There is so much talk about leadership today. Some of it is helpful and useful and a lot of the theme of leadership is just that talk. After a while, listening to someone tell you time after time that they are a leader, anything else they say...which might be really good becomes just like Charlie Brown's teacher or something said by Debbie Downer. Yea, you so have my attention...uh did your spidey, I mean leadershipy senses tell you that I mean opposite of that?
We don't refer to ourselves as a team either mainly because one of us would always be on academic suspension or conduct detrimental to the team. Besides, we would rather be thought of as a family. But I guess team is the term used when someone needs to make sure that others know they are the leader of the team, band, club or I guess family.
That's what I love about Roy. He, for a lack of a better term, is a great leader but instead of reminding me verbally, he lives it out everyday. Some think he is a push-over and that I can run a muck over his thoughts and decisions. Nope, not even close. He asks for my input and likes to hear my take on decisions and such. He is secure enough as a man to have input and ideas, my goodness gracious from his wife of all things and he is steady, thoughtful and very protective. All things I like in a hubby. The way he lives life makes me want to live his way, well except for all that math and excel stuff, but you get the picture. If you refer to your family as a team, good for y'all. It's just not our preference.
So today is Roy's birthday. He loved his card from me and it really was perfect for this season in life. It had all the good stuff you want to say about your hubs and a bonus for us, the word amazing was included on the inside message which means I added another amazing because Roy really is amazing, amazing.
Today, I have been going through my shoes and I'm excited to have found several pairs I bought at the end of the season last summer, so I am good to go. All the heels are heading to KCM cause my knees and sense of balance are not what they used to be. The lamps ordered for our bedroom came in yesterday and they look to be a good match. Purposely we picked lamps that will work here or there, but the new ones are packed and ready for moving. The guest bedroom is running out of storage room but there isn't really too much left for packing with the exception of books. Thankfully, we can put those boxes in Roy's study and I don't plan to work on those until later.
Last night Dena and I grabbed some dinner and much needed catch up time. My goodness, the conversations kept on rolling.
Roy is on his way home and we are going out for his birthday... like not a real celebration place, we will do that next week. Oh, you know Mexican food or Luby's are always considerations.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Thankfully, I Acted Right in Line at the Target
I did something this morning that I haven't done in a long time...no, I didn't cook breakfast, well a breakfast of pancakes or eggs or bacon, nope I made a Land of Sugar run to get a haircut. I haven't had to do that for awhile because Emmanuel opened a Katy location, but Stevie is out of the salon tomorrow, so we switched me over to Land of Sugar today. I got out and about early because it is a Chris day, so a quick breakfast at Black Walnut and then I hit the road to run a few errands before the appointment. Golly gee whiz, I had not been on 99 since they made it a toll road with entrances and exits and I was pretty happy about the whole trip. First to Super Target. We have one here, but this Target always seems to have what I am looking for. Like motion detector lights. So helpful at night for this wandering one, but at the same time Buddy likes walking by them and turning them on, repeatedly much to the chagrin of Roy. Also some remote control light dealies. With everything on my list taken care of, I headed over to the checkout area. Two, yes two whole lanes open for the whole store. So, there was a little bit of a line. The lady in front of me had cornered the market on sweatshirts and they happen to be the brand that I like...so we got to talking and I shared I cleared out the Academy of those very same sweatshirts when they went on sale. That was the quickest part of the line because she was a bargain shopper and not that there is anything wrong with that, but if a clearance item wasn't ringing up correctly, the whole process stopped as they checked each and every sweatshirt or binder, not bras but three ring binders. I'm sorry but I have been laughing for five minutes over binder. That is what my nieces called bras way back in the day. And the discount triple check was for 9 cents or 5 cents...I almost reached in my purse and handed the lady a dollar but you know we had that conversation about favorite sweatshirts. Finally, when two items were found not to be discounted and she felt quite sure they were, she opted to look later in the store for proof. At least my phone worked in that Target so I was able to check email. There wasn't a flaw to my checkout, so boom, out to the car where I found out that the black blankets we use to cover things in the back were not there. Let's see? Who took them out of the car and didn't put them back? I believe it was my precious, darling husband. Ugh! Since there was still about forty five minutes till my hair appointment, I went over to the local Christian bookstore and looked about. And who should come into the store right afterwards? Yes, sweatshirt friend. We laughed and told each other we were not stalking but believe me, I was so thankful I didn't go huffy puffy over the wait in line. Oh, my, what a great encouragement to this lady would have that been? I think I would have had to go all, I came over here to find the answer to life's questions and act like I was a seeker just to get out of bad behavior. Thankfully, like I wrote, I didn't have to go to lying in the Christian bookstore to save face. Not that I would lie in the Christian bookstore...
Great time at Emmanuel and I stocked up on product. Then a quick trip to Whole Foods. I think that Whole Foods is better than ours. That store is huge! My tin ceiling tiles were framed and ready at Hobby Lobby, so I picked those up on the way home. I also had a painting of some lambs framed and the price on the register didn't seem right. Oh, now I have become the bargain shopper. No, I knew she hadn't charged me for the lamb picture. The clerk was taken back, she said no one every corrects a not enough price. Really? Cause Just As I Am was playing in the background...I didn't really notice that till I left. Many think I don't look at receipts but I do and if I hadn't caught the mistake then, I would have gone back after looking at the receipt to pay...but then you get the sales clerk in trouble and you don't want to do that, but you don't want unpaid merchandise hanging in your home. So, that was my adventures today and as always, it is wonderful to come home to a clean house.
Great time at Emmanuel and I stocked up on product. Then a quick trip to Whole Foods. I think that Whole Foods is better than ours. That store is huge! My tin ceiling tiles were framed and ready at Hobby Lobby, so I picked those up on the way home. I also had a painting of some lambs framed and the price on the register didn't seem right. Oh, now I have become the bargain shopper. No, I knew she hadn't charged me for the lamb picture. The clerk was taken back, she said no one every corrects a not enough price. Really? Cause Just As I Am was playing in the background...I didn't really notice that till I left. Many think I don't look at receipts but I do and if I hadn't caught the mistake then, I would have gone back after looking at the receipt to pay...but then you get the sales clerk in trouble and you don't want to do that, but you don't want unpaid merchandise hanging in your home. So, that was my adventures today and as always, it is wonderful to come home to a clean house.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Wednesday Update
It is in the 30's and the sounds of lawnmowers fills the air. Ah, Rancho De Five you truly are an enigma. The look of winter with the sounds of summer.
As I wrote yesterday I knew getting angry in the parking lot at the bike store was going to come back and bite me and it did, oh around 1:00 am this morning. The erratic, slushy beat of a heart out of rhythm. Sometimes it is just irritating but last night was the kind of afib that keeps you away because of the loud pounding in the chest and also those brief thoughts of, if I fall asleep will I wake up in heaven? I finally decided instead of thrashing about in the bed and Roy didn't stir one bit, I would get up and take the dreaded medicine that helps get the heart back in rhythm. It did the job. If there is any getting out of sync, mine usually happens at night.
In good Monablog fashion, it is now Wednesday morning. Still cold and overcast, but no mowers on the green space. I packed up things yesterday until I ran out of bubble wrap, so another trip to Costco is in order. I would go today but Roy really likes making Costco runs, so I will leave that to him. The moving company is bringing big boxes and wardrobe boxes later this week.
We have come to the program Fixer Upper on HGTV quite late but we have enjoyed watching the previous shows and getting caught up. It has kind of taken over our previous must watch TV, House Hunters. After watching several episodes, I realized that for our NC home, they would have opened up the kitchen into the family room and we did consider doing that. But at the end of the day and this journey we decided that the NC home would be totally different than our home out here in Rancho De Five. We enjoy the open concept but I am a nook person and the farmhouse feel of the Ander House, that's what we've decided to call it, just feels right. Of course the feeling will be better once we get furniture and the like into it and also a back splash in the kitchen. Oh yes, and getting us in there. Back to Fixer Upper....It is interesting to see how they do things and design rooms, which probably worries Roy that I will see something new to do to the house. I would like a stone fireplace instead of the marble one that is there now and we have plans to redo the master bathroom, replacing the bath tub and separate shower into one big walk in shower. I hate to admit that for about a day I thought we should put in one of those walk in and sit down tubs. Roy was totally against it but then on Fixer Upper, one of the homes had a "senior adult' bathroom and I came to my senses...uh, no, big shower is great.
Well, it is time to get to work and then I do believe some reading is calling out to me....I may answer the reading before the work.
As I wrote yesterday I knew getting angry in the parking lot at the bike store was going to come back and bite me and it did, oh around 1:00 am this morning. The erratic, slushy beat of a heart out of rhythm. Sometimes it is just irritating but last night was the kind of afib that keeps you away because of the loud pounding in the chest and also those brief thoughts of, if I fall asleep will I wake up in heaven? I finally decided instead of thrashing about in the bed and Roy didn't stir one bit, I would get up and take the dreaded medicine that helps get the heart back in rhythm. It did the job. If there is any getting out of sync, mine usually happens at night.
In good Monablog fashion, it is now Wednesday morning. Still cold and overcast, but no mowers on the green space. I packed up things yesterday until I ran out of bubble wrap, so another trip to Costco is in order. I would go today but Roy really likes making Costco runs, so I will leave that to him. The moving company is bringing big boxes and wardrobe boxes later this week.
We have come to the program Fixer Upper on HGTV quite late but we have enjoyed watching the previous shows and getting caught up. It has kind of taken over our previous must watch TV, House Hunters. After watching several episodes, I realized that for our NC home, they would have opened up the kitchen into the family room and we did consider doing that. But at the end of the day and this journey we decided that the NC home would be totally different than our home out here in Rancho De Five. We enjoy the open concept but I am a nook person and the farmhouse feel of the Ander House, that's what we've decided to call it, just feels right. Of course the feeling will be better once we get furniture and the like into it and also a back splash in the kitchen. Oh yes, and getting us in there. Back to Fixer Upper....It is interesting to see how they do things and design rooms, which probably worries Roy that I will see something new to do to the house. I would like a stone fireplace instead of the marble one that is there now and we have plans to redo the master bathroom, replacing the bath tub and separate shower into one big walk in shower. I hate to admit that for about a day I thought we should put in one of those walk in and sit down tubs. Roy was totally against it but then on Fixer Upper, one of the homes had a "senior adult' bathroom and I came to my senses...uh, no, big shower is great.
Well, it is time to get to work and then I do believe some reading is calling out to me....I may answer the reading before the work.
Monday, February 23, 2015
We Make Everything Groovy
Well, I took a walk on the wild side today and bought something rather impulsively. I'm actually kind of excited about this purchase and I will be kicking it old school on my manual typewriter. Sometimes with the creative journaling I do and no that doesn't mean I embellish stories in my journal, well not all the time, but a typewriter font is so cool for some of that kind of work. I know when I get to NC, I won't have a printer for a while and I'll be using a computer I don't really like. We are waiting for Windows 10 because we do not like at all Windows 8. So today, as I pack up boxes and look for something fun during my breaks, there was research to be done on manual typewriters. Oh for a bit I considered buying an original but decided to order it from The Vermont Country Store because they stand behind their products. So, yes that is the wild side from Rancho De Five.
Speaking of wild side, we picked up Roy's Terratrike at the bike shop...near the hood. Roy had them put 24 inch wheels on his trek which enables him to ride on trails and grass without getting stuck. It is very helpful out here by the lake and water feature with scores of children, adults, bikes and trikes on the trails and paths. This will let Roy maneuver better around them. When we dropped it off last weekend, it was done without incident but yesterday we had a little scare. We were putting Roy's trek in the back of Sequisha and I had moved from the back door up to the side of the car to help guide the wheels into the proper place. I could sense there was a car driving up slowly behind us and my street smarts kicked in, on full alert. I am probably just a incident or reminder away from PTSD. As the car began to slow in the approach, I turned to see if there was anyone behind us to catch us unaware. The two ladies in the car asked how fast Roy's trek would go. That seemed kind of strange because the conversation did not begin with, I have been thinking about or we have seen these before, do you like it better than a regular bike? Roy approached cautiously while I kept my finger on the alarm, not that it would do any good because no one ever pays attention to car alarms. I kept my eyes peeled for any movement from any other side of the car and believe it or not, I was ready to take a bullet for Roy. Roy was kind but abrupt to them and he turned back to arranging the trek in the back...that's when he rolled that thing over my fingers twice and the chain was rubbing against a white rolling cart we had purchased before going near the hood. These past few years I have been calmer and slower to react because health-wise I cannot afford anger but in that moment of pain and stress of the situation, I reacted complete with a cuss word I'm not too proud about but there for a moment, angry, quick to react, mad Nancy appeared and both Roy and I believe that reaction that included some pent up feelings scared the be-jabbers out of the ladies in the car and their posse posed to rob us. There in that moment I experienced the fear that became all too regular before we moved to the condo. All those feelings from the attempted car jacking, the fear of being followed while I walked the dog and the summer of riots at the pool, shootings in the neighborhood and a loaded gun thrown onto our front yard flooded my being and took over emotions for that brief time. I think at first Roy thought I was upset about him running over my fingers but then he knew. I apologized to him and we returned home. I returned home exhausted and took a nap and really for the rest of the evening I ensconced myself in Downton Abbey. Now when I get angry or stressed, blood vessels break because my circulation isn't good due to my heart overworking. Only as I began to fall asleep that night did I put it all together, the quick anger. I remember my therapist once told me anything that causes immediate anger is transference from something or someone in the past to the immediate. In the moment I couldn't see that attacks and fear from my childhood, then to the years we lived in our townhouse, returned with a vengeance, in a moment.
One more wild side and then I will be done. Around 3:00 am I heard water running. Roy was in the shower, so I went to tell him it was 3:00 o'clock, he didn't need to be up yet. Because he was stopped up with the temp change and because he said he stunk from trek riding, he needed to get up, shower, so he could breath. He came right back to bed. And then in about an hour and fifteen minutes, he was back up, taking another shower to get ready for the day. I don't think he was sleep walking because he knows he did it, but for a good hour of sleep, he had to take care of things first. And he wonders why I stay so tired? Between he and Buddy, I think I am awake every two to three hours.
That's our wild side. Stay tuned for dishwasher unloading, laundry, and other wild side activities...maybe a trip to Luby's. We are wild things, we make your heart sing, we make everything groovy.
