Tsunami

It's a weekend again. That feeling is EVER so pleasing. Thinking about it makes me smile from head to toe. Of course one only lasts 48 hrs but I intend to squeeze out all the gusto I can. Even means a brownie tsunami complete with ice cream and a cherry. Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. The scales won't be happy, but I was. Sometimes we just have to let go and do something for ourselves...on a weekend, of course.

I'm ever so thankful no one was hurt or damage done on the Hawaii islands, but the way the news people had the tsunami built it up, you would have thought half of Hawaii would be under water. But, it was good for a practice tsunami drill. Hope any future ones end up the same... with just a bit of muddy water.

That tsunami dessert just threw me into a sugar high, then sugar low and then...well, not much better than a weekend nap. Yep, right in the middle of the day. Yahoo

Out With the Old - Literally

We're to have a visitor this week - the preacher. Eeeeke, guess that means I need to keep the kitchen clean, the dining area neat, and the living room inviting. With just Sweetz and myself, how difficult can that be? A breeze, you say? Well, I'll try to keep it ready for company every night. But he better come this week and not wait till next week. I'll be pooped by that time!

Sweetz gathered my pile of laundry last night - and another one today...and washed them. Oh, my gracious! Half of the items are shrunk to toddler sizes since he didn't "know" to wash them in cold water and NOT put them in the dryer. Oh, but I was good - never said a word. Just thanked him for his help and nearly lost it after he left the room. Have been thinking what I should do. Talk to him - that's out because he wouldn't understand there's a cold setting on the washer and hangers and a rack for the hang-ups. After 41 years of marital bliss, I think I've learned a few things. Best leave the comments in my head. Anyhoo, now I have an excuse to head out to the shops and buy a few new clothes. I really hate shopping but I'll do that much because I need a few threads while I'm still working.

Speaking of work, my employer is slowly laying off people, a few here and a few months later another couple. Morale is low, and I must admit I've had my moments too. But at least I have my plans in order and if I must leave earlier, then I will. Hopefully with a smile because they made my retirement a bit faster than I had planned. Less money, mind you, but freedom nevertheless. Employment can be fun and exciting and rewarding. Yep, I've had some of those positions over my working career. Other times it has required more of a stretch to keep a smile. Paychecks can only help maintain that smile if there is stress in the workplace. This economy isn't helping matters in our facility as well as throughout the country.

Longevity and loyalty just doesn't seem to be enough for the company to keep you. A new management style pervades companies in these lean times. Out with old methods to make room for new paradiems and systems. Meetings and teams and committees are formed to study issues and formulate solutions that parallel the latest techniques preached by the marketing gurus supposedly adaptable for all the generations who work together. Gadgets are beeping and buzzing and keeping one on time and informed. No overhead paging is required while one is connected to Big Brother for the entire 8 hours.

Retirement snug in a camper seems more and more inviting...

Is That Yellow I See?

I cut and brought in some forsythia branches a week ago and put them in a pottery pitcher. Guess what? They have begun to burst forth with yellow flowers! YESSSS, spring is just around the corner. Or that's what I'm trying to convince myself. This has been a long winter with long dark evenings. Oh, there's TV but that doesn't interest me much anymore. I want to be outdoors enjoying the fresh scents of the season. And fresh sprouts. And new shoots and blooms. Fluffy white clouds in a sea of blue sky.

Our son came to visit today while I was at work. Ummm, wonder what Sweetz and Son talk about all day while I'm slaving away? I ask him but he's evasive and responds in generalities. That doesn't give me much to go on. Oh well, maybe he'll feel more like sharing tomorrow. He did tell me that one of the katz hid in the heater today when our son came to the door. Last week when Larry the Cable Guy came to put in a new computer modem, Holly scooted downstairs when the doorbell rang. I didn't see a whisker of that kat until Larry TCG had to be miles away, although the other one remained curled on the sofa and barely twitched an ear. Not sure when Holly developed this huge fear of visitors. Neither one likes strangers but usually just cautiously watch from their napping spots.

It's supposed to be warmer this weekend and I'll be glad to see the snow melting and will even appreciate the resulting soggy soil. Just take this dirty snow away. Give me a promise of spring. Maybe tomorrow I can get away for some photography time. Maybe there will be something worth sharing in a future blog. If not, that will be ok too. A Nikon at the eye is worth a million bucks. A peaceful way to calm and refresh the spirit. It's been a long, hard, stressful week. A weekend of peace sounds like just what I need.

