Dear Diabetics...Candy corn is NOT a vegetable

Sure looks like one! I fell off the wagon directly into a huge pile of it today! It's like Lay's...betcha can't eat just one! Betcha right!! Betcha I won't do it again real soon! Betcha right!! I am miserable. And I have no one to blame...but me. I tried blaming everyone else here...didn't work. Don't even ask why I bought them...I'll lie.

There was a fire about 3 miles down the road  this afternoon. It's supposedly under control but we have some pretty healthy wind gusts going on out there right now. Scary.

I am cooking chicken for supper now. With mashed potatoes. Perhaps some salad. But no corn.

It was a little cool here this morning (sorry Maine family it would be a heat wave up there!) mid- 30's. But it turned out nice. It's supposed to be 90 in a couple of days. Amazing. And zero rain in sight.

There is a movie on TCM right now with Edward G. Robinson called Mr. Winkle Goes to War. It's a black and white and kind of cute. Robinson is a bank teller who joins the Army and comes home a hero. They have been showing lots of old black and whites lately and I have never seen any of them. Some are pretty funny.

It is now a few hours after I started writing this and I am ready to lay down. I feel really lazy right now. Nothing is on TV now. I might read for a bit if I can keep my eyes open. More than likely the Internet will go out after they close the office. And I'm not walking up there tonight to flick it back on so why not get done what I need to do right now and fold it up. I am only checking emails, anyway.

Have a nice night...

b

An hour of work....my favorite day was today

Actually...it wasn't even an hour. We sat there for an hour...then went home. We only changed towels in one room and waited for everyone else to start moving. They did...finally...and nobody wanted anything!! They are all here for a week...10 rooms of them. Every other day would be fine with me! All of these folks are from France/Germany/Portugal...art students studying the Big Bend area. Lucky them. I mean...lucky us...they are used to staying in hostels and don't require much maintenance. We don't like to provide maintenance. What a balance.

So I came home...watched Las Vegas...both of them...and have been making jewelry all afternoon. Very productive. I also called about a craft show. The Women's Club of Alpine is sponsoring a show during the Relay for Life weekend. It's in conjunction with the Go Texan program in Texas which highlights Texas Artists and Craftsmen. Even though it's held outside and weather is so unpredictable...I want to do it. They had a show last year and the weather was bad so they had to postpone it...and then the rescheduled show was also postponed due to...you guessed it...bad weather! I don't care.

I am taking a break right now before I get a full fledged headache. It's hot tea time. And Cheers is on.

I have an order to finish...and it's frustrating me. I had a delay from the buyer a while back...but it was good as they sent me their designs. It's just taking more time than I thought it would on my part. I have a few assembly issues to figure out.

I was looking through some of the craft stuff I have and found the patterns that I wanted for felt ornaments. I have a lot cut out, but had to stop when my eyes were giving me so much trouble. I may cut some out later. I feel a little Christmasy.

And the Internet went out at 9:30 last night!! ALL NIGHT!! I had almost everything done that I needed/wanted  to do...short of printing...and since I couldn't access anything on the Internet it really didn't matter...I just read.

Husband is cooking me supper. (He doesn't know how long I worked today...he thinks I'm exhausted...so let's keep this bit of information between us...OK?) He cooks me supper almost every night...and I am eternally grateful.

Might be back later...

b

Damn internet

I hate it when this Internet goes out. And no....I never did hook up for any service through my cell phone service. I'm a big, fat liar. Actually, the internet connection has been pretty good and has only been screwing up for the last week. But it screws up...when I want it! Consequently, when I was trying to do [very important!] stuff at 6:00 this morning....I got nothing done. And no...I didn't walk to the office to reset it. If I was going to go through all that trouble...I would have stayed over there.

So I will do some stuff tonight.

I think I mentioned the fundraiser for the Theater Group at the university that is taking place here in the courtyard on April 30 (?)...I need to revise some of the forms and lists that I used on the last fundraiser. I have done some already, but want to get them ready to print. Amber is working on the poster and hopefully they will be ready to distribute next weekend. I know all of this will come together right as rain...I am just....ummmm...whining!

It's another glorious day here in West Texas...the sun is shining and you can literally see the leaves burst out on the branches of the trees. There are dandelions everywhere. When I was small...and big...my grandmother would dig up the dandelions in the yard and clean the greens and we'd eat them. I love them. They are strangely bitter and tangy and taste great cooked with some butter and a splash of vinegar. It's like Yankee Popeye food.

I think I'm having hot dogs for supper. And I have mentioned before...I don't care what they are made of. I will slather them with spicy mustard and sauerkraut and chew chew yum yum. Let's see...what are good sandwich combinations...

Hot dogs with your favorite toppings and Lay's Potato Chips
Tuna Salad sandwich and Campbell's Vegetable Soup (always served on Friday's at school)
Grilled Cheese with Campbell's Tomato Soup
Bologna (Oscar Mayer and don't go there) and Cheese and Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup
BLT with French Fries
Peanut Butter and Jelly with anything
Peanut Butter and Banana all by itself. And I don't like mine fried...grilled...whatever. Just plain.
Egg Salad with Frito's
Ham and Cheese with a slice of tomato as big as the bread...grilled. Yummy!

I need to think of more. And some favorite meals....

Tom's mad. The window is closed. The breeze is picking up a little and blowing directly in the window so it's staying closed and he flat doesn't like it. He'll get over it.

I have sat long enough. I must go eat my nutritious and delicious hot dogs and get busy on some paperwork. Have fun!!

b

How much is that Tommy in the window?

Today you could buy him for a song......bird. He is loving sitting in the window watching his birds a close range. They must feel pretty comfortable that they are in no danger...cuz they look right back at him...just a spinning 'round on the bird feeder. It keeps him entertained. Oh...I forgot to add that the window is open with a screen on it.

