cloudy skies in San Antonio

I am typing this on Mumsy's computer as I have no Internet service on mine. DUH! Mine is wireless!! Don't even go there with me...

And I am watching the festivities of a little boy's birthday party that is being held across the street. We have been ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the decorations... camo! There is an obstacle course complete with a rope swing hanging in the tree and parallel bars and tires on the ground...it's really neat. As we speak, cars of kids are arriving. It's cute.

FIL still holding his own. We got to the hospital around 8:00am and the new 'day nurse' was attending to him. He was confused and in some pain and it appeared that it would take some time for her to finish so we decided to come back later in the day. Our original plan was to stay until the Dr arrived, but that could have taken hours as it's Saturday and there is no set schedule and Mumsy herself was not feeling well. It's a tiring process just for her to got to the hospital and walk as much as she has to while there as she is still recovering from surgery herself. And FIL's room was quite cold as they are keeping it that way due to the ongoing fever. But the latest worst news is that he has contracted MERSA (staph infection). This has concerned me all along because of the sore that had developed on his foot. We are supposed to wear gowns and gloves when we visit now. They have increased the anti-biotics for him, but they can only increase them so much. We will go back out later this evening.

I have some 'chores' to do here this afternoon. I am also watching the sky...it very overcast! There are a few rays of sunshine peeking through...but there is a possibility of rain!! I'll take photos!!

We did stop at the grocery store on the way home. I didn't want to leave. I could live in HEB. I guess I really could! There is everything you could possibly want in there!! It's like walking into heaven with unlimited Milano Cookies...and a shopping cart. We got food for Husband to cook tonight. Actually, Mumsy's house is like an HEB. There is food everywhere!! We probably should have inventoried the freezers first...but we all have a hankering for a pork chop. So tonight is pork chop night.

I guess I'll go do a few things and may be back later. Have a good one!

b

San Antonio

We are in San Antonio and lots going on. My father in law is holding his own. He was remarkably 'better' today, but as the DR's said...he is not out of the woods yet. We got here around 9:30 Wednesday night after straight through from Alpine. It seemed to make sense to keep driving...the more miles we drove, rather than stop and get up early, etc. I was so happy to see Mumsy and just be here. We talked till at least 1:30 am and then the phone rang at 2:30 am. The hospital recommended that we come to the hospital a once as FIL was not doing well. We went.

I can tell you first hand that anyone who has had a defibrillator implanted in their heart is well protected. Although witnessing the effect of the 'shocking' of the heart is frightening, this implant saved my FIL's life 6 times. Six times that we actually saw...who knows how many more. We seriously thought he wasn't going to make it through the night. By 2:00 Thursday afternoon he was, at the very least, slightly comfortable...and alive. However, there are still several serious factors. He has pneumonia, his kidneys are failing, he has a serious infection and bacteria in his blood stream. But he's conscious, talking with us, eating a little...

We will know more of a prognosis this evening when we go back to the hospital. It's still scary when the phone rings...

On the lighter side, Mumsy and I have been having a great visit...as always. She has been catching me up on the latest gossip (which I miss!) and we are, of course, solving all of the problems of the world. And we have giving our expert criticism of the 'Royal Wedding'. We both expected more glitz. Obviously no one at the palace had the direct phone number to Mumsy & Favorite Daughter in Law, Wedding Planners, Esq. Their loss! Just seeing all of the hats makes me think their are a lot of bald chickens in England these days.

I am going to take pictures while I am here. I may have said earlier that her home is like a museum. I haven't been here in a few years...and I cannot believe my eyes!! Just when you thought you couldn't stuff more things in a house...I fear I am mistaken! And if you have never seen over 12,000 books in one house (totally and amazingly more organized than a library) I will show you what it looks like. After checking her email this morning and printing off today's book orders, Mumsy showed me how to find 'the book'. It was easy. Her system is flawless. I told you she was brilliant.

But I have to tell you this story. These words came out of her mouth and I am still laughing. She may be brilliant but she's also blatantly honest and slightly crazy.

Mumsy notices that her car needs to be inspected (possibly a few months ago but she's been busy!) so she jumps in and drives down to the local inspection station. She explains to 'Bob' that she is disabled and is it possible for her to say in the car as it's quite difficult for her to get in and out (this is true...).

'Sure.' he says.

He does his thing and starts the official inspection. Tires - OK. Horn - OK. Windows(?) - OK. He then asks her to turn on the lights.

