SURE GLAD IT WASN'T SNOW!

Checked the rain gain gauge this morning, and found that it was overflowing.  The gauge registers 5 inches.  I knew we had a lot of rain in the last 24 hours, but didn’t realize it was going to be over 5 inches.  That’s a lot of rain.  It’s been warmer than normal lately, but is supposed to turn cold over the next few days.  Of course, cold here is 30’s at night and 50’s during the day.  I can’t believe I drove thru this rain to go to church yesterday, not once but twice.
 

Yesterday our morning church service was a special Christmas service that was performed by the children.  It was awesome.  They did a really great job.  Glenda, the lady in charge of Children Services, did a wonderful job of getting it together.

 

Then last evening Pastor Andy had a special service for the adults (and any children who wanted to attend).  He called it Carols, Candles and Communion.  It was great.  The choir would sing a carol or two and then Pastor Andy would tell part of the story of Christmas.  This was done several times until the full story was told.  Pastor Andy even sang several beautiful Christmas songs.  Both the choir and Pastor Andy sang songs that I had never heard before and they were beautiful.  Afterward he blessed the bread and wine (grape juice), everyone walked up and took a piece of bread and a cup of “wine.”  We then went back to our seats, he said a prayer and we all took communion at the same time.  The service was ended with a song sung by everyone.

 

This was the first Christmas I attended at Landmark Church, and I really enjoyed it.  Some of the prayers were very close to the Catholic prayers that are said, especially at Communion time.  I am so glad I joined Landmark Church.  It has really made a difference in my life.

 

My shopping is finished, the decorations have been put up, the house is clean, the laundry is done, so I guess I am ready for Christmas.  Christmas will be held at Kevin and Renea’s.

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy Blessed New Year to all!

My Furniture Has Arrived!

 

First, let me say I had a great Thanksgiving.  Spent the day at Kevin and Renea’s.  Stephanie was home, of course.  Rick, Beth and Beth’s mom (Flo) were also there.  Renea and Kevin fixed a wonderful meal.  Turkey, ham and all the fixings. 

 

Rick and Beth brought their two dogs, Highway and Nala, over.  They are both younger than Lola and Roscoe and are full of energy.  Needless to say they spent the day outside.  I wish I knew how to put a video on my blog because Nala can do something I have never seen a dog do before.  She is really good about staying within the fenced area until Rick or someone goes outside the fenced area.  She actually climbs over the fence.  Using all four paws she climbs the fence like a ladder, and when she gets to the top she jumps down.  She didn’t run away.  She just climbed over the fence so she could join whoever was outside.  The other dogs didn’t follow her, they just stood at the fence and watched.  Stephanie took a video with her phone.

 

After supper Flo left because she didn’t want to drive in the dark.  The rest of us played a game called Headbandz.  I had seen this game when I went on my trip with the Prime Timers.  Linda brought the game and a group of them played.  Of course, we did not quite follow the rules as strictly as they should have been followed.  However, we had a great time.  All of us laughed, laughed and laughed some more. 

 

My new furniture arrived the next day.  I received two chairs and a couch.  The couch is love seat size and is a sofa bed.  I am really happy with the furniture.  Kevin and Renea moved the television to the new room on Sunday.  There are still a few items to be finished, and we will get to them eventually.  In the meantime I have put up my Christmas tree and other decorations.  I am still working on them. 

 

Following are a couple of pictures.

 

As I get everything finished and in order I will post more pictures.

A/C vs HEAT

Just can’t make up it’s mind.  One day I have on the AC and the next day I turn on the heat.  One night it goes down into the 20’s and the next day it is up in the 70’s.  Oh well, that’s fall in Alabama – so I am told.
 

I hung the wind chimes that I bought in Ohio, but I took them back down the next day because of the wind.  The wind has been blowing so hard they got all tangled up. 

 

The work on the room has stopped because I still don’t have my furniture.  I have called them, and, apparently, it should be here in the next week or two.  Kevin did put together my new file cabinet and both of the tall bookcases.  They look real nice.  The one bookcase will not stay where I have it.  Once I get my new furniture and move the television into the new room, the bookcase will be moved into the “old” room.  We (Kevin) still have to install the railing between the old and new room, hang a few things on the walls, and install the gutters and downspouts outside.  I will post pictures when everything is finished.

 

No more yard work for a while.  We have two hard freezes and things are dying off.  Now the birds have been busy at the feeders. 

