Ahhhhhh, the weather is getting warmer and we all want to be outside.
Here are some more signs of warmer weather...
1. Greg is barbequing alot. We have 2 grills and a smoker and they are working. I've already typed about how awesome the ribs were but last weekend he smoked a pork shoulder that was the best I have ever had! It was wonderful! That was dinner on Sat. night, lunch on Sunday and lunch on Monday. The rest was split up into 2 freezer packages for dinners later on. Super yummy! Last night he cooked pork chops (can ya tell we are on a pork kick?). So yummy! The grocery store has had some good "managers specials" on meat and we were able to stock up.
2. The garden is green and growing. Our corn stalks are about 3 inches tall. We have basil and bell peppers coming up. 2 tomato plants were planted in containers and they are thriving. The 2 square foot garden boxes of green beans are loaded with plants mostly about 6 inches tall. the blueberry bushes are growing and we have lots of little berries on them.
3. We bought 12 pounds of strawberries the other day to make into jelly. By the way, 12 lbs. of berries will make about 42 half pint jars of jelly. Will claims that will only last him a month. The berries are cleaned and pureed and frozen waiting for our canner to be delivered. Greg ordered us a pressure canner and it was shipped yesterday. We won't need to use the pressure for the jelly just a water bath to can it, but we will need the pressure canner for the green beans and squash and stuff like that. I would like to try making our own salsa and sweet pickle relish. We will have to see how ambitious we get. Our next preserving class is in 2 weeks and its on canning.
4. We are nearing the end of some of our school books. Katie will finish Algebra 2 today!!!!! Her average for the class is 96! Very good! She is going to do economics next and then Geometry in the fall. Amy and Will will be starting Pre-Algebra in the fall. We are investing in the Teaching Textbooks curriculum for all 3 kids. They can teach and explain everything and keep up with the grades...I will supply good lighting, a computer, notebooks, scratch paper and plenty of sharpened pencils. Yesterday was sign up for fall co-op classes for the next school year. Amy and Will are taking Physical Science and Beautiful Feet Geography. Katie will be taking Exploring American History. Hers will count for 3 grades since it covers history, bible and literature. We will be stimulating the Homeschool curriculum economy with our tax refund check when it comes.
5. Amy asks everyday to go swimming. She and Will went last Sat. and loved it. Granny bought Will a floating pool basketball game and they had fun with that. Today it looks like rain so I think swimming is out till the weekend.
6. The farm stands are opening in the area with some great produce. Also, the wheat order form came so we have to figure out what we will need for the next year...the order is once a year.
More economy stimulating going on.
Miss Katie will go back to the dr. on Tuesday, next week. We will go to the hospital first for x-rays and then to the surgeon. She has been exercising her foot everynight. She can move it up and down, sideways, and a slight circular rotation. Hopefully this progress will be enough so that we don't have to do rehab.
Thats all for now! Hope everyone has a great Spring Day! Gotta go do laundry!!!!!!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Friday Fill In Withdrawals
I guess my sis is really really tired. She left us all wanting some fill ins. Rest up Bri!
The Confederate Memorial Day Weekend is apon us. Everyone stand up, put your hand across your heart, Face South and sing Dixie!
Come on, like you mean it! Samantha, I can't hear you. Sing it girl friend!
Ok, now on to the bar b que plans for the weekend. Today, we set up the smoker. pictures were taken, they will come later. We smoked a shoulder and a ham. The ham was already cooked, I just threw it in to give it some smoke flavor. Left it on too long, and now it tastes like bar b que. I hate that (he he). The shoulder is going for a four hour ride in the hickory apple juice smoke. I put my fish cooker on as low as I could get it. The smoker fit perfectly right on top of it. Threw some hickory chunks in. Put a cup of apple juice in a pan under the meat and went to smokin'. After 3 hours I turned the gas off and now the chunks of hickory are still smoking away and going from char to ash. I am leaving the shoulder right where it is. I never turned it or nothing. I did prepare it yesterday with a dry rub and some garlic juice in a zip lock bag in the fridge. But that was all. We are trying the keep it simple recipe.
I will let you know how it turned out. If my fingers aren't too sticky!
Today is the first day of summer. Amy and Will christened the pool for the year. It is too cold for those of us with brains and responsibilities to get it. I put my feet in till the blood quit flowing.
Hey, GREAT NEWS. There is a dunkin donut open in Pearl now. WE Have ARIVED!!!! I do like the dd coffee. Today we all had breakfast for $9. That was a treat! It costs $25 for us all to go to waffle house. $40 to go to Craker Barrel. (mom's fave)
We got two of our garden boxes filled in with dirt. I got japalino's in one of them. Eddie and I are going to smoke some cheese filled fresh japalinos this summer. Maybe use some gouda cheese and some pecan wood for the smoke. Are you kidding me. That would make you stand up and cry for momma!
Donna got two of her tomoatoes planted. Will Amy and I got two leland cypress planted outside of our fence. We are preparing our yard to keep our nosey neihbors at bay. Donna wants to wrap the entire yard in them. Works for me.
You all have a great weekend! Remember Robert E. Lee and General Thomas Jackson! I am sure that we are related to both of them somehow! Just has to be. O' I wish I was in the land of cotton. Ol' times there are not forgotten. Look Away! Look Away! Look Away! Dixie Land!
The Confederate Memorial Day Weekend is apon us. Everyone stand up, put your hand across your heart, Face South and sing Dixie!
Come on, like you mean it! Samantha, I can't hear you. Sing it girl friend!
Ok, now on to the bar b que plans for the weekend. Today, we set up the smoker. pictures were taken, they will come later. We smoked a shoulder and a ham. The ham was already cooked, I just threw it in to give it some smoke flavor. Left it on too long, and now it tastes like bar b que. I hate that (he he). The shoulder is going for a four hour ride in the hickory apple juice smoke. I put my fish cooker on as low as I could get it. The smoker fit perfectly right on top of it. Threw some hickory chunks in. Put a cup of apple juice in a pan under the meat and went to smokin'. After 3 hours I turned the gas off and now the chunks of hickory are still smoking away and going from char to ash. I am leaving the shoulder right where it is. I never turned it or nothing. I did prepare it yesterday with a dry rub and some garlic juice in a zip lock bag in the fridge. But that was all. We are trying the keep it simple recipe.
I will let you know how it turned out. If my fingers aren't too sticky!
Today is the first day of summer. Amy and Will christened the pool for the year. It is too cold for those of us with brains and responsibilities to get it. I put my feet in till the blood quit flowing.
Hey, GREAT NEWS. There is a dunkin donut open in Pearl now. WE Have ARIVED!!!! I do like the dd coffee. Today we all had breakfast for $9. That was a treat! It costs $25 for us all to go to waffle house. $40 to go to Craker Barrel. (mom's fave)
We got two of our garden boxes filled in with dirt. I got japalino's in one of them. Eddie and I are going to smoke some cheese filled fresh japalinos this summer. Maybe use some gouda cheese and some pecan wood for the smoke. Are you kidding me. That would make you stand up and cry for momma!