Dust Bunnies

Surely you have those creatures too. They hide under things and silently glide across my hardwood floors avoiding my probing duster. Oh well, they will hide and then grow till there's no place left to hide. Surely I can find them the next time I grab my dust mop. Sweetz volunteered to take over the house cleaning a few years ago. hehe Little did he realize how involved that job is. Guess I did too good of a job all our married life. Surely to him it looked like a pie job. HAAA. So now I "assist", mostly when he's not around - which saves his pride. Definitely the "fluffing" is my job. Decorating is definitely not his forte. He would be comfortable in a barn - just mucking it out occasionally and throwing down some fresh straw when needed. But being married to me doesn't allow him that option. It's me or the barn. He's chosen me. Aren't I the lucky one!

I still haven't finished painting the master bath. Seems I just can't find the incentive nor energy to complete that project. So many other things to occupy my time and thoughts. This week it's the Olympics and reading. So many things interest me that it's difficult to get everything done. A to-do list helps me stay focused, but usually a burst of energy is all that's needed. But they are coming at a slower pace too. What's the rush? Life is to be lived and experienced and savored. Dust bunnies can stay in the corners until I get motivated - or company is expected.

DST with it's welcome spring forward an hour is most welcome this year. Days will be much more exciting as they stretch out with more light. Then spring will be around the corner and we can get outdoors to enjoy more freedom. Winters are the pits. Since I'm not a cold weather being, I tend to stay where it's warm. I'm really, really, really looking forward to spring. Plus then I won't notice the dust bunnies as often.

Patience Is A Virtue

Valentine's Day/weekend was nice. I had a baker friend make a NY style cheesecake for me which was ever so delicious. But it should...it was my own recipe. The sour cream makes it ever so yummy. He loved it. He gave me cologne and candy. I told him no jammiegrams, no blooms, no hoodie footies. Thought it would be a book since he fooled me off with clues of authors and book store ramblings. He's so good at throwing me off. Cologne is good - he gets to enjoy it too.

It's still cold around here, sure am anticipating spring! This is not my favorite time of the year but hopefully warmer weather will arrive soon. Snow scenes are beautiful but ever so tiring after this seemingly long winter. And I like to be chipper and happy and enthusiastic but cold winters with shorter days make life more challenging. On a happier note, recent rain and a few degrees of warming has cleared some of the snow away. See, everything isn't all gloom - but I'm still ready for daffodils. And the branches of forsythia I brought it to force to bloom??? --- well, they are teasing me. But a hint of color is right on the tips, a cross between a spring green and yellow. Surely, it won't be long now before it rewards me with lovely yellow bursts. Soon. Yes, I will try to be patient...

Sweetz is getting energetic about looking for a larger RV. We've checked online and have found a few in our vicinity which seems to meet our financial and space requirements. He suggested we head out Sat to personally check out a few on his short list. Wow, now that sounds like my main guy is getting serious. I'll put the final decision in God's hands and let Him guide us - which and when...or not. We have a small RV now and each night we have to turn a sofa into a bed only to unmake it each morning so feel if we're going to spend any time at all traveling, more room and a separate bedroom would be more comfortable. That way Sweetz can have a place to go when he's in the doghouse!! LOL Would be alot easier if the Sweetzes had a bit more $avings to spend - or a rich uncle, but we'll see Saturday how much our collected pennies can buy. Also we'll determine how motivated sellers are in this depressed economy. Ahhhh, but we will be sitting in their seat sometime when we are trying to unload our little prized RV ourselves. Will we be motivated sellers? Of course! Unseen places still call my name and it sounds like Sweetz is hearing the same call. Hitch itch as some call it. I moved around alot during my childhood so seeing different places will be exciting. Roots are nice, but we can return "home" to see friends and family - on our schedule. Nice to think about that part - self-scheduling. Our own itinerary. Ummm, has a very alluring ring to it.

16 Legs

Here's a picture of the four deer standing in the snow one morning. They stood at attention and didn't move much except for their heads as they kept an eye on the neighborhood. Must admit they are beautiful but don't like them nibbling my beans down in the summer.


We keep our potted gardenia plant on the patio during most of the year but it gets pampered inside during the winter since it's one of those tropical type. It rewards us with blooms all winter and it's awesome seeing the progression of buds to blooms. And the smell! I'm convinced there will be gardenias in heaven.

