Family
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
An At Home Day with Girl Kitty
There’s nothing on tv this evening, at least what I might want to watch. And I already used up a few hours beside a sunny window with a crochet hook in my hand. I might pick up Yarn and tool again in a little while.
Mahalia girl kittycat is doing better. After breakfast and her shot of insulin, she played with her glove in the living room, then had a nice morning nap. After her Noon meal, she wanted to go out the front door. I watched from the window. She sat on the top step and surveyed the area. After a few minutes, I opened the door and asked if she wanted to come back in.
She looked over her shoulder, then back out across the yard, gave a little murmur of NO, then hopped over into the grass.
I watched through 2 different windows as she paced off a 3 corner territory, stopping to sniff at a bush where a stray yellow cat likes to sit to watch us. The temp got up to over 40o and the sunshine brings a hint of Spring.
A few minutes later, her paw was on the screen of the front window, so I answered the door to let her back in. She went straight to her water dish, had a nice long drink, sat on the rug doing a little grooming, then settled in her chair for her afternoon nap.
I’m not sure I want to leave her alone to go to a Sub job!
I like knowing that she’s eating, and enjoying the yard during the day. And Spring Break is weeks off yet!
When I checked SubFinder this morning, there were a few jobs, all at the high school, and all names I don’t know. Because I’m not familiar, I was not in the mood for an adventure. Last time I tried that, I had to change diapers on a kid big enough to be playing football if he did not have problems. And only one other aide was willing to help with lifting, which is not teamwork.
The last school board meeting notes say that most Assistant jobs will be eliminated next year. Fewer regular positions mean fewer Sub opportunities. Next question is “what will happen to all the students with disabilities?”
And what other job might give me the freedom to take time off to nurse my girl kittycat?
Now I’m getting myself into a darker mindset, so I should stop typing now.
I’ll go work on the peg loom with green and blue ombre yarn to make a baby hat.
Husband is on the treadmill. He’s so faithful.
I haven’t been on it for 4 days. Crochet is not nearly enough exercise, and my backside knows it.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Monday, March 01, 2010
Getting the cat into Routine
On Sunday evening, we made a trip to WallyWorld to fetch um, matzos. Husband likes those crackers with hazelnut spread on ‘em, and that store has the least price on the brand he wants.
So while we’re in the middle of all this merchandise, I suggest we might get something for Monday’s supper. I took the day off to be able to carry Mahalia kittycat to the doctor (she’s doing fine, I’m a good nurse, we don’t go back until the end of May) so I knew I would have time to cook something.
Before I was even done with the sentence, my spouse looked all hopeful and softly said “Chicken Noodle?” as I knew he would.
I haven’t made it for 3 weeks, he must be having withdrawal symptoms by now.
So we went over to the poultry fridge and I found the Whole Chicken Cut-up package and put it into the cart. He looks at the price and says a deli chicken already cooked would be less expensive, so I trot over to the end where I can see the little cart has its heat lamp burning. However, there are no whole chickens on a busy Sunday evening, only crispy fried parts, which do not make good casserole innards.
Back to the fridge and put the Whole Chicken Cut-up package into the cart again.
This morning, I stripped the bed because I took the day off to be able to carry Mahalia kittycat to the doctor, and I knew I would have time to do the laundry.
When I went to the basement to sort and load, I found youngest son’s laundry hamper waiting. He must have brought it by yesterday afternoon while I was at the Baby Adoption Party.
So I end up with 6 XL loads to put through the machines. The dryer just buzzed for #4, but it’s only 2:30 in the afternoon, plenty of time to get the rest done.
The chicken got baked, picked off the bones, and chopped ready for the casserole. It waits under wrap in the fridge. Noodles, can of cream o chicken soup, and bread crumbs waiting on the counter beside the ceramic dish. Pan full of water waiting on the stove, ready to be heated to boil the noodles.
All this because I actually asked the mister what he might want for supper on Monday.
