Repairs and daily stuff

After several weeks of stopping and starting the washer, and having to forward the knob to the next place to keep it from overheating---and not getting everything clean in a timely manner (timer busted), the washer is finally fixed. The dryer is repaired as well (door latch that makes the drum stop and light come on was broken).  I ordered the parts online on Monday, they came this morning and Gary and fourth son fixed them before dinner.  So nice.  For anyone who needs parts as well, the site I used was AppliancePartsPros.  The prices were the best online, and the service exceptional.  (just a plug for these guys---really so wonderful)

A beautiful day of 70's temperatures, a good breeze and sprinkles now and again.  Very restful, especially a nice contrast to yesterday with the running around and all.  Now thinking of Spring Break which we'll have week after next to align with the public schools here.  Less trouble getting out and about when other children are doing the same.

Not much happening, but thinking on spring cleaning and a fresh new start. The new year should really begin sometime in March or April, because that's when life feels so invigorating. And with the daffodils, forsythia, and quince blooming---along with the tulip magnolias, seems that spring is already here, but I realize it's just a teaser.  The cold will come back and we'll revert to our chilly ways, but for now, I'll take it. A truly splendid day.  And even now in bed with Daisy the pug at my side, the window is up and the temperature is a cool 60F. or so.  Dishy, eh?

(daisy the pug pretending to be a bat-dog as she hangs off the chair)

More stuff and nonsense

Second post today.  Needing to run off at the mouth for a bit.  After all the zipping around today, I've felt the deep-seated need to ground myself.  The thing is, after dinner, oldest son had an errand to run and left for a bit.  He called me shortly afterwards and told me that his car had died. Now, he'd just spent over $200 on a repair yesterday, followed by just over $100 for his car tags today.  Now it seems he either ran over a pothole or hit something---we don't know, but all of his transmission fluid was on the street and his car was dead. Gary went and fetched him home, but the car might have to be towed tomorrow.  Bless this child's heart. Too much stuff.  But on the bright side, maybe it's an easy/inexpensive fix.  In the dark of night, anything is possible to think of.

Now middle daughter is making chocolate chip cookies---the perfect solution for stress, and with Gary gone to FedEx (with little or no sleep the past 24 hours---bless his heart as well), we're just taking it easy.  Puttering away the last of the evening and settling a bit.  I need routines and ordinary things.  Funny how the least amount of time away from home, especially out of my comfort zone (as in a tattoo parlor and that darn DMV), can wear me out so quickly.

I really am so simple.  Very basic needs, and few distractions or stimulations. Guess some might call me boring!  Nah.

Stuff and nonsense

Well, the tattoos ain't happenin' today.  Too complicated to write here, and besides, it's not interesting.  Suffice it to say that a person who wants a tattoo has to have a picture i.d., which our son doesn't have. There's more I could say about driving all over town to the DMV (two locations) and not having the proper i.d. there either.  This town is run by neanderthals, or we'd be done.  That's all I'll say.

Now am making wrapped chicken in our cast iron pot, the windows are up and the house is a dreadful mess.  Not sure where to start with the cleanup, but must begin somewhere.  A bit frustrated at the waste of an afternoon, but life does that sometimes.  And with me, if you make something too complicated and drawn out, I tend to pull back and say, "Nevermind."  Sort of feeling that, but Gary won't let this one go, so will take care of it sometime soon, I figure.

And third son has a friend who has to go the DMV tomorrow, so it'll be nice to share the responsibility.  If you wonder why this 20-year old son doesn't drive, partly it's just a lack of motivation on all our parts, and also because he's so good on his longboard, he gets everywhere that way.

I need to get up now from my cozy bed and get dinner underway---that is, make rice and cook tiny peas.  Deep breaths.  While the day hasn't panned out like I wish, either there's another plan afoot, or it's just a case of what happens just happens.  When I pray about stuff and hit roadblocks one after another, I have to wonder.  Or maybe I'm just over-thinking.  Always a possibility.

Sunday afternoon in the South

So I come in from church this morning and Gary's first words to me after he calls me 'Sweet Thing!' is to ask, "How was church?"  My standard answer is, "Wonderful!  I love that little church!"  We do this routine every week I go and it never varies. I adore stuff like this---words to count on that make the days seem steady. Well, and being able to say that church is dishy is pretty cool as well.  But, so far, the Anglican routine is my deal.  Gary favors Alistair Begg and that's just fine. Just wish I'd experienced church like this when I was younger, but not sure if it'd affect me as deeply if that was the case.

