New Year's Eve Thoughts

Well, 2009 is winding down, running out, almost to the end, giving up. You can pick the terms.

2009 had a lot of good points. Loving family, good friends, happy times, trips to places we love, time spent with family and friends we hadn't seen in many years when we celebrated my mom's 100th birthday in Ohio. There were some scary times with health issues and some sad times when we lost people we cared about.

2009 brought some health issues for Golfer that he is still trying to recover from.

The year also brought a few more improvements to our home.

And now it's almost 2010. 2010 will bring big changes for Golfer and me as he retires at the end of January after over forty-two years serving our country. Part of that time was active duty in the Air Force and part as a Civilian working for the Air Force. It's been a great life. We got to see places we never would have seen otherwise. We experienced life in foreign countries and new cultures and made new friends. I think I can say it expanded our minds.

We're hoping Golfer's medical issues make some major improvements pretty soon and he can get back out on the golf course and enjoy some of his free time. I don't imagine it will be too long though before he is working at something he enjoys at least part-time. I plan to continue to work as the church secretary for a while longer.

Speaking of church.... there have been a lot of changes in our church over the last few years. Changes that I don't want to get into, but which are things that we don't agree with and can't support. We have decisions to make in that area.

So, in summing things up, I wish you all a Happy 2010! I wish you happy, supportive relationships; loving, considerate children; easy-to-get-along-with neighbors; fine weather and sunny skies; smooth traffic; good books to read; good movies to watch; furry kids for companionship; a song in your heart; and the strength to enjoy it all!

I love you, Golfer!

Stay safe!

Okay. Where Is Spring???

Those of you that know me know that I love Christmas. I love the decorations, the music, the cards, the special shows and concerts. You also know that I consider it ended on the 25th of December. It is now the 28th; the gifts are put away, the decorations are taken down and packed away, things are cleaned up and now I say: I'm ready for Spring. Where is the warm weather?

Of course, the reality in all this is that it is Winter. It is getting colder again here. We'll be getting some occasional cold rain or maybe snow for the next couple of months. In my mind, I can see myself sitting in a comfy chair in the sun by the community pool or out on our deck. But, reality again: it's darn cold and damp here!

On another note --- remember last Spring when I posted a picture of the cute flower pots that looked like coffee cups? Well, they are goners. Evidently they were not made to withstand cold weather. The plants in them were still alive and green, but the pots cracked and fell apart. Phoooo! So, they're gone.

When we have gotten through all the activities and enjoyed all the company involved with Golfer's retirement ceremony and party that's coming up the end of January, it might be the right time for me to get some plain, basic clay pots and try that project of using leftover tile bits mortared on. I have a couple buckets of leftover tile pieces out in the shed for such a project. Also have all the leftover mortar and grout that the guys left us. I'll keep you posted on that. I can say I'm not buying any more cute, but pricey, pots!

It was back to work today for me. First thing I did was un-decorate my office. Probably drives the preacher nuts, but I figure it's my office. He insists the decorations stay up all over the rest of the church until the second week in January. So if you come down the hallway and see all the wreathes on the doors, the one with the vine wreath with shells and pastel ribbon on it is mine! The green wreath with ornaments is put away.

That's about all from here. Stay safe!

Things Are Moving Along. Slowly.

Hey, all!

I hope you have all recovered from your Christmas activities. I know for some of you those activities stretch out over several days and cover many branches of your family trees. I hope you all had fun and good times.

I have been un-decorating today. The inside of the house is now done. I just got everything put back into the closet and the doors close, so all is good! I have to pace myself and I'd do some and then read, do some more, and then work at the computer, and so it went. Golfer wanted to help, but he is not feeling well and just isn't able to do very much right now. He was able to help me pry the tree parts away from each other though!

Maybe tomorrow when I get home from work, I'll tackle the outdoor decorations. It shouldn't take too long. The hardest part will be going up and down the steps to get the containers and to put the decorations away. But it will get done.

The furry kids are busy running around and checking out all the rearranged space now. They have already hidden their new mousie toys from Christmas. I have no idea where they put them!

Golfer and I have been watching some of our new DVDs that we received for Christmas. I'm not sure what's on the schedule for this evening. Hope I can stay awake!

That's about all from here. Stay safe! More later!

Winding Down

It's been a good Christmas; sort of quiet.

Bikini called this morning at the start of their busy day. The kids were getting ready to open their gifts. And then they would be heading to Brief's parents' home for a big family gathering there.

Nurse J, CableGuy, and BeyB came here for dinner and gifts. A good time was had, but we decided that we were all just plain tired. After visiting for a while they went home to play new computer games and watch new movies, and probably take naps.

Golfer and I will be watching new movies here, too, a bit later. I have already started on a new book!