Next laundry load just went into the dryer, last load altogether went into the washer. No way could I have done 6 loads of laundry in one day if I had worked TA Sub hours, but I took the day off to be able to carry Mahalia kittycat to the doctor.
Putting the cat into the carrier, driving to the animal hospital, waiting room, check-up, discussion for treatment, paying bill, home again, was a total of 43 minutes time.
All the other chores got done because I took the day off to be able to carry Mahalia kittycat to the doctor.
And what a nice day it has been 
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Monday, February 22, 2010
We’re Still Making Adjustments
Since I had not eaten a thing since ramen noodles last evening, I really had a hankering for a McDs Sausage and Egg Biscuit.
I got up when Mahalia decided it was time for me to get up, even tho her appt. is not until 1pm.
We got through the morning routine of my medicine, and her medicines, fill the critter bowls, then I gave Husband a smooch to send him on his way on his bicycle to his job.
I went out and cleared my car of the freezing rain that was covering it, then drove past the ISU dorms and crowds of students making their way to classes.
At McDs, the drive-thru lane had a long line of cars, so I decided to go inside and have my breakfast.
Not being with Husband, I felt off-kilter. I ordered my usual meal, but forgot a newspaper. McDs has the local paper for a quarter on the same bill. I sat in a different seat than he and I do together, again because being there alone is unusual. There was a paper left on the next table, so I claimed it to at least read the front page.
Then I realized I had forgotten the cholula sauce. A McDs sausage and egg biscuit is not quite ready until the hot sauce soaks in to join the grease on the bready part.
So I finished the hash browns, re-wrapped the sandwich, made sure the lid tight on my coffee, and came back home.
I found Mahalia in an odd position almost unconscious on the rug between the kitchen and living room. I had to rub a bit of corn syrup on her tongue, lift her and rock her and keep talking to her until she rallied enough to eat a couple more spoonfuls of wet cat food. I made her walk around a little to get her system to send insulin to all parts of her little body.
Good thing she goes in for a re-check in a little while. I’m going to ask again about how much food at a time, how often to keep her levels in balance, and how much Total food she should have in a day.
And I will write down the answers because my hearing does not always connect correctly inside my brain. Written notes can be referred to as often as I need to.
I had to re-heat my sausage and egg in the microwave, put it onto a cold biscuit, and drink lukewarm coffee.
Mahalia sat on a magazine about 10” from my plate until I gave in and let her nibble a marble size bit of egg.
So much for having a solitary and anticipated meal.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Each Day as it comes Along
Yesterday’s news brought on a whole new mindset for me.
I have to re-organize a cupboard shelf in the kitchen to accommodate girl cat’s medical supplies, syringes, thyroid pill bottle; insulin in the fridge.
I’m supposed to take my own thyroid pill on an empty stomach, then wait 30 minutes to eat breakfast.
Husband asked me to stay home this first day, to keep an eye on our sick kitty. I’m quite willing to do this, since it gives me more opportunity to work on crafts for the Relief Sale.
I have to figure out a different routine to get everything done in the morning,
yet still be able to make it out the door to be at the high school by 7am on the days when I do agree to work at the high school.
For Today, I told SubFinder to Do Not Disturb. It helped that the computer schedule read No Jobs Available. Maybe the credit bills from Christmas are coming due? so folks are working hard.
But I do have a pre-arranged TA Sub job for Friday.
We’ll see if an old broad can get it together
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Our Girl Kitty is Sick
My head is processing the news that our girl kitty, Mahalia, has diabetes. She’s been taking thyroid medicine for a few months, but still getting more frail and losing weight, so I asked for an appointment today.
The Vet doctor seems optimistic that she can live a fine life with our help. He showed me how to give insulin shots, and how much food for each serving.
We go back next week to see if she is improving.
She is almost 15 years old, with a birthday in the summer.
Her brother is doing fine, actually is a bully to her too much.
We love our girl, and plan to take care of her as best we can.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentine’s Day!
