Johnny we hardly knew ye....

An anniversary of sorts....and it's really cold!

Dang! It's been a while since I've been here!! And the funny part? Accoring to my last 'blog title'...11 days ago it was gonna get cold...today it's really cold! (Sorry Maine family! Texas cold)) It didn't get out of the 40's today and I think it's 31 right now...it's around 7:30 pm....no rain but the wind was blowing a bit today. I like it, personally, but some of the folks around here were dressed like Eskimos. Geez people! It's gonna get worse! Cowboy up!!

And the anniversary thing? One year ago today I was diagnosed with Diabetes. A whole year!! Doesn't seem possible...I should have celebrated with cake, don't you think?? But I was good...

It's been quite busy (hence the no blogging issue) and I am trying to utilize my time smartly. (I like that word...) We had a really nice wedding reception in the courtyard on Tuesday evening. The couple that got married...got married on top of a mountain...and then spent the day rock hunting....go figure. They are a really sweet couple...he's the rock person and jewelry maker...and she is a hiker and librarian. And she's really funny. (We get along well!) Husband and I made chicken enchilada casserole and all the Mexican fixin's and also had fruit and veggie platters, shrimp quesdillas, coconut and chocolate cake and some champagne. They had not idea we were going to do it and were really surprised and touched. It was neat. And the weather that night was beautiful.

Then the cold front came in...brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!

Husband goes to the hospital on Sunday. He has back surgery on Monday morning. He plans to be well by Monday afternoon. I agree.

I just a some Pecan Brittle. It's not very good because the pecans taste old. So I'll only eat one piece. After all....it's my anniversary.....

It's amazing how time flies, isn't it?? I have a craft show in a little over a month. It seems like it just got over from last year! My life is in a downhill spiral. I'm guessing it's about half over....

I wish I didn't feel so lazy tonight. I am too tired to do anything. That's the problem with being in cold, fresh air....plusses and  minuses...

I hope it doesn't take me so long to get back here...I work tomorrow. I know...that's not en early excuse...just a fact. See you later

b

Brrrr! It's gonna get cold and I can't wait!

I'm ready for some cold weather. Unfortunately, It's going to be windy.  I'm not ready for that. Oh...and this would be one of those 'seriously glad I don't do housekeeping' moments...I do NOT want to work in the wind. Any more. Sorry...just don't want to.

Guess what? There is a guest who stays here at the Lodge whose name is Tiffany Fowlkes. She is a professional photographer and has a website...Easie Peasie Photography & Design Co. and she is amazing!! Check her site out...anyway, she has been taking photos of the Lodge, et al, in exchange for accommodations. She comes out with her son Jaxon and her mom, Pam. This weekend her dad also came out. Tiffany is attending Sul Ross University (Grad School) and I so admire her talent as well as her crazy sense of humor. Well...she absolutely made my day...week...month and year! Yesterday, she took photos of my jewelry!! I am so excited! God knows I could never get anything done and when I did take a photo...you couldn't see it! But she did miracles! As soon as I get them...I'll post them...you won't believe it...

Still not feeling 100% but better. I'm thinking I'm getting sick of tea. But it beats the alternative!

Sister Wives is on. Considering the fact that I was watching Long Island Medium a while ago...this just falls into place. I don't know how...it just does! I have only seen a couple episodes of Sister Wives, but the commercial said that the family was going back to the husband's hometown of Lovell, Wyoming! Been there...done that....never saw him! (LOL!) By the way...LOL is my new thing...Now that I know it means Laugh out Loud and not Lots of Love, I use it. I am so computer illiterate and I have no desire to hone my skill. I still don't completely understand Facebook and I actually work a lot on the computer so having fun on it is a rarity now.

I took a few minutes and showered so I can get some rest. I'll be back hopefully tomorrow and let you know how the stomach churns!! Night!

b

I'm so glad it's Friday

Not for any reason in particular....just glad it's Friday. I brought a load of laundry over...everything will be clean...including me! It was a beautiful day. Got quite a bit done and am now waiting for the jeans to dry while I'm drinking peppermint tea. For some reason, I am seriously sick to my stomach! I periodically have days like this when I think it's my medication that kicks my ass. I ate my oatmeal and was planning on a Marie Callendar's Pot Pie for lunch/dinner (it's HUGE!) but couldn't even look at it. And now I have a slight headache. And on such a beautiful day! I'm glad I'm home...I thought I might be pulling a 12 hour day today but thank God that didn't happen. But when I got home I decided to catch up on this laundry issue in case I really don't feel well tomorrow! But I'm planning on doing absolutely nothing tonight.

OK...I went and got the laundry...it's folded and put away. Headache increasing and I think I'll eat a piece of toast and take something. I s'pose I should try a poached egg later...or maybe just whites....not sure yet.

I had a crocheting plan but that ain't happening. Tom is screaming at me. He needs to get a life. Oooooo....gotta lie down. Later.

b

Happy Skull Day!

Skull recipient happy. It made me happy. What could be happier. Me with a banana split. That would make me a lot happier. Alas...I have none.

I had a nice day. I wasn't without a bit of drama...but nothing like yesterday! Thank God! I have been sitting here making a couple of lists. One for "to-do's" and one for "must-do's with out fail." I'll be dealing with that one first thing in the morning. Yuck....

Guess what? It was kinda cold this morning. Look! This was from the Weather Channel at 8:08 AM. Brrrr!! It was wonderful! I really like cold weather. Not rain or wind or lots and lots of snow...but cold is good. I like long sleeved shirts. Strange. But as you can see...it still is warm during the day. Of course the 'lows' are completely wrong...duh! That's why I watch the weather! I need to look up when the time change is...How exciting that it will soon be dark at 6 pm! Horrors!

I saw a recipe for Carrot Cake Cookies. Don't they sound good? I think I need to get some of that Splenda Brown Sugar to bake with and make some of these for breakfast. I eat oatmeal everyday for breakfast so these would be a good substitute.

I have never seen Ice Road Truckers before and it's on TV right now. These guys are in Bolivia driving on super narrow mountain roads. I need to change the channel. It's making me sick! I have this thing about heights and just watching them look over the side of the road down the mountain is making me queasy! Remember that show with Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Sommers where they were single parents who married merging their families? The show started out with all of them on a roller coaster? Couldn't watch that part...serious sickness! This IRT show has got to go...

Hmmmm...nice car chase on Burn Notice! I suppose I should get some rest. Got some bitching to do tomorrow and I need to be in tip top shape! Have a great night....

b

Drama day...extraordinaire

Holy crap...what a day. And 99% of it wasn't work related! Poor BFFMS came for a visit and became an unwilling candidate to the craziness which befell my meaningless little life on this day.(Oooh... that was good!) Normally, she and I  can solve the problems of the world...or at least the crap of Alpine...but today was non-stop shit and we solved nothing! And I didn't cause any of it! What a nightmare!

Oh well...I am home and drinking Constant Comment Tea to insure that I have to pee all night. I actually ate 'properly' today and when I got home I checked my blood sugar. It was 274!!!!!!!!! I thought I was about to die on the spot or at least go into a coma...and then I thought...that doesn't make sense...possible...but not sensible...so I checked the machine itself and it was goofy. I changed the batteries and low and behold...I was normal! Thank you Mary Jesus. 94 was a whole lot more like it! I thought about eating a piece of pie to celebrate...but didn't! Honest!

