Long of Tooth

Today, MR. CP had his "crowns" lengthened. Turns out that just as we are arriving at the age of "long of tooth", his persistent tooth grinding has left him a little short! of tooth. In the interests of preserving his teeth (so as not to have to resort to artificial teeth) we have embarked on step one of the adventure of "remaking" his teeth.

I will spare you the gory details--but lasers were involved, stitches, and recovery. His teeth are "bigger". All the better for the dentist to fashion new teeth with!!

We are doing our part to stimulate the economy--one dental bill at a time!

Memorials

Auntie L2, sister of Auntie L of the slippery pants, died this week. She was 94. They went down in order, "the 5". I., too young, H. at 83, T. was 92+, Auntie L of the slippery pants was 96+. Time was on most of their sides! 90 anything is a long life! Most of the time, for most of them, it was good, or they made it good enough.

It is not sad that Auntie L2 died. She was not well. It is a relief. On many levels for many reasons...

"The 5" were each characters in my life, each with different meanings, each with different lessons, each with a different relationship. Auntie L2 was 4th on my list--but only most likely because I. died before I was born--she probably deserved 5th place in the sisters rating. She would hate this if she knew it!

The difference was as follows:
I. had no lemons. They were too poor for something that frivolous--really. She instead raised 9 of the most caring children who are an "amazing" "family" to this day---they really know what the word means!

H. would get a lemon on sale after careful shopping. She would plant the seeds, to patiently grow lemon trees, grate and store the zest, compost the rind, use half of the lemon for lemonade, and keep the rest to add interest to other recipes she made over the next several days. We would all get lemons over the life of the tree.

T. would make her lemon into a beautiful meringue pie, and delight in it, sharing it with family and friends. She would have copied the recipe, and pass it out to those who liked the pie.

Auntie L of the slippery pants would have enjoyed T's pie, make some fresh lemonade to enjoy, and served a wedge as a garnish with the dinner entree on a pretty plate.

Auntie L2 would have been upset that the lemon wasn't an orange, she would have spit the seeds at someone or something, or maybe squirted the juice into some one's eye--pretending it was accidental. She would have eaten the lemon fruit--enjoying the sour face it produced. She would have voiced her opinion of the size of the lemon, the meatiness, the freshness, and the shape. She then would have announced that she always gets the best lemons, because she is special! She will proclaim to anyone who will listen (or pretend to listen) that her lemons are bigger, shiner, more lemony, and better than anyone else's lemons!

So, that is the way it was......I miss each of them differently. Each of them, with their personalities, quirks, life lessons, and responses to things taught me how to live---so that when I get to 90 something, I will have something to talk about!! My memories of "the 5" and some advice on what to do with your lemons!

$85.00 Baby Hat

I had decided some time ago that I wanted to make a "girly" knit hat for a second cousins new baby--searched for awhile for a pattern--and today decided on Debbie Bliss from Chamarino 2. Takes one ball of yarn, but two colors--so two balls of yarn--$17.00 plus tax. Then I had to buy the book--$18.00. And of course I found some Trecking xxl sock yarn (2 great man colors)--another $34.00. Then there was the heel toe reinforcing yarn--$9.00 more. And the tax.

So to make baby hat---$85.00 out the door...Hand knit cashmere blend hat at any age---priceless.

Mittens UP! Michigan

Keeping Score

Chimpmunk looses. Mr.Cat 0, Victor Rat Trap 1!
I am the winner!

Volume

We have one cat. He used to be quite large, but, being old and all, is now kind of svelte. There is only so much surface area on the furry beast.

It is a puzzle how one little animal could generate so much loose fur from that surface area....12 lb. cat, yet the equivalent of 5 cats in the Dyson!!! I am amazed that he is not bald!

The basket is full!

I only acquired one project through purchase at Knit Michigan--a yummy purple and blue wool/mohair combo for mittens, that might become something else.....

Then there was the free stuff!!! I won a door prize--2 balls of cotton sock yarn in a pale pastel--complete with bag, pattern, needles and yarn. E wanted the bag, and since she did not get the door prize, she got the totally cool bag!! (I need more bags like.....)