Very busy today. And we worked with a disadvantage. Raven turned her ankle Saturday night and had to go to the ER. Thank goodness it was just a sprain but she is out of the cleaning pocket for a week or so. She was able to handle the laundry part of it today...with our help...but it is disappointing to have to clean something. Corinna held her own and will be here tomorrow as we have another busy day. I know Raven is in some pain. I feel so bad for her. Been there - done that. But she was a sport today and felt bad about not doing more.

I'm watching Desperate Housewives. I haven't seen it on a Sunday night in forever. It's an old one because it's about Halloween...but I don't care. I like it. I'd buy the series on Amazon if it wasn't so expensive. Eventually it will get dirt cheap and I'll get it. Until then...I grab an episode when I can. We watched a movie earlier tonight called Just Wright with Queen Latifa. I mean...I finally got to watch it...and it was pretty cute. A little predictable...but I liked it.

I have a bit of a headache tonight. The wind blew lots of dust and dirt around today so I'm sure that's most of the problem. And I'm tired. Big surprise.

Tom is now driving me nuts. When he is starving to death...his last pathetic act is to come right up in your face and touch you on the arm. And again. And again. And again. Until you finally can't stand it  any more and get up and feed him. I am at that point. He doesn't care about Desperate Housewives.

Reprieve. He got tired of waiting and went and sat at the end of the bed and is looking at me. With disgust. Damn cat.

I'm noticing the effects of the medication changes. For the better. I'm glad. My blood sugar has been staying in the really good range. But I still hate having to take pills.

I guess I'll feed 'the Tom' and retire for the evening...have a nice night.

b

I set up the easel

It's only a small desktop easel...but an easel it is. And It sports a canvas. A watercolor canvas. Now all I need is inspiration. I don't want West Texas, or mountains, or birds...perhaps a flower. Maybe Tom. Maybe a sunset.

Years ago I painted a picture of Husband. He was on a horse in the mountains of Wyoming looking through binoculars. I really like it. I gave it to Mumsy as a gift. She liked it. I am not an accomplished painter. I have no training and if I did, I would most likely not be able to paint at all. I like what I paint. I am amazed at the things that I have painted and thank God for allowing me to do it. I know that sounds vain...but I mean it in the most humble of ways. I always figured that if I woke up tomorrow (which is a good thing!) and couldn't paint at all...I would be forever grateful for what I had done and no regrets for what can't be. But I am in need of doing something for myself. That's why I need to think about a subject.

We were busy today...but buzzed right through it and were home before 1:00. I did nothing. It felt great. Husband had lots to do around town so I watched TV for a bit and caught up on some stuff that I have been putting off. Not because I didn't want to do it...but I needed to concentrate while I was doing and I wasn't too tired to do. Several things were crossed off the list. That's a good thing.

I made some Splenda lemonade today. It's really quite good. I'm not a big Splenda fan, but it's 1000 times better than Equal which I refuse to use. I may have told you about this lemonade before. I had a friend who used to make it. She would chop up 5-6 lemons in small pieces and put them in a 2 quart pitcher...add a cup and a half of sugar (yummy) and fill it with ice cold water. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. It takes some stirring with the water so cold. It's better to let it set over night in the fridge and it's so tart and tangy. I love it. Then, when you finish it, kind of smush up the lemons with a wooden spoon, add more sugar and water and stir. There's still enough flavor left in the lemons for the second batch. The rind is the tangy oily part and that's what makes it so delicious. I used a cup of Splenda and it's plenty sweet for me. I imagine it would be great with limes, also. Lemons and limes...I need to try that. It just seemed like a lemonade day.

It's beautiful out. March has gone by so fast. Time is going by so fast.

I have a few things to do so I'll sign off...have a great evening.

b



Georgia O'Keeffe



This is who I want to be when I grow up. I have always admired the art and craft of this remarkable woman. I am jealous of her independent intensity for living life. A spirit that I strive to capture...for me. I want her soul to flow through the brush in my fingers to a single canvas. That will be enough.

I just ate a lemon drop. Husband bought a bag of them today and I haven't had one in years. It tasted excellent. I am restraining myself from eating the whole bag. It's almost impossible. Almost.

Busy day. But I didn't die like I thought I was going to. Many, many folks checking in for the weekend. Quite a variety...bikers, families, members of the band playing at the Railroad Blues tonight...joy.

We have to go to the store in the AM for a few things for the Lodge and I want to see if there are any plants. I want something with a bloom on it. I have been bitten several times by the Big Fat Spring Bug and need something alive and green around me. And it has to be outside so Tom won't eat it.

I got the fish net today and plan to move the little darlings this weekend. I found some great glass to go in the bottom of the tank and scalded it 5 times today. It there was anything remotely alive and crawling on it...it's cooked by now. There is no place in this town to get aquarium gravel. But a friend thinks she has a couple of boxes at her house. Tom is so excited. He just can't figure this whole thing out. Wait till he sees the fish! Priceless!!

I'm still trying to think of the last banned book to add to my revised list. I ordered a few used Judy Blume books on eBay. A nice package deal. And I am almost done with what I am reading now so I can read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. I used to know...but I forgot.

I suppose I'll go find something to eat. Leftovers and a salad. I had dessert already. Lemon drops. Have a nice night...

b

I changed my mind (big surprise!)

Remember that issue of me reading the top 10 banned books?? Well, I just don't like some of them. So...I have decided to substitute a few of them with my own banned books to read! The following are the originals with an 'X' in front of those to be replaced...by me.

     The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
     Lolita
     The Catcher in the Rye
 X  Harry Potter Series
 X  The Anarchist Cookbook 
     I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
 X Candide
     1984
 X The Satanic Verses
     Brave New World

I am replacing the Harry Potter Series with the Judy Blume Series. Now remember...she, too, was the author of inappropriate books for young adults. My kids and I loved them!

And I will replace Candide with Biloxi Blues by Neil Simon. A favorite line from this book is ... Sergeant Toomey: You would need three promotions to be an asshole. This book is filled with banned material. Which makes it good.

Dante's Inferno. I remember looking through this book as a small child. I was terrified at the illustrations...but I couldn't stop looking at them. Especially the snakes and half eaten people. How sick is that. Maybe I should look at it again.