Oh...about the pie...Husband said...I'd sure like to have an apple pie! Well, by golly...so would I as a matter of fact! So, he went to the store and got some Granny Smith apples and came home and peeled them, sliced them and spiced them up. I, being the amazing wife that I am, made a crust. Yes...you heard me right...I MADE the crust! I even assembled the pie and baked it. It was quite pretty and smelled divine.

When he came home I said...

"Yummy yummy! Lookey what I made!! Just for you!! (and me!) Do you want some??"

"Sure!!" He said.

"Well then, let me cut you (and me) a piece!" What a woman...

"Damn! That's good!" It was. I was impressed.

"And it's like it's naturally sweet! Interesting...not real sugary. How much sugar did you put in with the apples?" I inquired.

"I didn't put any in with the apples...what did the recipe call for?"

"What recipe?"

"The apple pie recipe?"

"I didn't have a recipe."

"Well...I didn't put any sugar in it."

"Me neither".

"Huh."

I can honestly tell you that this pie was wonderful. Not that it makes it good for a diabetic....but it was so amazing sweet with no sugar added! Makes me want to make another...perhaps I will!

Well...I have other things not to do tonight...so I'll take a shower and do none of it. Have a good evening!

b

This is what I have been working on...

                                                                              

Will be delivering this on Thursday...I think the guy will be happy....

I need to knit...

or crochet....or sew. You know I'm lying. I am thinking that I need to do these things....after all, it's almost Christmas...again! Where did the year go! Seriously. 2012. Astounding.

We have a 60% chance of rain for the next 2 days. We could actually get some with those odds. And I understand a cold front is also on the way. I'm ready for winter. I mean it. This 'year of the heat' is killing me. My lungs are all dried up. My skin is all dried up. I have hay hair. Albeit an unusual color of hay hair. It's supposed to be light brown. This particular shade of light brown is not on the color wheel. It's light ugly ass reddish un-light brown. The box says light brown. Perhaps a packaging f**K up. I doubt it. Here's the best part. It was 2 for 1. Lucky me.

I've been busy. It's a good thing. Lots to do equals a productive day. My personal life suffers. I come home and lay down. I am not productive here. I need to regroup myself and get on the ball. What am I saying...you know how I am...

I am watching the fish. The carefree, not a care in the world, swim their little asses off and wait for the humans to feed me fish. I should get a pole and a worm....

Wow...I'm watching the news and evidently the 'cold front' has reached Odessa (2 1/2 hrs to the NE of us) and the thundershowers are heavy but the lightning strikes are heavier. And the wind is strong. Not a good thing....

Damn! I finally get on here to write and the Internet keeps going off....I'm posting so I don't lose this. Later..................

b

God Bless America

God Bless America Lyrics....by Irving Berlin                  

God bless America,

Land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above                              


From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America,
My home, sweet home.
God bless America,
My home, sweet home.                                                         

Incredibly disgusting story that I must share....

OK...we all know the goldfish in the room story. Here's an update. Husband went to the hospital a few weeks ago and on the way home he went to......(drum roll....) WAL-MART! He purchased 2 sucker fish and a tiny catfish that literally swims upside down. Honest...look it up on Google. Have I already told you this story?? Huh?? Well...even if I have, this is a serious update.

Fish are swimming...eating....growing....pretty much enjoying life. Husband feeds them at night and couldn't see one of the sucker fish. In the morning (as I had been in a deep sleep no doubt dreaming of candy whilst he was tending the herd) he asked if I could see both sucker fish. I looked and looked and I found them both. OK...says he.

I came home that evening and could only see one. The biggest one. When Husband got home, I told him this and we both searched the fish tank. It's not that big. Believe me...you should be able to see the fish. He didn't jump out. He wasn't sucked into the filter tube. He wasn't under any of the rocks....no sucker fish. Ba! Gone! Vanished in thin.....water.

A few days have passed. Husband said...hmmmmm....I'm going to look again.

"Hey! come 'ere! Look at that thing by the green plant in there...is that a fish spine??" A what!!

"Seriously...I think it's a spine...!!"

(Gross!) I look. "Well.......it sure looks like a fish spine..." I said.

"I think that's the remains of the sucker" he exclaims.

"Appears to be." I concur. Yuck. I quit staring at it. The other sucker better watch his shit.

Fast forward time till tonight. Husband wants a snack. He gets a package of Saltines and a tin of Sardines in Mustard Sauce. Hmmmmm....I like them, too. I'll eat one.

He chows down and then gives me the last one. I start cutting it up to mix it in with the mustard sauce and when it pulls apart.....there it is.....a spine. I closed my eyes.

'Nough said.

b

Husband wants a goat

To eat. It's a Texas moment. He'll cook anything. As a matter  of fact, he made some salsa. It's very good, too. He quartered
some tomatillos, chopped up a poblano pepper, a large, seeded jalapeno, about a half cup of onion and a generous tablespoon of minced garlic and sauteed it all in olive oil over the burner on the propane pit outside in a cast iron skillet...and then pureed it with his boat motor (hand held chopper thing). It's very, very good. I added a very.

I ate some on a scrambled egg with cheese burrito for breakfast. It would be good on anything...except Captain Crunch...and maybe even then, there is no accounting for personal taste. See amazing photos of  tempting tasty treat, above and to the left...or right...I have no idea which side it's on. Husband likes to experiment, as you well know, and it's wonderful when the final product is edible and tasty....

I am watching 'Single White Female' with Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh. I have always like that movie. It's just plain weird. And there is nothing else on. I need a shower but I would fall asleep immediately so I don't even want to go there yet. I have a few things to research still this evening. And I have a time frame issue.

I'm in the office all day tomorrow. Lots to do and issues to resolve. It was a very busy weekend. The Big Bend Ranch Rodeo was going on and we had some undesirables here. To the extent that we don't want them back. Let's see...and these are adults, not teens...there was the shaving cream and beer all over the beds, a hair dryer tossed over the electrical wire 15 feet in the air outside one of the rooms, smashed TV remotes, a fire extinguisher that was set off in one of the rooms...oh yeah...it was a great day for the housekeepers. And a couple of the guests were offended that they were woken up at noon, since checkout is 11....and they informed us that they would not be staying here again...oh, wait a second...you're right! You won't be staying here again! The funny part...they weren't loud or rowdy outside....just purely obnoxious and destructive inside. Glad this weekend is over.

I think I'll go get some b'ness done. Then the shower...have a nice night!

b

WWEDWATTD?

She would get a machete and start chopping up whoever came through the door...that's what she'd do. Then she'd step back, survey the mess, have second thoughts and check her email.

And some people are so...so....irritating! BFFMS said it best this evening. People gather ideas from the Internet and put them in action. Case in point. Someone in the office overbooked the lodge for this weekend...and for once it wasn't my fault! But it happened and the situation needed to be rectified. I had a couple of options and wanted to go with the best case scenario first...naturally...which would be in my favor! I had a guy that I could move in with his buddies, and even though it would be a tight squeeze for them for three days, I offered to comp their rooms, both rooms, for the three days and throw in a case of beer. The one guy who would be the one who had to move, and be the most inconvenienced, wasn't real receptive to this. Duh. The guys he would have to bunk with...even offered to sleep on a blow up bed and let him have the bed.

You know how all of a sudden you are just overcome with disdain for someone....and you can feel your blood pressure start to climb...I had that feeling. Big time. He said,' Well, I'd really rather be alone'...now this is a guy who share's a room with someone anyway but the roommate is out of town this weekend. I said I'd go figure something out. There was actually more than that said, but it's boring....and I already knew I could move him to a single room because by a amazing miracle...we had a cancellation about a 1/2 hour before! But I just didn't want to give him that really nice room.....

