from Kyle after he left here last night, extended an invitation for me to a 'buffet' supper tonight at same restaurant I took Diane on Sunday..Greg and Mel will bring Kyle/Noah and 6 friends of Kyles' for a birthday celebrationnot till Friday but tonight is the night..sounds like fun so I'll join in!!!

Morning all..
Hope Betty's drive is ok..I heard on TV there is an accident on the 400 HWY. Great that the wallet and phone was found. Snow is coming later today. I am having four friends I used to work with to dinner tonight. Should be fun.

I keep a small calendar book beside the computer to jot down events. It is really handy. Will have to buy a new one for 2008.

Rachie..it is wonderful that all the farmers and friends help each other out in such a devastating time.

I got a nice dip receipe this morning in one of my newslatters..going to make it today.

Have a good day everyone
Cheers,
Carol

Morning!

Racher so sorry about your friends. That is terrible for this to happen to all those people. You are wonderful for helping them. Keeping them in my thoughts and prayers. I know what a big loss it can be because my in-laws farm.

I haven't been writing much but have been reading and trying to keep up with you all. so If I don't respond to each I'm sorry.

Betty so glad you have found all your lost objects! Gita has given you some good advice and sounds like it comes from experience the best kind. Are you on pins and needls waiting for your vacation to start? or are you still to busy to feel that yet?

Starzz that is my plan when I get my computer area organized to have a calender handy.

Seed what a sweet boy you have making all those gifts.

My alloted time is almost up so have to go. Will check back in during the day. I just have to get some stuff done after being sick all weekend and then working1

Vicki

morning all,

betty, great news on your wallet bet your relieved now you can enjoy your drive for vacation not having to worry,hope your hand is healing good what a nice gift to receive.

rachel, so sorry for the loss of the farm so sad sending a prayer for them.

carol, what kind of dip was in the newsletter?

vicki, you sound much better that is god have fun at work we finally got unburried just exausted.

jeannine, what are you up toare you enjoying your time off yet?

everyone have a great day liz

Vicki, sorry to hear you were sick all weekend..really puts one behind..and yes, I'm getting anxious for the weekend to celebrate with family and friends AND leave for Florida..still not sure the status with regards to mom though..she's suppose to have results back some time today..can only hope all is well!


Carol...just got in..2 accidents, 1st very early this morning and had it cleaned up by 8:00am but then another so it was stop/go from Newmarket exit..and yes, they are calling for a front to come in starting shortly around noon..if it look bad who knows Suzanne might call it a day!

Paul called yesterday, they are in the Dominican and got hit by the storm..say they are making the best of it...between bad weather and showing compasion to friends who are travelling with them whose son hung himself this fall, am sure it's not what one had hoped the vacation to be...you'll have to share your dip recipe..I'm taking the lazy way out on Saturday..will do veggie/cheese / cracker and meat trays, order a birthday cake, christmas cookies etc. and then later in the day order chinese food...at least that's my plan, but as time goes on I'm thinking it's not very traditional and not a good mommy/grandma host...who knows, could be turkey/ham and tortierre pies yet...

I've gone over all the gifts, pretty even, just think that I could spend another $40.00 each on Braedon and Caleb and it would be pretty close...still waiting for Sears Canada to call and say the pogo stick is in..it was back ordered with an estimated arrival to the store of Dec.14th..let's hope...

Quiet here this mornig..still working on the boat paddle..about to give up..just not into it..lol...

Bet you've all plans for the day and evening...such busy/busy times...
do enjoy your day...

Cross posted Liz...you've been quiet of late..busy/busy I guess...get all those gifts done? still decorating? hmmm knowing you, you've still a zillion things planned to do...