I have one more...as yet undecided.

My grandfather was an avid reader. Even though I was only 5 years old when he passed I vividly remember him rocking me in the rocking chair and reading to me. The newspaper in the evenings. And poetry.

Grampy Dawe had quite a collection of books. One in particular took me years to read simply because of the title. Of Mice and Men. I detested mice and couldn't possibly understand how anyone could write about them and what association a mouse would have with a man. Then I read it and my heart ached and I cried like a baby. I was 10. John Steinbeck became my hero. Grapes of Wrath...awesome. Tortilla Flat...so funny and poignant.

So many books...so little time.

So this is my partial revised list of banned books. I have already re-read 1984, Brave New World and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

I am reading a non-banned book right now...one of my all time favorites The Egg and I. A  comfort book for me.

The only thing I accomplished today was to take a shower. And eat. And that's all I am doing. Screw that list of things I was going to do. Well, I did clean the bathroom and went through some stuff that needed going through and throwing out. And cleaned out some drawers. None of that was on the list. But am giving myself a reprieve. I did stuff that took virtually no energy.

Husband has cooked me supper so I will eat again. Yum. See you later!

b

RIP

Up at the crack of noon

UPDATE: I received an email from Mumsy regarding the 'gigantic split fish tank episode' with amazing new details.

Now...I'm not sure where she received her training...but thank God she did! Mumsy has revealed to me that she did indeed smack a few fish around with a ruler and even went so far as to smash them directly into the lavatory in order to save their precious little lives. The woman is a saint. And now I can reveal these long hidden details of...the day Mumsy saved the God Damned fish. I am proud.

I must search my brain for more of our unforgettable but true adventures in this life.  Perhaps a tale of...fudge! Those were the days.

One day, Mumsy and I were sitting around discussing the problems of the world no doubt drinking tea and beer, respectively, when there suddenly appeared on the television...a commercial for Fantasy Fudge. Remember it? That smooth and creamy and delicious walnut infused and thick and chunky and delectable squares of decadence??

Like it was yesterday!!

So...off we sped to the store and practically threw the ingredients into the basket and beat feet home to make the first batch.

Yes Virginia...there is a Santa Claus and he invented fudge!!

It was lip smackin' good. Consequently, our period of 'let's eat a pan 'o fudge a day' had begun.
Most of the time, I would ease out of the office in the afternoon and run home and whip up the daily pan and bring some back for quality control research. Sometimes we used Nestle's Milk Chocolate Chips, sometimes the 'original' Nestle's Chocolate Chips...why, we even threw caution to the wind and made some with Peanut Butter Chips and even Butterscotch Chips! We were carefree.

And...it is imperative in the Fantasy Fudge making procedure that you use quality...and by this I mean the real stuff...ingredients. Nestle's Chips - Kraft Marshmallow Cream - Carnation Evaporated Milk. You can use the cheap stuff...but you will suffer the consequences. Lack of richness. Lack of creaminess. Lack of chocolaty-ness. Never scrimp. Ever.



Fantasy Fudge Recipe



3 cups sugar
¾ cup butter
2/3 cup Carnation evaporated milk
1 package Nestle's semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 oz)
1 jar Kraft Marshmallow Cream (7 oz)
1 tsp real vanilla flavoring
1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Directions:


Melt butter in large sauce pan over low heat. When the butter is melted or getting close add sugar and then milk. Cook until sugar is dissolved stirring fairly often.


Turn the heat to medium or medium high and bring mixture to a full rolling boil.


Stir constantly for 5 minutes with heat reduced some (around medium heat) while mixture is boiling.


Remove from heat. Immediately pour in chocolate chips and marshmallow cream and stir. Stir until evenly mixed and a nice chocolate color.


Add nuts and vanilla. Stir those in.


Pour into 9 x 13 (or close size) pan sprayed lightly with Pam spray or very lightly greased.


Let cool.

Cut evenly into 2 pieces and share with your best friend.


And now...with the modernization of the world...you can make this in the microwave!! Imagine!!

This is what memories are made of. Consider this...if I was into this today...I would be buying the ingredients from....Amazon! Delivered to my door!! At a discount! PRIME shipping!!

I got up at the crack of noon today. I woke up at 9:00 and ate some cereal and went right back to sleep. It was glorious. Unfortunately, I hadn't slept well as my legs were cramping up so bad that I needed the sleep. I have had lots of joint pain lately, also. It's the fybromyalgia flaring up. I need to think about that. Maybe too much sodium in my system.

I defrosted the midget freezer in my room which was pathetically bad and took more time than I wanted to spend on it...but it was a must do. It's an older unit so it does frost up pretty fast. I just let it go because I'm always too tired to deal with it. This is also when I throw out stuff from the refrigerator and am thankful that I bought more Glad disposable containers. Hence the name.That's why God made them.

I threw out everything except the butter and a package of cheese. It's nice and clean in there now. And Husband brought home Mexican food for supper and I will eat it all so there will be no leftovers to mess up the nice clean shelves.

I filled the fish tank with water. That was my day. I plan to do nothing tonight. And I'm getting a good start on it.

I may be back later...I need to eat another round of food. Have a nice night!

b

My two day v-a-c-a-t-i-o-n begins!!

I even washed all of our clothes today so I am a complete leap ahead! And I understand it's supposed to quite windy for the next couple of days...and...there is a slight possibility of a stray thunderstorm tonight! WOW! Supermoon karma.....

It was quite busy today but everyone was here to work. Consequently, we were out of here by 1:00. Amazing! That's why I started my v-a-c-a-t-i-o-n early and washed clothes.

Now I am resting and full. We had some chicken and prosciutto tortellini with a tomato basil sauce for supper. An early supper. It was very good. I'll have leftover salad for dessert later.

I am setting up an aquarium tomorrow. I am putting my fish in it. (Remember them under the ice?) I have decided that I want them in the house. Long story. I have to have the filter on in the water for 24 hours prior to putting the fish in, so it says. So I'll get everything ready tomorrow. I hope they like.

