Final farewell to 2011

After all the crap I went through in 2011 I can honestly say it was the worst year of my life. I am very happy to be done with it and get on to 2012, Mayan calendar and all :D

I don't make resolutions on New Year's Eve but I do try to make reachable goals. I don't even remember last year's goals that's how crazy my year was. This year I am taking my diet and exercise in hand. I work out with a trainer once a week for a very long and grueling hour and I try to get to the gym 2 more times. I say TRY but I really don't. It's cold and wet and dark and I am tired. My foot hurts my back hurts my dog needs to be let out... These are my perceived hurdles but really, I just don't feel like it! So, I am looking for ways to motivate myself.

My second goal is to get my basement cleaned out. For those of us in Michigan a basement can be a godsend and/or a curse. We stash everything in the basement and forget about it. Top that with a husband who never got rid of anything, ever, and you see my problem. I gave away the old treadmill and have been slowly taking things to the Salvation Army. I still have a long way to go. I plan on having a few very large garage sales as soon as the weather turns warmer do I need to get my butt in gear!

I see 2012 as the perfect year to start over. For the first time in a long time I have plans. I hope to detail those plans here over the next months so stay tuned!

I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year!

Monday... ha ha...oops... Tuesday

Four days off and I am back to work...kind of. I am here for about 6 hours a day Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week. My company gives Fri/Mon off on the Christmas and New Year's weekends. This is the first time in about 10 years that I have worked the days in-between. I am heading to Seattle (Hi Stefanie) in 2 weeks and didn't want to take the vacation days needed. No one here, I am just puttering..cleaning files, posting blogs...

So I seem to have survived my first Christmas without the hubby. I kept very busy and cried when I needed to, which wasn't that often. I am getting sick to death of this though. I think I have been doing very well and BAM all of a sudden something weird hits me and I start bawling! Yesterday it was cleaning house. I know, weird right? When we had people over I did the shopping and cooking and Bob cleaned the house. I had my brother and his family over and had to clean everything myself! I guess that is enough to make anyone cry. :D

I got a lot done over the time off and hope to get more done this coming long weekend.. Next up, an overhaul of my diet and exercise regime. Wish me luck I am honestly going to need it.

So this is Christmas

Bah Humbug! As much as I try I just can't seem to get into the "spirit" this year! Yes, I know, my husband died... it will get better...blah blah... I don't think it will ever be the same for more reasons then that. My immediate family is all spread out, Mom and Sis in Dallas, brother and family in Seattle leaves 2 brothers. We used to have a big crowd and now we are down to a few. The weather doesn't help this year...warmish for December, overcast and rainy. Not really Christmas type of weather. I am not depressed... I just don't feel like being freaking JOLLY!! How about you?

I'm Baaack!

Wow, I haven't blogged in ages! I didn't really have anything to say....which I am sure most of you don't believe! I have been trying to get into Christmas a little bit. It's not working. As you may know from previous posts, this is not my favorite holiday to begin with. Without Bob here it just seems pointless this year. I am sure I will get more into the spirit in the next few years, but maybe not. What I would really like to do it travel for the holidays but, and that's a really big but... I hate the actual travel during this time of year. Crazy people, screaming kids, bad weather delays... bleck!

This year I am heading to my niece and her husband's for Christmas eve, volunteering Christmas morning and then my brother's for Christmas dinner. Then the next day I am having another brother and his crew for dinner! Still trying to decide what I want to do for New Year's but it looks like the jury is in and I will survive the holidays this year! How about you?

The tale of Gracie.

Let me tell you the story of Gracie the wonder dog. We had a cocker spaniel for years..12 to be exact. The poor thing got sick and we had to put her out of her misery years ago. I swore off dogs. I told Bob every single time he dragged me to the pet store, "no dogs".

Well, Bob got sick and really really wanted a puppy, hence, Gracie. Against all advice we got her from a pet store. She is a cocker-chon - Cocker/Bichon mix. Doesn't shed, is hypo-allergic. I honestly thought she would be small; a cute little lap dog. I am sure I had a fever or something because she had huge paws and is a stocky, husky 32 pounds.

Poor Gracie is now home all alone. Poor Gracie is now, after being 8 years old, getting into everything she can while I am work. Poor Gracie is going to be dead if she doesn't stop it!! When I get home from work I never know what my house is going to look like but I know for sure that the mess will involve toilet paper. There is a long long flag of toilet paper from the bathroom into the kitchen every day. I thought she was pulling it off and running with it until...my sister caught the cat rolling the toilet paper off the roll!!! The cat bats at toilet paper until it is un-rolled and then the dog runs around the house with it. It would be funny if I didn't have to clean it up..well..it is kind of funny.

I am looking for suggestions to keep the dog entertained. I tried a Kong..she ate it.

Back to work

Well it looks I am back to work. I was off for a month and I sure would like to be off some more but hey, gotta pay those bills. I have to say my boss, Jennifer, has been super. She told me to take all the time I need, and I did. She also sent flowers to my office on the day I came back to work. My sister stayed with me for 2 weeks and I can't say it enough, I would not have been able to do any of the stuff that had to be done without her! Her kids came for a week and my brother David and his clan stayed for 2 weeks. After they all left my girl Nancy came up from Dallas for a week and we pretty much just drank the entire time! I had a pretty severe sore throat and laryngitis for most of that week and believe tequila is what cured me.

So, this being a widow thing is pretty crappy but if I have to look for silver linings (and I do) I can say hmmm, not having someone tell me how to load the dishwasher has been interesting. ;D I am not crying every day anymore but weird stuff will set me off. Like last night, I was talking to the dog....and started bawling. I know, weird!

It's a little uncomfortable the first time I see most people because they don't know what to say. "I am sorry for your loss" works good and then we can all move on... which is perfect and much better than the old woman at the funeral who told me, a. "it will only get worse before it gets better" and b. She made her husband's wedding ring into earrings, "just something you might want to consider."

All in all I think I am doing ok but then again, my mom has been in Seattle for 2 weeks so it could just be the peace and quiet! Just kidding, love you mom!

Sad news

Bob passed away Friday night peacefully at home.

The long good-bye

It was a gift that Bob decided on hospice last week. We spent some very good time together and it eased a burden I didn't know I was carrying. He was in the hospital until yesterday because as in the past, he gets worse without his medicine in about 4 days. Well, stubborn man that he is, he didn't follow his normal pattern. Without evidence of progression, Hospice couldn't keep him in the hospital. Well, damn if he didn't get worse the minute we got him home. He is not aware of his surroundings and we are keeping him happily sedated.

We have had an amazing out-pouring of love and support. Old friends and family have been coming out of the woodwork to see us or contact us with their prayers and good wishes. We appreciate every single one of you!!

Donuts can't fix this

I am sad to say Bob is in Hospice in the hospital. I really appreciate all the support I have received from all of our family and friends.

