...the rest of the story...

It's me again

2009-08-31T16:22:00.002-05:00

Seems like facebook is taking up all my time and I forget to post here on my blog. I'm still fasting three days a week and losing weight. I'll get weighed in a couple of weeks. Right now, it stands at 22 pounds. I'm down to just two pairs of jeans that fit me. Also, recently, I have set up a writing studio in Camden. It's small but cozy. It's nice to have a quiet place to work. I have everything except for an area rug for the floor. I'm putting that on layaway at Reny's. It has carpeting, but it's a very bland color. Needs something to brighten it up.

Hi...Remember me?

2009-07-22T15:38:00.002-05:00

I can't believe how fast the time passes. My last post was on July 4???!!!! I guess I'll start there. We did nothing for the fourth this year. It's a long walk from parking to where the family stands every year to watch the parade and neither Ma nor I felt up to it. Also, the rest of the family was elsewhere.I missed seeing Sean at his first parade, but I'll try to catch him another time. The only family around was Marylou, Ma, David, and me, so we didn't even do a cookout. We just passed a quiet day, though Marylou, Ma and I did go to China Coast for lunch. Since my last post, I have finished three scarfs for the craft sale whenever we have it. Now I'm working on mittens. Tonight I might do a doll set, as I have quiet a few of them to dress. David is going to cut out some headboards and footboards with his jigsaw, so that I can make cribs to go with some of them. I'm having it rough financially and it's a little hard to come up with the raw materials, but I'm getting there. I am working on a second book. This one is a compilation of my one page "snapshots" of life. I like writing them very much, but I have to be very aware in my surroundings for moments in time that would make a good story. I had a flat tire the other day and had to buy a new tire...ggrrrr! That was $113 that I didn't need to spend. I can't seem to keep tires and brakes on that car! Ma is still feeling poorly. Her blood is down about two pints. She has more testing on Friday. As far as the dizziness goes, they tell us that it just has to wear off and could that months! She was not happy to hear that. I'm still fasting and as a result, loosing weight. I fast on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday. Then on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, I just try to eat cautiously...around 1200 calories. I drink a lot of water and juice and take vitamins. I asked my doctor about the fasting and she said okay as long as I'm not just drinking water on the fasting days. I know that the Bible says that a fast should be done in secret, and the person I am praying for does know that I'm doing it, and we are seeing some very positive results. I am psyched to keep it up for as long as I can. The side effect of weight loss is wonderful. I don't know how much I've lost yet. I'm getting weighed on August 5 at the doctor's. I will be posting pounds lost, but not my weight. That will come about a year from now!

Diet update: Sunday I fasted for 24 hours. At eight o'clock, I had half of a cucumber sandwich, 1/2c cottage cheese, and a rice cake with peanut butter. Monday was a normal day. Breakfast was toast from the Brown Bag and water. For lunch I had 2 slices of pizza from the Sea Store, and for dinner I fix the rest of the dried fish, potatoes, and beets. Yesterday, I made muffins for breakfast. I had two plain ones. Then I had a Waldorf Salad for lunch and some Chinese chicken chow mein with an eggroll for dinner around 3:00 PM while we waited in Bangor for David's dental appointment. Around 7:30, I got very hungry, so I had a small bowl of clam chowder that Ma had made. Today, I'm not eating until 7:30 PM. I think I'll probably have a cucumber sandwich and some yogurt. Tomorrow is Thursday and will be a regular day. That's my excitement for today. I love you Tilly. Hi to the Reader's Club.

Time flies

2009-07-03T14:19:00.002-05:00

Can't believe that it has been a week since I posted a note. Last Friday, Sarah and Sean came up for the weekend. I must say that I have one of the cutest, smartest, grandsons of them all. I never tire of just watching him and wondering what he's thinking. Sarah and Brian have an anniversary this month and I'm hoping that they will be coming up this way to celebrate. Maybe I'll get to see them for a little bit. I got fired from my housekeeping job. No explanation really. Just that they had discussed it and felt they needed someone with experience to work more hours. I was employed for three hours. I still haven't seen my check for that. May have to call them on Monday to see where it is. It's not that much, but every little bit helps. Ma is finally starting to feel a little better. She said this morning that she thought she was rounding the corner. She is impatient to get back to her normal level of activity. Don't think we'll be doing anything for 4th. It's too far for either of us to walk from where you have to park to where we stand to watch the parade, and just about everyone is gone, so there won't be a cookout. Last year, Ma and I went to the fireworks because Bill was playing, but this year, he's out on Tommy's Island. I don't swim well. Looks like a quiet week coming up. I have an appointment on Wednesday and have to clean at the Red Cross on Saturday, and that's it.

Diet Note: The lack of posting does not mean that I gave up on my diet. I'm still fasting two days a week and eating cautiously for the other five. Portion control, no junk, no desserts, lots of water, etc. Wednesday I fasted until 8:30 PM and then had some leftover rice and two egg rolls. On Thursday, I had cereal and OJ for breakfast, cheeses and broccoli soup with 1/2 a grilled cheese sandwich, and for dinner, about 4 oz. of steak and two ears of corn. I had a rice cake and PB before I went to bed. That's the bad thing about this diet, I tend to wake up hungry in the night if I don't have an evening snack. Today I had cereal and OJ again this morning. For lunch I had a cucumber sandwich and a small piece of watermelon. For dinner we are having dried fish and potatoes. Though I could eat three servings of that, I'll only have one and some kind of vegetable. I don't eat enough of those, or fruit either. My clothes are already looser. I'm looking forward to getting weighed on August 5 at the doctor's office. I think I must have lost some anyway. Guess this does it for today. Hi to the Reader's Club if you're still out there. I love you Tilly.

Let's try that again

2009-06-26T19:08:00.002-05:00

Can't believe I haven't posted since Tuesday. Ma came home from the hospital on Wednesday. She is better, but still has some lingering dizziness. She is not a patient patient! I have been out straight with the housework, and caring for her. Today I shampooed all the downstairs rugs, cleaned the bathroom, washed the kitchen floor, and put a new seat on the toilet. Wednesday I fasted until 8:30 PM, then had some warmed up mac and cheese and a diet jello. Thursday for breakfast, I had two frozen pancakes and two strawberries. later in the morning I had a rice cake with peanut butter. For lunch, I again warmed up about 1 and 1/2 cups of mac and cheese. For dinner I had a pork chop, about a cup of rice, and some peas. Today, Sarah and Sean arrived to stay for about a week. I met them at Moody's for lunch and had a cheeseburger and fries. I also had a piece of coconut cream pie, my first real cheat since starting the diet, but at the outset, I said that I might have dessert once in a while. Tonight we had macaroni, tomatoes, and hamburg for supper and a sugarfree fudgicle. Tomorrow I have to eat carefully because I'll be fasting on Sunday.

Diet Note

2009-06-26T19:06:00.000-05:00

Updates

2009-06-23T20:00:00.002-05:00

Ma has been in the hospital since Sunday morning, so I haven't been able to post. She's coming home tomorrow to complete her recovery from a concussion. I have tried to stick with my diet but slipped a little.

Sunday I fasted and broke the fast with a cucmber sandwich and some yogurt. I spent the night in the hospital with Ma. On Monday morning I got a guest tray that contained 1/2 cream of wheat, and a cheese omelet. For lunch, I had some cottage cheese and 2 rice cakes with peanut butter. For dinner, David and I shared a frozen pizza. This morning breakfast consisted of two frozen pancakes and two strawberries. For lunch I again ate with Ma and had a salad with ranch dressing and fish and chips, and a fresh fruit cup from the cafeteria services. Tonight I had a small cottage cheese and fruit plate (off Ma's tray) and two English muffin pizzas that David had ready for me when I got home. Tomorrow will be another fast...a late break one...wish me luck.

Saturday

2009-06-20T17:49:00.002-05:00

Ma is feeling a little better tonight. Having black eyes and stitches didn't stop her from going to the Sea Store for lunch today, but other than that, she's pretty much laid around on the couch. Here neck and arms are sore today. Surprisingly, she hasn't had a headache. She allowed me to do the housework chores today, taking the day off. I have been busy with those and of course addicted to facebook, and waiting for a response to an email that I sent. I'm going back to Sarah's on Tuesday until Friday. Gotta change my schedule around if I can.

Diet Update: This morning I had two frozen pancakes with two strawberries (no syrup) and 4 oz. of OJ. For lunch, I weakened a little and had two small pieces of thin crust pizza, so I just had a waldorf salad and a piece of steak for dinner. I'll probably have some cottage cheese with pineapple before going to bed. Tomorrow is Sunday, so I will be fasting again. I think I'm going to break it tomorrow night with a cucumber sandwich.

A stitch in time, saves nine...

2009-06-19T20:16:00.002-05:00

We had a little excitement today. Ma tripped over the dog gate and fell face first into the dining room table leg. She's okay, but she looks like she got hit by a bus! Three stitches in her head, 2 black eyes, a goose egg on her forehead, a scrape on her forehead, and two very black and blue elbows. Dr. says she can't be left alone for 24 hours. Talk about something scary! I thought for sure that she had broken her back or hip or neck.

diet update: For breakfast this morning I had two frozen pancakes with sliced bananas (no Syrup), and some orange juice. Lunch was left over macaroni and tomatoes. Ma wanted French toast for supper, so I had that too , 2 slices with two pieces of bacon. For my evening snack, I had three cups of popcorn (no butter). The exercise aerobics last night made my knees a little lame today, but not as bad as I feared. I only did 1 mile. Next week, I'm going to try for two.

What's going on with the MI-5?

2009-06-19T08:57:00.001-05:00

When I answer the questions, the words just go in one long line instead of word wrapping. I runs under my archive even. How do I fix it?

BR's Vacation 5

2009-06-19T08:40:00.002-05:00

I'm going on vacation next week. Yea! I'm really thinking I need some time
away, and I think this vacation will really do me some good. Here are 5
vacation inspired questions.

1) Tell us a memorable vacation story you have from your childhood.

We never took a vacation when I was a child because Dad seemed to always be working, and there wasn
't a lot of money.  We did take a few day trips.

2) Tell us a memorable vacation tale from your adulthood.

In 2003, Sarah and I drove to Florida to do the parks.  On the trip, we spent one night with her aunt Jane, a week with her grandmother and David, then drove on to Florida.  I had a wonderful time.

3) Assume you and your mate/significant other/best friend are going on a
dream vacation. You don't have to pay for any of it. Where do you go? Why?

It would either be Rome, Ireland, or Texas.  Rome because I love history, Ireland for the scenery, and Texas to visit family.

4) Now, come back down to Earth, and tell us about a "dream" vacation that
you think might actually happen some day. Where is that? How long until
you think it becomes reality?

I don't really see a vacation in the future.  Finances would be tough.

5) There are some missionary students on "working vacation" coming to my
house for dinner tonight. If someone came to stay with you for vacation,
what would you feed them that was really considered a "local delicacy"?
What regional food would be a "must have"?

Thursday

2009-06-18T14:09:00.002-05:00

Well, I got the job. I think it is going to be a lot of fun, pays pretty well, and has very flexible hours. Don't laugh, but I'm going to be a housekeeper/girl Friday for a well-to-do couple right here in Spruce Head. It's not a lot of hours, which is what I wanted and I can pretty much work the hours that I want. It is a huge newly renovated house with only the best. It will be like cleaning a museum. Now and then, I'll be helping them clean up in the evenings as they do a lot of entertaining, and once in a great while might be asked to puppy sit. The man is high strung and fastidious so that might be a challenge. She is very laid back and pleasant. I have a feeling that if they like me, there could be a few more hours in it. They have an apartment in NYC, but are really from Texas where he ran for Congress (lost). Now he wears a dozen hats working from home, and he is a writer. As I enjoy writing so much, maybe he'll give me some pointers! This is going to be so different from the Red Cross with all its stress and responsibility. For those who are doubtful about this, yes, I do know how to clean, especially a brand new house. There are two rooms that they haven't decided what to do with yet and I was told I could arrange them and decide on the theme. If I need anything, they'll buy it. So BR, there you have it.

This morning Ma had to go for bloodwork, so we went out to breakfast and ran into Walmart. Sarah says that Brian has to go to London next week. I don't know if she'll come up here or not. I bought a new toy for Sean. If she's coming up, I don't need to mail it as it would arrive while she is up here. If I go down there to stay with her and Sean, I can take it with me. If she decides to stay alone or go somewhere else, then I should mail it. Oh me, Oh my! What shall I do? I tried mowing the lawn in the back of the house, but I can't keep the mower running. Maybe the points need to be adjusted or replaced. I'll ask Jake to take a look at them to see if he can tell.

Diet update: last night I had some fruit salad mixed with vanilla low-fat yogurt when my fast was up. Before bed I had a rice cake with peanut butter. Boy, I love those things! This morning I had a dish of cantelope, an egg, and a toasted biscuit and for lunch I had one of Sarah's famous Waldorf salads. I think we're having macaroni and tomatoes for dinner. Then I'm going to aerobics at church and see if my knees will stand up to it. Hi to the Reader's Club. I love you Tilly.

Wednesday

2009-06-17T18:21:00.002-05:00

Today I have been busy. I drove David to Rockland twice, had a doctor's appointment in Camden, walked the dog three times, did some ironing this morning, went to the store with Ma for coffee, went grocery shopping for some diet supplies, went to Walmart and bought a surprise for my grandson which I will mail tomorrow. Ma needs to have bloodwork done tomorrow morning, and I need to make an appointment for a bone density test. Sophie has barked almost literally all day. I'm going to look into getting her a barking collar to see if I can break her from barking. It was warm today and I can't tolerate much heat. I hope it is cooler tomorrow. I just ended my fast for today. I had a good sized fruit salad with vanilla yogurt. So far, so good. On Sunday I had cereal and found it much too heavy. For the next three days, I will be eating small portions of regular foods, though I did buy some sugarfree Fudgcicles, yogurts, and fresh vegetables. Sarah makes the best Waldorf salad! I bought the stuff to make that, and I bought a cucumber as I have been craving cucumber sandwiches! Then on Sunday, I will be fasting again. The fast really has nothing to do with the diet, though I may lose some weight because of it. I have a personal reason for doing this and it is very important to me. Maybe I should buy some multi-vitamins to offset the fasting. I can't explain it more. What I need is more encouragement, and less criticism. I am switching to decaf beverages (except for my morning coffee, as I can't take the headache) because I just learned that too much caffeine is dehydrating. Tomorrow I need to buy a new bottle of soda and some decaffinated iced tea mix. What I'm doing isn't right for everybody, but it something that I have to do. Before I go to bed, I'll probably have a rice cake with peanut butter and some OJ with calcium. Have a good evening everybody. I love you Tilly.

Is it hot or cold?

2009-06-17T08:11:00.002-05:00

Ma's cold and has the heat on...I'm sweating like a pig. Just got back from walking Sophie, but the house is hot anyway. Sophie loves her walks, but she barks and pulls and jumps the whole time that we're walking. I wish I knew how to train her to walk properly on a leash. She is about 90% housebroken and I'm working hard at the remaining 10%. Hoping to hear from the job interview that I went to yesterday. It is perfect for me, not too many hours, and would be kind of fun. Please keep this on your prayer list until I hear something. If I get it, I start next week. Have a doctor's appointment in Camden at noon today, but other than that, no plans unless I decide to mow a little in the back yard. Mikey T. mowed it with his big rider, but it needs some trimming to keep it so that our push mower will handle it. I've got a little ironing to do this morning and I really should clean off this desk. Between me and David, we've really messed it up. Hoping to get into Walmart today if I time. There's a toy there that I want to get for my grandson, Sean. He's almost eight months old and really getting into toys. Boy, toys are expensive!

Diet update:

Last night instead of having yogurt after Bible Study, I had 2 rice cakes with peanut butter. I love those and the peanut butter is at least some protein. Today I will be fasting again, but I will be drinking a lot, coffee, tea (hot and iced), diet soda, and lots of plain water. This evening I will break the fast with a fruit salad and cup of tea. The fasting will probably be temporary. two days a week, but we'll see how it goes. I'd like to lose twenty pounds by August 5. I know, it's a lofty goal, but I'm shooting for the stars. The Sunday fast is a prayer fast so I'll stick to that better I think. Wednesday fast is more for the diet. Have a good day everyone. Hi to the Reader's Club. I love you Tilly.

The D word

2009-06-16T15:43:00.002-05:00

I, in conversation with my daughter, have realized that if I don't get this weight off soon, I'm not going to live to see my grandson grow up. That is a grim but motivating incentive. I am not following a particular diet plan, as you will learn if you follow this blog. I'm going to try the Thursday night exercises at the church as well. The diet started on Sunday.

Sunday: fast (only coffee, tea, and water for 24 hours)
Sunday night: shredded wheat
Monday: 2 slices of Brown Bag oatmeal toast and water
8 oz. cream of broccoli soup with a small white roll
1 egg, 3 slices of bacon, 1 slice of toast
Tuesday: 1/4 cantelope and 2 frozen waffles (no syrup)
3 oz cubed steak, 1 1/2 cups mac and cheese
We are planning to go to the store and have a toasted biscuit and coffee for dinner.
After Bible Study this evening, I'll probably have a yogurt.

I am drinking lots of plain water, diet iced tea, and diet lemon/lime soda. No limits on tea and coffee.

Sunday was a little rough, but the rest of time hasn't been too bad. I have a doctor's appointment on August 5 and I'm going to get the nurse to weigh me then on the same scales. No weekly weigh-ins.

Goodbye to May

2009-05-31T16:01:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe that May is gone already. Seems the winters last forever and spring and summer fly by. Today was a typical Sunday, Sunday School, church, evening church. I have to stay late to do the bank deposit and some photocopying. tonight I'll probably knit and do some writing. Tomorrow morning, it's grocery shopping. In the afternoon, I hope to do a little mowing in the backyard. The grass is so long, the mower may not take it. I also have to pack to go to Sarah's for week or so. Seems like every day Sean is doing something new. I have two doctors' appointments on Tuesday and then I'll leave for Massachusetts. I should get there around seven. Brian is in England again for two weeks, so Sarah, Sean, and I will have to keep ourselves amused. I have been designated the cook for the week, so I'm trying to come up with a menu that we both like. Sarah is a fancier cook than I am. My cooking is pretty New England plain. It looks like it's going to shower, so I'm going to shut down the computer. Hello to the Readers' Club. See you soon Tilly.

It's raining, it's pouring!

2009-05-28T13:00:00.002-05:00

Well, not really. It's not pouring but it is annoying. We need to mow the grass again, but it's supposed to be wet for the next couple of days. I'm going to try to mow the backyard. David won't do it and keeps saying that he'll get someone with a rider mower to do it, but it never happens. Also want to clean up the road that they put in last fall. We're going to pull out the rocks and use them to make a garden I'm told. Yesterday, we cleaned house all day. Today, I have paperwork to do. I hate filling out forms. I'm in the middle of cleaning my desk. I wish it had drawers. Sarah said Sean can sit up in his crib now. Seven months today! I'll bet he's going to walk early. He's very strong. Brian heads back to England on Sunday for a couple of weeks. I may go down there for a while if Sarah and Sean want company for a few days. I have a doctor's appointment in Brunswick on Tuesday at 2:30. I could go after that maybe. Or maybe I could just reschedule it. We'll see. I finally finished Sean's spring pajamas...four pairs. Watch, it will probably come off hot all of a sudden and he'll need summer ones. They're fun to make and really easy. I think I'm going to do some for the craft sale in August. I have a lot of ideas for that. Just need the money for the materials and patterns. I hope to earn some Christmas money from the sale. Well, guess I'd better get busy on the papers. Hi to the Readers'Club. I love you Tilly.

