Personal
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Busy for the last couple days
The weekend is over. I was busy with little things, so did not get a chance to walk around at the Corn Fest. I did not even do the usual thing, which is to buy a dozen ears to cook at home.
Had to prep and speak a Sunday school lesson for 3 year olds. Sure able to tell which kids are already trained in Pre-School, cuz they raise their hands in response to a question, ask nicely to use the bathroom, willing to wait for a turn.
One boy who is rarely with other caregivers just shouts out, does not sit still during snack. It is possible to teach a child so young some social manners. He still has a year before Kindergarten, so there is time for lessons.
I was amused when I brought out the Crafts project. The assignment was to Draw a Picture about Peace. There were crayons and stickers. I have a shoe box full of stickers here at home. I love stickers. I’m always buying them on Clearance, I order them from catalogs. So I pulled out some pertaining to the subject, a smaller box not even half full.
So the kids did a little drawing and stuck a couple stickers on their papers. I asked if anyone could write his or her own name on the bottom. One girl did very nicely.
A couple just sat there waiting for whatever happens next…. with 15 minutes of class time left. So I mentioned that there were plenty of stickers still on the table, and I could see white spaces and the whole back side of the papers would need some signs of peace.
One girl said “You mean we can have more stickers?”
Like I said, training. But I answered Yes.
I should have thought to take the camera with me. Back when I was working full time daycare, I had my camera all the time. Which means I am way out of practice with this routine teaching gig. But this is my last SS lesson for a semester.
There were stickers all over the pages. Quite lovely. Themes were decided. Animal sticker requests. Careful consideration of placement. In almost 4 year olds, I was glad to see a nice balance of spontaneity and order.
We did not even get to the game I had brought just in case. Once the sticker limit opened, the craft table was busy. I had to tell an older brother who came to the door that we were not ready to dismiss yet.
This afternoon, a couple teenagers came over as planned to cut back some more of the jungle. Husband went up on the garage roof and sawed off a big branch which was bumping the gutter (and making me crazy when the wind blows) then the boys sawed it into lengths and dragged it to the curb for the trash truck.
There are several piles of brush to be carried away. I’ll go out and do a few touch-ups in the next couple weeks, but we don’t usually cut and trim after Labor Day.
This evening was a trip to WallyWorld. Young Son tagged along. All 3 of us got each and all of the items on our lists, so we were quite pleased when it came time to check out.
I’m tired, physically, socially, and mentally. A good feeling, at the end of getting a whole bunch of stuff done.
SubFinder is saying No Jobs Available for tomorrow. Wonder what morning will bring.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tiny Little Update
Today is Thursday, which I consider my day off from the TA Sub job. The Child Care at church doesn’t begin for a couple weeks yet, so I am free this morning, then my Needlework Group meets in the afternoon, and the Weight Loss Support Group meets in the evening.
So why I call this a day ‘off’ is murky.
I pulled out a spray cleaner and bucket of water, then wiped down the stove hood. It ain’t greatest, but most of the dirt is gone. And spiders might have second thoughts about building a web above hot burners.
Both cats ate a full breakfast, went outside to potty, a nice drink of water, and are now snoozing in comfy places with sunshine warming their backs. The last couple days have been the most peaceful they’ve had in quite awhile, so I hope they are past germ phase, with further troubles being just old age.
Got the ironing done yesterday, but the board still needs folded and put into the closet. I did use it this morning to hold some stuff I was packing up for an envelope going to the post office.
Looking out the window into the south yard, I see a Boy and a Girl Cardinal, 2 robins, a blue jay, 2 blackbirds, 2 squirrels, and a rabbit. They must know the cats are not currently on guard duty.
Gonna pack my crochet bag to be ready for the meeting this afternoon. On the way there, I’ll stop for a nice frozen latte. I’ve decided to order just a medium. Less expensive by 35¢ and lowers the calorie count for a guilty pleasure.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
My Writing Excuses
A long time ago, in this very place I have a blog.
It’s not a very busy blog, because the person who is supposed to write here keeps finding different things to do, and other places to be.
