Best/Worse and What did I learn today-part 25

Starting a new thread - hope that's ok Betty. Figured the other one was getting rather long.


Here's where we were:

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/797944/

Found you, thank Jeannine..you feeling better today? That cabin vacation sounded uncomfortable but am sure it was as good if not better as your camping trip..lol...

Last night I slept in the spare room and left Kathy in my room..just washed all the sheets so am making my bed,going to have a bath and get tucked into those warm sheets...lol...

Talk to you all tomorrow...
night/night all

It was so cold today..coldest of the winter so far..but so beautiful with the sun shining, I took a walk and here is a pretty pic.

evening all,

rachel i like the idea of putting it away for 6mths must do something lol

carol, what lovely senery in the yard you have

dawn, i know we need rain to but i worry with to much water may cause other issues here in the city

jeannine hope your evaluation went ok for you

betty. glad things got cleaned up for you and just think you packed everything up already i have to wait till friday before i can put things away
well it sounds like your all unpacked already and ready for work my goodness send some energy here lol.

well i just got off the phone with judy, there freezing omg its in the thirtys with some wind they have some warm things but didnt pack anything for colder weather they were thinking it would be on the warmer side ooopps! she tryed to post a couple of times but she ran out of computer time, they were at a museum today had a great time toured the town of st augustines the'll be in florida till sat they had fun on new years eve with some of the other folks where they are staying they all were in the parking lot celebrating the new year, judy says to be sure to say hello and happy new year.

well off to retire have a few things to accomplish then off to bed
everyone have a great evening

forgot to show you my home depot bargains

the snowman was 19.99 now 5.00

the two poinsetta toperies 29.95 now 7.50

Great deals Liz! I love your sconces too!

Starzz- What a gorgeous photo, I feel like I'm there with you.

Got all the indoor decorations put away today. Going to clean the house tomorrow, there are little pieces of the plastic/fake snow all over the place!

Sleep well all. Rachel

I am going to wait until the weekend to take my tree down. I have put away all the other decorations though. I bought a new tree this year and it is so pretty that I want to enjoy it just a bit longer. I am like you Liz and wonder why some other people seem to have gotten all the energy genes and mine as so lacking. ha-ha

Thanks to everyone who has welcomed me here. I am having fun reading about everyone's lives. Liz, I love the snowman, it is so cute. I have made myself stay out of stores after Christmas this year. In years past I have bought up a lot of after-holiday goodies for good prices and didn't feel as if I needed to do so this year.

I am going to make an effort to spend less money this year. For a few years since receiving a very decent inheritance I have been spending like crazy. I took inventory recently and see that I went through a lot of money last year and don't have a lot to show for it. Time to tighten the old belt buckle and do better with the spending. Wish me luck please.

I hopethat everyone will have a good day today.

Ruby

morning all,

well betty time to get up and off to work for you are you excited to get back will you be driving in with suzanne? how is she doing oh and those ornaments were beautiful the gal finally posted it on the other thread, so now what are your projects going to be?
i need to seriously straigten the house out, so get this dh wants to level the house and start over ha ha, so he calls me at work yesterday to tell me one of the landscapers who share the yard he works at had that stacked rock that is flat in the back alot of places we go to have it, it looks like a stacked rock wall some run waterfalls over it well he has enough to cover 100 square feet so he asked me if i wanted it.....
now who is the troublemaker here lol i told him to bring it home i would love to cover the fireplace with it instead of brick well here we go again who knows when i will get to this project maby i the springtime lol

carol, you mean the one in the frame that is my grandmother when she was 18, everytime she comes over she says you still have that stupid picture up.. well i guess its ok .

rachel, wow right on scheduel all the season is put away can you come put mine away to lol, you have mail

ruby,your being very good not going to the sales cant say that im going back to home depot this morning lol now where am i going to put all of this new stuff so bad!

everyone have a great day

Hi Liz - Here is a confession. My all time favorite store is a Dollar Tree. Whenever I go in to them, sure I get the toiletries, house cleaning supplies, snacks and a few other things that are definitely cheaper there than most other stores. My problem is that I see such great deals that I cannot get out of those stores without spending at least $40.00 and two Christmas' ago I spent $200.00 at one pop. Do you realize wth every thing costing one dollar, how many things I bought for $200.00? ha - ha I had two carts full.

So.....being as frugal as I am and priding myself on my shopping skills...ha-ha.....I am having to admit that I do have an impulse problem. Okay, I willl go ahead and say it....I have an addiction to shopping and need to take some steps to stop it before I spend every last penny that I have.