'I don't know how to turn the lights on.' She says.

He looks at her. She looks back at him.

'You don't know how to turn the lights on?', he asks.

'No'. She answers.

'How longs have you had this car? He asks.

'Eight years.' She answers.

He looks at her. She looks at him.

He turns on the lights.

She pays him for the inspection and goes home.

She gets home and goes in the house...makes herself a glass of tea and sits down at the kitchen table to look at the mail. She looks up and notices that the lights are still on. Hmmmm. Mumsy has enough sense to know that the lights being on will kill the battery. Since FIL is in the Rehabilitation Hospital and she is by herself...she calls the (very kind) neighbor to help. He comes over, opens the driver's door and does something she can't see and viola! the lights go off. 
Hmmmm....battery saved - lights off. All is right with the world.

Mumsy's opinion. Why the hell would I need to know how to turn the God Damned lights on! When I get in the car the son of a bitches come on! Am I right? She is right. Point being. Men are stupid.

See you later.

b

Great balls of fire the wind is blowing!! (Tuesday)

I'm sure glad we were done for the day when the worst of the wind started to blow. It's literally walls of dirt out there! I just saw where there is a fire burning south of Balmorhea which is approximately 70+ miles North of Alpine. With these winds...currently gusting 40 MPH here...it's not good.

It was an easy day...thank God. I woke up (another good thing) with minimal pain, but it didn't take long to recreate the moment. This job is killing me. (July)

Husband took the truck in this morning and expected to pick it up by 1:00. NOT! There was something else other than the 'arm' wrong...(most likely the leg) but thank goodness Husband found the parts locally rather than the mechanic ordering them waiting even longer so we should be in route to San Antonio by tomorrow afternoon. God willing and there is no danger of the creek rising!!

I keep losing a signal and I'm sure it's due to the wind. Gotta go get some stuff done. Bye!

b

I also forgot to finish it...yesterday

What a sh*t hole of a day!! I think both of my legs are broken. Seriously. Or severely wounded. Whatever...they are absolutely positively in a aching mode that I haven't experienced in a very, very long time...

Corinna and I worked today and we had 21 of the filthiest, dirtiest, trashiest rooms ever!!! EVER!!! 30 beds of sheets...and corresponding appropriate towels and accessories...It took over an hour and a half just to fold the f**king laundry! I hate this place on a whole new level. July. Remember that month....

Bobbie and Raven had to go to El Paso, as I had mentioned before (I think) and originally we only had minimal work today. Well....!!! That changed! A shit load of bikers showed up and filled the place up. Can you hear my legs screaming?? What??? Cut me off??? NOW!! OK....

I want to take a hot shower but I don't feel like standing up....And I should wash my Brown Ash hair. It's stiff from salty sweat. Yummmm! Doesn't that sound enticing!

I ate leftovers tonight for supper. Husband cooked enormous steaks last night and one of his friends from out of town was here for Easter and came over and did a number on one of them. So did I. So I had some more tonight. And salad. I plan on eating everything in the refrigerator that might go bad rather than throwing it away. Corinna and I had a tuna salad from Subway today. It was very good. Whoever was preparing food there today did a good job. I like their tuna. I almost never buy anything with mayo (like a tuna, chicken or egg type salad) from a fast food place, but I usually get this when we eat from Subway. I have also had the Black Forest Ham on the salad...and I saw and ad for a, hell I already forgot what they called it....like a chicken salad with grapes and apples in it...probably it's 'Subway's Chicken, Grape and Apple Salad'...and I want to try it. I'd eat it right now as a matter of fact. I can't though...cuz I can't stand up.

Husband Is getting the truck fixed at 8 o'clock in the morning. Hopefully it will be ready by mid afternoon. I am ready to go to San Antonio. I'm packed. I'm ready. I'm not clean...but I'm cute!

It's not busy tomorrow. I will work. Bobbie will be here. Let me rephrase that. It better not be busy tomorrow. I will work. Bobbie will be here. After today...I won't feel guilty not being here this weekend when it is busy...again. I promise you I won't even think about this place.

I think I'd better buck up and go take a shower. I think I shouldn't wait any longer. I think my leg muscles have atrophied. I'll see you later. Have a nice night!

b

Short and sweet and late (as usual)

It's late and I'm tired but I'll jot a few things down if I can remember what I was going to say! I have 'Brown Ash' on my head and I think it seeped through my scalp.