My original plan for today was to Update here. There’s been a request for a photo of the crocheted gold bag, and Husband sent a picture of purple flowers, and my cats are really cute since they are days past the side effects of vaccinations.
However, there is a dinner at church tonight, and I was asked to provide a pot of soup. Whoever decided soup in the middle of Summer is young and enthusiastic.
And with such lovely dark eyes and charming grin being right in front of me, I could not say NO, I won’t do it.
And then, there is the proof of my signature on a Sign-Up List to help with Funeral Dinners. Others on the committee have much more important things to do than ‘my’ plan to write for my blog, so I will be doing the grocery shopping for a meal on Thursday. for an estimate of 75 people.
I’m way out of practice for this kitchen duty,
and so I’m procrastinating at topspeed.
So check back here later. How much later, I cannot say.
My crystal ball is in the care of others.
I may just collapse after all the melons are sliced,
and the dishes dried,
then rest my hands for days and days.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Sunday, July 11, 2010
A couple days of routine
So the weekend is over. I loved every minute of it,
although the cleaning of the litter box would be at the bottom of the list.
Read a book GOSSAMER by Lois Lowry. Cannot recall when and where I bought it. It collected dust and cat hairs while waiting on the shelf at the end of the hall.
I don’t usually get much into fantasy and fairy dust, but this one opened well and kept me with it.
When I finished, I considered which little girl from church might like to read it. Then last evening when I was leaving the theater, I spied a family from the neighborhood. I know from being a TA Sub at the elementary school that the girl loves to read.
I gave her the book today, telling her mom that Lois Lowry is a great author. She said there is a family car trip coming soon, so it will be nice to have a new book to travel with. The book is now out of my clutter, and I told them to do with as they wish.
I suppose I should put up a few pictures of the yarn goodies in my Done Box. I’m building a pile for the craft sale happening in the Fall at the nursing home. The gold-color bag finished today during Fellowship Hour got all kinds of praises. On the hook list this week are 2 bookmarks for sympathy cards, and a pair of potholders for a wedding gift.
Gotta go now. Cat between me and screen. I surmise that the food bowl is empty, and a bedtime snack would be appreciated.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Friday, May 28, 2010
Old Enough to Know Better
This morning I pedaled my bicycle all over, while shopping at Yard Sales.
My girl cat is not eating very well. Especially dislikes the new, doctor recommended, pate. So I chopped up some chicken and put a little warm water on it. She ate about 2 tablespoons.
the combination of bike riding and chicken chopping made my wrists very unhappy
So this evening, I decided to go to Target to buy a small food processor. I’ve been wanting one awhile, this seems like a good time.
While I was standing and reading labels, a family passed by the end of the aisle. Dad pushing a cart with a boy toddler in the seat, Mom holding the hand of a girl about age 3. The girl was whining, the boy was whimpering, the dad trying to ask questions about exact item needed.
I placed a box holding a suitable processor in my cart, then decided to look around a bit. As I passed the family again, the toddler was in full screeemm mode.
Having recently been in close proximity with my mother, I had to say something.
“My goodness, life cannot be as bad as all that.”
I said as I pushed my cart slowly by.
the mother spoke out, quite strongly
“Oh. Be. Quiett! It’s not your business.”
I stopped and looked directly at her to say
“Well, I can see that being Grouchy is contagious.”
the dad snorted, but hid his lips behind his fingers
the little girl knew something was amiss, staying silent
the mother glared at me. If she’d had a gun, I’d be a goner.
I gave a little half smile and said kindly “I hope your evening gets better” then pushed my cart on toward the checkout.
She will probably tell all her Facebook friends about the old busybody bitch at Target to help herself feel better.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Friday, April 30, 2010
Another one of those wonderful days off :)
Today is a School Improvement Day, which means teachers must do some planning time in their buildings, while students, and us support staff have the day free. Cain’t argue with that!
At 8:15 am, I had a fried potato and cuppa tea for breakfast. Tried to have second cuppa and read the newspaper while out sitting on the porch, but the wind is blowing so much that I had to retrieve a page from the bushes!