Anyway......when we got out Christmas stuff from the attic a few weeks back I was amazed at all of the brand new items that had been packed away this past year and maybe longer than that. Dh was there when I first began finding all of the goodies and asked what I was going to do with them. I told him that I was going to box them all together and take them to the family get togethers that we would be attending over the holidays. I would make an announcement for every one to take an item or two on their way out. I decided right there that no matter how low the cost, I needed to stop shopping and hoarding.

I didn't count but I am guessing that I had 50 or so items easily. At a dollar a pop at least there is $50.00 that I spent. Some of the items were things that cost more than a dollar, but most were bought on sale.

I took the gift box of goodies to an Open House that my niece was hosting the weekend before Christmas. She had loads of people there and I am glad to say that most every item was taken that day. I was especially glad that I had things for children because there were quite a few there that day.

I have a six month old granddaughter who will be walking before too long and I have to use this as an opportunity to begin de-cluttering my home. I have knick knacks on every surface and that is going to be really hard when she begins toddling and picking at things. I am going to try and help matters by curbing my impluse buying for one thing and possibly use some of the techniques on getting rid of unused items that I have been reading about.

Wish me luck.

Ruby

ruby, lol i love your thinking and to think you have a attic i would love to have one!
ok i think it could be a dangerous combination if we went shopping, love the dollar tree store and every garage sale and estate sale, i wrench my neck all the time going by the signs you want to see the aftermath of antique stores and the above..... lol
go check out best worst part 18 and have a look in my kitchen good greif!

Hi Ruby..
Wishing you great success in curbing your shopping, and clutter habit.

Liz..I think we will name you our "Decorating Queen"..you are hooked... LOL
What great prices though. I just bought some wrapping paper and bows after Christmas. I have plenty of decorations, but it is tempting when things are on sale.

Thanks for the nice comments on my photo.
Here is another one I took yesterday out in the back yard.

Betty must be busy catching up on things.

Have a good day all,
Carol

Beautiful trees Carol. What a wonderful scene to look at. Thank you for wishing me luck. As I stated, it is usually impulse buying that gets me in trouble. The treatment for it at the moment is to just stay away from stores all together for a while.

Liz, I too used to be very much in love with antique stores and second hand shops. I have an outdoor shed that proves it. ha-ha I also once upon a time rented space in a junk shop to sell my wares. I only lived about 2 miles from an auction house that had auctions twice a week. That wasn't real good on ye olde pocketbook either.

For a year or so sold on ebay and on another antiques website. It was lots of fun for the most part but I lost interest after my dad died and we were involved in settling his estate. Maybe one of these days I will find an attraction to that stuff again. Right now I am satisfied with most of my interest being in gardening.

Ya'll have a great day.

Ruby

Having computer glitches, our main service provider is working on them so will have to piecemeal my posts until everyone is up and running..twice I've written long posts to you all and lost them...funny how the 482 e-mails made it through which are promoting male products that without a man in the house I DO NOT need lol!

So I will try to post once again...

Good morning everyone...up at my usual 4:45 am..windows were frosty..
-34 I believe in my region..was not so sure my car would start but it did so after 1/2 hr. of idling it was warm and cozy enough to meet Suzanne for my drive in..roads were clear and I enjoyed my 1st trip into the city for 2008..

I'm a creature of habit I guess, I like structure in my life so being here today is really quite relaxing...when I came in Paul was shocked as he said he really does remember giving me Wedn./Thurs. and Friday off...shakes his head .. said it was a bonus...but all and all he's just so very kind that I would have felt I was taking advantage of him..so here I am...

cross posted Ruby...I must have been a spirit reborn from days of old..love everything old..antiques are my love as are they Liz..perhaps that's why we are bonding as much..perhaps we're all from days of old and knew each other...too funny lol...

Went to the post office late yesterday afternoon and was so excited to see all the lovely cards/letters and packages..thank you very much..warmed my heart to see such affection! Post mistress did say though she had to return several because the 14day hold period was over..that didn't impress me..so, whoever gets their package back, I thank you for the thought and the gift...and guess what...got my 1st subscription of 'backyard living' brought it to work..included in the plastic wrapped casing is 101+ homegrown ideas and tips...I'm just so thrilled, can't garden for several months but just think of all the ideas I'll have...