Donna got two of her tomoatoes planted. Will Amy and I got two leland cypress planted outside of our fence. We are preparing our yard to keep our nosey neihbors at bay. Donna wants to wrap the entire yard in them. Works for me.
You all have a great weekend! Remember Robert E. Lee and General Thomas Jackson! I am sure that we are related to both of them somehow! Just has to be. O' I wish I was in the land of cotton. Ol' times there are not forgotten. Look Away! Look Away! Look Away! Dixie Land!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Beautiful Day
It is a beautiful spring day in Mississippi. The sun is shining, slight breeze blowing and the temp is 73 degrees.
Our Monday wash is hanging on the clothesline. The warm weather and breeze can dry it for us today. School was mostly finished by noon. Lunch was yummy peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwiches on homemade bread.
Katie, Amy and I took a jelly making class on Friday at our county extension office and we made the strawberry jelly. I really like this jelly and I do not like strawberries! Go figure. We also made Hot Pepper Jelly. Both were easy to make and delicious to eat. Since it is now strawberry season, I see more jelly in our immediate future.
Greg has decided to be an expert Rib cooker (or smoker). Saturday, he cooked us ribs for dinner and they were wonderfully yummy. I am not sure how he can improve on his first try, but as long as he cooks the dinner, I won't argue. Last night, he grilled hamburgers for us.
Over the weekend we also went and bought some more plants for the "homestead". We bought another blueberry bush to got with the 3 we already planted. All 4 are full of berries (can you say blueberry jelly and blueberry muffins?). We bought a hydrangea for the front courtyard. 3 Big Boy Tomato plants and 3 cherry tomato plants. 3 jalapeno pepper plants. The green beans are popping up from the seeds I planted. Last week, Amy and I planted squash, corn, sunflower, tomato, oregano, nasturtium, okra and thyme seeds. Greg built us 2 more "square foot gardening boxes" to expand our garden. Katie and Amy's peach trees have 2 peaches on them. They are thrilled. My roses are blooming and our little butterfly flowers have bloomed (can't remember their name). So far, it looks like everything we planted or transplanted last year has come back. I don't know about the impatiens yet cause its too early for them. I thought my wisteria was history, but it is now bushy and has little tendrils looking for a hold on our back fence. I would love for the fence to be covered with the wisteria vine.
Have a great week!
Our Monday wash is hanging on the clothesline. The warm weather and breeze can dry it for us today. School was mostly finished by noon. Lunch was yummy peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwiches on homemade bread.
Katie, Amy and I took a jelly making class on Friday at our county extension office and we made the strawberry jelly. I really like this jelly and I do not like strawberries! Go figure. We also made Hot Pepper Jelly. Both were easy to make and delicious to eat. Since it is now strawberry season, I see more jelly in our immediate future.
Greg has decided to be an expert Rib cooker (or smoker). Saturday, he cooked us ribs for dinner and they were wonderfully yummy. I am not sure how he can improve on his first try, but as long as he cooks the dinner, I won't argue. Last night, he grilled hamburgers for us.
Over the weekend we also went and bought some more plants for the "homestead". We bought another blueberry bush to got with the 3 we already planted. All 4 are full of berries (can you say blueberry jelly and blueberry muffins?). We bought a hydrangea for the front courtyard. 3 Big Boy Tomato plants and 3 cherry tomato plants. 3 jalapeno pepper plants. The green beans are popping up from the seeds I planted. Last week, Amy and I planted squash, corn, sunflower, tomato, oregano, nasturtium, okra and thyme seeds. Greg built us 2 more "square foot gardening boxes" to expand our garden. Katie and Amy's peach trees have 2 peaches on them. They are thrilled. My roses are blooming and our little butterfly flowers have bloomed (can't remember their name). So far, it looks like everything we planted or transplanted last year has come back. I don't know about the impatiens yet cause its too early for them. I thought my wisteria was history, but it is now bushy and has little tendrils looking for a hold on our back fence. I would love for the fence to be covered with the wisteria vine.
Have a great week!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Easter
Easter Sunday was so special. We had yummy cinnamon rolls and orange rolls for breakfast...the birthday girl got up and cooked for us. After breakfast we went to church with Mom. I got to see some "gals" that I grew up with and hadn't seen for years.
Then home to Mom's for Easter lunch with family. Yummy ham, potato salad, green beans, deviled eggs, pineapple casserole & rolls. That Sister Schubert can really cook and freeze some bread...she has contributed to many of our holiday dinners.
Next was the huge Easter Egg hunt. Our hunters this year were Will, Amy, Ben, Bethany, and Bobby. The hiders were me, Greg, Katie, Brenda, and Billy. It takes about 15 minutes for 5 kids to find over 200 eggs. Moms lawn service will find the eggs that the kids left behind. Katie decorated her air cast with lollipops for the kids to "find". It looked like a lollipop tree at the fair.
We had a great day, ate way too much food and candy.
But, all the food, family time and fun is not the real reason for the day.
I am so thankful and grateful to the Lord Jesus Christ for his sacrifice for us. Because of his love for us, we can have eternal life with him.
Amy is 13
Happy #13 Amy Lynn! Amy is very enthusiastic about pretty much everything. Her passion for life is exhausting to her Mom! She loves ballet, American Girl dolls and clothes, Build a Bear stuffed animals, jumping on the trampoline, swimming, cooking and crafts. She loves playing with her cousins. Shopping with Granny is definately a favorite activity. She is my most excited child every Christmas. She is a chocoholic, the only chocolate she turns down has nuts in it.Since we were in GA for Easter and Amy's birthday, she got to use the official birthday candle...see how short it is? We lit the candle, quickly sang the birthday song and she blew it out...its gotta last many more birthdays.
Her "cake" we found on the Pillsbury website. It was so easy to make. I love it when something we try turns out like the original picture. The base is a sugar cookie. After you bake it, you top with marshmellows, m & m's and pastel jelly beans. Personally, I would leave off the jelly beans next time and add extra m & m's (jelly beans are pretty chewy).
See what Amy got for her birthday! Just what every 13 year old needs.....NOT. this is my cousins car and all the kids took a turn "driving".
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Fun at Granny's
OK, it is now late Saturday afternoon and since Wed. I have managed to go to JoAnn's 3 times. Yep, I've had my fix now. I really need a JoAnn's in Miss. but there isn't one. Its very sad.
Wed. night after Mom's birthday dinner, Ben, Bethany and Bobby spent the night with us. I had really forgotten what goofy conversations you can have with a 3 year old. Here are 2 of them.
Bobby: What is wrong with Katie
Me: She hurt her foot
Bobby: You mean her ankle
Me: Yes
Bobby: Let's just cut off her leg and then her foot won't hurt anymore (guess this was logical to him)
Katie went to the "indoor plumbing room"
Bobby: Where is she going
Me: to the bathroom
Bobby: Why did she close the door
Me: For privacy
Bobby: Is she going p---
Me: I don't know, she wants privacy
Bobby: Well, I don't want to see her p---
Me: She doesn't want you in there
Bobby: I only look at my p--- Then he went into a dialogue about colors.