Sunday doodling

2009-05-24T14:53:00.002-05:00

Well, I sewed on the buttons on Sean's new pajamas and they are ready to mail on Tuesday. They look kind of big but I figure they can always roll up the sleeves and pantlegs. When it gets warm at night, I'll make him some s/s, short pants ones. It seems that little boys pajamas are hard to find in the stores without paying a fortune. I don't mind making them. I can do a pair in about two and half hours. I'll also send Brian's birthday gift and a little something for Sarah that I bought. Last night I killed a bumble bee in the kitchen that was the size of a 747. Sophie came out to me whining so I went and looked and there he was. He wasn't easy to kill. I hate bees and flying bugs. There have been several big bees hovering around the kitchen door and I guess someone let one in. Tomorrow we will go to the parade to watch Eben march in the parade with the boyscouts, and then listen to his band concert. After that, we'll go to Lisa's for a cookout. Ma is now making stuffed eggs. After church, I have to help Jackie count the money for today and then deposit the money on Tuesday, as the bank is closed on Monday. Jackie and I do things a little differently, so it takes us a while. Ma will come home from church with Marylou. It's four o'clock and I'm waiting for a phone call and trying to think of something for supper. We went to the store for lunch. I had a toasted biscuit with a slice of tomato and cheese cooked on it in the pizza oven. It was very good. I might do some scrapbooking tonight, or perhaps I'll knit. I'm trying to get some things made for the church's sale in August. I have a few dolls to dress; I want to make a quilt to sell; some cobbler's aprons and pot holders, some baby clothes, and some other odds and ends. Whatever we make, we get to keep towards Christmas shopping. We'll have a food table and coffee station and a place for church information. I've got to get busy! All for now. Hi to the Readers' Club! Love you Tilly.

Can it be Saturday already?

2009-05-23T17:39:00.002-05:00

All day it has seemed like it was Thusday for some reason. Lately the calendar in my head has been getting all jumbled all up. Tonight I have to do my Sunday School lesson for tomorrow. Yesterday and today I sewed four pairs of pajamas of Sean. They might be a little big, but his Christmas ones are too small so I made then two sizes bigger. They"re really cute. Tonight and tomorrow I'll be sewing on all the buttons. For the first time in five years about, I have a little cold. Just one of those hacking cough things. Brian is home from England at least for a while. I'm sure Sarah and Sean are glad to have him back. His birthday was on the 15th and I still need to mail his gift. Guess I'll have to do that on Tuesday. Melissa came over and cut Ma's hair tonight. It looks great now, but not much curl so I don't know what it will be like in the morning. Update on Sophie: See is close to be being housebroken, or to having me trained whatever is most accurate. She gives her leash a push when she has to go out for a walk, and sniffs at the door to go out in her pen. Now if we could only get her to stop barking. I fixed the lawnmower the other day. David said it was cooked. I went out and sprayed it with WD-40 and changed the spark plug and it started right up. My father would be proud...and yes, I checked the oil!

BR 's quickie MI-5

2009-05-23T17:33:00.002-05:00

I forgot to nominate someone last week. Jim, you wanna do next week's
five? So as to not put any pressure on anyone this week, I took a second
round. They're easy.

Assuming you must pick one:

1) Motorcycle or Jet Ski? Why?

Does a scooter like BR's qualify as a motorcycle?

2) Fruit pie or cream pie? Which kind? Why?

Cream Pie cause then I have something to heap the whipped cream on.
3) Book or magazine? How come?

I don't do much reading but occasionally pick up a magazine while waiting somewhere.

4) Hot beverage or cool drink? What's your fav?

Cold...black and white thick shake from Goodnow's soda fountain.

5) What's on the grill on Monday--beef, pork, or fowl? What's the specifics?

None of it cause I don't have a grill.  We'll probably go to the Sea Store for lunch as usual.

Just checking in

2009-05-13T07:31:00.002-05:00

Today it is Wednesday here in Brookfield. Sean is having his morning nap and Sarah is doing something upstairs. At 1:00 PM, we're going to Sears to have Sean's six-month pictures taken. If that goes well, we may do a little shopping. Yesterday Sarah mowed the lawn (it's huge) while I watched the baby. He is really into playing these days. We are planning to come to Maine on Friday afternoon so that we can attend the ladies luncheon (Sean is invited) at church. Then on Sunday we'll try church and taking Ma out for lunch for Mother's Day. We'll take her to the doctor on Monday and then drive back to Massachusetts on Tuesday. Friday we have to wait until afternoon because Sean has a swimming lesson in the morning. Last night I brought in all my scrapbooking stuff and then went to bed early. Didn't do a single page. Maybe I'll get some done today. Well, guess that's our schedule for the next few days. Love to everyone. Hi to the readers' club.

Hi from Bridgefield

2009-05-09T10:01:00.002-05:00

I arrived here on Thursday afternoon. I don't think I could have driven another mile! The driving really wore me out. I played with Sean for a while before he had his bath and went to bed. Sarah was too tired to cook, so I made macaroni, salt pork, and tomatoes. You might know, I set off the smoke detector and woke the baby up. Needless to say I was not very popular! After getting him back to sleep, we ate and went to bed early. Yesterday was as better day. Sean had his first swimming lesson. He loves the water. Unfortunately, he tried to drink most of the pool. There are about 15 babies in his class. He didn't like the shower after the swimming, but other than that, he had a great time. Later we went to Walmart. I got to push him in his stroller as we checked out the toys. He has taken a great interest in toys now. Sarah had some shopping to do. Last night we made pizzas for dinner. I never had whole wheat pizza before. It wasn't too bad. Still waiting to hear from Sarah what we are doing today. Sean is napping and will need to have his lunch when he gets up. Tomorrow Brian's folks are coming over for mother's Day lunch. Maybe we'll need to go to the grocerie store. It's hard staying in the house all day.

C'MON GUYS!

2009-04-14T20:00:00.000-05:00

TIME TO UPDATE THE BLOGS!!!!!!!!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T07:09:00.002-05:00

We started off the day with sunrise service at the landing at the Keag. It was freezing. Ma almost blew overboard. Following the brief service, we went to the church for a continental breakfast which was really good. Then it was home to peel potatoes for dinner. We got everything ready so that Joann can just turn the stove on when she gets back from church in Rockland. We hoped she would go with us to the Easter program, but she chose to stay here. We have seventeen coming for dinner at 1:00 PM. Joann is staying over another night and going back to New Hampshire tomorrow. Sarah and Brian are going to his folks' for Easter. It's closer and the baby has a cold. Brian has to work tomorrow so they would have had to leave this afternoon. I prepped for my Sunday School class a few days ago because I knew that I wouldn't have time this morning. I have forgotten most of it and will once againbe winging it. I'm glad the kids are so agreeable. We will miss Brian and Sarah and Sean, as well as Jen and Joe for Easter dinner. Well, I've got to get ready for Sunday School. If i don't see you today, have a Happy Easter. Hope all the colds are better.

Where did last week go?

2009-04-07T07:33:00.002-05:00

It is not like me to post only once a week. I guess I had an uneventful week. Last Friday, Josey, Jackie, Laura, and I drove to Sturbridge for a women's conference. We stayed overnight with Sarah and got a chance for a brief visit with Sean who is now a dancing machine. On Saturday, we drove back home and arrived around 8:30 PM I think. The conference was nice and we were well fed. Sunday was pretty typical except that we did have a nice ham dinner at the church before the evening service.Yesterday, Ma got her hair cut in the morning, so we didn't get groceries until the afternoon. Today I have a doctor's appointment in Brunswick at 2:30, I have ironing to do, and a quilt to put together so that I can start tacking it. I'm going to hate driving to Brunswick in the rain. I also need to clean off this desk. Well, there's still time for morning coffee. Have a good day.

My Visit

2009-03-31T16:41:00.002-05:00

I spent three days late week with Sarah and Brian, and of course, Sean. I really was missing them. The day before I went, I had to have a hub put on the other side of the car. I don't know how many a car has, but I have two now that are guaranteed for life. They ought to be! So I'm going back to Sturbridge on Friday, so the Service The Engine Soon light came on today. I'm having it checked tomorrow morning. Last time, it was a loose gas cap so I tightened that right away, but it didn't put the light out. I had a good time playing with my grandson. He "talks" all the time now. It's so cute to sit in the other room and listen to him and his mother chat while he is being fed. He has a walker now and he gets around in it pretty well. Speaking of new things, Brian has a new job and will be doing quite a bit of international travel. When he's away, Sarah and Sean will either come here sometimes or I'll go there to keep her company. Tonight I HAVE to iron. Tomorrow is laundry day again and I'll have more. I want to start tacking a quilt for Terri. She made the top ten years ago, but never learned how to finish it. She has hired me to finish it. It will only take about two days once I get started. Today I bought the stuff to build Sophie a dog yard. I don't know if the ground has thawed enough to drive the stakes. I thought I could get David to help me, but he's not into doing anything nice for Sophie. I think I can do it myself anyway. I just need to build a gate, so I'll have to go to Home Depot tomorrow to get the wood for the frame. I'll insist that David cut it up for me as I am afraid of his power saw. I have an appointment in Camden tomorrow so I hope it doesn't take long to fix my car. We'll be off to Bible Studay in a little while. We are studying the book of Hosea. I hate it. I'm not into prophesy and Hosea is all prophesy. I need to go to the doctor for my hands again. They're all broke out again. Maybe there is anyother brand of steroid creme that will wok better. Better go get ready for church. Have a good evening. I love you Tilly. Hi to the Readers' Club.

Better late than never...Lisa's MI-5

2009-03-31T16:36:00.002-05:00

had nominated Sue to do the MI-5 this week, but I know she wasn’t feeling well. So, here’s a really quick, late MI-5, in the style that Sue has often used. You can just use quick one-word answers, or you can elaborate:

Coke or Pepsi? A little Pepsi now and then.
Milk Chocolate or Dark Chocolate? Hershey's milk chocolate...my favorite!
Rain or Snow? Rain
Mountains or Seashore? Mountains...I get bored at the seashore because I don't know how to swim.
Catnap or Long Nap? ANY nap is a treat.

...continued...

2009-03-18T15:59:00.002-05:00

Ma made out fine at the doctor's, but he still thinks something is wrong but he can't find it. This time, he's letting her go two months between appointments instead of monthly, as long as she doesn't develop any symptoms. Today, I turned over ownership of the satin quilt. I couldn't take any money for it. There were too many things wrong on it. She didn't necessarily see them, but I know they are there. Tomorrow I'll start backing the other one. It should come out better because it's a simple square pattern. It's easy to get everything straight. This one I probably will take the money for. I stopped at Reny's today and bought Sean a stuffed lamb for Easter. I won't see him on Easter, but some of us are going there on April 3 & 4, and I'll just give it to him then. It's really cute. I wish he was big enough for a basketl, but what would I put in it? That will have to wait until next year. Tonight I'm the official babysitter for choir practice for an hour. I have to think of something to do. I was going to do a craft, but I didn't have time to shop for the stuff. I'm in one of BR's funks. Usually, The month of February is very difficult me, but this year the depression has dragged on into March. I hope it doesn't last much longer. We have a lot to do both inside and outside of the house this year. David got new power tools for Christmas, so I hope he gets some practice with them before he goes back to work. Ma and I are going to paint the cupboards white. She's been wanting to for a long time and I keep dragging my feet. But then, they are her cupboards...she should have them red if she wants them that way. David and I have to build a fence for Sophie, so that she can play and whatever outside. The doorsteps need to be painted and one of them needs to be fixed, hence the power saw. Well, it sounds like Ma has dinner ready, so I'd better run. I love you Tilly. Hi to my favorite readers' club.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T11:22:00.002-05:00

I don't think I'm Irish, but my grandson is, so Happy Day everyone. Don't forget to wear something green, and it's corned beef and cabbage for dinner. (not my favorite) Maybe if I have time in Rockland this afternoon, I'll drop by Amato's for a sandwich. This morning I finished a quilt that I've been making for someone. It was the hardest one I've ever done. I'm not thrilled with it. I made mistakes on it that couldn't be corrected, so I just had to let them go. You might know that it would be for someone else. This was supposed to be a paid job, but I'm disappointed in it and will probably not take any money for it. I'll take it in trade. I have another one to back, but it will be a lot easier. It's also a paid job. I'm not worried about that one. On Saturday, Ma and I went to Augusta and I bought a new gate to keep Sophie out of the dining room. This one swings like a gate so we don't have to climb it like we did with the pressure gate. Well, it's 12:30 and I have to get dressed to take Ma for her doctor's appointment. Maybe I'll post again later. Have a good afternoon.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T11:22:00.000-05:00

In Like a Lion?

2009-03-02T11:08:00.002-05:00

March came in with another winter storm - the proverbial lion. Maybe it will go away like a lamb. It has been snowing since last night. After lunch, Ma and I are going to try to get groceries as we have an appointment tomorrow and I have one on Wednesday. We don't seem to have a "grocery day" anymore. We just go when we need some stuff and we don't have anything else to do. Last night, we had a missions program at church for North American missionaries. We first had a supper of native dishes from several states, and then watched a video about what several missionaries are doing. I know we talked about Alaska, Massachusetts, and Kansas. I think the fourth was Tennessee. Lisa organizes these events twice a year and really puts a lot of work into them. Saturday night, my Sunday School class had a sleepover at the church. My first experience at sleeping on a Red Cross cot. It wasn't all that uncomfortable. Unfortunately for the kids, I didn't take my C-Pap machine with me so I kept them up with my snoring for much of the night. They seemed to have fun just the same. Brenda Armstrong was the other chapperone and is always good company. We ended up with five overnighters. One boy left at 10:00 AM because he says he gets homesick. We had a guest but she had to leave before Sunday School because the lens cam out of her glasses. I tried to put it back in but didn't have any little screwdrivers to work with. One child in my class didn't come saying that she had a stomachache on Friday. We didn't want to risk giving everyone the flu. By the time Sunday Schoolers started arriving, we had everything all cleaned up and put away. I just remembered, I need to register my car today too. I hope they're open on Mondays. I've got my Webcam hooked up. Just waiting for Brian to hook up his so I can see and talk to my grandson. Mine works fine. It took BR about ten minutes to hook it up for me. This evening, I'm going to sew. I'm finally going to sew Sean's pajamas and I'm going to make him a fleece jacket with a flannel lining. I woke up with a headache this morning and am still waiting for it to go away. I think it is getting better. David just came in from shoveling. It is such a big help when he does that. He says the snow has stopped. So I'd better think about getting dressed and going shopping. No news is good news. I love you Tilly. He to the Readers' Club.

The Christening

2009-02-23T05:28:00.002-05:00

I'm posting from Sarah and Brian's house. Sean enjoyed the Christening very much! He didn't fuss at all and even tried to pull on the priest's mustache. He wore a white satin tuxedo and was very handsome in it. I'll post pictures as soon as I figure it out. I can get them from the camera to the computer now, so I'm making progress. The party after the service was small due to the weather, but we did get to see Jen and Joe for a few minutes at the church. They decided to skip the party and head back home as it was starting to snow. The menu included lasagna, salad, chips and dips, and a fabulous chocolate cake. We are planning to head home today around 10 AM, after rush hour is over. I wish we could stay longer, but we need to pick up Sophie from the vet this afternoon. All in all, it was a nice trip.

Funky blog

2009-02-20T08:38:00.002-05:00

I just did the MI-5 and my computer wrote over some of the stuff that goes down the side of page. I have no idea how to fix it. You may never really know what sticky Tommy is. I'm going out to shovel in a few minutes. There isn't much that we can do about the ice, but I want to get the snow off it before freezes too. David is of the belief that it doesn't need to be shoveled. Tomorrow morning I am picking Julia up at 7:30 AM for the trip to Massachusetts. Then we'll come here, get Ma and David and Sophie, and drop her at the vets on our way by. This way we don't have to go all the way back to Rockland to get Julia. We can just continue out #131 to Thomaston. Today, I need to tidy up the car, maybe wash it, and check the oil and windshield fluid. Sounds like it might be a little messy coming back on Monday. I also have to shop for a gift for Sean. What does one give for a Christening gift when money is low? I'm sure I'll find something. I can always get himself nice when my IRS refund arrives on the 27th. I'm going to pay up some small bills and then put the rest in a savings account as seed money for Christmas next year. I think I'm going to do some sewing today. If I don't get Sean's cowboy pajamas make before long, he's going to have outgrown them. I also want to start on another scarf, so I'll have something to do with my hands. No big news this morning. Hi to the Readers'Club. I love you Tilly!

This Week's MI-5

2009-02-20T08:14:00.002-05:00

I couldn't come up with anything good this week. So I'll name five places.
You name five things you keep in those places, and tell something
interesting about one of those five things. If you don't have one of the
places, make something up. Simple, huh? Oh, Jim, will you do next week?
Ok, here we go.

Name five things you keep in your:

1) Glove box
registration, tire warrantee, napkins, insurance card, ash tray

The ashtray has never been used and looks like a little pot with a cover.  It sits in a cup holder, thus tying up
 the cupholder.  I don't know why I haven't thrown it way.

2) Medicine cabinet
Band Aids, thermoter, corn plasters, Tylenol, sticky Tommy.

Sticky Tommy is an old time drawing salve that fisherman used.  You melt the stick over a match and let it drip onto a bandaid.  Then you apply the bandage.

3) Refrigerator

eggs, half-n-half, bread, leftover corn chowder, Sam's Club Sparkling Water

I live on sparkling water, and we rarely eat leftovers.

4) Wallet/purse

wallet, brag book of my grandson's pictures, calendar, disposable camera, removable computer storage stick

I've had the same wallet for years.  As it rips, I mend it.  It is the perfect wallet for me.

5)  Somehow I lost #5, so I'm making one up...junk draw.

scissors, marbles, rubber bands, assorted screws, all things sharp

Digging in the junk draw takes courage.  You could probably get hurt in there.

Early morning catch up

2009-02-19T06:15:00.002-05:00

Sophie decided that we would get up this morning at 5:30 AM. There is very little to do or watch on TV at 5:30, so I decided to play catch up for a bit. The difficult week of our birthdays came and went. Thorny no longer celebrates his birthday since Bill passed away; David is too old for a party, etc., my birthday was rather low key. I got some beautiful cards and a gift from Ma, Sarah, and Marylou, but we didn't get together or anything like that. Then even poor Caleb was sick on his birthday which meant canceling his party. All and all, birthday week is difficult. I did get my taxes done last week and I'm supposed to have my refund on the 27th. That will be good. I'm going to pay off some small credit cards and put the rest into the bank, possibly a savings account. On Monday night I went to a ladies meeting at Josey's house where we planned out our activities for the upcoming year. It's going to be a busy year! I am most looking forward to a Christmas in August craft fair. I am energized to start working on things to sell. Maybe this year I really can finance Christmas shopping through my projects. I've got several ideas for things to make. I just need to get the materials. I also want to get back into scrapbooking. I have a new album for Sean's pictures and I need to get that started. Today the weather is crappy, but I do need to run to Rockland later to pick up a prescription. I imagine Ma will go along for the ride. We are going to Sarah's this weekend for the Christening and I still need to get a gift for Sean. Julia is going with us and maybe Marylou. Patrick and Myoung-ho are going to be the godparents but can't make it up this weekend so there will be stand-ins for them at the ceremony. Then it's back to the house for a party/celebration. I'm excited to see the baby again, and I've missed Sarah a lot lately. It will be a short trip, but better than none. We are going to board Sophie at the vet for the weekend. She isn't going to like it, but she'll be safe anyway. They said we can bring her bed, blanket, and favorites toys. So maybe it will be okay. BR hooked up my Webcam for me last weekend, but until Brian hooks up his, I can't do anything with it. I can't wait until I can see them and talk to them over the computer. Well Sophie seems to be stirring so I'd better go catch her before she falls off the back of the chair where she is sleeping. I love you Tilly. Hi to the Readers' Club.