Ahhh, it's FRIDAY!!! Another week in the pot. Snow is predicted again this weekend and just got an email from a friend who lives near the SC/NC border who wrote it had just started snowing there. Wow, this is the third weekend in a row. Good thing I ordered and picked up a NY cheesecake for Sweetz, one of his favorites. Stopped after work to pick up a bag of Valentine candy and thought I'd decorate the top with some. Might pipe some icing on it too, who knows what ideas will win out for the final look. I usually just go for it and see what happens and tweak things as I go. I seldom copy someone's ideas, just use stuff I have. Thought I'd try to do something different since the cherry pie filling over the top is just soooo ordinary now. And he deserves something special...if only for putting up with me all these years.

Just peeked outside and there's no snow floating down yet, but I'll keep looking. Don't really want any to be truthful. Enough already! Another friend from NJ emailed today and attached some pictures of a vase of forsythia stems she cut to force to bloom. I was jealous and tromped out to our forsythia plants and cut enough to stuff comfortably in a pottery pitcher. I'll let you know if it works. Yeah, I emailed back to confess that I was a copycat. She won't mind, but will be honored I liked her idea. They have a gorgeous yard - she and hubby spend most of their days outside so it is quite a showcase. But now they are housebound with several feet of snow but they keep the bird feeders filled and have hundreds of birds right near their windows each day. And they send pictures of cardinals and even bluebirds right near the windows. Oh, and hummingbirds at their feeders too. We have a nandina plant that is right under the roofline which sports a beautiful ice creation from the snow melting off the roof.




We received two darling Valentines from the grands today. They are propped on my kitchen shelf so we can enjoy their little creations for several days. Now, if I could just live up to the poem they included. Me? Special? Well, as long as they think so I will love every minute. Now, if this snow stuff would QUIT, we'd head down the road to their house to see them. Hope they enjoyed my Valentines too. I made them especially for two precious little boys who have won my heart.

Ponderings

We haven't had snow since last weekend for which I am thankful. Most everything is still white but there are patches of ground showing through now - nothing like the blizzards farther north. I hear even Texas had some snow - looks like God likes to share the white stuff. Now rain is predicted. Doesn't sound as bad at first glance but too much rain can cause lots of problems too. We have lots of downed trees in our area - looks like a war zone. Mostly pines.

Went to Verizon today after work and bought myself a little phone - nothing fancy. I dropped mine a month ago and now it doesn't close right. Decided I needed to replace it before I was completely without phone access. It has no bells, no whistles, no email, no GPS, no apps, no internet. You know --- a PHONE. Sure, I'd love one of those nicer ones with all the extras, but then I'd be on that thing all day and it wouldn't be for phone calls either. I use my computer at work on breaks for personal stuff so I stay connected as much as I really need. At home, I'm on too much.

Someone sent me an email today with a link to determine how long I would live. Yipes. I don't drink, smoke, do drugs, or drive without a seat belt, but still it's not good. And my lack of exercise is consistent with my cyber use. Maybe I could use a treadmill. I could prop my laptop on it and I could climb hills and run marathons while reading blogs and the news. Then I could live two extra years with wrinkled skin and a brain that has forgotten everything except long ago experiences. Doesn't sound like a good trade to me right now. I'm at the stage now that I don't need to hide anything because I couldn't find it myself. But I'm happier now than I've been in years. But maybe that's because I can't remember anything else. hehe Ahhh, might as well maintain a sense of humor and only buy ripe bananas...just in case...

Spring wishes

I've been without power at home for awhile. Now, we have power but no cable internet. Talk about having to figure out how to entertain myself during the evenings. Wow, I'm a sad case. What did I do before internet? But I've cooked a bit more and done some laundry and read a whole lot. Oh, and taken pictures of the snow and ice. Several deer were in the yard standing in the snow over the weekend so took some pictures of them. We were to have some wicked winter weather today but so far it's a no-show. Whew, I think we lucked out on this one. I'm write this on my laptop at work during lunch break just to stay connected. Ahhhh... Each night I anticipate internet service. Maybe tonight... Stay warm and enjoy your days.

The snow is still pretty. Sweetz and I got out this morning and cleaned off the patio, steps, sidewalk, van, and driveway. Wow! Then the snowplow came by on several passes and moved the snow to the edge of the driveway. So we waited until he finished to do it the final time. Yes, I waved at him - not his fault that we have to shovel it at the end yet again. None of the neighbors have moved from their houses except our immediate ones on either side who got out while we were shoveling and drove their cars out and around the block then came back and parked and went back inside. Easy man's shoveling method - probably works as well as ours. But we got some exercise. Kept telling Sweetz we should make a snowman but we were too tired when we finished.