I forgot to post this...big surprise!

I like Brown Ash....

b

You know I can't put a photo on here!!

This is what I tried to post!! Ain't it purty???

Who let the dogs out!!!

I have no idea where all the people in town came from. But a lot of them are here. Dammit! Quite busy today. Quite hot today. Quite a long day...today. I ate a Peep. My first one! Honest! I have been looking at them for 3 full days! But tonight...I caved. I couldn't help it. But I only ate one.

Ten little yellow Peeps in the box...ten little yellow Peeps  
Rip one off and chew it down...
Nine little yellow Peeps in the box.
The End.

See...you can't even make eye contact with them! That's what I'm talking about!

I took photos of my flowers, too. They sure are pretty. I hope they live. And I'm not just talking about me killing them...I'm talking about the heat, now. It was 95 today...it's still 89 and it's 7:18 PM. It's supposedly going to be windy for the next 2 days. The fires around us are still only 70% contained and over a million acres have burned in Texas. We haven't had rain in 211 days. And none in sight.

See? I think they are really pretty. The rose bush is a mineature. The zinnias are full of buds. No parsley or cilantro popping through yet. I'll show you as soon as there is the slightest bit of green popping through the soil. And the hummingbirds are all over the place. Earlier they were hovering in the mist from the sprinkler. And giving me the hairy eyeball....

I made 3 little bead necklaces for Bobbie's grandkids last night to go with their Easter outfits. They went to the Easter Egg Hunt this morning which was as well organinzed as everything else that goes on around here! Supposedly there is a corded off area for the little bitty kids to rush out and ooo and ahhh and pick up the eggs...and separate areas for the older kids, 4-6, 7-9, etc. Well, the 'big kids' were all over the place grabbing like they'd never seen an egg...and the little bitty kids got next to nothing! Here's the sad part...the parent's that were there did nothing! It's just wrong. No...here's the saddest part...the little bitty kids were happy with one egg! We should just put some eggs around the courtyard here and do our own hunt....Here's the other funny part...the little bitty kids could care less if there is even anything in the egg...they are just so excited. Oh...in the eggs that they did get...mind you, these are 1 1/2  to 3 years old....they had put large peppermints and caramels! Perfect!! Morons...

OH!!! The Easter Bunny was there....it was an older lady dressed up....and she kept taking her 'head' off and freaking out the kids!!

Gotta run to the office. Hope to be back on...if not...HAPPY EASTER!!!

b

Things can change at a moments notice

I spoke with Mumsy this evening and she told me what has been going on in her life for the past few weeks. Long story short...we are going to San Antonio as soon as we can next week. 'Truck' has a problem so Husband is getting it fixed on (hopefully) Monday. It would have already been done except for the fact that this is Easter weekend and our 'main mechanic' takes part in a race here in Big Bend over this weekend. Consequently, we have to wait a few days. My father in law is not well and has complications from diabetes. He is in a nursing care facility and needs round the clock attention at this point. Mumsy is by herself and is not able to attend to him by herself at home as she is recovering from surgery herself. She needs me there whether she knows it or not. She knows it now, because she reads this! He will be in the care facility for a bit so we need to go see him. Case closed. So I am informing the powers that be here what my plans are and I'll be making preparations to leave over the next few days. We'll stay till we come home.

Other news...it was a beautiful day here today. Two days till Peep day! The excitement is killing me!! Bobbie is taking her grand kids to the Easter Egg Hunt in the morning and I know they will have a blast. We went to find baskets for the kids today....and there were almost NONE!! I know...that's what happens when you wait till the last minute! But she found some that were acceptable. It's weird...the commercial baskets now a days are almost creepy! They are full of plastic toys and teeny tiny bags of candy. I remember when we made baskets for the kids. They were full of milk and white chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, those pastel colored hard shelled marshmallow eggs, chocolate coated marshmallow eggs, PEEPS!!!!!, plastic eggs with little candies inside, foil covered chocolate eggs, let's see...what else...speckled malted milk balls, and of course a stuffed plush bunny in a beautiful and colorful basket.

When I think of Easter...I think of the Sunrise Service with breakfast at the sponsoring church with powdered eggs and biscuits, Easter lilies, new shoes and a pretty dress...a hat with flowers...daffodils...I love Easter.