Disgruntled....

2009-02-12T18:39:00.002-05:00

Ma and I went to the hospital in Brunswick today to have the stent removed from her pancreas. Once we arrive, they tell us that she is going to have general anesthesia and shouldn't have eaten today. She thought she was having some kind of oral sedative or something. The nurses were very understanding of her confusion, but the doctor was a jerk to her. I tried to explain her confusion with his office nurses a few days ago, but he just said, "Okay, I'll take the blame for this if you want me to, but it's not my fault if you can't read the instructions sent to you!" Anyway, we have to go back tomorrow at 1:00 PM and have the procedure done. I have no idea how long it will take. So, while we were in Brunswick anyway, we ate lunch at Wendy's, went to Walmart to get a gift for Caleb, and ran into Big Lots. By the time we were headed home, it was raining and it rained all the way home. I hate nothing as much as driving in the rain in the dark, but we made it. Marylou, Joann, and Sarah all called to check on Ma only to find out that we won't have anything to report until tomorrow evening. Sarah and Brian and Sean are leaving in the morning for Texas to spend a week with his brother Patrick and his wife and baby. They arrive home next Friday. Next Saturday, Ma, David, and I are going to Massachusetts for Sean's Christening. Sophie is going to board at the vet, and we'll get Marylou maybe to feed the cats. Tonight I'm going to start doing my taxes. Wish me luck. I think I'm going to do them out on paper and then e-file, unless I end up having to pay, in which case there is no hurry. If on the other hand, I have a refund coming, time is of the essence. I need to register my car in March. Since I retired, my income was cut just about in half. Well, so much for my aggravations tonight. I love you Tilly. Hi to the Reader's Club.

Oops!

2009-02-05T18:26:00.003-05:00

By my previous post, it is obvious that I didn't the directions carefully. I have fixed it. Ma got home from the hospital this morning. She is weak and tired and has a little discomfort, but better than she was on Tuesday and Wednesday. Hopefully this procedure will help her to start feeling better. I actually have very little to post tonight. I left at 7 AM and went to the bank and then on to Brunswick to get Ma. The doctor said there was no problem in her leaving at 9:00 AM, as I had an appointment in Camden at noon. Of course, it was 10:15 when she finally got discharged. I made it to my appointment without a minute to spare. Luckily, the doctor was late. Then I picked up Ma's prescription and some odds and ends and got home around 3:00, had lunch, did the dishes, swept the floor with the dog hanging off the broom and washed it. Then I vacuumed and cleaned up the dog's toys and paper that she has ripped up. Then I made some creamed toast for Ma for supper, which I burned a little. I still have to dust, and vacuum the washroom. I have some ironing to do, but probably won't do it until morning. I need to back up the files on my computer per orders from BR. He has something up his sleeve to make my Webcam work. Guess I'll do that now. I love you Tilly. Hi to the Readers' Club.

Melanie's MI-5

2009-02-05T18:18:00.001-05:00

...origin of the planet Earth...

Answers to last week's MI-5

2009-01-30T16:57:00.002-05:00

First Line MI-5
Tomorrow, take five different books, and type in the first line of each book. You can pick a book you just read, a book you are reading, and a book you want to read. You can use fiction, non-fiction, poetry, textbooks, whatever. If you want to create your own similarities among the five books, you can. However, you can pick any random five books you want, whether you have read them or not. DO NOT post the name of the book, nor the author. Only list the first line.Over the next week, visit the blog of each MI-5’er. Make yourself post a comment. It can be any comment, with one exception: DO NOT TRY TO GUESS THE BOOK OR THE AUTHOR. This is to the keep the “surprise” for those of us who like to guess. You may indicate that you’ve read the book, that based upon the first line you’d like (or not like) to read the book, or you can indicate that you know the book (just don’t name the book or author). Next Thursday or Friday, each MI-5’er should add the title and the author to their original entry

.1. Each spring, for many years, I have set myself the task of writing a personal statement of belief: a Credo.
All I Really Need To Know, I Learned In Kindergarten - Robert Fulghum
2. In the hospital of the orphanage - the boys' division at St. Cloud's, Maine - two nurses were in charge of naming the new babies and checking that their little penises were healing from the obligatory circumcision.
The Cider House Rules - John Irving
3. On Saturday, October 22, 1977, University Police Chief John Kleberg placed the area of Ohio State University's medical school under heavy police security.
The Minds Of Billy Milligan - Daniel Keyes
4. Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy
The Giving Tree - Shel Silverstein
5. I am doomed to remember a boy with a wrecked voice - not because of his voice, or because he was the smallest person I ever knew, or even because he was the instrument of my mother's death, but because he is the reason I believe in God; I am a Christian because of *************.
A Prayer For Owen Meany - John Irving

Quick Post

2009-01-25T17:17:00.002-05:00

I only have a few minutes before I need to leave for church but thought I'd throw a little something up here. Today was a pretty typical Sunday, except that I cleaned the Red Cross this afternoon. I've been putting it off since Thursday for no particular reason. I should have done it last weekend but I went to Sarah's instead. Tomorrow morning I have a church nominating committee meeting, then I'm going to ask Aunt Ruth to feed me lunch before I take my car to the garage at 1:00 PM. A light keeps coming on that says "anti-lock" and another that says "trac off", in addition to one the says to service the engine soon. They don't stay on. When I turn off the car and restart it, they go out. The guy at Fuller's says it's probably a sensor in the hub. With my luck, I'll need a new hub and not just a sensor. Then I have a finance committee meeting tomorrow night. Things are rough this year in coming up with a budget for the church. The economy is affecting everything, including the church. Then Tuesday morning I have to give a challenge exam at the Red Cross in the morning and probably get groceries in the afternoon. On Wednesday, I have a doctor's appointment. So far, Thursday is free, Friday Ma has to go to the doctor in Brunswick. So that's my week. My stress level lately is through the roof! Something has to give soon. You should see my grandbaby! He is not only cute and handsome, but smart and quite advanced for his age. He'll be three months old on Wednesday and already he can stand on his feet in your lap. I spoke to Sarah this afternoon and it seems like he is trying something new everyday. I miss him so much. I'll be going back down at the end of February for a few days. I only get to see him about once a month and he changes so fast! The economy has caught up with me, thus my stress. Tomorrow I have to cancel my health insurance because I just can't afford the premiums anymore. This is a strong incentive to stay as healthy as I can until I qualify for Medicare in September of 2010! Things are tough all over. I tried to trade my car for something with a cheaper payment but got denied because I still owe too much on it. I think I have another two years to go on that. Then I'm going to run it into the ground. It will be new brakes every year and new tires every two, but that's a lot less than a car payment. So far, knock on wood, there has been nothing wrong with it mechanically other than the brakes. Well, gotta go to church. Take care everyone. I love you Tilly. Hi to the Readers' Club.

First Line MI-5

2009-01-23T19:08:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow, take five different books, and type in the first line of each book. You can pick a book you just read, a book you are reading, and a book you want to read. You can use fiction, non-fiction, poetry, textbooks, whatever. If you want to create your own similarities among the five books, you can. However, you can pick any random five books you want, whether you have read them or not. DO NOT post the name of the book, nor the author. Only list the first line.

Over the next week, visit the blog of each MI-5’er. Make yourself post a comment. It can be any comment, with one exception: DO NOT TRY TO GUESS THE BOOK OR THE AUTHOR. This is to the keep the “surprise” for those of us who like to guess. You may indicate that you’ve read the book, that based upon the first line you’d like (or not like) to read the book, or you can indicate that you know the book (just don’t name the book or author).

Next Thursday or Friday, each MI-5’er should add the title and the author to their original entry.

1. Each spring, for many years, I have set myself the task of writing a personal statement of belief: a Credo.

2. In the hospital of the orphanage - the boys' division at St. Cloud's, Maine - two nurses were in charge of naming the new babies and checking that their little penises were healing from the obligatory circumcision.

3. On Saturday, October 22, 1977, University Police Chief John Kleberg placed the area of Ohio State University's medical school under heavy police security.

4. Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy

5. I am doomed to remember a boy with a wrecked voice - not because of his voice, or because he was the smallest person I ever knew, or even because he was the instrument of my mother's death, but because he is the reason I believe in God; I am a Christian because of *************.

Snowed in in Massachusetts

2009-01-20T10:37:00.002-05:00

On Sunday morning we got about six to eight inches of snow. Then Sunday night, we got another six. My car is basically stuck in the driveway. Brian cleared the driveway with the snowblower on Sunday afternoon, but it filled right back in. Then yesterday he had to work late, so he didn't have time to clear it again. Today Sarah and I are going to have to do some shoveling. Luckily it's a light fluffy snow. Sunday, Sarah and I took the truck and went out to lunch and shopping for some new clothes for Sean. He has outgrown most of his shower clothes and is now in a nine months size. I still can't believe how much he grew since Christmas. He's very smiley and "talks" all the time. He has made friends with his teddy bear and can hold it in his own hands now. Today, we are going to go out again, if we can clear the driveway. The truck has four wheel drive so we'll probably make it. I'm leaving at 6:00 AM for home because I have an appointment, so I need to get the driveway so that I can get out. The one drawback with this house is the long uphill driveway in the winter. Sarah and Brian are both well but very busy. Brian says this is his busiest time of the year at work, and Sarah is out straight with the house and Sean. So far, I've not blown my diet which is a miracle in itself. We're getting ready to watch the inauguration and then take turns shoveling. I wish I had brought my boots. Oh well, I'll just shovel ahead of myself. Not much else to post today. Hope everyone is well in Maine. Hi to the loyal readers' club. See you soon.

Nothing Much

2009-01-14T11:18:00.002-05:00

It has been a few days since I posted, so I thought I'd throw something up here. I haven't done anything news worthy since Saturday. My doctor's appointment today got cancelled, so I have time on my hands that I wasn't expecting. I know I've been threatening to make Sean's cowboy pajamas for weeks now, but today I'm really going to do it...that is, if Sophie will leave me alone long enough to do it. She is a hellion on wheels! She requires constant supervision. I'm trying to teach her to pee outside but today it may be too cold to take her out. She doesn't have much fur to keep her warm...but she does have a sweater. I'm also going to see if I can hook up my webcam. There must be directions in the box. If I can't do it, I'll see if BR will give me a hand. Ma has been sick for a week. Primarily, she has had vertigo, but it doesn't usually last this long. We went to her doctor yesterday and he thinks that she will have to go back to Brunswick for more tests. She lost six pounds this month and feels lousey all the time. If she does have the tests, she will have to stay in the hospital overnight. She doesn't want to have the test done, but I don't see that she has any choice. She can't just keep getting sicker. If the problem is what the doctor thinks it is, she will need to have a stent put into the main duct of her liver which is closing off. We are waiting for the specialist in Brunswick to call. I am hoping to go to Massachusetts for a few days at the beginning of February. I'm hoping finances will allow the trip. It generally costs me around $100 to go down and back. If I go, we are going to take Sean out for lunch for the first time. That should be fun. I also want to take some close up pictures of him. Most of mine are candid shots and I want some better ones for my pocketbook, because I must be always at the ready to brag a little...or a lot. Sarah sent me some good ones in an email, but I can't print them off with my printer. Well, guess this is it for today. I love you Tilly. Hi to the Readers Club.

FOOD LOG:

Sunday:
Breakfast: 2 muffins and coffee
Lunch: dried fish and potato
Supper: leftover pizza
Monday:
Breakfast: 2 toast and coffee
Lunch: Vegetable soup and grilled cheese
Supper: baked chicken and squash
Tuesday:
Breakfast: English muffin and coffee
Lunch: chicken salad sandwich
Supper: 2 eggs, 3 bacon, and English muffin

Tidbits

2009-01-10T14:24:00.002-05:00

Well, I really have nothing to post except for the MI-5, which I will do later, but I'm in the computer mood. Who knows? Maybe my writer's block has broken. I haven't written anything in months except for the church pageant and that's pretty unusual for me. I'm going to try to hook my webcam this afternoon. Pam told me that it is very simple. We'll see. I'm no computer guru. I have no idea how they work. I just want to be able to see my grandson, who, by the way, slept all night last night. Another milestone. Sarah was nine months old when she slept through for the first time and David was in kindergarten. I can't wait to see him again. I'm going down either the last week in January or the first week in February for a couple of days. From what I am hearing, he is really getting big. I called about a job today, part time, but their goal is to make it full time eventually and I don't want to work full time. I'm really only looking for 12-15 hours a week. Even twenty is more than I have in mind. I want to retain the flexibility in my schedule so that I can go to see Sean every six weeks or so. I like being able to go during the week so I don't tie up Brian's weekends off. I still haven't made those cowboy pajamas for Sean. Maybe I'll get them done this weekend. It's supposed to snow tomorrow morning so church may get cancelled if the roads are bad. Sewing is a good way to pass a stormy day. I could also do some scrapbooking. I only have a shoebox full of pictures to finish. Then I'll be all caught up. I have to send an email to someone but her box is full and until she cleans it out, everything just bounces back to me. I hate that. I've had Sophie out three times today, and all three times she has come in from outside and peed on the floor. She loves to go out, but she won't take the time to pee. She squats for two seconds and then she's off again. I don't know if she'll ever figure out WHY I am taking her out. Not much else going on in my life right now that's fit to post. I love you Tilly. Hi to the Readers' Club.

FOOD LOG:

Thursday:
Breakfast: 2 toast and coffee
Lunch: chicken pot pie
Supper: leftover ham casserole
Friday:
Breakfast: egg McMuffin and coffee
Lunch: leftover pea soup
Supper: cubed steak, mashed potato and squash
Saturday:
Breakfast: bagel, OJ, and coffee
Lunch: grilled cheese and tomato
Supper: (we're having dried fish, potato, and pork scraps)

Sunday catch up

2009-01-04T13:52:00.002-05:00

Well, I didn't watch the ball drop after all. The sound of Sophie's snoring in my lap was too much for me and we went to bed around ten o'clock on New Year's Eve. New Year's Day was quiet. Ma and I cooked a little roast pork and had dinner, but that was it. David doesn't eat pork. On Friday, we went and got groceries and I finally took my comforter to the laundramat. We are not heating the upstairs and I was cold the night before. Now I'm nice and toasty again, and hoping that Sophie doesn't eat anything that doesn't agree with her. The laundramat is expensive. It cost me around seven dollars to wash the comforter and dry it! Yesterday the wind was biting. Sophie and I walked down to the store and back and just about froze. She wears a sweater when she goes out, but I don't know how warm it keeps her. She shivers from the cold and from excitement. Either way, she was really shivering. I didn't have a hat on and thought my ears would freeze. Today, the wind doesn't seem so bad. Tonight we have the monthly potluck supper at church. I'm getting a little tired of potluck. I'd like to have just one meal and have everyone bring something, like one person bring fried chicken, someone else bring mashed potatoes, someone bring vegetables, and so on, but I guess most everyone likes potluck. Tomorrow Sophie has to go to the vet at 8:00 AM to be spayed. We're a little concerned on how we're going to prevent her from tearing out her stitches. Maybe the vet can give her something to keep her drowsy until she heals. Sophie is active to the point of almost being spastic. She won't leave the cats alone, and it nearly impossible to distract her from doing something that she wants to do. She'll have to spend the night at the vet's and then we'll pick her up on Tuesday. I have a doctor's appointment that afternoon in Brunswick so if we can't pick her up in the morning, we'll have to find someone to run Ma over to get her. I won't get home until around five and they'll be closed by then. I just spoke to Sarah and I could hear Sean "talking" in the background. I miss them so much. I wish we didn't live so far apart. Someday I'm going to move closer to them, so I don't miss out on him growing up and doing things. This week I'm going to the career center to check out part time jobs. I need about 15-20 hours a week and if possible, I don't want to work five days a week. If I do, I won't be able to go to Sarah and Brian's very often. I'm going to sew tonight after church. I've been threatening to do it for a week, but this time I'm really going to do it. I'm making Sean some cowboy pajamas. He looks so cute in "big boy" pajamas. I got my Christmas pictures from Sarah's party back this week. They came out pretty good, but I'm thinking that I'd like to have a real camera after all. Seems like the disposable ones don't give me very vibrant colors. I bought doubles and will either send a set to Sarah, or scrapbook them for her. I have to ask what she prefers. It's time to take Sophie for walk. Have a good day everyone. I love you Tilly.

FOOD LOG:

Friday:
Brkfast: 2 Brown Bag toasts and coffee
Lunch: grilled cheese sandwich and water
Supper: ham casserole and water
Saturday:
Brkfast: English muffin and coffee
Lunch: 2 Wasses hot dogs and small chocolate milk
Supper: leftover ham casserole and steamed broccoli and water
Sunday:
Brkfast: 2 homemade muffins and coffee
Lunch: 2 leftover pizza and water
Supper: potluck

New Year's Eve

2008-12-31T18:43:00.002-05:00

I may stay up and watch the ball drop tonight. I usually don't but I have sewing to do that will keep me busy and prevent me from falling asleep. I'm not a big New Year's person. It's just another day mostly. When I was younger (much), we used to get together at someone's house for a party, but we've grown older. Also, since I've been single, there hasn't been anyone to share New Year's Eve with. (yes, I know that ends with a preposition!) Today I've been knitting a new hat for Sean. The others that I made are too small. I hope this one isn't too big. Think I'll make him some matching mittens without thumbs. Those are so much easier with babies. Tonight I'm finally going to make him the cowboy pajamas that I bought fabric for before Christmas, but ran out of time. I may make some doll clothes as well. I have to get back to my hobbies. I haven't done any scrapbooking in months, and it has been even longer since I picked up a pencil to draw anything. I have writing to do as well. I want to send my book to a publisher this year, well...in 2009. I guess tonight it is still last year. I have lots to keep me busy, but I lack the initiative to get started. Guess that should be my New Year's resolution...to get back to the things that I enjoy doing. Also want to read all the way through the Bible again. Maybe next week I'll go to the career center to see what they have for part time jobs. I only want to work about 15 hours a week, but I do need to get back out into the world again. I may still try the substitute teaching thing, but I want to see if there is anything out there that sounds interesting, with less responsibility. I can't stand in one spot for a long time, so cashiering is out of the question. I've had enough responsibility in my work. I just want to do something fun. Well, guess this wraps it up for tonight. I love you Tilly. Happy New Year everyone.

FOOD LOG:
Tuesday:
Breakfast: shredded wheat and coffee
Lunch: spinach/tomato/bacon/swiss panini and a few fries
Supper: spaghetti with tomato sauce
Wednesday:
Breakfast: 1 1/2 toasted homemade muffins and coffee
Lunch: 2 Italian sausages and a roll, orange juice
Supper: rice and small piece of steak

Quick Christmas Wrap Up

2008-12-29T18:35:00.002-05:00

Christmas festivities went off without a hitch this year. The party on Christmas Eve was fun and eve4n got over a little earlier than usual, which everybody liked. We had fourteen present. The family from out-of-state couldn't make it this year, so they all got together at Sarah and Brian's, as well as David, Ma, and me. We had a great time. Sarah and Brian's first party in the new house was a rousing success. We got home on Friday evening and Sophie the dog didn't even seem to have missed us. She stayed with my brother and his wife and their basset hound, Molly. On Saturday morning, I took the tree down as Alfie the cat had pretty much ransacked it while we were gone. It was in rough shape anyway from he and Sophie playing under it all the time. By the time Christmas came, there were no ornaments around the bottom of the tree. Today we put away all the boxes of decorations and the house is pretty much back to normal. Of course, there were pictures taken over the holiday. Needless to say, I'm back on a diet. I'm not going to get weighed until I go down two sizes. My heart won't take it. I find it helpful to post my food log, so will probably be posting more frequently as I go along. I got a webcam for Christmas and need to sweet talk BR into hooking it up for me and showing me how to use it. This is it in a nutshell. Happy New Year everyone. I love you Tilly.