Speaking of wild side, we picked up Roy's Terratrike at the bike shop...near the hood. Roy had them put 24 inch wheels on his trek which enables him to ride on trails and grass without getting stuck. It is very helpful out here by the lake and water feature with scores of children, adults, bikes and trikes on the trails and paths. This will let Roy maneuver better around them. When we dropped it off last weekend, it was done without incident but yesterday we had a little scare. We were putting Roy's trek in the back of Sequisha and I had moved from the back door up to the side of the car to help guide the wheels into the proper place. I could sense there was a car driving up slowly behind us and my street smarts kicked in, on full alert. I am probably just a incident or reminder away from PTSD. As the car began to slow in the approach, I turned to see if there was anyone behind us to catch us unaware. The two ladies in the car asked how fast Roy's trek would go. That seemed kind of strange because the conversation did not begin with, I have been thinking about or we have seen these before, do you like it better than a regular bike? Roy approached cautiously while I kept my finger on the alarm, not that it would do any good because no one ever pays attention to car alarms. I kept my eyes peeled for any movement from any other side of the car and believe it or not, I was ready to take a bullet for Roy. Roy was kind but abrupt to them and he turned back to arranging the trek in the back...that's when he rolled that thing over my fingers twice and the chain was rubbing against a white rolling cart we had purchased before going near the hood. These past few years I have been calmer and slower to react because health-wise I cannot afford anger but in that moment of pain and stress of the situation, I reacted complete with a cuss word I'm not too proud about but there for a moment, angry, quick to react, mad Nancy appeared and both Roy and I believe that reaction that included some pent up feelings scared the be-jabbers out of the ladies in the car and their posse posed to rob us. There in that moment I experienced the fear that became all too regular before we moved to the condo. All those feelings from the attempted car jacking, the fear of being followed while I walked the dog and the summer of riots at the pool, shootings in the neighborhood and a loaded gun thrown onto our front yard flooded my being and took over emotions for that brief time. I think at first Roy thought I was upset about him running over my fingers but then he knew. I apologized to him and we returned home. I returned home exhausted and took a nap and really for the rest of the evening I ensconced myself in Downton Abbey. Now when I get angry or stressed, blood vessels break because my circulation isn't good due to my heart overworking. Only as I began to fall asleep that night did I put it all together, the quick anger. I remember my therapist once told me anything that causes immediate anger is transference from something or someone in the past to the immediate. In the moment I couldn't see that attacks and fear from my childhood, then to the years we lived in our townhouse, returned with a vengeance, in a moment.
One more wild side and then I will be done. Around 3:00 am I heard water running. Roy was in the shower, so I went to tell him it was 3:00 o'clock, he didn't need to be up yet. Because he was stopped up with the temp change and because he said he stunk from trek riding, he needed to get up, shower, so he could breath. He came right back to bed. And then in about an hour and fifteen minutes, he was back up, taking another shower to get ready for the day. I don't think he was sleep walking because he knows he did it, but for a good hour of sleep, he had to take care of things first. And he wonders why I stay so tired? Between he and Buddy, I think I am awake every two to three hours.
That's our wild side. Stay tuned for dishwasher unloading, laundry, and other wild side activities...maybe a trip to Luby's. We are wild things, we make your heart sing, we make everything groovy.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Just a Mirage With a Dream and a Study
Another one of those odd happenings this morning where life and dream intersect. As per my usual habit, once Roy leaves for the office I turn on the radio which is set to KHCB. Sometimes I'm awake and listen but most times, I sleep through Charles Stanley. This morning I slept through Charles and only awakened when the PSA for Black History Month and this morning's story was Mahalia Jackson. That is where life and dream happened. I was dreaming that Roy was going to investigate a noise he heard in another part of the house and in the dream while waiting to see if anything was wrong, I timidly said, Roy? I heard a deep sounding noise that began growing in strength and sound and I screamed waking myself up. The noise? The beginning of a song by Mahalia Jackson timed perfectly to the dream where Roy is needing my help. My scream woke up Buddy, who is so brave, not...she jumped off the bed to tunnel underneath it to her fortress of napping.
Thursday evening when I came to bed, I forgot I left my boots right in the direct path of the bed. I tripped and thankfully didn't wreck me or the nightstand. Sadly, only Roy's sleep was wrecked because all the noise woke him up.
Thankfully, nothing eventful has happened this morning. It is a quiet, peaceful morning. Roy has Bible study and another co-worker's funeral to attend. In between those two things, he has ethics continuing education for most of the morning downtown for his law continuing education requirements. His law hours are harder to come by than his CPA hours since his office offers CPE courses at lunchtime to get their requirement in.
Our core group's discussion of Luke 15 was awesome. I love the insights of the women in our group and we have a good mixture of young and let's say, more seasoned women. In reality both brothers are far off from their father, the younger son in the distant land and the elder brother close in proximity but far away in heart. My goodness, he is just out there in the field probably rehashing every wrong or insult he has imagined or believed but he misses nothing. We learned through our homework that when Jesus began speaking his group contained tax collectors, notorious sinners, Pharisees, and scribes. The religious group probably didn't give much attention to the sheep and coin parable because they didn't associate with shepherds or women, but the last parable of the prodigal son got their direct attention.
Well, it is back to work packing up books and boxes. I am on my last big box and now I know what boxes to get from the moving company. Happily a lot of things are going to KCM. I was delusional to think I had simplified...
Thursday evening when I came to bed, I forgot I left my boots right in the direct path of the bed. I tripped and thankfully didn't wreck me or the nightstand. Sadly, only Roy's sleep was wrecked because all the noise woke him up.
Thankfully, nothing eventful has happened this morning. It is a quiet, peaceful morning. Roy has Bible study and another co-worker's funeral to attend. In between those two things, he has ethics continuing education for most of the morning downtown for his law continuing education requirements. His law hours are harder to come by than his CPA hours since his office offers CPE courses at lunchtime to get their requirement in.
Our core group's discussion of Luke 15 was awesome. I love the insights of the women in our group and we have a good mixture of young and let's say, more seasoned women. In reality both brothers are far off from their father, the younger son in the distant land and the elder brother close in proximity but far away in heart. My goodness, he is just out there in the field probably rehashing every wrong or insult he has imagined or believed but he misses nothing. We learned through our homework that when Jesus began speaking his group contained tax collectors, notorious sinners, Pharisees, and scribes. The religious group probably didn't give much attention to the sheep and coin parable because they didn't associate with shepherds or women, but the last parable of the prodigal son got their direct attention.
Well, it is back to work packing up books and boxes. I am on my last big box and now I know what boxes to get from the moving company. Happily a lot of things are going to KCM. I was delusional to think I had simplified...
Thursday, February 19, 2015
A Beautiful Wednesday
This has turned out to be one very beautiful day. Getting in a little sunshine while running errands was rather nice. I kind of thought the Kroger would be busier since this is Wednesday but it wasn't and I got the added bonus of running into my core group leader from CBS. She and I must be on the same schedule since we have run into one another at CVS. Since there aren't Kroger's nearby I am stocking up on cotton balls and Kroger Cherry baby aspirin. It's not like Roy couldn't bring that kind of thing to me but that is one less item to be concerned about before flying. So today, since I didn't want to look like a total freak I only bought five packages of the baby aspirin. We have time to load up on each one of our trips. This is why I have NC brain, it is remembering little things like this.
Yesterday was another day of packing boxes but really not that many. I worked on homework and read a greater portion of the day. While filling out change of addresses for several magazines, I came across articles that really needed to be read. All the exciting places to see nearby. One story was about route 276. I drove part of that route from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Waynesville in August. Oh my, such a beautiful back road. I came across the Whistlestop Market in the article and it was to the Google cave to find out more. Putting that on my things to do list. Roy will love all the photo ops and I think I will like the scenery and country stores along the way. I'm thinking we might want to have a freezer. Oh my, I looked back on their FB page at all the fresh strawberries, blackberries and peaches. I have also been researching antique stores and the adventures that await.
For Lent I am reading the book, The Crime of Living Cautiously by Luci Shaw. If you asked Peggy she would tell you that I live too cautiously but if you asked Dena she would say many times I throw caution to the wind. Funny, adventure looks different to each person. On our trip Peggy told me she thought I lived in fear and it might look that way. From experience I know pretty much how much and how far I can push myself before going beyond the parameters that the cardiologist has set for me. So stress and getting hot are not the only hazards for my attempt at healthy living. I have to keep in mind how hard my heart is working as well as it going out of rhythm, which exhausts me beyond words. Adventure to me is moving to NC with only knowing a few people. Adventure is learning to see things so familiar differently. Adventure is taking in all the roads and mountains looking for nuances that might have been missed on other trips. Adventure is learning the rhythm of life...I love this quote found in an old travel journal from an antique store purchase, "Every land has its own special rhythm and unless the traveler takes the time to learn the rhythm, he or she will remain an outsider there always." Juliette De Baircli Levy
I'm saddened to hear the news of the passing of Marie Miser. Faithful through the years at Westbury Baptist. I hadn't really thought about her for years but she was gracious and so kind.
Yesterday was another day of packing boxes but really not that many. I worked on homework and read a greater portion of the day. While filling out change of addresses for several magazines, I came across articles that really needed to be read. All the exciting places to see nearby. One story was about route 276. I drove part of that route from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Waynesville in August. Oh my, such a beautiful back road. I came across the Whistlestop Market in the article and it was to the Google cave to find out more. Putting that on my things to do list. Roy will love all the photo ops and I think I will like the scenery and country stores along the way. I'm thinking we might want to have a freezer. Oh my, I looked back on their FB page at all the fresh strawberries, blackberries and peaches. I have also been researching antique stores and the adventures that await.
For Lent I am reading the book, The Crime of Living Cautiously by Luci Shaw. If you asked Peggy she would tell you that I live too cautiously but if you asked Dena she would say many times I throw caution to the wind. Funny, adventure looks different to each person. On our trip Peggy told me she thought I lived in fear and it might look that way. From experience I know pretty much how much and how far I can push myself before going beyond the parameters that the cardiologist has set for me. So stress and getting hot are not the only hazards for my attempt at healthy living. I have to keep in mind how hard my heart is working as well as it going out of rhythm, which exhausts me beyond words. Adventure to me is moving to NC with only knowing a few people. Adventure is learning to see things so familiar differently. Adventure is taking in all the roads and mountains looking for nuances that might have been missed on other trips. Adventure is learning the rhythm of life...I love this quote found in an old travel journal from an antique store purchase, "Every land has its own special rhythm and unless the traveler takes the time to learn the rhythm, he or she will remain an outsider there always." Juliette De Baircli Levy
I'm saddened to hear the news of the passing of Marie Miser. Faithful through the years at Westbury Baptist. I hadn't really thought about her for years but she was gracious and so kind.
Monday, February 16, 2015
President's Day Here in Rancho De Five
It is a cold overcast day out here in Rancho De Five, but it is a tad bit colder in Western North Carolina. I've been texting with a few friends up there. They are hunkering down for a winter storm. We hope the electric lines hold keeping the water pipes warm in our house. Mercy!
Roy's office has today off so it has been nice having him around today. I have been packing boxes. I think he has cabin fever because he left to get batteries for watches, pick up a few things at Sprouts and fill his car. He has been fine tuning his taco sauce recipe and I think this past weekend he hit the right combo of ingredients. Delicious! We had leftover tacos today for lunch and they were still quite good.
Last night like millions of others I watched SNL 40. For the most part it was entertaining but it was sad to see Paul McCartney and Paul Simon try to sing songs from their portfolios and unable to carry those sustained higher notes that one can carry with a younger voice. Some of the stars have aged well and others, Chevy Chase, have not. I once read a book on the early days of SNL and the young comediennes disliked older, established comediennes coming in and trying to be funny. I wondered if that thought of times long gone made an appearance in their thoughts leading up to the show? I love Martin Short when he is in character but don't particularly care for him when he is appearing as himself and he can't help but slip into various characters which makes his performance forced and too over the top. Loved the opening and the Jeopardy sketch. Jane Curtain at the anchor desk was too short. It was on Saturday night I saw my favorite sketch from all the years of SNL. It is Steve Martin and Gilda Radner at a disco club and when their eyes meet from across the room, we hear the tune Dancing in the Dark begin and thus a beautifully choreographed dance complete with Steve Martin like comedic dance moves inserted is comedy at its finest. The writers and performers respect the intellect of their audience and the beauty and comedy merge at the right moments to create cultivated laughter. More and more I truly understand that although physical comedy is funny, it is not my style. Guess I would fall into the camp of observational humor, so of course I loved the Jerry Seinfeld part in the show. Really, they could have cut thirty minutes off the show and it would have been fine.
Well, Roy is back home and probably wants his computer back. That's ok, I have work to do and books to read.
Happy President's Day!
Saturday, February 14, 2015
A Few Valentine Thoughts
This morning I awoke to a private concert from the mockingbirds. They must know it is Valentine's Day because their songs were a medley of chirps and songs. As Buddy and I were enjoying the lovely songs, well I think Buddy slept through them, Roy was in the bathroom getting ready to go to Saturday morning Bible study and when he heard me stirring, he too joined in the Valentine greeting. We talked for a few minutes and then he gave me a great Valentine gift as he shut the door to the bathroom and says, you don't need to hear me brush my teeth on such a beautiful morning. That my friends is love! Especially because Roy makes a whole lot of noise when brushing his teeth. The other gift he is giving me today is taking my car into the dealership for service...that is love too! And to top off the morning I found a beautiful Valentine card by the coffee maker. I love him!
It is unlike me not to have sent out Valentines this year because it is one of my favorite things to do but as I have mentioned before I have Carolina on the mind. When I say Carolina on my mind, it is not so much living there but all the logistics that need to be in order for everything to happen.