Random thoughts

I have been up since 3:00 am with the Bobster. He isn't doing that well and I wake up at every little sound so here I am...

When a family member is terminally ill everyone comes out of the woodwork. Nieces and nephews we haven't seen in ages, old friends, ex-sisters-in-law.. It's nice that they visit him and he is so happy to see them but I feel bad for all of them. On my side of the family we see aunts, uncles, cousins all the time. They call, they Facebook. His side, not so much. The Bobster's uncle died in January and we didn't find out until September. It isn't his fault and it isn't theirs. It's just the way his family is but I find it all sad.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, says "if there is anything I can do". They are all very sincere and we are appreciative. I know family and friends want to help in someway to show their love and ease our burden but I never know what to say. I am still working part-time ish so my mom and aunt come over to help, God Love Them! There isn't much to do but they help with little things that I don't get to like folding laundry and doing dishes. The best thing anyone did lately was bring dinner (oxoxo Jackie). I can cook but I just have so much else to do that is it great not to have to worry about it. Come visit for a few minutes. Bob loves it.

Why does caring for a sick person always involve poop? Just saying...

On a lighter note, we finally had the damn garage sale! It was 50 out so I was pretty sure no one would come but it was pretty busy. I sold over $320 worth of junk. My mom wants to have part 2 next weekend but if it is a nice as they say it will be I need to clean my flower beds and start putting my outside to bed for the winter.

I hope you have a great week and enjoy the weather, wherever you are!

Today's news

Bob has improved tremendously! He is up and walking and feeling much like his old self again. The plan was for him to go to a rehab for a week or so to get his strength back but he is one determined man and going home today or at the latest in the morning with home nursing for a week.

His health is not going to improve much more than it is and his liver is still failing but he is happy to go home.

Long and winding road

I will try to explain what is going on with Bob as simply as possible. His liver is failing and he is in end- stage liver failure. His liver put out too much ammonia and it made me him confused. Last time this happened they gave him medicine in the hospital and he got better and came home. This time he got a little better but his liver has tipped to the bad side. His doctors would like him to agree to Hospice but he won't. He called me early one morning this week and said, "hi honey, I decided I want to live". He tells me he is a fighter but this may be too big of a match for him. He is not in pain, he is actually in a pretty good mood and is eating, talking, pooping...haha..

At this point we are taking it day-by-day. We appreciate all of your prayers and good wishes.

Finally

Bob has been in step down ICU since the Saturday before Labor Day. He is finally being moved to a regular floor today which I hope means he will be home in a few days. He had an e coli infection and is retaining fluid. He gained 10lbs in fluid this week, mostly in his legs. They look like tree trunks, but he is feeling much better and up walking around and generally being his usual pain in the ass self :D

I am usually pretty tired when he is in the hospital because I work all day and the spend a few hours at the hospital each night. By the time I get home my head it like cotton. But this week I have been more down than usual and I figured out it was all the 9/11 stuff. I get unbelievably sad and can't watch ANY of the stories on TV with out sobbing. On Friday morning the radio station I listen to had a "remembrance" show and I heard a little before I could change the station. Of course I started crying on my way to work. I spent the whole week with my eyes scrunched closed and my feet planted hard on the ground so the 10th anniversary memories wouldn't knock me on my ass again.

Believe it or not I am finally going to have the garage sale I keep talking about. Fri., Sat., and Sun., Sept. 23-25. REALLY!! I don't care if he is in the hospital or not. That junk has got to go!

The picture above was last summer in Dallas and that is my bestie, Nancy! She is my go-to girl for feel better pick me up talks! Love ya :D

Update on Bob

Well the hubby is in the hospital again.  He has pneumonia, low blood pressure and is retaining to much fluid. He also had an infection in his blood but that seems to be cleared up.   He is step down ICU again because of his blood pressure so they can keep a good eye on him.  He thought he was going to a regular floor today but his blood pressure dropped last night so looks like he gets the 5 star treatment for a few more days.  He is quite the complicated case and has, oh, about 7 doctors!   I told him it's a good week to be in the hospital since he truly hates any kind of weather below 80 :D

My youngest niece, Lola,  starts pre-school today! They all get so big so fast it's hard to keep track.  The little blondie in this picture is my oldest great-niece.  She and her sister sprouted like weeds this summer. I used to know how old they all are but I gave up keeping track.   Uncle Bob loves to spend time with them, especially at the lake.

My mother went to Dallas for 2 weeks to visit my sis and on her way back Saturday had to land in Kansas because the weather was so bad. She missed her connecting flight in Chicago and ended up spending the night there and not getting home until about 2:00 Sunday afternoon!  What is up with this weather? The Arctic cap is melting, the glaciers are melting, the East coast is constantly flooded, Texas is in a historic drought, the hurricanes are coming fast and furious...what did we do to this planet?

I have had a hard time this week with all the 9/11 shows and stories. My heart still breaks when I see any video clips of what happened or read any stories of the people involved.  We should never ever never forget but I can't watch.

And it's only Wednesday....

Gobsmacked!

I love that word! I haven't been gobsmacked this week...I just wanted to use the word. After all the excitement of Bob's last hospital stay, this week has been pretty quiet. No, we didn't get to go on vacation but we are planning for the end of September (fingers crossed XX). No big plans for the Labor Day holiday. We are going to my cousin's for a BBQ on Sunday (hi Jill). It was planned for Monday but there was a scheduling conflict, too many parties!

So the hotdog was my dinner last night. I didn't have anything else. I try to eat "right" and exercise and every once in awhile I have a donut or something like a hot dog but overall I don't eat a lot of junk. So why can't I lose weight? I am 5'7" and weigh around 156. Most of you won't think that is too bad but it is the most I have ever weighed...you got that, right? EVER. I wear a size 12 and that is getting freaking tight. Not being what most people consider fat, I have never been on a diet but I did come to the conclusion that my metabolism died and I have no idea how to jump start it again. My sis-in-law and one of my brother's started running 5ks and 1/2 marathons and lost weight and look fantastic. I am very motivated by their success but I can't run...ha ha..some days I can barely walk. Suggestions?

Sitting around the hospital for a week at time has one benefit, I have been reading like a fiend. The downside to that is I am getting a bit bored. I have a large TBR pile but nothing looks good right now. I think I have book burnout. I guess I need to do something else for awhile but I don't really watch TV and some nights I am too tired to do anything but lay like a lump on the couch. What are you reading? Have you read anything you absolutely LOVE lately?

Have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend!

Bob Update

The Bobster is in the hospital again. Sunday at 5:00 am he woke up confused. I had to call an ambulance to get him to the ER, talk about scary! He has an infection that caused his ammonia level to elevate which made him confused. He is much better now but in the course of all the testing they did on him they found a blood clot in his leg....sigh... Of course they can't treat the blood clot as they normally would because of all Bob's other issues so they will be putting in a "filter". This tiny ingenious device will catch and clot before it can get into his lungs and kill him! I just love this kind of news.