 

Still working on all the family trees.  I am amazed at how far back I have been able to go on several families I didn’t expect to do so.  Two groups are pretty much at a standstill.  My Aunt Betty and Uncle Bill are moving into an assisted living home and they gave mom a lot of items that they had stored that belonged to her dad.  Mom is going to give them to me and I can’t wait.  I am so excited.  One of the items is a flag that was on her mother’s casket. 

 

Since we dissolved the business I haven’t been making much in the way of crafts and neither have Kevin and Renea.  I think we are going to put in a garden in the spring so I guess that will keep us busy. 

 

It’s been kind of quiet around here lately.  Looking forward to Thanksgiving, and I’m sure it will pick up getting closer to Christmas.  Hopefully, I will have my new furniture by then.

Yard Sale, Yard Work, Housework

 

Last Saturday Renea and I decided to have a yard sale.  Of course, living in the country it’s kind of hard to have one at our house.  So, we rented a couple of tables at the Ladonia Flea Market.  I rented one table and Renea rented two.  I sold $2.00 worth of stuff and my table cost $5.00.  I am already losing money.  We had two couples and one family of five come to our tables.  In fact, that’s about all the came to the flea market.  Except for the owner to collect our money.  Renea made a little more money because the family bought a lot of the clothes and a bicycle she had for sale. 

 

The booth next to us was set up to wash and detail vehicles.  Since Renea had driven Kevin’s truck there she had them wash and detail his truck.  They did a really great job, so I had them wash and detail my car.  Now I have spent $30.00 more.  As you can see, I spent a lot more than I made. 

 

We closed up about 2:00 and headed for home.  Stopped at Goodwill and dropped off all the clothes we didn’t sell.  If all goes well, next Saturday we will have a yard sale over at Stephanie’s place.  Not today, but next week.

 

The yard work has not stopped.  I haven’t had to cut any grass, but the weeds are growing like weeds J  I’ve just spent most of the morning pulling weeds and cleaning up dead flowers.  I wish the weeds would die like the flowers.  We have had a couple of light frosts.  Not too bad though.

 

The red maple in my back yard is the prettiest it has been since we planted it.  We planted it when we had the lot cleaned up which was three years ago. 

 

This week Renea finished painting the trim in the addition and we put up the shades at the windows.  I did not buy mini blinds – I don’t like them.  I bought room darkening shades and they look really nice.  I bought new curtains for the windows along with curtain rods.  Hopefully, we will get them put up this coming week.

 

This past week a limb broke off the pecan tree in my front yard – a big limb.  We are going to wait for Kevin to get home before we do anything about it.  It’s too big for us to move.  It will need to be cut up. 

I have been working on both mine and Jim’s family tree.  His dad’s side goes way back.  I’m still finding his ancestors.  His mother’s side is another story.  I am also working on Renea’s family tree.  I really enjoy doing this.

 

Yesterday Renea and I spent the day shopping at CHRISTMAS MADE IN THE SOUTH.  We had an awesome time, and, of course, we both bought quite a few items.  Some Christmas, some not Christmas. 

No Special Title

Today has been a busy day getting caught up on odds and ends.  I took down the hummingbird feeders since I haven’t seen one for about a month now.  I also filled the other bird feeders and pulled some weeds. 

 

Yesterday Renea and I spent the day shopping.  We went to Office Depot (I needed ink for my printer and she needed some miscellaneous items).  We then stopped at Books-A-Million and I found three of the books Jana was looking for.  I will now mail them to her.  Today I found the other two books she wanted on Amazon.  I had them shipped directly to her.

 

We also went to T J Max where Renea bought a jacket and top.  She received a phone call from Virginia University (located in Columbus, GA) about an interview for a teaching position.  She decided she needed something really nice.  We then went to Kohl’s where she purchased a pair of dressy slacks.  Renea received a call this afternoon and her interview is scheduled for tomorrow morning. We are so excited.

 

I would also like to mention here that Kevin has put in his resume and application for a promotion within the department he is now working.  He has also had his first interview.

 

So many exciting things are happening right now.

 

Next we went to Target where Renea bought supplies to make apple butter.  She also bought a new candy dish.  I bought a low table for my new room that matches the rest of my furniture.  I will post a picture when I get it put together.  I haven’t posted any pictures of the room as yet because I still don’t have my furniture.  Anyway, I also found the perfect drapes.  Of course, I needed four panels and they only had three.  I talked to Wende at the Customer Service desk and she called Target in Columbus to see if they had any.  They had two panels.  I had her put a hold on one and Renea and I then headed for Target in Columbus.  After picking up the panel we came back to Phenix City and had lunch at I-Hop.    