My Valentine gift this morning was that my husband warmed up my car before I had to go pick up a friend in time for church.
On the back window, cleared within the frosty glaze, was the shape of a HEART with an Arrow going through it. Quite a nice little decoration until I turned on the rear defrost. By the time I got to my friend’s house, the heart was all blurry and melted.
But the sentiment is very very sweet
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| From WimanFamily |
the church congregation was all colorful in pinks and reds
a couple e-greetings have come my way
Folks who are so thoughtful on the Internet.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Saturday, February 13, 2010
It’s Bringing us Together
A couple years ago, I was walking across the campus Quad on my way to a Recital where my youngest son would be performing. I was excited to have a reason to be somewhere other than the house, and LIVE music for FREE!
Just a few paces from the building, a college girl crossed my path. Someone called her name and asked if she wanted to go somewhere else. She did not slow down at all, and I heard her call out “Actually, I have just enough time to get back to my room to see HEROES.” I remember thinking that real people performing inside might be a better experience than a television show.
I did not think of this again at all in the intervening time, until Monday when a package arrived. Inside was a dvd of the first season of the tv show HEROES. Husband had ordered it to watch while he walks the treadmill. It comes highly recommended by our two younger sons, who apparently talked about it while they were home at Christmastime.
Over breakfast this morning, I heard a bit of plot for HEROES. I’ll have to put it on my watch list.
Today, another box was dropped on the porch by the mail carrier. Inside is a graphic novel, with a very colorful cover. I believe it is based on the show.
Some folks got all hepped up about Super Bowl.
They were playing football, right?
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Quick as a Blink
Tuesday was an Inclement Weather day for the schools, and wowza, was I so glad to be able to stay home!
Ya see, on Sunday evening, whilst I was rolling the trash bin to the curb for pick-up, I slipped on the ice. It all happened quite fast after that, and my memory is not exact. I do remember my face and the plastic handle hitting together, my glasses in the air about 10 inches in front of my face. Then my shoulder and head hit the snow pile at the corner of the driveway. Then the bin overturned across my shoulder and neck.
I shoved the bin across the ice off of me, and lay there hearing my breath, and decided that since I did not feel warm blood running, and my fingers still moved, well, I would be okay.
Since my cheek hurt so much, I turned sideways and put it into the snow for a minute, wondering how long it might be before Husband would worry enough to come looking for me. Then I got up to my knees, found my glasses and hat by the light of the street lamp, put the bin upright and came into the house. Hot chocolate and Husbandly assurances got my little world alright again.
Monday was a funeral at church, so I helped by running the dishwasher after the lunch. Lifting racks of hot plates to the counter was probably good for my circulation, but I was quite tired that evening.
By Tuesday, I was aching enough to need more rest. Staying in was so nice. Got the ironing done, and knitted a couple baby hats, also crocheted a bookmark for a sympathy card. Lately seems like too many notices have been added to that list.
Today was already booked for a TA Sub job in 7th grade. The office assistant did not ask any questions about my black eye, but when I got to the Special Needs classroom, one of the students chimed right in. So I explained about trash pick-up and ice and gravity and bent glasses and extra rest on the Snow Day.
The other adults in the room did not say anything, but later when I had to sign the paper for Payroll, the office assistant joked about slipping on the ice as hazardous, so “Word does get Around” even in a big junior high school.
A phone call this evening from my sister-in-law. She had been in Seattle visiting Mom when the big snowstorm hit the East Coast, so getting back to Washington DC was quite an adventure. Landed in Baltimore airport, then the drive to her house was longer than 3 hours.
And now I have a cat between me and screen, so bedtime snack is necessary. Having a cat with medical problems means a schedule I never had to worry about before.