Liz, imagine, all that rock/slate...can just imagine what you'll come up with..now when you said a fireplace..will that be for inside or outside...Greg just built one last fall in his backyard..to die for..has cooking area, area to put wood supplies, burning area..chimney etc.-built on cement platform..who knows, it will be my 60th in March, perhaps he and Jeff can do one for me..oh wait a minute, didn't I say I wanted $$$ so I can purchase a new couch and chair set...have to revamp that 'want list' right...

Girls, I spend 14 days shopping and got a lot of bargains as well, so will settle in with you all in saving money so that when something pops up and says 'take me home/take me home" the funds will be there!!!

Good morning everyone. It was a balmy 7 when I left the house this morning. brrrr

Liz, didn't get to meet up with Judy, left at 3am and when I arrived in Georgia thought I'd call to see if we could meet along the route as they were staying in Atlanta, when I found her cel.# I realized that they had left the day before and not the 31st. so I spent time looking on-line..there is a beautiful Christmas all year round town in Michigan called 'Frankenmuth' and it seems to be mid way between her and I, perhaps we can take a weekend and meet there...feel badly not meeting, but, did get to meet Susan "101" which gave me much joy...

Jeannine, was in Charleston, South Carolina on my way back home..thought I had escaped most of the mountains but 'not'..you and I were merely divided by the mountains or we could have visited...lol...
think I had better check last nights lotery ticket $35 million I think, we knows, might be able to purchase that RV and spend the next year visiting you all and of course spoiling you all along the way..so cross your fingers...lol

Liz, loved your bargains, the snowman is just too cute..you keep up purchasing all of these decorations and you'll outdo 'Halloween"..can't possibly think you can but who knows..you'd better have DH build you your own workshop and storage area before the new house...spring is around the corner and am sure you'll be finding many more treasures...

Cathy, what I wouldn't give for '7' lol...it was so cold this morning...can't but think of those who do not have a home and are trying to keep warm somewhere, how very tragic for them...me, with a big house and no one in it...better watch myself before I pick up 3 or 4 and take them home with me...I keep thinking there are homeless people just here in the city, I'd probably be shocked to know there might be some right in my nearby towns..

Well off to check the previous thread, take notes and come back to post..

I know what you mean. I know there are some legitimate ones who really do need help, but I kind of learned a lessong years ago in TX. There used to be a "homeless" gal who stood on the intersection of a major road where I worked. She'd be there every evening when I got off. I gave her something a few times.
One day I got off a little early and she was just coming to her "post". Some guy in a fancy Continental was dropping her off 2 blocks down. She took off a fancier leather jacket than I EVER had, messed up her hair, took an old dirty army jacket out of the backseat and changed her shoes. Hunched down and started walking to her spot.
They did an Expose on the Houston news a week or so later and had interviewed a bunch of "homeless people". A bunch of them said it was just a job, like any other and on a good day, they could collect $700!!!!!! Tax free.
A man I worked with also stopped to try to help a guy with a "will work for food" sign. Told him he had some leaves that needed raked if he was interested. The guy told him he couldn't, he had a bad back.
I have thought since then, the ones who honestly really NEED help, we probably never see. I know they're out there, but all the others like that gal, make a person paranoid about wanting to help them.
Sorry, I'll hush now! :-)

OMG Cathy..you know I just don't think of these things...imagine, treating it as a job...I remember once just after Roger and I married we were downtown going to a nightclub with friends and on the street there was a blind man begging and although the others did not donate I did and went back to Roger and the gang and told them to be kind and give me some money for this poor soul...he was so appreciative of my efforts, sure did feel good helping him out...later that evening while dancing, Roger said he had something to show me, here was my blind guy having a time of his life, treating others to drinks...so guess who got laughed at for being so gullible..but rather be laughed at than not help and that person truly be in need...not a nice world all the time is it?

Shar..my goodness Ethan just seems to be growing right before our eyes..such a good looking fellow...Jeff gave me photo's of Caleb and Braedon, will have to post them..they as well are growing into young men...