We didn't get to go to Dallas yesterday like we planned so I am back to work and mad at the world ;D. We will try to reschedule in the next few weeks which could end up being better timing. Dallas will be out of the 100's and Bob will be feeling better.

Thanks in advance for all of your kind thoughts and prayers. We really appreciate all of you, with a special shout out to Aunt Rosalie who is the best friend Gracie the Wonder Dog could have!

Weekly Wrap Up

My baby sister turns 50 tomorrow! Hard for me to believe even though I am almost 5 years older! We are off to Dallas next week to help her celebrate. I had planned on being lazy around her pool, A LOT, but the weather is predicted to be over 100 every single damn day we are going to be there. The Bobster is dragging me to see the new Cowboy stadium because he wants to see what a billion dollar stadium looks like *rolling eyes here* . I will be seeing my girl Nancy and some friends from Michigan, Raul, Savitha and Candice. Looks like it will be an action packed few days.

My garden is looking straggly. The heat made most of my plants bolt this year my plants are sad looking. I planted 3 kinds of peppers and this is what I got. Last I night I chopped everything up for the freezer. I still have beets I need to pick but with going on vacation I won't have time and I am not sure what to do with the beets. There they sit, calling out to me to save them.

The weekend after Labor Day we will be having the long planned, never executed garage sale. We have too much crap. Isn't it funny how you really really think you need something and then use it once or twice? I mean, I have 2 sets of china in my basement that I always think I need and when it comes down to a party...paper plates all the way. Anyone need china service for 12? I didn't buy either set. The first set was my mother-in-laws and the second is what we call Isabel's china. Isabel was the sister of my aunt's second husband. When she died my aunt received a bunch of her stuff..including Isabel's china. My aunt gave it to me years ago and there it sits.

Have a safe and fun weekend. See you all in a few weeks.

Up North and weekly up date..

I love going Up North to our niece's family cottage. It's about a 3 1/2 hour drive to Lewiston. Their cottage is in the woods a few hundred feet from a lake. Like most kids the girls love to play in the water and collect shells and rocks. My niece and I like to sit and watch them while sipping our favorite adult beverages! Gary and Krista have a pontoon boat, four-wheelers, jet-ski's, a golf cart ...all the toys so we are never bored. Then there is the BOAT. Bob's hydro-plane. The guys put that thing in the lake and every single time it breaks! High powered toys are just too finicky. I can't begin to understand why they think it's fun.

So...Bob... sigh.. he has been having some shortness of breath. He went to 3 of his many many doctors this week and ended up in the hospital yesterday for tests...yep, yesterday, our 27th anniversary! He may come out tomorrow, it all depends on the what the test results are. So far they haven't found much and he feels ok.

My sis in law has lost 17 lbs and is training for a 1/2 marathon! She has totally inspired me to get going. WAY TO GO STEFANIE!!!

We leave for Dallas a week from Tuesday for my little sis's 50 birthday!!!! We don't have a lot of plans but it will be great to get away and spend some time with my sister. Mom is going with us so if anyone would like to house sit just let me know. Not sure what I am going to do with Gracie The Wonder Dog while we are gone.

Have a wonderful weekend. Get out there and enjoy Michigan while you can :D

Of Bro's and Beans

I could actually have gone with all the funny brothers and beans stories but no, I will spare you...These are 2 of my 3 handsome brothers. My youngest bro was here for a short visit last week. It was so great to see him since he is living in Seattle now and of course we didn't get to spend enough time. Looks like I am going to have to fit a trip to the Emerald City into my busy travel agenda.

I just realized I didn't post last week. I am not that busy so I guess I didn't have anything to say. I think the heat is getting to my brain. I don't have much energy for the "moist corner of hell" that is Michigan right now. I stole that description from someone else because it soooo very true. I promised myself I would not bitch about the summer and to keep my promise I keep thinking... Jan. 7, Dec. 21, Feb 16... all those cold, ugly, gloomy days remind me to enjoy the heat, but DANG, it is a bit thick out.

This weather does seem to be great for green beans! I have 2, 4ft long rows and I suddenly feel like the Jolly Green Giant! It's a jungle of beans in my garden! My beets are almost ready, we picked 2 tomatoes and some peppers. I am waiting for it to cool a bit and then planting a few rows of lettuce.

I started Zumba. Don't get excited. I might not continue. My trainer is getting married in Sept. and needed Thursday's off so we decided I would go for cardio until after the wedding. I started with Zumba Gold or as I call it, Zumba OLD. This is the sloooow version of Zumba and still can't do it!!! I just don't have any coordination and my feet don't freaking MOVE. I will try it again this week and if it's still a no go...well there must be something else I can do on Thursdays. I must do something.. did you see the poochy tummy in the above picture?

Have a great weekend and stay cool. My word for the day is HYDRATE :D

RIP Lucy Cat

We were very sad to have to put our older cat, Lucy, to sleep on Wednesday. She had gotten miserable over the past few months, not using her litter box and crying a lot. Last week we started seeing blood in her stool. The vet felt she was on a down hill slide so we made the painful decision to end her misery.

Lucy started her life in my cousin's barn on Memorial Day weekend 15 years ago. My cousin showed me all the kittens and implored me to take one. We thought Mandy, our dog, might like a little companion so agreed. They never liked each other. When Mandy eventually died we thought Lucy was lonely so got another cat...they never liked each other. See a pattern here? When Bob got sick he really wanted another dog so that is how we ended up with Gracie the Wonder Dog. The cats ganged up on the dog, with Lucy in the lead. Needless to say, they didn't like each other. Lucy was loud and bossy and very independent but she loved to help me exercise and poked at me every evening until I put a blanket on my lap for her to lay on. Her favorite place to sleep was on the arm of the couch so she could wrap her self around my arm. She will be missed.

Is anybody out there?

Since I only show 16 followers I have been wondering if anyone even reads this thing and then ..ha ha ...by brother called me to tell me how bad he feels for me. He thought I went to New York and had a wild and crazy time and was feeling so bad that I didn't make it that he just had to call.

I can check how many page views I get and so far I have had just over 1900 in the year since I started this thing. I enjoy doing it but I am really not sure it's worth it. Most of the time I feel like I am talking to myself..hmmm I talk to myself anyway...

I started the blog to keep everyone up-to-date on the Bobster's health and I wanted to post some very easy recipes for my sister-in-law (hi Stefanie). I still post about Bob but not so much the recipes. Soooo what do you think? Should I keep it up? Should I call it a day? Does anyone actually read my blog?

Lost Weekend

"What? Timmy fell in the well?"