Stripped the bed, sorted piles of laundry
had a shower, started the washer
then sat at the table and did a bunch of paperwork
Went off to run errands, first thing being putting the envelopes into the blue mailbox along the side of the post office building. Love that new set-up for drive-thru.
It has been open only a few months, but my peace in mind is paid for.
It being a day off, I wanted to go to a craft store. The latest 40% off coupon was melting in my wallet. I ended up buying a nice cream color 3-ply sport weight, which will nicely match some skeins brought in as a donation to the activity center (and I called dibs on)
Once I get the blankie done, I’ll donate it back.
Then off to the DMV to buy license plate sticker. I had the papers and checkbook in my purse, and want to be sure to have the new one in place when I travel out of state for nephew’s wedding.
Well, the line for stickers was all the way across the room, out the door, and along the side of the building! The last day of April is more important. Why would people wait until the very last day of the month to take care of being legal !?! As you can tell, I worry about this kind of thing, since I’m a whole month ahead myself. I did not stick around, I was getting hungry.
As I left, I noticed a couple kids and a man waiting in a van in the parking lot. One waved to me out the window, so I said “Of course I know you!” and asked if they are liking having a day off school as much as I am. One boy said that waiting for Dad was hard. I told him the line was really really long, so I’m going to go another time. The other had a little electronic game to play.
On the way home, I stopped for a nice roast beef sandwich. Did not eat meat the last couple days, so I was kinda craving some.
Just a block from home, I spotted a lime green sign with a written address for a yard sale. Turned out to be at a house where lives a family whose children went to elementary school with my sons. Standing in the sun chatting for a half hour, while my sandwich waited on the front seat of the car.
Ah well. Finally ate lunch at 2:20pm, feeling fine about it.
Laundry load #4 went into the washer. When it gets done in the dryer, I should be able to get the bed all made up again.
And now almost time for JEOPARDY! I’ve got a shades of green and blue baby hat on the peg loom to work on, too.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Day 3 and still in the house
Felt sick enough to make a trip to the Walk-In Medical Clinic last Saturday afternoon. Exam and Test came back positive for Strep germs. So I’ve been home being Sick for 3 days, missing church on Sunday, cancelled an already arranged TA Sub job for Monday (the position did get snapped up), and today of telling the system to leave me alone, I’m still sick and tired.
I sent out an e-mail message to my Dear Ones List, which is a nice way to get back some caring responses.
One gal says she learned she is her own carrier for Strep. This could be likely for me, I had rheumatic fever when I was a kid, so maybe the germs just use my body as a hideout until I think I’m in a good phase, then they jump in to make sure my schedule gets messed up.
My sister Denise tells me she doesn’t ever recall having a case of Strep, so she doesn’t know what I’m going through. She’s had other health troubles, such as a cyst on a tendon of her foot which required surgery and crutches, so I don’t begrudge her much. I don’t wish illness on anyone, and especially not one of my sisters who looks after our mom and her property, allowing me to live the comfortable distance of 2 states away, making the occasional phone call.
Side effects of antibiotics has—Inability for Concentration—on the list. I expected the nausea and other dismays of the digestive system, but my brain isn’t making connections quickly enough. It’s like I stand there an extra several seconds before my hands can do the task.
Cutting the girl cat’s pills in half was quite an event. The skin on all my fingers remains intact, but the effort to get ‘em done properly just wore me down and out.
Reading, yarn, blogging. I’ve tried with mixed success.
Taking naps is top contender for what keeps me occupied.
It ain’t easy being me being sick.
I’ll do my best to not burden anybody else.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Monday, April 12, 2010
What a Day Off is for…. .
When I was a kid, we were allowed to ride the bus or walk downtown in pairs. I didn’t go alone, but usually a cousin or sister or girlfriend was available. We musta been 9 or 10 years old, riding the bus and it was okay! For a modern version, go read Free Range Kids gotta love that blog!