The snow has a crust of about 2 inches and then it's soft as cotton under that. Sweetz mentioned snow cream a couple of times so I rested a bit when we finished and then made some. It was delicious! He kept saying how good it was and wished we had some fresh strawberries to put in it. It really must have been good! Your eyes aren't deceiving you - yes, it's pink!


It's 40* here now and the sun has shone all day. I was exhausted after shoveling and took a short nap. One of the katz woke me asking for supper. They both ate and now are outside romping (ha...probably walking around finding an appropriate place for a deposit) but will be back at the door soon I'm sure.

My right wrist/shoulder/neck is sore where I threw snow over that side of my body. Ouch, feels like I'm out of shape. I warmed up the rest of the beef/veggie soup and fixed grilled 3-cheese sandwiches for lunch. I love the combo of 3 cheeses so much better than just using a single kind. Our little titmouse keeps trying to get to the suet cakes on the tree branch but a bigger gray bird keeps chasing him away. Seems to be a pecking order in the bird realm too. The little one is persistent though and will eventually get his belly full. Snow is pretty but I'll be glad if we don't get another one this year. Snow, snow, go away. Come again some other year.

Lots of white frozen stuff

Well, my luck ran out - even my denial didn't work. Since I lived seven years in New Jersey which received lots of snow, I've definitely filled my lifetime desire for snow. Moving further south helped but with the trends in climate warming/cooling, this area's minimal amount of snow and ice was warmly appreciated. We've had warmer winters for several years here so now we've experiencing a swing to colder winters. (I'm a total disbeliever in global warming - duh, at my age I have seen the variations of warming and cooling to know it swings back and forth)...anyhoo, where was I? Well, it snowed last night but I can't determine how much we've received. Somewhere in the 7" area with drifts up to a foot around trees and fences. It is pretty at this stage and I've enjoyed looking out the windows as it changes back and forth from snow and sleet. Sure am glad it's a weekend and I can stay home and not have to plow through back roads to work. Mr. Weather Channel says we'll get up to another 6 inches before it quits. That's ok, I'm home and warm. There's a pot of soup on the back burner and life has slowed down to Comfortable and Relaxed.

Our son called and they are doing ok too. They have two little boys who are itching to get outside and play. Do you think they'll think to email Nana and Papa a picture? Wonder if Sweetz will get outside with me and make a snowman? Maybe we'll make snow cream - haven't done that in years since it's impossible to gather enough clean snow in a dusting). But we have deep clean snow today - no excuse this time. Yep, got milk.

Sweetz has started another puzzle. The birds are enjoying the bird feeders. And I have a free weekend with a camera. How many snow pictures can one person take?

Finally started

I've been wanting (that should read...NEEDing) to paint one of our bathrooms for awhile now. But I've gotten lazier. Yep, it was easier to just rush in and rush back out and not concentrate too long on the looks of the walls. Then a few weeks ago I finally ripped the wallpaper off but kept putting off painting. Oh, to give myself a little pat on the back, I did spackle and sand. That's when the doing nothing else started in earnest and the rush in and rush out became the norm. So, tonight I actually got out the paintbrush and the Kilz and painted one of the walls. A little applause here would be appreciated. Yaaaay The can only had a little left from a previous project, so was only able to paint the one wall before the can was empty. Yep, I have another can, so I should have the impetus now to tackle another wall or two in the next few nights. Surely, that's not too much to ask of myself. The question remains though - what color should I paint the walls? A friend at work suggests brown. At that moment I was thinking she meant dark chocolate. Well, you know there are lots of shades between Hershey brown and beige. There's a perfect color waiting for me on the color wheel so I should be able to find a spot of fun in the process.

Sweetz is on jury duty this week so we've been eating out. Tonight was pizza night, one of my favorites. I need to eat healthier but there wasn't anything exciting in the "light" choices. Yuck, just how many salads can one person eat? One day soon I need to get serious about losing a few pounds but it doesn't seem to be today.

Using all five senses

Wow, last night was wicked with the wind and rain so a good night's sleep was nearly impossible. Hopefully tonight I can get my beauty sleep. Sweetz told me it took him two hours to pick up the branches and sticks that had fallen in our yard. And years ago we unknowingly thought we just HAD to have lots of trees. The sky in this picture looks blue, but in reality it was dark gray. Menacing to say the least.