 

I am also back to work on the family tree.  I am so excited about some of the information I am finding.  The biggest block I have is Jim’s mother’s side.  I have not given up and I’m still digging.

 

By the way, I did get my bedroom house cleaned.  So, I’m finished with that.  Now it’s just a matter of keeping everything caught up.  The grass has been cut again – hopefully, for the last time this year.  But that could be wishful thinking.  The trees are starting to turn, and I love looking out the backyard window.  The line of trees along the woods in my backyard look so pretty.

 

Tomorrow after Renea’s interview we are going to finish our shopping.  We plan to go to Lowe’s and Krogers.  We may even stop at Hobby Lobby.  And, most important, we are going to Chill’s.

Time To Get Back To Work!

Had a great weekend.  We (the Prime Timers) stayed at the Elk Lodge at the Tuckaleechee Retreat Center in Townsend, TN.  It was beautiful. It is located on the top of a mountain, and our view from the deck was mountains and valleys.  Just a shame that the leaves had not turned as yet, but it was still a beautiful setting.  There was 27 of us.  We ate, laughed, played games, sat on the deck and enjoyed the scenery, and just had a good time.  On Saturday night we drove into Pigeon Forge and attended the Dixie Jamboree. Great show and a lot of really good food.  On Sunday we had a bible class/service in the morning.  After lunch about half of the group went into Pigeon Forge again to go shopping.  The rest of us stayed at the Lodge.  Most of us sat on the deck and enjoyed the scenery and good weather.  Some of the men watched football.  All in all it was a great weekend.
 

While I was gone Renea painted all the molding for the room addition.  Kevin is hoping to get it installed in the next few days.  He will be leaving Saturday for Washington DC for training.  He will be gone three weeks.  My new furniture should be here in the next week or so.  He is trying to get it to a point where they can place it where I want it when it arrives. 

Since Monday

Kevin built the steps leading down from the “old” living room into the “new” living room.  He has also installed the floor.  It really looks pretty.  Renea and I were his gophers.  What a job!  The next day I cleaned the windows and the door in the addition.  Tuesday we went back to Lowe’s and bought the molding, paint for the molding, and more lumber to finish the area between the old and new rooms along with the framing for the windows. 
 

Kevin also finished installed the ceiling fan (with lights), the switches and outlets.  We now have electric in the addition.  This was a little scary since Kevin will be the first to tell you that he is not comfortable doing electric work.  Brian had run the electric when he was here, but Kevin had to finish the hookups.

 

I have finished my fall cleaning except the bedroom.  That is going to have to wait until next week since I am getting ready to leave on my fall trip with the Prime Timers (the senior group from church).  We are going to Townsend, TN, from Friday until Monday.  Kevin and Renea will be taking care of my house.  Hopefully, they will get a little more work accomplished.

 

Renea is going to have a yard sale while I am gone, so I have been getting a few items together for her.  I think she is going to rent a booth at the Lee County Flea Market.  We just don’t get enough traffic here to have it in our yards. 

 

Yesterday I spent a good part of the day doing some shopping for my trip.  Today was laundry and packing.  I’m just about ready to get on the road, and I am really looking forward to the trip.  Will report on my return.

Making Progress

The drywall, mudding and sanding is finished.  Kevin hung plastic between the new room and the rest of the house, so there wasn’t quite as much dust.  However, there was still a lot.  He has painted the ceiling and put two coats on the walls.  Three of the outlets are working.  He is in the process of putting up the ceiling fan. 
 

Saturday we went to Lowe’s and bought all the flooring, wood, the rest of the switches, etc.  In other words, we bought a lot of stuff.  I also bought another battery for my new weedeater.  The original one always seems to run out of juice before I finish. 

 

The grass has been cut (mine anyway), and most of the weed wacking has been done.  Kevin got rid of a lot of the stuff that was laying around due to the construction, and I have been picking up little stuff (including nails) with my picker upper (do you like that description?).  The other night when I was weed wacking I accidentally stepped on an ant hill.  I have numerous bites around my ankles.  They itch like crazy, but are slowly getting better.

 

The past week they have been predicting that we would get a lot of rain from KAREN.  Didn’t happen.  We had some showers, but not much else.  The weather is supposed to cool down now. 

 

I’ve been cleaning my house now.  Actually, I am doing my “fall” cleaning.  I have been wiping down walls, washing windows, curtains, etc.  I waited until the sanding was finished, and I am glad I did. 

 

Okay, break is over.  Back to work J

I am so far beind......