Had already taken the younger of the brood to the Presbyterian church last night, which was nice in its vast and contemporary way.  The kids enjoy it and look forward to going.  Can't complain about that.

I got to play with Trigger (who looks like this photo) the baby conure earlier today (can hear him squawking a bit even now).  His huge cage is up on one of our china cabinets, so the bottom of it is just above eye-level for me.  I have to look up at him. He (I say he, but could be a girl) gets in the front corner of the cage and lets us feed him chunky bits of his food and afterward I was able to pet him.  He tucked his little head down, closed his eyes and pressed against the bars as he snuggled against my finger.  Turns out he was hand-fed after he was weaned and isn't afraid of people. And being just short of 3 months old, should be very teachable.  Since he's second son's bird, he'll be the one to do most of the training, but it was sweet to be able to pet his little, soft head.

Nothing much else going on.  I need a nap, so will fade away in a few minutes. The sun is shining into the bedroom window and feels marvelous.  What a nice day

(photo from birdchannel.com)

Birds and tattoos

We're such suckers.  Well, Gary and I are...not so sure about the kids.  As long as he and I have been together, there have been pets in the house and always parakeets no matter what.  Second son's bird, Cleggy (if you watch British comedies, you'll know where that name came from), died a couple of weeks ago and this son has been researching parrots, cockatiels and conures.  He prayed, read and looked at videos online.  After getting the go-ahead from us (Gary admitted he can't say no to the kids about hardly anything), this son came home with a 2-1/2 month old conure today and named him Trigger. DeLIGHTful bird.  Not shy at all and even after a few hours, seems right at home.  Did we need another pet?  Surely you jest.  But with 10 humans, 4 dogs and now one bird again, guess we're at our limit (I think).

AND I'm taking third son to a tattoo parlor on Tuesday to talk about the bracelet tattoo he wants. Yeah, Gary says he's caved on this one as well! The way we see it, there are things to make issues about and things to let go.  This is one of those areas.  We will set limits, but with this son wanting Scripture to encircle his wrist, who can complain? Gary's only stipulation was that I had to go too.  G. wants me to finally get the honeybee tattoo I've talked about wanting on the inside of my wrist.  Having second thoughts at being SO out of my comfort zone, but hey, it's an adventure, right?  And about that bee...Melissa is Greek for honeybee, so it all makes sense.  What doesn't make sense is seeing me in a tattoo parlor!

This time last week I'd not have thought I'd be blogging about these two topics.  You just never know.  My new byline.

Ready, set, go!

Since I went to Ash Wednesday services, you might ask if I'm denying myself any important goodie for the next 40 days.  The answer is yes, but I can attest to the fact that it's not these tiny lima beans that are hot in the saucepan and tempting me successfully while the rice boils for curry.  I could eat my weight in lima beans.

Yet feeling a bit testy as well with feeling like the entertainment director here. The dogs all follow me around the house, looking up hopefully on a continuing basis.  Forget the kids doing this (which they do as well), but the dogs drive me nuts.  And with Daisy the pug now eating (as of today being the first day) her new diet of prescription canned dog food for the next month, which she loves, the zest for food is all the more delightful (for her!).  It looks nasty, but not any worse than any other canned dog food, which is usually pretty unappetizing-looking.  But you know that.

And....looking forward to finally buying the parts to the 3 appliances that are making me crazy too.  Think I can send off for those tomorrow.  Can you say Tax Refund?  But still, drowning in details.  Tomorrow must mail a box to my in-laws, mail out something else that's a bit late, take the two little girls out to lunch, buy my mom's groceries and remain sane in the bargain.  Oh, and for sure fit in the schoolwork.  Church tomorrow night is looking better and better. The one quiet place in the day, I'm sure.

Tonight will help oldest daughter sew up a dress for a wedding she and SIB will attend next weekend, and will keep a look out for a tiny bit of serenity.  Hope I'm successful.  Will get back to you on that one.

Ash Wednesday

Went to Ash Wednesday services at the Anglican church nearby today and LOVED it.  I think the services I've enjoyed the most have been the smaller noon-time ones.  Thanksgiving and Christmas provided the earlier ones I went to, and with only a small handful of folks attending, were very intimate and sweet.  This one was just the same, and I think there were only about a dozen of us, plus the priest and his assistant in the sanctuary.  Tickled as well that all through Lent the church will have services on Wednesdays at noon and 6pm.  I'm partial to the earlier one, so that's just dandy with me.