I like fish. I like aquariums. Many years ago at my mother-in-law's real estate office there was an aquarium in each and every room. The largest was in my father-in-law's office. It was 6 feet long and breathtaking. He spent...well...I guess years getting it the way he wanted it. He commissioned a local artist friend of his to create a 6 ft. long oil painting of the Lost City of Atlantis that he hung along the outside back of it. The inside of the tank was set up with many moving accessories, such as clam shells, scuba divers, treasure chests with lids that opened and closed and a grand array of plants and lights. Oh yeah...there were a lot of fish!! It was really something. He had hoped to one day change it to a salt water aquarium, but never did.

Well...one day, my mother-in-law went to work. She had a routine where she first turned on the coffeemaker, collected any messages and mail and went back to her office which was all the way down the hall to the right. My father-in-law's office was across the hall from her's. She had settled into her working routine and to be honest, I can't remember what she said happened next, but she realized that something was wrong. I'm thinking she got up to get more coffee and noticed a fish on the floor. (Later...she mentioned that she thought the carpet seemed a little squishy).

I am thinking that's when she said...(no doubt aloud with a look of confusion...)

"Where did this f**king fish come from?"

Wait a second...that's what I would have said....

She would have said...

"Where did this God damn fish come from?"

Then she went squish, squish, squish into my father-in-law's office, turned on the light and saw the gaping split in the seam at the end of the HUGE 6 foot long aquarium.

At that precise moment...it became clear where the God damned fish came from.

She immediately called a carpet water sucking company, the insurance company and my father-in-law to break the news. He came screaming around the corner in his Cadillac on two wheels and rushed into the office and squished down the hall to see his beloved aquarium...sans fish...sans water.

"Jesus Christ what the f**k happened!" (I got my bad language from him)

" Beats the shit out of me!"

"And me!"

"And me!"

"And me!"

"Do you want some duct tape?" I asked.

He wasn't amused.

"Watch where you step!! There may be fish everywhere...son of a bitch...be careful!!"

(Squish, squish, squish...)

Phone calls were made...carpet got sucked...tank got repaired...damage assessed...new carpet ordered...and believe it or not...a few fish saved!

The force of the water was so hard that...honest to God!!...that a couple of years later when we were prying open and looking through a book that had been under the force of the initial impact of the 'wave'...there was a fish stuck in the middle of the book! Honest!! It was hysterical.

I think I'll wrap Gorilla Tape around my aquarium as a precaution.

See you later!!

b

Ho Hum I'm full of stew...

Yum yum! Tasty tasty. Stew was excellent...biscuits fluffy...salad healthy...brownies...well, what can I say! Everyone ate till it was gone. Actually there is enough salad for lunch tomorrow. Now I am full and ready to rest.

It was not a bad day. However, tomorrow will suck. I am off on Tuesday and Wednesday and will do NOTHING! Absolutely nothing...Not true. I have things to do for me...that's OK. I just won't do anything here. I must get out my 'me' list. I can sit right where I am this very second and see 73 things that I can/need to do without looking at any list.

Cabbage makes you bloated. I know this for a fact. Maybe I should stop eating it.

It's quite cloudy out right now so there may be a problem seeing the supermoon again tonight. I'm glad I saw it last night. I hope you got to see it.

There are tons of black butterflies here. Did I already mention this? They are everywhere. I think I should fill up the hummingbird feeders this week. I'm not sure if it's too early or not...but it couldn't hurt. I need some kind of plant in the pot outside of the door. I know full well that we will have more cold weather even thought it is officially spring...but I want some life out there. I suppose I could get a hanging basket and set in on top of the pot itself and bring it inside in the event of inclement weather...that would probably be the smartest thing to do.

Oh! Guess what! I cut some antler pieces with the tile cutter! Who knew!! And it's a nice smooth cut. Great progress.

I just went outside and the sky is glorious! Red, orange yellow and blue...amazing. And the moon is rising in all it's glory...literally.

I need to apply some Nice & Easy #117...or #116...or something. I have tri-colored hair again. And not good tri-colored hair. My hair is growing out. And not in an attractive way...it's just hair. I need a cap. I need to whack some pieces off.

I made some iced tea tonight and it's good. I like brewed tea, unsweetened. It hit the spot.

Well...time for a shower and sleep. I ache. Have a good one!

b

Supermoon night (right?)

I know it's tonight or tomorrow. I am excited. I don't care if it's an optical illusion. I am writing this event on my 'bucket list' so I can scratch it off. (Just checked...it's tonight)

....to live long enough to see a Supermoon...and...how it will appear tomorrow...
....to live long enough to see a Supermoon!

I think I remember reading about this last year, but then reading that it was a bunch of hooey. Doesn't matter. I believe it.

I just made 3 pans of brownies. Husband is cooking a big pot of beef stew tomorrow for some rock hunters. And I am making biscuits and a salad. An easy meal. I just went to the office and looked at the schedule for tomorrow and it should be a relatively fast and easy day. I am stunned. Today was exhausting. It was very hot. And it's so incredibly dry.

I'm staring at the Peeps. I am willing one of them to come to me...but it ain't happening. I am practicing restraint. I turned them around so their little yellow chicken heads can't look directly at me. Way too tempting. I ate vegetables...the left overs from the corned beef and cabbage. Much better the second and third (last) day. They will be gone before the night is over.

It's getting close to supermoon time I would imagine.

Bucket List Update: Supermoon viewed - very pretty and bright and bigger. Go look at it! (scratch...)

I watched 'Cop Out' with Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan tonight on the HBO Saturday Night Movie. Once was enough for me. It was OK. I thought it would be a lot better. Now there is a movie on SPIKE called 'The Punisher' with John Travolta. It just started so I have no idea if it's good or bad. I've never heard of it...I know it's an older movie but I'm always behind the times. But I like John Travolta. Oh-oh....very big shootout!! Blew up the propane tank. Lots 'o fire!!

Husband is taking a nap or he'd be watching Libya being bombed. 