I guess you all know the saying I’M SO FAR BEHIND I THOUGHT I WAS FIRST.  Well, that’s how I feel right now.  However, we are making progress.  Kevin has put the first coat of mud on the drywall and the second coat on the ceiling.  He also cleaned up some of the stuff outside and took it to the dump.  I have also been working outside.  Between the mess from the guys who put the bricks under/around the mobile home, and the contractors who built the addition, there is a lot of cleanup. 
 

The guys that put the bricks under/around the mobile home really made a mess.  It is going to take quite a while to get that cleaned up.  They made a big pile of dirt with bricks and stones and other junk.  There is mortar and cement scattered around in the grass.  Between Kevin and I we are using the weedeater before we can run the mower thru the grass because of all the junk that has been thrown around.  They also made a mess of both of my rock gardens.  I am going to have to get some more rocks and put them around.  I am also babying my one hydrangea.  On several of my plants they slopped mortar on the leaves, including the hydrangea and azaleas.  The azaleas are looking okay, but the one hydrangea is really bad.  I sure hope it survives. 

 

Ricky and Phil, the guys who built the addition, were not as bad.  Most of their mess has been cleaned up.  The item we are really looking for is nails.  I have been sweeping, using my pickerupper and bucket, and weedeater to cut back the tall grass.  After I finish using the weedeater and getting as much picked up as I can, Kevin is going to use a large magnet to try and find any nails I may miss.  We sure don’t want any flat tires.

 

This past week Renea got both back yards mowed and I took care of the front yards. In fact, I did my front yard again today.  I can’t believe how fast the grass grows around here.  I also did a lot of weedeating.  The front is beginning to look pretty good again except for where the addition is located.  The concrete pad is just full of all kinds of stuff. 

 

Yesterday, Renea and I went shopping for some new furniture.  She is going to take my two recliners.  So, we went to La-Z-Boy (they were having a sale) and I bought two wingback chairs (both recline) and a love seat size sofa bed.  They will go in my new room.  It will be about six weeks before I get them so Kevin has plenty of time to finish my room.  He was really glad to hear that.  There is no way I will even try to describe what the new furniture looks like.  I will post pictures when I get the furniture.

 

The weather is really nice right now.  However, it is supposed to rain tomorrow.  So, Kevin has decided we should have a campfire tonight.  It’s been quite a while since we’ve had one, and I am really looking forward to it.  As tired as I am I probably won’t last too long.  Campfires always relax me.

Ants, Birds and Other Stuff

Woke up this morning to a sink full of ants.  Got out the Raid and sprayed everything.  Then I had to open windows because of the smell.  However, I haven’t seen any for the past couple of hours.  Hope I caught them and got rid of them before they took over.
 

Friday evening I was sitting on my deck reading when I heard a flutter of wings.  I looked to my left and sitting on the deck railing was a beautiful hawk.  He looked at me, then looked around a bit, and then took off. He flew into one of the pecan trees.  Must have been there quite a while because I didn’t see him leave. He was probably looking for his supper.  Thankfully, he decided I wasn’t it. 

 

Saturday Ricky and Phil finished putting the siding on the addition.  It really looks good.  Kevin and Renea arrived home from DC on Sunday.  Yesterday they started mudding the drywall in the addition.  Yesterday we also went to Lowes and bought the ceiling paint and wall paint.  Kevin is hoping to start painting this weekend.  Also went to Target and bought two pieces of furniture for what is now my living room but will soon be my whatever room.  The addition is going to be the living room. Renea and I are going to Lazy Boy and I plan to buy a love seat/hide-a-bed and two chairs.  I will also be moving my television to that room. 

 

I haven’t been doing any work outside lately because of the heat.  It is hotter now than it was in July and August.  It’s like walking into a sauna when you go outside.  The grass can wait. 

 

I have about eight hummingbirds that come to my feeders.  Sometimes there are four of them sitting on the feeder eating at the same time.  I really enjoy watching them.

 

I just finished putting together a GARDEN JOURNAL complete with pictures.  I did this to help me remember what plants do well and what plants do not do well.  I also recorded the date I bought them and planted them.  I have included my trees and bushes.  I am trying to plant more perennials than annuals; that is another reason I am doing the journal. 

 

Another thing I have started working on again is my family tree.  I am doing mine and Jim’s.  Jim’s is a real challenge.  His dad’s side isn’t so bad, but if I get beyond his mother’s dad and mom it will be a miracle.  I know their names and that is about it.  I will keep searching.  I have joined ancestry.com and have found quite a bit there, at least for my tree.