But I went to the office...got the key for the room and brought it to him. I told him it was his lucky day and he could stay in that 'really nice room' till Sunday. I swear I saw a smirk on his face, but I thanked him numerous times for understanding, blah, blah, blah and he said....So what comp do I get for the inconvenience? I swear this is where the machete thoughts came into play. I looked at the other guys in the room and said I'd still give them the case of beer and I appreciated their understanding. I'm sure they understood where I was coming from. Maybe I'm making too much out of it, but that guy was just a shit. I know he did me a tremendous favor...it was the 'what about me' attitude. Kind of messes up your day. As BFFMS said, people are getting ideas from the Internet on how to dicker for things and make a bad situation turn around in their favor and then some.

But problem is solved. It drained all the energy out of me and I had to come home and eat. Which is a good thing. Husband got home this afternoon after his hospital visit and brought me some food. Bless his soul.

The mass under his eye was removed and sent for biopsy. He had quite the bandage under his eye and you can see the swelling all around it. He's to continue with the antibiotics and a follow up appt. in Ft. Stockton next week.

I just went to the office to check the book for tonight and the sky to the south of us is black black black! And the wind is blowing this way. We might get something after all.

I want to take a shower but the way my day has been going, I'd probably get struck my lightning...

Have a nice night!!

b

Rain! Glorious rain!!!!!!!!!!

There wasn't a ton of it...but some is surely better than none. And it came straight down.

It's been hectic here. Now I come home tired for reasons...but better reasons. We are busy and it's great. Good money fattens my paycheck. I like it.

The new head housekeeper is doing a great job. For the first week she sorta sat back and watched how things happened. The second week...she changed some policies. Good strategy.

Husband has been going to DR for various exams/checkups for the past few weeks. But the most recent and urgent condition is a growth under his eye. It seems to double in size daily and looks awful. He saw his primary care physician on Tuesday who ordered an Opthamalogical (?) exam ASAP and massive doses of antibiotic. Big Spring VA called today for Husband to be there tomorrow at 2 pm for a biopsy. So he will be in route in the am. Then, he will go to Albuquerque on August 31st for his back.

Since Husband has been going to therapy for his back, we have ordered and [he] uses everything that has been suggested. The latest acquisition is an ultrasound machine. I found one on...yesssss.....Amazon! for $44.00. It works as well as the $5000 machine...well, maybe not quite as well...but appears to make a difference for him. I continue therapy here on him every day that he doesn't have a session at the hospital. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to operate this magic wand, although, since I have my degree in rocket science-ology, I'm a natural. I think I might use it on my neck/shoulder. I just might help. I quit that Recumbant bike for a while (no doubt forever). That thing will kill you! Too bad I can't drink massive amounts of beer anymore. Pumping those pedals would be much more enjoyable! Before, during and after.

We had a band stay here this weekend that went to El Paso on Sunday for another show and when they checked out this morning...they brought us a brand new unopened beautiful fruit platter! It looked delicious (it is delicious). Let's see...there is watermelon, honeydew, pineapple, strawberries, oranges, grapes, cantaloupe....scrumptious! As a matter of fact, I think I'll check my blood sugar and go eat some!

I'll try to be better about this blog thing..........

b

Yeeooowwwzzaaa!!

That was close...just avoided a multiple disaster. And it was MY fault! However...problem solved. That is definitely all you need to know.

We had black sky all around us today. It had to be pouring somewhere! Not here, that's for sure. It's a very nice evening.

I'm all pumped up on Excedrin and coffee. Not a good thing this late at night. It's only 9...but feels later. I ate and need some sleep. And it's Excedrin Extra Strength, not the 'Migraine' edition. I feel the tightness creeping up my spine into my shoulder blades and this ain't good. A normal person would be screaming for a massage, probably weeks ago, but I just can't stand for my back or shoulders to be rubbed, massaged, poked or prodded. I never have. I have one of Husband's heating pads and I think I'll crank that up and cook myself. I'm only writing a line or two kind of as a reminder of my pattern of head/shoulder pain. Sorry to bore you. I'm just tense today. We need rain to reduce this barometric pressure...

We are packed and it's a good thing. And I'm thanking the Mary Jesus that I am not cleaning anything!! I'm just being very, very bossy....

I must check out the heating pad....have a nice night....more later

b

TV shows are NOT full of smart people...for example...

We are watching Hawaii 5-0. Long story short....the 'bad' killer girl, who, killed her father, that worthless bastard...has been found out by Dano-o and McGarrett and as she attempts to leave the hotel, grab a cab and hightail it to the airport is intercepted by said Dan-o and McGarrett and makes a run for it....Run....run...run...BAM! Water! Well what do you know!!!

You dumb ass! You are on an ISLAND!!!!!!!! Amazing..................

Hey! Here's another one...we are now watching the TV Guide channel....NASCAR 'Outdoors' is on. Now I ask you....where else are you going to have NASCAR??? Astounding....

I have a hair on my chinny chinny chin. And it's a long one. And it's not on the side that I usually have a long hair so I am quite perplexed. Evidently my grooming habits are slacking. Now I am obsessed with finding hairs. I know...way too much information....sorry. I had to share.

I'm full. I had crackers, low fat cream cheese and caviar for supper. I like crackers, low fat cream cheese and caviar so I am quite satisfied. I think I might need a little something else, but I just don't know what. Plus, it's late and I'm sure I don't need anything too heavy. Maybe some nice sugar laden fruit! Nope...not good.

Head ache today...very much stress related. An Excedrin Migraine night. I took a few earlier, so after I take my handy dandy hot shower...I'll probably sleep pretty good. And hopefully wake up in better health. And I worked hard today. And it was hot.

Just wanted to write a few words....I need to relax a bit. Have a nice night!

b

Payday is YEAH day!

How do you spell 'Yeah'. I mean...is it 'yeah'...or 'yea'. I don't know. It's like using ' or ". I don't know how to use them. I suppose I could research it to insure I don't look like an illiterate moron, but I just don't feel like it. It would no doubt take me less time to educate myself that it will to write this tonight. Prioritize. Words. I shall write something.

Good day. It was unbelievably busy. From the minute I walked in the door this morning. I was so glad to say 'bye-bye' this evening even though I still had to wash clothes but now that, too, is done. Since it was non-stop I didn't have a lot of time to concentrate on this headache issue. I need to get my eyes checked. I have been taking my diabetes meds long enough that I think the side effects have pretty much subsided, so perhaps I'll call for an appointment next week. This may be a good part of the problem. The migraine of last week was totally different...but this dull headache is a nuisance. 

I just attached Husband to the electrode TENS unit. I think I'll stick it on me tomorrow. Perhaps up on my shoulders and near my shoulder blades. Couldn't hurt. At least I hope not.

Mary Ann and Paul visited last week and brought some enormous steaks for the grill. Way too much for all of us, even with a couple additional guests, and I had put the leftovers in the freezer. I decided to thinly slice some up tonight and add some cheese and fresh salsa and make a couple of tacos. MMMMMM!!!! Very tasty! And worth the heartburn.....

We have the Writer's League of Texas coming in next week and I plan on making two buffet breakfasts while they are here. And more than likely an evening BBQ. They are responsible for their own meals and have expressed a desire not to have to go out, so I need to make a solid meal plan tomorrow and submit it. I have some really good breakfast casserole recipes. They are so easy and I can do everything ahead of time. Plus I can eat, too. A definite plus...