Honestly, I'd never experienced the Imposition of Ashes before, and found all of it so touching.  Was unaware that they burn the palm fronds from the previous Palm Sunday and use them for the following year's Ash Wednesday service.  And, clueless church goer that I am, didn't know that the 40 day period between Ash Wednesday and Easter coincide with/reflect Christ's going to the wilderness for 40days/nights.  Where have I BEEN?  Clearly under some huge rock.  I'm actually ashamed that I didn't know that, and really, have gone to church all my life.  That's one thing I really like about the Anglicans---the history and liturgy sort of pull everything together.

Might go Friday as well since they do the Stations of the Cross, but again, am a bit of an ignoramus about what that service will entail.  Thankfully I'm teachable.  There are pictures alongside the inside of the church depicting the stations, but have never witnessed them used like they will be on Fridays. Looking forward to it, and hope that I can go---that is, if everything's running smoothly here and I can dash out.  Sweet Indian boyfriend, oldest daughter and 2 boys will go to a movie, so surely I can work around that.  It should work!  Let's just say, I'll make it work.

Pug video

This video just might give you the best laugh of the day.  Photo of Daisy and Violet to get you in the mood before viewing.

Arrrrgh!

So, the day began mildly enough with the plan of picking up my mom just after noontime for her dental appointment.  She was scheduled to get a tooth pulled that had broken recently.  The least one went with me to get her, and we arrived at the doctor's office building just fine. I let them off out front and turned around briefly to park her car.  Was out of sight of them for 'maybe' 30 seconds or so.  Maybe.  Parked, got out, walked up the walkway and see my mom sitting on the pavement and the least one standing by her side, holding my mom's purse. I hurried up to them and saw that my mom's face was literally dripping with blood where she'd hit her left eyebrow on the concrete.  She'd apparently caught her shoe on the step from the driveway up to the walkway, and down she went.

The good part?  Nothing was broken.  And she fell on her left side that suffered the broken arm last January.  And actually she was laughing about it later, but after witnessing her temporary memory loss right after the spill, I told her it wasn't funny at all, but laughed for her sake.  Still, not funny.  And also, the cut was small and closed up very neatly.  All good, considering.

Everyone at the office building was so nice...very attentive, and probably thankful that we're not the suing type.  These things happen.  Just hard to see my mom bleeding to the extent that she was.

Anyway, got her cleaned up, took her home and she nursed a giant goose egg on her forehead that shrank up very quickly with some ice packs.

Drama?  No THANK you.  Just needed to vent.

Book blog site

Just tonight I opened a book blog to hold the reviews I've written here and there.  In case you're interested, or even if you're not, it's here at Thornfield Books.  So far I've loaded 9 reviews, with only 40 more to go.  I had no idea that this was going to be so time-consuming, but I like having it all together in one spot.

On a beautiful Monday afternoon

Delightful Chinese lunch out with oldest daughter---being waited on by charming Mexican waiter (older and very attractive with goatee and short, spiked hair in the front and an amazing braid down his back) who commented on having not seen us in awhile (he waited on us the last time we went around the holidays).  I asked him how he could remember folks so well and he followed up with how he couldn't forget such beautiful ladies.  A guarantee of a good tip with that sort of comment, beautiful or not.  But always feel lovely after contact with charming men---just doesn't happen often enough!  Must get out more, but thankful that I married a man who also knows how to turn a phrase.

Working on website additions with Gary who's making accoutrements to go with electronic cigarettes.  Folks who smoke these often have special holders that contain the batteries/flavorings.  Trying to give Gary's woodworking business a bit of a boost with more products.  You gotta try.  Gratefully, he's already had some interest shown by a couple of women who he's met on related message boards and one he's already done business with.

And getting the house whipped into shape with company coming.  The heater's off and a few windows are cracked open with the temperatures in the upper 50's.  Sunny and warm enough to air out the house.  As I rest here in the bed, I can hear the puppy, Romeo, playing with a plastic milk jug---banging it around like a soccer ball.  Least he's not tugging down the shirts on the line, I don't think!

Must go now.  Need to chill before getting back up and working.  Enjoy your day!

(cute envelope of animals apropos of nothing but what it is...cute!)