The food is put away, the dishes are done, the wrapping paper wads are bagged up. The furry kids have been playing with their new toys. And for those of you who like to tease me ---- no, I have NOT started to un-decorate yet! (may start that on Sunday though)

Golfer and I had some free time yesterday afternoon and we went to see "Avatar". It was excellent! We saw the 3-D version. The story line is great and the computer graphics and special effects are wonderful. We highly recommend it.

It is raining again here and is already dark. The ground has no where left to put any more water, so I expect we will be remain soggy for a while longer. If it ever does dry out around here you might find Golfer and me outside with our new lawn sweeper (his gift from me) and new electric leaf blower (my gift from him). And just so you know -- I had that on my wish list!

I hope you have had a good day and have been surrounded by love, good feelings, and happy times.

Stay safe!

'Twas the Day Before Christmas....

'Twas the day before Christmas and all through the house...
The cookies were baked and put on a plate
The Christmas pies were made (a peanut butter and a cherry one)
The floors had been mopped and the carpets all cleaned
The dreaded dusting even was done!
The last laundry has been folded and hung (not by the chimney)
The garbage dumpster was hauled and the recycle bin, too (they're ready and waiting to be filled again)
The furry kids are running and looking expectant, in the meantime, before new toys, they have tree ornaments and the task of trying to open presents that are not theirs!
The cards are all hung, the presents are wrapped. greetings extended and received.
We've partied and dined and visited with friends.
And now as it is sunny and still so cold out, I'm sitting down with a book and taking a break!

I know this doesn't rhyme and Mrs. Toot (high school English teacher) would be appalled, but I wish you good tidings and merry good times, we send love out to you, our family and friends.

Merry Christmas!

Stay safe!

A Small Rant

People!

Just because it is the 23rd of December and you evidently have not finished your shopping and holiday preparations, you do not get to act like you own the road and drive like you are a maniac!

In trying to get to the "Y" for a swim after work, I came to a major intersection totally blocked with police persons out in the middle directing traffic. Some drivers were just plain rude. Too bad the police couldn't give tickets for gestures and rude comments. So you had to go in the opposite direction than what you wanted. Call it a scenic route and suck it up people! You're in better shape than the four cars all smushed up together.

And traffic planners, or engineers, or whoever programs the lights around here ----- how about fixing it so more than two or three cars get through an intersection? Have you seen the back-ups around Super K-Mart and WalMart????? I have. It's not pretty.

And while I'm on the subject of driving, do you not know what "yield" means? And how about a red light, folks? That means stop! Not speed through the intersection and make pedestrians jump out of the way!

Some of you know that I have taken driving issues very seriously for over ten years now. Before then, I was careful and considered myself a good driver. But since then, I am ever vigilant. I don't trust anyone else out there on the road, especially big trucks. But that is another story. So during this busy time of the year, when we all have more places to go and more things to do, let's all just slow down a little and be more considerate.

Stay safe!

And now for other news......

If you have been watching the weather, you would think we would be snowed in here. Mom called us a little while ago to see if we were okay. We're good, just wet, cold and windblown! Just a little farther north and west of us there is lots and lots of snow. Here, just wind, rain and cold. Although the forecasters are still calling for the rain to turn to snow later today and maybe accumulate an inch or two. We'll see. I would rather have snow than freezing rain or ice.

I was up early and went to get groceries before things got too busy and crazy. Now I'm just catching up on stuff around the house. Golfer did his Christmas wrapping this morning while I was out. We have a little work to do on his retirement celebration plans.

The furry kids are holed up in warm places. One of them is under the new quilt on our bed! And I believe Cinder is out in the living room working on the tree skirt. You would be surprised how far and how fast a kitty can slide across the floor on a soft, crocheted tree skirt! It's quite a sight! (think back to when you were a kid and slid on waxed linoleum in your socks)

I have a little baking I would like to get done sometime before Christmas, but I have to be in the mood for that.

I hope all is well with everyone and the holiday season is treating you all well!

Stay safe!

More on the Band Concert.....

Golfer got the pictures downloaded and we want to share! BeyB did a great job!

GOOD WORK BeyB!

Last evening Golfer and I attended BeyB's first band concert. It was way better than we had expected! BeyB is in the beginner's Clipper Band at her school. (the mascot (?) of Grafton Middle School is the Clipper Ship) Anyway, these students have only had about thirteen weeks in band, most had never even picked up an instrument before. It's a large band and they divided into two sections. Both did well. They wore black slacks and the official red band shirts. ALL the songs were recognizable and the kids did a great job!

There were two conductors. The female wore a red plaid skirt with black velvet jacket. The male wore a very handsome kilt! There was a plug for membership by the Band Booster president.