Anyway, I was thinking about a chore I had during summers back then. There was a certain day of the week ?Friday? when Mom did not have to go to her job at the shoe store until Noon. So she would write checks, put them into envelopes, leave them on the table with a note telling me to “pay the bills”. A few times, I had to drag all my sisters with me, or else they would stay and play at a neighbor’s house, but usually it was my friend Irene or my cousin Marie who would be with me. Sometimes, they had to do the same thing.
So we would walk downtown and stop in different buildings.
Phone Gas Water Electric Insurance Furniture
a couple bills got paid at a bank, at different windows
I loved the bank, it was air-conditioned.
After the new library was built, I was in 5th grade when it opened, the library was air-conditioned also, so we would find a reason to stop in, usually to go to the bathroom.
When I was in 7th grade, a gate was put across the little hall to the restrooms, and the key had to be on request from the desk clerk. That put quite a halt to the junior high kids goofing off during lunch hours, but also sure put a squelch on having a nice little rest before heading home again.
Reason I’m thinking of this is today, a lovely Spring day when the bank sign says the temperature is 79oF, I decided I would pay the bills in person rather than trying to find proper stamps. I have very few up-to-date stamps in the folder, we have to add and over cents quite often.
After a meeting at church this morning, I sat at the breakfast nook table, wrote checks, paper clipped to paper sections with account numbers, then worked out my travel route, trying to do only right turns.
First stop Post Office, to mail off a couple packs, and to buy FOREVER stamps. Then to insurance to pay the homeowner’s policy, dentist to pay the overdue bill because I maxed out our dental benefits last year (2 root canals and 4 crowns co$t $money plenty!! a bit of fun (one cotton skein on Clearance) at Hobby Lobby, set up appt for air-conditioner maintenance, water bill into drop box in front of city hall, credit union, crochet hook request at the only dealer store in the county (because 2 crochet hooks broken in a month have me somewhat pissed off and I think there is a life-time warranty on ADDI brand)
As I was driving up Main Street towards home, I realized that half a chicken thigh and a slice of rye toast at 11:30am was not enough food to tide over my tummy much longer.
So I pulled into McDs. Ordered a burger and frappe.
Impulse $7.12 spent because LUNCH not on list.
But those were some good eats, prolly cuz I was truly hungry, not eating as routine.
What was that 7 stops? in and out of the car, walking across parking lots, or around the corner down the street. No way would I have tried that when I had youngsters in car seats. Kids sure can be a burden.
I feel like I got something done today. Even if there is a basket full of folded towels which need to be arranged in the linen closet, and looks like 4 of Husband’s work shirts are waiting near the ironing board.
This evening is a recital on campus, I’m so there…
Youngest son Chris will play guitar as part of the combo.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
ps I just remembered that I meant to check a different grocery store near the credit union to find my favorite Fragrance Free H E laundry detergent! Darn it all, there’s barely enough for 3 loads left in the jug 
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Germs have invaded
Home again. I’ve lost track of days off, what with Spring Break in there. I do know that I’m at home more often than at TA Sub jobs ever since Mahalia got her diagnosis of diabetes.
This morning, she got her insulin shot and ate just fine, then at about 8am (when both humans would normally be at work) I heard her near the front door wanting out. I wasn’t fast enough, she heaved up everything inside. Not sure if it’s a routine hairball problem, or her thyroid medicine dose needs adjusted. So sad that a cat can’t talk about which part hurts the worst.
Anyway, being at home today is fine with me, since I have a cold making my head miserable, and the cough medicine wreaks havoc with my innards. I’m weak and weary, needing to sit still for several minutes after changing and washing out the litter box. Swallowing is getting more difficult by the hour, so I’ll have to decide if I want to bother going to the clinic for a strep test.
The co-pay is raised to $20, and I can think of a couple other things I want to do with $20 rather than have a voodoo MD tell me to wait-and-see.
This is the third day of stuffy head, and not any better.
Waiting ain’t enough by now.
It’s for folks like me that general, open, low cost health care is needed. Working only part-time, trying to take care of small matters before they become big. If my spouse did not have a great job with benefits, I would be in dire straits. $20 co-pay for an office visit is considered good benefits now. I remember when $25 was the total bill for my son’s school physical, and that was hard to come by, since we did not have health insurance back then.