Sunday evening

*I realize that most folks I know are watching Downton Abbey on Sunday nights, and one of the blogs I follow had a link to paperdolls.  So funny, especially the expressions of Maggie Smith.  Everyone loves her.

*Stayed in from church this morning after having a smidgen of the stomach thing both oldest son and sweet Indian boyfriend suffered from last week.  Just a bit off.  Nice to be in and lazy since Sunday mornings are sometimes the only quiet bit of time here, if we grab it.

*And looking forward to lunch out with oldest daughter tomorrow since we had to cancel yesterday.  Then SIB and his sister will come over to eat nachos with us in the evening.  That'll be nice, especially since his sister is such a twinkly sort of person.  I think our youngest son is sort of smitten with her.  There are only 11 years difference in their ages, but maybe she'll wait for him!

*Just the small things.  Nothing much going on, but the daily things are sometimes very satisfying.

Odds and ends

Just found out today that when my blog previous to this one was hacked---the server where I was hosted was hit as well.   Some security breach higher up, which relieves me that I was dotting all my i's and crossing my t's, but still, frustrating to find out about because I wrote my web mistress about something else and she didn't let her users know about the hacking she's had to deal with which involved several of us.  It would've been nice when she realized the problem if she's given us all a head's up.  Nuts.  I'd probably have scratched my head less over the irritation of it.  As I tell our kids---communication really is key. (please excuse lousy grammar)

But onto other things, my birthday was a treat.  We postponed the dinner and cake until tonight with Gary and oldest daughter being home, and that was nice. Low-key, which is something we do pretty well. Excitement usually isn't our strong suit. And sweet Indian boyfriend's mom bought me a cute trinket on their trip---a strand of sparkly elephants that looks pretty in the doorway between the dining room and living room.  Nice with our new St. Patrick's Day lights/garland.

Now---must find time for artistic endeavors soon.  Gary bought me watercolors, an easel with compartments for paints, etc. and if I don't crack it open quick-like, the least one will hijack the whole thing!  She's been drooling over the paints ever since I got the package.

Will go now.  A quiet rest of the weekend ahead.  Take care.

Thursday night

About to go stretch out in bed for a spell.  Gary has to do this every weekday night before getting back up at 9pm to get ready and go to FE. I usually join him for a rest because I suffer from husband withdrawal otherwise.  Just knowing he's nearby is a comfort.

We went to Starbuck's at Target for a treat earlier this afternoon.  I've been giving myself a pre-birthday treat everyday this week and today was a tall Doubly Chocolatey Chip Frappuccino.  Yum.  Monday's was a new bottle of a mauve/brown nail polish.  Tuesday was the new issue of Romantic Homes magazine.  Wednesday was a pint of Moose Tracks Ice Cream, and not sure what tomorrow will be (the official b'day), but who cares?

And...feeling much better this week by changing/increasing my iron again (I slip up and am overly cautious sometimes as well, I think) and adding a sublingual B-12 of a high dosage as well.  I made the mistake of calling it bilingual the other day and got looks from one of our sons.  WhatEVER!  It seems to be working with the iron a treat.  Read of a person I admire online telling of being diagnosed with pernicious anemia (and taking B-12 shots which gave me the idea of the dissolvable pills) and while I don't think that's my problem, the B-12 really does appear to work well in tandem with the iron.

Bottom line is since I began the new vitamin change on Saturday, I feel so much better. Noticeably so.  Might be the birthday, but think it's the iron/B-12. :)  Energy is wonderful, especially since I've been so missing it.  Seems to work at alleviating some of my depression as well.  It'd be interesting if my mood stays upbeat for longer stretches of time.  I do get tired of being sad.

Well, today is good.  The kids are fine----oldest son had a 24-hour stomach virus but nobody else caught it, which is amazing.  Anyway, all is well, and today's all I have to worry about, and I'm not even worrying.

(photo of my woodboy out back at his workshop)

After Valentine's

The least one is leaping through the house, modeling her collection of some hand-me-down glittery fancy dresses.  Not sure if the givers were in weddings or what, but she has such fun wearing them.  Along with her reindeer slippers, and pink zip-up hoodie, she's a sight!

That's how life should be for us adults as well, but how easy it is to be a drudge and forget to be silly.  Just watching her dance around a minute ago, seemed to put Gary and me (Gary and I?...not sure!) in better moods.  Easy to look at our shoes and feel in the dumps, but one vision of the least one being happy is good medicine.