FOOD LOG:
Saturday:
Breakfast: hard boiled egg, English muffin, coffee
Lunch: grilled cheese and tomato sandwich
Supper: hamburg pattie, corn, green beans
Sunday:
Breakfast: 2 homemade muffins, coffee
Lunch: baked ham, mashed potato, corn
Supper: slice of meatloaf
Monday:
Breakfast: 2 eggs with cheese, coffee
Lunch: tuna sandwich
Supper: fried ham and potatoes, peas

( I'm basically trying not to snack, eat only one serving at meals, and limit desserts to an occasional treat, plus drinking a lot of water)

THE LIST - revived!

2008-12-20T17:58:00.002-05:00

Ok, why aren't you guys posting regularly? The following offenders have not posted in weeks (in some cases, months): Sarah, Brian, Gretchen, Hillary, Lynn, Joann, and Josey. David is a lost cause. Surely, you have SOMETHING to share with those of us who live to read your blog!

As for me, let's see...I've got Christmas pretty much under control. I just need to buy the ingredients for the eggnog on Monday. Other than that, I'm ready. I was going to make cookies today but it didn't happen. It's kind of early anyway. Maybe I'll do them on Monday afternoon when we get back from grocery shopping. Tuesday I'm tied up all day and there is Bible Study Tuesday night and Wednesday I'll be making pies and helping to get ready for the party Wednesday night. Then Thursday it's off to Massachusetts. Also on Wednesday I need to load the car to see if it is going to be possible to get everything in, so that we don't have to do it on Thursday morning before we leave. Joann may spend the night on Christmas too. That would be fun, her, Ma, and me sharing a room. I heard through the grapevine that Brian is making his world famous waffles on Friday morning. You have never eaten a waffle if you haven't had one of these! Today we went to Rockland and finished up the last minute shopping that we both had to do. Last night I wrapped all of Ma's gifts for her and tonight I need to finish up mine. With the storm coming tomorrow, I doubt that there will be church at night, so maybe I'll start the cookie baking tomorrow afternoon. I'm going to make sugar cookies, gingerbread men, candy cane cookies, and maybe some thumbprint cookies. Maybe then I could make Danish pastry on Monday and hope that it stays fresh for Thursday. No time to do it on Wednesday. Sophie threw up on my comforter after eating pieces of the Christmas tree, so somewhere in there, I need to find time to take it to the laundramat, as it won't fit in our machine. I'm trying not to get stressed out, but time is becoming precious. I'm getting excited to see my grandson again, even though it will only be for a day. From what I understand, he's really packing on the pounds. Then, when the holidays are over, I've got to find me a part time job. Nothing big, just like three days a week. No responsibility. I just need to boost my income some. Retirement put a hole in my finances. Well, nothing more from me tonight. Enjoy the season everyone. I love you Tilly. Hi to the readers. You know who you are.

One Week To Go

2008-12-18T09:37:00.002-05:00

It doesn't seem possible that Christmas is just one week from today. Seems like it really came up quickly this year. I still need to get a couple of things and wrap a few, but mostly I need to wrap all of Ma's for her. Guess that will be my project for this evening. She hates to wrap and everything kind of looks like a tuna fish sandwich when she gets done. I also need to put ribbons on my own gifts. I wrapped them long ago, but didn't do the trim because I didn't want it to get crushed. Now it probably will anyway from being packed in the car to go to Sarah and Brian's on Christmas Day. I'm hoping that it all fits, as David and Ma both have stuff to bring, my brother is sending gifts by me, and I bought quite a bit even though I did get less than last year. Sarah and Brian wanted me to cut back even more, but I love Christmas and giving gifts to my family and I don't do very much of it during the rest of the year. However, money is tight all around, so I am trying to use some self control. On Christmas Eve, all of the family that lives locally will be here for a potluck supper. Then we'll go to church, come back to the house for Jesus's birthday cake, open gifts, and drink egg nog. On Christmas morning we'll leave around 7:00 AM for Sarah's and should arrive there by noon. We'll pack the car the day before. Ma says she's going to sleep in the back seat on the way down but I have a feeling she'll be pretty packed in and will have to do her sleeping sitting upright! The Sunday School pageant went off very well. The kids all did a great job. Following the pageant, we had a Christmas luncheon and the kids got gifts, which was follwed by a female barber shop chorus concert. Sunday was a long day, but a good one. On Tuesday evening, I drove to Bangor for a Red Cross meeting. It was good to see Gretchen again. I am so proud of how well she is handling the job of Emergency Services Director (my old job). I knew when I hired her that she was pretty special. I met the new executive director who seems very pleasant. There are many, many changes afoot in ARC world. I am still convinced that retiring was the right decision for me. Change is not my friend. I'm content to be a volunteer and help out wherever I can. After the holidays, I need to start looking for a part time job. I might give substitute teaching a try, or I might just look for something with little responsibility that might just be fun and get me out around people again. Everyone I talk to says jobs of any kind are pretty scarce, so it may take a while to find something. Well, can't think of anything else this morning. Have a good day everyone. I love you Tilly. Hi to the Reader's Club.

Where is everybody?

2008-12-11T07:12:00.002-05:00

I've noticed that very few of us are posting on a regular basis lately. Surely, we all have things to share. Let's get with it! As for me, most of my time is taken up with puppy and pageant. Today I have to shorten more angel costumes and paint the Inn at Bethlehem on cardboard. Then I guess we're all set to go on Sunday at 11:00 AM. I need to remember to clean up my doll who is going to be the baby Jesus. She's dusty from being on the shelf for years. Luckily, she's plastic and should wash easily. I still need to find a handful of hay for the manger. I don't want to buy a bale because I need so little. Think I'll just stop beside the road and cut some. I've got my eye on some not far from the church. Also have to wrap my SS presents today and address Christmas cards. So it looks like a busy a day. And I have to go to the bank. Next week, I need to finish my shopping. I just have a couple of things to get. Then it is putting ribbons on everything that I've got wrapped. We are going to Sarah's for Christmas. I hope I can get everything in the trunk. My trunk is pretty wide but not really deep. David is pretty good at packing things in so I'll get him to help me. Ma plans to put a pillow and a blanket in the back seat and sleep on the way down to Massachusetts. If we have to use the back seat for gifts, she may have to sleep sitting up! Last night I put the Christmas tree together. Maybe today if I have time, I'll decorate it. I'm trying to get Sophie and Alfie used to it before the ornaments go on. So far, they're doing pretty well leaving it alone. However, I imagine that Sophie will wreak havoc with the Christmas paper on the gifts. Those may have to go on at the last minute. Oh, and Eben has a concert this afternoon that we're going to. I wonder how much I'll really get done. For those of you from away, we're supposed to get an ice storm tonight. That will probably mean power outage. From what they're saying, we could get up to an inch of ice. Gives me bad memories of the Ice Storm of 1998! As far as I know, none of the shelters around here have generators. The closest one is Camden if the ARC decides to open. I doubt that Ma would go to a shelter anyway, so we may be in for a cold night. I'm supposed to go to Camden on Friday but if the roads are icey, that may not happen this week. I have to learn to operate my video camera before Sunday so I can get someone to tape the pageant, for those who can't make it in person. After the pageant, we have a Christmas luncheon and party for the kids and then a holiday concert at 2:00 PM, so evening church has been cancelled. Pastor thinks we'll be churched out by then! Well, guess this is it for me this morning. C'mon people, let's see some posting. Have a good day everyone. I love you Tilly. Hi to the Reader's Club.

Just catching up

2008-12-05T18:54:00.002-05:00

Having done my shopping very early this year, I'm feeling a little left out of the holiday bustle. If I had lots of money, I'd keep on shopping, but that is not the case. I have just one more gift to buy and some stocking candy. I did as my family requested this year and bought fewer gifts, but I stillo can't get through my bedroom! Everything is wrapped but I haven't done any ribbons or trim yet. I figured they would just get crushed in the pile right now. That will give me something to do after the Christmas program at Sunday School. I made costumes for the three wise men, and washed and ironed all of the other costumes. On Sunday, I just need to pin up hems on the angel costumes, if I can get the kids to try them on. Then I'll baste in the hems in the afternoon. Dress rehearsal is Sunday night at 4:00 PM. We had to rewrite a scene as we had a couple of dropouts from the play, but it's still going to be cute, as long as no one else pulls out. Marylou and Lisa did a good job with music. I'm going to ask someone to film the play for me. I have the camera but will be busy with the props and getting the kids where they need to be. Tomorrow I need to paint the fire for the shepherd scene and make the crowns for the kings. I'm hoping my reluctant angels will say their lines on Sunday. The older kids do very well.

Housebreaking a puppy isn't easy at any time of the year, but especially in the winter. Sophie minds the cold a lot. I put a sweater on her when she goes out, but she still shivers and cries to be carried. If I could just get her paper trained for the winter I'd be satisfied. Right now, she's hit or miss. Sometimes she pees on the paper and sometimes she doesn't and it's hard to catch her before she does it. But we're working on it. I take her out after she eats and a couple more times during the day. Paper training would be really handy at night. I don't walk her in the dark. A couple of days ago she slipped out of her harness but I caught her before she knew she was loose. I don't want to take a chance of her getting free again in the dark. I tightened up her harness so that it is snug on her, but just in case...we don't go out after dark. Everybody says that if Jack Russells get loose, they take off like greased lightening. After what happened with Toby, I don't want to take any chances. Right now, we have her gated in the kitchen. It's a pain to climb over the gate a dozen times a day. Today I bid on a swinging gate on Ebay. Won't know if I got it for a few days. It said it was worn but still worked fine and for a dog, worn is okay.

Well, Sophie is crying because no one is in the kitchen, so I guess that's my cue that my puppy tending break is over. Not much else to post anyway. I love you Tilly. Have a good one everybody. Hi to the Reader's Club!

Holiday Wrap-up

2008-11-29T10:25:00.002-05:00

We were pleasantly surprised to have Sarah and Brian and baby Sean decide to come for Thanksgiving, after thinking that they wouldn't be able to make it. It was a rough ride for Sean, but he seemed no worse for the wear. All the family got to meet him and of course fall in love with him. The day after Thanksgiving was Sarah's birthday and Sean's one-month birthday. Some of the family came back over to eat turkey leftovers and have birthday cake. Unfortunately, I had already mailed Sarah's gift, so she'll get it when she gets home later today. We had twenty for Thanksgiving counting Sean, who turned his nose up at the turkey. Jen and Joe and Joann stayed home at Jen's this year, and Mike had to work. Mindy always goes to her sister Stacy's for Thanksgiving, but we did get to see her at Sarah's party. Tonight, we are going to my cousin Gretchen's for an annual Batty cousin reunion. Gretchen is trying very hard to keep the clan together, now that two generations are gone and it is just the cousins left. This makes three parties in three days. I have to put a casserole together in a little while so I can bake it off just before we go tonight. This afternoon, I'll be cleaning at the Red Cross office, and maybe buying Christmas gifts for my Sunday School class. I have seven regulars in my class, plus a couple who occasionally drop in. I'm also working on housebreaking the dog today. I know, it's going to take a lot more than one day, but already she pooped outside this morning. When she gets up from her nap, I'll take her out again. We'll have to crate her when we go to Rockland to keep her out of harm and out of trouble. She doesn't really like the crate, but she'll be okay for a couple of hours. Hopefully David will be home tonight to watch her when we go to Gretchen's. I feel guilty locking her up, but she won't leave the cats alone and they are all bigger than she is and not real fans of being chased and barked at. Tomorrow will be a typical Sunday except that we have another rehearsal for the Sunday School Christmas play. Next week, I have to makes some angel costumes and a make-believe fire. They won't take long, it's getting started that has me dragging my feet. Tomorrow I have to measure the angels at Sunday School. I need to borrow a cot from the Red Cross today if I can find the key to the storage trailor. Hillary said it would be okay, but I still have to get it. Well, guess this is it for today. Have a good weekend everybody. I love you Tilly.

Thanksgiving MI-5

2008-11-29T10:12:00.002-05:00

Questions for reflection;

1. What book do you most want to read before years end?
I don't do a lot of reading. I NEED to read the Bible through again but that isn't going to happen. Perhaps I'd like to reread my favorite book, A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving.

2. What's the most humanly impossible thing you would like to see happen soon?
I'd like to be a size ten, but even a 16 would be a miracle.

3. What's the most important trip you want to take yet this year?
Ma, David, and I are going to Sarah and Brian's for Christmas. I've never gone anywhere but here or New York (when I was married) for the holidays. I'm looking forward to the trip as long as it doesn't snow on Christmas.

4. What habit would you most like to establish in 2009?
Follow-through. I tend to wait until the last minute to get things done. I usually make the deadline, but it gets pretty stressful. I'd like to do things when I say I'm going to do them, and not days or weeks later.

5. What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in ten years?
It's hard to pick a single thing. Be a good daughter, mom, and grandma will most likely make the most difference. I'd like to submit my book to a publisher this year. If it ever gets printed, it would really change the way I think about myself.

Movies MI-5

2008-11-14T15:16:00.002-05:00

This Five is not so much concerned with what kind of movies you like, but how you watch them!

1) When you're at the theater, how do you want your atmosphere? Do you prefer old theaters or megaplexes? Full houses or intimate seatings? Lots of kids, or none at all?

I like old theaters with character. Intimate seating is best and for the most part, no kids. I love kids, but sometimes when I go to the theater or to a restaurant, I like it to be kid-free.

2) What's your "home theater" like? High tech? VCR and TV? What?

We have one TV with a built in VCR and DVD that belongs to Sarah, and I think we have another DVD out in the garage on David's big screen TV. Definitely nothing high tech.

3) We've probably all got DVD and VCR players, but how about alternative movie watching gadgets? Have you got an Apple TV? Ever watch a movie over the Internet?

I still have a Select-A-Vision with the big movies that you have to turn over halfway through. It's not hooked up, but I've got it and about 25 movies. I have never watched a movie over the internet. Until recently, I had dial-up service and couldn't tie up the phone for that long. Also, my computer was very slow and I don't know if it would have played a movie anyway.

4) Do you belong to a subscription movie rental service, like NetFlix? If so, how many movies are you renting a month? Are you happy with the service?

I rent very few movies and have no subscription. I have trouble paying attention to one show for two hours. I rarely even watch TV movies, opting instead for 30 minute and one hour shows.

5) Share with us your ratio of buying movies to renting them. Do you rent more, or just outright buy your movies? Do you get DVDs, tapes, or movie downloads for your computer most frequently?

I rent if I'm going to watch a movie. When the kids were young, we bought more because they watched them over and over again. I pretty much watch it once and that's it. However, I do have a copy of the Day of the Trifids that I treasure. It's kind of a cult movie, but mostly it means a lot to me because my co-workers bought for my birthday one year while I was working at the Red Cross. It was so nice of them to think of my favorite anything.

Update

2008-11-14T06:08:00.002-05:00

After much discussion and soul searching, we returned Toby to the shelter yesterday. We are in hope that someone will take him who has experience working with abused animals. Both Ma and I hated to make this decision, but we just weren't making any progress with him. He wouldn't allow us to pick him up, wouldn't go outside on a leash, was terrified enerytime we tried to do anything for him. Becuase he was so scared, he also tried to bite several times, and we didn't want that around the kids, if we ever did gain his trust. As soon as the shelter returns our money, we are going to start looking for another dog. This shelter said they would keep us in mind if they took in a smallish dog, but we're thinking that we'll try a little closer to home this time. Who knows, maybe we'll end up with a puppy of some kind. I am dealing with a lot of guilt over having made this decision, but I think it was the only one that we could have made under the circumstances. Next time, we are not going to jump into an adoption. We're going to let a dog pick us. Surely there is a little dog out there who likes old ladies and almost old ladies. Ma likes Jack Russell Terrier's, but I think she would be open to any dog, even a mutt, who likes people and likes to go outside. The dog is Ma's Christmas gift and she will have the final say, but I will most likely inherit the dog, so she wants one that we both like. Maybe I'll try visiting some of the vets too. Sometimes people put up notices when they have puppies that aren't purebreds but need good homes. We'd like to take a shelter dog, because then you feel like you are doing a good thing as well as getting a pet, but we'll consider anything, as long as the dog is small. We had hopes of teaching it to ride in the car with us, go for walks with Ma as well as me, sit in our laps and let us love him. Toby was never going to be that kind of dog. If anyone reading this hears or sees of a small dog in need of a home, please let me know. We'd like it to be a young dog, though it doesn't have to be a puppy. Ma wants the dog to outlive her so she doesn't have to go through what we went through with Rusty. She still hasn't gotten over losing him. I'm sure that Eben is going to be disappointmed about returning Toby. He seemed to like him a lot. But we will get another dog as soon as we can find one, or one finds us. Toby seemed almost glad to be back at the shelter. After nine months of being there, it probably seemed like home to him. They'll take good care of him, have a no kill policy, and we'll find a dog who will love us as much as we love him/her. But all-in-all, yesterday was a difficult day. Maybe today will be better.

Where did THAT week go?

2008-11-12T16:50:00.002-05:00

Can't believe that it has been a week since I posted. Last Wednesday I went back to Brookfield to help out for a few days. It appears that my grandson hasn't yet figured out that nights are for sleeping, so Sarah and Brian have been taking shifts, one sleeping and one staying up with the baby. I guess either the room I sleep in there is far enough away from theirs, or that I sleep like a log, because he never woke me up once! I would just get up at 5 AM as usual and find Sarah and Sean in the living room. Then I would take a turn of watching / rocking him, so she could go back to bed for a little while. It will be so much easier for them when he starts sleeping at night. I hope he isn't going to be another David...he slept through the night the first time when he was in Kindergarten! Anyway, I stayed until Saturday. I hadn't made arrangements for a sub for my SS class, though I'm sure someone would have jumped in. I had considered staying until Monday, but Sarah thought I should maybe go home and come back when Brian goes to work next week, which I will do if she needs me to spell her during the day so that she can sleep. Sarah says Sean had a checkup on Monday and gained another three ounces. I imagine by now he is back to his birth weight. I had to be back on Tuesday because I had two doctors' appointments that day. Today I have mostly struggling with the dog. He is still too afraid to let us pick him up and he's terrified to go out on his leash. I forced him outside today and he...how shall I word it?..."soiled" my shirt. That was really cool. Once I managed to muckle him, I had to bring him in and bathe him in the tub. So far, that is the only thing that has gone well as far as he is concerned. We are starting to think that we made a mistake in taking a dog that had been abused. We may have to take him back to the shelter. Until January, we are officially his "foster parents", and if things don't work out, we have the right to take him back. We're thinking that maybe we need to get a dog that actually likes us, even if we have to get a little bigger one. Toby is not housebroken, but with him being so scared to go outside, I don't see how that is going to happen. We've gated him into the kitchen and the porch for now. Got him a crate, but he just goes on the floor when he gets out of it. Maybe we should not have fallen for a cute face and should have checked out all of the shelters before choosing a dog. This shelter will give us the money back if we return him before January. Then we could go look at some of the other places. He's a very cute dog, but he has so many emotional problems to overcome. I don't know if we are the right parents for him. Maybe he needs parents who have worked with abused animals before. And frankly, we aren't enjoying him so much because we can't get close to him. In order to pick him up, we have to corner him. Yesterday he bit me. His harness was messed up and I needed to catch him so that I could fix it. He thought I was trying to hurt him, I guess. I did get the harness fixed though. Next week I am going to pick up an application for subsitute teaching. Since I'm not old enough for Social Security, I have to pay for private health insurance. I need a little more income to cover that. If not for that, I'd be okay. Teaching will allow me a lot of flexibility. I don't want to be tied down to a M-F part-time job if I can help it. Wish me luck on that. My knees won't allow for a job that requires me to be on my feet for a long time. Ever since the great escape of the dog, they have been really bad. I tried to run to keep up with him, and I hurt them all over again. Well, guess this does it for today. I love you Tilly. Hi to the Readers' Club! Have a good evening, or day tomorrow everyone.