Thursday mornings when Chris is here my usual schedule is to get on out for the day beginning with breakfast at Black Walnut. Then with the available time I usually head over to Target before all the minivans take over the parking lot. This Thursday trip was to be a rather quick trip but you know Target, there was so much more than what was on the list. Since I had taken more time looking, I was kind of in a hurry to check out. Ah yes, I know you can see where this story is going. I picked the line, the worst line because ahead of me was a bargain hunting, coupon clipping, price checking, complete with ten gift cards mom in yoga pants. Dang! What was I thinking? It was painful my friends and of course this story comes complete with her not prepared to pay for her things. So the digging begins in her large tote purse. She finally finds the debit card. I asked her during this whole line waiting thing and I asked her innocently, not rudely, do you drive a minivan? She responded with yes, and it was almost too giddy with excitement and she followed her giddy response with, why do you ask? It is good to be able to think on your feet cause I just said, you'll need a minivan to hold everything you bought. The paying process finally ending, the clerk began the checkout process on all my goodies in the cart, when minivan lady discovers she hadn't paid for her Red Bull drink. I offered to pay for it so she could be on her way, you know pay it forward and probably private penance for asking if she drove a minivan...she declined and put the Red Bull back in the refrigerated case.
I got to thinking about Target last night, yes I am so exciting like that. Really, it was more thinking about my mom. When a Target opened near our neighborhoods, she and I were quite excited especially when we learned of their Dollar Days promotion. We had never seen anything so wonderful in shopping adventures. She and I looked at the ad and made our lists, then headed to the store. We started out together getting the big items and then began working our way to the checkout where the lines were extremely long. The beauty of shopping with a partner, we would take turns waiting in line with each other's carts while we picked up the last few things on our list. Of course once shopping like this became the norm over the years, the crowds thinned out and we didn't have to be so precise with our shopping.
It is now later in the afternoon. Roy and I just got back from running a few errands which included a stop at Office Max. As we checked out the young woman said to us Happy Valentine's, are you doing something special today for her? I told her, he already has. He went to the car dealership and sat there while my car was being serviced and he is making tacos tonight for dinner and he has loved me every day for almost 38 years. He's done enough for one day.
It is unlike me not to have sent out Valentines this year because it is one of my favorite things to do but as I have mentioned before I have Carolina on the mind. When I say Carolina on my mind, it is not so much living there but all the logistics that need to be in order for everything to happen.
Thursday mornings when Chris is here my usual schedule is to get on out for the day beginning with breakfast at Black Walnut. Then with the available time I usually head over to Target before all the minivans take over the parking lot. This Thursday trip was to be a rather quick trip but you know Target, there was so much more than what was on the list. Since I had taken more time looking, I was kind of in a hurry to check out. Ah yes, I know you can see where this story is going. I picked the line, the worst line because ahead of me was a bargain hunting, coupon clipping, price checking, complete with ten gift cards mom in yoga pants. Dang! What was I thinking? It was painful my friends and of course this story comes complete with her not prepared to pay for her things. So the digging begins in her large tote purse. She finally finds the debit card. I asked her during this whole line waiting thing and I asked her innocently, not rudely, do you drive a minivan? She responded with yes, and it was almost too giddy with excitement and she followed her giddy response with, why do you ask? It is good to be able to think on your feet cause I just said, you'll need a minivan to hold everything you bought. The paying process finally ending, the clerk began the checkout process on all my goodies in the cart, when minivan lady discovers she hadn't paid for her Red Bull drink. I offered to pay for it so she could be on her way, you know pay it forward and probably private penance for asking if she drove a minivan...she declined and put the Red Bull back in the refrigerated case.
I got to thinking about Target last night, yes I am so exciting like that. Really, it was more thinking about my mom. When a Target opened near our neighborhoods, she and I were quite excited especially when we learned of their Dollar Days promotion. We had never seen anything so wonderful in shopping adventures. She and I looked at the ad and made our lists, then headed to the store. We started out together getting the big items and then began working our way to the checkout where the lines were extremely long. The beauty of shopping with a partner, we would take turns waiting in line with each other's carts while we picked up the last few things on our list. Of course once shopping like this became the norm over the years, the crowds thinned out and we didn't have to be so precise with our shopping.
It is now later in the afternoon. Roy and I just got back from running a few errands which included a stop at Office Max. As we checked out the young woman said to us Happy Valentine's, are you doing something special today for her? I told her, he already has. He went to the car dealership and sat there while my car was being serviced and he is making tacos tonight for dinner and he has loved me every day for almost 38 years. He's done enough for one day.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Thinking of Here and There, Mainly There
On Monday I attended a memorial service for Richard Bell. As our pastor said, an all around great guy. It was my privilege to work with Richard and Sandy at the Downtown Wednesday Bible Study. So many weeks Richard and Sandy would come wearing the same shade or complementary colors of clothing. On those few times they didn't I would ask Sandy, is everything alright? You and Richard are wearing opposite colors today. To me Richard was one of those men who is larger than life. If a problem arose at High Point, I knew Richard could and would take care of it. He was the first face of downtown Bible study, because he liked working the cash box and greeting everyone as they came in. Roy filled in for bridge with the Bells and had a blast doing so. Every Sunday morning as I would gaze across the congregation from the choir loft, I always looked for Richard and Sandy in their regular place. Sometimes I would see them before Sunday and I'd tell them, you are going to LOVE this week's music. Richard loved the Lord and he loved serving Him. He was a generous man and his generosity will touch others throughout the rest of time.
After the service I spent a few minutes at the reception and then headed up to CourtneyS office. So fortunate to be able to spend her lunch hour with her in the beautiful spring like weather out in the Oasis. Then a quick trip to The Fresh Market and Barnes and Noble.
I was tempted to stop in at the cult, I mean Pottery Barn, on my way home. I get free of them for three years and now I am in with them hook, line and sinker. On Monday, the 20% off desks, combined with a PB gift card and a $250.00 credit reeled me in to order a desk I have been salivating over for months. Not salivating on the desk actually, anyway, I ordered the desk and I await the phone call to schedule delivery. Of course hope springs eternal that this delivery will go much better than the last one, the scheduling of it to when we are in North Carolina. With all the discounts the desk became cost worthy and knocked off a whole lot of dollars.
It is now Thursday. Chris has been here so the house is clean. I've been to breakfast, Bible study, Hobby Lobby and Whole Foods. So, I will wrap this post up. Thankful for a beautiful cool day.
Monday, February 9, 2015
Trip Recap
It has been a while since last posting. Instead of my usual writing in the mornings, I read. It was a good trip. It was a fun trip. I enjoyed Peggy experiencing the Inn and watching her take in the land that I love. Due to Monday's bad weather we didn't get as much done at the house as I would have liked during the week. The following days were too beautiful to be working inside a house. I am contemplating a return trip before moving day.
On Thursday the furniture we had purchased at Christmas time was to be delivered but the store was short on help, so with a reschedule for March that freed Peggy and me to go to Waynesville. The Mast General Store in Asheville is ok, but the one in Waynesville is my favorite. It doesn't hurt that the drive there is beautiful. Since we knew it would be too tempting for me to not to buy things for the house, we decided to return to the house on the way back to the Inn and drop the items off. Generous Peggy gave us a hammock for a housewarming gift. We have two trees in the front yard off to one side that is perfect for hammock days. We also went over to Robin Blu and Nettie's Bakery in the Hazelwood area of Waynesville. We dined in Weaverville at the local Mexican restaurant which is good by NC standards but ok by Texas standards, then headed back to Biltmore to finish up packing for the return trip home.
Many of the days were just downright cold with temps in the teens most mornings. Of course, I love the colder temps but Peggy is not too much of a fan. Adding to the cold is the fact that I need to have hotel rooms at a cooler temp because the heat takes a toll and then I begin fighting off that lightheaded feeling and the rumble and jumble of a heart working on going out of rhythm. Peggy asked me if I live in fear, not doing things like I used to which can be frustrating for those who want the old me back. I don't think of it as fear but have been taught to view the caution I have to take as a good parameter which in turns gives me good life. I hate giving up days to recover from overdoing, especially if it is something I am not really all that interested in. Now something I am interested in? I am willing to pay the price from time to time.
We spent time driving around the countryside looking for old barns and interesting photo ops. I do that a lot for Roy too. On our way home Peggy and I went through the book Listography answering the questions and not answering the too personal of questions. That was a lot of fun and full of good memories and laughs. Even the stories we have heard and told a million times brought laughter.
Since getting home I have been working on packing boxes with things that need to go north but won't disrupt the house. It's interesting for sure.
On Thursday the furniture we had purchased at Christmas time was to be delivered but the store was short on help, so with a reschedule for March that freed Peggy and me to go to Waynesville. The Mast General Store in Asheville is ok, but the one in Waynesville is my favorite. It doesn't hurt that the drive there is beautiful. Since we knew it would be too tempting for me to not to buy things for the house, we decided to return to the house on the way back to the Inn and drop the items off. Generous Peggy gave us a hammock for a housewarming gift. We have two trees in the front yard off to one side that is perfect for hammock days. We also went over to Robin Blu and Nettie's Bakery in the Hazelwood area of Waynesville. We dined in Weaverville at the local Mexican restaurant which is good by NC standards but ok by Texas standards, then headed back to Biltmore to finish up packing for the return trip home.
Many of the days were just downright cold with temps in the teens most mornings. Of course, I love the colder temps but Peggy is not too much of a fan. Adding to the cold is the fact that I need to have hotel rooms at a cooler temp because the heat takes a toll and then I begin fighting off that lightheaded feeling and the rumble and jumble of a heart working on going out of rhythm. Peggy asked me if I live in fear, not doing things like I used to which can be frustrating for those who want the old me back. I don't think of it as fear but have been taught to view the caution I have to take as a good parameter which in turns gives me good life. I hate giving up days to recover from overdoing, especially if it is something I am not really all that interested in. Now something I am interested in? I am willing to pay the price from time to time.
We spent time driving around the countryside looking for old barns and interesting photo ops. I do that a lot for Roy too. On our way home Peggy and I went through the book Listography answering the questions and not answering the too personal of questions. That was a lot of fun and full of good memories and laughs. Even the stories we have heard and told a million times brought laughter.
Since getting home I have been working on packing boxes with things that need to go north but won't disrupt the house. It's interesting for sure.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Tuesday, The Day After Snow
Good Tuesday morning! The sun is out and all looks right with the world except it is 22 degrees out. I don't mind the 22 but we will need to check on black iced roads before we head out for the day later. Our plans are to go to the house for a bit, then see Vivian and then do some driving around for photo ops. I can't wait to see all of Peggy's pictures.
I had to call it a night around 10:00 last night. Our new friend Patricia went up to her room and Peggy was trying to finish her project on the computer. While I was doing my nightly grooming and reading, Peggy worked in front of the fireplace but got involved in conversation with our shuttle mate Sonny and a sophisticated lady from Charleston, who was visiting and trying to read her devotion for the day. Sonny is a retired Harley dealer who now runs and plans entertainment at motorcycle rallies...bands, not any other kinds. Well, to our knowledge. We learned more about him from his phone conversation in the library than we did on the shuttle. His wife had kicked him out of the room so she could watch The Bachelor.
Since we didn't have to be anyplace at a designated time, we took the opportunity to sleep in. Sleep comes easier and deeper here in the mountains and especially at The Biltmore for me. I think it has to do with Buddy not waking me up every two hours.
Well, good Tuesday evening. I'm sitting at a distance from the fireplace. Our friend Patricia and her granddaughter are reading by the fire and so is Peggy. We have had a very fun day. We had breakfast and then went downtown to Malaprop's to pick up a book I had ordered. Of course there were a few more things to pick up as well. Then we went over to Mast General Store in Asheville where we found bargains galore. We drove over to the house and worked for about 45 minutes getting things done with the rooms upstairs. Peggy is a great worker and get things done. Love her! After all our work we made a quick stop at Vivian's to say hi. Then we had the most fun driving up and down New Stock Road. Peggy is taking pictures of old barns. We turned onto Peaceful Path and the road quickly turned into a private road. Peggy wanted me to continue on but I had learned from several here to respect those wishes unless you want a shot or two fired over your head...hopefully over your head. She thought I was afraid but I told her it was respect. We went down another road and got to talking to a man who was out walking. He told us where we could find another barn up his road. While Peggy took pictures, he and I talked. I told him about Peaceful Path and he asked me , do you know Charlie M? He motioned toward where we just had been. I responded no sir. He said in his southern drawl, you made a wise decision.
Picture taking works up quite the appetite and we made our way to The Moose Cafe. Delicious! So we have meandered about all day having fun. I think I will sleep good tonight.
I had to call it a night around 10:00 last night. Our new friend Patricia went up to her room and Peggy was trying to finish her project on the computer. While I was doing my nightly grooming and reading, Peggy worked in front of the fireplace but got involved in conversation with our shuttle mate Sonny and a sophisticated lady from Charleston, who was visiting and trying to read her devotion for the day. Sonny is a retired Harley dealer who now runs and plans entertainment at motorcycle rallies...bands, not any other kinds. Well, to our knowledge. We learned more about him from his phone conversation in the library than we did on the shuttle. His wife had kicked him out of the room so she could watch The Bachelor.
Since we didn't have to be anyplace at a designated time, we took the opportunity to sleep in. Sleep comes easier and deeper here in the mountains and especially at The Biltmore for me. I think it has to do with Buddy not waking me up every two hours.
Well, good Tuesday evening. I'm sitting at a distance from the fireplace. Our friend Patricia and her granddaughter are reading by the fire and so is Peggy. We have had a very fun day. We had breakfast and then went downtown to Malaprop's to pick up a book I had ordered. Of course there were a few more things to pick up as well. Then we went over to Mast General Store in Asheville where we found bargains galore. We drove over to the house and worked for about 45 minutes getting things done with the rooms upstairs. Peggy is a great worker and get things done. Love her! After all our work we made a quick stop at Vivian's to say hi. Then we had the most fun driving up and down New Stock Road. Peggy is taking pictures of old barns. We turned onto Peaceful Path and the road quickly turned into a private road. Peggy wanted me to continue on but I had learned from several here to respect those wishes unless you want a shot or two fired over your head...hopefully over your head. She thought I was afraid but I told her it was respect. We went down another road and got to talking to a man who was out walking. He told us where we could find another barn up his road. While Peggy took pictures, he and I talked. I told him about Peaceful Path and he asked me , do you know Charlie M? He motioned toward where we just had been. I responded no sir. He said in his southern drawl, you made a wise decision.
Picture taking works up quite the appetite and we made our way to The Moose Cafe. Delicious! So we have meandered about all day having fun. I think I will sleep good tonight.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Monday Evening at the Estate
I find myself where I began the day, in front of the fireplace in the lobby of the Inn. A few more people now than at the early morn. Yet, it is still quiet except for the loud talk coming from the small bar area. Classical music plays in the background with the clink of utensils hitting the plate as people dine this evening.