Happy Valentine's Day

A jolly Valentine's Day to all of you.  It IS just about my favorite holiday of the year, besides my birthday and Thanksgiving and IS much more low-key than any of them.

But, even though it's a sweet day, Romeo the puppy still is using the recycle bin outside the the backdoor as his own personal toy box. Obviously he's unaware that certain behavior is unacceptable.  Huh.  There are plastic milk jugs and 2-liter soda bottles all around the yard, as are torn up pizza boxes.  We look so 'not nice' out back.  Plus, he's taken to tugging the clothes off of the line when nobody's outside.  And he jumped into the air and took down the clothespin bag and began to remove the stuffing from it (it's made of quilted fabric).  He's annOYing.  He really hates to be alone, so when Opal isn't out with him, he's horrible.  Just horrible.  Luckily he's not one to retaliate or bite when you have to correct him.  He usually just pulls away, whacking his head into whatever's nearest, then walks away.  He's cute, just a bit low in intelligence sometimes.

But regardless, it's been a good day.  I've been showered with Valentine-y goodness from the girls and my main squeeze.  Even a new teacup from Anthropologie, always a good idea, among other things.  I'm reciprocating with homemade spaghetti and some heart-shaped chocolate/chocolate chip muffins I'll make after he goes to FedEx tonight.  Such a busy day.

Must go now.  Hope your day's been happy!

Monday night

Still cold here, but with the promise of warmer temperatures in the days coming.  I cut some forsythia on Friday and the blooms are coming out in the big vase here on the dining room table.  I've not looked at our bushes out front, but was afraid they might freeze and look puny.  Had a few snow flurries this morning with the hope of more, but it warmed up.  Still, a snowfall would be fun, but would be nicer if you could have both snow and 60 degree weather!

Looking to enjoy the week.  Shopped for Valentine's candy for everyone and was a bit startled at the rudeness of the other folks out shopping.  I mean, we are talking about Valentine's, aren't we?  The show-your-love holiday.  Am always a bit shocked as well when people knock things off of shelves and then look at what's fallen like it's amazing, but won't stoop to pick the things up.  I saw this happen several times.  Always amazes me at how childish people can be.  I should have a temporary job as a store clean-up person.  Bet I could make millions!

Not much else going on.  Hopefully a quiet week with none of the drama we come to expect.  I could do with a dose of boring for a change.

Saturday afternoon

Wishing in the very, very back of my mind that when I re-started this blog after the hack attack that I'd opened it up at Blogger again.  This Wordpress is a bit limiting, especially being that I like to tweak the design a lot.  A LOT.  A blogger runs the risk, however, of being accused of fickleness when their address whizzes around the Internet overmuch.  And who wants to be found guilty of that?

Probably I think about this sort of thing too often.  I dunno.

As to life in general, Gary's back to the no-sleep mode.  I figure I've just got to live my life and let him live his, even if he sleeps at inopportune times.  Or not at all!

And it's cold as the Dickens here.  Well, sorta Dickens.  My goodness.  Had to drip the faucets overnight because the chill factor was around 18F. or so.  I realize my friends up North probably might think that that's bearable (and I admire them for that mindset), but that's just COLD.  Now it's 37F., which is actually warmer than expected.  I'll stay inside, thanks.  A good book, a lapful of pugs and the groceries in.  Sounds cozy, yes?

Will go now.  Think we'll stay in from church tonight.  My Suburban cries when it's very cold, and we don't want that.  Take care.

Wee morning of Saturday

Sweet Indian boyfriend is over after having taken oldest daughter to his house to eat Indian food with his dad---they had a yummy beef curry.  His sister and mom get back from India on Sunday, so the menfolk have been hosts to our daughter a couple of times.  

SIB took me on a tour of India on my laptop a few minutes ago---so interesting to see it through his eyes (and learned the Indian way to say Basmati rice---accent on first syllable and not middle one---but different than the pronunciation site on line---I'll do what the Indian guy says!).  I could hear the longing in his voice as he pointed out spots where they lived in Kolkata (Calcutta) when he was a child.  So incredibly interesting.  And I like how he has a slight accent, probably because of his parents, even though they've lived in the States for about 16 years.  It's all eye-opening---sort of like the expression of surprise on his face when we use Southern slang.  Didn't realize how odd our phrases were until our daughter laughed and told me.  We're learning.