Me: Lets change the subject.
We played outside for awhile and then Brenda came to get them. Will went home with them to spend the night and play with Ben.
Amy went to her friend Katie's house to spend then night with her and with MacKenzie (her very best GA friends since they were all 3 years old) Those nutty girls stayed up till after 5 am. And then only slept for about 3 hours. Ahhhhhh, to be young again!
After we picked up Amy and Will, we went to Mall of GA. The wheel chair came in very handy cause that place is huge. By the time we ate lunch at Chick Fil A, I was on sensory overload. The food court was soooooo loud. We were all ready to leave.
Greg and I had a date last night and went to Red Robin to eat. We had never been there before so it was a good place to try. Greg loved the onion rings, they were his favorite part of the dinner. We personally think that the burgers are better at Backyard Burger. The prices were pretty steep for us too. The 5 of us ate at Backyard Burger for $28, the 2 of us ate at Red Robin for $23. Don't think we will be repeating that anytime soon. There is another place here in GA that we like to eat a burger...5 Guys Burgers and Fries. Yummy! Don't remember the prices to compare, but they cook an awesome burger.
We are going to Mom's church in the morning for Easter service. This is the church I grew up in. Then my family will come over for a big Ham dinner and easter egg hunt.
I hope you all have a wonderful, blessed Resurrection Sunday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wed. night after Mom's birthday dinner, Ben, Bethany and Bobby spent the night with us. I had really forgotten what goofy conversations you can have with a 3 year old. Here are 2 of them.
Bobby: What is wrong with Katie
Me: She hurt her foot
Bobby: You mean her ankle
Me: Yes
Bobby: Let's just cut off her leg and then her foot won't hurt anymore (guess this was logical to him)
Katie went to the "indoor plumbing room"
Bobby: Where is she going
Me: to the bathroom
Bobby: Why did she close the door
Me: For privacy
Bobby: Is she going p---
Me: I don't know, she wants privacy
Bobby: Well, I don't want to see her p---
Me: She doesn't want you in there
Bobby: I only look at my p--- Then he went into a dialogue about colors.
Me: Lets change the subject.
We played outside for awhile and then Brenda came to get them. Will went home with them to spend the night and play with Ben.
Amy went to her friend Katie's house to spend then night with her and with MacKenzie (her very best GA friends since they were all 3 years old) Those nutty girls stayed up till after 5 am. And then only slept for about 3 hours. Ahhhhhh, to be young again!
After we picked up Amy and Will, we went to Mall of GA. The wheel chair came in very handy cause that place is huge. By the time we ate lunch at Chick Fil A, I was on sensory overload. The food court was soooooo loud. We were all ready to leave.
Greg and I had a date last night and went to Red Robin to eat. We had never been there before so it was a good place to try. Greg loved the onion rings, they were his favorite part of the dinner. We personally think that the burgers are better at Backyard Burger. The prices were pretty steep for us too. The 5 of us ate at Backyard Burger for $28, the 2 of us ate at Red Robin for $23. Don't think we will be repeating that anytime soon. There is another place here in GA that we like to eat a burger...5 Guys Burgers and Fries. Yummy! Don't remember the prices to compare, but they cook an awesome burger.
We are going to Mom's church in the morning for Easter service. This is the church I grew up in. Then my family will come over for a big Ham dinner and easter egg hunt.
I hope you all have a wonderful, blessed Resurrection Sunday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
GA for spring break visit
Tuesday morning, Katie and I were at the surgeon's office bright and early...9AM, for staple removal. The dr's assistant (David) removed the 21 staples. The staples coming out didn't hurt but him touching the bruising on her foot and ankle did. The prognosis now is that the foot still cannot touch the ground for the next 4 weeks. Then more x-rays and a visit to the surgeon again. Then limited foot use for 6 weeks after that and then more x-rays and another dr. visit. After that, she may be able to walk with full weight on her foot.
She can remove the air cast a couple of times a day and exercise her foot and wiggle her toes. But then it goes back on.
Since we have about 10 weeks of not using the foot, we decided to invest in a wheel chair. She can walk great with the crutches, but not for very far. Instead of running in and out of a store and looking for their wheel chairs, we bought one at Harbor Freight (They sell almost everything). Katie thanked Dad for buying her one and she and Amy took off when we got to JoAnn's to do their own shopping and looking.
Yep, I've been to JoAnn's once (yesterday) and I am going back today. Yesterday, we bought the girls stuff for their quilting class and I bought some material to learn how to hand quilt also. Today, I am going back to get some stuff for the girls that I saw yesterday and want to put up for Christmas. I really like the fact that JoAnn's is 5 minutes away from Mom's house.
Last night we went out to eat with my sis and her family and my cousin Buzz for Mom's 70th birthday. We went to Macaroni Grill and had a yummy dinner. Mom got serenaded in Italian for her birthday dessert. Then back to the house for cake. Ben, Bethany and Bobby spent the night over here, to play with Will, Amy and Katie.
Gotta go...time to go to JoAnn's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She can remove the air cast a couple of times a day and exercise her foot and wiggle her toes. But then it goes back on.
Since we have about 10 weeks of not using the foot, we decided to invest in a wheel chair. She can walk great with the crutches, but not for very far. Instead of running in and out of a store and looking for their wheel chairs, we bought one at Harbor Freight (They sell almost everything). Katie thanked Dad for buying her one and she and Amy took off when we got to JoAnn's to do their own shopping and looking.
Yep, I've been to JoAnn's once (yesterday) and I am going back today. Yesterday, we bought the girls stuff for their quilting class and I bought some material to learn how to hand quilt also. Today, I am going back to get some stuff for the girls that I saw yesterday and want to put up for Christmas. I really like the fact that JoAnn's is 5 minutes away from Mom's house.
Last night we went out to eat with my sis and her family and my cousin Buzz for Mom's 70th birthday. We went to Macaroni Grill and had a yummy dinner. Mom got serenaded in Italian for her birthday dessert. Then back to the house for cake. Ben, Bethany and Bobby spent the night over here, to play with Will, Amy and Katie.
Gotta go...time to go to JoAnn's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
fixing the Economy
I got an email with the following article....this guy in Florida has figured it out!
Subject: Recession Cure!
This was an article from the St. Petersburg Times Newspaper.
The Business Section asked readers for ideas on "How Would You Fix the
Economy?" I think this guy nailed it!
Dear Mr. President,
Patriotic retirement:
There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force - Pay them
$1 million apiece severance with the following stipulations:
1) They leave their jobs. Forty million job openings - Unemployment
fixed.
2) They buy NEW American cars. Forty million cars ordered - Auto
Industry fixed.
3) They either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis
fixed. It can't get any easier than that!
P.S. - If more money is needed, have everyone on Capitol Hill pay their
taxes...
Sounds like it would work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, April 6, 2009
The weekend
Boy, Friday was a long time ago...