The weather played a huge role in today's decisions. Our plan had been to work at the house. We left the estate with the sun breaking through the overcast sky. I noticed that sleet or snow was peppering the windows with that little clicking sound and as we got closer to the house, the clicking of sleet soon turned into the delicate flakes of snow. And the snow began to fall at a rapid pace. It still wasn't big enough flakes to show up in pictures but the snow fell, no rather it was blown sideways parallel to the ground. Big gusts of wind came through with the front and the temperatures were falling at a quick rate. We got to the house and Jonathan and his wife were waiting for us. We came inside and discussed the front porch and the options availabe to us. When the local people are concerned about black ice and needing to leave, one takes the hint that another work day at the house would be better. I made a quick call to the furniture people and rescheduled furniture delivery for Thursday afternoon. We thought about making a quick trip downtown to the bookstore. I have a book there I ordered but the thought of trying to find a close parking place in the cold didn't bode well in my thoughts. So, we came back here and drove around the estate. We shopped in Antler Hill Village and ate at Cedric's. We decided that we would go over to the house mainly to shop since the crowds would be nonexistent. I think we both found some lovely things that couldn't stay here.
With the early mornings of late, a nap sounded like a good idea. Ah rest, it was a great nap. We have been hanging out in the room. Peggy is getting every update on Sport's Center concerning the game last night. So much to discuss when the obvious was to run the ball. This all leads to coming down here. I need a fresh Diet Coke and will pick that up soon. We may grab some dinner, we might not. Tomorrow doesn't have to be an early morning and it will probably be best to let the roads and temps warm up a bit before adventuring out into the great outdoors. It is supposed to be a warmer day.
Peggy is getting much needed computer help from a lady sitting on the couch across the way. I hardly use a laptop anymore, I couldn't remember anything to be able to help. What is so funny is she said, let's go down to the lobby and see if some young one can help me with this computer. Our new friend Patricia is 76 years old. So here I sit, writing my blog in front of a roaring fire, happy to know we have three more days here and just a little work to do at the house.
Roy just called and he has a lonely cat dogging his every step. Buddy isn't used to being by herself all day since I'm usually at home. He will have a long evening ahead until Buddy loses interest in him.
Oh, one last exciting thing, Edward got to meet Peggy. What is so wonderful now is the laid back feel of this season he can spend a little more time with us. His birthday is this week.
The weather played a huge role in today's decisions. Our plan had been to work at the house. We left the estate with the sun breaking through the overcast sky. I noticed that sleet or snow was peppering the windows with that little clicking sound and as we got closer to the house, the clicking of sleet soon turned into the delicate flakes of snow. And the snow began to fall at a rapid pace. It still wasn't big enough flakes to show up in pictures but the snow fell, no rather it was blown sideways parallel to the ground. Big gusts of wind came through with the front and the temperatures were falling at a quick rate. We got to the house and Jonathan and his wife were waiting for us. We came inside and discussed the front porch and the options availabe to us. When the local people are concerned about black ice and needing to leave, one takes the hint that another work day at the house would be better. I made a quick call to the furniture people and rescheduled furniture delivery for Thursday afternoon. We thought about making a quick trip downtown to the bookstore. I have a book there I ordered but the thought of trying to find a close parking place in the cold didn't bode well in my thoughts. So, we came back here and drove around the estate. We shopped in Antler Hill Village and ate at Cedric's. We decided that we would go over to the house mainly to shop since the crowds would be nonexistent. I think we both found some lovely things that couldn't stay here.
With the early mornings of late, a nap sounded like a good idea. Ah rest, it was a great nap. We have been hanging out in the room. Peggy is getting every update on Sport's Center concerning the game last night. So much to discuss when the obvious was to run the ball. This all leads to coming down here. I need a fresh Diet Coke and will pick that up soon. We may grab some dinner, we might not. Tomorrow doesn't have to be an early morning and it will probably be best to let the roads and temps warm up a bit before adventuring out into the great outdoors. It is supposed to be a warmer day.
Peggy is getting much needed computer help from a lady sitting on the couch across the way. I hardly use a laptop anymore, I couldn't remember anything to be able to help. What is so funny is she said, let's go down to the lobby and see if some young one can help me with this computer. Our new friend Patricia is 76 years old. So here I sit, writing my blog in front of a roaring fire, happy to know we have three more days here and just a little work to do at the house.
Roy just called and he has a lonely cat dogging his every step. Buddy isn't used to being by herself all day since I'm usually at home. He will have a long evening ahead until Buddy loses interest in him.
Oh, one last exciting thing, Edward got to meet Peggy. What is so wonderful now is the laid back feel of this season he can spend a little more time with us. His birthday is this week.
Arrived! We Are Here!
Good morning from the lovely Biltmore Estate. I have made myself at home by sitting in front of the roaring fire and sipping on coffee. It is one of my favorite things to do here and I miss this in the spring and summer when the fireplaces aren't in use. It is a quiet morning with few if any people in the lobby. Usually there is at least one man sitting by the windows with his phone talking business. Guess everyone is still asleep or at least pondering the dumb play by Seattle last night on the half yard line.
Peggy and I are having a fabulous trip. We left early Saturday morning and headed east and then north. We talked, sang and danced all the way to Ooltewah where we were staying for the night. The lovely Erin, niece extrodinaire came by and visited with us. Lots of laughs. After a good night's sleep Peggy and I headed down the road. Since the weather cooperated, we were able to take the back way to Asheville. When I knew Peggy could go with me on this trip, the back road and the road to our home is what I thought about because I knew she would love them. I was not disappointed. She took some great pictures along the way. We grabbed a quick lunch at Turkey Creek Cafe and then headed to the house. Oh my, the granite looks wonderful with the hardwoods in the kitchen. We unloaded the car and then drove about the area to scout photo shoot locations for Tuesday when there is supposed to be abundant sunshine.
It began to rain so we took that as our cue to head over to the Inn on the Biltmore Estate. Peggy didn't realize that we would actually be on the estate. It is always fun to introduce this place to others and of course it is always good to return. This is my twelfth visit to the Inn.
Today, we will go back to the house. I have an appointment with our contractor and a piece of furniture is supposed to be delivered. Think we will work on setting up the kitchen since that is both our strong suites. I would also like to put together everything I brought for Roy's man cave/bonus room.
Well, quiet time in front of the fireplace is coming to an end. I will go back upstairs and then Peggy and I will go to breakfast. My friend Edward texted me while we were on the road to see how everything was going for us and that's when I told him we were on the way to the Inn and we would see him Monday morning. He is such a blessing and a good friend. I can't wait to have he and his wife for dinner at our house. I would like to serve them as well as he serves here at the Inn. I hope I can live up to the high bar that has been raised.
Peggy and I are having a fabulous trip. We left early Saturday morning and headed east and then north. We talked, sang and danced all the way to Ooltewah where we were staying for the night. The lovely Erin, niece extrodinaire came by and visited with us. Lots of laughs. After a good night's sleep Peggy and I headed down the road. Since the weather cooperated, we were able to take the back way to Asheville. When I knew Peggy could go with me on this trip, the back road and the road to our home is what I thought about because I knew she would love them. I was not disappointed. She took some great pictures along the way. We grabbed a quick lunch at Turkey Creek Cafe and then headed to the house. Oh my, the granite looks wonderful with the hardwoods in the kitchen. We unloaded the car and then drove about the area to scout photo shoot locations for Tuesday when there is supposed to be abundant sunshine.
It began to rain so we took that as our cue to head over to the Inn on the Biltmore Estate. Peggy didn't realize that we would actually be on the estate. It is always fun to introduce this place to others and of course it is always good to return. This is my twelfth visit to the Inn.
Today, we will go back to the house. I have an appointment with our contractor and a piece of furniture is supposed to be delivered. Think we will work on setting up the kitchen since that is both our strong suites. I would also like to put together everything I brought for Roy's man cave/bonus room.
Well, quiet time in front of the fireplace is coming to an end. I will go back upstairs and then Peggy and I will go to breakfast. My friend Edward texted me while we were on the road to see how everything was going for us and that's when I told him we were on the way to the Inn and we would see him Monday morning. He is such a blessing and a good friend. I can't wait to have he and his wife for dinner at our house. I would like to serve them as well as he serves here at the Inn. I hope I can live up to the high bar that has been raised.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
What I Am Doing This Week
Yesterday was a hard working day. I've vacillated on taking this or not taking that. Really, furniture wise the decisions are pretty much set except for a few things. One day a table is going and by yesterday, it isn't. What I thought would be some of the most tedious packing has turned out to be quite fun, if packing can ever really be fun. Roy has done the same thing with tools and stuff in the garage. We have a date picked for the moving van to be here and we are waiting on confirmation from the moving company.
Guess with all the packing and sorting I am thinking back to the long ago when my father was transferred to Houston from Illinois. This was a whole nother world for us. When we first arrived we lived in West U. Back then it was not the place to be, the suburbs were calling out to young families. The house we lived in stood for many years and only recently became a tear down. It had window units for cooling, one downstairs and one in the master bedroom. In my childhood recollection, that room was huge because it not only held my parents bed, but one of my twin beds and my brother's crib, along with a desk for my father's paperwork. I don't remember spending that much time in my bedroom but I do remember it was a long room with wooden floors and a huge fan in the window. This was also our first encounter with roaches. The house had a huge screened in porch in the backyard. We dreaded turning on the light out there at night because it seemed thousands of roaches scattered into the dark. Of course it probably wasn't thousands but.... My mother and I also discovered lizards. In my child's mind I remember running from something green with huge black spots on its back. Both my mother and I scurried into the house and she frantically tried to get a hold of my father. She worked up enough courage to go next door and ask the neighbor about these "dinosaurs" in our backyard. The neighbor kindly told my mom those were camillians and they were our friends, they ate bugs. Funny, I don't remember ever spending much time after that in the backyard nor do I remember spending time anywhere else but the huge bedroom and the downstairs...but not the screened in porch. Thankfully, my parents heeded the call of the suburbs and even though there are roaches and lizards in the burbs, they weren't entrenched like they are in an old house that has belonged to their reptile and bug families for eons.
It is now Thursday. Chris has been here so our home looks wonderful! I left before she arrived heading out to Black Walnut for breakfast and then onto Target where I just happened to have a gift card and had no clue of the amount. $50.00, pretty excited about that. Peggy called and needed a ride to Bible study, so we rode together and we talked about a million miles an hour but we are the most excited about our trip. We may see snow but probably not snow on snow. We didn't stay for big group time because she had an appointment and hopefully a car and I had a few errands to run.
Belinda M came over Monday night with some of her miracle working essential oil for aches and pains. We had a great time talking, like to 11:00 pm when I couldn't stay awake much longer. She has me hooked on this stuff. Today, at Whole Foods I looked on the aisle with all that kind of stuff and found a mixture already made up, just need the oil and a container. So, I just made an once of the stuff, it is a different formula than what she makes, and put it in a spray bottle to use on my knees. So far, so good. My knees and feet will not know what hit them while climbing stairs and working at the house on our trip. I thought with this oil stuff you could just buy mixtures from a person but I see now that they want you to immerse yourself in the whole thing and buy the kit. I know there must be a better term than kit, but it will have to do. Don't have the attention span for classes and stuff, so I will make my way through this process on my own and of course with Belinda. Wonder if she delivers to NC?
While at Whole Foods I got a complete and delightful surprise of seeing Emily S having lunch with her parents and her youngest kiddo. Emily and I had so much fun on Committee on Committees. Yes, it is as fun as it sounds. Well, you have to make the fun. My whole presence was to take copious notes of the meeting. Let's just say that wasn't my best thing. It was wonderful to catch up with her.
Last night I did something I usually don't do. No, I didn't cook but I watched a movie. It is hard for me to sit through movies at home and I rarely go to movie theaters. I watched Saving Mr. Banks. Oh my, what a great movie! The whole time I kept thinking Allison S from church was playing Mrs. Travers. If Allison had short hair that is... Anyway, maybe now I will look at Mary Poppins differently. Not my favorite movie and I don't think I read the book as a child. Maybe some light childhood reading this summer is in order.
We have our official packing and moving dates now. It is getting closer and closer and I am looking forward to the new adventure. Roy has made his flight reservation to return back here after we spend a week getting things moved in and settled.
Guess with all the packing and sorting I am thinking back to the long ago when my father was transferred to Houston from Illinois. This was a whole nother world for us. When we first arrived we lived in West U. Back then it was not the place to be, the suburbs were calling out to young families. The house we lived in stood for many years and only recently became a tear down. It had window units for cooling, one downstairs and one in the master bedroom. In my childhood recollection, that room was huge because it not only held my parents bed, but one of my twin beds and my brother's crib, along with a desk for my father's paperwork. I don't remember spending that much time in my bedroom but I do remember it was a long room with wooden floors and a huge fan in the window. This was also our first encounter with roaches. The house had a huge screened in porch in the backyard. We dreaded turning on the light out there at night because it seemed thousands of roaches scattered into the dark. Of course it probably wasn't thousands but.... My mother and I also discovered lizards. In my child's mind I remember running from something green with huge black spots on its back. Both my mother and I scurried into the house and she frantically tried to get a hold of my father. She worked up enough courage to go next door and ask the neighbor about these "dinosaurs" in our backyard. The neighbor kindly told my mom those were camillians and they were our friends, they ate bugs. Funny, I don't remember ever spending much time after that in the backyard nor do I remember spending time anywhere else but the huge bedroom and the downstairs...but not the screened in porch. Thankfully, my parents heeded the call of the suburbs and even though there are roaches and lizards in the burbs, they weren't entrenched like they are in an old house that has belonged to their reptile and bug families for eons.
It is now Thursday. Chris has been here so our home looks wonderful! I left before she arrived heading out to Black Walnut for breakfast and then onto Target where I just happened to have a gift card and had no clue of the amount. $50.00, pretty excited about that. Peggy called and needed a ride to Bible study, so we rode together and we talked about a million miles an hour but we are the most excited about our trip. We may see snow but probably not snow on snow. We didn't stay for big group time because she had an appointment and hopefully a car and I had a few errands to run.