You all Take Care, and I’m gonna try to do better.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Monday, February 01, 2010
It’s Here! the new dryer doing fine
Life tends to just happen with me. I’m not a real adventurous person, but when something lands in my lap, I deal with it as best I can. And I am married to a sweet guy who puts up with me and tries to arrange surroundings so that I don’t have deal with too much of the worst of it
In the last week, we had to call the furnace shop, which ended up with a new thermostat, paying for part and labor.
The pipe valves behind the washer, and the washer’s intake hoses got replaced by resident handyman.
Melting snow caused water seeping into the basement again, which got toweled up by the guy trying to get some work done on his computer. We have a fleet of 3 mop buckets, all brite yellow, with one going away again when son Christopher’s belongings find a new home.
Saturday evening, our almost 19-year-old dryer died. Also written about at Decrepit Old Fool. We went shopping Sunday afternoon, blowing the dust off the SEARS charge card to do so. And then, Sunday evening, while I watched a dvd and crocheted potholders, Husband pulled the old dryer away from the wall and cleared the output hose of old lint build-up. He knows alot, and works hard.
This morning, I got ready for delivery, clearing a path from front door to basement spot. This meant all the stuff from entryway, moving kitchen table and cat’s shelf, all the items on the steps. Then washing down the wall and floor before the new dryer gets moved into its new home.
I don’t want delivery guys tripping or stepping on something. Nothing should hinder the task at hand.
The guy told me they have 14 appliances to drive to and set up today. They sure are good at it! they put straps over their shoulders, balancing the dryer on the loop between them. No cart nor dolly at all. He asked if I have ever seen a dryer “float” before. He says they can do that with a dryer cuz it’s fairly light. A refrigerator is handled differently.
Now I have a new G E dryer. It smells new.
But I hope to have it until it gets old, just like the last one.
From the pile at the bottom of the laundry chute, it looks like 4 loads should be sorted and put through the routine. Then there’s the ironing left from last week, which I did not do Sunday afternoon because we were at the appliance store.
Keeping busy. Not as busy as my spouse.
Then again, nobody can keep up with him when he sets his mind to it.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Got it All for Christmas
A few days ago, someone asked me what was my favorite thing I got for Christmas.
Well, since my own sister tells me that I am “hard to buy for” I will say that I did not get too many THINGS for Christmas.
The way I usually prefer for someone to show they care is to DO something. I tend to be a Giver person, so when someone puts out some effort to get something DONE, DONE SOON, (and DONE the way I like it) then I am quite appreciative.
This happened over and again the last few weeks. Middle Son Lucas came back for a visit from California. There was a taxi and a train and airplanes and shuttle van and a different train, and much communication with relatives.
The newlyweds had Christmas morning apart because Emily is allergic to cats, and we have two of them at our house. But our son was with us, by his own choice and efforts, and we are so glad to have him.
He got to be with his wife’s family for a couple extra days because of flight cancellations due to inclement weather. Good thing he carries a laptop to stay in touch with his job.
Our house Internet connection was being quite uncooperative. Husband delayed other tasks he had planned to accomplish while on Break to do diagnostics, get technical advice, order new parts. It hasn’t been this easy to make a connection since last Summer.
True Love is us staring at our screens.
For several days I was fretting over the family newsletter.
I don’t like writing so much, it tends to feel like an assignment for a class. Then son Chris offered to compose something. He sat down right here in this chair and managed to write enough to fill the front and back of a sheet of paper. The kid has a way with words, just like his dad. All I had to do was push Print. Which I did, so that the printer spit out 70 copies.
This evening I sent out e-mails to a couple folks making sure the street address was up-to-date. One said to just send text by e-mail, the other gave me the new information and says looking forward to receiving the paper. Communication overlaps.
Two of the gifts received took effort and have great joy with final product. The first is several jars of jelly, jam, and chutney from Mary and Jay. I know they work hard to bring forth all those pretty goodies, and we definitely like spreading bread from the bakery with such yumminess.