A Little of This and A Little of That

Haven’t been doing much outside – it is really hot and humid.  My rock gardens have all been weeded and I am doing my best to keeping caught up.  The grass has all been cut.  Of course, it’s almost time to cut it again.  Today I am watering trees since we haven’t had any rain for a while. 
 

The addition is at a standstill right now.  The siding is on backorder.  Should be in this week.  The drywall is up and when Kevin returns from Washington DC he will be doing the mudding, etc.  Then we can paint and put in the floor.  Brian is trying to figure out when to come back and finish the electric.  I have been busy outside picking up trash, nails and all that good stuff.  Kevin got rid of a lot of trash before he left and was able to get some grass cut and trimmed before he left. 

 

I had another reply to my classmate letters.  Received a call and talked to him for almost an hour.  It turned out we know a lot of the same people.  In fact, he may be able to help Ronnie and me with a few more names.  So, I guess I am making pretty good progress – at least with the guys.  Having a few problems with the girls since I don’t know their married names.

 

Back working on my family tree.  I  am actually working on four of them, my dad’s side, my mom’s side, Jim’s mom and Jim’s dad.  I am making the most progress on my dad’s side. 

 

I have also decided to start another project.  I am putting together a Garden Journal.  It is pictures and information about the trees I have planted and the plants/flowers I have planted.  I am making pretty good progress.  Also have an information section about the different types of fertilizers, etc.  Rita has been teaching me a lot, and I keep making notes.

 

I am also dog sitting this week.  Roscoe and Lola are both spending a lot of time in the house.  It seems they don’t like the heat either.  My biggest problem is, that for some reason, Lola has decided to eat Roscoe’s food.  I have taken to feeding them separately.  It’s really interesting.  And, of course, they both sleep with me.  I sure don’t get lonesome J

Room Addition and More

 

Below are a couple of pictures of the addition I am adding to my home.  It is just one room, and as you can see so far it is framed in, the roof is on (including the shingles) and the windows have been installed.  Brian was here last weekend and for a few extra days.  He did the wiring and put in a new breaker panel.  Thursday we went to Lowes and purchased the insulation and drywall.  The construction guys are here today installing both.  A couple of weeks ago we ordered the siding, but, of course, it is on backorder.  Not supposed to get that for another two weeks or so.  Kevin purchased the door while I was in Ohio. It should be installed soon.  We are definitely making progress.

 

 

Thursday while at Lowes I purchased a battery operated weedeater.  I have charged the battery, put together the weedeater, and last night I used it for the first time.  It works great!  My front yard is starting to look good again.  I cut the grass (the second time since I am home), and the flowers are perking back up.  The new ones are doing really good.  Now I just have to get my new crepe myrtles planted.  I may have to transplant my azaleas because the lantanas have taken over that section.  They have gotten so big you cannot see the azaleas.  Have to think about this.

 

I have been busy searching for eighth grade classmates.  Ronnie found a couple of addresses for me. I have sent out quite a few letters, but only have heard from three so far.  I’ll keep trying though.  Linda sent me a copy of our “official” graduation picture.  Thank you Linda.  I only had a snapshot.

 

Now I need to get back to work on my family tree.  I bought a new program and have joined ancestry.com.  I found out quite a bit of information while in Ohio, but progress has slowed down since I returned home.  Just so much going on.

 

Not sure what I am going to do today.  Probably cut Kevin and Renea’s front grass.  And use my new weedeater in back of my house.  With all the stuff laying around the yard because of the construction I can only do so much.  Just wait till they finish though!

IT HAS BEEN A BUSY WEEK

I bought a couple of plants to replace some of the ones that perished because of the rain.  It took a couple of days, but I finally got them potted.  I also trimmed the weeping cherry tree because some of the branches were dragging the ground.  I bought two crepe myrtles, but I haven’t planted them yet.  One is a plum color and the other is purple.  The two that I have been growing in pots are both pink.  I should be able to plant them in the ground this fall. 

 

It stopped raining long enough to get some of the grass cut.  It usually rains every evening.  Sometimes it rains here and sometimes it misses us.  I still have a lot of weeds to pull in my rock gardens.  I have about half of the one finished.  I can’t go any further on that one until they finish my addition.  I also need to work on the birdbath area.  The weeds and grass are so high that you can’t see the birdbath right now. 

 

It’s been so hot and humid when it isn’t raining I can’t work outside for very long.  I kind of do it in bits and pieces.

 

I am posting a few pictures of the brick work that was done around the mobile home.  As you can see, one side has an opening.  This opening is going to get a door.  It was decided that this needed to be done in case something happens that we need to get under the mobile home for some reason.  Anyway, I am happy with the work that was done.  Now I just need to clean up the broken bricks and old aluminum that they left in piles in the yard.  I think Ricky is going to take the bricks and break them up to put in his driveway. 