Tuesday tidbits

2008-11-04T15:18:00.002-05:00

Nothing major to report here today...unless...did I tell you have a beautiful blonde grandson? Spoke to Sarah yesterday for a minute. Sean is almost back up to his birth weight. Yesterday at his checkup, he was 8lbs, 4 oz...just four more ounces to go! From what I'm hearing, he has his Uncle Dave's appetite, so it won't be long. Sarah is sounding stonger and more confident every time I talk to her. Tired ? yes. But more and more like her own self. I can't wait to see them again. I've shown everyone the few pictures that I got and of course they are impressed. I had an appointment with my doctor yesterday for a flu shot and to get some ointment for my allergic hands and all the nurses were drooling over the pictures. I bought Sean a gray jogging suit with a red lining and a red shirt to match it because I figure he'll be up and about very soon. He's very smart you know.

The dog is doing better all the time. Today I called him from the dining room and in he came from the porch. He's still not totally convinced that he can walk with his harness on, but he's getting better at it. Just now, I took him outside for the first time since the great escape, and he seemed really into it. We just walked around the yard as I want him to get better on the leash before we start walking on the road. I'll keep taking him out every couple of hours to get him used to it. As a shelter dog, he has never lived in a house before with people. Everything is new to him and he is afraid of everything. He doesn't know how to play, which is something that we'll need to teach him. Whenever we walk up to him, he just hunches down and shakes and his little eyes say, "What are you going to do to me?" I'm sure he will adjust with time. Once he is used to us, I want to get him used to riding in the car in with us. Right now, I think it would be too overwhelming for him. We are going to Sarah and Brian's overnight on Christmas Day. I am hoping that he will be one of the family by then and maybe we can bring him with us. Otherwise, we'll have to find someone to keep him overnight. He seems okay with the cats. They aren't really bothering him, and he pretty much ignores them, but we got him a crate anyway so that when we have to leave him, he can go in there just in case they decide to attack him, or someone accidentally lets him out.

It appears that I have developed an allergy in regards to my hands. No new soaps, hair products, medicines, etc., but the skin is peeling off them and they crack and bleed. The doctor gave me a steroid ointment for them for two weeks, and I have to cover them with Vaseline and socks at night. Today I bought Playtex gloves for washing dishes and laundry, etc., and disposable ones for washing my hair, just in case it is the shampoo or creme rinse or mousse that I am using. While I was there at the doctor, I got my flu shot, so I don't drag that down to Sean or home to Ma.

I have my Christmas shopping all done and wrapped, except for the name that I draw! Pretty good, huh? I cut way back on the number of gifts that I bought for each person, but I still can't get into the far side of my bedroom. I guess maybe they are just bigger in size this year. I have one big one for Sean that Brian will have to assemble. Hey, isn't that a Dad's job at Christmas?

This year, we have decided on buffet for Thanksgiving. Our family has just outgrown the concept of all of us sitting down together at one table. We are going to set tables in the kitchen, dining room, and living room, and use the buffet to put the food on. We hate to see a tradition pass, that of all sitting together, but I guess it is time for a new tradition. It will also seem strange to go somewhere on Christmas Day. When I was married, we occasionally missed Thanksgiving in Spruce Head in favor of New York, but I've never not been here for Christmas Day. It's kind of exciting to think of trying something new.

Tonight we have a business meeting at church, but there doesn't seem to be anything big on the agenda, so it will probably be short. Speaking of church, I wrote the Christmas play for the Sunday School this year. I'm just waiting for final approval. I think it is going to be really cute. The four/five-year-olds are all going to be angels, and most of them are boys! That should be one for the books! Marylou and Lisa are writing in the music as that is not my area of expertise. There will be a lot of costumes to assemble, but not too many props. The whole concept is a dream sequence. I think it is going to pretty easy to direct and pretty easy for the kids to perform. Everyone has lines to say. Some of the older ones will read their lines as they have more dialogue than the younger ones. All I have left to write is a welcome for our oldest child to do. She is quite a bit older than the other kids and too old for the play itself.

Well, guess this about does it for today. Don't forget to vote today. Have a good evening everyone. I love you Tilly. Hi to the loyal readers' club.

RESCUED....AGAIN!

2008-11-02T15:29:00.002-05:00

We have the dog back! Jake Paulsen found him down in the rocks across from the Lobster Lane Book Shop while we were in church. Since we weren't home, he took him to his house until we got home. He was hungry and thirsty, muddy, wet, and had a tick on him, but otherwise unharmed. Tomorrow we are going to buy him a harness (no more collars for this guy!) and a crate for when we have to go out so that no one will accidently let him out and to protect him from the cats, who aren't at all sure that they like him. For tonight is grounded in side the house, and hopefully knows what he can do on a newspaper. God sure does answer prayer. I had just about given up on finding him and was really dreading calling the shelter tomorrow to tell them what had happened.

Quick Update

2008-11-01T16:18:00.002-05:00

I spoke briefly to Brian this morning. Sean and Sarah were discharged on Friday night. Brian said it was a busy night, but that all of them are doing well. That put my mind at ease on one front. However, the other front is not good news. We got home with dog on Friday afternoon. Getting out of the car, he went a little crazy because a truck was going by, but Ma managed to get him picked up and we got inside. He did quite well in the house, following Ma everywhere she went. Since he isn't 100% housebroken, Ma asked me to take him outside to pee. Like a flash, he pulled his head out of his collar and he was off like greased lightning. We hunted until dark for him, then had to give it up for the night. This morning at daylight, I was back out looking for him. No luck so far. We've told everyone we've met to be on the lookout for him, and have put posters in the store and in the post office. I don't know if we'll ever get him back. He doesn't come when you call him, so it is going to have to be that someone sees him and catch him. He will let you pick him up, if you can corner him. He is terrified of everything. Pray that someone finds him and returns him. We really want him back.

Just Call Me Grandma

2008-10-29T07:41:00.002-05:00

I have a healthy, beautiful grandson named Sean Brian Kenny, born yesterday at 2:10 PM. Mother and baby are doing well, and Dad is proud as a peacock. For those of you who read here but are not family members, the baby weighed 8 lbs. 8 oz, and is 22 1/2 inches long. He has blonde curly hair and really long fingers. I have already started looking for a piano for him. Last night, Ma and I spent the night at Sarah and Brian's house and will be going back to the hospital in Worcester later this morning. I hope to get to hold him today and we are planning a major photo shoot, digital, video, film pictures. Watch Sarah and Brian's blog for pictures sometime after Thursday. Brian got some good pictures already. Right now, all agree that he looks like his mother. BR is going to show me how to put photos on my blog, so eventually, you can see him here as well. It rained the whole trip down here yesterday. There is nothing like driving on 495 with a million trucks throwing crap all over your windshield! It was also tough driving last night still in the rain, getting from Worcester to Brookfield. Luckily, today it is not raining and we'll be traveling in the daytime. We are going in search of the grocery store and Walmart this morning. I think I know where they are. If not, we'll just be lost for a while. Ma loves that. If all goes as planned, we'll leave here on Friday morning, stop at Jen's for tea in Haverill, make a quick stop at the Christmas Tree Shop in Portland, and be at the animal shelter by 4 PM to pick up the dog. If we get behind schedule, I'll call them and see if I can get him on Saturday morning. I thought they said they were closed on the weekends but that doesn't make much sense as that is when most people would be free to look at the animals. I tried to talk Ma into a kitten too, but she didn't go for it. I guess three cats are her limit. Well, guess this does it for this morning. Oh...did I mention that my grandson is beautiful? Have a good day everyone. Hi to the Readers' Club.

Dog days of autumn

2008-10-27T05:48:00.002-05:00

On Friday, Ma and I went to the Lincoln County Animal Rescue shelter and adopted a dog. He's a Shih Tzu and is a year and half old. Blonde and white, and a bit rotund. He is one of the Shih Tzus who were seized from the puppy mill in Sumerville last spring, so he has lived his whole life in a kennel. Consequently, he is afraid and very shy. We are going to have to get him used to be around people and being in a house. He shakes a lot when you first pick him up, but settles down after a bit of stroking and reassuring. Right now his name is Chewie, but we're going to change it. Joann and Jennifer and Joe gave him to Ma for Christmas early, but someday, he'll probably be mine, so I am excited as well. We're supposed to pick him up on Friday, but if the baby doesn't cooperate, we'll call them and see if they will keep him until Monday. Speaking of the baby, he is still content where he is. Sarah was on the wait list to be induced last night, but since we got no call, I guess that was delayed. Now she's on the list for tonight, or Tuesday for sure. We will probably not leave until early the next morning after she calls us that she's going into the hospital. That way, we'll be there around 11:00 AM or noon. We are on pins and needles and have been packed for several days. This morning we are going to run to Hannaford to get David some more food. We keep stocking him up and then she doesn't go and he eats all the food. Ma has been doing his laundry everyday so that he won't run out of work clothes while we're gone. Marylou cut David's hair yesterday. He wanted it short and it is. He says it is just what he wanted. We've been trying to get to the barber for three weeks but with only one day off, he has had something planned everytime he is off. On Saturday, we went to Walmart and stocked up on dog supplies. We got a bed, a toy, food, dishes, a brush, and clippers. Now we just need the dog...and a name. Speaking of names, I still don't know my grandson's names. Sarah says they are keeping it secret. It's driving me crazy. I have his Christmas gifts wrapped, but no tags yet. Also need to get something engraved but I need to know his name. Oh well, just two more days at the most. Yesterday was a typical Sunday for us. Some of the village lost power during the early morning storm, but we didn't. Sunday School, church, lunch at the store, Ma's nap and I played on the computer and finished a knitting project. Then back to church last night. I have enjoyed having Phil Janes fill in for the pastor, but it will be nice to have Pastor Dave back next week. Today after grocery shopping, I will be working on the Christmas Skit for Sunday School. I have it all planned out in my head. Just need to put it down on paper and add the dialogue. All the Sunday School children will have a part in it, complete with lines. The older ones will be doing it as a reader's play, but the little ones will have to memorize their lines, so I need to make them age-appropriate for the four-year-olds. Then there will be costumes to make and Marylou will be helping me write in the music. I think it will be fun. I've written skits before, but this will probably be the biggest one I've done. It has been hard to focus on the writing while waiting for the phone to ring from Sarah. Sarah, use my cellphone if you need me this morning while I'm in town. I think I'll add some more minutes to my Tracfone today also, and figure out how to use the camcorder. BR is going to show me how to post pictures on my blog so I can send you pix of the baby. Sarah and Brian are not too good at posting these days. And I think they'll be a little busy as well. Well, this about does it for this morning. Have a good day everyone. Family, I will send out a blast email when we leave for Massachusetts. Keep checking your mail. I'll keep you posted from Sarah and Brian's as best I can. I love you Tilly. Hi to the loyal Readers' Club.

Coffee Time

2008-10-23T05:02:00.002-05:00

I'm waiting for the coffee to brew. David has an automatic coffee pot and it doesn't start until six o'clock. I get up at 5:00. Yesterday we went to see Pam. She is doing remarkably well. She can move her leg all around and make a loose fist with her left hand. Her face looks more normal and her speech is very good. Wouldn't be surprised if she comes home pretty soon. She sent me to Reny's for chocolates so I know she's getting back to normal. We poked around Reny's for a while and then I took the candy back to her. Her speech therapist was with her then. Then, as I thought, we found an excuse to go to Walmart. I didn't get anything but Ma bought a couple of things for Christmas. Filled the gas tank just in case, and came home, but at least we found something to do. I fixed supper and cleaned up the mess and then knitted for the rest of the evening. Today I have a therapy appointment and some errands to do, so most of the day will be taken up. Sounds like the coffee is ready. Some of you are very lax about posting. I may have to revive the List. Have a good day everyone. Love you Tilly. Hi to Marylou, Alice, and Dori.

Punctuality?

2008-10-22T05:22:00.002-05:00

Well, my grandson is officially late this morning. Yesterday came and went and he didn't. We're still playing the waiting game, at least until Monday. But, I'm all packed and everything is done just in case he decides the time is right. I'm sure I'm not the only one who is eager for him to take some initiative. This is the most exciting thing in my life. Being a grandmother is so totally different than being a parent, although I looked forward to that both times. Of course, I'll be relieved to know that he and his mother are both okay, but I can't wait to meet him. Yesterday I went to Walmart to buy some "frogs" for the new bathrobe that I made, but they didn't have any. I had to settle for some fancy metal hooks. They look okay but I really wanted frogs. Oh well, it's just a bathrobe. Last night I added some pockets to it and it is now packed. I also bought Ma's last Christmas gift. All I have left is the person whose name I draw at Thanksgiving and candy for the stockings. Oh, and another stocking. I can't remember where I bought the stockings that we have, so I'll have to do some searching so they will all match. I'm wondering how Alfie will be with the Christmas tree. He wasn't very good at his house. Maybe he has outgrown the urge to climb it by this year. I am disappointed in some of the kids books this year. I ordered them off the internet and while they are complete and unabridged, they are very small in size. They're going to look funny on their bookshelves. I ended up with three of these small books and four full-grown ones. They are trickling in one by one. Borders is paying a fortune in postage. I have some odds and ends in transit from Ebay which seem to take forever to get here. I'm glad I shopped early this year. I did a lot of shopping online. My knees just won't take the all-day shopping expeditions of the past. Besides, I found things online that weren't in the stores. You just need to allow for shipping costs. Some things I had to pass up because the price plus the shipping made them more expensive than if I did find them in a store. In other cases, it worked out fine, and in some the shipping was free. My kids gave me the devil for over-shopping last year, so this year I have cut the number of presents just about in half, except for one if he ever gets here. That I just couldn't resist. But I'm finished now, and most of them are just little things, but so cute! Who knows, maybe by next year, I can cut it down even more. But I have had such fun doing my shopping this year, and I haven't used any plastic. Today I have nothing on my schedule except for knitting and wrapping a few last things. I imagine we'll find some excuse for going to Rockland. I do have to figure out how to use the camcorder so I won't be fiddling with it when I take pictures to bring back of my grandson. Unfortunately, I don't know how to put pictures on my blog. I'll have to leave that to Brian and Sarah. Well, this is it for today. Have a good one everybody despite the rain. I love you Tilly. Hi to the loyal Readers' Club.

Correction

2008-10-21T09:29:00.002-05:00

In Monday's post I said we went to Augusta to bet Eben's Christmas present. Although my mother is a gambler at heart, we went to get his gift.

The Five

2008-10-21T09:16:00.002-05:00

1) Johnny Quest meets his friend Hadji in India. Tell us about a friend you have/someone you met who is "far" away. (You determine what "far" is.)

My sister-in-law, Judi Reed, is from North Carolina, but right now she is in Russia visiting her former exchange student. Then she's making a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. Does that count? If it doesn't, then I guess it would have to be my cousin Melissa who lives in Amarillo, Texas.

2) Scooby Doo and Shaggy are always hankerin' for a snack. What have you got a craving for recently?

To eat? A cream puff or some coconut pie from Helen's in Ellsworth. In general, my grandson!

3) There are so many trains in "Thomas and Friends" I can't keep track of them all! Is there a group of folks you're involved in, and yet you don't know everyone's name (e.g. chruch group, business group, support group, etc.)? Can you tell us about it?

Red Cross I guess. I know most of the locals, but there are thousands of people involved in the organization.

4) Bill Cosby was only a regular on "The Electric Company" for one season before he left. What job have you held for the shortest period of time?

I went to orientation at Ames Department Store, and then took the job with Red Cross. I got a paycheck for about 2 hours from Ames.

5) Speaking of Bill Cosby, "The Junkyard Gang" from Fat Albert made instruments out of old junk. Do you have something in your house that's old junk that you've turned into something useful? If not, tell us about something that's junky, but that you just can't get rid of?

Not that I did, but Billy Rhythm built my computer out of odd pieces that he had lying around, and I love it and him.

The Weekend

2008-10-20T07:10:00.002-05:00

Let's see...Friday...I know that Ma and I went to town or something. Now that the price of gas is down, we're doing a little more running around. At Walmart, I bought fabric to make myself a new bathrobe. I like the kind with the zipper and they're hard to find. Couldn't find a pattern, so I bought a nightgown pattern that I'm going to revamp. We have to get groceries this morning, but after that I hope to make the bathrobe. The rest of Friday is a blur. We went to Augusta last week to bet Eben's Christmas present, but I think that was earlier in the week. On Saturday (and Friday night) I sewed. Can't tell you what because the recipent reads this blog, but I finished that yesterday afternoon. It's a Christmas gift. Also on Saturday night, we cleaned the Red Cross office. Lynn, I need some supplies! Yesterday was Sunday and that pretty much follows a set routine. I only had two in my SS class, down from seven the week before. The pastor is on vacation and it seems when he is away, the mice play. Hope they all come back next week. Phil Janes preached which I always enjoy. Then after church, we joined the other church here in the village for a Family Fall Festival. We were their guests and they provided all the food and ran all the games. It was nice to spend some time with old friends. However, I find that I knew very few people except for them. Times have changed a lot since I went there. We had a great time. I came home, frozen, and finished my sewing. I'm also working on a knitting project, also a gift, so I worked on that for the rest of the afternoon, then it was back to church for the evening service. I won a baby monitor on Ebay for when baby Brian visits for $1.25! Also got some new sheets for the Port-o-crib really cheap. So, it was a successful day on Ebay. There is one more thing that I am watching, but the shipping is high, so I probably won't even bid on it. I might be able to find it in a store cheaper. Talked to Sarah yesterday afternoon. Still no twinges...she goes to the doctor again tomorrow. That means I have to pack today...just in case. Ma and I are out of here as soon as we know when. I'll send an email out to the family group to let you know when we leave, so keep checking your email after tomorrow. This about does it for today. I love you Tilly. Hi to the loyal Readers' Club. Have a good day everyone.