Yesterday I went next door to purchase my lottery ticket and lo and behold my step-daughters' (angel from hell) ex-boyfriend..father of her 2 children was there with his new girlfriend..of course I hadn't seen them for 3 years since I was ousted from the house...anyway, they told me that Bill (DH #2) was no longer speaking to his daughter, apparently he's seen her for what she is..he's now lost about 80 lbs. looks dreadful..under a lot of stress etc. so things are not going as well as she had hoped with my not being there...then in the car was Dillon (he was 4 months old when I met Bill and he's now 15..I've not seen him or step-grandaughter since I left..I'd never have known who he was..his features changed so much..he no longer lives with Bonnie but with Shawn, little Taylor who is now 14 asks to visit with me but mom says 'no'...I would spend hours and hours playing with her, spoiling her, making things with her, doing crafts, shopping, playing hairdressor etc. and it tore the heart out of me when I no longer saw her..everyone said one day she'd come around to find me..perhaps one day she will...although after what I was put through I should not care what happens to any of them but I still do...Bill's attitude with regards to keeping all the money I put into the house, my workshop trailer, my RV trailer, new truck would make me want these things to hurt him, but you know, I actually feel sorry for him..at heart he was a wonderful man..one could say the 'man' of my dreams..to bad they turned out to be nightmares..but that's life..you live an learn...

Was funny, leaving with $50.00 in my pocket (had put all my $$$ into the farm) having nothing, no home,no car, no job etc. - virtually homeless, that within a month I had a home of my own, the best friends/family one could have, went on to describe how I'm enjoying my stressless life..lol..he asked me who owned the boat in the yard, said 'I did', heard me talk to Clara, store clerk about my trip to Florida, asked about that, said 'had a wonderful time' asked about Greg/Jeff, told him 'wonderful' and went on to tell them all the good things that were happening...we all left the store, I got into a new car as I was just coming back from Post Office, asked whose car..said "I bought it", love my high paying job...lol he told me no one could believe I hadn't gone after anything after all I had put into that marriage...said I didn't need it 'right' now but would eventually...know all this will get back to Bill so thought perhaps it might urge him to make a settlement...that's all I ask for, for what was mine and in the meantime...oh well...just rambling on here....lol

I think what people dish out, eventually comes back to bite them in the rear. One way or another. It seems to have happened in my life also. Kind of sad though, watching someone you once loved with all your heart, going thru a bad time.

Yes it is...he'd a wonderful man, heart of gold..very giving but guess torn between two women...one who had his best interest always at heart and one who took/took and felt threatened! Now I have to re-assess how I feel about letting these children back into my life, because letting them in will bring back feelings and will re-open some wounds, perhaps its better not to do so? Life is truly good without the stress that I went through..am sure the Lord will guide me through this though...

Have you thought that maybe the wounds will actually NEED to reopen so they can completely heal? My kids dad and I went thru a thing 10 or so years back, about getting back together. All the old stuff came rushing back in, and it was rough for awhile. But looking back, I think it was what we needed to do, to be able to put each other behind us and go forward in life. We were both still married to each other in our hearts. Though we hadn't been for years.
Life can be strange at times.

I'm still trying to catch up for being off the computer for a while. I can't believe I missed an entire thread. I figured that I better post now before I miss this one too.

Judy, thank you so much for your gift, it's beautiful. Sonora though it was really cool that one of my friends from DG sent it.

Ves, your card was very appreciated.

We celebrated our 10th anniversary on Dec 19. DH had booked time off work and planned a getaway for us to where we spent our honeymoon. He even arranged for friends of ours to look after the children (Ella included). It was so nice to get away for a couple of days, even though it meant a lot of driving. On the way home we went to a place that offers sleigh rides. The kids were so excited. On the last night before coming home we stayed at a motel and rented one of their jacuzzi suites. The kids had a blast in the jacuzzi. DH and I enjoyed it too after the kids were in bed. We almost didn't make it home for Christmas though. With the mild weather on the weekend the ice road was in really bad shape. None of the taxis were going across the river, just the skidoo taxis and only a couple were even running. Finally, after much anxious waiting one of the skidoo taxi drivers asked someone they knew who was going over in a truck if they would drive us over. Three hours after getting off the train we were finally at home. We were very grateful that a wonderful angel let us stay in her truck (instead of the cold wind) while we were waiting to get across the river. It made me glad that I'm the type of person to give someone a ride on a cold day or to try to help people.

We've been continuing to enjoy the holidays. We went to a friend's house for Christmas dinner (I'm so glad I didn't have to cook after our Christmas Eve ordeal). Then we had some friends over for some moose on boxing day.

Now, I can hardly believe it's the new year. I hope everyone here much happiness and success in the upcoming year. I feel fortunate to have you all as friends.

