Dropped Away for Saying What I Think

Posted on Thursday, 9 September 2010 by Mrs. DoF

Just about a week ago, I came across a headline for an article about a situation in my hometown in Ohio. I clicked, read, clicked on links, watched a short video produced by their local television station.

Still the news left my heart racing,
and my breathing stopped for a couple extra seconds.

a Guy who was a grade ahead of me through school, yet we had a class together in high school,
whose father had been a buddy of my own dad, whose kid’s birth was within months of my son

had shot his wife, and then himself,
in a murder-suicide

the video had the voice of his neighbor lady, who had called the police to a quiet street on a sunny morning, because she heard gunshots, albeit a few minutes apart

News articles since then have been sparse with details. He was currently unemployed, had some trouble with drinking and driving… actually had a court appearance due.

the Obituaries give names of relatives, but seem put together a bit fragmented, understandable under the circumstances.

But, I was Friends with friends on Facebook
and so I had snippets of the scene behind the news

there is a Benefit Fund established, and an Event planned

One Status Update just about knocked me over again
“a couple more Kegs needed”

which I have never asked for in all my times of serving Funeral Dinners

So, I sent a private message, not a Comment for all Readers, to the person who wrote the request, and told her that I don’t think more kegs would be needed during a time when everyone might try to drown their sorrows

the reply came back that the guy “did not die from drunk driving” and “we are not hosting a drunk fest”
and I am titled (sic) to have my own opinion

Well, okay. I wrote my say, in private messages, and have never mentioned it again on Facebook.

Although my husband, son, and friend have certainly gotten earfuls in my own kitchen.

However, this little exchange upset my Friend so much that when I got home from the job yesterday and logged on to Facebook, her name and Profile will not appear on my List.

Is there a term for that? Un-Friended? De-Friended?

which implies “You pissed me off so much that pictures of my adorable child will never touch your screen again” ?!?!

Well, I’m sitting many miles away from the old home town in the Valley. And there are ways other than “more kegs” where I would like my donations to go.

I don’t really want to call my mother yet, but I know she will have even more details. She will have the older generation’s observations.

Meanwhile, the washer is on its last spin.
I have to pack my bag for Yarn Group this afternoon.
And two cats are telling me they are glad I’m home now so I can open and close the door every 10 minutes to let one or the other come indoors or go outside on a lovely morning.

~~love and Huggs, Diane

Posted in Thinking | 5 Comments

Open Time Unexpected

Posted on Tuesday, 7 September 2010 by Mrs. DoF

When I checked SubFinder yesterday, I was pleased to see a TA Sub needed for someone who always leaves good notes, does not leave the building, and has a good Resource teacher willing to answer questions. I’ve learned to appreciate some jobs more than others.
I showed up this morning at a junior high school, signed in, received the schedule and details of the day.

Halfway into First Hour, while I was still waiting by the door for my student, the office gal came to tell me the student had been called in as Absent on the Attendance Line.

So I went searching for something to do. Several teachers and office workers said things are caught up, no photo-copying to be done. I went back to the main office to report same, then asked if I could just leave, which means a Half Day pay for my efforts.

Set up an appointment for Mahalia cat. She’s due for blood work on her Thyroid medicine, so I’ll get that out of the way. She’s snoozing, and does not suspect anything.

I feel like I should be doing something important, like clean the shower. Maybe a couple craft tasks to finish before Sunday.

Here in front of screen is what I should NOT be doing.

It’s lovely weather outside, I’m gonna make the most of it.

~~love and Huggs, Diane

Posted in School | 1 Comment

the TA Sub Jobs are Happening

Posted on Friday, 3 September 2010 by Mrs. DoF

A couple days ago during a job, I was helping to move a student from her wheelchair to another place for awhile. She did not appreciate our efforts, so resisted by throwing her head back, which hit me across the bridge of my glasses.

The nosepieces flattened against the inside of the lenses. I managed to help get her situated anyway, then set about trying to adjust my glasses to be able to work the rest of the day. I need to be able to see.

That was about 9:30 in the morning, and the day went on from there.
For PE, we went walking outside, with me pushing a kid in a wheelchair to a park then back to school. Later, I looked up the Walking directions and learned the total was 1.6 miles.
When I signed out, I learned from the office assistant about SubFinder and a mix-up, so she was trying to make a correction. I think the mistake was on my end, but I don’t work Thursdays in the Sub job for public schools.

I got home so tired I forgot a committee meeting at church. the chairman sent the Minutes by e-mail the next morning.