I left work early last Friday to head to the airport. My plane was supposed to leave at 4:00. They put us on the plane....they took us off the plane. We were told it was an air traffic control issue. We waited around and they put us back on the plane...only to be taken off again! This time they said there were too many planes on the ground at Laguardia because of the bad weather on the east coast. Have no fear, we will be leaving at 8:30! At 7:30 they cancelled our flight. Hundreds of flights actually. So, my sis is sitting in New York waiting for the flight that never was. We could not get another flight out and the next one would have been on Saturday for $360 one-way. Needless to say I was bereft. I had a total melt-down on the way home and was depressed the rest of the weekend.

With all the crazy stuff happening in my life I really NEEDED to get away for a few days. I wasn't looking forward to New York but the time with my sister and not at home. So now I don't have time to get away again but we are heading to Dallas in August but hopefully I will be going to London in September.

This weekend I don't have any plans so I think I will work on the upcoming garage sale. My basement is a mess and I can't wait to get rid of all the crap collecting dust down there.

No Bob news which is wonderful. Well accctuuuallly... he fell off his motorcycle. Luckily he was going slow. He has some road rash and bruised the snot out of his hand. Pray that he gets better at this... the stress is making me fat!

Fun Weekends!

How was your 4th weekend? We went to see Transformers Saturday morning at 10:00 am. Surprisingly it was crowded and there was a long line waiting for the next movie when we got out! In case you didn't know, I love Bumblebee! The theater is at a very nice outdoor mall so went to lunch and walked around a bit, but it was 97 out! My mom and I wilted like warm lettuce but the Bobster was in his toasty glory. That man loves hot weather. Thank god there were a bunch of stores to keep me cool!

Hmmm .... I wonder where I am going this weekend? :D Yep, off to the Big Apple to do a little shopping, a little drinking, a little site seeing, a bit of eating, some more drinking, and to see Wicked on Broadway! My sis has to be there for work next week so we decided to meet up Friday night and be touristas for the weekend. Wish me luck. New York always feels like too much, too many. I am sure after a few adult beverages I won't even notice.

On a sad note; I may have to put one of my cats down. She is 15 and seems to be miserable. She is using the whole house as her litter box and throwing up more than usual. We have had her to the vet twice and have been told both times, "she is fine". Really? Really? I think she is in pain. The Bobster is going back and forth on spending more money to see if there is more that can be done or agreeing with me. He is much more attached to her than I am. It's not easy but I told him to make a decision by the time I get back next week.

I hope to get some good pictures this weekend so check back next week to see.

Blah

Bike man! I am not sure what in the world made him get a bike..well actually I do know. He has wanted one forever but wouldn't spend the money. This Sportser came from a friend's dad. The man died and the son sold the bike, at a great bargain. Low miles and all that...

Motorcycles never bothered me until I worked in a trauma center/ emergency room for about 4 years and saw all the damage they can do. Even if you are a great rider, you can't control everyone else on the road ...bike vs. car, bike always loses. With the Bobster being as sick as he has been I really didn't think he had it in him but there ya go. What do I know? He is out enjoying it and it makes him happy.

I have been in the blahs. Nothing good on TV, bored with what I am reading, slow at work. The weather finally turned nice and I sit in an office so maybe that is my problem. For some reason (and please let's hope I am not jinxing myself) I am bored. I am meeting my sis in New York next weekend for a few days away. Let's hope that banishes the blahs.

So what are you doing for the long holiday weekend? I am going to see Transformers!!! Wooohooo!!! I love this movie franchise. My mom too. We are going early Saturday morning to beat the crowd. Can't wait. I am also having brother #2 and his wife over Monday for a mini-BBQ. I call it mini since we usually have a crowd but this year it looks like just them and my mom and aunt.

Have a great 4th of July and stay safe!

Garage Sale

"Hey baby, you know I really dig smart woman!"

I don't have much today. I have been exceptionally tired this week and haven't done anything but eat, not sleep and eat..oh and more not sleep. I want to clean out my basement and linen closet. I think I will get to the closet tomorrow but the basement will have to wait for a little more energy. Why in the world do we keep so much crap? I never used to. I get trapped in the "I may use/need/want this chotchke some day" mentality. Lately when I think of my hubby's illness and getting older I get very motivated to throw stuff out. BTW, garage sale the first weekend in August :D

I finally got someone clean my house. So now I have lawn service and a house cleaner...why don't I have more spare time?

Southwest airlines was having a great sale this week and I got 2 round trip tickets to Dallas for $399 total. They were $80 each way and then tax and stuff. I am also going to New York in 2 weeks. No sale air tickets but free hotel. My sis has to go for work so we will have a girls weekend! Not sure what we are doing but I think the theater will be involved...and I bet some shopping.

Have a great weekend!

Tales of an escape artist!

I was cleaning out my basement on Saturday and loaded up the car with clothes to take to the Salvation Army and a local consignment shop. When I got home around 2:00 I had things to unload and take to the basement so I left the garage door open. Bob got home from his errands around 4:00 and we were getting ready to go out to dinner with my cousin and her hubby. I was looking around for Gracie to let her out and NO DOG! I thought she was under the bed where she likes to sleep, NO DOG! Neither one of us could figure out where she was. She never runs away and when I am outside she stays right on my heels.

After the initial WTH? I started to panic. I walked around the block calling her name and then got in the car and drove all around the neighborhood. NO DOG! Honestly she has never run off so we were totally perplexed. I thought she may have been out in front of the house and someone took her. She is darn cute after all. One of the girls from across the street got in her car and drove around too. We live on a very busy side street and are about 2 houses from a major street. I kept picturing poor Gracie smashed like a white pizza on Gratiot!

I decided to call the police on the off chance that someone found her. The dispatcher told me someone did find a white and tan dog and gave me the number. As I was calling the number, the Bobster walked in with the dog! She had quite the adventure. Seems she walked around the block, crossed a street and walked right up to this old couple out in their yard! Their neighbor works for Animal Control so in the 3 hours Gracie was missing, the animal control neighbor called the police, made a sign and put it in their front yard and posted it on Craig's List! The Bobster saw the sign and stopped to check if it was our little trouble-maker.

All's well that ends well but in the mean time, I was crying and trying to figure out how many flyers I would need to copy, my mom and aunt got in their car and were half way to my house to start looking and my cousins were ready to start dinner without us! Yes, we have a collar on her now with name and address and yes, we are going to get her chip activated but in my defense, I never even saw her outside and she is 8 years old and not once took off...well I guess we all need a little adventure.

My peony's were spectacular this year. The only problem is that they don't last very long, especially with the surprise heat wave we had this week. I love cutting a bunch to sit on my desk at work.