Saturday, Greg and I and the kiddies ran some errands and ate lunch at Backyard Burger, super yummy. I went to Penneys and exchanged a shirt. We went to Lowe's and bought 2 leyland cypress trees and 2 peach trees and a bunch of mulch. The peach trees are planted but the cypress are going to live in their plastic buckets till we get back from Georgia. I also planted 2 of my square foot gardening containers with green beans. We went to Hobby Lobby and bought some stuff and then went home to work outside.
Sunday was our morning to bring breakfast to Sunday School and then Greg did the power point for the 2nd service. He and I went back to Penneys and I got a skirt and top (for Easter) and 2 pairs of capri pants....yeah, Mom has something new to wear. Last night we ate popcorn shrimp (Seapak frozen shrimp), tater tots and cole slaw. (Hey Sabrina, take your moms dressing for the broccoli salad and put it over the bagged cole slaw and let it sit an hour or so, that is very yummy. Close to KFC) We were all set to watch Amazing Race when what to our wondering eyes should appear, the country music awards. So we ended up watching food network challenges and Iron Chef. So cakes and chocolate, did make for some sweet dreams.
This morning started the girls new Quilting Class with our 4H group. I think there were 9 girls. they all had fun and really got some work done. They are hand quilting a small piece (maybe 14" x 18") to make either a doll quilt or something similar. Then they are making a pillow top from fabric yo yo's. We had been taking a sewing class from another lady but her classes were more off then on. She has since moved to help her daughter and we now have 3 unfinished projects and no directions for finishing them. That was very frustrating. Anyway, they have a different class now and hopefully will be great. The new girl wants them to work and accomplish stuff, not get discouraged and want to give up. When you only have a class once a month, it takes forever for a project to be completed.
Tomorrow will be a very busy day....9 am will find Katie and I at the dr. for staple removal. 1:30 will find Greg and I at the dr. for him to have a small mole removed. Then the 5 of us are hitting the road and driving to GA. Mom's birthday is Wed. and Amy's is Easter Sunday. We will get to visit friends, go to JoAnns, see family, go to JoAnn's, celebrate Easter, and go to JoAnn's (got alot of coupons).
We are almost packed. Well, the kids are packed and I am not. Gotta get the laundry done first!
Saturday, Greg and I and the kiddies ran some errands and ate lunch at Backyard Burger, super yummy. I went to Penneys and exchanged a shirt. We went to Lowe's and bought 2 leyland cypress trees and 2 peach trees and a bunch of mulch. The peach trees are planted but the cypress are going to live in their plastic buckets till we get back from Georgia. I also planted 2 of my square foot gardening containers with green beans. We went to Hobby Lobby and bought some stuff and then went home to work outside.
Sunday was our morning to bring breakfast to Sunday School and then Greg did the power point for the 2nd service. He and I went back to Penneys and I got a skirt and top (for Easter) and 2 pairs of capri pants....yeah, Mom has something new to wear. Last night we ate popcorn shrimp (Seapak frozen shrimp), tater tots and cole slaw. (Hey Sabrina, take your moms dressing for the broccoli salad and put it over the bagged cole slaw and let it sit an hour or so, that is very yummy. Close to KFC) We were all set to watch Amazing Race when what to our wondering eyes should appear, the country music awards. So we ended up watching food network challenges and Iron Chef. So cakes and chocolate, did make for some sweet dreams.
This morning started the girls new Quilting Class with our 4H group. I think there were 9 girls. they all had fun and really got some work done. They are hand quilting a small piece (maybe 14" x 18") to make either a doll quilt or something similar. Then they are making a pillow top from fabric yo yo's. We had been taking a sewing class from another lady but her classes were more off then on. She has since moved to help her daughter and we now have 3 unfinished projects and no directions for finishing them. That was very frustrating. Anyway, they have a different class now and hopefully will be great. The new girl wants them to work and accomplish stuff, not get discouraged and want to give up. When you only have a class once a month, it takes forever for a project to be completed.
Tomorrow will be a very busy day....9 am will find Katie and I at the dr. for staple removal. 1:30 will find Greg and I at the dr. for him to have a small mole removed. Then the 5 of us are hitting the road and driving to GA. Mom's birthday is Wed. and Amy's is Easter Sunday. We will get to visit friends, go to JoAnns, see family, go to JoAnn's, celebrate Easter, and go to JoAnn's (got alot of coupons).
We are almost packed. Well, the kids are packed and I am not. Gotta get the laundry done first!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Something that amazed me
Let me start this post by saying...I love to go out to eat. I like to go to a restaurant, be seated, have someone wait on me, serve me dinner and then clean up. I just get to sit there and eat and enjoy the company (preferrably my dear hubbie).
But I overheard something the other night that amazed me...I was sitting outside the youth room at the church waiting on the kids. A man and a lady were talking about dinner at home and eating out. In the conversation the guy said, that at his house they went out to eat 3-4 times a week, every week. It was cheaper to go out to eat than to buy everything and cook and eat at home...WHAT? And the lady agreed with him and said thats what they did at her house too. It is so much cheaper to eat at home than out. His wife and her husband have been deceived about the price of groceries, if they are buying those fabrications of the truth. When I was telling Greg about the conversation his comments were...if they have to go buy the stove and pots and pans and every spice before they can even begin, then yeah, its cheaper to go out to eat.
He has decided to keep up with how many folks we feed at each meal for the next month. Whether at home or out to eat and compare. Now, since we have a grocery budget and a going out to eat budget, this should be relatively simple.
Last night, I fixed spaghetti and garlic bread and iced tea. It cost about $7 for this dinner, this includes the cost of my organic tomato sauce and organic Trader Joes spaghetti noodles. We fed the 5 of us plus Allen and a friend of his. So, about $1 a person. I also had 4 lunch size containers of leftovers to freeze and Greg took spaghetti and garlic bread for lunch today. Compare that to a spaghetti dinner out...at least $8 per person and add the cost of the tea. Which is cheaper?
I was just amazed at the justification of going out to eat. I don't need an excuse to go and I don't need to make excuses about why we go out to eat. Everyone is different and every household operates differently. Reading some blogs, I know some people never go out to eat. That is not for me. And many people go out many times a week, haven't figured out how they can afford that every month. Especially for a family.
To me, eating out frequently makes a whole lot more sense for a single person or a single-again person (I really hate that W---w word). Making an entire balanced meal everynight for just one person would make me want to eat out more often. Yes, it would be cheaper to eat at home, but if you are in that situation, you just may need to be around people. It can be lonely to sit at home by yourself, night after night.
I love to cook and feed my family. I am one of those weird folks, who likes to grocery shop. I love finding bargains and stretching the food budget. I like knowing that the food my family eats is nutritious and yummy. I like teaching my children how to cook. I love to try new recipes (especially if they turn out really good). I love to open my cabinets, freezer and refrigerator and seeing them full of great ingredients for our meals.
On the other hand, I love to go out. My favorite meal to eat out is breakfast. Super yummy! IHOP & Cracker Barrel are my breakfast restaurants of choice (as long as the eggs aren't runny). Unfortunately (or fortunately), neither are close to our house. So, going there is a real treat!