Belinda M came over Monday night with some of her miracle working essential oil for aches and pains. We had a great time talking, like to 11:00 pm when I couldn't stay awake much longer. She has me hooked on this stuff. Today, at Whole Foods I looked on the aisle with all that kind of stuff and found a mixture already made up, just need the oil and a container. So, I just made an once of the stuff, it is a different formula than what she makes, and put it in a spray bottle to use on my knees. So far, so good. My knees and feet will not know what hit them while climbing stairs and working at the house on our trip. I thought with this oil stuff you could just buy mixtures from a person but I see now that they want you to immerse yourself in the whole thing and buy the kit. I know there must be a better term than kit, but it will have to do. Don't have the attention span for classes and stuff, so I will make my way through this process on my own and of course with Belinda. Wonder if she delivers to NC?
While at Whole Foods I got a complete and delightful surprise of seeing Emily S having lunch with her parents and her youngest kiddo. Emily and I had so much fun on Committee on Committees. Yes, it is as fun as it sounds. Well, you have to make the fun. My whole presence was to take copious notes of the meeting. Let's just say that wasn't my best thing. It was wonderful to catch up with her.
Last night I did something I usually don't do. No, I didn't cook but I watched a movie. It is hard for me to sit through movies at home and I rarely go to movie theaters. I watched Saving Mr. Banks. Oh my, what a great movie! The whole time I kept thinking Allison S from church was playing Mrs. Travers. If Allison had short hair that is... Anyway, maybe now I will look at Mary Poppins differently. Not my favorite movie and I don't think I read the book as a child. Maybe some light childhood reading this summer is in order.
We have our official packing and moving dates now. It is getting closer and closer and I am looking forward to the new adventure. Roy has made his flight reservation to return back here after we spend a week getting things moved in and settled.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Oh This is the Way to Start the Day
Good Morning to you! We're all in our places with sunshiny faces. Oh this is the way to start the day. This morning began with a feisty cat who clearly was angry over the fact I didn't sleep on my right side all night for her. She's a creature of habit and only my right arm will do for her slumber. She likes to lie on my arm, get her paws warmed up and then stretch out and use my hand as a pillow. This is all fine and good but sometime in the night when I no longer can feel my arm and my hand feels cold, I have to turn over. Most nights she is fine with this but there are those nights, like last night...it just isn't what she has in mind. When I got up this morning she came over to me like most mornings for a little head rub on my feet to mark me as hers and then she took a chunk out of my ankle. Not one of those love nips either. To deter her attack that would be all the way to the kitchen I quickly got a spray bottle of perfume and sprayed it into the air. She doesn't like spray or aerosol, so she quickly went on her own way. By the time I got into the kitchen, she was over it but it was more likely to play nice in order to get a morning treat.
We enjoyed a laid back weekend. Well, relaxed and laid back in not having anywhere specific to be. It was a working weekend preparing for the move in March. I made a huge dent into getting the casita bedroom packed up. Roy made a KCM run with four bags of clothes and household items and he is in the process of going through his study and getting everything tidied up. We also came to the official conclusion not to put our house here on the market. It doesn't make sense for many reasons to do that right now. I was feeling unbelievable pressure to prepare things to move and at the same time preparing the house for the sales market. I reminded Roy of everything out here in Rancho De Five that he loves and would miss if he moved into Houston to be closer to the office.
One of my favorite authors is Gail Godwin. I discovered her books in the 80's and I have always looked forward to the release of her new titles. She wrote a small non-fiction book, Publishing. It is not a how to or seven steps to be a published author, no it is a memoir of times and people. A side note, many of her novels take place in Asheville, so she is one of authors whose work influenced a decision to get a second home in that part of the country. I finished Publishing yesterday and of course today I am sad because there is not any more of the book to read. So now, I will re-read and see what I missed on my first journey through. Gail Godwin seems to be very likable but has a full on tilt of artistic temperament. Now in her mid 70's, she confesses in her book that she's a bit embarrassed by some of her antics now. Yesterday, while finishing the book, I came across a quote that explains a little bit more to me why in the world would I pick my One Word to be, play? "The first twenty years you learn. The second twenty years you practice. The third twenty years you perform. And the fourth twenty years you play." Casals
Not quite sure what it says about us, but we like a lot of the lamps and tables from PB Kids and PB Teens. We ordered a lamp for the twin bed bedroom that is so cute because I really wasn't looking for the traditional nightstand lamp for that bedroom. The curtains from PB Teen are the perfect colors and styling for two of the bedrooms, but going to wait until later to order because I want to remeasure the windows to make sure of the length. The seller of the house had them hung with a couple of inches between the hem and floor. Think I would like them to go longer and actually touch the floor.
Speaking of touching the floor, my feet need to get moving. More packing taking place today in the casita bedroom.
We enjoyed a laid back weekend. Well, relaxed and laid back in not having anywhere specific to be. It was a working weekend preparing for the move in March. I made a huge dent into getting the casita bedroom packed up. Roy made a KCM run with four bags of clothes and household items and he is in the process of going through his study and getting everything tidied up. We also came to the official conclusion not to put our house here on the market. It doesn't make sense for many reasons to do that right now. I was feeling unbelievable pressure to prepare things to move and at the same time preparing the house for the sales market. I reminded Roy of everything out here in Rancho De Five that he loves and would miss if he moved into Houston to be closer to the office.
One of my favorite authors is Gail Godwin. I discovered her books in the 80's and I have always looked forward to the release of her new titles. She wrote a small non-fiction book, Publishing. It is not a how to or seven steps to be a published author, no it is a memoir of times and people. A side note, many of her novels take place in Asheville, so she is one of authors whose work influenced a decision to get a second home in that part of the country. I finished Publishing yesterday and of course today I am sad because there is not any more of the book to read. So now, I will re-read and see what I missed on my first journey through. Gail Godwin seems to be very likable but has a full on tilt of artistic temperament. Now in her mid 70's, she confesses in her book that she's a bit embarrassed by some of her antics now. Yesterday, while finishing the book, I came across a quote that explains a little bit more to me why in the world would I pick my One Word to be, play? "The first twenty years you learn. The second twenty years you practice. The third twenty years you perform. And the fourth twenty years you play." Casals
Not quite sure what it says about us, but we like a lot of the lamps and tables from PB Kids and PB Teens. We ordered a lamp for the twin bed bedroom that is so cute because I really wasn't looking for the traditional nightstand lamp for that bedroom. The curtains from PB Teen are the perfect colors and styling for two of the bedrooms, but going to wait until later to order because I want to remeasure the windows to make sure of the length. The seller of the house had them hung with a couple of inches between the hem and floor. Think I would like them to go longer and actually touch the floor.
Speaking of touching the floor, my feet need to get moving. More packing taking place today in the casita bedroom.
Friday, January 23, 2015
I Works Hard For No Money
Once again it is a North Carolina morning complete with fog but alas no mountains. Of course there is the pretend mountain that I can see if I squint my eyes just right, look through the trees and focus on the roof of a distant neighbor's home. It's kind of like a long range mountain view. Yesterday was a successful day of packing and organizing for the eventual move. The breaks come while coming across something interesting that I forgot about whether it be a picture, notes or something that is being packed up. Today will be considered successful if I can find the waffle iron and get it packed. You might think, but Nancy, that means no waffles until April...well, the box hasn't even been opened. So here's to waffles in the mountains!
While wrapping things in bubble wrap and in the midst of throwing away, the day of packing with the pleasant breaks included the highlight of drinking Diet Coke with Lime...in a bottle, not a can. CVS used to carry them but the only place for those rascals to be found is...Buc-cees. Thankfully, I have a friend who makes frequent trips to Baytown, where the newest Buc-cees can be found. She brought me six bottles and I so enjoyed the pause that refreshes, which is really a Pepsi branding, in the midst of bubble wrap, packing paper, tape and boxes. Thank you Dena!
Another fun happening in the midst of it all was Peggy's text. She had received an email from the Baylor Alumni Association asking for our RSVP to the Alumni By Choice Luncheon. The four of us are going and I am really so very excited about this. Later in the afternoon I received the official letter.
*******
It is now Friday morning. Not that unusual for a post to be comprised of several days. The work of packing and giving away continues. Last night after all the rain UPS delivered four boxes of wooden boxes on casters. They were ordered at the beginning of December and knew they wouldn't arrive until January. These were very reasonably priced compared to some I have seen elsewhere for over $150.00 just because the word Book or Read was stenciled on the side. These will work as under the bed storage for us.
Yesterday, we had great discussion in Bible study of the remainder of Luke 11 and delved into Luke 12. Our group has so many insightful women of all ages. Two of the moms with newborns had their boys join us. Nothing like baby sounds of coos and little grunts with Bible study, they go great together. We mainly looked at the relationship of the Pharisees with Jesus. The study questions really brought home how sometimes things don't change and how they need to change. One lady brought the modern insight of the Sadducees were more like today liberals, Pharisees like evangelicals today and the Essene's would be the hippies of today. Wow! Great insight and having that thought hit close to home. Pharisees, wanted to sit in the place of honor, be recognized, they worried about themselves more than serving and kept others from growing into leadership because they wanted to remain in control and feared for their own replacement. They hung unto tradition just for the sake of hanging onto tradition. CBS studies are really so good and this is my seventh year participating. I have never been this consistent for a study in my whole life.
You have to love a hubby that sends you weather reports for your trip in Excel spreadsheets. Bottom line is, it will be a little colder than usual and we might see a bit of snow. Hopefully the weather cooperates to take the scenic back way to our home. It is one of the most beautiful drives ever!
Well, the day awaits and there are things to be done.
While wrapping things in bubble wrap and in the midst of throwing away, the day of packing with the pleasant breaks included the highlight of drinking Diet Coke with Lime...in a bottle, not a can. CVS used to carry them but the only place for those rascals to be found is...Buc-cees. Thankfully, I have a friend who makes frequent trips to Baytown, where the newest Buc-cees can be found. She brought me six bottles and I so enjoyed the pause that refreshes, which is really a Pepsi branding, in the midst of bubble wrap, packing paper, tape and boxes. Thank you Dena!
Another fun happening in the midst of it all was Peggy's text. She had received an email from the Baylor Alumni Association asking for our RSVP to the Alumni By Choice Luncheon. The four of us are going and I am really so very excited about this. Later in the afternoon I received the official letter.
*******
It is now Friday morning. Not that unusual for a post to be comprised of several days. The work of packing and giving away continues. Last night after all the rain UPS delivered four boxes of wooden boxes on casters. They were ordered at the beginning of December and knew they wouldn't arrive until January. These were very reasonably priced compared to some I have seen elsewhere for over $150.00 just because the word Book or Read was stenciled on the side. These will work as under the bed storage for us.
Yesterday, we had great discussion in Bible study of the remainder of Luke 11 and delved into Luke 12. Our group has so many insightful women of all ages. Two of the moms with newborns had their boys join us. Nothing like baby sounds of coos and little grunts with Bible study, they go great together. We mainly looked at the relationship of the Pharisees with Jesus. The study questions really brought home how sometimes things don't change and how they need to change. One lady brought the modern insight of the Sadducees were more like today liberals, Pharisees like evangelicals today and the Essene's would be the hippies of today. Wow! Great insight and having that thought hit close to home. Pharisees, wanted to sit in the place of honor, be recognized, they worried about themselves more than serving and kept others from growing into leadership because they wanted to remain in control and feared for their own replacement. They hung unto tradition just for the sake of hanging onto tradition. CBS studies are really so good and this is my seventh year participating. I have never been this consistent for a study in my whole life.
You have to love a hubby that sends you weather reports for your trip in Excel spreadsheets. Bottom line is, it will be a little colder than usual and we might see a bit of snow. Hopefully the weather cooperates to take the scenic back way to our home. It is one of the most beautiful drives ever!
Well, the day awaits and there are things to be done.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Purge But No Binge
It looks like North Carolina this morning. Trees shrouded with fog and being able to see only a few feet ahead. It's beautiful!
When it comes to moving into our future, we have to get good at purging things from our past that limit us or hold us back. Christine Caine
This is a great quote to read on a Tuesday after getting moving quotes over the weekend. The cost took me a bit by surprise, even with moving in the non busy season and with the cost of fuel now. There is so much to consider and even going through our home, listing the pieces to be moved, we forgot to include a few things. And I thought I did a huge book purge when we moved out to Rancho De Five. It is looking like the book purge of 2015 is about to happen.
We find it exciting to talk about our future since we have felt somewhat stagnant in the past few years. My knees will not let me be in choir. For this, I am sad. I also find myself on the sideline and I am not quite sure how I got here, but I have a pretty good idea. Can I help it I didn't want someone else to define my life for me?
Of course many times what holds me back is myself. When you finally get comfortable in your brain and skin, you're too old to be considered for much but along with that too old means, I can pretty much say or do or wear what I want. Well, that last sentence sounded like Cartman.
We went to the memorial service of a coworker of Roy, Sunday. It seemed a million miles away in Kingwood. It wasn't a very long service, mainly the pastor talking, we sang one song and then the worship leader sang one of the deceased's favorite songs. No eulogy or anyone else speaking. The family kind of sauntered in to the worship center and it seemed like a stretch to really talk very much about the man. Some of the stories the pastor told were kind of strange stories to tell, but that might have been all they had of interest. The service was well attended though.
Yesterday, I purged things from my closet to move into our future that has less closet space. It was a joy to do so because it is another step closer to living in the country and enjoying cooler weather. The book purge began too. Six boxes ready to go to the Bookworm this weekend. As I've been working I am trying to keep in mind that Roy could sell the house out here on the prairie if it's the right time and right buyer. So, some of the purging has that aspect of that future in mind as well.
We have a meeting set up with our general contractor and a delivery day set up for furniture delivery while I am in Asheville. It will be helpful to have Peggy there as we talk with Jonathan. She contributed several great ideas for our Rancho De Five home. Next thing, get a locksmith scheduled. Once I get all that settled Peggy and I can enjoy the sights.
Well, another day of purging and thankfully it has nothing to do with food cause you have to binge if there is food involved. I am also considering what needs to go up on the next trip.