I could eat a cantaloupe right now. I have a hankering for one.....

I dressed like a girl today. It's not a normal look for me. I am a t-shirt girl but have some nice clothes that I buy (Old Lady Day/Bealls...remember?) and never wear. Today I wore a real blouse. Here's the sad part. Everybody noticed. I'm so used to being a slob that it caught me off guard. It's OK...the t-shirts are clean!

I need some deodorant. Gotta write that down. Holy cow...it's 11! I guess I better get some sleep. Another busy day tomorrow and it's supposed to be hot. And I think my Excedrin is kicking in. See you tomorrow!!

b

Back among the living

I swore I'd write a little something the other night...but I LIED! I was busy busy and had lots on my mind. And if you believe that.....

But I have been busy. Honest! Lots to do and lots done. Many changes here. Bobbie not working here anymore. Long story and not worth talking about. Supposedly the new head housekeeper is coming in tomorrow for a sit down and we'll see how that goes. As long as I'm not doing it...color me happy!

We have had some teasing rain clouds above us for a few days. Absolutely nothing falling from the sky as yet. Flood warnings are in effect for Fort Davis right now and if this is so...there is a serious possibility that there will be mudslides as well. That's the burned up territory and there is nothing left but ashes and dirt. Could be a real problem. It sure smells like a lot like rain out there..

I'm only writing a couple of paragraphs tonight. I have a headache. Most likely caused by this erratic barometric pressure all around us but I'm not taking any chances. I had a full blown migraine last week and I wasn't thrilled about it. I felt it coming on and tried everything to stop it or at least buffer it, but nothing worked and I had too many hours of pure D misery surrounded by several days of pre- and post- migraine pain. I don't want a repeat performance, so I'm cutting this short.

I'm in the office all day tomorrow and already know what to expect, so I need all the brain rest I can get. I'll hopefully be writing more on the 'morrow....

And on that note, I bid you adieu, mon amis!

b

HOLY SH*T!!!!!!!!!!!!

Casey Anthony acquitted of murder in death of her 2-year-old daughter Caylee....

What the f**k!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1-9 makes for a long day

I know I put a lot of hours in at work but the Sunday schedule has a 1 to 9 shift. It's normally Alicia's shift, but I worked for her today so she could have a long weekend with her sons. One lives in San Antonio and he doesn't get out here very often and she always has to work on Sunday. But she has tomorrow off from the college so we swapped days. I can attest to the fact that 1-9 is a looooong day! And it was very busy today. Lots of people checking in and housekeeping had an equally bad day. I think they had 15 outs and will have that many tomorrow. I am glad I'm not working there any more. You have no idea.

Husband bought me a Marie Callender's Turkey Pot Pie for supper. It was delicious! And it even cooked up great in the microwave! You cook it in the box and the crust browns up nice and crispy. I think it's probably radioactive. I don't care.

I made some sugar free butterscotch pudding last night. It's actually pretty good. I'll check my blood sugar in a few minutes and may have a few spoonfuls. I've always liked butterscotch flavor. 

The Glades is on. I forgot that the new episode isn't on until next Sunday...so we have already seen this one. But it's good. I hope something is on after this. Probably won't make any difference. Me thinks I shall be rendered deeply sleeping in a short period of time.

But first...it's a spoonful of pudding time! Have a nice night!!

b

Don't ya just love payday??

Wait a second! I love pay day $$$ and Paydays! 

It can't possibly be better than either one of those...don't ya think? And you can buy a lot of PayDays on payday...

It was hot and there was some serious threat of a storm this evening. Never happened...but it cooled down significantly. Very nice evening.

And it was very busy today. Lots of people heading out to Alpine. And staying here.

And my phone is a piece of shit. It's been 'acting up' for a while and I thought it might be the battery. I'm lying. I have no idea what's wrong with it. But I have a new one. I've had it for quite a while actually. It's a razor phone...whatever that is...and I plug it in and charge it, and then unplug it and never use it and then plug it in again.....get what I'm saying? Anyway...my phone has PMS and is really pissing me off so I thought...put the damn SIM card in the new phone and use it! So I did. It turns on....NO PHONE NUMBERS! NONE!!! ZERO!!! ZIP!!! NADA!!! Shit!! SO I take out the SIM card and put it back in the old phone. TaDA!!! Phone numbers. I don't have the little device to download them to the computer, so I have decided to use that modern invention...the pencil...and write the down. Equally as much of a pain in the ass and a screwed up phone. It's taking a while cuz I was pretty busy and kept getting frustrated. Don't ask. I shut them both off.

So I have my laptop thing in the office so I can catch up on some stuff and it's not working right! It kept freezing and shutting off. And here I just got my brand new mouse!! Well...I must have had some God awful virus attempting to infiltrate my poor itty bitty computer wanna be and (don't ya just love McAfee) it took almost all day to get it working so it would stay on. I'm catching up just a bit, here, in case I lose everything that I'm typing which we all know has happened before.

Not the best of days in my technical life.

But it was still payday.

b

Twas a bee-zy day today

Lots accomplished today. I made a plan and followed it. Big surprise! Everything I wrote down to do, I did and crossed it off, and then some. And it was hot again. Not exactly HELL hot...but hot enough.

I want a cake. I know I have ooh-ed and ahh-ed over the poke and pour cake, and the shortcake...but now I am thinking about a pineapple upside down cake. What I seriously need to do is quit thinking about cake completely, but I am using this logic. If I make one...and eat a big fat piece...I probably won't want any more! Yeah, right!! But I still want a cake. And possibly a pie........

It's official. No fireworks whatsoever in Alpine. As of 2 weeks ago, if you can believe it, there was still a possibility. A sanctioned and professionally directed fireworks display. There are no fireworks even being sold in Alpine. But today I called the organizer of the 4th of July celebration which will be held at the park...and there are absolutely no fireworks at all. They are still  having a display in Fort Davis which is crazy since that's where the 300,000 acres fire was! There is no accounting for some peoples logic. But we will still have a parade here in Alpine with lots of horses and firetrucks and crazy people and then the festivities at the park. They have food and craft booths and most likely those jumping things for the kids and then a band in the evening.

The first year we got here, I set up a booth there. It was screaming hot and very little shade. Some people were milling around during the day but the bulk of them didn't show up until after 5 (duh!) and then I sold several hundred dollars of stuff. By then I was so burned and hot I didn't give a shit! Even if I had the time now, I do not have the inclination nor desire to set up this year and intentionally kill my self from heatstroke. I wouldn't sell enough to cover the burial!

So I will make and eat a cake.

I sure hope something is on this TV tonight...I don't feel like reading (slight headache) and I don't feel like watching Swamp People all night. It might be a pick out a movie night and I think it's my turn. No war. No cowboys. No war. Comedy. Funny funny comedy. That sounds good.

Gotta go eat something...may be back...or not! Have a nice night!

b

Brrrrrr!! Cool front coming in!!

I'm thinking it didn't get above 100 today! I could be wrong. It was definitely more humid, though. I worked hard. And I'm tired. But I have to find a wireless mouse. I think I found the one I want. Mine won't work. Nope....it's not the battery. Nope...it's not....I have no idea what it's not...I know that it doesn't work. I found one on Amazon and I'll order it in a few minutes.

I need to color my hair. I have that 'look' again. Multi colored in an Ansel Adams sort of way. When I think of it...I'm too tired to do it. And my feet are very dry. Scaly. Reptilian. Is this more information than you need to know?? It's even too much for me.