Roman Gnome won't leave me alone! ha ha.. this is the Travelocity Roaming Gnome. He has been hanging out in my backyard. Guess he likes the atmosphere! I did ask him politely to go home but he didn't take it well and I had to talk him off the ledge.

It's been a bit quiet this week around the old homestead. Not much going on so I don't have much to blog about. I did get my garden it, 4 tomato plants, 2 small rows of beans, some beets, carrots, onions and 2 green peppers, 1 hot pepper and 1 sweet red pepper oh, and some lettuce. I need a little more room for onions. I dry them in my basement and use them most of the winter. I planted a few flower pots and cleaned up the beds. My nephew Rob is putting in mulch today so we are done. The wind knocked my patio umbrella around and it broke my glass top patio table! We have had it for about 8-9 years so we got our monies worth but I sure wasn't ready to go buy a new patio set.

I plan on spending the next 2 weekends getting ready for a garage sale. I have been in a clean out the junk mood lately. Every time the Bobster goes in the hospital for something serious I spend the entire time thinking "if something happens to him, I have all this crap to get rid of". Well, not any more. I am getting rid of the crap now. I will post the date of the garage sale so you can stop by and say hi!

New Car

We finally settled on a car. It was not easy because in the middle of the process, A. The Bobster went in the hospital for 2 weeks and B. my sciatica decided to come back with a vengeance. The issue with my back is that it hurts when I drive! My car is low and the seat doesn't move any other way than forward and back and I actually couldn't drive the damn thing. I drove Bob's beat up old truck for a week or so and than traded cars with my mom. She has a cute little PT Cruiser that has a seat that is almost like a chair. Didn't bother my back at all. So the back thing made car shopping difficult. I had to find the time first and then find a car that didn't hurt or have the potential to hurt :(

Last night I drove a Volkswagen CC. It has a 12-way seat! Very nice car, has all the bells and whistles. So a little prayer that it doesn't aggravate my sciatica!

Bob is doing better. He is up and around finally. Not doing too much but is getting better every day. He is very thin and needs to gain some weight but all of his doctor's are very impressed by his progress.

I have finally given in and decided to hire someone to clean my house (Hi Mel). While I can afford it, it seems so frivolous but working, working out, and doing all the stuff that Bob used to do is wearing on me. He has been cleaning since he quit working but it is hit and miss at the best and not done at all when he doesn't feel well. This last time he was in the hospital I took one day to clean and figured out he wasn't doing such a great job. He was "man" cleaning.. only the middle and none of the corners!

Have a great weekend! BTW, there is a gnome stalking me.. I will try to get his picture and post it here next :D

Back to our regularly scheduled program...

Bob came home from the hospital yesterday. He is feeling much better and is very glad to be home. He is optimistic that he will be riding his Harley soon. This time he was pretty sick. His blood pressure was low and his heart rate high. They had to drain 1600 cc of fluid from his chest and I think this was the turning point, he started feeling better right away. I thought Gracie the Wonder Dog was going to burst when he walked in the door! Gracie is on her second round of allergy shots. I have to give her a little smear of peanut butter in a dish and while she is chasing it around the floor I stick her with the needle full of medicine. She never even flinches, oh the power of peanut butter!

I am still not able to insert pictures where I want them on this thing. I just tried to get the picture above to insert HERE and no matter what I do it ends up on top. If I try to put another one in it will end up under the first one. It is a bit frustrating.

I am praying for some kind of decent weather for the Memorial Day holiday. I NEED to get my garden in. I usually have the lettuce planted by now but it has been to wet to play in the dirt. I am planting tomatoes, beets, lettuce, beans, onions and peppers this year. If you see a dazed blonde wondering aimlessly around Van Thoms' garden center this weekend stop and say Hi, I will need the distraction! :D The rest of the yard just needs a little weeding. I have two lavender plants that have grown more than I thought so I am taking them out. I am planting a few more hostas and looking for some kind of perennial border plants but that's it for this year. I don't want to spend every weekend in the yard this short short summer.

Have a safe and fun Memorial Day!

More Bob News

Bob is doing much better this week. His pneumonia is clearing up and his heart rate is a little more stable. His blood pressure is back up to normal, well normal for him. He tends to run a little low. He is being transferred out ICU step down today and onto a monitored floor (regular room w/ heart monitors). He has been up and walking and eats like a little pig. He really appreciates everyone's kind thoughts, funny comments and prayers.

Me? TIRED!

Bob Update

Bob is in the hospital (St. John Macomb) with pneumonia. He is in ICU step down which I call ICU Jr. He is on oxygen and a heart monitor. He was doing fine the past few weeks and even started working out a little bit at the gym. Sunday night he had a slight fever and Monday he just didn't feel well. He had a doctor appointment Tuesday and his doctor sent him to the hospital from his office. All of his other health issues complicate his care so it takes longer for him to get better. He will be in the hospital for at least a week this time. I will let you all know of any changes. Thanks in advance for all the kind wishes and prayers. We really appreciate them.

When I grow up!

When I grow up I want to be just like my little niece! She came out of her room dressed to impress and said "Mama, I am going to Nordstrom!" I call her a spunky monkey but she really is a bundle of joy!

I had a busy week and it looks like the weekend will be more of the same. The speaker on my iPhone blew out so on top of everything else, I have to run out to the Apple store and get a new phone. They will replace it for free but it is a huge hassle and not very close to my house. My sciatica came back (out of the clear blue sky) and driving is one of the activities that makes it worse. I have to drive about 20 miles to get my hair colored and then a few errands, home and back out another 10-15 miles for my great-niece's 5th birthday party.

Everyone keeps walking in the office telling me how nice it is outside so I am done! I need to get out in the sunshine before it goes away! Have a Happy Mother's Day!

Typical Weekend

This was a typical weekend. Saturday we left the house early and went, god save me, car shopping. My lease is up in June. The Bobster has been looking at a new car for me for over a year! This makes me crazy so I tell him I will not look at cars until the month before my lease is up. He also likes to go to the Auto Show every January to start picking out my next car, even the year I just got one. See the crazy. I won't go with him until the year my lease is up. Anyway, he narrowed the selection down to a Volvo S60, a Hyundai Sonata and recently added a Volkswagen CC. I like the Volvo and the Volkswagen so he is going to take it from there. I am still not sure what I will be driving for the next 3 years.

After all that fun we had to stop at the Harley dealer. He needed some kind of wind blocking sunglasses... more fun. We came home, let the dog out, changed clothes and went to Longhorn for dinner which is funny since neither of us ate steak.

So today: Since I got up at O dark thirty (6:30) I have paid bills, cleaned the kitchen, done 2 loads of laundry, made pancakes, posted this and surfed the net a bit. It is only 8:45. The Bobster is still in bed. For the rest of the day I will go grocery shopping (UGH), make dinner, finish my laundry and get my clothes and lunches ready for the week.