When it comes to moving into our future, we have to get good at purging things from our past that limit us or hold us back. Christine Caine
This is a great quote to read on a Tuesday after getting moving quotes over the weekend. The cost took me a bit by surprise, even with moving in the non busy season and with the cost of fuel now. There is so much to consider and even going through our home, listing the pieces to be moved, we forgot to include a few things. And I thought I did a huge book purge when we moved out to Rancho De Five. It is looking like the book purge of 2015 is about to happen.
We find it exciting to talk about our future since we have felt somewhat stagnant in the past few years. My knees will not let me be in choir. For this, I am sad. I also find myself on the sideline and I am not quite sure how I got here, but I have a pretty good idea. Can I help it I didn't want someone else to define my life for me?
Of course many times what holds me back is myself. When you finally get comfortable in your brain and skin, you're too old to be considered for much but along with that too old means, I can pretty much say or do or wear what I want. Well, that last sentence sounded like Cartman.
We went to the memorial service of a coworker of Roy, Sunday. It seemed a million miles away in Kingwood. It wasn't a very long service, mainly the pastor talking, we sang one song and then the worship leader sang one of the deceased's favorite songs. No eulogy or anyone else speaking. The family kind of sauntered in to the worship center and it seemed like a stretch to really talk very much about the man. Some of the stories the pastor told were kind of strange stories to tell, but that might have been all they had of interest. The service was well attended though.
Yesterday, I purged things from my closet to move into our future that has less closet space. It was a joy to do so because it is another step closer to living in the country and enjoying cooler weather. The book purge began too. Six boxes ready to go to the Bookworm this weekend. As I've been working I am trying to keep in mind that Roy could sell the house out here on the prairie if it's the right time and right buyer. So, some of the purging has that aspect of that future in mind as well.
We have a meeting set up with our general contractor and a delivery day set up for furniture delivery while I am in Asheville. It will be helpful to have Peggy there as we talk with Jonathan. She contributed several great ideas for our Rancho De Five home. Next thing, get a locksmith scheduled. Once I get all that settled Peggy and I can enjoy the sights.
Well, another day of purging and thankfully it has nothing to do with food cause you have to binge if there is food involved. I am also considering what needs to go up on the next trip.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Adventures With the Halt and Lame...That Would Be Me
If I were in the choir loft this morning, I would be on the halt and lame row. Really, it's sad when you are going to do a quick walk through Hobby Lobby because this might be the week they have the sign Roy likes on sale and we grab a shopping cart, not because we think we are going to be buying tons of stuff, but so good old Halty here can use it like a walker to make our walk through Hobby Lobby manageable. Good news! The man cave sign was on sale.
Roy and I attended a funeral yesterday in the historic Lawndale Cemetery. There are headstones that are truly works of art. As we made the winding turns in the processional to the grave site, familiar names of famous Houstonians dotted the serene landscape. The first sunny weekend in quite sometime and the freeways were packed with cars and it seemed no different in the cemetery due to multiple graveside services happening within the same time frame. The service for Emily's father was very nice and many friends were in attendance, so much so it surprised the Episcopal minister presiding over the service. Our drive back out to Rancho De Five was not as adventurous or crowded as the trip to Lawndale. We stopped for a late lunch at El Rancho, thus, the quick trip to Hobby Lobby.
Today, we are attending a memorial service for a co-worker of Roy in Kingwood. Added to the mix is the Mrs. Monarch role. I haven't had to be her in a really long time.
Happy Pooh Day!
I had breakfast with a new friend on Friday morning. We were having such a good time we got kicked out of Black Walnut because they needed our table for the expanding lunch crowd. I think that is why Black Walnut is never a choice for lunch if it is up to me to pick. Finding a parking place is too stressful. Add to that fact it is January so the Lifetime parking lot is totally full, so that option isn't even available. So just like Pooh and Piglet it was a what's for breakfast/what's going to happen exciting today Friday morning.
The moving people had to reschedule our meeting from Friday to Saturday morning. We are picking a great time price wise to move some things up to North Carolina. He also said because our destination is on one of their most busy routes, we should have our furniture delivered in four to six days. We were prepared with our list of things going and our questions on packing. This morning I realize I left a couple of things off the list but we have until a week before we move to make additions and subtractions.
Yesterday, I also made reservations at the Inn on Biltmore Estate for Peggy and me. She is going with me as I take stuff up there and to be at the house for several deliveries. And because both of us are such domestic goddesses, we will also arrange kitchen things. Peggy and I have been to the Biltmore before, way back in the day, 1999. It was in July and we did a quick tour of the house and gardens. She told me, we don't need to buy the audio guide, I can tell you everything about this house since I have been here before. Ha! Not until I went back in 2002 with Dena did I realize Peggy didn't know everything about the house. We aren't going to do the Biltmore House but I think she will really enjoy seeing everything else there on the estate. Edward, our friend who works there will be so excited to finally meet Peggy. We have talked about her, both Roy and Dena, when we have been on our trips there. The girls at Turkey Creek Cafe will be excited because I told them Peggy could teach them how to line dance. They want to know how but their moms don't want them learning line dancing at a bar.
Well, it is time for Halty to get going and get dressed. Have a wonderful day!
Roy and I attended a funeral yesterday in the historic Lawndale Cemetery. There are headstones that are truly works of art. As we made the winding turns in the processional to the grave site, familiar names of famous Houstonians dotted the serene landscape. The first sunny weekend in quite sometime and the freeways were packed with cars and it seemed no different in the cemetery due to multiple graveside services happening within the same time frame. The service for Emily's father was very nice and many friends were in attendance, so much so it surprised the Episcopal minister presiding over the service. Our drive back out to Rancho De Five was not as adventurous or crowded as the trip to Lawndale. We stopped for a late lunch at El Rancho, thus, the quick trip to Hobby Lobby.
Today, we are attending a memorial service for a co-worker of Roy in Kingwood. Added to the mix is the Mrs. Monarch role. I haven't had to be her in a really long time.
I had breakfast with a new friend on Friday morning. We were having such a good time we got kicked out of Black Walnut because they needed our table for the expanding lunch crowd. I think that is why Black Walnut is never a choice for lunch if it is up to me to pick. Finding a parking place is too stressful. Add to that fact it is January so the Lifetime parking lot is totally full, so that option isn't even available. So just like Pooh and Piglet it was a what's for breakfast/what's going to happen exciting today Friday morning.
The moving people had to reschedule our meeting from Friday to Saturday morning. We are picking a great time price wise to move some things up to North Carolina. He also said because our destination is on one of their most busy routes, we should have our furniture delivered in four to six days. We were prepared with our list of things going and our questions on packing. This morning I realize I left a couple of things off the list but we have until a week before we move to make additions and subtractions.
Yesterday, I also made reservations at the Inn on Biltmore Estate for Peggy and me. She is going with me as I take stuff up there and to be at the house for several deliveries. And because both of us are such domestic goddesses, we will also arrange kitchen things. Peggy and I have been to the Biltmore before, way back in the day, 1999. It was in July and we did a quick tour of the house and gardens. She told me, we don't need to buy the audio guide, I can tell you everything about this house since I have been here before. Ha! Not until I went back in 2002 with Dena did I realize Peggy didn't know everything about the house. We aren't going to do the Biltmore House but I think she will really enjoy seeing everything else there on the estate. Edward, our friend who works there will be so excited to finally meet Peggy. We have talked about her, both Roy and Dena, when we have been on our trips there. The girls at Turkey Creek Cafe will be excited because I told them Peggy could teach them how to line dance. They want to know how but their moms don't want them learning line dancing at a bar.
Well, it is time for Halty to get going and get dressed. Have a wonderful day!
Friday, January 16, 2015
Just Stuff Before the Weekend
Why
is play so elusive for some grown-ups? Because we are so strongly
attracted
and
attached to a profoundly goal-oriented, work-ethic-driven society. Like
other forms of non-work, play connotes
wastefulness, a stoppage in the way of
what needs to get done. Yet often what
really needs to get done has more to do
with our hearts and spirits and less to do
with a deadline or longstanding project.
Play beckons to us, urging us to live in the
present moment, a moment that
becomes more luminous when we disallow
interruptions like work and worry.
I found this quote and I would give credit to whoever thought of this wonderful quote but it was listed as anonymous. It's a pretty good quote in my book and yes, it went into my quote book I bought years ago from Levenger. Keeps quotes all nice and organized.
It is fun to watch serious, focused Roy write seriously funny things on the safety email he sends most mornings, his company sends them out as daily reminders to work safe. It feels like such a loss when he doesn't have time to forward it with his witty remarks and insights that concern Buddy or me or both of us with safety.
On Facebook this week a friend who usually posts quotes or pictures of family or church happenings made a really, rather out of character, post. She said she was going to go see Pit Bull at the rodeo in March. Friends had so much fun with that and let her know how funny it was when she posted a retraction and explanation and disclaimer, she wasn't going to see him. Here's hoping she wasn't told to make a disclaimer. So many enjoyed the brevity from the same o same o Facebook updates.
You have to make it a fun job whilst going through drawers and boxes and closets, trying to get organized and sorted what stays here and what goes to NC. Yesterday it was fun because I found $80.00. Over the weekend I came across some journal pages that lets me know in hindsight Alzheimer's began sooner than later with my mom. For instance in 2005 I wrote about how mad my mom had become over taking one of her best friends to MD Anderson...it wasn't actually the taking, it was the fact she needed to be picked up so late. Only thing, my parents weren't picking her up just taking her in the mornings. My mother didn't lose her temper and things like this did not make her mad but maybe with the onset of the disease, it was changing my normally docile mother. The other thing I came across was a totally inappropriate birthday card for Roy from her. She was known for her cards, mostly very funny, but this one was very s&xual in nature....again, a little bit of Alzheimer's sneaking in and we didn't realize what it was.
Welcome Friday! Life got in the way of blogging but it was good life. There was CBS which I left early because I met Lisa P for lunch at The Nord. We celebrated her birthday with our regular crab stack, cilantro lime shrimp salad and splitting a white choc bread pudding. Yum! We got an extra special surprise when tucked away in another booth in the corner was Paige B and Dora P. Gee, I just realized put together our last name initials make PPBM but we are not into potty humor. When I got home I could not find Buddy anywhere...I called her name and nothing. Except in the distance I could hear the slight sound of a meow. I called her name again, and I heard the sad little meow. I looked around and realized she had gotten into the linen closet and Chris had shut the door not realizing Buddy was in there. I have done the same thing, because that little gray cat is fast and sneaky. That is the longest time she has been shut in that closet.
That's it for now.
Welcome Friday! Life got in the way of blogging but it was good life. There was CBS which I left early because I met Lisa P for lunch at The Nord. We celebrated her birthday with our regular crab stack, cilantro lime shrimp salad and splitting a white choc bread pudding. Yum! We got an extra special surprise when tucked away in another booth in the corner was Paige B and Dora P. Gee, I just realized put together our last name initials make PPBM but we are not into potty humor. When I got home I could not find Buddy anywhere...I called her name and nothing. Except in the distance I could hear the slight sound of a meow. I called her name again, and I heard the sad little meow. I looked around and realized she had gotten into the linen closet and Chris had shut the door not realizing Buddy was in there. I have done the same thing, because that little gray cat is fast and sneaky. That is the longest time she has been shut in that closet.
That's it for now.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Keep Moving Forward....
Congrats to Ohio State or The Ohio State or as the flag runners proclaimed OO HI. Flag runners going to be flag runners. At this stage in the game I would be a flag dragger along the sidelines and it might just take the whole game for me to go the distance. Yes my friends, flag running is for the young and for those who like to misspell.
Roy talked with moving companies and one is coming out Friday to give us an estimate. The flooring company called yesterday letting us know the hardwoods look great and this time the wood and gloss are a match. Yea!
When we moved to Rancho De Five, one of the things topmost in furnishing our home was, each piece needed to add storage or another purpose other than what is was being used for. I am trying to bring that mindset to this home because it is smaller and has much less storage than here. Lots of downsizing going on. The window treatments are not staying but are up until I find what I am looking for.
So, we keep on moving forward....
Roy talked with moving companies and one is coming out Friday to give us an estimate. The flooring company called yesterday letting us know the hardwoods look great and this time the wood and gloss are a match. Yea!
So, we keep on moving forward....
Monday, January 12, 2015
Playful and Play...It Does a Body Good
We took another sabbatical Sunday this morning. Roy was exhausted and didn't want to get out in all the mess. I didn't have the best night sleeping with Buddy restless and with the rumbling of thunder that came ever closer as the morning came. Many Sundays we go to First for the music that ministers to our spirits and with the choir on leave until next week, the extra umph to get going into town for church is lost somewhere between the warmth of the covers and the willingness of the heart.
But just because our rears aren't in church doesn't mean we can't hear God speak to our hearts. This morning was especially heart opening for me as I read the Word and contemplated what I had read.
I have written previously that my One Word for 2015 is play. There is so much to the word, it comprises so many good and honorable qualities. I woke up this morning thinking about this word, play and being playful. What encompasses playfulness? Sadly, I must admit that I have left a great deal of playfulness out of my life in the recent years. Playfulness can get on many a serious person's nerves. They don't quite see the need to celebrate the little things or having humor in the midst of serious issues. Somehow I let those feelings of others define decisions and the course of the path I travel upon. The consequences of this is; I don't send as many cards as I used to, I don't give as many spontaneous gifts for 'just because' reasons, I'm not dancing while I vacuum, I'm not listening to that much music, there's been a losing a bit of wonder and amazement, giving into my cynical view of life and some disregard for some manners and thoughtfulness. It is not a very creative season, I am not using the gift of imagination, and I find my views can be quite pessimistic; it seems to have been a little bit more of a self absorbed season of life. You know, taking oneself too seriously.
It was a fun, humorous dream that I awoke from that started this line of thought and not only did I
wake up to the day, but I awakened that spark within to see the good and the funny in life. Of course there hasn't been a losing of a sense of humor but more times than naught on our last trip to Asheville, Roy commented several times, you still have that umph within you that makes you childlike, with the sense of wonder and being happy over the smallest of things. We both noted, I have kind of lost that here on the prairie.