Must go now.  Have a slight throat tickle and am a bit weary-fied.  Glad of a weekend.  Sorry that Gary's holiday is over, but thankful that he only has tonight to be at FE this week.  Time to chill.

This and that

About to leave the house and meet up with Gary for lunch.  Oldest daughter gave us a gift-card for our anniversary, and today's the day.  Have already been a bit busy this morning with taking Daisy to the vet to get her sutures taken out.  The doctor is going to order her special diet food as well which she'll need to eat for a month or so.  Was a bit shaky when we got back home, and I know it's the stress of the whole ordeal.  Much better now.

But the afternoon should play out well.  Not sure what's in store for after lunch---Gary gets excited about going to the shop when he has a project and this might be one of those times.  He's all but quit smoking real cigarettes by using e-cigarettes (do a search---it's so intriguing).  We saw Johnny Depp using them in the movie he made a year or so ago with Angelina Jolie.  Anyway, he's making his own case to use with them and is a bit excited about it.  The deal with the e-cigs is that the nicotine is present, but a water vapor is breathed out simulating real smoke.  The ex-or trying to be ex-smoker has the illusion of smoking without the cancer-causing tar, etc.

And I must say, I'm extremely proud of him. :)

Even later on Tuesday

Sort of choking on the last post, wondering if I'm too open in what I say, but figure it's better to be true than not.  I always inwardly cringe when I say what I think so blatantly.  Still, it's me in unadulterated form.

About to throw some bed clothes into the dryer that got caught out in the rain before dinner.  They smell so good---am glad they got the fresh air earlier because that scent will linger on.

And will read and rest.  Gary's all cozy in his chair doing whatever it is that relaxes him.  We're all so thrilled at having him home, and he's already teasing that he wants more time off.  Ah, that it could be so.

Wish I could get this blog to look the way I want it to.  Some pictures/colors are pretty for awhile only to get stale after a bit.  You know how it is...

Take care.

On Tuesday afternoon

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.--Galatians 6:9-10

Okay, I admit it.  I'm weary of doing good.  Our youngest son has a fondness for asking why we're the ones the neighbors always turn to.  He gets a tiny bit rankled at the 'across the street' boys coming over almost weekly to borrow our bicycle pump, the odd plastic garbage bag, the rake----whatever.  They're the sort of folks who will ask to rake your yard and then follow up with wanting to borrow your rake and use your bags.  Just manpower, I guess, but a bit strange, nonetheless.  Most folks come prepared, but not these boys. Fortunately I have my own work crew and don't have to depend on them.

Anyway, back to my rant.  I guess what finally set me off was one of our elderly neighbors being asked by fourth son if he needed anything at the grocery store when I went yesterday afternoon.  He finally got hold of us after we'd gotten home, asking for eggs.  I had four in the fridge, so had to wait until today to get a dozen for him at the drugstore.  Maybe it's the timing that set me off.  It wasn't a bit deal, but put me into a mood of feeling taken advantage of.

I even get cranked up at doing things for my mom, even though I know it's absolutely necessary, especially with my two older brothers living out of town. I was asked by someone why I often got upset at doing her grocery shopping every week.  I answered that it was just so repetitive, and with our busy schedule, it adds one more thing.  It's the 'one more thing' issue that's hard. And frankly, getting her full supply of things along with ours is a major undertaking.  If I sound like a whiner, so be it, but it IS hard.  And, (here's a real annoyance) her neighbors do nothing for her except roll her garbage can back and forth to the house.  Errands?  No.  The odd grocery item?  No.  Are they young enough to be a help to my mom?  Darn tootin'.  Do they offer to help with her yard?  You've got to be kidding.  Who are all of these tasks left up to?  Guess.

Then there's the guilt that goes along with my attitude.  Christians have this unfailing need to appear perfect and cheery to the outside world.  Always giving and even welcoming the opportunity to serve.  Do you need a house to hold the pot-luck in?  Can I make a dinner for a shut-in?  An offering for a special cause?  Can my child babysit for free when you have a need to get out?  And the classic---call me if you need anything.

See?  I'm in a stinker of a mood.  My most relaxed moment in the last week was after we left Daisy with the vet. and I was able to let someone else fret over her.  I'd been worrying over her for months, and with her getting help, I was able to chill.  That felt good, real good.