This is a typical weekend. I run, run run. Clean, cook, laundry. I just don't seem to have the time or the energy to do errands during the week. Now that it is warming up I need to start working on my garden, if the weather would only cooperate. My week will look something like: cake decorating class tomorrow night, work out Tuesday, doctor appointment Wednesday, hair cut Thursday, hair color (long story) Saturday and 5 year-old birthday party Saturday, oh and Mother's Day Sunday..all after working all week.

I think I need a wife! The Bobster doesn't work, but he also doesn't cook and believe me when I say, I don't want him to. He cleans and I have learned to let most of what he does and how he does it go but I still end up doing the things he JUST DOESN'T NOTICE! There are some things that just aren't on his radar.

So the point today? Hmmm I guess I can use some time management hints! :D

Updates

Shellac up date - this picture was taken after 2 weeks. As you can see, the polish never chipped but my nails grew. The gel protected my nails and made them stronger while it was on. To take it off I had to soak my nails in acetone for about 10 minutes. It actually took about 30 minutes total of soak and scrape, soak and scrape. Today my nails are long and feel a bit thin. Being right-handed I had hard time getting the gel off my right hand with my left hand so next time I would go to the salon to have them removed. I would definitely do it again for a special event.

Florida was so great it was hard to come back to the crappy weather. It was about 86 without a cloud all week. We stayed at the Inn of Naples. A very nice boutique hotel that was clean, well cared for and staffed by helpful people. They provided self-serve breakfast every morning of cereal, bagels, toast, fruit, waffles, juice, coffee, pastry and English muffins. We liked our room and only had one complaint, the pillows were the absolute worst of any hotel I have ever been to; hard little lumpy pancakes! We spent the week doing NOTHING and it was wonderful. Went to the pool or beach every morning and then just did a little shopping, did a little eating, maybe a little drinking, a movie and a day spent on Sanibel/Captiva islands. Pure sunshiny bliss!

Happy Easter to all. Here's hoping the Easter Bunny doesn't need his winter coat and boots!

Monday Meanderings

Small update on the Bobster - Last week Wednesday he thought he was having some stomach bleeding (I won't go into the gory details) so I took him to the hospital. With him it is always better safe than sorry. He was there until Saturday and this time it wasn't anything alarming. They did an upper GI scope and a lot of blood work and everything is hunky dory. Whew!! We are going on vacation Saturday to Naples, FL and I so didn't want him to be sick.

I went to get a manicure this weekend and the girl talked me into a new product called "Shellac". From what I can figure out its a gel polish that is "set" under a light. It dried immediately and lasts 2-3 weeks. I will let you know if really does. Got my toes done too but I will spare you the glory that are my feet :D

Gracie the Wonder Dog has allergies. I bet you wonder how we figured that out? Well she itches non-stop and chews her feet all the time. Believe me we tried everything before the vet did allergy testing. $$$375!!! It really is a good thing because she is allergic to poultry and fish, two of the main ingredients in the food we give her. Now the spoiled thing eats Venison and Sweet Potato dog food with no grain and no fillers. With the grass melting she is getting itchier. The vet is ordering shots for her. We will be doing this for a year. *eye rolling, head shaking*

I am so ready to dig my finely manicured fingers into the dirt in my little garden. This year I am going to plant beets!! I want to tackle canning pickeled beets. I am planting all the usual suspects: tomatoes, beans, onions, carrots, lettuce and peppers both green and hot. Is there anything unusual you plant in your garden?

See you all after vacation!

Spring? Hello??

Seems like Spring is never going to get here. The tulips are pushing their little green leaves up but that is about it. The grass is brown, it will not be over 40 degrees until maybe sometime next week and I haven't seen one stinking robin! This has to be the worst time of year. Winter was so long, cold and snowy this year and STILL NO SPRING!!! I am sooo ready to garden.

My niece is getting married Saturday! I am very happy that she is so happy(she is ga-ga). I swear it was only a few years ago when she was starting kindergarten! My sis is flying in today for the wedding and it will be great to see her. Pictures next week. More than likely I will post them on Facebook. I can only post one picture at a time here otherwise it gets all messy.

I am hoping to go on a photo safari this weekend. My cousin and I need to practice with our cameras so we are thinking of heading out to Belle Isle to see what we can see. If I get anything good I will post it here. I like my new camera and it doesn't seem that difficult to use but I want to learn how to take better pictures. We took a couple of camera classes and I think I am getting the hang of it. I really think it's just a matter of spending some time taking pictures and time is not something I have a lot of lately. The dust bunny colony under my bed finally declared independence and is ready to march on the rest of the house. I am considering calling NATO to see if they will authorize a carpet bombing.

As always, I like to know what everyone is reading. I just finish "Water for Elephants". Most of the book takes place on a circus train during the Depression. I am curious as to what the movie will be like. I rarely think movies are as good as the books.

Until next week...

What I Read This Week

Ok, I need to post a little more regularly! To make up for it I am posting a nice long blog today.
I have been reading some very good books lately and thought I would share. I am no way, no how a book reviewer so I am giving you the blurbs from the real reviewers at Amazon along with a small note about why I liked the book. I am not sure if this is kosher. If you know, let me know so I don’t get nailed by the blog police.

Call Me Irresistible – Susan Elizabeth Phillips

“Onetime PGA star and smalltown mayor Ted Beaudine (met in 2005's Fancy Pants) is about to marry Lucy Jorik, the daughter of a former president, when she's persuaded to break it off by her best friend, Meg Koranda (2008's Glitter Baby), the aimless daughter of Hollywood royalty. Everyone in Wynette, Tex., loves Ted, but Meg feels Lucy deserves a passionate partner, not a god of self-control. After the disaster of calling off the wedding at the last minute, Meg's parents cut her off, stranding her in the hostile town. As Meg finds her own path and helps Ted discover his heart, the townspeople stoutly (and hilariously) defend their golden boy.”

I laughed a bit and cried a bit. My mom loved it too. There were a few too many characters from SEP’s older books and I had a hard time keeping track of all of them but overall this was a great, quick, feel good read.


Treachery in Death – JD Robb


“Lt. Eve Dallas and her squad take on corrupt cops in Robb's 33rd full-length novel featuring the New York Police and Security Dept. homicide detective (after Indulgence in Death), a fast-paced, intricate, and deadly dance of well-matched opponents. When Dallas's partner, Det. Delia Peabody, overhears an angry exchange between Lt. Rene Oberman and Det. William Garnet that reveals an unlawful killing and ongoing skimming, Dallas's reaction to this news is decisive: "the blue line breaks for wrong cops." The setting may be slightly futuristic, but the procedures are familiar: Dallas puts together a solid team that meets in her home to avoid leaks as they compile evidence. At the same time, she initiates confrontations with the dangerous Oberman, whom she begins pushing toward a trap. From this pure good guys versus bad guys scenario, Robb (aka Nora Roberts) wrings plenty of exciting strokes and counterstrokes before reaching the satisfying climax.”