So it has been fun looking at quotes and writing down quotes on playfulness and play in my quote notebook. I have also been reading the Scripture, trying to find the passage I most would think defines playfulness. The choice might be quite surprising, but it is Proverbs 31. I love the women writers who are taking back Proverbs 31 to the original meaning from Hebrew. The more I re-read this chapter, I am really trying to understand how this chapter defines women as homemakers only. My goodness, this lady was involved in a lot of stuff! To be that involved, she has to have a sense of humor or at least in my interpretation there in she has to. Verse 11, she great enriches his life...she brings him good, not harm. Believe me, as a wife of noble character, you have to have a sense of humor to bring good, not harm... 15, she has servant girls, that has to help keep your spirit up and a sense of humor. 17, she is energetic and strong, a hard worker....her lamp burns late into the night. Some of my most creative ideas have come late in the night and also when I brush my teeth and that can be early or late brushing. 25, she is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future. There are more verses I could bring commentary to but I think verse 30 speaks playfulness and joy the loudest; Charm is deceptive, and beauty doesn't last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Beauty not lasting is a laughing matter....no one can be charming all the time... She laughs at the future because it's funny. You have to because the other choice is depression. On our trip Roy made an interesting comment, you either deal with the whole beauty or good looking issue when you are younger or when you are older. You're going to deal with it at one point or the other. If you are not beautiful or good looking, the confrontation with this issue comes early and often. Often a whole lot as a teenager. If you have been beautiful or good looking your whole life, then as looks fade, you deal with that later and more often, only now the blessing is, your eyesight isn't as good as it used to be. The asset that has been depended upon diminishes. You have to laugh, you have to know beauty will always be fleeting and changing. If you don't take a playful or humorous attitude toward it, you either get plastic surgery or get over it.
So, today I will have a more playful attitude which brings joy, enriches my hubs life, causes me to dance, sing songs, have fun, stop and ponder in wonder. It is a good thing we are studying Luke in CBS because many times Luke has been referred to as the Gospel of Amazement, because people are amazed a lot at the miracles, and it is also the gospel of a journey, a journey enriched in prayer.
****Disclaimer******
I know God is a Holy God and I worship Him as such. I know it is good to fear and respect the Lord. But I also know He made me and He made me with a funny bone.
But just because our rears aren't in church doesn't mean we can't hear God speak to our hearts. This morning was especially heart opening for me as I read the Word and contemplated what I had read.
I have written previously that my One Word for 2015 is play. There is so much to the word, it comprises so many good and honorable qualities. I woke up this morning thinking about this word, play and being playful. What encompasses playfulness? Sadly, I must admit that I have left a great deal of playfulness out of my life in the recent years. Playfulness can get on many a serious person's nerves. They don't quite see the need to celebrate the little things or having humor in the midst of serious issues. Somehow I let those feelings of others define decisions and the course of the path I travel upon. The consequences of this is; I don't send as many cards as I used to, I don't give as many spontaneous gifts for 'just because' reasons, I'm not dancing while I vacuum, I'm not listening to that much music, there's been a losing a bit of wonder and amazement, giving into my cynical view of life and some disregard for some manners and thoughtfulness. It is not a very creative season, I am not using the gift of imagination, and I find my views can be quite pessimistic; it seems to have been a little bit more of a self absorbed season of life. You know, taking oneself too seriously.
It was a fun, humorous dream that I awoke from that started this line of thought and not only did I
wake up to the day, but I awakened that spark within to see the good and the funny in life. Of course there hasn't been a losing of a sense of humor but more times than naught on our last trip to Asheville, Roy commented several times, you still have that umph within you that makes you childlike, with the sense of wonder and being happy over the smallest of things. We both noted, I have kind of lost that here on the prairie.
So it has been fun looking at quotes and writing down quotes on playfulness and play in my quote notebook. I have also been reading the Scripture, trying to find the passage I most would think defines playfulness. The choice might be quite surprising, but it is Proverbs 31. I love the women writers who are taking back Proverbs 31 to the original meaning from Hebrew. The more I re-read this chapter, I am really trying to understand how this chapter defines women as homemakers only. My goodness, this lady was involved in a lot of stuff! To be that involved, she has to have a sense of humor or at least in my interpretation there in she has to. Verse 11, she great enriches his life...she brings him good, not harm. Believe me, as a wife of noble character, you have to have a sense of humor to bring good, not harm... 15, she has servant girls, that has to help keep your spirit up and a sense of humor. 17, she is energetic and strong, a hard worker....her lamp burns late into the night. Some of my most creative ideas have come late in the night and also when I brush my teeth and that can be early or late brushing. 25, she is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future. There are more verses I could bring commentary to but I think verse 30 speaks playfulness and joy the loudest; Charm is deceptive, and beauty doesn't last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Beauty not lasting is a laughing matter....no one can be charming all the time... She laughs at the future because it's funny. You have to because the other choice is depression. On our trip Roy made an interesting comment, you either deal with the whole beauty or good looking issue when you are younger or when you are older. You're going to deal with it at one point or the other. If you are not beautiful or good looking, the confrontation with this issue comes early and often. Often a whole lot as a teenager. If you have been beautiful or good looking your whole life, then as looks fade, you deal with that later and more often, only now the blessing is, your eyesight isn't as good as it used to be. The asset that has been depended upon diminishes. You have to laugh, you have to know beauty will always be fleeting and changing. If you don't take a playful or humorous attitude toward it, you either get plastic surgery or get over it.
So, today I will have a more playful attitude which brings joy, enriches my hubs life, causes me to dance, sing songs, have fun, stop and ponder in wonder. It is a good thing we are studying Luke in CBS because many times Luke has been referred to as the Gospel of Amazement, because people are amazed a lot at the miracles, and it is also the gospel of a journey, a journey enriched in prayer.
****Disclaimer******
I know God is a Holy God and I worship Him as such. I know it is good to fear and respect the Lord. But I also know He made me and He made me with a funny bone.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Saturday Morning on the Prairie
Saturday morning on the prairie. Overcast and cold but roasty toasty on the inside. Last year the starter module broke pre-fireplace season and we waited for months for the repair. Seems as if there aren't enough repair people available due to the installation of fireplaces in the massive amount of new homes being built. This year with the fireplace repaired and working, we enjoy those evening fires with our new love of hot chocky. With the Keruig Swiss Miss the temperature for immediate sipping is just right. I think we have drank more hot chocky in the past few weeks than we have in our whole lives. It will be a quiet morning with Roy at Bible study and then at the dealership with his car getting the oil changed and the brakes inspected.
The granite install went well by all accounts and the pictures after the install confirms the choice. We are thinking of doing white cabinets with a chocolate wash which will bring out the color in the granite even more. In the past I haven't been a fan of light colored cabinets and hardwoods but we really like the look in the house and it continues the farmhouse look we are going after...even though it is not a farmhouse. There is a line between just enough and too much making the rooms look kitschy and camp. Not the look we want. For a short period of time we considered getting everything retro for the kitchen but that idea passed quickly just like so many other ideas that have come and gone with some ideas sticking around. We have been looking at dining room tables for the kitchen. The area for the table is in front of bay windows that don't really extend out too far. Kate had a small round table and we have considered that and square tables. Now we are kind of hung up on a rectangle table because we could put it closer to the windows when it is just us or me. Our back yard, tiered with plants, is a haven for some of the most beautiful birds. At Christmas I saw a male and female cardinal sitting on a branch and across from them a male and female blue birds.
The news of Andre Crouch passing away hit me hard. He was like my generation's Chris Tomlin. When he came to town, I had tickets to see him. I think I saw him several times at the Music Hall from back in the day. He introduced me to gospel music and I loved it the from the very first note. I had every record and played them endlessly. Even today, I like singing his songs, they don't seem worn or played out, the words are as meaningful and truthful and relevant today as they were when I first started out on this journey. To God be the glory, for the things He has done.
Bible study started back Thursday. Sometimes CBS glances over passages that I wish they would have given more time to. Really, as women, we can never get tired of the Mary/Martha discussion. I have come to the conclusion in this story, I would rather be Lazarus. He didn't have to do anything. We spent a lot of time studying the sending of the 72 or 70 depending on your translation. Our group had good discussion on the good Samaritan.
We are taking the stance of no news is good news since we haven't heard a thing about the installation of our hardwoods. They will be contacting us for the rest of the money, so no worries there.
Peggy came over yesterday with my Christmas gift...a beautiful lamb pillow and my Mildred name on a neat looking license plate thingy. We sat or rather she stood by the fireplace and talked forever. Contrary to what others may think, we don't get to spend a lot of time together. Roy came home right after she left and we headed out in the mist and cold for lunch and a few errands.
As you can tell by this riveting blog post life is full and easy right now enjoying the simple things of our everyday life. I think I surprised Roy when he offered the chance to buy all new furniture instead of moving some of ours up to NC when I turned down the opportunity. Wow, maturity at its finest. His thoughts were it might be cheaper to do that than moving but when I did a calculation thing on Google, I think he was kind of happy I turned down the offer. Besides, he would start selling furniture here that he didn't think he would need and I am not quite ready to do that. His mindset fluctuates on getting something taken care of but then I bring him back to the fact he will not be here in Katy by himself for the whole year. I would not want to come back to find things he had sold that I wouldn't want sold. So, chaos averted.
The granite install went well by all accounts and the pictures after the install confirms the choice. We are thinking of doing white cabinets with a chocolate wash which will bring out the color in the granite even more. In the past I haven't been a fan of light colored cabinets and hardwoods but we really like the look in the house and it continues the farmhouse look we are going after...even though it is not a farmhouse. There is a line between just enough and too much making the rooms look kitschy and camp. Not the look we want. For a short period of time we considered getting everything retro for the kitchen but that idea passed quickly just like so many other ideas that have come and gone with some ideas sticking around. We have been looking at dining room tables for the kitchen. The area for the table is in front of bay windows that don't really extend out too far. Kate had a small round table and we have considered that and square tables. Now we are kind of hung up on a rectangle table because we could put it closer to the windows when it is just us or me. Our back yard, tiered with plants, is a haven for some of the most beautiful birds. At Christmas I saw a male and female cardinal sitting on a branch and across from them a male and female blue birds.
The news of Andre Crouch passing away hit me hard. He was like my generation's Chris Tomlin. When he came to town, I had tickets to see him. I think I saw him several times at the Music Hall from back in the day. He introduced me to gospel music and I loved it the from the very first note. I had every record and played them endlessly. Even today, I like singing his songs, they don't seem worn or played out, the words are as meaningful and truthful and relevant today as they were when I first started out on this journey. To God be the glory, for the things He has done.
Bible study started back Thursday. Sometimes CBS glances over passages that I wish they would have given more time to. Really, as women, we can never get tired of the Mary/Martha discussion. I have come to the conclusion in this story, I would rather be Lazarus. He didn't have to do anything. We spent a lot of time studying the sending of the 72 or 70 depending on your translation. Our group had good discussion on the good Samaritan.
We are taking the stance of no news is good news since we haven't heard a thing about the installation of our hardwoods. They will be contacting us for the rest of the money, so no worries there.
Peggy came over yesterday with my Christmas gift...a beautiful lamb pillow and my Mildred name on a neat looking license plate thingy. We sat or rather she stood by the fireplace and talked forever. Contrary to what others may think, we don't get to spend a lot of time together. Roy came home right after she left and we headed out in the mist and cold for lunch and a few errands.
As you can tell by this riveting blog post life is full and easy right now enjoying the simple things of our everyday life. I think I surprised Roy when he offered the chance to buy all new furniture instead of moving some of ours up to NC when I turned down the opportunity. Wow, maturity at its finest. His thoughts were it might be cheaper to do that than moving but when I did a calculation thing on Google, I think he was kind of happy I turned down the offer. Besides, he would start selling furniture here that he didn't think he would need and I am not quite ready to do that. His mindset fluctuates on getting something taken care of but then I bring him back to the fact he will not be here in Katy by himself for the whole year. I would not want to come back to find things he had sold that I wouldn't want sold. So, chaos averted.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
For I'm Trained, Trained, Trained! No Not Really....
From time to time, from season to season, Roy accepts and is patient with my ADD and then there are times and seasons that it seems to be too much for him to understand and he gets impatient with me and thus turns to his default "work" mode to help me. Only thing, it doesn't help...at all...really. A couple of days before we left for Asheville at Christmas I left my breakfast plate with a piece of crust on it in front of the computer in his study. He woke me up the next morning, and began explaining to me before he left for work, why I needed to train myself to put plates up. Blah, blah, blah...what will I do when he is not in NC with me? I was thinking, uh, pick up the stupid plate whenever I want to. Now, it is not like I leave plates around the house or in his office often...but that morning, oh probably around 5:00 am, I just listened and didn't comment. Not because I am so loving and kind...can be, no this was just one of those things I would stick in my back pocket cause I knew the opportunity would arise and I would get to be the one who talked about training... I did not have to wait very long. Just that evening, he left several of his coats and jackets on couches and chairs. So, I said to him...you know....if you would just train yourself to hang up your coats and jackets they wouldn't be located all around the house. Later still, if you would just throw away the empty bottle that held your flavored water...you could train yourself to do that and not have to rush around like a nut before Chris comes... Guess y'all are getting the picture. We laugh about it now and I told him, think through what you say because if you are as guilty as the one you are trying to "train" it will come back to bite you. I mean really, I hadn't heard the word train used so much since my Campus Crusade days back in high school and at the beginning of college. Training is a buzz word for CCC or CRUD or CLUE or CRU or whatever they call themselves now.
So things are going along swimmingly. I tried to explain my brain and how it works on our trip. Really, the song Carol of the Bells is a wonderful example. All the parts and layering and the total hyperness of the song. Even gave Roy an article to read the ADD riddled brain.