I need to write a few emails tonight...so I'll sign off and get busy. Have a great night!

b

Crops and weather

First...the weather. What's going on!! Now we are under a severe thunder storm warning! There is a tornado warning for another hour or so east of us. It's nuts!! I'm not sure how hot it was today. High 90's without a doubt. But the weather is scary. Rain would be the ultimate dream, however, lightning could be devastating. We'll just have to wait and see.

Here are the crops:

First - the hardy Jalapeno...for now. I have kept them alive for full TWO days...almost three. It's a miracle. They, no doubt will produce an abundance of fruit for, I would imagine, quarts and quarts of tasty yet pungent homemade salsa. My mouths waters as my eyes close just dreaming of a crispy corn chip scooping up the amazing concoction. I hope the f**king plants live or it's Pace Picante Sauce here I come. I will document their demise.

Next, we have the Italian Flat Leaf Parsley/ Cilantro container. We grow them in the same 'pot' because we are too cheap to buy two. But this amount of space will suffice. And yes...you are correct...there are no plants in there....yet. Just seeds. Lots of them.

But there will be. I will document their growth from seed to table...or ...pot....or whatever Husband plans to put them in. I'm not planning to get anything else. I had thought about some tomatoes....but I'm not sure yet. I don't want to overtax myself with obligation. I can barely dress myself! You'd think it wouldn't be difficult to take care of these sparse few plants, given the fact that I pass them 37 times a day...but as soon as I walk past them...POOF!! Out of the mind....Sad, eh?

And today I got a gift of a miniature rose bush. People should just given me candy. I need to take a photo of it so I can remember what it looked like.

And here is the plant that I got that I don't know what it is. It's pretty and pink and delicate (and still alive!). Unfortunately it looks rather alone in the pot (which you can't see any of) and I should get it a friend. We have to run to ALCO in the morning and I will get some more Potting Soil and perhaps something else only for this planter. High expectations.

So that is my garden. It's an aha moment for sure...

I can't draw a cat. Or should I say...I can't draw Tom. Maybe he's not supposed to be my subject. I need another plan for my personal painting. A flower. A daisy. My favorite flower. I have been thinking about the house I was raised in. There might be something from there I need to put on paper. Definitely not Tom.

I need to go to the office for a few minutes. I might be back...

b

smoky skies

At 7:30 this morning...the skies weren't smoky. At 9:00 they were. I'm not sure where the smoke came from. I'm guessing Mexico. I know there are massive fires to the south of us and that's most likely where the smoke originated. The breeze blew...but not to the degree that was expected. On the weather channel (Local on the 8's!) the prediction was that we'd have 25 MPH winds. That hasn't happened as yet, but it was uncomfortable enough for me today that I didn't go to the craft show. Outside shows are unpredictable and pickable. I picked not to.

I have been crossing stuff off the list today. Massive elimination process going on in the closets and drawers. And shelves. And boxes. Several projects finished. Satisfying.

I changed the fish food and what they are eating now is more 'color enhancing'. I either have one fish turning black or dying...I'm not sure which. He's pretty active for a dying fish, though. I'm calling him Sambo. Don't go there. A couple of the others are more golden on their bellies and tails. They are happy. They told me so.

Can you believe it's almost Easter! National Peep Day! I am not being sacrilegious...just selfish!

I love Jack Sparrow. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest is on. I like everything Johnny Depp has done. My friend watched The Black Swan the other night and said she just couldn't get into it. And I've heard that from a couple of people. I haven't seen it yet. I understand that the choreography and costumes were outstanding.

Oh...cool...they just sealed the document with the signet ring and wax...what a great idea. I like it. Hmmmmm......thought provoking.......

I need to eat something. Feels like a soup night. It's already 8:30 and I forgot to eat. Not smart. See you later....

b

Dry as a bone

I think there is literally no humidity...officially. The fires north of us in the Ft. Davis area as well as in Marfa and currently roaring in Balmorrea have consumed 250,000 acres and are 60% contained. As I mentioned, massive livestock...but gratefully...no human lives have been lost. I read that there are fires burning in Northern Mexico located 50 miles south of Big Bend Park and they, too, have consumed thousands of acres. The bad news...we have high winds predicted for tomorrow with 50-55 MPH gusts. There are fire trucks from all over Texas in our area. There were none here at the Lodge when I came home last night, but when I walked out the door this morning...there were 7. One from Lufkin, 2 from Granbury, 2 from Nacogdoches and 2 Rescue vehicles from I'm not sure where. Evidently they got in around 3:30 AM and went back on duty at noon. They apologized for smelling smoky! Can you imagine!! We thanked them profusely for their service and sent them on their way with sandwiches and cake.