The other box holds bars of soap. Not just any soap. Cashmere Bouquet, which is the only thing with fragrance I allow near me. Usually, I buy several bars when I travel back to Ohio, but in 2009 there was no energy for my reunion. Husband was in the hospital at the time. When I opened the wrapper on my last bar of soap, I got into a bit of a panic, thinking I would have to try to find something else to use in the shower.
While talking to my sister Darla, who lives in Arizona, I told her of my plight. She said I should ask our youngest sister Danna to send me some from the Valley.
I talked with her a couple days before Thanksgiving, and she said she would try to get some soap for me. She mentioned it to our mom and sister Denise at their dinner. Then Mom went on the hunt. The store I usually buy from when I’m there does not carry Cashmere Bouquet soap now. All three of them were looking in different places, when finally my sister Denise went online and found a site which delivers.
Had TEN bars shipped to me in a box waiting on the porch one afternoon when I got home from work and running errands.
Now that is family Thoughtfulness!
and why did I not think of ordering it myself? maybe
when I use up all that I have now and need to buy more
We also received several dvds, changing hands and viewscreens already. Husband likes to watch a movie while walking the treadmill. I like to watch while sitting on the couch while working with yarn in my hands. Every once in awhile, we sit and watch together, such as the movie UP which was my request of both Husband and Santa, but only one actual case was wrapped under the tree.
The tabletop tree and Nativity Scene will come down in the next couple days before school begins a new semester.
The cats will be so happy to have space again.
and I’ll bet you all are glad
to have the cobwebs swept off my blog
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Monday, November 30, 2009
Still Having it Easy
When I got up this morning, SubFinder said No Jobs Available. I checked back in a few minutes, it said one at a junior high, so I clicked on it. The screen read Job being considered by someone else. Check back later.
So I got a carryover of the holiday.
I swept the floor of the bathroom, put away some laundry, washed and dried and folded a load, read many pages of the Sunday newspapers while sitting in the sunny breakfast nook.
The other day, and again this morning, I pulled out my sewing machine and did some experimental putting together of gift bags from remnant fabrics. Also worked up some handles using my knitting knobby. It made a cord too round for the monkey bag, so I just did a braid for its tie.
Disclaimer—these are for a relative’s gift with love (and some swearing) and NO I do not Sew and Sell. Check the website ETSY
Then I went out for some groceries, especially teabags and milk. As it happens, I also found a 3-pack of socks in the style I have been wanting and they were ON SALE!!! sorry only one package in my size was on the hook. Ah well, that’s what the washer and dryer do, is to keep a fresh pair ready.
Ran into a gal who also works as a Substitute/ Certified Teacher, and she said SubFinder told her No Jobs Available, so the holiday break must have school workers healthy and energized.
By the time I get this posted, it will be time for Alex Trebek and JEOPARDY! so I will bid you Adieu.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving 2009
The writing prompt for Tuesday’s 8th grade Writing class
What is your favorite thing about Thanksgiving?
(at least 3 complete sentences)
Apparently, Karen at Chookooloonks gave herself the assignment as well, and in her usual cheerful way, went beyond the requirements.
The students that afternoon responded with “Get out of school” as the #1 reason to have a holiday. I have to agree with them. When I was growing up, the main reason to be at school was to be with my friends. Any learning, reading, and homework was a high price to pay for being able to play Peanut Butter Heaven and Keep Away and jump rope on the playground during lunch recess.
Did you know that lately kids are not allowed to have a jump rope on the playground? It is a hazard, might slap somebody who wasn’t paying attention. Not to mention, could be used as a weapon.
I’m still not clear on why I work in schools. I liked being in the kitchen of a factory cafeteria much more, but the physical demands were too much for a four decade old body.
But being a TA Sub does give me so much more freedom to say when I want a day off for appointments or Volunteer Time.
So I am thankful for a job with flexible hours, and having a spouse who DOES work full time at a job he likes, which provides benefits for both of us.
I am thankful for a house to live in, with windows to look out on dreary weather and see the vehicles lined up in the neighbor’s driveway. She must be having quite a clan gathering over there.