Gillian

It's interesting that while I was typing my post I was thinking about the fact that what goes around comes around. Some of the posts made in the two hours it took to get mine done reflect that thought as well. Kindness will be repaid, not always how we expect though. In the meantime, it's nice to have a clear consience knowing that you've acted in good faith.

I just remembered something exciting that happened yesterday. Ian wrote the word BALL on a piece of paper and asked me what it said. I told him that I wasn't sure and that I needed help. So he told me that it said "ball". He was quite a late talker and has always seemed to struggle with language so it's really nice to feel like things are starting to come together with him.

When we lived in France we lived right downtown so there were a few homeless people we saw on a regular basis. Sometimes they would sleep in the entrance to a hotel parking garage that was across the alley from our apartment. One of them would get yarn and crotchet doilies, hats, purses and other things and sell them. I was always so impressed with that. I made sure that I bought one of his doilies before returning to Canada.

Hi Gillian, now isn't that picture perfect...love it..you'll have to have it framed...10th anniversary, how thoughtful of DH to arrange your outing..so romantic...now what would the temperature be in your area?

Did you and Sonora ever get to do the sleighs? If not, perhaps you can do them one wintery day..lol..

Isn't that something, making such items to give himself money..you'd certainly want to help someone who is helping himself...

Are you helping out at school again? How is DH coming along with his studies? Know you must plan well before the end of the school year with regards to staying or not staying teaching in that area...have you given any more thought to moving closer to us? So enjoyed reading your post..you'll make sure if you travel south you drop in again...Ella must be growing like a weed..she wasn't walking yet when you visited...bet there are many changes since then..

Do they have scoots there as well..cousin Doug who lives up the lake from me and who lives on an island travels by boat in summer and fall, then by scoot and then ski-doo..much safer...with the changes in the weather going from - weather to double digits ice has not had a chance to build up properly as we well know with the 2 snowmobilers drowning on New Years Day..they got their bodies yesterday..the hubby had promised his wife they would go out for a run and with the snowstorm would not go near the lakes because of poor visibility, well they said that they were found where no ice was 2 days prior..so, can understand the difficulties you might have had getting across..thank goodness for the trucker...and, so glad you got home for Christmas!

Hi to all...

Gillibean..gorgeous family photo. A real keepsake.

Betty..great to read your posts again.

I went shopping today and found a pretty top to wear to a party this coming Sat. night.

Cheers,
Carol

You'll have to share..now what kind of party are you going to? Don't keep us in suspense...Hope your top is warm as I'm sure your weather today is much as ours...

Will be an early night tonight..takes a few days to get into a routine..day has flown by..tomorrow is a 4hr. day then it's weekend time! Was nice getting a paycheck today..lol...maybe I'll treat myself to something nice to brighten up my day....

A storm is coming yeah. We had some scammers that got caught for fraud and they were hitting people up all over the Antelope Valley, but same story , they had a nice car etc and lived in a nice home and it was their job. I know someone that did that too, he was lazy and didn't like work so he'd beg on good days to get money like Christmas Eve and live off that for a while and then work a day labor job for a month and mooch. disgraceful people but the givers will be blessed for their good intentions. I saw a special about a guy who makes thousands & thous. to go to Vegas and Atlantic city and gamble, when there he is a high roller and lives like a king on comps.

gill what a gorgeous group and a perfect postcard picture.

Anyone had frozen water pipes or plumming to the toilets yet?

Well, I'm sitting hearing listening to my Va Tech Hokies getting trounced by Kansas in the Orange Bowl while coughing up a lung or two. Came home early today - just wasn't feeling all that well. Was coughing a lot and just felt blah. Feel better now but still coughing. It's worse when I wake up and have to clear out my lungs. You'd think I was a smoker!!

I got a bit of sad news last night. I had been on the phone chatting with my DM, hung up and was eating dinner when she called back. Immediately, I knew something was wrong cause I could hear her tears. She had just receive a call that her oldes brother had passed away. He was found by his son and had probably been gone for a couple of days. This made my DM very upset. She was not only calling me to tell me but to try and get a phone number to contact her other brother who is on a cruise in the Caribbean. I checked back with her this morning and she was waiting until 10am to call Seattle to the cruise line to try and get a msg to him. She called me tonight and although she wasn't able to speak with her brother, he did get the msg to call her but had been unable to get theu due to the sat phones. So he called his son (who my DM had spoken to late last night) and he told his father what had happened. Well, my uncle can't get back to the FL until Sunday and up here to VA until Monday and would you believe that my cousin (son of my uncle who passed away) refuses to wait and is having the funeral on Saturday. My mother is so upset as all of us are. This is my DM and DU oldest brother and I can guarentee he would be very PO'd that his son was doing this. It is very sad. You'd think we had a broken family from the way he is handling all of this! My sister and I are going down Sat for the funeral and I swear I want to give my cousin a piece of my mind. I won't but I'd sure like to.