Husband cooked last night and we had around 25 people here. It was nice. I'm proud of him.

Consequently it was busy today. I think I'm only working a half day tomorrow...and maybe not at all. It depends on what happens this evening and during the night. You can't predict. The Lodge is full this weekend. There is a Gem and Mineral Show, the Relay for Life thing and a craft show. I'm  to go to the craft show. We'll see if I actually make it there. It's outside and I will watch the weather up until the last minute...and by that I mean that morning!  I'm checking with a friend of mine to see if she wants to set up with her stuff and she could handle the table till noon. I'm making a plan anyway.

I should go to Europe. Travel Ticker is having a great sale...only $1279 for a round trip ticket. It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have to fly over water...That ain't happening! Land is bad enough. And can you imagine how much booze I'd have to consume!! Criminal I tell ya!

Have you ever tried Creme Brulee Coffeemate! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's delicious! And there are enough carbs in ONE CUP OF COFFEE to last the entire day!! Yummy! Two things I'm not supposed to have...in one cup!!  It doesn't get any better than that! And it went so well with that hot dog I just ate. Tonight is 'eat leftover crap night'. I can hardly wait to see what else is in the kitchen! I think I'd better check my blood sugar first.

I also need to answer some emails and letters. I have been very negligent. I also need to take some photos. In the dust and dryness of West Texas we have some wild roses blooming and they only last a day...so I should snap a few fo-toes.

I am watching the fish. They seem very happy.

I cleaned the aquarium yesterday afternoon. Since I moved them from that outside fountain, they were pretty dirty...scummy...I guess you'd say...and it took them a couple of weeks to purge themselves and kind of clean up. The filter was working super overtime....so I decided to clean their house. They said thank you....and have been kissing at me all day!

Holy cow! It's already 8:00!! Actually 8:14...I think I'll shower and settle myself in to be creative for a few hours. It's been real!

b

Why do I like Amazon.com?

For purely selfish reasons. My cat needs a place to sleep. Well...of course I can't download the photo!! What else is new!! Maybe later.

Husband bought some Icy Hot for his back. He saw a commercial which claimed amazing results for the elimination of back pain if you used this amazing product. Yes. I know it's been on the market for a while...but he decided he must have some. Here's what he conveniently forgot! He can't rub it on his back! No shit! So...I, amazing wife that I am...rubbed this stinking stuff on his back. Here is the process...

(I squeeze amazing Icy Hot onto my fingertips...)

"Are you ready?" I ask.

Husband is lying on his stomach waiting with baited breath for the miracle application.

"Go ahead!"

I apply.

"Holy shit! That stuff is freezing!!" He flinches and arches his back like a Halloween cat.

"Duh!! What's it called.? ICY HOT!! The hot comes later." Another amazing moment for me.

"Damn it! Well...as long as it works...I hope. Keep rubbing it in."

Yeah. Yeah.

"What's that smell? It smells like Ben Gay. I thought it wasn't supposed to have any smell! I hate the smell of Ben Gay. Can you smell it? Doesn't it smell like Ben Gay? Shit...it smells like Ben Gay to me!"

"Yup."

"Well I sure hope it works. Damn I hate that smell. I thought it wasn't supposed to smell. Does it say on the package that it smells like Ben Gay? Can you see anything where it says that?"

"Nope."

OK. My rubbing is done.

"OK. Does it feel any better?" I ask with concern. I need to get out of here. The overwhelming smell of Ben Gay is really getting to me.

"Well, it feels a little better. I'm sure it can't hurt at least trying it. What do you think?"

"I think if anything makes you feel better...it's worth trying. I hate to leave but I need to go to work. Plus...I'm dying in here."

"It does smell like Ben Gay, doesn't it! I knew it! And they supposedly have a spray on one..."

"And you made me rub this crap on your back? It doesn't even make my hands feel better! They just stink and I have washed them 3 times with Dawn!!"

"They didn't have any of the spray on stuff...but if I see it...I think I'll try it."

"Sounds good...see you later."

Can you imagine? If the cream felt cold...how the spray would feel! Like getting sprayed with a fire extinguisher!!

I'll find some and let you know.

ps. Husband did say it felt a little better.