Update

2008-10-16T08:28:00.002-05:00

Let's see...Monday we got groceries. We were out of half and half for the coffee. $200 later we came home...you guessed it...without the half and half. We went in the afternoon, so the whole day was messed up. I don't think we did anything on Monday night. Tuesday, we went back for the half and half and did a little shopping. Mostly now, I'm just helping Ma shop, as my shopping is done except for her little gifts. Then it was Bible Study Tuesday night. We started the book of Jude. Much better than Joel was. We'll get that finished next week. I don't know what comes next. The pastor is on vacation for two weeks so I assume that Bill will do Bible Study, but I'm just guessing. I think that Phil Janes will be filling in in the pulpit. I like Phil very much. Yesterday, we had an appointment in the morning so we stopped at the Keag store for breakfast. Then about 2:00 PM, we were just talking about Eben and Christmas, and we decided to run to Augusta to get him something that Ma saw over there two weeks ago. As luck would have it, they still had some left, so he's done. We only went to Kmart and the Christmas Tree Shop. We got back to Rockland around 6:00 and I had to pick up a prescription, so we didn't get home until 6:45 PM. Oh, I remember, I sewed on Tuesday morning. Today I have an appointment from 1:00 to about 3:30, and then I'm going to sew some more...Christmas stuff. I'm also knitting a cabled scarf as a gift. I'm going scrapbooking at Lisa's on Saturday night (I think it's Saturday), and to a Harvest Festival after church on Sunday. I'm trying to stay out of stores as much as possible as my shopping is done (I cut down this year) but I'm still in the shopping mode. I may go to help Sarah for a while after Brian goes back to work, so that will keep me busy for a while. Today I'm going to partially pack my suitcase for the blessed event, or at least make a list so I can pack in a hurry. This trip, we'll only be gone for two or three days. Then I'll bring Ma home and go back if Sarah needs/wants me. I watched the debate last night. This time, I only slept through the beginning of it, but I saw most of it. Only 19 days left. That's still time for one of them to mess up. Guess this does it for this morning. I love you Tilly. Hi to the Readers' Club. Have a good day everyone.

Columbus Day

2008-10-13T04:13:00.002-05:00

"In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue". Does anyone know the rest of this ditty? I don't think I ever heard it. Well, Ma wasn't feeling well last night so we stayed home from church. Everyone thought we had headed to Massachusetts for the blessed event. Sorry folks. From now on, we'll let someone know when we make the trip for real! Now, going backward, let's see...Thursday...I took the bottles back and got $13...and then went to my therapy appointment. The doctor had to go to the doctor, so I only had a one-hour session. Got home early. We had an early supper and I wrapped some more Christmas gifts and played on the computer for the rest of the evening. Nothing much on Friday either. We went to Walmart where I bought fabric for drapes for my grandson's room. Winnie the pooh. I made them yesterday. It was the first time I ever made lined drapes and they came out really well. We'll take them down there when we go. On Saturday, Ma and I went Christmas shopping in Bangor/Brewer. I'm all finished with my shopping and wrapping except for some small gifts for Ma. Four of us chipped together on her main present, but I want her to have some gifts under the tree too, some for Christmas Eve, and some for at Sarah and Brian's on Christmas. I have no idea what to get. As a child, she got very few gifts, and none that were wrapped in paper with bows and such. She mentions that from time to time. I guess I'm trying to make up for that in a small way. Anyway, I got into Brewer and out without getting lost which is a major feat for me. We had lunch at China Harbor in Bangor and then went to a few places there. Didn't hit the mall as neither of us is up to that much walking. The foliage on the way up was beautiful, but I think that it is a tiny bit past prime in Bangor itself. There seems to be a lot more red than usual this year. I also bought some more stuff to use as prizes/bribes to get my SS class to learn their memory verses. All in all, we had a good day. No mail today...holiday. I hate it when there's no mail. Oh well, guess this does it for today. Have a good day everybody. I love you Tilly. Hi to the loyal Readers' Club.

Gina's MI-5

2008-10-10T13:50:00.002-05:00

1. Other than the usual “crunch”, what one word best describes the sound when you walk in snow? Tell us about a time you had with/in snow.

THUD! That was the sound my head made as it hit the sidewalk in front of Levinsky's on Congress Street, in Portland, Maine.

2. What one word best describes the sound of leaves as you walk through them. Try not to use the word “rustle, rustling”. Share a story having to do with you and leaves.

SNIFF! That's the sound of me sobbing as I realize that winter is not far away.

3. Choosing another word besides the word “slosh”, give us your best (one) word for walking through rain and puddles. We’d love to read a story about you and the rain and/or puddles.

DISBELIEF I was a bridesmaid at the wedding of my best friend and my cousin and we had a hurricane that day. The wedding was supposed to be at the Children's Chapel outside, but at the last minute, we had to scurry around and find a church that wasn't being used. We ended up in a small, seldom-used room in the Congregational Church. I think it was Hurricane Gloria and it came in way faster than had been predicted.

4. Yes, there’s sweltering. But pick one other word to describe the humid summer heat. If you’re able, tell us a funny story related to you and the summer heat. If nothing comes to mind, tell us what you do to beat the heat.

ZZZZZ! I sit on the enclosed porch, with the fan going, in my chair, and sleep.

5. Halloween is fast approaching. Other than the word “spooky”, choose one word that describes the Halloween atmosphere. Share with us a favorite Halloween costume you wore. If you’ve never participated by wearing a costume, let us know the wildest costume you’ve ever seen.

DANGER! (Will Robinson) My best costume was the year that I went to the party as a robot, entirely concealed in cardboard boxes and innertubes (deflated). Ashley helped me make it. No one figured out that it was me.

Thursday Already?

2008-10-09T05:00:00.002-05:00

Hmmm. I'm not sure how much of my week I can remember at this point. I know that I've been to town every day this week. So much for conserving on gas. At least the price is down a little. It was $3.09 at the Irving station yesterday. If only the heating oil would fall too. We ordered some this week for $3.77 a gallon. It's going to be a long cold winter. Right now, we heat the house up in the morning and then turn it off again. Then again in the evening. Ma is suffering with the cold already. Monday is kind of a blur. I think I went to Reny's to get gift boxes and wrapping paper. Oh, before that, I had lunch with Rita, a friend from my Red Cross days. We had a blast. It was so good to see her. I haven't laughed so much in a while. Then I went home and got Ma and we went to see Pam, who had a stroke on Sunday afternoon. I guess it could have been worse, but she doesn't look good. We only saw her for a few minutes. Monday night. I think I'm getting the chronology mixed up a little here, but that doesn't really matter. Monday night we went to "Dinner and a Movie" at the church. Again, I had a nice time. We left early because Ma was tired and wasn't following the movie very well. It was Sense and Sensibility, and I think the English accents plus not hearing well made it hard for her. Tuesday, we got goceries in the morning and then went to the store for lunch. Jon Elwell joined us, and Ashley dropped in and pulled up a chair for a few minutes too. After lunch, I left for my doctor's appointment in Brunswick. I got there a little early so I dashed into Cook's Corner and grabbed a couple things at Big Lots and a new coffee pot from Walmart. David's programmable one went on the blink and we are both getting spoiled by having the coffee ready when we get up. Ma made fish chowder for dinner so we had a quick supper and it was off to Bible Study. We finished the book of Joel and are going to start on Jude next. I think I will like that better. Yesterday, Ma and I put the plastic around the bottom of the shed/washroom to try to cut down on the draft this winter. We got it done, but we were both pretty lame afterwards. After Ma took a nap, we went back to see Pam. She still doesn't look well and wasn't really up to talking much, so again we made it a short visit. Then took the coffeepot back to Walmart as it had something wrong with the digital display and got another one which works fine. Coffee was ready when I got up. After dinner and dishes, I went over to Marylou's for tea and returned some patterns that I had borrowed. I enjoy our visits. I try not to make a nuisance of myself and only go over about twice a week. It's nice to talk to someone my own age. Today I have a therapy appointment in Camden this afternoon which pretty much ties up the afternoon. I've got to return bottles before I go as they are mounting up again. This morning I have GOT to wrap some Christmas presents. My bedroom is looking like a landfill with all the plastic bags and piles of boxes. I was going to do it last night, but Ma went to bed while I was next door and I didn't want to wake her getting the stuff downstairs. I am slmost finsihed with my Christmas shopping. Just a few more things to find and stocking stuffers. We are going to Sarah and Brian's for Christmas day this year. We'll have the party Christmas Eve and then get up in the morning and drive to Massachusetts in time for dinner and gift exchange with them in the afternoon. Pray that we don't have snow on Christmas Day if you would please. Christmas Eve is fine. We'll spend the night there and probably drive back on the 26th. I've already told David to ask for the 26th off from work if he isn't already laid off by then. Well, guess this does it for this morning. Have a great day everyone. I love you Tilly. Hello to the Readers' Club.

On A Winning Streak...

2008-10-05T15:04:00.002-05:00

First, I won my bid on Ebay last night. It's the first time I ever tried Ebay. I lost a few before I finally won this one. Second, I took my Sunday School class to play mini-golf this afternoon, and I won by two strokes, much to Eben's disgust! Maybe I'm on a streak. Yesterday Ma and I went to Eben's soccer game, then to Walmart for some fabric, then to the Red Cross to clean. We celebrated with an ice cream for supper. We bought them at Dairy Queen and took them down to the public landing to watch the boats while we ate them. We did that a lot when I was a child. Last night, I played on the computer and went to bed early. BR hooked up my sound card and speakers yesterday morning, so I have all sorts of cool sounds now coming from my computer. After church tonight I'm either going to wrap presents, or pin on pattern pieces. I'm not sure which will strike my fancy. We have a potluck supper at church at 5 PM, followed by the regular evening service. Today was pretty much all church. Last night, we lost our power. I of course sleep with a C-Pap breathing machine with a mask over my face. When the power goes out, it gets interesting! I choked myself awake and then couldn't sleep because it was too dark and too quiet. I think it was out for about three hours. Tomorrow I'm stopping in at the red Cross office and then having lunch with a friend at Bricks. Tomorrow night we have "dinner and movie" night for the ladies at church. We're going to see Sense and Sensibility. I don't know what the menu is. Guess this does it for now. The kids are already arguing about who gets to sit in the front seat when we do our winter outing! Love you Tilly. Hi to the Readers Club.

Bummer!

2008-10-03T08:18:00.003-05:00

I FELL ASLEEP during the debate last night. I got about the first ten minutes and the last five! I really wanted to hear this one. Every channel is giving a different assessment this morning. I don't know any more than I did before. Bummer!

OK...here it is...

2008-10-02T16:53:00.002-05:00

I know you've all been waiting patiently for me to update my blog. My days are so exciting and all. Let's see...Tuesday was a big day. I spent two hours in the morning watching the technician from TimeWarner change over my service. We now have digital phone and internet, and some extra TV channels (no movie channels, much to David's chagrine). My computer is a lot faster now that I don't have to wait for dial-up. I have to admit, the decision to do this was hard. I felt very disloyal to Billy Rhythm and Midcoast Internet Solutions. I'm getting a webcam and Brian thought it wouldn't work as well with dialup. When BR comes down this way again, maybe he can put my sound card in??? After the technician left, I took Ma to her routine doctor's appointment. Same old, same old. She feels lousey and there doesn't seem to be anything wrong other than what we already know about. We got groceries after the doctor's and still made it home in time to make it to Bible Study. We're still in the book of Joel. Could we have picked a more confusing prophesy to discuss? I think Revelation would be more straightforward than Joel! Yesterday I had a therapy appointment, so I left early to make arrangements to get new tires and do some errands for Ma. I also wanted some gift boxes, but there were none in Rockland to be had and I didn't have time to stop at Reny's. Only problem was, my appointment wasn't for yesterday...wrong day, right time. It was today. We went to the store for lunch before I left for the doctor's which didn't leave me time to stop at Reny's for the boxes on the way up, and on the way back, I was in a hurry to get to the tire place. So, still no boxes...maybe tomorrow. This year, I'm Christmas shopping early and wrapping as I go. My car drives like a new one with the new tires. This morning I didn't even get dressed until 11:00 AM! I finished up some knitting and played on the computer and totally lost track of time. Tonight Ma and I are going to try to stay up to listen to the VP debate and the critiques afterwards. I have some writing to do anyway, so I should make it...I don't know about Ma. Nine o'clock is pretty late for her! Heard from Sarah tonight. Her doctor's appointment went well. He says the baby weighs around seven pounds right now...or maybe not. That's a big help! Well, this is "the rest of the story" for tonight. Have a good evening everyone. I love you Tilly. Hi to the Readers Club.

Kyle Who?

2008-09-29T04:46:00.002-05:00

What happened? I was all set to hunker down for at least some wind and heavy rain. We didn't get either! So much for my Emergency Email that I get about weather and other approaching disasters! Yesterday, evening church services were even cancelled, just in case. I ended up wrapping some Christmas presents and knitting. I have also discovered online shopping. If I see something I like and there is that store around here, I try to go there to save on shipping, but if not, I've ordered a couple of things. Mostly, I just like browsing the websites for ideas. I'm still waiting for my AC Adapter from JVC. UPS is taking their time with that one. I think I'll try to track the order if it doesn't come today. I got the sound card for my computer. As soon as Billy Rhythm has a chance to put it in, I'll be wired for sound! As it is, I get videos emailed to me and I can't hear them. Ended up postponing the Sunday School mini-golf outing due to the weather. Next week, we'll try again. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we'll just do the pizza party and call it good for this quarter. Already the kids are trying to pin me down to a plan for the next quarter! I think we have some time. I bought a new comforter (on sale for $19) with pillow shams and matching sheets for my bedroom. The old one has been there for about ten years and even for me, it was time for a change. Now I just want to go to bed all the time. I like it a lot. It might clash with the wallpaper just a little, but I want to change the paper anyway. It has been there for about twenty years! I have to start pricing tires soon. I'm going to call around to several places and see if they are all about the same as Fuller's or if someone has a good deal. I want to buy them in October, before the winter sets in. Well, my grandson could decide to come any time now, though the calendar says he has another three weeks. I'm sooo excited. This is the best thing that has happened to me since David and Sarah were born. I can't wait to hold him. Ma and I are going down for a few days for the birth and to help out for a couple of days maybe. Then I'll bring her home and go back if Sarah needs/wants me to help out with running the house while they are taking care of the baby. After the holidays, I'll probably be working part time and won't be able to go down as often as I would like. Who am I kidding? If a job interferes too much, I'll quit! I have my priorities! I can live on very little if I have to. It's just the insurances and the prescriptions that are a challenge right now. Every time I sit down at this computer, Alfie joins me. If there are typos, it's his fault, he doesn't spell or type very well. It's starting to come daylight and it looks pretty gray out there. I was hoping to work outside a little today. Guess it would still be too wet anyway. I need to put plastic around the the shed and on the windows, and neaten up the new driveway. There are a lot of rocks on the sides that are keeping us from mowoing it well. We are letting the grass grow up in the driveway so that it won't necessarily look like a driveway, but the base would be there if we ever need to get to the backyard again with a vehicle. Next spring, I'm going to seed it so that it will grow up even more. Maybe if it is too wet to work outside, I'll try to finish my knitting or make some more doll clothes. I also need to reread my insurance policy to see if I can understand how the deductables work. The older I get, the harder time I have understanding this stuff. I find that it takes more than one reading. I also have some ironing to do. It seems like that is never done! I think there must be a mouse in the cellar because Alfie is begging to go down there, but he isn't allowed as there is mouse poison down there and Ma is afraid that he'll get into it. He eats constantly! I also need to do some writing. I'm falling behind with that. I've decided that I'm not going to be ready for Eben's bizarre. Now I have four complete sets of dolls and clothes and no little girls to give them to, or anyone to sell them to. I don't know what I'll do with them. I love making the clothes, but I only do it sporadically (sp?). Maybe I'll give one to each of Brian's nieces for Christmas. They can grow into them. Each doll has a sweater and cap, three outfits, a nightgown and sleep cap and a matching blanket. I still have a few dolls to dress when I get motivated. All that I have finished are girls, but I have some boys to dress as well. They're about perfect for a three or four year old, or for an adult who never grew up. I was going to sell them for $20 a set. If anyone knows of anybody who might be interested, let me know. The dolls are stuffed and are six inches tall. David's jigsaw got stolen so I'm not able to make the cribs for them right now. Had a nice conversation with Sarah last night. She is doing well and Brian has recovered from whatever it was that he had. Guess this is all for today. I love you Tilly. Good morning to the Reader's Club. Have a nice day everyone.

Paddy's Fall MI-5

2008-09-27T04:57:00.002-05:00

Ahhh, the first few days of Fall. One of my favorite times of the year, every year ... so this week's 5 is of an autumnal nature.

1. Describe your single fondest childhood memory of the fall season:

My parents, my brothers, Ashley, and I all went camping for a weekend up in Lincolnville somewhere. My parents and I slept in the tiny trailor that Ashley had and he and the boys slept in the back of the truck. We were nearby to an old lady friend of Ashley's and I remember that her running water was gravity feed and sssoooo slow!

2. What are your two favorite things to eat that are specific to this time of year?

Fresh MacIntosh apples and I guess apple pies made from the same.

3. Name three items that you dig out of the closet and wear now that the weather is turning crisp?

My winter jacket (just in case), gloves, and my winter emergency kit for the car.

4. Tell us your four favorite activities that you enjoy between the Autumnal Equinox and Halloween (November AIN'T Fall here in Maine folks!):

1. Picking apples
2. Leaf peeping
3. Wearing a sweater
4. Starting my Christmas shopping

5. Finally, what are the top five things that you need to get done before the winter hits?

1. Bank the shed and outside cellarway against the wind and cold.
2. See (and hold) my first grandchild.
3. Visit Sarah and Brian for a few days.
4. Clean out the gardens.
5. Work on cleaning up the new driveway and getting the last of the lawn mowed.

Survival

2008-09-26T08:36:00.002-05:00

I survived the dentist! Yay! All done for six months. I've been grinding my teeth a lot lately, but the dentist said that he couldn't see any wear on my teeth. Another Yay! The doctor changed my medicine and I think the problem is a little better. Wednesday was tied up with a therapy appointment in the afternoon. Unfortunately, by the time I got home, we didn't have time to get to Eben's Soccer game. Next week, the appointment is earlier, so if the weather cooperates, we'll make that one. Yesterday, we went to Augusta. I had to exchange something for Sarah at Kmart, as they don't have Kmart in their area, so I did a little more Christmas shopping. Got a couple of things for the twins at a good price, buy one-get one free, just like the twins! We of course took in the Dollar Tree and I bought some prizes in case my Sunday School class learns the memory verse this week. Then it was Friendly's for lunch as Ma was getting hungry, followed by the Christmas Tree Shop. I don't think the one in Augusta is as good as the Portland one, but I did get a couple of things. We checked out the relatively new Target store but I don't think I bought anything there. Mostly, we were looking for bargains, as it is still early for Christmas shopping. We wrapped it up at Walmart where Ma got a new jacket and a couple of shirts with some of her gift cards. She still has one left to use. While we were in the Dunkin Donuts area, an old man bought Ma a cup of coffee and told her she was attractive. The old girl still has it! He was very nice and we had a nice conversation. Got home around 5:00 PM and we were both pooped. Ma was tired and my knees had had about all they could take. I think we'll be making shorter trips from now on, or at least not hitting quite so many stores at a time. The weather man says heavy rain for the next three days. I'm waiting until tomorrow to see what they say about Sunday afternoon. May have to postpone the mini-golf. Everything will be soaked unless the rain ends in the morning. Guess this does it for today. Have a good one everybody. Love you, Tilly. Hi to the Reader's Club.

Another day, another...