Of my DM's two brother's this one was my favorite. So gentle and kind. He took me and my Dad on our first (and only) hike on the Appalacian Trail. We froze our butts off. He told us you're suppose to sleep in your underwear so when you get up in the morning, you can put clothes on if you're cold. If you wear all your clothes, you have nothing to put on to get warmer. He was probably right but in November, I wearing clothes in the paper thin sleeping bag! He was in his 80s and had had a stroke a year or two ago so he wasn't able to communicate although his brain was working fine.

Well, I'm off to cheer my Hokies on. Thanks for "listening". I'll chat back later!

J

evening all,

carol, you did it again just lovely...
what kind of party are you going to family or friends sounds like fun

cat, geez thats cold i couldnt imagine you stay warm

ruby,something will spark it again, but do enjoy your gardening we have i day of rain and low and behold i have cabin fever i want to get outside and dig!

gilli, welcome back bet you have been busy congrads on your aniversary what a wonderful family pictur happy new year to you and your family.

jeannine, so sorry for your loss sendinf prayers up to the family, i wonder why he did things like that so sad hope your feeling better, how is murphy did he do ok in the kennel.

judy, hope you warmed up and are having fun

dawn, hope the storm isnt to bad your way we got rain all day but nothing like they were talking about but the evening is still young

betty, hopr the computer glitch got fixed nothing more fustrating as that.
think your on to something lol we all probably sat around a table quilting way back when,hope you got my card.
oh he brought the rock home in the big pick up truck its on a pallet it is for the fireplace inside i have one of those fire pits in the yard, build me a storage i need to kick out one of my neighbors so i can have a house just for storage lol!
betty, we'll respect whatever decision you make on the matter just as long as you dont get hurt, wow imagine running into them after all this time.
well im off tomorrow taking a winter holliday dog needs to go to the vet for his shots and has a few lumps the size of pea's but i felt a larger one in his back inner thigh hope its just fatty lumps bbut i went to hd again got thease goodies and thats it! no more for a while

toperies were 5.00 the snowman is three nested boxes 2.50 and the sparkle bag of snow was .75 by gollie i think im set
have a great evening

Betty- Glad to hear that your getting back into your routine, I think we all are. Really nice to have you back with the rest of us! I am a true believer in what comes around goes around. Don't let them in unless you want to, it is your decision to make. Life is much better without the stress.

Liz- Can hardly wait to see what you do with the rock! The decorations are darling.

Gillian- What a beautiful family you have. So glad to hear that you made it home for the holidays.

Jeannine- So sorry to hear about your uncle. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Got some great deals on plants today at Watson's 75% off! Hopefully the rain will hold off and I can spend some time planting tomorrow.

hi rachel, here is a picture of three peices just to get a idea,

betty i found ruhbarb now to plant it for the leaves lol dont think i like that stuff but i'll try it lol

Morning all,

Jeannine..sorry to hear about your uncle's passing. Just one thought about having the funeral on Sat. ...would be that a lot of people work during the week and having it on the weekend means more people are able to attend.

Liz..I love the nesting snowman boxes..what a clever idea...you get the most amazing deals. Our new Home Depot opens in the next town in a week. Only a ten minute drive away.

So..the party is the annual "after Christmas party" that the Holiday Inn hosts for the staff. I retired about 17 months ago after 35 years and my friend retired 12 months ago, after 36 years. Both of us had worked there since the hotel opened so we were both invited (at the urging from one of our friends that still works there LOL. It will be fun to see all our friends. Lavish buffet and DJ music. Lots of prizes etc. Everyone gets dressed up. It is a fun evening.

Starzz enjoy your party.

I had started a post but I lost due to flying around on DG So this might be shorter.

Betty so glad to be reading your posts again. Have a quick question. Can a person use the picture off a gift bag for the sleighs? There are some cute ones at work and the price is right.

Liz good buys. I'm trying to stay away from the stores. I don't really need anything right now. 9 hours at work yesterday was really rough. I forgot to take my aleve. Felt all the little aches and pains. I will not forget today. Can hardly wait to see what you do with the stone. Rhubarb pie is good. or strawberry-rhubarb is good also. or jam! Yumm!