I guess it's important to use the barometer of not overdoing even if it's good works.  Moderation in all things could spill over into that mindset as well.  And maybe partly I see all that needs doing around here, with limited abilities to accomplish them.  The body can only do so much, and when I'm out running other folks' errands, my own get left undone.

Not looking for advice, but needing to express in words what rattles around in my head.  That's all.  Not needing anyone to fix what I'm thinking on, but just to listen, I guess.

French Garden House

....and go to French Garden House for Lidy's beautiful book give-a-way.  Her site is so pretty anyway, even if you don't comment for the prize.

Just the daily stuff

Feeling that if I blog about what's going on I'll sound a-w-f-u-l-l-y boring.  But if I do it in tiny news bytes, maybe it'll sound interesting.  Do you think?  Nah.

• went out to dinner Saturday night (way overdue)


• had 29th anniversary yesterday


• am giving Gary tiny gifts all through February since it's my favorite month with our anniversary, Valentine's and my b'day---I call it the carousel of gifts---my yearly month-long gift giving nonsense


• Daisy is doing well and feeling her perky self again


• she goes on Thursday to get the staples taken out---that is, if her incision will weep no more (seems to be dry)---I looked at her incision just now and was shocked at how it appears that one of the staples wants its freedom---a teensy bit grossed out with imagining her innards spilling out---Gary laughed at me and said it's unlikely


• I visualize all of a person's/animal's organs being behind that first layer of skin, but do remember what my science books said---silly me


• reading a sweet book called 'Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet?' by Charlene Ann Baumbich


• SO enjoying the fact that Gary is off from FedEx this week (until Friday)


• actually a bit giddy with him off from there with the potential of regular sleep hours for a few days


• praying and hoping to feel more myself soon---thinking that his schedule is so wrapped up into mine that it's bound to happen

Well, there you go.  Life as it happens.

Went out to dinner with my main squeeze last night, followed by a trip to a bookstore---one that's a bit out of our neck-of-the-woods.  Lots of traffic.  LOTS of it.  We were reminded of how we enjoy our pokey older neighborhood when we travel a few miles out of it.  Usually I stay within about a 3-5 mile radius of our house.  I'm easy.

And excited that Gary has this week off (until Friday night) from FE.  Wonderful.  Not sure what we'll do, but with a couple of gift cards, we oughtto

• going out to dinner tomorrow night


• just finished doing our taxes, and actually enjoy it oddly enough, especially being that I'm slightly dyslectic


• about to make whoopie pies to celebrate


• will eat many of them if the recipe makes lots

Too early on Friday morning

Daisy the pug is better today (which in my mind is before midnight on Thursday, but in reality is Friday), but seems to be a bit uncomfortable when she sits certain ways.  That I can well understand considering the staples she has lined up on her belly.  The incision is about 4" long and must be painful.  I made a joke about hanging charms from the metal circlets, but she wasn't amused.  I soothe her by scratching her backside and all is forgiven.

Wish her appetite would improve, though.  She's pretty picky, but we're able to get a dab of peanut butter (with her prescription in it) to her, and today she went sort of nutty for Vienna Sausages.  They are a personal favorite of mine, but my husband thinks they're a bit vile.  What does he know?  Silly old Yankee.

I'm indulging her appetite a wee bit because before long she'll be on a prescription canned food (not as toothsome as the Vienna Sausages, I don't think), and we'll have to be tippy-toeing around her diet.  I'll do anything to prevent what we've gone through from happening again.

In other news...looking forward to the weekend.  Our 29th anniversary is on Sunday and second son is going to grill out.  And Gary's off next week from FE from Monday through Thursday.  We're going to be an actual couple somewhere in there, I do believe.  Maybe a date night?  Please?  AND, the weather has been plain peachy.  In the 60's today and more of the same for a couple of days.  I realize it won't last, but my goodness, it's wonderful.

Trying to look on the bright side and appreciate the simple things that are right in front of my face.  Not always easy, but sure does help to put a bright spin on things.

Wondering why I don't just rename this

Pug love

Violet's had been aching to lie down next to Daisy and finally got her chance this morning.  I thought it was a worthy photo-op.  Vi is on the right, and looks larger than Daisy, but it's just an optical illusion.  The shocking thing for us is that Daisy's sides are sunken in a bit----her bladder was large enough with the stones that having them out has affected her shape.  I promise---this will never happen again.

They remind me of burritos when they cozy up like this.  Could they be any cuter?  I mean, really.