Thursday, I went to the eyecare clinic to get my glasses adjusted properly. By then, the top of my left ear was quite tender, and the bridge of my nose a bright pink. The guy did his best, but I really need to be getting new glasses anyway, so I should set up an appointment for an exam.

Today was a half day Friday in 8th grade. Students I’ve known since they were in 6th grade. One kid sneered when I entered the room. I grinned and said “Oh good, you remember me!”

A bit later, I told him that he was not following the teacher’s directions. He told me that I am not supposed to talk to him, I was there for the other student.
I shrugged and said I was just making an astute observation.
Using a big word will often get kids to settle down, and it worked this time. He sat very still, hands folded on his desk. I knew he was just being a smartass, but since it was the desired outcome, I went back to grading Math papers.
Meanwhile, the teacher had decided to try a different method, so he was drawn into the assignment.

My assigned student kept looking across his paper at my face. Then he asked me to take off my glasses and pointed at the bridge of my nose and mumbled something. I asked him to repeat, and finally understood the word “hurt”.
I said it hurts a bit, but it will get better. I did not go into the tale of being bumped by another student’s head.

On the way home, I actually had to push the Pedestrian Crossing button to get across Main Street. 3 kids hurried to do this with me—the light does not give much time. Crossing a side street, in the middle of the street, 1 boy said “You were at my school today” (probably in PE class).

He asked why I was walking. I told him I live not far away, I love the exercise. This is a good thing, kids seeing an adult walking home, wearing a blue backpack.

I asked where they were going.
To the skate park, tapping his very worn board under his arm. I nodded, as if a kid and a skateboard after school is the most normal thing ever.
A different kid spoke up, saying he is saving for a skateboard, so now he just watches. I nodded again, as if watching is a good pastime.

Actually, I was very pleased they were willing to walk and talk with me, but I guess they thought my nods were of disinterest. Their pace quickened as young people are able to do, so they pulled ahead.

As I turned the corner of the side street towards the house, they looked back and one called out “See ya!”
I waved and said “Yep!”
It’s an honor, I say, for kids to walk along with me awhile.

At home, I looked in the mirror at my nose. Yep, it’s got a red spot, with a little cut from the metal. It doesn’t hurt, even when I was in the shower, but it must look like quite an ouch for the kid to mention it.

Looking forward to a 3 day weekend. No plans, other than sleep and crochet.
Only duty is Pre-school Nursery during church. Husband says we have a date to see the movie at the historic Normal Theater, so I guess I believe him.

We have the windows open for some great evening air.
The ISU stadium down the street has a crowd cheering.

This sure is a town worth living in 🙂

~~love and Huggs, Diane

Posted in School | 3 Comments

Busy for the last couple days

Posted on Sunday, 29 August 2010 by Mrs. DoF

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

Posted in Personal | 1 Comment

Tiny Little Update

Posted on Thursday, 26 August 2010 by Mrs. DoF

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

Posted in Personal | 4 Comments

A Little Wish for a Happy Birthday!

Posted on Monday, 23 August 2010 by Mrs. DoF

Today is my kid brother David’s birthday.

This picture was taken in Spring 2005, when he was 30 years old. I could barely accept then that he was turnin’ 30, yet today is years beyond that wonderful afternoon.

We were sitting on the deck at our sister Denise’s house. He was so relaxed—I think that was the time he made the trip from Virginia to Ohio without his young sons.

He was born the first week I was in nursing school. I had to take a phone call at the pay phone at the end of the hall in the dorm. After Dad gave me the news, I yelled out “I got a brother!” to which a gal in the closest room stuck her head out the door and said “I’ve got 2, no big deal”
Well, it was for me. There are 3 sisters between his age and mine.

I got to hold him in the back seat of the station wagon on the way home from the hospital. Mom was still sore from delivery.  Those days, car seats not required.

My wedding was when he was in First Grade. He grew up while I was living in another state, raising my own family.

Last week, I sent a card, which he received, then called me on his lunch break to tell me Thank You for the card. Those Free Cell Phone minutes are good for something 🙂

Not sure why I am writing about this here. He doesn’t own a computer, never gets online. Not even sure if he does Texting on his cell phone.

Still, I’m glad he is part of the clan.

Happy Birthday, Caboose Kid!

~~love and Huggs, Diane

Posted in Family | 4 Comments

Monday Morning by 9 AM

Posted on Monday, 23 August 2010 by Mrs. DoF

This morning, I got an urgent e-mail from my spouse who was already at his job.