I LOVE LOVE LOVE JD Robb! Everyone I tell to read these books loves them too! The characters are so well written I feel like I know them. This is the 33rd book in the series so if you want to really good list of books start with the first one and work your way through. You will not be disappointed!

River Marked – Patricia Briggs

"Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. She's never known any others of her kind. Until now. An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River-one that her father's people may know something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help... something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help..."

This is the 6th Mercy Thompson book and they just get better and better. The relationship between Mercy and Adam plays a bigger part in this book, something all of the fans of this series have been waiting for. I read this in 2 days and didn’t want it to end.

Mind Games – Carolyn Crane


"JUSTINE KNOWS SHE’S GOING TO DIE. ANY SECOND NOW. Justine Jones has a secret. A hardcore hypochondriac, she’s convinced a blood vessel is about to burst in her brain. Then, out of the blue, a startlingly handsome man named Packard peers into Justine’s soul and invites her to join his private crime-fighting team. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal. With a little of Packard’s hands-on training, Justine can weaponize her neurosis, turning it outward on Midcity’s worst criminals, and finally get the freedom from fear she’s always craved. End of problem. Or is it? In Midcity, a dashing police chief is fighting a unique breed of outlaw with more than human powers. And while Justine’s first missions, including one against a nymphomaniac husband-killer, are thrilling successes, there is more to Packard than meets the eye. Soon, while battling her attraction to two very different men, Justine is plunging deeper into a world of wizardry, eroticism, and cosmic secrets. With Packard’s help, Justine has freed herself from her madness—only to discover a reality more frightening than anyone’s worst fears."

I am not sure how it sucked me in because this was one strange book, but I never put it down. Something about the way it is written made me want to find out what the heck was going on. I was still thinking about it after I finished; so much so that I immediately downloaded the next book in the series to my Kindle.

When Beauty Tamed the Beast – Eloisa James

"After Prince Augustus Frederick reneges on his promise to marry her, Linnet Thrynne faces social ruin since everyone—based partly on her mother’s scandalous past and partly on Linnet’s ill-fated decision to wear a ball gown that gives the impression she is pregnant—now believes Linnet is a hussy of the first degree. Fortunately, Linnet’s aunt, Lady Etheridge, comes up with a solution. Rumor has it that Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, is in the market for a wife. The irascible nobleman’s only requirement is that his bride-to-be be a woman “more beautiful than the sun and the moon,” a condition Linnet easily meets. Linnet is certain once the beastly Piers meets her, he will fall under her spell. But immediately after encountering the cranky doctor, Linnet realizes the intractable, intelligent, and altogether intriguing Piers is not exactly the husband for whom she bargained. With equal measures of superbly nuanced characters, sexy passion, and scintillating wit, James deftly fashions a fairy-tale-perfect romance."

I don’t read very many romances anymore but always buy Eloisa James latest. They never disappoint. I enjoyed this one immensely.

Aftertime – Sophie Littlefield

"Littlefield (A Bad Day for Pretty) turns what could be just another zombie apocalypse into a thoughtful and entertaining exploration of many themes, including genetic engineering, social collapse, and motherhood. Cass, a young mother and recovering alcoholic, awakens filthy and gashed in the California wilderness, with no memory of the past several weeks. She believes she's eaten a plant that turns its victims into Beaters, or zombies; her recovery is inexplicable. An enigmatic, charismatic man named Smoke agrees to escort her for the last stretch of her journey home to find her daughter, and what begins as a four-mile hike through Beater-infested terrain becomes an odyssey through fragments of civilization devastated by war, plague, and anarchy. Littlefield has a gift for pacing, her adroit and detailed world-building going down easy amid page-turning action and evocative, sensual, harrowing descriptions that bring every paragraph of this thriller to life."

Another strange book that I normally wouldn’t have picked up but I am glad I did. The review says it all! Great books!!

Close but no cigar...

It was 2 years ago today. I had a stomach ache all week, you know the kind where you walk around all day thinking "what did I eat"? This continued off and on for about 4-5 days. By Sunday morning I was in a lot of pain. So much so that I woke up the hubby and told him he needed to take me to the emergency room. By the time I got to the hospital I was crying from the pain and all I can say is THANK GOD for Demerol! Long story short, my appendix had ruptured and I needed surgery right away.

What you may not know is when your appendix ruptures it releases all kinds of nasty little toxins into your system that have to be killed with antibiotics. When your blood is infected with junk it's called sepsis. I had a lovely case, so for the next 2 weeks I was loaded up with so many antibiotics that it killed me, literally! My heart stopped and I had to be resuscitated. Being in the hospital saved my life. I fell to the floor and the woman in the next bed started yelling and the nurses rushed in and saved me. I was in the hospital 4 more days before I got to go home.

But here's the thing... I did not see a "white light". I did not see any kind of tunnel. My grandparents weren't waiting to tell me to step away from the light. I was not floating above my body looking at all the people saving my life. Nothing! I was awake one minute, out the next and awake again. That's it! I am pretty healthy, mostly happy, and very very thankful to be alive but a few months after all of this happened I had a little crisis, not exactly of faith but I sure have a lot of questions!

So last year to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of all this weirdness and especially of just being ALIVE, I had a little birthday party. This year it's not as novel but I am still going to celebrate....Happy Second Birthday too me!!

Brief Bob Update

Bob's hernia surgery went just as expected, always a good thing. He was in the hospital for 4 days and home on Sunday. So far not too much whining :D He has some pain but is up and around and doing much better than I anticipated! Yeah Bob. He is after me to get planning our trip to Florida and with this weather I think the sooner the better.

Is it summer yet?

I am sick sick sick of snow! Putting on a coat, gloves, scarf, earmuffs, warm socks, boots, sweaters and whatever else I need to stay warm is just getting to be too much work! ARGH!! Whew, got that out, feel better...

So, the Bobster... sigh. He has had a hernia for a few years now but with all of his other health issues the doctor really didn't want to do surgery on him. Well the past few weeks the hernia has gotten worse and now it needs to come out. He will be having surgery next Thursday. His doctor said they will discharge him Thursday evening and I just laughed and shook my head.

As you may or may not know, Bob is no longer on the liver transplant list. He had a heart bypass a few years ago and 2 of the grafts/bypasses are now blocked again. This precludes him from having a transplant. His quality of life is very good at this point and we just found out his transplant doctor feels that had he had the transplant a few years ago as planned, he would either be very sick now, or dead! Hey, thanks for that!