Today was another Monday but I survived. The drive to work was uneventful if I don't count the water puddled everywhere or the height of the water under the bridge I cross twice a day. It was a comforting feeling to get to the other side. The morning was rushed and it was time to join some friends at a local restaurant before I had finished everything on my morning to-do list. Oh well, that's why we have afternoons. It was great to see everyone again and I listened to their news, some happy and some sad. But that's the way it is with friends, to take the time to listen. And before I knew it, time had flown and we had to return to the clutches of our bosses. The afternoon seemed eternal - time just seemed to get bogged down to the speed of sloooow. It would have been nice to have a speed control button.

Last night I decided it was time to replace the pictures in a frame which sits on my desk at work to display four shots of our annual family destination Christmas. I like to stand it vertically so it will tuck in a small corner. Every time I glance at them, I have to smile remembering time spent with 4 precious family members. With the frame updated, it will be a highlight of the day to snatch a glance of it occasionally to brighten the hours. Can't wait for the next time we get together.

Roses and Lace

Mom and I went to a tea room today for lunch - complete with pink and lace and frills and doilies and roses and bows - EVERYWHERE. There were tea items all over - from tea pots to cups and sauces. We both ordered chicken salad on a croissant with a side of potato salad and fruit cup. And of course we had to have a pot of tea! We ordered the pomegranate/berry blend which was yummy.

While waiting for our food, the waitress suggested we check out the upper level. So we climbed the wooden staircase to find a dining room, a bedroom, and a gift shop. Of course every square foot was loaded with ultra feminine items. The bedroom upstairs looked like it could be straight out of a frilly bed and breakfast. The dining room was set with beautiful china and silverware ready for a formal dinner. The gift shop was packed with feminine items like ornate dishes, delicate vases, handmade pillows, handpainted tea towels, and more tea pots than you've ever seen in one room. A lady from the elite social class in 1900 would have felt right at home.

The food arrived with a pink napkin tied with a flower. There were generous servings and neither one of us could eat all the food. Our server said they had homemade banana pudding for dessert but since my tummy was stuffed, it looks like I have to return to try out the desserts to see if they are as good as they sounded.

Katting around

Yippppeeeee, it's Friday. It only takes 5 grueling days to make me eager to walk out for a weekend. I have made no plans for my two days off although there are several items on the to-do list but none of them lift me to the point of excitement. It's usually on a Mon or Tue night that I experience the spark but then by the weekend, that once infectious item returns to sit comfortably on the list waiting for another Mon or Tues.

My kat (yes, this one is mine - Sweetz prefers the other) enjoys snoozing on the sofa and some days I'd love to trade places with her. What a life - resting, investigating new things that come into her life, teasing me with her eyes. She doesn't realize it, but she gives hints as to her thoughts with the position of her ears, the blink of her eyes, or the movement of her tail. I like it when her tail is straight up in the air when she walks around - that means she's content. Once I saw a book on how to understand your cat but didn't buy it. I don't know enough about our katz to be able to write more than three sentences about understanding them. They are a mystery, something to study from a distance, and be accepted when their timing is right. They certainly aren't much trouble, and there's no noise unless you count those soft meows that occasionally surface. They both stand by the door when they want to go outside to take care of business and then stand at the door when they want back in. How easy is that? Oh, well, maybe I trained them to do that. Ahhhh, maybe I'm smarter than I thought.

How much longer?

I got spoiled for a few days during a recent January thaw. Today it's rainy and seems so much coooolder. Not my favorite weather condition. But it's just cold rain, could be a lot worse - like ice or snow. Guess I just can't be pleased unless I was farther south so I could experience some capris and tee shirt weather.

There was a retirement reception at work today for a nice employee who had devoted 43 years. Wow, she's seen a lot of changes in her lifetime! I'm happy for her but it brings my future to the forefront and that spurs questions of when am I going to retire? Hate those questions. Today I decided to answer, "Just can't count that high" which brought the desired look of puzzlement to each face and they would move on. Whew! Now I sympathize with a young woman who's repeatedly asked when she's going to get married, or have a baby.

After work as I was getting a haircut, Sweetz called me on my cellphone and wanted to eat out. Yipppeee, I'd never turn that idea down. He got a haircut today too, so together we resembled two skinned rats feasting on a seafood combo plate.



Sweetz got his notice a couple of weeks ago to serve on jury duty. I've never served and yet he gets a summons every few years. Seems it would be interesting to see the inside view of the justice system at work. Maybe they already know I'm short on concentration or maybe they just want males. Then again, maybe I'm too young and beautiful...