It seems in his dash out the door, he forgot a few items.

Would I please deliver in about an hour?

So I used up 20 minutes looking for his reading glasses, called his desk to find out any clues, so when there was no answer, I decided to just walk on down with what I had in hand.
Wasn’t sure where I might be able to park my bicycle, and University Street is still closed due to construction, so walking seemed a better choice.

The first day of classes on the University Quad is always interesting. I’ve done it a few other times, having lived here all these years. Flip-flops on so many feet that the sound of slapping is overwhelming. How do ankles manage any support? A guy’s ear buds were so loud I could identify the song he was listening to. New backpacks and tote bags.

And communication devices. Two friends walking together, but talking on their phones and not to each other.
One gal was texting, and stepped off the edge of the walk into mud from construction. She was wearing new sneakers, so at least her ankle had a little help.

When I went in to Husband’s office, he wasn’t there. His mate offered to track him down, but I said I just needed to drop off the goodies. Also decided to search his backpack, one of those wifely privileges I fall upon when I have already gone bonkers with ransacking his desk, and the table in the breakfast nook.
I did find his reading glasses in a zipped shut pouch.

On the way home, I stopped at Burger King in the student center for a biscuit sandwich to go. Coming back out into sunlight, I spied a dark-haired young man carefully studying a print-out campus map. I grinned and said he looks like a tourist.

He asked where is Moulton Hall, pointing to the printed word with one finger, the building and number with another.
I gave him directions to go across the bridge over College Avenue, and reassured him that he will get his schedule straight real soon, and if he is late, just hold up the map and the professor should be understanding.

In my own kitchen, I separated the sandwich, cooked a scrambled egg, added some cheese and Cholula sauce, then had a feast while reading part of the Sunday paper.

After looking around my online haunts, I must now get going on the laundry. Looking down through the chute, I can see there is a bunch. And the recent heat wave means it is quite stinky.

Hope your Monday is beginning at least as good as mine has.

~~love and Huggs, Diane

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Monday Morning by 9 AM

Half-Granny Squares Baby Blankie

Posted on Sunday, 22 August 2010 by Mrs. DoF

At a church rummage sale, I came across a bag of JAMIE yarn. I remember this style from a dozen years ago, and loved it enough to make several baby aphgans with it back in the day. When LION Brand discontinued, I wrote a letter of protest.

So I snatched up what was there at the craft table for a couple dollars. Then I came home and searched through my boxes until I found a skein of white. Then I went to the supply room at the Activity Center and found a few odds more.

This blankie is what I came up with. It measures about a yard on each side. also a newborn hat was still on the peg loom when I snapped this picture. And there is enough yarn for a couple more hats.
It is still a very nice yarn to work with, and quite warm to use. Maybe LION Brand will re-new?

~~love and Huggs, Diane
ps This picture coming in at the top is much better than my previous whine.

Posted in Crochet | 4 Comments

And Now Sunday is Over

Posted on Sunday, 22 August 2010 by Mrs. DoF

My day has been a bit sideways.
Nothing Wrong exactly, but not perfect neither.

It started out that I used up some of Saturday getting ready to teach a Sunday School class. I had signed on the last 2 Sundays in August.
When I got to the church, I found another gal in the room setting up a lovely lesson plan, and snacks table. So I tracked down a Christian Education committee member, who said I was to be the Assistant. Which means I am just a warm body who helps to keep a bunch of 3 year olds on task.

During Worship Service, I sat in the back and tried to cast on a pretty red yarn on a peg loom. Third try, I had it almost proper, but was not about to start again.
Knitted during the service, sitting right under the speaker where I can hear best. Along comes a friend on her way to the water fountain. She sees red yarn and loom, and wants to start a conversation. During the sermon, which had some fine stories. I managed to be civil, then got the idea across to her that this would not be the time and place.

Sunday School went fine, all the stuff I had with me did not even make it out of the bag. Next week, I’m the Assistant again, which will be a-okay with me.

All the way home, I was making a mental list of what needed to be ready for when the workers came to make the yard not quite so much of a jungle. I wanted some macaroni and cheese, so did not call my spouse to learn his lunch plans.

Well, he had stayed in all morning, and was quite ready to head out for lunch.
But no tools were out and ready to be used. He brought down the weed-eater machine, had to mend an extension cord, misplaced the hedge-trimmers.
Quite irritated, I asked what had he been doing all morning? Obviously not making preparations!
I got my macaroni and cheese. Not sure what he ate.