Then this morning...because I stayed up a little later than usual and had plans to sleep in a bit, I get a phone call from Roy...early....errrrrrrrr....lllllly to tell me that the wind is going to increase by noon. Would I make sure the big box I left outside last night...empty...is put up so the wind doesn't blow it around and because the empty box could be an attractive nuisance for anyone thinking about stealing a box off a porch. We don't have a porch here, so guess he meant the courtyard. Now, yesterday, I made taco soup for dinner which means a lot of cans, packages and paper are generated that filled an almost full can. I even took the full trash bag out of the trash can and put it aside for just a moment before taking it out to the trash. I was pretty happy with myself cause sometimes I just keep piling the garbage in and wait for Roy to come home and take care of it. I had done so many things around here and did I mention I made dinner? Can I help it that at the moment when Kendra was leaving, the Fed Ex man is arriving delivering two boxes which contain nightstands? Then, the trash guys come around as soon as Kendra and Fed Ex leave? I mean you have to have trash cans to put trash into, right? So, I go outside and bring in the trash cans but our LSU signs are still in the yard and we take them down when football season is over, so I get one of them and put it away but wonder if there is a box cutter to open up the boxes on the courtyard instead of bringing them into the house and getting paper, Styrofoam and cardboard everywhere. Can't find a box cutter, so back into the house for a pair of scissors leaving one LSU sign still up in the yard but I begin working on a box. It is well protected this nightstand, so after going through three layers of cardboard, foam and tape I put the nightstand and the second box in the casita bedroom. The phone is ringing so I go inside to answer the phone, then fold towels, and sit down to wait for Roy to come home by reading a book. The garbage bag was totally forgotten about until Roy came home and went into the kitchen. He picks up the bag, looks at me...I'm thinking if he starts talking about training.... He takes the bag and he is making a face at me like he is so totally disgusted with me as he takes it to the trash can I so kindly brought in earlier in the garage. He wasn't happy with me but really, my ADD seems to be worse which might be due to the fact I am constantly thinking about NC in some shape or fashion.
So this morning when I went outside to put the box in the recycle bin, it was no where to be found. The box that is. I checked the front and side yards...I'm thinking, I have got to find this box! Roy called so early about it, our address and packing slip are probably on it and that's when I noticed some cardboard and formed Styrofoam just a little past the driveway. So I begin traipsing through the neighborhood, picking up cardboard, following the trail of the missing box. Did I mention I hadn't brushed my hair or put on any makeup. I am surprised no one called the sheriff about a crazy lady, with Bozo the Clown hair, talking to herself and carrying bits and pieces of foam and cardboard walking around the neighborhood, maybe a little too close to the pocket park where children might be playing. I gave up when a piece of the cardboard gave me a nice sized paper cut which wouldn't stop bleeding. Thank you low dose aspirins. So now add all the above crazy elements and blood dripping profusely from a finger, my middle finger. I decided to come home, stop the bleeding and maybe call the sheriff office to let them know mischief might be afoot in Rancho De Five. The criminals only got an empty box, next time it could be something from Nordstrom. Then I would call Roy and tell him, it's gone. Right before I went on the box search I emailed Roy to tell him what I was going to do and since my cell phone doesn't work too well outside of the house, nothing came through from him. He had called and texted letting me know the box was in the garage. I returned home bleeding and with several messages from him...he thought he would "teach" me a lesson about leaving a box outside, overnight. He had torn it down and put it in the recycle bin last night. Didn't I hear him going out the front door several times last night? No, I'm sorry but when the first new show of Dance Moms is on for the fifth season, my attention is directed onto, 'where is Christi and Chloe?' He wanted to know why didn't I start in the garage? Because he called early and made a big deal out of the box debacle, I trusted him. (Insert knife) I didn't think he would do something like that to me. (Now turn the knife and maybe add a touch of salt) He felt guilty. He wanted me to go to Urgent Care to take care of my finger. I told him I would have to go to Urgent Hair first. After a few moments, his guilt must have assuaged because he asked me, "do you own a pair of work gloves? Why don't you wear work gloves with these kind of materials?" Oh yes, Bozo, carrying cardboard and foam, with blood dripping from a middle finger and work gloves. I told him, uh, why would I wear work gloves to carry a box? Oh, he so wants to train me....He sends me safety moments from work every morning.
So here it is, what to get positively out of this whole experience?
Thankful that baby aspirin is working diminishing my stroke chance.
Roy suggested I would maybe have something to blog about today...
That my goal oriented, spreadsheet will work for anything husband, felt guilt for his little joke.
I learned the value of training my mind to......look squirrel!!!!
Yep, that's about it.
So things are going along swimmingly. I tried to explain my brain and how it works on our trip. Really, the song Carol of the Bells is a wonderful example. All the parts and layering and the total hyperness of the song. Even gave Roy an article to read the ADD riddled brain.
Then this morning...because I stayed up a little later than usual and had plans to sleep in a bit, I get a phone call from Roy...early....errrrrrrrr....lllllly to tell me that the wind is going to increase by noon. Would I make sure the big box I left outside last night...empty...is put up so the wind doesn't blow it around and because the empty box could be an attractive nuisance for anyone thinking about stealing a box off a porch. We don't have a porch here, so guess he meant the courtyard. Now, yesterday, I made taco soup for dinner which means a lot of cans, packages and paper are generated that filled an almost full can. I even took the full trash bag out of the trash can and put it aside for just a moment before taking it out to the trash. I was pretty happy with myself cause sometimes I just keep piling the garbage in and wait for Roy to come home and take care of it. I had done so many things around here and did I mention I made dinner? Can I help it that at the moment when Kendra was leaving, the Fed Ex man is arriving delivering two boxes which contain nightstands? Then, the trash guys come around as soon as Kendra and Fed Ex leave? I mean you have to have trash cans to put trash into, right? So, I go outside and bring in the trash cans but our LSU signs are still in the yard and we take them down when football season is over, so I get one of them and put it away but wonder if there is a box cutter to open up the boxes on the courtyard instead of bringing them into the house and getting paper, Styrofoam and cardboard everywhere. Can't find a box cutter, so back into the house for a pair of scissors leaving one LSU sign still up in the yard but I begin working on a box. It is well protected this nightstand, so after going through three layers of cardboard, foam and tape I put the nightstand and the second box in the casita bedroom. The phone is ringing so I go inside to answer the phone, then fold towels, and sit down to wait for Roy to come home by reading a book. The garbage bag was totally forgotten about until Roy came home and went into the kitchen. He picks up the bag, looks at me...I'm thinking if he starts talking about training.... He takes the bag and he is making a face at me like he is so totally disgusted with me as he takes it to the trash can I so kindly brought in earlier in the garage. He wasn't happy with me but really, my ADD seems to be worse which might be due to the fact I am constantly thinking about NC in some shape or fashion.
So this morning when I went outside to put the box in the recycle bin, it was no where to be found. The box that is. I checked the front and side yards...I'm thinking, I have got to find this box! Roy called so early about it, our address and packing slip are probably on it and that's when I noticed some cardboard and formed Styrofoam just a little past the driveway. So I begin traipsing through the neighborhood, picking up cardboard, following the trail of the missing box. Did I mention I hadn't brushed my hair or put on any makeup. I am surprised no one called the sheriff about a crazy lady, with Bozo the Clown hair, talking to herself and carrying bits and pieces of foam and cardboard walking around the neighborhood, maybe a little too close to the pocket park where children might be playing. I gave up when a piece of the cardboard gave me a nice sized paper cut which wouldn't stop bleeding. Thank you low dose aspirins. So now add all the above crazy elements and blood dripping profusely from a finger, my middle finger. I decided to come home, stop the bleeding and maybe call the sheriff office to let them know mischief might be afoot in Rancho De Five. The criminals only got an empty box, next time it could be something from Nordstrom. Then I would call Roy and tell him, it's gone. Right before I went on the box search I emailed Roy to tell him what I was going to do and since my cell phone doesn't work too well outside of the house, nothing came through from him. He had called and texted letting me know the box was in the garage. I returned home bleeding and with several messages from him...he thought he would "teach" me a lesson about leaving a box outside, overnight. He had torn it down and put it in the recycle bin last night. Didn't I hear him going out the front door several times last night? No, I'm sorry but when the first new show of Dance Moms is on for the fifth season, my attention is directed onto, 'where is Christi and Chloe?' He wanted to know why didn't I start in the garage? Because he called early and made a big deal out of the box debacle, I trusted him. (Insert knife) I didn't think he would do something like that to me. (Now turn the knife and maybe add a touch of salt) He felt guilty. He wanted me to go to Urgent Care to take care of my finger. I told him I would have to go to Urgent Hair first. After a few moments, his guilt must have assuaged because he asked me, "do you own a pair of work gloves? Why don't you wear work gloves with these kind of materials?" Oh yes, Bozo, carrying cardboard and foam, with blood dripping from a middle finger and work gloves. I told him, uh, why would I wear work gloves to carry a box? Oh, he so wants to train me....He sends me safety moments from work every morning.
So here it is, what to get positively out of this whole experience?
Thankful that baby aspirin is working diminishing my stroke chance.
Roy suggested I would maybe have something to blog about today...
That my goal oriented, spreadsheet will work for anything husband, felt guilt for his little joke.
I learned the value of training my mind to......look squirrel!!!!
Yep, that's about it.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
There's A Story in There, Somewhere
What a beautiful sun-filled day! I will be getting out and about in it later but this morning I am easing into the day. I also need to do some homework because Bible study starts this week. Last night after returning from a birthday dinner celebrating Peggy at Jimmy Changa's, I finished the book that I started on Sunday. Excellent read and well done memoir. Haven't decided on the next book but a Wendy Wax book went to the box going to Bookworms later this week. Up to this point I have enjoyed her books but this last book, I never could get into it. Life is too short to read books just for the sake of reading them to get rid of them. It's gone.
At dinner last night we talked about the use of "story" particularly in the Christian arena. The first real use I ever noticed was Donald Miller's Storyline website and conferences from several years ago. Since then it has almost become Pray of Jabez worthy because many retreats, conferences, and books are all about story these days. Our narratives. It is a worthy subject matter and there are different ways to approach "story." What is kind of sad is, you'd think as Christians we would be a little more creative in our approach instead of riding what is popular in culture and in church world. We serve a creative, grand creator God and for years it seemed like all church world could do was copy Starbucks. My friend who is in communications says the mantra of the industry is steal from the best. We don't have to steal from God, He gives generously if we only ask. Will I stop going to things because the theme is story? No, not at all but it feels like it should be at the end of its run. Now, back in the day, as a kid, I could have used all this knowledge about my story because back then telling a story wasn't a cool thing, it kind of aligned with telling a lie. Nancy! Are you telling a story or the truth? Hmm...kind of a story with some truth in it.
Speaking of rather in my case, writing of story, my cousin Lois called while we were driving to NC with an interesting story. The back story to this is, several years ago while having dinner with my parents, I mentioned how fortuitous it was that my grandfather and his brothers had left the coal mines of Kentucky and ventured out for other work than in the mines. Two settled in Indiana and two settled in Illinois. It was then my father told us a story I had never heard before, it wasn't fortuitous leaving, it was leaving to escape the law for killing a man in the coal mines. My grandfather and his brothers ran with a gang, the possum gang (you'd think they could have come up with a better name for their organization), that beat up men who were unkind and mean to their families. There was a multi-time repeater of abuse, so they decided to take him in mine and give him a little electric shock from the coal train line, only they didn't give him just a little shock...they gave him too much and it resulted in his death. The story as I know is their lawyer told them to get the heck out of Kentucky because he didn't think the law would go after them out of state because the truth be told, nobody liked the man they killed. Now, I didn't know to believe this story or not. I began to ask cousins if they had ever heard of this and no one had. My brother talked with Aunt Amy, the brother's sister, and she said the story was not true. So, we all chalked it up to another wild story from my father....until Lois called. Her brother Mark had dinner with our cousin David and his wife in our home town and David mentioned that a second cousin of ours, his first cousin...there will be a test at the end of this post, Ronald Doss had written a book about the brothers who killed a man in the coal mines and got away with it. Mark is going to contact Ronald and I have looked him up and think I might have a phone number for him. Now, just getting the courage to call and talk to someone I only remember from when I was a child since there is about fourteen years difference between us. I would LOVE to read his book! Now there is a story! His story is of three brothers, so it would be interesting to know who the three are.
Well, this is my story, I have no song...this post of story took all the day long. Not really, I did start in the morning but it is now late afternoon and needed to finish this up.
At dinner last night we talked about the use of "story" particularly in the Christian arena. The first real use I ever noticed was Donald Miller's Storyline website and conferences from several years ago. Since then it has almost become Pray of Jabez worthy because many retreats, conferences, and books are all about story these days. Our narratives. It is a worthy subject matter and there are different ways to approach "story." What is kind of sad is, you'd think as Christians we would be a little more creative in our approach instead of riding what is popular in culture and in church world. We serve a creative, grand creator God and for years it seemed like all church world could do was copy Starbucks. My friend who is in communications says the mantra of the industry is steal from the best. We don't have to steal from God, He gives generously if we only ask. Will I stop going to things because the theme is story? No, not at all but it feels like it should be at the end of its run. Now, back in the day, as a kid, I could have used all this knowledge about my story because back then telling a story wasn't a cool thing, it kind of aligned with telling a lie. Nancy! Are you telling a story or the truth? Hmm...kind of a story with some truth in it.
Speaking of rather in my case, writing of story, my cousin Lois called while we were driving to NC with an interesting story. The back story to this is, several years ago while having dinner with my parents, I mentioned how fortuitous it was that my grandfather and his brothers had left the coal mines of Kentucky and ventured out for other work than in the mines. Two settled in Indiana and two settled in Illinois. It was then my father told us a story I had never heard before, it wasn't fortuitous leaving, it was leaving to escape the law for killing a man in the coal mines. My grandfather and his brothers ran with a gang, the possum gang (you'd think they could have come up with a better name for their organization), that beat up men who were unkind and mean to their families. There was a multi-time repeater of abuse, so they decided to take him in mine and give him a little electric shock from the coal train line, only they didn't give him just a little shock...they gave him too much and it resulted in his death. The story as I know is their lawyer told them to get the heck out of Kentucky because he didn't think the law would go after them out of state because the truth be told, nobody liked the man they killed. Now, I didn't know to believe this story or not. I began to ask cousins if they had ever heard of this and no one had. My brother talked with Aunt Amy, the brother's sister, and she said the story was not true. So, we all chalked it up to another wild story from my father....until Lois called. Her brother Mark had dinner with our cousin David and his wife in our home town and David mentioned that a second cousin of ours, his first cousin...there will be a test at the end of this post, Ronald Doss had written a book about the brothers who killed a man in the coal mines and got away with it. Mark is going to contact Ronald and I have looked him up and think I might have a phone number for him. Now, just getting the courage to call and talk to someone I only remember from when I was a child since there is about fourteen years difference between us. I would LOVE to read his book! Now there is a story! His story is of three brothers, so it would be interesting to know who the three are.
Well, this is my story, I have no song...this post of story took all the day long. Not really, I did start in the morning but it is now late afternoon and needed to finish this up.
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