2008-09-23T04:23:00.002-05:00

No, not dollar...dentist appointment! I'd rather go most anywhere than to the dentist, even though Dr. Singer is kind and gentle and a really nice man. I just hate the idea of having a hole drilled into my tooth! And dental work is so expensive...$170 for one small filling and touch up job on another one that isn't as smooth as he would like it! The latter is free even. Anyway, because I had this appointment, and because I had to go to Staples yesterday anyway, we decided we might as well get groceries. Grocery day is becoming very unpredictable. This is two weeks in a row that we've gone on Monday, a major upset to the week's schedule. Tomorrow I have a therapy appointment in the afternoon and on Thursday Ma and I are going to Augusta. I have an errand to do for Sarah and Ma has gift cards burning a hole in her pocket to use at SuperWalmart. We will probably take in the Christmas Tree Shop, and of course, the Dollar Tree. I need some prizes for my Sunday School class, just in case someone actually learns their memory verse! Maybe we'll hit Target too, if both of us hold out in the knee department. Ma gets tired easily, and my knees don't tolerate a lot of shopping on cement floors. I got up at 4:30 this morning. Just couldn't sleep anymore. David was just leaving for work and would have preferred that I had stayed in bed. He's not into chatting in the morning. I'm looking for a Grandma's Brag Book that will fit in my pocketbook. I know they used to make them. If anyone sees one, grab it for me, if you would. As you can see, I'm trying to get prepared. If it said "Nanny", it would be even better. It needs to hold 4 X 6 pictures. Tonight is Bible Study. I'll be a little glad when we get out of the Book of Joel, but I'm enjoying the new format all the same. The discussions have been great. Sarah gave me her video camera when I was down there. I had to order a new AC adapter as it was missing. It should be here in a few days. I've always wanted a video camera. I'm very tickled with it. They are probably going to get a digital or DVD one, but this suits me fine. I'm eager to charge it up and practice with it. I'm always behind the technology. I still don't have a digital camera, but Ma does and she usually makes me take the pictures with it. I have to get a sound card for my computer so Billy Rhythm can hook up my speakers. He only built me this computer about three years ago, and I still haven't bought one. I'll get one soon though so I can use my speakers. I thought they were much more expensive than they are. Oh, I forgot to wish everyone a Happy First Day of Fall yesterday! It must be almost time to pick apples. Now that my kids are too old to go apple picking with me, I'll have to borrow a kid. It's one of my favorite fall activities. Maybe this weekend. I also like mowing the lawn knowing that it is the LAST time for the year. Maybe I'll do that this morning. Well, guess this about does it for this morning. Have a great day everyone. I love you, Tilly. Hi to Alice and Dori and Marylou, the Loyal Reader's Club.

Another Monday

2008-09-22T06:31:00.002-05:00

Not much to post this morning, but I don't want to become a posting deadbeat (you know who you are!) Yesterday was a pretty typical Sunday, Sunday School, church, out for lunch, dubbing around for the afternoon, and back to church at night. Today I have some errands to do. On Saturday, I bought the stuff to winterize the house, so we'll do that as soon as we get a nice warm day. With the amount of furniture in this house, you can't easily get to any of the windows, so that will be a project and a half. Alfie is beginning to establish himself in his new temporary home. He and Willie still don't like each other, but he's holding his own. He has kind of staked out the living room and spends the bulk of his time in there, but he does come out to the kitchen to eat and follows Ma around quite a bit. I have mapquested all the directions for getting to the hospital in Worcester, getting from there to Sarah's and back, printed out interior maps of the layout, etc. I think I'm ready. Now it's just up to little Brian. Saturday I bought him his first Christmas present (from me anyway). I hope he likes it as much as I do. I'm trying to hold off until after the holidays before I find a part time job. I want to be able to go to greet the baby and go to Sarah and Brian's for Christmas Day. Then I'll settle into a job again. I find retirement a bit boring. It will be nice to have somewhere to go when I get up in the morning. I bought medical and life insurance recently, so I'll need to work a little to afford those premiums. Next Sunday, I am taking my Sunday School class out for pizza after church, followed by a round of mini-golf. I try to do an outing each quarter. They seem to enjoy it. The next one will be some kind of holiday event, or maybe a New Year's sleepover. I've already had a request for Fort Knox next summer, as we did this year. Marylou has agreed to switch cars with me for Sunday afternoon, as I now have five/six students and they don't all fit in my car. I have some writing to do today and I'm starting another sweater for baby Brian, green this time. With winter coming on, he'll need some and he doesn't have very many right now. Well, this is it for today. Welcome to my hum-drum life. I hope everyone has a nice day. I love you Tilly. Hope you are feeling better, Brian. Hi to the loyal Reader's Club.

I'm B-a-c-k

2008-09-20T06:50:00.002-05:00

Got home yesterday around 3:30 PM. We made good time again, as we only stopped once, in Wiscasset. We?? Alfie the Cat has moved to Maine temporarily until my grandson is big enough to hold his own against him. There was not one peep out of him on the whole trip! He and Willie are trying to establish a pecking order, but I'm sure he'll adjust to being in a multiple cat household pretty soon. I had a great visit with Sarah. Unfortunately, Brian was sick while I was there, so he wasn't up to a lot of visiting. He has an awful cold, sore throat, and headache. I'm hoping Sarah doesn't catch it next. Sarah and I did quite a bit of baby shopping, some purchasing and some just browsing. She still needs a few things. She and Brian are going to pick up the rest when he feels up to shopping. I got a field trip to the hospital in Worcester, so I think I can find it when the time comes. It's right off the highway. It's huge by our standards. Ma and I will head down to the hospital when we "get the call". I want to be there when my grandson, Brian, makes his debut. We'll stay a couple of days, and then maybe I'll go back down for a while after Brian goes back to work. It depends on little Brian's disposition. If he decides to be fussy, I'll go down to help Sarah with the housework during the day, and maybe get to rock him as is the duty of a good grandmother. We decided that I am going to be Nanny or Nana, as Brian's mom is already Grandma to other grandchildren. I am officially finished with baby shopping and now moving into the Christmas shopping mode. I already have a few things. This year, I am not going to lose my head about it. I'm going to try to put more thought into fewer gifts. Last year, I went a little crazy. Right now, it looks like we will be having our usual Christmas Eve party, and then heading to Sarah and Brian's on Christmas morning to have dinner and spend Christmas night with them, as the baby will probably be too young to make the trip up here this year anyway. Christmas Day is pretty laid back here with just Ma and David and me here, so this will be a new tradition maybe. Well, not much else to post this morning. Hope everyone has a good day. Hi to the Reader's Club. I love you Tilly.

On the Road Again

2008-09-17T03:45:00.002-05:00

Well, I am posting from Sarah and Brian's house in Massachusetts, a pretty "fur" piece for me. As usual, I woke up at 4 AM and Alfie the cat decided that it was breakfast time, so here I am...trying to be quiet and not wake the house. I'm doing without my coffee for now as I don't where things are and I don't know how strong likes Brian likes his coffee. The trip down went very well and only took me four and a half hours. No heavy traffic at all. Sarah and I went to Friendly's for lunch in Sturbridge before coming back to the house to straighten up the nursery. We had to sort and put away all of the shower gifts. Today we are going shopping I think to get some of the stuff that she didn't get as gifts. Then tonight, she and Brian have a class, so Alfie and I will be on our own for the evening. I'm not sure what is on the schedule for tomorrow except for a doctor's appointment. Guess it will have to be a surprise. I'm planning to leave here on Friday after lunch, to try to avoid any rush hour traffic. Sarah tires easily but seems to be feeling fine other than that and being a little uncomfortable. Brian is well and Alfie is his usual "wound" self. Guess that does it for this morning. Have a good day everybody.

Thursday Thoughts

2008-09-11T05:27:00.002-05:00

Well, time to put something up here again. Let's see...what have I done for excitement? Right. Nothing. However, I did get to the garage yesterday, and $514 later, my car is fixed...for a while. I took it in to have a brake job on the rear, an allignment, and an oil change. I mentioned a rattle when I put the brakes on and, Tah Dah!...the front brakes were sticking too. They had to fix the caliper, whatever that is, thus the higher than expected bill. Oh, and I need two tires before winter. I just love this car. Truthfully, I do like it...never had a mechanical problem with the engine, good gas mileage for a six cylinder, comfortable inside...I just can't keep up with the brakes and the tires! They tell me that this model of Oldsmobile is known for this problem. Anyway, while they were working on the car, I walked to Walmart and then to Staples and back to Fuller's, so for me, I got in some good exercise yesterday. I met an old acquaintance in Walmart and convinced her to have coffee with me, so we had a nice visit. I haven't seen her in years. On Tuesday, I went to Brunswick for a doctor's appointment and ended up coming through Wiscasset at about 3:45 PM, but luck was with me and there was no traffic jam. I sailed right through. Got hung up at the pharmacy, but still made it back in plenty of time for Bible Study. Today I'm going to sew. I picked up some fabric in Walmart to make Sarah a couple of shirts. It was so cheap that she can throw them away after my grandson arrives if she wants to, and nothing will be lost. I'll think they will be very pretty. The lawn needs mowing today too, but David has the day off and I'm hoping he'll do it so I don't have to. It doesn't seem possible that it has been seven years since the terrorist attacks on the Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 92 in Shanksville. I find that the older I get, the faster time passes. I think we'll always remember where we were when that happened like we do when Kennedy was shot, or when the Challenger exploded. I was just beginning a disaster drill at the Samoset that morning. It took a while before I realized that it was the real deal and not part of the exercise. Guess that does it for this morning. Have a good day everyone. I love you Tilly.

Early Monday Musings

2008-09-08T04:45:00.002-05:00

Went to bed early last night so consequently, I was up at 4:30 AM again. My sleeping pattern is getting all turned around. It's cold this morning. Feels like fall. Yesterday was a busy day. Started out with my new group in Sunday School class. Now I have six in my class for this year, three boys and three girls. We'll be able to do a lot more. At the end of September, we are going to play mini-golf and have pizza for our quarterly outing. The lesson itself is designed for a larger class, so we can pick and choose a lot more activities from that as well. The kids like being referred to as the "Preteen" class. Anyway, the lesson included some scientific experiments which everyone seemed to enjoy. After Sunday School, of course there was church. Then the family went to T and Susie's for a cook out for Ma's birthday which was fun. Pastor Dave and Josey came too. Ma said this was her longest birthday, as we have been celebrating since last Tuesday, her actual birthday. When we got back from there, Ma and I took turns napping for a half an hour, and then it was back to church for the monthly potluck supper and another birthday celebration for everyone who had birthdays in September. The evening service followed with the customary hymn-sing and then a video. By the time we got home from there, we were both pooped. Watched a little TV, talked with Sarah on the phone, and went to bed by nine o'clock. Today I have errands to run this morning and an appointment from noon to two o'clock. Tomorrow we'll get groceries in the morning and then I have a doctor's appointment in Brunswick at 3:00 PM. Wednesday, I'll be in the garage most of the morning getting the car worked on. I have to have the rear brakes done, get it alligned, and get the oil changed. There is also a rattle somewhere underneath, like maybe a loose clamp or something. The rest of the week looks pretty empty. Next week, I am going to see Sarah and Brian. I miss them a lot, so I'm excited to go. I haven't been down there since May, so I don't exactly make a nuisance of myself. Then next month when the baby comes, Ma and I will go back down to see him for a couple of days. When Brian has to go back to work, I might make another trip to help Sarah out for a couple of weeks if she wants me. I remember that a new baby takes up almost every waking hour, and the ones that you are supposed to spend sleeping. I remember when David was born that it was very hard for me to sleep, being afraid that he would cry in the night and I might not hear him. He quickly let me know that that would not be the case! Even in those days before baby monitors, if he so much as moved, I woke up. Sometime today or tomorrow, I have to pay bills and fill out forms. I hate doing both, especially the forms. Give me a blank piece of paper and a pen for a good old-fashioned essay anyday! Today is Mike's birthday. I have to remember to take his card over to Marylou's so that he can pick it up when he gets his mail. I think he is 33 today. How can these kids keep getting older and I just stay the same? Well, it's daylight now. I have some ironing to do. Also need to take my shower early so that my hair will dry before I go to Rockland. I got it cut on Saturday and all the curl came back into it. I was suprised. Ma said the when it goes gray, the curl comes out. Not for me, I guess. How everyone has a nice day. Sure would like to see some blogging. I love you Tilly. Hi to Dori, and Alice, and Marylou, the Loyal Readers Club.

Memoriam

2008-09-07T04:38:00.002-05:00

WILLIAM ROGERS BATTY

FEBRUARY 10, 1947 - SEPTEMBER 7, 2005

The Weekend...Already

2008-09-06T05:12:00.002-05:00

Good Morning, Everyone! Seems like the weeks go by pretty fast. I heard that it is a sign that I am getting older or that I'm very busy. The latter is not true, so I think I'd better be careful where I step. This week, I have been working on handcrafts for my grandson. He's going to be such fun. I can't wait to meet him. Yesterday we went to Rockland to do errands. I of course forgot some of them, so I'll have to go back today. Ma and I had lunch outside at the Brass Compass. I had a Billy Rhythm Burger and she had a lobster roll. Both were very good. Then we went to Wally World (where else is there to go in Rockland?) and picked up a few things. I had to get gas and it was down to $3.59 a gallon, a virtual bargain! Then run to Sue's to retrieve the stuffed egg dish for Sunday, and back home. Today I have to go to the grocery store or back to Walmart to get stuff for the party for Ma on Sunday. That's what I forget yesterday. Sunday will be a hard day for all of us, but we're going to try to block out the sadness long enough to celebrate having Ma with us for another year. I still haven't thought of a gift for her, but I will. It'll just be late. She needs a new chair. Maybe I'll get that, but I have no way to go and get it. I need to find someplace where I can get a good deal that might deliver it. Also today I need to prepare my Sunday School lesson. My class goes from two on a good day to possibly six. Since the materials are designed for larger classes, we should be able to do more of it. Unfortunately, my class is a group of good singers and I can't sing a note, so I'll have to get someone else to work with them on their music. The Christmas Program will be upon us before we know it. Tomorrow night we have a potluck supper at church followed by the monthly birthday and anniversary celebration, so tomorrow will be really busy. I'm hoping to work a little on my book today and catch up on some email. It's supposed to rain today and tomorrow morning, so we may end up having a cookout/eat-in at T and Susie's tomorrow. Seems funny to have all these hurricanes and storms and not have them occupying my every waking hour. I'm so proud of Gretchen and Hillary. They are doing a wonderful job...far better than I could do at this point in my life. David must have had to work early this mornning. I got up at 5:15 AM and he was already gone. Tomorrow being the first Sunday of legal fishing for this season, I don't know if he will have to work or not. He wants all the hours that he can get. In a week and a half, I'm going down to visit Sarah and Brian for few days. I'm very excited. I miss them a lot. Well, this about does it for this morning. Hope everyone has a nice day and can stay dry. I love you Tilly. Hello to the Reader's Club. Isn't it about time that you guys started your own blog? Hummm?

Another week...gone!

2008-09-03T03:58:00.002-05:00

One would think that I've been too busy to post. Not so. Just haven't had much blog worthy to share. Just checking in this morning. Yesterday was Ma's birthday. She was 82. For some reason she had it in her head that she wouldn't see this birthday. I'm glad she was wrong. Because last night was Bible Study and the first day of school from which I thought the kids might be tired, Thorny and Susie offered to celebrate Ma's birthday at their house on Sunday after church with a cookout. So we'll all be going there I hope. I still need to think of something different to give her. Maybe Mike would celebrate with her as his birthday is the next day, if he doesn't have to work. She always says not to make a big deal out of her birthday, but I think she likes it when we do. Who knows how many more there will be? Yesterday, I had a busy day. I had an appointment in Camden from 11:00 to 1:00, then came home and picked up Ma. We went back to Rockland to get groceries and I took her out to supper for her birthday at the Rockland Cafe. She likes the fried haddock there. We got home, put the groceries away, and went to Bible Study. Arriving home, there were birthday calls from Sarah, Joann, and Jen. Most likely, they won't be coming for the cookout on Sunday, as all have been here fairly recently, and it's a long drive for all of them. Next week will be busy because of doctor's appointments and I have to get a garage appointment to get the rear brakes done and have the car alligned, and the oil changed. I'll be spending hours in the customer lounge that day! I also want them to check the belts. They're overdue by about 10,000 miles. I want to go to Sarah's the following week and want to be sure the car is in shape for the trip. I bought health insurance this week. The deductible is so high that I still can't afford to get sick, unless I get VERY sick, but it's better than not having any. I hated taking on another financial obligation, but felt like this was important. After the holidays, I'm going to have to get a part time job, mostly to pay the premiums. I got my first pension check this week. That was kind of weird. A check for not working. Now that the Olympics are over, I'm looking forward to the presidential debates. I need to know more about the candidates from their own mouths. I think all of the TV commentators have their own twist that they put on things. I've been working on a surprise for Little Brian (as my grandson-to-be is now called), so that is keeping me busy. On Sunday T and Susie, Aunt Ruth, Kent and Susan, Ma and I, all went to our cousin Floyd's (Scott's) birthday party in Orrington. We had a really nice time. His children, who threw the party and who I haven't seen since they were children, were really nice and very gracious hosts. We started out outside on the lake, but it rained a little so we all moved into Cynthia's house for the rest of the party. Floyd and Debbie were very happy to see us. They will be in Maine for the rest of the week, and then will return to Florida. I'm hoping to see them again before they go back, if they come to Spruce Head. Aunt Corine was down yesterday, also for Ma's birthday. She's headed back to New Hampshire on Saturday for the winter. Her grandson Matthew O'hara is on his way to Iraq again. I'll be glad when this war is over! With the hurricane activity, the Red Cross is gearing up. Gretchen said some of our local folks have already gone south and now there's another hurricane making for the east coast, so there may be more. I'm not able to deploy, but I offered to help in deployments if she needs me. Maybe someday, things will be different for me, and I can go then. In the meantime, I'll have to work behind the scenes. I still miss working for the Red Cross, but it was my time to go. Gretchen and Hillary are doing a fabulous job and I am so proud of both of them. Pretty soon, Ma and I are going to check out the animal shelters for a little dog. She wants one very much. I don't know how I feel about inheriting a dog, but I'll go along. Ma misses Rusty very much. In the end, he was Her dog. She took most of the care of him and he was devoted to her. Maybe another dog will softens that pain for her and if it does, then I'm all for it. Well, I guess this it for this morning. Hope everyone has a good day. I love you Tilly. Good Morning to the Loyal Reader's Club!

Where did that week go?