So - - - - great job, BeyB!

Time Is Flying!

It must just be that it's Christmas time and there's lots to do, but I swear the clock has decided to go faster!



Golfer and I are doing okay. He's not back up to his normal activity level, but is steadily making improvement with just a few little set-backs every once in a while. We're hoping the new meds are kicking in and he will soon be able to get back out on the golf course. He misses it.



The weather here has been all over the place. Still having frequent rain and the ground is still soggy everywhere. Today it's a bit warmer and cloudy, but is supposed to get a lot colder in the next day or so.



We went to Golfer's office Christmas party last Friday evening. The food was good; saw lots of people. In honor of Golfer's approaching retirement, the Colonel presented me with a lovely Christmas arrangement. You know, for being a good military wife for over forty-two years. It was a nice speech. The Colonel's wife makes arrangements and centerpieces for all occasions. This picture does not do it justice; it's beautiful!




We met with friends on Saturday evening for a fun time at Hooter's. Then we had dinner with two other friends on Sunday evening.



BeyB has her first band concert on Thursday evening. I'm not sure what they will be playing, but I am sure it will be fun.


In the midst of finishing Christmas preparations, Golfer and I are working on the plans for his retirement ceremony and party. There is much to do to prepare for that and fortunately, there are some good people at his office helping us.




That's about all from here for now. Stay safe!

'TIS THE SEASON

Hey, All!

I hope your Christmas preparations are going well and you are taking time to enjoy the holiday season.

Things are going well here. I am moving better and am feeling better. I actually did some erranding after I left the office today. Paced myself, took my time. It went well....no screaming knee pain or weakness . The Suppartz has helped the left knee. The right one has responded to medication and a little rest.

Golfer continues to improve steadily. Hopefully, the meds are right now and this will continue.

It has been cold here. Our area is above the average normal rainfall for the year. And I just saw there are more flood warnings posted for some areas because IT IS STARTING TO RAIN AGAIN! Also, it's been in the 30's and 40's for a few days and tomorrow it is supposed to be 70. That's not very seasonal, but is only supposed to last one day and then be cold again. I feel a headache coming.

Golfer and I took BeyB to a concert given by the Air Force American Heritage Band. It was excellent. If you ever have a chance to hear them, please do so!

Several local Christmas parades had to be cancelled or postponed because of heavy rain and nasty weather last weekend.

I've been busy finishing the decorating, Christmas shopping, wrapping, packing and mailing. Also sent off the cards. I guess next I'll bake a few cookies. Also, caught up the laundry and did some cleaning! And groomed the furry kids.

I just watched the "Charlie Brown Christmas Special" on TV. I have it on DVD, but it's always a good show.

There's not much else going on. Take care and stay safe!

FA LA LA LA LA!

The halls are being decked! Actually, what I have accomplished is sorting through the boxes of decorations and deciding what to put out this year. Then setting them around the house. We have collected quite a few decorations and ornaments over the years. Even after passing several boxes on to Nurse J and Bikini, we still have plenty. So they don't all come out at the same time. The tree is assembled and Golfer helped me get the lights all working last evening. The two large containers of ornaments are sitting next to it waiting. But some tidying up had to be done and some cleaning was an absolute must, so my time and energy went to that after work and errands. Perhaps the tree will get decorated tomorrow!

It's cold and raining right now. "They" say we might even have thunderstorms this evening.

Our friend, Chris, came and did the mowing, trimming and leaf gathering for us yesterday. The yard is looking much better. And this morning while I was at work, Walt, from Spring Green came and did the Fall "weed and feed".

Golfer is feeling a bit better.

My right leg is still bothering me, but I finally gave in and started taking some medication that had been prescribed. So it's tolerable.

The furry kids are excited and running around looking at the tree sitting in the living room and checking out all the decorations. AND... napping on the new quilt!

I hope you all are well and staying safe!

Hey, All!

I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving! It was great to see Bikini, Brief and the kids. Golfer and I weren't feeling real great, so we didn't really do a lot. But it was a good visit.

Now we are home. Laundry is done. Bills are paid. Catching up is in progress. Usually by this time of the year I have finished the Christmas decorating and sometimes have even baked cookies and loaded up the freezer. Not this year. No baking done at all yet. Decorating is just getting started. I plan to do a little bit at a time as energy and knees allow.

My left knee is feeling pretty good after the Supartz injections. The doctor says it "develops" for about a month and then will reach the maximum amount of improvement. They want to check me then. If it continues to improve, I am considering having the right knee done also.





Bikini made us a beautiful quilt and I have to show you! We love it! And so do the furry kids; you can just see Cecil's head behind the pillows!


Stay safe! More later!