Actually...this movie is getting pretty good! I think I watch it! Have a great supermoon evening...

b

"X" marked the spot...today

First day of "X". It went well.

I came home after a busy day and scratched 7...yes...you heard me correctly...7 things off 'the list!' I know...you've heard all of this crap before...but I am a ma'am with a plan. Onward and upward. Head 'em up move 'em out. Get my ass in gear. Quick f**king around.

And...I am writing this while taking a break from crocheting a camouflage cap. I found the yarn at Alco and thought...no time like the present. It's Red Heart yarn but it sure doesn't feel as nice as Red Heart yarn used to feel. It's working up well, though.

I also re-ordered my medication from Wal-Mart. What a great convenience. A 3 month supply of everything is $40 delivered. What a deal! Remember when I first started buying the meds locally?? Hell...it was $40+ for 30 days of one prescription!! I even set it up for automatic delivery. It doesn't get any better than that!

And that wasn't even on the list!

But I'm going to quit and watch a movie with Husband (and crochet). It's 'Monte Walsh' with Lee Marvin. I like it. We have the DVD of the remake with Tom Selleck. It's also good. Have a wonderful evening...

b

I have an idea....

Don't worry...be happy!

I have mixed feelings today. I am still profoundly sad...I am pushing to think happy thoughts...I am melancholy...I feel semi-productive...I feel...crappy and kind of pissed...sorry...I actually planned a better evening for me and Husband...but things changed. That's some of the crappy part. Actually...more of the pissed part...but maybe it was for a reason. Unknown as yet.

Husband had a plan for the day allegedly starting around noon but that all went to hell. Unfortunately for him. So his day started at 8:45 this morning (don't even go there...mine begins at the crack of 6-7 am)...and ended at 6:30 this evening. OH!! Wait a second! We were supposed eat the the corned beef that 'I' cooked today with some friends!! Well that didn't happen! Son of a bitch - shit!! Consequently, I supplemented my cereal supper with Peeps.

But here is why I am happy! (Can you believe it!! Me!! Happy!!) I got some stuff done and mailed off...and some more stuff is sitting here waiting for me...to do. God knows I'm too tired tonight to care...but 'stuff' is ready...to do! Yes...that's what made me happy...oh ye of little faith! 

Anyway...I have been doing a lot of thinking. Danger. Danger.

I think I have lived a long life. And for the most part...a happy life. Would I change things?? Sure I would! (I'm not an idiot!!) Would I go back in time to change things....hmmmm...maybe. I mean yes.

But I have many happy thoughts. At least enough happy thoughts to make me leave this world with a happy heart. Today anyway. I whine, I bitch, I whine...we all know that. But today I reflected on just how short life really is.

I used to think I needed to live just to find things out. You know..."need to know things'. Like...

....if OJ would be found guilty
....if Michael Jackson was a pedophile
....if we would have a _____ as a president
....if I could correctly install an ink cartridge in my printer
....if I would ever fit into jeans that were not the same length as the waist size
....if I would ever eat bull balls
....if I would ever want to eat bull balls
....if I would ever marry someone who enjoyed eating bull balls
....if I would ever tire of the term....bull balls
....if I would ever read War and Peace
....if I would ever cut out the inside pages of War and Peace to fit a pistol in it
....if I would ever own both Boardwalk and Park Place at the same time
....etc. etc. etc.

I have decided these 'needs' are now incidental. I am on the official countdown. Today I have set a few goals. The big goal is July 1. It's a secret. I am happy with it. It's a personal goal. Not financial or materialistic. Personal.

But I won't be worrying about things anymore. I stress out about things. And for what? Nothing I tell ya...nothing. I have always said I wake up in a new world every day....and now I really will. I do wake up happy every morning. Other people ruin the mood by pissing me off.

I mean this. And I am starting right this very minute. I have done what I wanted to tonight (Peeps) so tomorrow I will come home and do what I need to do. Put an 'X' on the calendar till July 1.

Have a great night. I am.

b

I am sad

I am very sad tonight. My Uncle Bill died. I love my family more than I can put into words. And tonight my heart is broken.

Good night.

b

Two million people

Yes...TWO million people are now in Alpine. There are no motel rooms available in the booming  metropolis of Alpine, Texas. We are full here at the Lodge. With kids...lots of kids. Dirty, food throwing, sticker magnet, pine cone chucking, Coke spilling filthy ass kids. Whatever.

I asked Husband if he wanted make corned beef on Thursday.

He said "I think they only have it in the store here around St. Patricks Day...".

I said, "That's Thursday."

"No shit!" he said!

"No shit." I said.

"Then I'll see what they have! That sounds good." he said.

 I thought so, too.

I have to renew my truck insurance tonight. All I have to do is push the button...I just haven't done it yet. I will in a few minutes.

And I am craving chocolate tonight. Don't know why. I just want some. I'll restrain myself. I had two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, plickles, onions on a sesame seed bun for lunch today. It was delicious. I could have eaten two. We were busy and I was hungry. Of course...once I ate it and waited about 15 minutes...I was really full. But it was good. Total waste of fat and calories but I liked it.

Beware the Ides of March!

Husband is watching Stroker Ace with Burt Reynolds. Another stupid movie. I have several other things to do on the computer tonight (other than push the insurance button) so I really don't care what is on.

It's supposed to be 90 degrees on Thursday. Hmmmm.... there's lots of things happening on Thursday. But not a drop of rain in sight. Bad. Bad. Bad.

Husband has a Physical Therapy appt. on Thursday. See...lots of stuff going on.

Well...got a few things to get done. See you later.

b

Spring Break

There are a million people in Alpine. Not really...it just seems like it. Lots 'o spring break families. The weather is supposed to be great for the next week or so...cold front coming in, but still basically great weather. The courtyard was full tonight with folks BBQ-ing...tossing a football...strangers visiting with strangers. It was nice. One family was using the 'big pit' and they were generous enough to 'share their fire' with several other families who actually went to the store to buy food to cook! A few are still out there just talking and sharing a bottle of wine. That's the way it should be. As a matter of fact, one of our friends came in from San Antonio yesterday and brought steaks over here for Husband to cook for all of us tonight. I am fat and full. Mucho tasty!