Gillian I echo the others on your family. Is that the ice road they did the show about on tv? Never heard of the ice road before that. Most of the show was interesting and some I could of done without.

Rachel no fair to be planting! I can hardly wait to start some seeds but it is at least 1-2 months to early yet. Sigh!

Ruby love your posts. I have seen you around in my lurkings. I understand the getting rid of stuff. I don't have much room for storage. So clean out is my best option. I have to finish cleaning my craft room. I got it picked up good enough my sister and her daughter slept in there over Christmas. Now to finish it! Keep your fingers crossed.

Have to go and get a few easy things done before I leave for work.

The day did start out good by reading good news on a couple of other threads I go to. Great way to start the day.

Okay you all have the day you need.

morning all,

oh its yuck wind is bad, lights flickered a few times guess i better get out the candles and such out lol

vicki, judy made a copy of the material santa for a smaller sleigh i think they look pretty good ok now i know where to send all the rubarb lol i will give it a try hope your feeling better i know im out of that to i needed it the other day good luck on your craft room im trying to put things away but i always seem to find something to work on so out it all stays.

carol, have a wonderful time sounds like alot of fun

shar how are you feeling havent heard from you in a while.

betty must be busy getting ready for work
have a great day all

Morning, system seems to be working well..didn't post last night as I got home late..stopped in Barrie Walmart to pick up a gift for Kathy who looked after the animals..got her a portable movie player and movie..and was suffering with an earache so picked up some medicine for it..was a little off balance..seems to have helped...

Then I dropped in to Kathy's (she loved the gift), got animals fed and it was past 9:00pm..took pain killers and off to bed I went..

It was -12 when I left home today (including wind chill factor), can't believe it will hit double digit temps and rain for the weekend..that surely will cause flooding...please I have the pumps plugged in..lol...

Short day today so I'm excited..Darlene and Mike (best friends) are coming over tomorrow...part of my Christmas gift along with the $100. us and every screw driver that's on the market is 2 new lamps for front entrance and hallway..Mike will hook them up..barring any complications he'll also install the new fireplace insert into the basement fireplace unit I made...so that will be exciting for me...had wanted to get another perm on Saturday but I'll have to try for Sunday morning at Scissors...

I printed off from 'Get Organized' my January planner, things to do to get organized (get it monthly) great tips! Got to laugh here's today's 'to do' Looking for some family entertainment that won't strain your budget? Take the family and head for the local library. Everyone can choose books and videos that the whole family will enjoy...THINK I did that for the past 2 weeks so I'm organized in the 'relaxation' part of the month..imagine....

But now tomorrow is says I have to do the junk drawer mystery content..take on drawer a day, starting on the 5th and sort through the contents. Toss obvious junk into the trash, donate duplicates and then sort the keepers and ut into trays inside the drawer...I've only one of those junk drawers to that should be fun...so I'm off with good intentions this Jan.2008!!!

Liz, what I wouldn't give for those rocks...rhubbarb leaves..you'll be having walkways all around the yard once those plants mature and it's wonderful to make pies,jam etc. Love your new finds...now when I went to visit Susan (101) just down the street from her was a Hobby Lobby and of course the girls wanted to head south so no time to visit one, checked for one near Clearwater but found non..now is this a chain, are they all over the USA, good place to shop/great ideas? If so should check around the border in Michigan for one...our Fabricland sent me a notice that mid January they are having a 50% off sale..will look for my velvet then for Nov./Dec. Victorian Santa project...girlfriend Diane just called while I was posting..wants to travel to Barrie over the weekend as Carole is having open house on Sat./Sun. for project registration..some of her projects will be painting your cat and another for dog with pencil crayons (newest rage) then some Genesis projects and acrylics..so, will try to get there and register for a few...

This afternoon when I get home I'm going to take my Georgian Bay project package that I was going to do for Paul for Christmas in stained glass and get it started...that should take me a few weekends, then on to 2 or 3 light shades for the 2 guest bedrooms, spring is coming and I want to be prepared for the B&B...yup, still in my plans for 2008...

Carol, you'll have a wonderful time at the dinner, just make sure they don't talk you into going back! lol Always nice to dress up..take photo's PLEASE! As soon as the weather improves we'll have to set up a meeting place mid-way and get-together...I'd enjoy that...you've so many great decorating ideas, maybe you could give me a few for my yard this year...oh I'm getting itchy for gardening...still a long way away but I can plan though can't I...