OK, enough rambling about food...I am getting hungry!
I saw Greg has been playing with the blog...did you notice the Countdown to Retirement box. Do ya think he is getting excited?
But I overheard something the other night that amazed me...I was sitting outside the youth room at the church waiting on the kids. A man and a lady were talking about dinner at home and eating out. In the conversation the guy said, that at his house they went out to eat 3-4 times a week, every week. It was cheaper to go out to eat than to buy everything and cook and eat at home...WHAT? And the lady agreed with him and said thats what they did at her house too. It is so much cheaper to eat at home than out. His wife and her husband have been deceived about the price of groceries, if they are buying those fabrications of the truth. When I was telling Greg about the conversation his comments were...if they have to go buy the stove and pots and pans and every spice before they can even begin, then yeah, its cheaper to go out to eat.
He has decided to keep up with how many folks we feed at each meal for the next month. Whether at home or out to eat and compare. Now, since we have a grocery budget and a going out to eat budget, this should be relatively simple.
Last night, I fixed spaghetti and garlic bread and iced tea. It cost about $7 for this dinner, this includes the cost of my organic tomato sauce and organic Trader Joes spaghetti noodles. We fed the 5 of us plus Allen and a friend of his. So, about $1 a person. I also had 4 lunch size containers of leftovers to freeze and Greg took spaghetti and garlic bread for lunch today. Compare that to a spaghetti dinner out...at least $8 per person and add the cost of the tea. Which is cheaper?
I was just amazed at the justification of going out to eat. I don't need an excuse to go and I don't need to make excuses about why we go out to eat. Everyone is different and every household operates differently. Reading some blogs, I know some people never go out to eat. That is not for me. And many people go out many times a week, haven't figured out how they can afford that every month. Especially for a family.
To me, eating out frequently makes a whole lot more sense for a single person or a single-again person (I really hate that W---w word). Making an entire balanced meal everynight for just one person would make me want to eat out more often. Yes, it would be cheaper to eat at home, but if you are in that situation, you just may need to be around people. It can be lonely to sit at home by yourself, night after night.
I love to cook and feed my family. I am one of those weird folks, who likes to grocery shop. I love finding bargains and stretching the food budget. I like knowing that the food my family eats is nutritious and yummy. I like teaching my children how to cook. I love to try new recipes (especially if they turn out really good). I love to open my cabinets, freezer and refrigerator and seeing them full of great ingredients for our meals.
On the other hand, I love to go out. My favorite meal to eat out is breakfast. Super yummy! IHOP & Cracker Barrel are my breakfast restaurants of choice (as long as the eggs aren't runny). Unfortunately (or fortunately), neither are close to our house. So, going there is a real treat!
OK, enough rambling about food...I am getting hungry!
I saw Greg has been playing with the blog...did you notice the Countdown to Retirement box. Do ya think he is getting excited?
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Nurses and life
Amy and Will are good nurses for Katie. They fetch whatever she needs: pillows, tylenol, iced tea or whatever. Amy follows her back and forth to the "indoor plumbing room". They are happy to give up piano or guitar practice so that they don't disturb her (ok, it probably wouldn't bother her but they did it anyway). Will is helping Amy and I clean the kitchen after dinner everyday. they are really stepping up to the plate and being helpers for Greg and I.
We are continuing school to keep up with our routine. However, I have noticed my oldest pupil sleeping through some of her classes. She is so far ahead in school that a few naps won't hurt and she did just have surgery 5 days ago. Its pretty funny to walk in and see her flaked out. Hershey loves having a sofa mate all the time.
Greg put a ceiling fan up in the "sewing room" which is Katie's temp bedroom. We have been wanting one for a couple of years and this was the perfect time. He also put up a new shower head in our bathroom with a hand held attachment. These things are great for Katie and we all get to enjoy them too!'
Tomorrow we are going to debate class. Her topic is "are inflatables dangerous?". Great topic and very timely. She and I came up with it sitting in the hospital. Yesterday, we had fun with the pros and cons. On Thursday, we have another dr.s appt. Time to clean the leg again. Friday is the last science class for all 3 kiddies. So it will be a busy couple of days.
Totally different subject.....Greg got us pool chemicals and now its not green anymore. Yeah!!! It looks pretty good. We are ready for homeschool PE class. And just lazying around and having races....they will probably all beat me this year. But a mama's gotta try.
We are continuing school to keep up with our routine. However, I have noticed my oldest pupil sleeping through some of her classes. She is so far ahead in school that a few naps won't hurt and she did just have surgery 5 days ago. Its pretty funny to walk in and see her flaked out. Hershey loves having a sofa mate all the time.
Greg put a ceiling fan up in the "sewing room" which is Katie's temp bedroom. We have been wanting one for a couple of years and this was the perfect time. He also put up a new shower head in our bathroom with a hand held attachment. These things are great for Katie and we all get to enjoy them too!'
Tomorrow we are going to debate class. Her topic is "are inflatables dangerous?". Great topic and very timely. She and I came up with it sitting in the hospital. Yesterday, we had fun with the pros and cons. On Thursday, we have another dr.s appt. Time to clean the leg again. Friday is the last science class for all 3 kiddies. So it will be a busy couple of days.
Totally different subject.....Greg got us pool chemicals and now its not green anymore. Yeah!!! It looks pretty good. We are ready for homeschool PE class. And just lazying around and having races....they will probably all beat me this year. But a mama's gotta try.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Another version of "The Story"
OK, my mom knows the REAL story. Never mind that she was 400 miles away, she is a granny and she knows.....
Katie was ballet dancing and a jealous Tonya Harding took out her ankle with a hockey stick. Tonya took up ballet when she was thrown out of ice skating.
Mom doesn't believe that Juan Valdez came into the house because Hershey would have killed him...ok, maybe not killed but barked herself hoarse and nipped at his ankles.
We decided to get out of the house and go eat lunch at our favorite Mexican Rest. today. The lunch was awesome. Katie got in the place ok and enjoyed lunch. Amy and Will got to the car and opened the doors for us. I closely followed Katie out to the car. We don't know what happened but when she got to the car, she lost her balance, we both screamed and I managed to keep her from hitting the ground. Greg was paying and heard us scream and ran out the door (dropping his wallet), and we got her in the car. Neither of us has a clue what happened, we were right at the open door. I guess she just twisted and lost her balance. and yes, he did get his wallet back.
The excitement in the parking lot convinced her to go home and take a pain pill. Learning how to drive a motorized wheel chair at Kroger will wait for another day!
Katie was ballet dancing and a jealous Tonya Harding took out her ankle with a hockey stick. Tonya took up ballet when she was thrown out of ice skating.
Mom doesn't believe that Juan Valdez came into the house because Hershey would have killed him...ok, maybe not killed but barked herself hoarse and nipped at his ankles.