Long, long day...horrible week coming. Great for business. Great for makers of Tylenol. Oh well.

We also have a family here who is from Japan. Luckily, their immediate family is safe, but several other relatives are stranded and are awaiting rescue. They are optomistic and say they come from a long line of survivors. It hurts your heart. I have decided not to watch any more about Japan on TV.

My blood sugar is almost OK again. I had kind of a scare last week. I could not get it to go down. I was being very careful with food and literally taking my BS reading 5-6 times a day. I finally saw the DR and I needed a little more medication (still oral) and now need to take the blood pressure med at night rather than in the AM. My blood pressure was elevated after I took the BP med in the AM which in turn elevated the blood sugar. Go figure. And then I felt like crap. I also need to eat more protein. The first thing I did when I started not feeling quite right was to increase the protein. Evidently it was just not enough. But I will be better. I feel better already.

I am watching Texas Country Reporter and they are profiling a Mexican restaurant in El Paso named Su Casa. Oh my God that food looks good! I could eat a Mexican plate right this minute!

I guess I'll shower and sleep. It's 10:55...but in my world it's really 9:55. Either way...I'm tired. What a shame. Have a nice night!

b

170,000 evacuated

Here's the deal. It's a little after 9:00 pm on Saturday night and I know I am having a better day than the 170,000 people who are being evacuated from around the Nuclear reactor site today. And so are you. I would feel extremely safe if all of these folks were sent to Alpine, Texas because it was' the most absolute safest place ever in the universe for all mankind'. I am waiting for the Breaking News on that one.


This is what I got at 9:00.


TOKYO (AP) Japan's top govt spokesman says partial meltdown likely under way at second reactor.


This is what I got at 9:08.




TOKYO (AP) Japan's top govt spokesman says radiation at nuclear plant briefly rose above legal limit
 
I'm not the sharpest pencil in the box...but this ain't good.
 
I'm really not trying to be depressing...It's just happening. I don't have any control.
 
Happier note. I got a great catalog today in the mail. It's a James Avery catalog. Have you seen their jewelry? It's simple and elegant. I'd like to have it all. I love any and all of the heart and butterfly designs. You need to request a catalog just to see how pretty everything is.
 
There are several catalogs that I like. Coldwater Creek. Terry's Village. Lots more that the names escape me...but I get lots of ideas from them. Can you spell plagiarist??
 
I finally ordered a battery for my Netbook. Can you spell procrastinator? It has gotten to the point that I have to keep it plugged in! If not, the juice is used up in about 20 minutes. This could do some serious damage I suppose. Problem solved. Battery in route on Monday.

Here's a good one. Do you know why I need a battery? Because I didn't get 20 minutes out of it right now being unplugged! It just shut off. Irritating. My own fault.

The trees are blooming. There are a few pink ones (can't remember what they are) on the property that are really 'spingy' right now. I'll take a picture tomorrow. All the other trees here have a nice green tint to them. It's eerie. We have had very cold weather in May before when all of the lilacs were budded and froze. That's sad. I love lilacs. They have plants at the grocery store and there were several really healthy looking daffodils yesterday. Deep yellow. Beautiful.

And don't forget to set your clock ahead tonight. I like more daylight. 

I suppose I'll lay down now. Gotta get up later you know. I think nothing is on TV so I'll read a few pages. That will definitely put me to sleep. Have a nice night and a better tomorrow. Peace.

b




 
 
 
 
 

Thank God we are not in Japan

I am one of those. One of those people who stays glued to the TV sucking in all of the sorrow and devastation of a horrific situation. Today I am glued to Japan. My God. And not unmindful of the conditions in the Hawaiian Islands and the entire west coast of America. I tell ya...we are sucking the core of the earth dry. Collapse is inevitable. Hundreds of people dead...thousands injured...multitudes homeless, orphaned and displaced. Lives destroyed and lifestyles gone. Gone. In an island now covered in water...there is no water. What do you do when you wake up in the morning? How can you prepare for such disaster? You cannot. We can pray. We can thank God for every day. How small our problems can become.

And now...we wait for the next disaster.

Wait...we may of just heard it. I am watching Dateline and there is a possibility of a nuclear meltdown. Perhaps it's more than rumor now.

I'll listen to the news for a while. Sleep tight.

b

Second post today

The reason being...I forgot to push 'Publish this Post' last night!! Duh!

Nice folks that Husband cooked for a couple of days ago come over last night for a visit. They were planning to go to the Marfa Lights but decided against it as the winds were whipping.

We went to the hospital today for PT for Husband. Never made it past the admissions desk. We were in the lobby...waiting...and waiting...and waiting until they had to reschedule. There's more to the story. I'm still angry. It pays to call the Administrator. Trust me. If you go to the Big Bend Regional Medical Center here in Alpine to die...die in the parking lot. They'll find you quicker.

I came home and bitched all afternoon. At least I feel better about it. 'Nough said.

No sore throat today. Must have been the dust.

I got an envelope of stuff today from Maine. Booklets and maps and cool stuff for my collage. I have decided to use one of those car air fresheners (the funky green pine scented jobs) on it, too. I know...it's insulting to the Great State of Maine...I'll think about it before I attach it. Promise.

My blood sugar has been high for a few days. Or I should say it's been spiking periodically. I'm not sure why. I have honestly been good. I know last night and this morning were because of the Aleve Liquid Gels. I need to make an appointment in the next couple of weeks anyway. I don't want to...but I will.

I know we are going to do more tiling in the laundry room tomorrow. I don't want to. I think I'll work till noon and come home. I'm tired. Sick and tired. Mostly tired. I got some jewelry components in today. They were from the order way back when we had the bad weather and they were 'lost' by UPS. Been a while...huh? I need to put some stuff together and get it out of here.

It was beautiful today. The first day of Lent. What will I give up?? Oh...wait a second...I'm a Methodist!