Dawn, did you get rain or did the storm miss you? Guess there are quite a few homeless and beggars that we feel sorry for only to find out they are more financially stable then we...but that can't deter us from giving...we also had an elderly person who would beg in downtown Toronto, will when he died, they found he was a millionaire several times over...

Quiet here this morning...Paul's not in...but I've had a call from Dianne, now June so I've been a gabbing..if I don't watch out they'll be calling me Aunt Muriel...

Vicki,I would imagine you could use the bag, however, it will show that's it's an add on more than material because of the thickness..now what I have done before when I saw a beautiful picture that I wanted was to buy at Walmart the packages in the material aisle that allows you to print on it..it's fabulous..I've either scanned it to be on my computer, or, photographed it or have found some on the internet...Judy used photocopies and they turned out beautiful..she even inserted photo's of family members to replace Christmas elves,Santa etc. - very creative...you are anxious to plant..guess you can start some indoors..a lovely lady on DG sent me about 15 envelopes of different types of gourds...I'm really going to focus and getting them planted early so I can have some painting surfaces this fall; one would think though I should paint all the ones that are sitting in my craftroom first...There is a gourd studio about 50 miles from me that offers courses...perhaps I'll check their website and see if they have any weekend courses..perhaps carving or woodburning methods would be something I'd like to try...always nice isn't it Vicki, to drop in, visit with friends here at DG..I'll say as you've said, lovely way to start a day!

Rachel, what have you been up to? Just relaxing, getting back into a routine?

Jeannine, so sorry to hear about your Uncle..will say a few prayers for you and yours...difficult times..time to reflect on all those wonderful memories you have with him...hold off on the being angry with your cousin till all the facts are in..perhaps there is some reason why it must be done on Saturday..playing devils advocate...did your Hokies win?

Laura, you are awfully quiet..still on holidays? Must be sad to see all the plants you've worked so hard in putting in your back garden and the grass all fade away because of the heat and water restrictions...for a few years we've had the same here and I've lost so many of my 'treasured' plants...perhaps you are sitting under a shade tree, sipping on a cool one, DH waiting on you while you rest and regenerate...hmmm...bet that's what you are up to?

Cross posted Liz..thank you for the beautiful Angel..loved it..put it in my jewelery box until I can find a silver chain...will treasure it...are you having rain and strong winds, is that why your lights are flickering?

Suzanne just got a call with bad news...my SIL Marguerite's daughter Denise got news that she has lung cancer in stage 3..she's 36 years old..single mom with a 17-14-12 year old sons..Dr.'s told her to prepare for the wellbeing of her family...how very tragic...d...n smoking! Marguerite is on her own, has been living with her mom..her dad passed away last year Jan.6th so she's been staying with her to look after her, but now, at 61 she'll have to purchase a home to look after these boys...just so very young...so prayers please....

Just getting ready to leave work..came across the following this morning on another of my groups..thought it was worth reading:

I am the New Year.

I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.
I am your next chance at the art of living.

I am your opportunity to practice
What you have learned about life
During the last twelve months.

All that you sought
And didn't find is hidden in me,
Waiting for you to search it out
With more determination.

All the good that you tried for
And didn't achieve is mine to grant
When you have fewer conflicting desires.

All that you dreamed but didn't dare to do,
All that you hoped but did not will,
All the faith that you claimed but did not have -
These slumber lightly,
Waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose.

I am your opportunity to renew
Your allegiance to Him who said,
'behold, I make all things new.'

I am the New Year.

oh betty, how sad sending up prayers for them
glad you got the card, now ive been meanning to tell you, after i spoke to you i went on a wonderful wild goose chase i put in a letter to the city on recycled materials well they told me of a place 20 minutes from me so at 10.00 dh and i are going to go investigate what kind of material in used glass blocks they may have however we must be absolutly crazy it is so stormy out here terrible wind and were going to go out and venture im telling you cabin fever!!lol

good greif thease spoild dogs are driving us crazy took the one for his shots nail clipping and to look at a couple of lumps the lumps are fatty no big deal but one on his belly he has to have a spray twice a day he loves to scratch his belly on the carpet and the vet feels it is the culprit well for 5 minutes 130.00 geez im going to go to school to be a vet now thats some easy money lol

yes were having a nasty rain and wind storm, the news said if you have any decorations out bring them in or the'll wind up in the next town :(