Regret. That's a good word. I regret that I didn't live a healthier life. I thought I was doing things right, but I wasn't. Well...maybe I was and fate just stepped in and said, tough.

I regret that I am not more clear in what I am trying to get across. I think I am, but evidently I have more conversations going on in my head that never make it out of my mouth.

I regret that I don't take me time. I need it.

I regret that I procrastinate. I am doing it now.

I love my family and my friends.

commitments

Sometimes when you shoot your mouth off to make a commitment, you might want to step back...before you put a period at the end of the sentence...and say...'What if?'

For instance....What if...circumstances change before you have to perform this act of commitment and now you flat ass don't want to do it?

What if...you flat ass don't want to do it!!

I cleaned rooms today because I made a commitment. I was stupid. No I wasn't. I was being nice and I would have offered to do this 'act' because I just would have. But circumstances have changed and...even though I did what I said I would...I didn't want to. 

Ever since I became the 'official' Office Manager, my relationship with Bobbie has changed. Dramatically. If fact, she hasn't spoken a word to me since that day. That moment. I feel worse than a red headed stepchild walking the steps to the gallows being hung for stepping on an ant!. I kept saying...and you have heard me...I HATE housekeeping! This is not what I moved here for! I don't feel well! Everyone else heard me....but her. I guess. I said all of those exact words to her that very morning before that dreaded announcement. I think I expected what was such a strong friendship to not dissolve in an insant. I am disappointed.

I digress. I had made the commitment to work housekeeping...no matter what...when she and Raven had to go to the Children's Hospital in Houston which is today, tomorrow and Tuesday...perhaps longer if necessary. No matter how she feels about me, I would never let her down regarding this. It's not my nature. So I worked. And yes, hated every minute of it. I will have to do more on Tuesday but not much (I hope) since I have to work in the office tomorrow. I would have been off today. That didn't happen. I sweated my ass off. And it was busy. 

Thanks for listening.

I made marinara sauce for supper. It was quite tasty. If I could eat bread...I'd use it as a dip. The sauce that is. I can eat bread...but not as much as I'd like to with marinara. I'll be eating leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

I smell like a sewer. I semi cleaned out the fountain in the courtyard today. That was a 'cuz I wanted to' jobs. And I did it early before it got pig sweat hot. I used a shop vac to get most of the sludge out of the bottom. I had been letting it sit for almost a month to dry and evaporate naturally in order to do this and then I filled it back up and dumped a whole gallon of bleach in it. We'll see what it looks like tomorrow.

Come to think of it, I did several things today that generated lots of heat in the heat, but I only bitch about housekeeping. Huh.......

The Glades is coming on tonight. It's a new episode and I like that show. A repeat of Hawaii 5-0 was just on. I like that show, too.

I have to take a shower. I am making myself sick! See you later!!

b

Red, White & Blue desserts....

That's one of the emails I got today....Pillsbury I think. Lots of festive desserts. 4th of July quality. Wow! The year is almost half over!!!!! This getting older is a bunch of bullshit!! Which is why Red, White & Blue Desserts sound dee-licious!

I like this one....I love pie....period. All it needs is Cool Whip. Yummy! I used to make a cake that was a poke and pour cake. The regular Jell-O one was so good and then you spread the Cool Whip on top and topped that with canned One Pie Cherries....Chill and eat! I also made the one where you used the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes into the cake and then poured pudding in it....Again topping with Cool Whip and shaved chocolate...Oh man....I am ready to bake!!


This shortcake looks great too. I wonder if there are any good berries around here? I got some strawberries last week and although they were beautiful...they were not sweet. Very disappointing. And I do not want frozen berries. I want it to look just like this!! >>>>>>>>>>>

It was very, very hot this afternoon. I washed clothes and when I went to get them out of the dryer it seemed like the temperature had gone up 30 degrees! Very uncomfortable. And it looks to stay that way for several more days. Not a drop of rain in sight. This weather is painfully unfair.

I'm full of meatloaf. Not this Meatloaf!!         
                                                                                     This meatloaf! 

  And now it's bedtime....gotta go wash off the dirt and go nighty night!  Later.............

b

mmmmmm....Skittles

Calm down....I only ate 3. They sure are sweet...but they sure are good! Like a concentrated jelly bean. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm......

I had to buy a bra today. One without a half circle of rebar already sewn into it which wraps around your boooozum and attaches itself to you by embedding directly into your skin like a deer tick. I found one. It better fit. No...I didn't try it on. I eyeballed it. It was a great deal. $14.99 minus 25% minus a $5.00 off coupon which is exactly what a semi painful bra is worth. Now I'm set for another year.

Toe is still intact. Thank you God of Toes.

OK...this is all I'm doing right now. I had typed 4 more long paragraphs and an 'error' occurred...again...and no draft was saved!!!! This SO pisses me off! I need to take a shower...night!

b

Babushka

You can't wear it...if you can't spell it....

Rotten toe update

The secret was in the sock. I wear socks (footie things) and tennis shoes every day. Especially when I am working outside. Always when I am working outside. So I didn't believe there was anything in my sock. Well guess what....

Last night after the long hot shower I pulled my foot above my head and took a good look at index finger toe. I could barely see it, the toe that is, but there was a teeny tiny dot in the end of it. So I took a needle and stuck it. I mean...after all...if I'm going to loose the toe anyway....what difference does it make....right?? Out pops this teeny tiny piece of a thing that ended up being a sticker!! Since I hadn't washed the footie sock thing yet, I dug through the laundry and did some serious looking. Well Billy be damned!! In the very end of the footie sock...there was a sticker!! I never walk outside in my stocking feet and have no clue where it came from. It's possible it was actually in the washer...but finally...mystery solved. I can't tell you how amazing the instant relief was! And it was instant! Today it's barely noticible. I am so glad. I was very concerned that I may develop some God awful infection and loose the toe...the foot...the leg...my left arm....half my head....and then there would be nothing left in life for me but a starring role in a Stephen King movie. I am now a happy person.

I had a busy day today. And productive. The yard looks great (not like I did it!) and the young man who did do it is coming back tomorrow to start whipping this place into shape! I'm glad. it needs it. If it wasn't so friggin' hot I'd invest in some hanging baskets, but I think they would get some kind of fungus from just hanging there....maybe later in the summer....

Have I mentioned Ruth Pennebaker?? She's a writer from Austin and I somehow discovered her blog...The Fabulous Geezersisters...which is hilarous. I ordered her latest book...Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (to which I can relate first hand) and it's laugh out loud funny. You must check her out....

I got a curling iron. Let's hope it's the...Look! I have miracle hair' curling iron. It's still in the package where it will no doubt remain. I showed it to Alicia and she said hers was the one with the comb/teeth on it. I told her I had thought about getting one like that, but I wasn't smart enought to use it without getting it so wound up in my hair that I guarantee I'd be bald by the time I ripped it out.

Maybe a babuska...

b

I need a tag on my toe

It's not a....I'm dropping dead issue...it's a Holy Crap my friggin' toe is killing me issue. And toe issues are not good for a diabetic. It's like I have become a diabetic issue pro. I'm not. I still can't get the carb issue right. I just know I have a index finger toe problem. (Big toe = Thumb...second toe = Index finger...see where I'm going with this?) Anyway...I have no idea what I did to it. It hurts. Bad. 'Nough said.

Storms are all around us tonight. The clouds are quite pretty. Lots of pink and blue. But I think we won't be lucky enough to get any rain. I hope I'm wrong.