Single folks who are barely making rent and groceries…. well, I say a prayer every day for my youngest son’s health and finances. I don’t see how he can work any harder, he already has 2 jobs, and finishing college classes without a student loan.
I’m too sick to be thinking clearly, and the typing mistakes are also making me frustrated, so I should go while the gettin is good.
~~love, Diane
no Huggs today, germ zone
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Still Here
Yesterday was a time of feeling poorly, just a bit weak and light-headed, no appetite.
I went to bed early, which did not help because my innards were rumbling and my pulse pounding.
No matter how I turned, some body part was not content.
This morning, I was sitting in the bathroom 4 times before 10am, each trip a little more urgent than the last.
Musta been something I ate 
And then a shower, which also cleaned my sinuses.
Leaving the bathroom with my head held high cuz my hair was wrapped in a towel, I decided that was the best I had felt in 24 hours.
And now I must get done some household chores.
Even when I’m an at home wife, I still wish for a maid.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
A little note
The cat is upset that I have not left the computer to fix his bedtime snack, so this is gonna be short.
I’m a bit busy with yarn and thread projects, with the Mennonite Relief Sale only two months away.
Also plan to crochet a few bookmarks to tuck into cards, and my daughter-in-law’s birthday is coming soon.
Even when I’m not here, you know I’m in the middle of sumthin 
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Takin’ It Easy on a Winter Day
Today was a 3-point errand route
Post Office to mail off a birthday package
Credit Union for monthly CASH
McDs for Eats, which I decided to bring home since I was alone with nothing to read
somewhat of a mistake,
the girl cat sat about 10 inches from my elbow and mewed pitifully with wanting some ground beef bits
(yeah, she got last morsel size of a marble)
and now I will play a cd of soft music while I crochet a bookmark
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Snow on Snow on Snow
Today was a Snow Day for schools, and the Activity Center where I go for my Needlework Group. Then I got an e-mail saying this evening’s committee meeting also cancelled, so I am one woman who is happy to stay home!!
The flakes stopped falling around Noon, with 3 marks over 8” measured on the front steps. Yes, I’m a teacher at heart, I went out with a ruler.
When I got my driver’s license when I was a teenager, my dad taught me many extra things about the car, such as how to put on chains, where to check for oil. He also said to always clear off the car as soon as possible after a big snow… not to wait until I needed to go out. Ya just never know if something comes up, such as a family member needing something.
Over the years, I try to stick to do that,
get ready for going, even if I have no plans.
So I went out with my shovel and a broom, then cleared off both cars and a little path around each, and the mess at the end of the parking place where the snowplow heaps basketball size lumps. The big spot in the middle is still full of level snow. It looks odd, and that is where son Chris usually parks when he comes by, but I was running out of oompf, yet I still had to shovel off the front walk.
I miss having 3 sons to help with all the work here.
Best job ever, when I was a stay-at-home mother.
The wind is picking up, blowing powdery white stuff against the window. Sounds almost like sand on the glass.
Weather people seem to have the forecast Correct.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Latest Visit to the Dentist
My Tooth has been given the All Clear!
the permanent crown went on this morning
then the dentist warned me to not chew on it for an hour while the glue got set
As if the several weeks of using the other side of my mouth hadn’t been long enough.
He says the X-rays look good, so next time I need to be in will be for a routine exam and cleaning, which ain’t until March 2010 Wow!
this does not mean I am going to be taste-testing all kinds of caramels or nuts for the holidays
Such treats are long gone from my Can Try list
the pain and money are a price most costly
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Good Thursday Morning!
When the phone rang, I thought it would be the confirmation for the furnace guy expected this morning. However, it was the assistant principal for an elementary school wanting me to work a TA Sub job today.
When I explained that I am not available on Thursdays, she said she did not know this, and would make a note.
I told her “it’s nice to be wanted”
then she said “Oh Yeah, we need six more like you”
Not sure my spouse would agree, tho nice to hear.
~~love and Huggs, Diane