I have gotten my deck back in order.  When they worked on the brickwork around the houses and started the addition, a lot of my plants and other items were stacked on my deck.  I have moved them now.  The hummingbirds came back right away, but the other birds have been a little slow.  I am seeing more of them every day. 

 

Brian just called.  He is on his way and should arrive sometime during the night.  I told him I would be sleeping and would see him in the morning.  Apparently, he is going to do the electric and then he and Kevin and going to hang the drywall.  I’m really looking forward to having this addition.

THE TO DO LIST

It’s growing.  I have been home a week now, and haven’t stopped.  It seems no matter what I do I have to add another item or two to THE TO DO LIST! 
 

It’s been raining since I’ve returned so I really haven’t been able to do much outside.  That means no grass cutting, weed pulling or working on the flowers.  My rock gardens are a mess.  When they added the blocks under my house, they moved a lot of the potted plants and didn’t put them back.  They are still sitting where they left them.  Also, with all the rain I had a lot of plants die.  I have purchased some new ones, but haven’t been able to do anything with them since it is still raining.  Last year it was a drought, this year flash floods.  However, the job that was done with putting the bricks under the house look great. 

 

Now a new crew is working on my room addition.  They are making good progress even with the rain.  I will post pictures later.  I’ve taken a few but haven’t downloaded them yet.

 

So far I’ve gotten the laundry done, had my hair cut, been to the grocery, taken care of the mail and bills, etc. etc.etc.  I still have to work on the pictures from CRAP.  I hope to have the albums finished by next weekend.  Brian is coming down to do my electric in the new room and I would like to be able to send the albums back with him so I don’t have to mail them.

 

Looks like it’s going to be another busy week!

 

P.S.  I just crossed update blog off THE TO DO LIST!

 

AFTER CRAP

Yes, I am back home now, but I thought the first thing I should do is catch up on what I did after CRAP. 
 

I spent the week after CRAP at Rita’s.  Bob went out of town and Rita and I just sort of had fun.  She had to work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday so I went to Jungle Jim’s (had to get my wine), Books-A-Million (can’t be in that area without stopping there), and Wal Mart to buy some new shorts.  We also ate at O’Charlie’s and just goofed off.  On Thursday we went downtown and walked along the river and checked out the flowers.  We also sat on the swings and watched the river go by.  Walked up to the Great American Ballpark and went to the restaurant/bar across the street.  There we sat outside, had a drink and watched the river go by.  We then drove up to Washington Park to see how they fixed it up.  Then it was on to the Horseshoe Casino.  I broke even, Rita lost a few dollars.  We had supper at Margaritaville.  They have the best frozen margaritas I have ever drank.  We then had a Cheeseburger in Paradise without the cheese J.  Then headed for home.  Bob came home Thursday night so Friday we toured the Loveland Castle and had supper at a restaurant in Loveland.  We then headed home.

 

Saturday morning I left Rita and Bob’s and headed for Brian’s house.  Spent the weekend with Brian and his family.  Had a really good time.  Andy seems to have calmed down a bit.  He doesn’t bark nearly as much and was friendly with me.  Precious is just precious.  She is very loving and doing much better.  Sunday I was pooped and spent most of the day resting on the couch.  Sunday night I went to Jana and Dave’s.    

While at Jana and Dave’s we visited with Mom most every day.  Did some shopping.  Went to Ollie’s and Half Price Books.  Spent a day with Ronnie and Tom.  We did some research on finding guys and gals we graduated with from the eighth grade.  I am in the process of writing letters to those we “think” we found.  We went to dinner at The Manor House with Jana’s neighbor, Ed and his family.  It was very good.  Sunday Mom spent the day with us at Jana’s house.  Tuesday we took Brian and his family to supper at Frisch’s.  Wednesday I went to supper with the gals from Green Township, and had a great time.  It’s always good to see them.  Thursday I had an appointment at 5^th 3^rd.  Friday I met Gail at Ron’s Roost.  Our conversation just seems to pick up where we left off the last time we were together.  Saturday morning I headed for home.  Spent the night in Franklin, TN, at the usual place.  Sunday I arrived home early afternoon. 

 

It was a short and busy trip, but I had a great time like always.