Nothing is on TV tonight. Except Gene Simmons Family Jewels. I seriously like that show and would like to be watching it right now. Husband thinks it's stupid. He has no taste. I thrive on crap. I will not be thriving tonight. Oh-oh...it appears we are watching Brewster's Millions with Richard Pryor. Now that's entertainment.

I just took a shower to cure my toe. It didn't work.

I have been working very hard in the office. I like it. I like it more than I thought I would. I have been really cleaning and sprucing up the place. It's fun and never ending. Miles to go.

I think I need to get my hair cut. Or shaped. Or shaved...or something. I have a vision of how I would like it to look. Unfortunately, I'm the only one who can see it. I need to keep the scissors out of my hand.

I think I'll make some Jell-O. Husband made some Chinese food for supper and I will have the balance of it for lunch tomorrow. And Jell-O would be a tasty dessert! Yes...I shall go right this minute and make it.

It's for my toe.

b

It's me...the hypocrite

I can't exactly remember if I said I would never work in the office or not. If I did.say it...I lied. If I didn't say it...I'm working in the office. No more housekeeping. At least not in the true sense of being employed to do so. I suppose if I am forced to do any, because everyone walks out from housekeeping, that will be the only way. But at this point I am the 'official' Office Manager. It's a good thing. And I lied about that, too. It is a good thing. I like it.

Let's see....the advantages of working in the office are:

Air Conditioning
Interesting people
Lots of beads
Air Conditioning
Freedom to decorate
Real days off
Air Conditioning

That about covers it. I have revamped some stuff...removed some stuff...redecorated some stuff...reorganized lots of stuff...and I'm not done yet. I have to say that I have honestly loved going into the office/gift shop/museum ever since we moved here. I would...on a volunteer basis...come in and clean and move stuff around in it on a constant basis. The rocks and minerals and miscellaneous do dads are fun to mess with...and I have pretty much carte blanche to set up any display that I want...so it will be enjoyable. I can also create some jewelry while I am working...another enormous perk!!

I am so glad to have real 'off' time. Tomorrow Husband and I will go eat lunch and then I have some errands to run that I never get a chance to do at my own leisure. And on a Sunday! Amazing!

The heat is overwhelming. It's like an introduction to Hell! Even though there were stormy looking clouds to the west and south of us all day...there was nothing! Nada! Zip! But the heat was a sweltering 105 at 5:30. I had thought about going downtown today to the Fiesta del Sol Celebration, but when I saw that it was already 90 at 10 AM...I said to myself...You are an idiot.
I can't imagine sitting in a booth down there during the heat of the afternoon. What am I saying...even the heat of this evening! I'm not that dedicated.

I am sitting here watching Star Wars. My how that Princess Leah has changed! Maybe we should call her Princess Jenny! I think I'll relax and read for about 10 minutes. It should put me to sleep....See you later!

b

Seriously bad night last night

I had a reasonably good day yesterday. I had quite a few things to do but felt tired. I know it was hot...really hot...and I think that was most of the problem. Anyway, I got home at a little after 5:30. I had roasted a chicken and made mashed potatoes with some cheese. Green beans. Yummy. I ate and took a shower. Granted...it was chicken two days in a row (make that 3...Husband made chicken salad tonight) but I like chicken. Good protein. So I took a shower and laid down. We watched a movie the name which escapes me...and I was totally relaxed. But not feeling quite right. Very tired.

After almost two hours, I decided to get up and get a bottle of water. I saw stars and bright lights and every planet in the Universe! I didn't take four steps and down I went. Husband was spooked out of his mind and was saying...Are you alright? Are you alright?? Sure...I love sitting on the floor...join me!!

"I've felt a whole lot better!" I told him.

"What do you need? Do you need another pill? Water? A cup of sugar?" he asked.

"Maybe some orange juice" I figured that couldn't hurt.

I stabbed myself and my blood sugar was 40. 40!!! I almost fainted again! And I swear, I had eaten properly all day...and had a great supper....I have no idea what brought it on. The juice only kicked it up to 55...so I had toast with melted cheese...climbed to 68. Then a boiled egg. Within the hour it was up to 88 and I was able to walk around without my eyes rolling back in my head. I can honestly tell you that I was terrified. I'm still blaming the heat...I just don't know. I was better today and was glad to be in the office. I had lots to do but nothing that I had to concentrate on to stress myself out. I checked my sugar probably 8 times today and it stayed in the safe range. And I ate every 2 hours....I only have a bit of a headache tonight, but I feel so much better.

And it was triple digits again today. There were a few thunderstorms to the east of us but nothing here. We have had smoke in the air for (ever) a while in the morning and I know most of it is from the back burn of the only fire we have around us right now...but I worry about the residual smoke coming from Arizona. I can't imagine how intense it is in the fire area. Even our fires here weren't nearly as horrendous...and I am selfishly worried about smoke coming here...I'm sorry.

I suppose I'll push 'publish' and get some rest. It should be an easy day tomorrow. I sure hope so. Have a nice evening!

b

A chicken in every pot...or frying pan

I'm frying some chicken. I should have started earlier. I'm starving. I made instant mashed potatoes due to the fact I had no real potatoes. I need some instant chicken. The potatoes are ready to eat. So am I. The chicken is not. It smells very good. I am torturing myself.

Maybe I should eat some cake. It's ready to eat.

Oh my GOD!! I should have written yesterday when we got our first RAIN!!!!! Granted, it only lasted less than 3...maybe 2 minutes...but it definitely came from the sky!! And then...it was gone. There was another light (and I mean light) sprinkle today...and now we are hearing rumors of the first hurricane of the season forming in the Pacific. We might get something from that. I wouldn't bet on it...but stranger things have happened.

Can you believe that fire in Arizona! My heart goes out to all the residents who are living in such horror. Perhaps a higher power is trying to tell us something. I don't know what exactly, but I'm feeling the vibe. Our fires around here are almost over. Thank God. But it's so hot that every evening brings lightning and that ain't good.

I'm watching Hot in Cleveland. It's corny but cute. I love Betty White. Husband is sleeping or we'd be no doubt watching something God awful on the Hunting/Outdoor Channel. I need to take a shower but don't feel like it. Maybe I'm clean enough for tomorrow. I have quite a few things to do tomorrow and at this particular moment, I feel like doing none of them. Nothing is critical, just time consuming. I might be able to get a couple things accomplished tonight if I put my mind to it. 

No...I think I'll just watch TV. First I have to look some stuff up....Have a nice night!!

b

Dairy Queen

Let's see...what to eat, what to eat...OK, Dairy Queen. Not a big favorite of mine, but I'll eat it. And I did. New management...a little cleaner. I got the Hunger Buster with cheese which, I have to admit, was delicious. Juicy and tasty. I got a raspberry tea. My personal favorite. I'm cutting the soda to nothing but wanted something with a little sugar in it....so I got the raspberry tea. I was delicious. Freshly made (however they make it) and it was very good. Then...the fries. They were fried to a crisp golden brown. Unfortunately, they were fried so 'crisp' and 'golden' that they were crispy and golden-y all the way through! It was like eating shoestring potatoes! There was not one that you could eat and chew quietly! And we all got them that way! At least the burger and tea were good.

We did miscellaneous stuff today. There were more desk lamps to put in the rooms and we needed extension cords and those wall plugs with the 3 sections in them, which we got yesterday, so we got that chore done today. It's not busy so we are hoping to get a lot more stuff done around here this coming week. I'm in the office, but have a few daytime hours to work with Bobbie.