Later I learned what he had worked on during cooler time was to change the tires on my bicycle. I’ve been wanting some with better tread, since the ones on it are original since 1994. They had been purchased weeks ago, yet this morning was when he decided to get it done.
But I thought he was giving tools some attention.
I guess I should say I’m sorry. We’re not mind-readers.

There were other small episodes, but I shouldn’t bore you with so many more details. Highlighted by the grand finale of the red hat. As I cinched it closed and was about to tie the knot at the top of the crown, the yarn broke, leaving about 3/4 inch to finish. I did not drop stitches, but really had to be careful to secure it closed.

One great thing was my Subway sandwich for supper. The clerk/artist piled on lots of roast beef, onions, green pepper, dijon mustard. Yet the price was almost a dollar less than I had expected. Maybe there is a sale going on now.
Anyway, I brought it back home and enjoyed greatly!

Husband had a few hours at the office, doing last minute checking before college classes begin. He had oatmeal for supper. Says it is better for his tummy.

And then, we had to take my car to the mechanic, leaving it just outside the garage, dropping the key and explanation into a lockbox. It will have a part replaced in its exhaust system. Any driving I need to do, I’ll have Husband’s car. He pedals to the job on his bicycle, and will be at work some long hours over the next few days.

And now the dark night has come.
Nothing drastic happened here today.
Rather ordinary, actually.
Tomorrow I should manage my meals better. And exercise my legs and back.

All while waiting to see what will happen with Unit 5 Schools beginning the new year, and my TA Sub job needs.

~~love and Huggs, Diane
ps the cross bookmarks were tucked into cards and placed in their dad’s church cubbie. Not sure if or when he got them.

Posted in Thinking | 1 Comment

Special Boys get Special Crochet Cross Bookmarks

Posted on Wednesday, 18 August 2010 by Mrs. DoF

On Monday, I decided to stay close to home.
My tummy was not at its best. I don’t like to blame all the good eating I did at the church picnic on Sunday, then again, there was a whole bunch of fruits or spices which I have not consumed in quite awhile.

Plus, a couple kids got baptized on Sunday, and I really like to crochet a cross for a baptism. I haven’t worked up any in months. In fact the last few participants got straight bookmarks, and seemed quite pleased, but my personal desire is to crochet a cross for such a religious event.

Anyways, a friend in my Needlework Group had pulled out pages from a craft magazine, saying the cross pattern made her think of me. I read it over, and decided Yes, I would try it out.

The green cross is from that pattern. It is worked with size 10 bedspread cotton and a size 7 steel hook. My hands did not get too tired, mainly because it is worked from the long bottom, up one side, then down the other side, creating many chain spaces.
The copper color cross is from a different pattern book. I find it more difficult to work up, even though it has a size 6 (slightly bigger) crochet hook. Each point is worked separately. Getting my hands into position to work the arms is so tiring.
Most of the straight bookmark patterns take a little longer than an hour to crochet. Each cross took closer to 2 hours.

But they are done, and will be tucked into cards of Congratulations.  Next folks who get a crocheted cross from my hands will have to be just as precious as are these kids to me.

That evening, Husband came home from work quite tuckered out. This is a very busy week, the last before ISU classes begin the Fall Semester. He said he felt a bit bad that he wasn’t good company for me having been home all day alone.

I told him that me, a new crochet pattern, the back porch with 2 cats, was actually a very lovely day.

Tuesday, my car went in for a looksee as to what was making the rattle/dragging noise. Turned out to be a loose clamp on the exhaust system, and a heat shield rusted through. The clamp got tightened, the heat shield removed.
Today, my car is making wa-ay too much noise, almost like a hole in the exhaust. I’ll have to get it back out to the shop soon.

Meanwhile this morning, Mahalia had another visit at the animal clinic. She is dehydrated, so got some sub-cu fluids and a couple vitamin shots. She is getting quite choosy with her meals, anything put in front of her needs a side dish of milk.
She also has decided to sleep on the rug next to my side of the bed, which means I have to do a little dance when I get up for the potty in the middle of the night.
Doc says her cat age is equal to a human in her mid-80s, so I have to be a little forgiving and make accommodations.

The boy next door is doing his practice with the bagpipes. My cats don’t even twitch their ears anymore. There was a time when they scurried down to the basement with the noise.

~~love and Huggs, Diane

Posted in Crochet | 5 Comments