CRAP 2013

Okay, it’s time to catch up.  I am in Ohio now, and will be for another week.  I have been here for three weeks now and it sure has been busy.  Renea rode up with me, and I took her to here parent’s house so she could spend a week with them.  I then went to Rita and Bob’s.  The three of us spent most of the week getting ready for CRAP 2013 which was held here in Cincinnati this year.  Our theme was Irish.

I did spend Monday with Brian and his family.  I met their new dog, Precious. She is an American Eskimo just like Andy.  She is nine years old and has some problems, but is doing fine.  As for Andy he didn’t even bark at me nearly as much. In fact, he was pretty friendly.  I guess he figured it was okay since Precious was friendly.  Brian and I worked on my computer.  Turns out I had a virus imbedded in my registry, so we decided to wipe the hard drive clean and start from scratch.  So far, so good.  Had supper with them and then headed back to Rita and Bob’s. 

 

 

Kevin drove up late Thursday and brought Stephanie, Chelsea (Ryan’s fiancé) and Gavin, her son.  He also brought the dogs.  They all stayed at Brian’s.  Friday morning Kevin picked up Renea from her parent’s and they came over and picked up Bob so they could buy the drinks for the party.  They decided they needed some Irish beer since the theme was Irish.  Meanwhile Rita and I worked on the food.  I had ordered bar-b-q from the meat store and had picked that up on Thursday.  I made macaroni salad on Friday.  We then headed to Brian’s to do some swimming.  He grilled hot dogs for supper, we drank a lot, had a fire in the outdoor fireplace and had a really good time.  Then we headed home to get a good night’s sleep so we would be ready for Saturday.

 

 

Rain was predicted for Saturday, but we were really lucky.  There was rain all around us, but we only had a few drops.  We had a bean bag tournament in the morning which Brian and Bob won.  Then we took our pictures.  Everyone wore a green shirt and Rita furnished hats. 

 

Since we had it in Ohio Granny was able to attend.  Jana and David signed her out of the nursing home and brought her.  She is 94 now and doing good.  She really enjoyed herself. 

Brian and Tracy brought plenty of snacks to munch on during the day. 

Our next event was held in the basement.  We played CRAP JEOPARDY which I put together.  It was soooo funny.  We had a blast.  Samantha showed Kevin and Brian how to twerk.  Funniest thing I ever saw.  Tracy and Kevin were doing it outside while playing bean bag.  Then Brian and Kevin carried it over into the basement.  This year we had two teams; gals against guys.  Needless to say, the gals won.

 

We had our CRAP meeting and it was decided to hold it next year in Alabama.  The theme will be Super Heroes/Villains. 

Next was food.  Which was awesome.  Rita had bought a cake and made some brownies.  Andrea and Megan brought cookies.  We had bar-b-q, beans, slaw, macaroni salad without onions, macaroni salad with onions, etc.    After supper we sat around and drank some more and told stories.  Jana and David took mom back to the nursing home.  She is not allowed to stay overnight anywhere because she would lose her Medicaid.    All the “young people” left and went to Brian and Tracy’s house for the night.  Since I was still staying at Rita and Bob’s I went to bed.  The rest of the adults spent the night because they had all been drinking. 

The next morning Rita had breakfast for everyone.  Brian, Tracy, Kevin and Renea left for Brian’s house after breakfast.  Kevin and Renea picked up the kids and dogs and headed for Alabama.  Robby, LeeAnn and their family headed for home.  I helped Rita and Bob straighten up as best as I could.  Then we spent the rest of the day just relaxing.  Needless to say we were tired. 

EEK! A MOUSE!

Yep, that’s what I said.  Wednesday before last when I got home from church the first place I headed was for the bathroom (of course).  While there all of a sudden this “thing” ran across my feet, out the bathroom door and behind the dryer.  Naturally, I jumped and gave a little scream.  Then I realized it was a mouse.  So, now I have another first since this is the first mouse I have seen.  I guess living in the country I shouldn’t be too surprised.  Anyway, I called Kevin to ask if he had any mouse traps and he said no, but said he would pick some up when he went out the next day.  Yes, he did get me some mouse traps and set them for me. 
 

I went to the doctor this week, and he informed me that I am fine and can go back to my normal work.  Just no heavy lifting.  I guess this means I am back to cutting grass.  That starts tomorrow.  Kevin is cutting the back yard today.  I will do the front tomorrow.  It’s supposed to rain this afternoon.  That’s why I decided on tomorrow.

 

I will be heading for Ohio in a couple of weeks.  Renea will be riding up with me so she can visit her family for a few days before CRAP, then she will come back home with Kevin.  I plan on staying with Rita and Bob for two weeks and then I will be staying with Jana and David for two weeks.  I am not going to stay as long this time.  There is just too much going on right now for me to be gone for any length of time.  If all goes well I will be adding a room to my mobile home and building a garage/storage building next to my house.  I will need to get back for that.