2008-08-26T04:54:00.002-05:00

It has been a whole week since I last posted. For someone who is getting very bored with retirement, the week went by really fast. Since abandoning the infamous "List", I've noticed that some others of my group have been a little lazy too. Thought I'd get something up before the reader's club gives up on me. Yesterday I ran some errands and had an appointment in Camden which together took up several hours; I'm still combining as many trips as I can to save gas. On Saturday, I was back in the garage with my leaky tire. This time it only took a few minutes. They said when they resealed it last time, they missed a spot with the goop. I'm still watching it. I'm not convinced they have it fixed yet. At least they didn't charge me again for the repair, so that was good. Today, we're going grocery shopping in the morning...again. I don't know if we'll ever get back to the regular day of Wednesdays. We keep running out of stuff and if I have to go get odds and ends on Tuesday, we might as well get them all. I guess it really doesn't matter which day we go. I think this afternoon I'll do some sewing, and then there is Bible Study tonight. Tomorrow I have nothing planned, so maybe more sewing, or some scrapbooking, since I've really fallen behind in that. Thursday, I have an appointment to buy some health insurance...just what I need, another financial obligation, but I do need at least a major medical policy...you never know. Then on Friday, Ma and I are meeting Joann in Brunswick for lunch and a little shopping. I think Saturday is open right now and then on Sunday we are going to my cousin's 70th birthday bash in Orrington. He moved to Florida a few years back and I haven't seen him since he left, so I'm looking forward to catching up with him. He has to be the funniest man alive. I'll have to go to Sunday School in case any of my class is there, and then leave directly from there. Most everyone has plans for Labor Day Weekend, so there may be no one there, in which case I'll leave right after the Sunday School opening. Ma and Aunt Ruth are going with me to Scott's (Floyd) party. We'll probably make it back in time for night church, but I'm not positive. We'll be tending Marylou's cal this weekend while she is away. Sometimes he gets a little annoyed with me I think, but I'm sure that feeding him will make us fast friends. Ma's birthday is on September 2, but that's Bible Study night, and the first day of school, so I'm thinking about holding off any kind of celebration till the following weekend, when more of the family will be available to come. I've got to see how she feels about that. I don't think she will mind. Now that the Olympics are over, we'll be moving heavily into the Presidential campaign. I'm looking forward to watching the debates. I think I know which way I'll go, but I'd like some more first hand information. I was one of the famous Hillary supporters who is now kind up for grabs. I'm not totally inpressed with either candidate and it will be which one I can accept on the most points that gets my vote, I guess. Who knows, maybe a wildcard will throw themselves into the mix at the last minute. It's about time for Ralph Nader to stir the pot. Well, I hope everyone has a good day. Hi to the Loyal Reader's Club. I love you Tilly. Call me?

Early Morning Musing

2008-08-19T04:52:00.002-05:00

I couldn't sleep this morning. I rarely dream anything that I remember, but today I woke up from a dead sleep with something on my mind, so I'm assuming that I was dreaming. Either way, I couldn't get back to sleep, so I got up at 4:30 AM. David had already gone to work. Thought I might catch some of the Olympics, but they were over for the day. This morning we will be going into town to get groceries a day early again this week. I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon that would make for a time crunch if we went tomorrow morning. It will make David happy, as we have no snack food left. At some point this week, I'll probably go to the Union Fair with Robin. She looks forward to the fair all year. For me, a fair is a fair, but she really wants me to go. It's kind of a tradition with us. I'm on call for the Red Cross on Thursday night, so I hope she doesn't pick that night to want to go. Yesterday, I took Ma in for a blood test so we went to McDonald's for breakfast. She remembered the Big Breakfast as being better than it actually was and ended up not eating most of it. Guess we'll stick to the Brown Bag or the OffShore from now on. It was a week yesterday that we lost Rusty and we're still missing him. He surely was a good dog, even though he never really did learn how to walk on a lease! Ma still cries every time she thinks of him. He started out as David's dog, but for the past five years or so, he was Ma's dog. At some point, she may get another dog, but it will be a little dog, like a Jack Russel or something. No more big dogs she vows. Only a week and half left in August. Did we have summer this year? With gas prices being so high, we didn't go anywhere, and didn't have many guests either. I hope next summer is better. I wanted to take Ma to Old Orchard Beach this summer, but it didn't happen. She hasn't been there since she was a girl and she'd like to go back, but then, she hasn't felt well either. Her birthday is coming up in two weeks. I wish I could think of something that she would really like, but I'm drawing a blank. She wants to fix up the house but that's a little out of my league so I don't know what I'll get. I'm missing Sarah and Brian a lot lately. Can't wait for mid-September when I'll be going down for a few days. It's hard being so far away. Then one more month and my no-name grandson will be here. I imagine I'll be going more often than a couple times a year after that! After he gets here and everybody gets settled in, I think I'm going to look for a part time job, like three days a week. I find that I'm very bored not working, and I could use a little extra spending money. Well, I think there is a law against doing one's ironing at 6:20 AM, but that's what I'm going to do. Hope everyone had a great day. I love you Tilly. Hope your cold is better. Hi to the Loyal Reader's Club!

Jim's "I Don't Like It" MI-5

2008-08-15T07:07:00.002-05:00

1. Is there a term or expression you dislike?
The BIG four-letter words.
2. A place you dislike?
New York City
3. A food or cuisine you dislike?
Corned beef
4. A social situation you dislike?
Cocktail parties
5. A memory you could stand to forget?
I have some bad memories, but they have played a part in getting to where I am today and making me who I am, so I guess I'll keep them all.

Everyday humdrum

2008-08-12T14:26:00.002-05:00

Not much to post today but I'm in the mood. We got groceries this morning in the pouring rain because I had an appointment to get the tire fixed on my car. I'm still consolidating as many trips as I can. Usually, we get groceries on Wednesday. It took an hour to fix the two front tires and cost me $53. There was some corrosion where the tires seal on to the wheels and they had to grind that off to get a good seal. I'll keep my eye on the tires for a while though. That sounds kind of unusual to me. I bought my soon-to- be-grandson a pair of farmer overalls at JCP for half price! I thought that was pretty good. The house seems empty without Rusty. It has been a long time since I came into this house without him greeting me at the door. I keep expecting him to be here. Marylou and Eben brought us a pretty plant to cheer us up yesterday. That was very thoughtful. They are some kind of little yellow daisy-like flowers. I think Ma is going to plant them outside if it ever stops raining. Sarah's shower on Saturday went very well. I think about twenty people came. Everybody seemed to have a good time and Sarah got some lovely gifts, so many that they barely fit in the back seat of the truck, but I guess she and Brian must have stuffed them in because they got it all home. Joann and Jen came up from New Hampshire and Massachusetts respectively, and Eli came from Portland, while Robin drove up from Naples, which was nice of all of them to fight the summer traffic so that they could be there. I think everyone there with the exceptions of Lee and Eli were related to Sarah in one way or another. The games were fun and there was all kinds of goodies. As always, it was great to see Sarah and Brian. I just wish they could have stayed longer. I'm going to go down there sometime in mid-September for a few days. I want to go baby shopping with Sarah, and just spend some time together before little no-name gets here and takes up her every waking hour! Tonight I need to iron. There never seems to be an end to it! I might do a scrapbook page or two also. I haven't touched that in ages. I have some writing to do too, so I have plenty to keep me busy. The rub is whether I will actually do any of it. Well, like I said, I have very little to post today. Hope everyone manages to stay dry today. I love you Tilly. Hi to the Readers Club!

A Sad Day

2008-08-11T07:58:00.001-05:00

In Memory of Rusty...He was a good dog and we loved him.

Retiring

2008-08-10T15:26:00.002-05:00

I am retiring the Bad Bloggers List. We seem to have the same offenders week after week. You know who you are.

Summer's Over!

2008-08-03T14:42:00.002-05:00

The Lobster Festival has come and gone. Summer is gone...now we're into back-to-school season which is wrapped up by the Union Fair. More to the point, did we have summer this year? I must have been dozing. Harmony Bible Church had a super float in the parade this year. I may be prejudiced, but I think it ought to get some kind of recognition. Dwane et al did a great job. As a spectator for the first time in many years, I enjoyed the parade, but I think it didn't hold my attention for two hours. I was a little bored for the last half hour or so. I guess I'm growing older than I thought. The excitement just wasn't there, but I'm glad I went, you know, for the tradition. I didn't get my fried dough this year either. Oh well, I'll have to nag Ma to make some one of these evenings. This morning before church, Josey showed the parade pictures on the new projector which was nice. I just got back from Rockland. My front tires are leaking air slowly. I'll have to make an appointment at VIP to get them checked. Until then, I'll just keep close watch of them and keep inflating them every few days or so. They aren't that old and I doubt that I ran over anything sharp with both tires. Tomorrow I'll check them again when I go to Camden. I have to go to Brunswick on Tuesday, but like I said, right now, it's a slow leak. I picked up a few more things for the baby shower while was in town. I think I have everything except the food now. Tonight we have a potluck supper at church. When I get home, I'm going to spend the evening sewing. I've been threatening to do it for a week and this time, I'm really going to. Well, actually, I'll have to walk the dog first, then I'll sew. Tomorrow, Hillary is going to be in Rockland, so I'll be stopping in at the Red Cross to see her. I haven't seen her since my retirement party in April. Maybe I can talk her into going out for an early lunch before my appointment. Well, guess this does it for me today. Have a good day everyone. I love you Tilly. Hi to the loyal readers' club!

It's Saturday, Isn't It?

2008-08-02T06:27:00.002-05:00

Here are the bad bloggers for this week: Sarah, Gretchen, Hillary, Joann, and Josey. Cheers for everyone else who posted at least once last week! Big parade day today. After years of being IN the parade with the Red Cross, I finally have a chance to be a spectator. Ma and I will take our chairs to our usual spot by Dunkin Donuts and hopefully enjoy just watching this year. Then this afternoon I'll be sewing, I think. This is it for now. Will post again after the parade. See you there, I hope.

A Little Bit About Nothing

2008-07-29T05:44:00.002-05:00

No real news to post this morning, but just thought I'd get something up here before I end up on my own list. Yesterday Robin drove up for lunch at Applebees. I met her at 11:00 before my doctor's appointment, so we had a nice long time to munch and chat. I forgot to ask her why she had her big car. She's been driving a little Golf for fuel economy's sake. Robin, Joann, and Jen are co-hosting Sarah's shower next week with me, so she had lots of plans and updates about that to share with me. We are all getting excited about it. Hopefully, it will be a lot of fun. I sent out thirty invitations, so I hope we get a good group. Robin has some novel ideas ideas for games and I'm going to do one that Marylou did at Josey's grandmother shower. Most all of the family has offered or been drafted to help with the delicacies. If I've overlooked anyone in the process, there is still time. The shower whould be fun, and it will be great to see Sarah and Brian again. I wish they weren't so far away. I went to the Penney's sale yesterday looking for a particular item for my no-name grandson, but had no luck there. I'm thinking about going to Augusta this morning. I'm sure someplace there will have it. Augusta is becoming a very good place to shop with all the new stores that they are building and have built recently. I also need to look for party supplies. Sarah has registered online at Target and at Babies R Us. She's picked out some really cute things. Boy, having a baby these days sure requires a lot of stuff! I guess the investment in the first baby is the greatest though. They have so many great items that will makes taking care of a baby so much easier than when I had babies. And it's all about safety, which is good. It's a wonder that my kids survived without all of this stuff, but most of it didn't exist in ther seventies. Heck, we didn't even know the importance of carseats back then. If we go to Augusta today, we'll probably have lunch at Denny's. Both of us qualify for the Senior Menu there. I get such a kick out of that. Tonight we have the church business meeting, so we'll have to be back early. Tomorrow is grocery day again. Seems like it rolls around pretty fast. Then hometown day at the lobster festival tomorrow night. Ma and I usually make one trip around the grounds, look at each other, buy a fried dough, and come home. All-in-all maybe an hour. I've been to over fifty lobster festivals and they don't change much from year to year. I'm looking forward to the parade this year. I skipped it last year because of my knees, and for years prior to that I was in the parade. This year I'm looking forward to claiming our spot early and just being a spectator. I hope we have good weather on Saturday. We only have one folding chair. I need to either buy or borrow another one before Saturday. Well guess this does it for today, unless I think of something later. I lost 2.8 pounds this week. Unfortunately, I think I've lost them before! Have a good day everybody. I love you Tilly and Brian and no-name. Hi to the loyal readers' club.

Bad Bloggers...Again!

2008-07-26T06:36:00.002-05:00

We did a little better this week, but some of the old familiar names are still on the list for this week: Sarah, Hillary, Joann, and Josey. I've given up on David. C'mon gals, let's see a post this week! I almost had to put myself on again this week, if not for the MI-5! It's been a really boring week. This conserving gas stinks. I leave the house only when I actually have something that I HAVE to do and it gets pretty boring watching reruns of The Waltonsd and Little House on the Prairie with Ma. Thankfully, we need to do some errands today so we'll be going to the big city of Rockland for an adventure. David accidentally chipped the new stove last night, so we need to see if we can find something to touch up the paint with. I think they used to make appliance paint didn't they? Also need to hit the grocery store for a few things and of course Wallie World. Maybe we'll go out to breakfast. Yesterday Ma treated me to lunch at the Sea Store. She had a roast pork special and I had a hamburger. Mine was good but hers was kind of dry. Would have been better with gravy probably. Had a nice visit with Marylou on Thursday night. Ma and I have just so much to talk about. It doesn't seem possible that the festival is next weekend. The summer is going by pretty fast, given how bored I have been. I think that on Monday I'm going to call the hospital to see if they need any volunteers. A couple or three days a week would get me out of the house and with people again, until I go back to work. If not the hospital, then maybe the Knox Center. This coming week will be a little more active. On Monday I have a doctor's appointment that takes up most of the afternoon, then Robin might come down for lunch on Tuesday she says, Wednesday is howntown night at the festival so Ma and I will probably go up and walk around the grounds for a few minutes and get a fried dough; Wednesday morning is grocery shopping; then Saturday is the parade. Didn't go last year, but I guess we will this year. The church has an entry, but neither of us can walk that far so we'll just watch and cheer when they pass us. We'll take our chairs and go early and maybe get a spot where we can see. Sarah usually stakes out our spot for us, but she and Brian can't make it for the parade this year. They'll be up the following weekend though. That will probably be the last time before little no-name is born. Well, guess this does it for today. Have a good day everyone. I love you Tilly. Hope your cold is better. Hi to the loyal readers' club. (Alice, Marylou, and Dori)

Sue's MI-5

2008-07-24T09:19:00.002-05:00

This week we will be celebrating all 3 of our children's July birthday's, so that is the inspiration for this week's questions.

1. What is your most vivid childhood birthday memory?
A school friend gave me a little toiletries set when I turned six. For some reason, that gift has stuck in my head all these years. Her name was Geraldine and we had dresses alike.

2. What is your most favorite adult birthday moment?
I don't avoid birthdays, but nothing really stands out for me.

3. Does any gift that you've ever received for a birthday stand out?
See number 1.

4. Did you ever have a theme birthday as a child? If so, what was your favorite?
Not really. My cake was often heart shaped because my birthday was two days before Valentine's Day, but that's about it.

5. Talk about a birthday milestone (e.g. 16, 21, 40, etc).
Turning 25 was my worst birthday. It meant that I was actually an adult and I don't think I was ready for that. Can't think of a positive milestone. Maybe that is yet to come.

"The List"

2008-07-19T13:33:00.002-05:00

Here it is folks. The following offenders did not post anything on their blog this week: Sarah, Brian, Hillary, Lynn, Joann, Josey, and David (like that's a surprise!). Didn't get my wish for 100% participation, but I don't give up easily. Maybe this week will be the one. I'll stop this annoying list when I get my wish. Ma and I worked on the games and bounce houses at the St. George Days this morning. We just got home at 2:30. She's pooped and I'm lame, but we had a good time. The church sponsored the activities for the kids. The bounce houses were really popular, as was the face painting. All hands were on deck. Lots of people showed up to work. It was really hot and sunny, but we had an area under a shade tree, as well as out in the open, so people could take breaks out of the sun. I think I'm going to sew tonight. I want to do some more doll clothes and little no-name is going to get some pajamas if I can make a pattern that small. Can't buy one smaller than size two. I need a 0-3 months size. Sarah's childhood doll wears that size, so I'll use something of hers to go by. Also have to make out some invitations tonight and pay some bills. And of course I'll have to walk the dog after supper, or rather get dragged around the village by him. He has a bad leg but it doesn't stop him from pulling on the leash so hard that I have to fight to keep my balance! Well, guess this does it for now. Just wanted to get the list out. Have a good evening everyone. Love you Tilly. Everybody try to stay cool!

Billy Rhythm's MI-5

2008-07-18T07:07:00.002-05:00

Use this word equation, fill in the variable with each of the five words, and answer on your blog."If I were an "X," I'd be a (blank), and here's why..." For the variable X, insert each of these:

1) Snack cake
If I were a snack cake, I'd be a napoleon, and here's why: maybe a little too flakey and complicated, but really sweet inside.
2) Car
If I were a car, I'd be a club cab pickup truck, and here's why: comfortable, with room for friends, but pretty versatile and useful too.
3) Kitchen Utensil
If I were a kitchen utensil, I'd be a can opener, and here's why: able to cut through all the hard stuff to get to the good stuff inside
4) Famous Rich Person
If I were a famous rich person, I'd be Prince Charles, and here's why: I really wouldn't have to DO anything but wait for a job that will probably never be mine and that requires no particular skills or expertise.
5) Over the counter medicine
If I were an Over-the-Counter medicine, I'd be an aspirin, and here's why: I could take away people's pain, alleviate discomfort, and do good things for ailing hearts. What more could anyone wish for?

Thursday Thoughts

2008-07-17T14:26:00.002-05:00

I've spent the first half of the day trying to figure out how to justify a trip to Rockland, just for something to do. No luck. Now I'm on-call for the Red Cross in an hour, so I guess this will be another day with nothing to do. Oh, I have plenty of hobbies that I could be working on, or even doing a little housework, but it's not like having somewhere to be or something that I have to do. Tomorrow I have an errand to do, so whoopee!, I get to go to town. Also, Ma says the the boys have a Bible School closing closing and if it is open to everyone, we'll probably go to that. Hot times in the old town tonight! I've done some writing today and done some ironing, but that's about it. I've checked my email a dozen times and hit all of the blogs, and done my Bible study lesson. I should clean my desk, but I read somewhere that a clean desk is a sign of a sick mind. If you could see mine right now, you'd say that I am very healthy! Ma is cooking dinner right now and it sure smells good. I think I will make a cake or something as soon as I finish this. It's not on my diet, but I haven't had any lunch, so I'll have cake for lunch after I eat supper. Not very balanced, but the calories won't be that different. Got a call from Sarah this morning which was a nice way to start off the day. I sure do miss her. Looks like I might be going to Brookfield for Labor Day weekend. At least, I hope to work it out. Well, not much else to say today. Hi to the readers' club. I love you Tilly and Brian.

Boring, B_O_R_I_N_G!

2008-07-15T06:06:00.002-05:00

I really have nothing to post today. Yesterday was the most boring day that I have had since retiring. It will be good to get back to work somewhere...anywhere! I'm trying to hold off until after my grandson is born so that I can go down there for a couple weeks to help out. Then when I come back, if a door hasn't already opened, I will be job hunting in earnest and hope that whatever I find is the place where God wants me. For those of you who pray, pray that I will have the wisdom and clarity to recognize that opportunity when it presents itself. Yesterday, Ma and I went to the Sea Store for lunch and before that I had a nice visit with Marylou, and that is all that I did all day. I'm a person who needs more structure in my life than that. Having worked most of my adult life, it's nerve-wracking to get up in the morning and have nowhere to go. Today I have a doctor's appointment in Camden so not only will that break up the day, but I get out of Spruce Head. I'm trying to conserve on gas and don't leave town unless I have something that I HAVE to do. I try to save up my errands and do them all in one trip. Tomorrow, we will get groceries so that will be another adventure that takes us to Rockland. It was nice to see Sarah and Brian this weekend if only for a short visit. I miss them a lot. I expect to be making more frequent trips to Brookfield once little no-name arrives. I want him to know who I am. Still no word on a name for him or for me. I don't know if I'm going to be Grandma or Nanny or Nana or Grammie or something else. Sarah says we may get temporary custody of Alfie if he's rough with the baby until he gets old enough to fight back. He likes to bite and sometimes scratch, when he's playing. Rusty will be glad to have him, if he does move in for a while. They are fast friends, or at least they have been in the past. Guess this is it for now. Hi to Alice and Marylou and Dori, the loyal readers club. Have a good day everyone. I love you Tilly.

July 14, 2008

2008-07-14T07:21:00.000-05:00

Happy First Anniversary to Sarah and Brian!! I love you.