Does anyone know how to email a photo album from a Mac? I made a very nice album with my pictures from Seattle and I can't figure out how to send it to anyone. I was thinking of posting the pics on Facebook but there are about 100. :D Plus, I am getting creeped out about all the hacking on FB. I am starting to think I don't want anymore pictures of my family out there in cyberspace. Me, I don't care if my picture is out there but I don't think I want to add to the personal information a creep can find on me and mine. Now I am laughing because, umm... blogger here.

I am heading out Chili's tonight with my Chica. If ever a person needed a Presidente Margarita it's me!

I am back!

Back from Seattle. What a trip. I flew my mom out for a week before I got there. My sister met me in Denver and then we flew to Seattle together. Soooo...my mom, my sis, my brother, my sis-in-law and their 2 kids, me and oh, their dog Charlie all in a 2 bedroom bungalow with one small bathroom! Thank god we didn't stay home enough for it to be too much of a problem.

I LOVE Seattle! My brother lives in West Seattle and it is fantastic! Everyone walks, rain or shine..well, rain or drizzle. There wasn't much shine while we were there. I hear the sun comes out in the summer. It was overcast most of the time but it didn't stop anyone from being out and about.

The Sound, the mountains, the city, it all suits me perfectly. To those of you who love me in Dallas, all I have to say is..um..maybe not.

I finally figured out how to download pictures from my new camera. Now I just have to figure out how to edit them a bit and then post them. I should have some pictures next week. I can get them here but I can't maneuver them once they are inserted.. I think I need an in-service on my blog!

Short Week Wanderings (or is it Wonderings?)

It was nice to be off Monday. The Bobster and I went to the auto show. I told him I will only go the year my car lease is up so I get a 2 year reprieve....and this is the year. He loves to look and look and look some more while I can breeze through, stop at about 4 cars and call it a day. It never fails to be the coldest day of the year when we do go. Walking around downtown in 12 degrees is right up there with dental work on my list of things I never want to do again.

So, guess what? I am going to Seattle! :D I sent my mom out last week and she has called me every day to tell me how much I will love it, and how cold I will be! Did you see the 12 degrees in the first paragraph? Really! I am not sure what she means. It is in the 40's and 50's there this week. Yes, it rains but I don't think cold rain can compare to snow and freezing wind. For some strange reason my mom and brother must think I don't know how to dress my self now that I am over 50! I am cracking myself up over this.

I haven't come up with any more spare time since last time I blogged and my to-do list has gone from snickering at me to actually growling. I tried shoving it under the bed but the dust bunny colony has had a population explosion so there wasn't any room.

Santa Bob gave me a new Kindle for Christmas and I got the cutest cover for it from http://www.etsy.com/. Last Christmas my sister got a new Kindle so sent me her old one (thanks toots!) but I wasn't sure I would use it. I LOVE LOVE LOVE books..the smell, the feel of the paper, the weight in my hands.. My love affair with books started when I was about 11 and read my first Cherry Ames, Student Nurse book and hasn't cooled down since so I was pretty sure I would only use the Kindle occasionally. Big girl that I am, I admit it, MAN WAS I WRONG. Damn Kindle! The new one is even easier and lighter than the old. It is so easy to download books even my mom can do it. Hardcover books are only $9.99 - 12.99 and I can get them any time I want...no waiting on line at the library. I love it when people ask me "hey, is that one of those book things?"

I wish someone could show me how to insert pictures! I don't seem to have the knack for it yet. I am going to sit down with my little brother this week and get an inservice on my camera, Mac and this dang blog! See you in two weeks!

Finally Friday

I finally got a new camera! Now I just have to figure it all out. I love taking pictures and have a ton of old pics in plastic containers in the basement. A few people have told me to scan them into the computer and save them on disks or something so here's my thoughts on that.

In just the past 10 years think about all the changes in computers and technology. If I save my pictures on Cd's today will I (or descendants) be able to view them in 10, 20, 30 years? Will Cd's be obsolete? Will the technology be so advanced that we won't be using Cd's ? How about your wedding video for the VCR? So the pictures are staying in the tubs. I may take out some of the very old ones I have of my grandparents/ family that I don't want to lose and save them. I am open to suggestions on how.

Since this is the time of year where everyone tries to start fresh I have been thinking of my time-management issues. I work, don't have kids and should have some spare time somewhere...I DON'T. I work out on Mon., Tues., and Thurs. evening after work. I usually run errands like grocery shopping on Saturday and then I cook on Sunday; a big dinner so we have leftovers and something else for the week. I try to plan my meals for a few days and prep items I will use for lunch. I also do my laundry. The Bobster does his own laundry and keeps the house mostly clean (that could be a whole new blog). So where does my time go? I have quite a long list of things I want/need to get done at home. It has been sitting on my desk and every once in awhile I hear it snicker at me.

The Bobster wants to move to Texas. I understand his hatred of winter but I am not sure about moving. Thinking about selling the house makes me hyperventilate and the man has something like 6 doctors he sees regularly...and what I mean by regularly, at least one doctor appointment a week sometimes two or three! So we settled on discussing it seriously a year from June :D Not sure how I came up with that time frame but I think it has to do with him turning 65 next year in April.

I am heading to Seattle to see the little brother and his family. I am so excited to see them I can barely stand it. I will post pictures and more after I get back...oh and someone please save me, the Bobster is dragging me to the Auto Show Sunday! help ...please...

Happy 2011!

I wish you all a happy, health and prosperous 2011 and I am very happy to say "f-off 2010!" It was not a year I will look back on with any kind of fondness. The Bobster was in the hospital 5 times this past year and I injured my back. I like to think I deal well with stress but sometimes it just gets to be too much so I am very thankful for my mom, sister and the rest of my family who help when called. Aunt Rosalie is a godsend and my friends keep me sane by letting me dump on them and making sure my alcohol levels are maintained at a healthy level :D

We did have a nice little ray of sunshine at the end of the year when the Bobster's VA benefits finally materialized after a long 4 year appeal. Not only does he now get a monthly check, they gave us a settlement that helped pay off all the little dangling medical bills we had. Whew.

My wish for 2011 is that Bob stays as healthy as he is now and we get to go on a vacation. He hasn't been up to any travel lately but he is feeling much more "normal" so we are going to plan a trip to Florida for the spring, fingers crossed.


Just as a little FYI... I finally bought a new camera! I am pretty excited to be able to take pictures with something other than my iPhone. I want to learn to edit them a bit and may take a photography class. Speaking of classes, I am going to take Cake Decorating 101. If you know me at all you know I am not the most patient person so trying to decorate a cake or cupcakes makes me nuts. I figure if I take a class it might help...maybe not...but I have always been optimistic!


I know 2011 is going to be a good year for all of us.

Gracie the Wonder Dog

She snorts and she itches

the cats wish her dead

She's stinky and smelly

but she doesn't shed

She's fluffy and soft

but has venison breath

She is our Gracie

we love her to death!