We decided to get out of the house and go eat lunch at our favorite Mexican Rest. today. The lunch was awesome. Katie got in the place ok and enjoyed lunch. Amy and Will got to the car and opened the doors for us. I closely followed Katie out to the car. We don't know what happened but when she got to the car, she lost her balance, we both screamed and I managed to keep her from hitting the ground. Greg was paying and heard us scream and ran out the door (dropping his wallet), and we got her in the car. Neither of us has a clue what happened, we were right at the open door. I guess she just twisted and lost her balance. and yes, he did get his wallet back.
The excitement in the parking lot convinced her to go home and take a pain pill. Learning how to drive a motorized wheel chair at Kroger will wait for another day!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
BEFORE and AFTER (the real story!)
Yea, we are having 5 minutes of fun now!!!
That wasn't the real story!
Here's what really happened:
Juan Valdez, the leader of the Columbian Coffee Cartel ambushed Katie and kidnapped her for using Community Coffee. As he was speeding away with the coffee and Katie, she reached into the front seat of the Ford SUV and grabbed the steering wheel away from the coffee henchmen and caused the vehicle to rotate and spin in a tremendous crash up over the guardrail and down the side of the interstate. As the SUV came to a halt on its side, Katie began smelling gas, the car kind, not the pull my finger kind. She knew she had to extract herself quickly, but her ankle had caught in the car seat strap. (Juan may be the unscrupulous leader of an international coffee cartel, but he still has to take the kids to daycare!). Anyway, in her effort to get away from the dripping gasoline and the crumbled SUV, she realized her ankle had broken in the SUV crash and rollover. Unfortunately for Juan, he did not survive the crash and abduction.
Trimalleoler Fracture (Mandatdonlukgood)
This is a picture of the big scar in the making. The other side of Katie's leg looks like this, only half as long. The Doctor's name for the fracture is Trimalleoler. The latin is mandatdonlukgood.
It is also known as a Harvey Fracture. Katie was well taken care of at the doctor's and surgeons. Now we just wait for her to heal. I know our regular readers (all 4 of you) have already heard what happened. Let me tell you the real story.
It started last Thursday as I was out of town. You may not know that I've started drinking coffee for breakfast. My sister swears it gets her thru the day without having to hit the rum, so I thought I would give it a try. We picked Community Coffee with Chickory, the New Orleans Blend. That was the start of Katie's troubles. She was preparing the coffee in the maker on Thursday so I could have it ready the next time I wanted some. As she was counting the tablespoons of the New Orleans blend a treible crash starteled her. It was Juan Valdez breaking in thru the garage. He snatched the coffee from her. In his effort to get away, he didn't notice that Katie's shoe string got snared in his lead for the donkey. Well what a sight they must have made gallopping on a donkey down Thorngate with stolen coffee and Katie hopping behind trying to free herself. Well, they made it to the stop sign, and the donkey lurched to a halt. (it was a God fearing legalistic donkey. Juan could have learned a thing or two from his donkey). Anyway, Katie gave one last tremendous thrust pirroette (ballet move) and kicked Juan in the back of the head and killed him deader than Memphis' chances to win a national championship. Unfortunately, she sustained a trimalleoler fracture in her effort to escape the clutches of Juan Valdez and his legalistic donkey. The good news is she was able to rescue my coffee. The bad news is Juan's wife, Juanitta is sueing Katie for causing the death of her husband.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Field Trip & Dr. Diagnosis
Our field trip on Thursday was to a place called "Pump It Up". Basically it is a huge building filled with lots of inflatables. We all met at 9 to go in together (to get the discount). I took 3 pictures of the kids going down the giant slide. As I was taking the 4th picture of some friends...Amy came to get me and tell me Katie had been hurt. She jumped down in an inflatable and her right foot gave way under her. In Katie's own words....hit hurts, and I heard it snap. OK, I am not a doctor but I could diagnose this. And her ankle was swelling alot by then. One of the moms with our group was a nurse and she said get her to the doctor. Within 5 minutes, we were headed out the door with lots of help. And lots of pictures (we suspect this will end up in the yearbook). Amy and Will stayed to play with their friends and another mom brought them home.
Greg was about an hour away at a management training seminar for the state and we couldn't get him on the phone. As I was going to our dr.'s office, Katie texted him from my phone. We got to the dr. (Praise the Lord for good friends that are also your family dr.), I went in the back door to hunt for one of my favorite nurses to help me get Katie in. We got her to the room and the dr.'s first words out of his mouth were "this does not look good". Well, ok maybe I could be a dr. I figured that out. My other favorite nurse came to get her for x-rays. We got her there on a rolling office chair. The x-rays showed 3 or 4 breaks. The small bone that runs between her knee and ankle is broken in 2 places. The impact also broke the edge of the growth plate off the other side of the ankle. The dr. sent us to an orthopedic surgeon right away. As we were driving there, Greg called. He had not gotten the text. I told him everything that was going on and he decided to leave the seminar and drive home (yeah, Daddy!). The surgeon decided to take care of this asap. So our next stop was the hospital.
Greg got there in time to go through admissions with us and wait for the surgery. They did not find anything new when they did more x-rays or the surgery. They put 4 screws and a plate on her ankle to help with the healing. We got her back in the room about 2 hours after she left us. She did great with the hospital recovery and drank a coke and then later ate some Teddy Grahams. So she was really glad to get the IV out of her hand.
When we got home, dinner was waiting on us. Thanks to one of the homeschool moms in our group (she was the nurse that told me to get Katie to the dr.). She cooked lots of food which fed the 5 of us plus Allen, James and Andy. Amy and Will got the sewing stuff put up and then the big boys moved a bed downstairs for Katie. She cannot put any weight on her foot for the next 6 weeks. Then she will have physical therapy. It is a plus that she is a dancer (ballet) and it will be a form of therapy for her. However, I am not thinking she will be able to be in the recital in 10 or so weeks. Our family doctor said it was the worst break he has seen in his office. The surgeon said this is extremely unusual in someone her age. He also said she has very good muscle tone and strong bones. All of the staff were very nice and explained everything to us and to Katie before they did anything.
Side note: when we got to the hospital there was a little, elderly lady sitting in a wheel chair close to Katie. She kept trying to get Katies attention (she could not speak coherently). Finally the little lady lifted her hands toward heaven and closed her eyes. We are sure she was praying for Katie. I had been getting many phone calls from the homeschool group and Greg and when I could I went over to the little lady. I never could figure out what she said but I told her Katie was 16 and fell and broke her ankle. Then they came and took us to admissions.
In the midst of all this, the roofer called checking to see if the ins. had sent us the rest of the roof payment. I told him what was going on and that I would call him tomorrow. He is coming in a few minutes and asked if he could pray for Katie when he got here.
How awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is on many prayer lists in several states and we are so thankful for our Christian friends!