 

Okay, so I didn’t get the grass cut when I thought I would.  In fact I didn’t get any grass cut until Sunday after church.  All because of the rain.  At this point it was knee high – and not to a grasshopper, but to me.  Kevin did his front yard and about a fourth of mine.  I did the rest.  It took forever since I had to go slow because it was so high.  Judging from the weather report the grass probably won’t be cut until next week some time.  We are supposed to have a lot of rain.  The rain has been good for the grass, trees and bushes.  However, I have lost a few plants even though the planters had holes in the bottom. 

 

Nothing ever goes as planned.  I had an eye doctor appointment this morning for my yearly checkup.  Since they dilate my eyes Renea was going to take me.  However, when it was time to leave here comes Kevin.  That was fine.  Renea had other things to do since they were leaving in the afternoon for a trip to Arkansas.  We head out for Columbus, and, of course, I had to get gas first.  No big deal.  So far, every time I have been to this eye doctor they have been on time and there have been no long waits – until today.  I was a little early, but they called me back right away and the nurse did all the checkups that she does and took me back to the doctor’s office.  Where I sat and waited, and waited and waited.  I thought maybe they forgot about me.  About the time I was going to go check and find out if they had forgotten about me the doctor came into the room.  Seems they had an emergency and all four doctors on duty were taking care of the guy.  His eye had perforated.  He was still being taken care of and the doctors were taking turns seeing their patients.  My eyes are fine.  No changes since last year.  Don’t have to go back for another year.  When I met up with Kevin in the waiting room he was a little concerned because it took so long.  However, all’s well that ends well.  Now I will just be glad when my eyes go back to normal.

 

Okay, I still have not caught the mouse.  So, I bought four trays of D-Con.  I am going to get that sucker!  I put a tray in each room.  Since I have not seen or smelled any dead mice I don’t know if he is dead or not.  I hadn’t seen any mouse droppings for a couple of days after setting out the trays, but I did see a mouse run across the living room floor while I was watching the race on Saturday night. 

 

Haven’t done much of anything lately.  Can’t go outside because all it does is rain.  Sure would like to get the grass cut before I go to Ohio.  It’s almost knee high again.

 

Off to run some errands.

Just a Quick Update

In less than a week we have had 6 ½ inches of rain.  The trees and grass have loved it.  Of course, that means Kevin has been busy cutting and trimming the grass.  Some of my bushes such as the lantanas loved the rain also.  They are getting big and beautiful.  However, a few of my potted flowers almost drowned.  I am babying them and, hopefully, they will be okay.  The rain has been good for my hydrangeas also.  I am amazed at how great they look.  I thought I had my weeding caught up, but now since the rain I’m back at it again.
 

I’m back.  We had some more rain, but the past couple of days have been sunny.  Kevin and Renea cut the grass again.  I go to the doctor next Tuesday and after that I should be able to cut the grass again.  I’m feeling fine and doing more work every day.

 

As for my potted plants, I transplanted six of them using dry potting soil.  I was afraid they would get root rot and die.  They are looking better.  I hope I got them in time.

 

I’m having computer problems so I’m not able to do much on the computer/internet right now.  Brian is going to work on it when I come to Ohio.  It’s a real PIA not to be able to do what I want on the computer when I want. 

 

My desk is set up at my back window so I can see the back yard.  This morning I am sitting here watching the purple martins flying in and out of the purple martin house.  I think every nesting spot has been taken.  They sure are busy this morning.  I can also see my weeping willow tree from the back window, and it is looking really good.  My weeping cherry tree is in the front yard and is also looking good.  In fact, everything planted in the ground is looking great!

 

The hummingbirds are enjoying my new feeders.  I am now using clear food for them instead of the red and they seem to like it just as well.  I guess since they knew where the feeders were they didn’t miss a day. 

 

I’ve always wanted a mimosa tree.  I had one once in our front yard on Boomer Road.  However, Jim thought it had died and cut it down.  Well, I have one now.  It is in the woods behind my house and I can see it from my back window.  Yea!

 

Next Saturday Renea and I are going to the Lee County Flea Market again and try our luck.  We both have flea market stuff and plan to take a few of our crafts.  Renea and I have added crafts to the BKM Wood Products LLC company.  So, this week we will be busy getting our stuff together to sell.

 

Don’t know when I will post anything again.  I’m glad I was able to post this.