Our family is the greatest people on the planet, but so few of them live close by. A card and several e-mails have arrived, so I am thankful for folks I love, no matter where they be.
I miss having the Thanksgiving spread all laid out, with my contribution being only one small part of it. When I was a kid, my aunt Sylvia and Grandma and Mom did so much of the preparations, and then my cousins and our friends got to play until it was time to eat.
When our sons were young, for several Thanksgiving meals, our friends Sue and Ezra invited us and other guests to their house just down the block. So I am thankful for memories.
Today, youngest son is here. He just dug into the Pumpkin Dessert Squares which came out of the oven at 10:30 and called over to me that this is the greatest food e.v.e.r.
Life is short, so yeah, we eat dessert first. The turkey bird is in the oven, coming out in a few hours. There will be mashed potatoes from scratch, green bean casserole, stove top stuffing, cranberry sauce. And leftovers, the most important part of food. I’ll put a nice bowl of turkey into the freezer to have it for Christmas. We had to give up ham a few years back, it doesn’t agree with bodies five decades old.
If I were willing to put so much more effort into my day off, I would invite neighbors over for some of my cooking. Alas, my gift of hospitality does not lean towards an open house. And we are not quite ready to join the group over at the church. Nice folks, but one son is here.
We miss the older two, and their mates, but life rolls along.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Relax on the day before a holiday
Today is the first of a 5 day school break, at least for Subs and students.
Teachers and Staff have Institute Day, many meetings.
I will be at home happily waiting for the dishwasher repairman (supposed to be here before Noon)
catching up the ironing, while listening to Holiday music.
This afternoon, I pick up a turkey at the meat shop, then move along to a grocery store for other items on my list.
Son Lucas usually helps with this, but he won’t be in the state this year.
He and his bride will be with her relatives, less than an hour from their place.
Life’s changes don’t come easy, but I suppose I will adjust eventually.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Water in too many places
Seems like Facebook got alot of my attention today.
Here’s my latest Status Update:
Knitted two little blue hats this evening. The bube-tube has good side effects.
The downspout is making so much noise from rain water.
I’ll bet the gutters are full of leaves again.
TA Sub job Noon to 3:30 Wednesday afternoon in Third Grade.
Which means I should be able to have time in the morning wash the dishes in the sink, and call for a possible date for service on the dishwasher.
Long story about the stream of detergent water which flowed across the kitchen, then meandered toward the back door. Found it Sunday morning.
Husband used up awhile this evening pulling out warped tiles from in front of the fridge and replacing with new tiles.
Like I said, more than you could be concerned over, and the smell of glue? vinyl? is bothering me enough for all of us
The house owns our time and money and energy 
Nitey-night !
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Sweet Saturday Morning!
It being the weekend, I did a little extra staying in bed, with two pairs of yellow eyes watching my every twitch to see if I might get up and head towards the kitchen. They were fed an hour later than a weekday, but after setting out their bowls, I crawled back under the covers to snuggle in with my husband.
He is one tired dude, having worked two regular and three 11 hour days this week, doing computer updates.
When the shadows on the wall and the light coming through the crack in the curtains told us the sun was up, I went and had my shower while he checked for messages. Whew. We actually got to eat breakfast at G o P without interruptions.
There are many games going round on Facebook.
I don’t join in, mainly because I am not even good at keeping track of real life activity, but I think a game should happen where a little elf comes to my laundry room and folds the towels. It can be difficult, depending on which closet or shelf or drawer they are stored. There are some which get a tri-fold, some in half, and two beach towels get rolled to fit between.
Yep, make a game of getting them put away.
Otherwise, I usually have a bunch of wrinkled terrycloth in a basket, so when I pull out a corner, the whole load gets dumped onto the floor. And I’m getting tired of that, so folding MUST Happen S.O.O.N.
There are several other items on my ‘To Do List’
meaning I better get moving.
~~love and Huggs, Diane