I think we will watch a movie. I still have an hour and a half of awake time in me...Have a nice evening!

b

Dusty day (and a day late post))

The dust wasn't as bad as it could have been...but it was blowing pretty good out there today. My hair feels funky. In addition, I was cutting tile for the laundry room floor. Double dust. Yuck. I actually have a headache from it and a bit of a sore throat. Not a good thing. I'm drinking hot tea.

Have you ever looked at the ETSY arts and crafts website? I check the stuff out periodically, but I've been doing some research on their prices. Some are high...some are not. Overall...I like their selling practices and rates. Of course I'd have to actually make stuff to sell on there...I am still working on an order which has changed. Not much...but for more complicated items.

Husband has to go to the hospital tomorrow to see the physical therapist. I have no idea what they are going to do. At least he hasn't electrocuted himself yet...almost...but not quite. 

Gotta go...company here. Have a nice night!

b 

Pain Management

Today was 'Rip the tape of Husband's Back Day'. I, myself, have been looking forward to it. Husband...not so much. Anyhoo....R-I-P!! Ta da!! Tape be gone. It wasn't that bad, he said. Not like regular adheasive tape.

It is time to attach the Ultima 5 TENS Unit. This is a "symptomatic treatment which as such suppresses the sensation of pain'...or so it says. Let me see....instructions...hmmm...Warnings: Nope Husband not pregnant - No children around to touch it - No Pacemaker - Won't be driving  tractor...ok...we're good to go.

OK. First...I shall stick the 'pads' to Husband's back. Let's go ahead and use all 4 of them. More is definitely better...don't you think?? I do. OK. Pads on.

Now...we stick the 'leads' into the 'pads'. Then, stick the 'other lead end' into the 'jack'. Shit. Wait a second...I think I did that backwards. (I always read a book from back to front) Oh well...it's all plugged in.

"What are you doing back there?" He is very impatient.

"Plugging this thing in...hold on a minute." I am still reading the instructions. Yes...I know the VA nurse told me what to do but that was 5-6 days ago! Everything looks to be in the proper place.

"OK...do you feel anything?" I am pushing blue buttons and turning knobs as I speak.

"I don't feel a f**king thing. I think you should put the tape back on. This isn't doing anything."

"Well hold on a minute...give it a chance. Lay down and let me read this book a little more."

So he lays down on the bed...turning knobs...punching buttons..and all of a sudden......

"HOLY JESUS CHRIST ALMIGHTY MOTHER FUCKER!"

"What happened??" I practically fall out of the chair from the shock of the scream. "Did you feel something?"  Sorry, but I start to smile. I can feel that smile turning into a laugh that I am trying desperately to swallow. It's not working...I look at Husband whose eyes are bugging out of his head like they'd flipped the switch on the electric chair. Hmmm....come to think of it...

"Fucking A I felt something." He looks at me...wild eyed. He can see the smile on my face that I am trying to chew back from the inside and laughs with me. Thank God. 

"Son of a Bitch! Maybe I should turn this fucker down!" Duh! Do you think...

"Well, at least you know it works." I am smirking sheepishly. "Maybe you should try it again?"
I know...that's mean.

But he did it.

"Yup. I think I know which dial not to turn now." Good deal.

Hopefully this contraption will help. He goes to the Physical Therapist on Wednesday and we have absolutely no idea what will happen. I am stifling a guffaw as I type this. I am reliving the moment.

This thing might come in handy.  Later...........

b

Post 300!! Fire contained...

I just saw a news update that the fire down south is supposedly 100% contained and consumed approximately 8300 acres!! Holy shit! Now we just need some bloody rain!!

b

Inside the mind of a hoarder

That's the title of one of the articles in the Ladies Home Journal that I got in the mail today. I haven't read it yet. I think I would like to be a hoarder.

Why? You ask???

Well...maybe I could be on TV! And if I was on TV...I'd want to be the very best hoarder I could possibly me! The Hoarder Queen - Queen of the Hoarders - Excellence in Hoarding - My life as a Hoarder. Oh my God...it's endless!!

All I'd have to do is move into my storage unit. The scene is already set. I'd just have to throw some food around...and maybe a dead cat or two. I truly wonder how these folks get that way. I mean, after you have filled up a couple of rooms with shit...wouldn't you see the pattern?? I guess they don't want to see it. I can relate. It is a good way to keep people from visiting. Ever. Can you imagine if a Jehovah's Witness went inside a Hoarder's house...you might never see them again! Hmmm...

Husband made some cabbage rolls. I just ate two and they are excellent. I will eat more, I am sure.

Oh...yeah! I'm pissed by the way. I found some teeny tiny sugar ants in the kitchen today! Little bastards. Perhaps they were planted by some reprobate who just wanted me to clean the kitchen.  There was a whole army of them in a line coming through the kitchen window. I followed them, plotting their death, spray can in hand. They no longer exist. Ha ha!!! I cleaned the kitchen. Life is good.

It was kind of cold this morning. I liked it. We got lots done today. It's busy tomorrow. We have a new girl working. She is a friend of Raven's...who hasn't worked before. Not like she hasn't cleaned any rooms...she hasn't worked before! She will be working with Raven so I'm sure Raven will keep her in line. Otherwise Raven will have to do her job, too! It's a relief for Bobbie and me. We have some plans. All we asked of her (Corinna) is that if she doesn't want to work to please let us know and don't just not show up. We hate that! It's a nice buffer for us for as long as it lasts...

Husband is cooking for a private party on Monday evening. A friend of his works at the Fort in Fort Davis and his girl friend is coming into town tonight and his mother is coming in tomorrow. He loves Husband's cooking and wants a meal. So the menu will be ribs, chicken, pasta salad, beans, garlic bread and brownies. Yummy on the brownies. I'm making them. Lots of pecans. Nuts are good for diabetics. I'll pick them out of the brownies. Yeah....right! I have no plans to socialize. Everything will be disposable so I will also provide the trash can. The mother is staying at the Lodge in the building in front of us so they can go visit her!