Greg was about an hour away at a management training seminar for the state and we couldn't get him on the phone. As I was going to our dr.'s office, Katie texted him from my phone. We got to the dr. (Praise the Lord for good friends that are also your family dr.), I went in the back door to hunt for one of my favorite nurses to help me get Katie in. We got her to the room and the dr.'s first words out of his mouth were "this does not look good". Well, ok maybe I could be a dr. I figured that out. My other favorite nurse came to get her for x-rays. We got her there on a rolling office chair. The x-rays showed 3 or 4 breaks. The small bone that runs between her knee and ankle is broken in 2 places. The impact also broke the edge of the growth plate off the other side of the ankle. The dr. sent us to an orthopedic surgeon right away. As we were driving there, Greg called. He had not gotten the text. I told him everything that was going on and he decided to leave the seminar and drive home (yeah, Daddy!). The surgeon decided to take care of this asap. So our next stop was the hospital.
Greg got there in time to go through admissions with us and wait for the surgery. They did not find anything new when they did more x-rays or the surgery. They put 4 screws and a plate on her ankle to help with the healing. We got her back in the room about 2 hours after she left us. She did great with the hospital recovery and drank a coke and then later ate some Teddy Grahams. So she was really glad to get the IV out of her hand.
When we got home, dinner was waiting on us. Thanks to one of the homeschool moms in our group (she was the nurse that told me to get Katie to the dr.). She cooked lots of food which fed the 5 of us plus Allen, James and Andy. Amy and Will got the sewing stuff put up and then the big boys moved a bed downstairs for Katie. She cannot put any weight on her foot for the next 6 weeks. Then she will have physical therapy. It is a plus that she is a dancer (ballet) and it will be a form of therapy for her. However, I am not thinking she will be able to be in the recital in 10 or so weeks. Our family doctor said it was the worst break he has seen in his office. The surgeon said this is extremely unusual in someone her age. He also said she has very good muscle tone and strong bones. All of the staff were very nice and explained everything to us and to Katie before they did anything.
Side note: when we got to the hospital there was a little, elderly lady sitting in a wheel chair close to Katie. She kept trying to get Katies attention (she could not speak coherently). Finally the little lady lifted her hands toward heaven and closed her eyes. We are sure she was praying for Katie. I had been getting many phone calls from the homeschool group and Greg and when I could I went over to the little lady. I never could figure out what she said but I told her Katie was 16 and fell and broke her ankle. Then they came and took us to admissions.
In the midst of all this, the roofer called checking to see if the ins. had sent us the rest of the roof payment. I told him what was going on and that I would call him tomorrow. He is coming in a few minutes and asked if he could pray for Katie when he got here.
How awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is on many prayer lists in several states and we are so thankful for our Christian friends!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Laundry Soap
We made our first batch of laundry soap on Feb. 3 and we ran out today (March 25). We have done 136 loads of laundry (probably a few more than that, the boys weren't as diligent as marking the sheet). So that mean is cost us..................drumroll........................ .0057 cents per load to wash clothes. Thats 1/2 of a penny. Really cheap and it cleaned the clothes well too!!!!!
Actually, given the change I collected after Waiter Boy did his laundry. It cost us nothing per load except for the water.
I found a homemade fabric softener also that we have been using. Its not as cheap per load but its about 1/4 of the price of the cheapest, on sale, with coupons Downey that I have ever bought.
The Fed Ex man delivered my new clothesline yesterday. So once the pollen and the rain are over, we will be regularly hanging our clothes up outside. It really helps keep the heat down in the house in the Miss. summer not to run the clothes dryer all day.
Lots of things I would rather spend money on....we need to buy pool chemicals...don't know any homemade recipes for that item.
Actually, given the change I collected after Waiter Boy did his laundry. It cost us nothing per load except for the water.
I found a homemade fabric softener also that we have been using. Its not as cheap per load but its about 1/4 of the price of the cheapest, on sale, with coupons Downey that I have ever bought.
The Fed Ex man delivered my new clothesline yesterday. So once the pollen and the rain are over, we will be regularly hanging our clothes up outside. It really helps keep the heat down in the house in the Miss. summer not to run the clothes dryer all day.
Lots of things I would rather spend money on....we need to buy pool chemicals...don't know any homemade recipes for that item.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Christmas
See the side bar...275 days till Christmas...are you ready? Do you know who you need to buy or make gifts for? Do you have a budget or a Christmas Savings Plan? Do you already have any gifts purchased for Christmas 2009? If so, don't forget where you stash your gifts.
We shop all year long. We have purchased gifts for 5 nephews and 2 neices (and I know where they are). We know what we are doing for all the grandparents and aunts and uncles.
I don't have a clue what I am doing for Greg. And we have no idea what we are doing for our 7 blessings. We will have to wait on the kids till closer to the season...they have been known to change their minds. Katie and Amy always want a bag full of girlie stuff: nail polish, bubble bath, scented bath gel and lotion, cutesy pens and pencils, note pads, etc. So I look for these all year long.
I have also figured out what I am giving my neices and nephews for their birthdays for the rest of the year.
Have you panicked yet? You really don't need to. I usually plan for the next Christmas on Dec. 26, but thats just me. I don't like leaving things till the last minute. And I would much rather spend December decorating gingerbread houses or watching Christmas videos with my kids than shopping and standing in line for the month. Not to mention being involved with our church's Christmas program.
I love the holidays and everything about them...music, decorations, lights, cards, food, movies, and my snowman sweaters! And all our children are here to visit.
We shop all year long. We have purchased gifts for 5 nephews and 2 neices (and I know where they are). We know what we are doing for all the grandparents and aunts and uncles.
I don't have a clue what I am doing for Greg. And we have no idea what we are doing for our 7 blessings. We will have to wait on the kids till closer to the season...they have been known to change their minds. Katie and Amy always want a bag full of girlie stuff: nail polish, bubble bath, scented bath gel and lotion, cutesy pens and pencils, note pads, etc. So I look for these all year long.
I have also figured out what I am giving my neices and nephews for their birthdays for the rest of the year.
Have you panicked yet? You really don't need to. I usually plan for the next Christmas on Dec. 26, but thats just me. I don't like leaving things till the last minute. And I would much rather spend December decorating gingerbread houses or watching Christmas videos with my kids than shopping and standing in line for the month. Not to mention being involved with our church's Christmas program.
I love the holidays and everything about them...music, decorations, lights, cards, food, movies, and my snowman sweaters! And all our children are here to visit.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Our Weekend
Oh my! We had a very busy weekend! Saturday morning started out at Chick Fil A - chicken biscuits, hash browns and sweet tea! So yummy! Then we hit Lowe's. Well, I guess we didn't really hit it...we pulled our van into the parking lot, parked in a space and then walked into the garden department. Whoo Hoo, spring is here. There were sooooo many flowers and trees and stuff to look at. Katie and Amy picked out peach trees and we are going to go back and get a couple and see how they do. I picked out some Leeland Cypress trees to plant on the street side of our backyard fence, to block more of the pool view from the street. We will be purchasing these in the next month. We bought some paving cement blocks to build a driveway in our side yard for the RV. And we bought some mulch for the corner flower bed by the street.
Greg, Will, and James started working on the paving stones. I got busy on the weeding the flower bed (more weeds than flowers when I started). Katie and Amy worked on 2 other flower beds. The boys had to make another run to Lowe's to buy the rest of the blocks and more mulch. They dug blocks of sod up to place the blocks in the yard. The sod blocks went to bald spots in the yard.