We have only a few people here but that may change later tonight. There are more fires here and in the Fort Davis area again. These were, so they say, lightning strikes. There is no mandatory evacuation as yet but we have had calls from several of the residents who are asking for availability...just in case.

I ordered a pair of jeans from Beall's on-line store. I had gotten an email from them like I usually do but have never actually ordered from them on-line. (Can you believe that??) So I checked out the jeans and found some Levi's for $15.00 that are normally $44.00. I assume that they will fit, since they are the same ones that I have on. Well, they came today and I thought the package looked a little thin. When I opened it...there was one pair of jeans. Just one. And there was an invoice where I was only charged $8.00 and a $5.00 in-store coupon! So I'm thinking I got me a pair of Levi's for $3.00. Not bad. And you know how I love to go to Bealls...especially with $5.00 off!!

This cat is driving me nuts. He sits on the floor next to me a meows. And meows. And meows. And meows. And looks at me. And meows. I have this wicked urge to take my foot and send him flying but he's 20 years old and I don't want to be responsible for his horrible death, nor do I want to clean up the mess. He's either hungry...but he has food. Or he's thirsty...but he has an automatic waterer. Or he's just a gigantic pain in the ass. Yes...that's it! I have successfully ignored him and he went to Husband to tattle. Husband told him to shut up. Now Tom is on the bed glaring at both of us. I am not making eye contact with either one of them.

I think I dozed off for a minute. I better put this up for a bit before I drop it on the floor...might be back!

b

I'm pooped

I'm just plain ol' pooped. I'm still tired from yesterday. It was busy and very hot. Today, it's slightly cooler and almost a little humid right now. We have thunderstorms predicted for this afternoon and evening....and something may actually happen. I don't know.

Today was easy and early, but I have been busy all afternoon. I have some personal stuff that I have neglected because I'm tired when I get home, but I couldn't put this stuff off any longer. Or I would have. You know me...Now it's done and I feel like I have accomplished a lot! Hey Martha...it's a good thing! I even found some chicken in my little bitty freezer that wasn't rotten...so I'm cooking it for supper! Yummy! I'll call it 'Non-Rotten Chicken Dee-lite!' Nutritious and delicious! But I can't cook it until I find out if Dog the Bounty Hunter and his motley crew are gonna get their man! I've got a good feeling about this one....that Dog! What a....whatever he is.

The Casey Anthony Trial has concluded for the day. After OJ I said I wouldn't watch this shit ever again...but if I click on and it's interesting, I watch it. Her mother was on the stand today. It was chilling. Then, one of Casey's best friends took the stand...but I was too busy to stick with it, so I don't know what her testimony was. I know...I know...it's a waste of time to watch such crap, but I'm a crap watcher.

The sky looks ominous. There are currently tornado warnings in Presidio County which is probably 20 miles from here. It's a huge county, and I'm not sure exactly were the storm is located but it looks to be quite widespread according to the radar. It's very dark out right now and normally is still light out...it's a little after 9 PM. We can hear thunder periodically.

How sad...here we so desperately need rain and we may get dumped on and damaged. Husband keeps looking out the front door to report his weather updates...

There is a movie on called Smokey. It's an older 1946 movie with Fred MacMurray and Burl Ives. Burl is singing Jimmy Crack Corn as we speak. Oh oh...Fred just fell off his horse. And the horse was....yep you guessed it!! Smokey! Oh oh. Fred's hurt pretty bad. Smokey's either going to go get help or stomp him to death...I'm not sure which....Nope, nope...wait a second. Fred is trying to pull himself up with the stirrups and he got one arm through it and...well I'll be damned! Old Smokey is draggin Fred through the canyon! Well Damn skippy! I need me a horse like that! This is getting way to exciting for me!

The non rotten chicken was good. I'm full and ready for sleep. I hope the storm doesn't wake me up....if it ever gets here. Have a great night!

b

Hell on earth

Hot. Hot. Hot. Repeat after me....hot. Hot. Hot. Hell would be a treat. I'm so dry, I don't think I could even cry...OMG!! What an amazing lyric for a song!! Let's see...

I'm so dry...I don't think I could even cry..............
That's a lie...I can't say why....My oh my.....

I have a few more words to incorporate...like Grape Nehi; I want to swat a fly; by and by; learn to tie my tie...I'm sure you get the drift. For now...I'll keep my day job(s).(But I feel real talent just a growing in me!!)

I had a chicken salad from Subway for lunch. It was good. The chicken salad and the salad salad. But don't get it if you don't like raisins. Actually they were the golden raisins and weren't overpowering. I think it was supposed to have cranberries according to the Subway website...but I saw raisins. Holy shit! I sure hope they were raisins! Anyway...it was chilled and tasted great. Either that or I was just plain starving. Nope...it was honestly good. That doesn't mean it will always be good...it depends on who's mixing it up. I like tuna salad...but today it looked awful. Who knows.

I am really tired tonight and need some rest. I also need to block out war movies. TCM has had a war movie marathon since Friday night that continues through tomorrow. Some are OK. One that I do like is the White Cliffs of Dover. Naturally it comes on at 2 AM. Guess who won't be watching it! I think I'd better eat something else before I go to bed anyway. I'd like a box of Fiddle Faddle but I think string cheese is calling my name. Maybe some Club crackers. My blood sugar is way low. Odd.

Enjoy your day tomorrow and thank a Vet for his or her service to our wonderful country. Do it everyday. And especially do it on the REAL Memorial Day! God Bless.....

b

That was the week that was....

Remember that show? I'm not sure who was on it...but I remember the gist of it. I had one of those weeks. Lots of stuff going on. Milestones and setbacks. I hate to say it, but I have been having a good time cleaning up in the office. I'm telling you...it's not a lot to anyone else, but I like organization. I know have said that a million times. But up there it's baby steps. Color co-ordination. Simple...but effective. Alphabetizing. Simple...but effective. Anyway...that's what I'm doing.

We lost a housekeeper. Let her go. There's more where she came from. Maybe. I hope. I'm still doing some of that but am trying to limit it drastically.

I have to eat better. And rest more. So says the DR. I am even writing out a menu for myself for a while. I can't remember if I said this yet or not, but I had an increase in the diabetes medication, a reduction of the blood pressure medication and an addition of an aspirin. My liver is not preforming as it should so it needs a little prompting. You'd think a 6 pack of Kit Kat's would do that...but it won't!

Did I tell you about that MIO Liquid Water Enhancer? I think I did, but I don't remember. I found some at the grocery store and tried the Berry Pomegranate. It's good but I found the Sweet Tea. I like that one. It seriously only takes a squirt in a bottle of cold water...and there you have it. Sweet Tea flavored water. With whatever it takes to make it sweet and taste like tea. I don't care if it's sweetened with poison...it's good. That's my pro-fessional opinion.

Husband is making Chicken and Dumplings. He makes really good Chicken and Dumplings. I'm ready for food. I had Progresso Chicken and Rotini soup for lunch. As you can see, I like chicken soup.  I am easy to please. I also ate a snack when I got home. A couple of weeks ago, husband made an olive tapanade with capers...and I had forgotten about. I found it. One good thing about a tapanade that doesn't have tomatoes in it...it's last a very long time. So I had some of that on crackers with cream cheese. Nice appetizer. Now...the main course.

It's 6:45 PM and 99 degrees outside. Hot. Hot. Very Hot. And hotter tomorrow. Not a fit day out for man nor beast.