All this talking about food I'm thinking I need more to eat. I have some stuff to cut out for the collages, too. And take a shower. It's already 8:30. Where does the time go? Nite!!

b

Poem

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound’s the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

Fire update

Holy shit! The Mexican Diablos firefighters are here! All joking aside (and yes, they really are here) the fires south of Alpine have grown to 3000 acres and firefighting teams from North Carolina are in route. The winds have increased and are expected to get worse later this evening. The fire is about 65% contained and was started as a controlled burn. Then the winds changed. Wonder whose fault this is!

I just got this update from the 6:00 o'clock news. Also, the fire is now approaching homes which it was not doing earlier but no evacuations as of yet.

I was outside and saw one of the planes with the flame retardant fly over and there were 2 helicopters heading towards the airport most likely to refuel. Scary.

It is amazingly dry. The humidity is 2%.

Just an update...later..................

Microfiber sheets

We got some new linens yesterday. There are microfiber sheets among other things. The jury is still out on these hummers. I have to admit that they are very soft (and very white!) but no one has slept on them yet to give us any feedback. I think I'll bring a set home. I have a microfiber duvet cover that I don't like. It's too hot. And definitely not as soft as these sheets! I checked out some reviews and they are mixed.

Some folks liked them specifically for the softness and some said they were too slick on the mattress and pilled up after a few washings. And there was a problem with them staying on the beds! These appear to be extra long. We had asked for 250 threadcount percale which wear really well and feel cool and crisp...but the 'saleswoman' talked the owner into getting these microfiber ones. We'll see.

I can remember when I was young sheets were either percale or muslin. Muslin was scratchy. Oh...and flannel. Which were wonderful in the wintertime. And I forgot...silk. We surmised that those only came in black and were used strictly in bordellos. Great imagination. And sometimes silk pillowcases were suggested for keeping one's hairdo intact. Never slept on any silk myself.

I had no idea what a thread count was. I do now...and with the amazing variety and quality of linens available I use this information regularly. I'll let you know about this microfiber thing.

Clementines are good. And sweet. I'd buy them again.

I got some new tea. It's the Stash brand, but this time I was smart enough to get decaffinated. The variety is wonderful. There are two tea bags each of Chamomile, Licorice Spice, Lemon Ginger, Apple Cinnamon, Mango Passionfruit, Peppermint, Orange Starfruit Chamomile, Wild Raspberry, and Blueberry. I am drinking the Blueberry right now. It's good.

This doesn't seem like a Friday to me. It feels like a weekday. I have no idea why. I'll be confused for days.

The fires south of Alpine are still burning, but portions are contained. We had 5 rooms of firefighters last night who were with the Air Support Team. The winds are supposed to pick up later this afternoon and be cooler tomorrow from a cold front coming in tonight. Not good weather for the fires. Come to think of it...no weather is good for fires.

I need to answer some emails. I didn't do anything last night except lay here, so I need to catch up on a few things. Have a nice afternoon/evening!

b

Happy Texas Independance Day!

Low Level Laser Therapy

That is what will continue at the hospital over the next few weeks starting on Wednesday in addition to the 'Taser' (as I lovingly refer to it). I'm still not sure what was blasted in Husband's spine (L3, L4 and L5) but he will receive the combination of these treatments and be re-evaluated in 6 weeks. Husband is miserable about it...which, naturally, makes me miserable. I have sympathy misery.

At least we are home now. Happy. Happy. Joy. Joy. Work tomorrow.

There is a huge fire south of Alpine. It was approximately 1100 acres as of this afternoon. We saw several U.S. Forest Service vehicles when we drove through town and I understand there are planes flying over with fire retardant. The winds were picking up earlier and the weather channel says there is a 'cold front' coming in which will also increase the winds. Not good.

It was a weird trip. On the way to Big Spring on Tuesday there was a Border Patrol check on Highway 67 north. They were actually stopping vehicles. Strange. They must have been looking for somebody or body-s. When we got to Odessa, we started seeing the effects of the fires from this past weekend. Big Spring had a lot of wind and fire damage. Once they get some spring rain, if they ever do, it should be amazingly green. On the way home we saw smoke off to the north of us towards Midland and saw a huge plume of smoke. We found out it was a 300 acre grass fire caused by a spark from a truck that had driven out into a dry sand field. It totally engulfed the truck but the driver was OK. You could see it for miles. Then, when we were about 10 miles from turning south to Alpine, we topped the hill on IH 10 and saw many cop cars. Mostly Sheriff's Dept and DPS. There appeared to be a one car rollover wreck. We haven't heard any thing on the news as yet about it, but I would be amazed if the passenger(s) lived. We are thinking a wind gust most likely picked it up and tossed it around. The car was a small compact and was totally smashed all the way around. Not good. Very depressing trip.

I just ate an orange. It was half juicy and half dry. Almost split down the middle. Strange. The juicy part tasted great. I only ate the juicy part. They had some Clementines at the grocery store today. I have never had one. I don't think. I ate the orange I swiped from the breakfast bar at the hotel today so I figured I'd eat that first. I'll have a Clementine tomorrow. I wonder if the sugar content is any higher in them than a navel orange? I always check my blood sugar before I eat any fruit but especially an orange.

By the way...I soaked in the tub until I was completely pruny last night. I kept running in water as hot as I could possibly stand it. It was mesmerizing.

I guess I'll try to get some rest. I slept like a log last night, but it was another long day and longer drive. Very tiring. Have a great night.

b

Big Spring

Long day for Husband in Big Spring yesterday. We are still here, but will be home later today. He has some unusual tape on his back from a laser surgery yesterday. Very interesting. Once this tape comes off, he will have an electric, almost like an electric shock, treatment several times a day! Even more unusual! He will have these pads attached to his lower back which allow for plug in probes which are attached to this taser looking device (This could get quite interesting!) and the intensity of the electric 'shock' will decrease and/or intensify depending upon I'm not sure what. I'm  sure someone will tell me.

I'll write more this evening...Have a great day.

b