By the end of Saturday (actually the end of our energy), the corner flower bed was completely weeded. I layed newspaper down before we put the mulch out, hopefully this will cut down on some of the weeds. The girls helped alot with this. My bender-overer (back and legs) decided I had done enough. I scooped mulch into their buckets and they spread it for me. We still ran out of mulch, but what is done looks great!
Sunday, we were bums and skipped church. We called in all the troops (James, Allen and Andy) to help with the rest of the paving blocks. Greg got the yard cut and I weed whacked. It looks so good. Now the neighbors can't give directions to their house by saying, turn at the corner by the house with the weed in the yard!!!!!!
The pool is full of little pollen pod thingies that have fallen from the trees. So, we have got to get it cleaned up. I've swept it a couple of times but it is time for some chemical intervention. water is really not supposed to be that color.
To completely change the subject...
I got an invitation to join AARP today. It quite distresses me to know that in 6 months, I am eligible to join. Donna, you are going to turn 50 this year, what are you going to do next....I am going to Disney World!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! About 16 days after my birthday. Mom is going to be 70 in a couple of weeks and she is going to Disney with us. We are celebrating at the "Happiest Place on Earth". Maybe we will find her a King Charming. I've already got my Prince!
Greg, Will, and James started working on the paving stones. I got busy on the weeding the flower bed (more weeds than flowers when I started). Katie and Amy worked on 2 other flower beds. The boys had to make another run to Lowe's to buy the rest of the blocks and more mulch. They dug blocks of sod up to place the blocks in the yard. The sod blocks went to bald spots in the yard.
By the end of Saturday (actually the end of our energy), the corner flower bed was completely weeded. I layed newspaper down before we put the mulch out, hopefully this will cut down on some of the weeds. The girls helped alot with this. My bender-overer (back and legs) decided I had done enough. I scooped mulch into their buckets and they spread it for me. We still ran out of mulch, but what is done looks great!
Sunday, we were bums and skipped church. We called in all the troops (James, Allen and Andy) to help with the rest of the paving blocks. Greg got the yard cut and I weed whacked. It looks so good. Now the neighbors can't give directions to their house by saying, turn at the corner by the house with the weed in the yard!!!!!!
The pool is full of little pollen pod thingies that have fallen from the trees. So, we have got to get it cleaned up. I've swept it a couple of times but it is time for some chemical intervention. water is really not supposed to be that color.
To completely change the subject...
I got an invitation to join AARP today. It quite distresses me to know that in 6 months, I am eligible to join. Donna, you are going to turn 50 this year, what are you going to do next....I am going to Disney World!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! About 16 days after my birthday. Mom is going to be 70 in a couple of weeks and she is going to Disney with us. We are celebrating at the "Happiest Place on Earth". Maybe we will find her a King Charming. I've already got my Prince!
Friday, March 20, 2009
What a week!
Ever had one of those weeks. You know, when Friday gets finished about all you have strength left to do is blend your favorite adult beverage and collapse on the sofa. Monday was the day we found an error in our computer programming that worked out fine, but could have just as easily worked out with several of us looking for new income opportunities. Tuesday, while completely minding my own business some #@$%&* jerk couldn't understand that you stay in line on the interstate when you are merging with oncoming traffic, you don't pass then get pissed when the safe driver doesn't get out of your way. She didn't know how to drive, but she did know how to complain to my boss. (The dangers of putting your business on the side of your truck!) I suppose the real blessing is that I just shook my head at her and said bless her heart instead of using one of the few sign language symbols that I know. Wednesday and Thursday were used up sitting in a conference gaining vast sums of somewhat useless knowledge, but hey, I did make it to 100% of the event. The hardest part was walking by the brownies with chocolate icing during the breaks because I am sticking to my portion control life change. The worst part was I saved room for a small brownie on the last day and wouldn't you know it, they showed up with fresh cut veggies and lite ranch. ARGH! Now Friday has arrived. It started with a visit to the Doc and a scheduled MRI for next week. I am afraid my career opportunities in Major League Baseball are almost finished. It only hurts when I move my arm.
Here's hoping your week was better! and to the lady in the little brown car, you can kiss my .......
Here's hoping your week was better! and to the lady in the little brown car, you can kiss my .......
Thursday, March 19, 2009
IRS
I read this letter to IRS this morning. Think it'll work for this guy? What a great imagination!!!
Dear IRS,
I am sorry to inform you that I will not be able to pay taxes owed April 15, but all is not lost. I have paid these taxes: accounts receivable tax, building permit tax, CDL tax, cigarette tax, corporate income tax, dog license tax, federal income tax, unemployment tax, gasoline tax, hunting license tax, fishing licence tax, waterfowl stamp tax, inheritance tax, inventory tax, liquor tax, luxury tax, medicare tax, city, school and county property tax (up 33 percent last 4 years), real estate tax, social security tax, road usage tax, toll road tax, state and city sales tax, recreational vehicle tax, state franchise tax, state unemployment tax, telephone federal excise tax, telephone federal state and local surcharge tax, telephone minimum usage surcharge tax, telephone state and local tax, utility tax, vehicle licence registration tax, capital gains tax, lease severance tax, oil and gas assessment tax, Colorado property tax, Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma and New Mexico sales tax, and many more that I can't recall but I have run out of space and money. When you do not receive my check April 15, just know that it is an honest mistake. Please treat me the same way you treated Congressmen Charles Rangle, Chris Dodd, Barney Frank and ex-Congressman Tom Dashelle and, of course, your boss Timothy Geithner. No penalties and no interest. P.S. I will make at least a partial payment as soon as I get my stimulus check.
Ed Barnett
Wichita Falls
Dear IRS,
I am sorry to inform you that I will not be able to pay taxes owed April 15, but all is not lost. I have paid these taxes: accounts receivable tax, building permit tax, CDL tax, cigarette tax, corporate income tax, dog license tax, federal income tax, unemployment tax, gasoline tax, hunting license tax, fishing licence tax, waterfowl stamp tax, inheritance tax, inventory tax, liquor tax, luxury tax, medicare tax, city, school and county property tax (up 33 percent last 4 years), real estate tax, social security tax, road usage tax, toll road tax, state and city sales tax, recreational vehicle tax, state franchise tax, state unemployment tax, telephone federal excise tax, telephone federal state and local surcharge tax, telephone minimum usage surcharge tax, telephone state and local tax, utility tax, vehicle licence registration tax, capital gains tax, lease severance tax, oil and gas assessment tax, Colorado property tax, Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma and New Mexico sales tax, and many more that I can't recall but I have run out of space and money. When you do not receive my check April 15, just know that it is an honest mistake. Please treat me the same way you treated Congressmen Charles Rangle, Chris Dodd, Barney Frank and ex-Congressman Tom Dashelle and, of course, your boss Timothy Geithner. No penalties and no interest. P.S. I will make at least a partial payment as soon as I get my stimulus check.
Ed Barnett
Wichita Falls
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)