I am about to eat a bowl of chicken and dumplings that is hot. Hot. Very Hot. Makes sense, doesn't it??

b

Ketoacidosis

Big word. Not so good. Gotta change my ways. And it's not necessarily just eating the wrong stuff. I need to think calmer thoughts. Find my zen. My ying. My yang. My bilabong.

We got no rain. I think this rain talk is a myth. It's a cruel joke being played on any potential fish that might want to live in West Texas. I've got one word for them...fossil.

It was a long day in the office. And 100% busier than I ever expected. I didn't have any 'me' time. Another cruel joke. I got a lot done, though.

Question of the day: Is it harder to do physical labor...or physical and mental labor?

Answer: What a stupid question. Who writes these idiot questions, anyway....

With the obvious answer scraping at my bones tonight...I am taking a shower in 5 minutes and laying down to read. Unfortunately I must wear some stronger glasses tonight. I knew I wasn't feeling quite right and blood tests told me to shape up or I'll be shipping out sooner than expected!! I probably shouldn't read at all and I bet I don't read for long...but I'll give it a whirl.

I am watching Tom dreaming about catching something cuz his little feet are peddling like there's no tomorrow! Funny cat.......

b

Rain?? Surely you jest!!!

Hold the phone dudes and dudettes...we are under a severe thunderstorm watch until 10 PM. It's 7 right now. And the humidity is 2%.The temperature is 92. The barometric pressure is dropping. Anything could happen...

Rain...hmmm...wonder if it's still wet?? Wonder if it still comes in drops. Wonder....what the hell. It's only a dream. I am watching the Weather Channel and the current news is the tornado in Joplin, Missouri. Horrible, horrible. And so very sad.

On a lighter note. The world as we know it didn't end at 6 last night. Unless....it did....and this is the afterlife! Or as I refer to it...hell! Wouldn't it be surreal if this is the afterlife?? It would be like Groundhog Day. Forever. Beyond spooky.

I hate to admit it...but I am enjoying working in the office. I have screwed up a few dozen times and so far have been lucky enough to figure it out. Let hope I continue to do so. Figure it out, that is...not screw up.

I had some stuff to do and now it's 8:30. No rain here yet...but bad storms and tornado warnings east of us. We don't want that here.

I just took a shower. I need to settle down and do some stuff. I have been putting  off answering emails for far too long. I start to write and draw a blank. Then when I am laying here and can't sleep, I think of tons of things I should have written. Then I come on here and write! I'm pathetic. I know! I'll write while I'm at work! That way I won't have any distractions! (Ha Ha!)

I'm full of hot dogs. It was a nourishing supper. I think I want some fruit. Perhaps an orange. More than likely an orange because that's all I have. I ate everything else.

There is nothing on TV. Not even a good Snapped. I got a new book so I should read. And it's not on the banned book list. It's on the 'I forgot that he writes funny books' list. It's called The Pleasure of My Company by Steve Martin. So far...after 21 pages...it's quite funny. I have been reading it for 3 days but can only stay awake or see long enough to read only seven pages a day. Or so it seems. He wrote the book Shopgirl. Steve (I call him Steve) wrote that one too. I liked it. It had just slipped my mind that he writes. I found this copy on line for $1.00. Lately when I am sleepy...that's it. I'm out. Or...just the opposite. I just lay there. I can close my eyes...but no sleep comes. Just the clock changing. I'm not sure why. I know why the clock changes...I don't know why I am awake. I haven't been feeling 100% lately for various reasons.

I think I will take my own suggestion and read. And eat that orange. Have a nice night!

b

So easy a monkey could do it.....not!!!

A college educated monkey maybe! And to think I even have the instructions written right there in front of me! Perhaps I should read them next time. At least I can fix it since that's my job, too. Nothing earth shattering...just lack-a-brainical. And too damn simple.

I spent the day downsizing. I like order. I like alphabetizing. I like order....oh yeah, I already said that. I was able to get quite a bit done. It's not that there wasn't some semblance of organization already,  I just simplified it. It was so quiet all day that I was able to concentrate on what I wanted to do and when it was almost time to leave...it got frustratingly busy! (That's when I found out I had screwed up this morning!) But I was satisfied with the progress and I work tomorrow night and hope to finish up what's on 'my list.' I'll work in the morning for a couple of hours with Bobbie. There's not much to do. I have a blood draw at 7 AM and Husband has DR .appt. @1:00 and 2:30. Busy, busy.

It was breezy on and off today. Not the winds that were predicted, but a few gusts. Considering the fact that it is so unbelievably dry...it was a beautiful day. I need to take a photo of the crops! I have forgotten to follow through with the day to day growth spurts and here they are flourishing before my eyes...sort of.

I am going to eat a pear later. It looks positively delicious. And ripe to perfection. I hope it tastes like a pear. It was a gift. I certainly didn't buy it locally. Husband brought me a couple of bananas today that look wonderful. Big surprise for here. But these look great. I got some green grapes a few days ago and eating them is like eating a persimmon. It makes my jaw hurt and my mouth pucker just thinking about them! The red grapes were like chewing Welch's Grape Juice. Super good.

Husband got a Federal Jury Duty Summons today. Might be interesting.

Husband and I are watching the Hallelujah Trail with Burt Lancaster and Lee Remick. It's such a funny and great movie. Since there is nothing on tonight....it will be movie night. I think Ocean's Eleven is next. It's the original movie with Frank Sinatra. I've never seen it.

OK...the wagons with the whiskey are sinking in the quicksand now. And the Indians are getting drunk on Champagne while racing the other wagons across the desert...you have to see this movie!

Oh-oh...HUGE wagon crash!! Champagne bottles are exploding everywhere! Double, triple quadruple vision.....

OK. Time to eat the pear. Gotta rest. See you later!

b

Monday

Edward G. Pryor

June 9, 1928 - May 12, 2011

Fire

A very scary day in Alpine, Texas. A little after noon, there was a fire reported by the Union Pacific Train engineer who was coming into Alpine from the Marfa area. It was located about 10 miles west of Alpine on the north side of the highway. 

It is dry, dry, dry here and at noon it was almost 90 degrees. The fire spread...like wild fire. Before 3, it was only about 3 1/2 miles from Alpine and had jumped the highway and was headed this way. Emergency vehicles, Sheriff's, Police Department, Fire trucks, even Border Patrol units were storming the roads. Evacuation orders were issued...and the fire was suddenly across the street. Ash was falling and smoke was thick. Such a helpless feeling. We instructed our guests to pack up and head east to the other end of town until we were notified that it was safe to come back.

By 6:30, everything here at the Lodge was pretty much back to normal. We were fortunate. Our guests were able to return. However, everything around us is in peril. Husband and I just walked around the property to see what is happening across the street and north into the mountains where there is plenty of fuel to burn. It's quite brushy and there are as many as 75+ homes and numerous outbuildings in that area. Many of the residents have sprawling homes with acreage and livestock. It's a mecca for a fire. There was a convoy of livestock trailers coming out of there all afternoon. The road in was closed, and still is, and only residents who were retrieving other family members, pets or other livestock were being allowed in there.

The fires are burning up the hills and tonight and are positively mesmerizing. I believe the air support teams have ended for the night and I am afraid the problems may be just beginning. We are supposed to have 15-25 mile an hour winds tomorrow with gusts up to and over 40 MPH. Please pray for those in harms way. 

I will be checking out side all night. So far 4000 acres have burned and the fire is only 10% contained.

This makes anything else that went on today irrelevant. I think I'll get ready for another day. Have a good evening.

b