Commercial: Check out pattern tamers..tame the wandering eye. They are these markers that are magnatized to themselves--so you do not have to tote around a board--great for pattern grids. Cross stitchers would love these! Available from Kelly Black...kellyblack1970@hotmail.com. Check them out at .

So back to the yummy yarn....I got out the swift and ball winder--wound both, then started on the sock yarn I picked up on my last out of town trip---and now the basket is full.. "I need no more yarn"! Have some socks almost done! Want to practice the new techniques I learned in my class, so have two balls of cotton for some dishcloths--just to get the technique down.......

The basket is FULL!

Knitters Paradise!

I am recovering from Knit Michigan- Hands for the Cure! 16 hours of non-stop knitting fun! I showed MR. CP the pictures--he grunted disinterstingly! Apparently, knitting fun is only fun for knitters!! Understandable!

I arrived early, set up camp and did some sock knitting and networking with an intersting fellow knitter (and camp security guard for the neighboring camp), discussing yarn, yarn stores, favorite things to knit, unemployment, the Mayor of Detroit (at length--turns out she actually knew things!) Ohio, knit shops, knit shop owners, and good places to find yarn, etc.

I went to the market--cool stuff. Had to keep chanting--"I need no yarn, I need no yarn"... and picture the piles of ufo's at home. I managed to admire a lot, "experience" some great textiles, gather some new ideas, and resist the urge to acquire--"I need no more yarn, I need no more yarn"!!

I turned in my chemo caps--early in the pile of what was to eventually become 900 or so, with more on the way! Amazing! I took a picture of the booth where you could turn in pre knit or crochet squares for lap blankets for chemo patients. Who knew? Not well publicized....

I returned to our knitting camp, and knit for awhile, admired the item E. had created in her early morning class (we decided that we would schedule more wisely next time), and munched my lunch--grilled veggie sandwich, bulgar salad, etc. from Holiday Market--Yummy, but messy to eat! But they thought of knitters, and included a wet nap!!!

I bid on some things in the silent action (not enough to get anything, but did not care--figured I did my part to drive up the prices!) I took some pictures of my knitting group doing blindfolded knitting and knitting in garden gloves (silly knitting contests.) Not my idea of fun, but they were having a blast. Looked through the vendors again---"I need no more yarn."

My class was knitting a beaded bracelet--fun, but I did not need the class. It was more of a crafting session, but got two bracelets for my $12. that are cute, and would be nice gifts. Looked great with the day's outfit too!

Dinner was a disorganized affair with a speaker who talked for almost an hour when 15 minutes would do...on depression in cancer patients---really, did we need all this? Just tell us what to ask, hug them , and move on. Clinical nurse--nice, but totally did not know the audience. Was also complicated by the arrival of pizza that was late, and running out of food. Knitters were all nice.....but it was probably the worst part of the day---downer!!

Next class was continential knitting--couldn't make my fingers do what my brain had grasped. Will work on it.

Over all it was great fun to be with kindred spirits--those that understand my addiction to knitting socks, people who wrinkle their nose knowingly at the mention of acrylic, people who are more obsessed (possessed?) than me!

So, I "Danced with Wool", did buy a yummy mohair and wool mitten kit from the market, got some good discount coupons for future pruchases, found a yarn shop to visit in Holland, MI, won a doorprize (!)--guess what? Bamboo sock yarn!! and had a good time. Met some wonderful people. Saw some great stuff. Admired other's fiber-craft skills. Introduced my local group to an intersting world they had not known about, helped E find someone knowledgable about looms....and helped a little those who are facing cancer's uncertainties. Hope they are a little more comfortable...and that the contribution to the research fund helps!

All in all, it was a feel good day all around!

Snow Day!

Snow days are the best!! There was much dancing at the office yesterday--and with the help of all the little children it worked!!!

It is beautiful, relaxing--a good day to knit! Have assembled by "things" for the knit-a-thon tomorrow---more time to knit! And techniques classes! And vendors!

Can life get any better!! Nervana!

Chick Flick

Today, my friend E and I met for lunch and then took in the chick flick about the bridesmaid dresses--cute--and definitely "Chicky"!!!

The movie outfit however is not into "customer service". Both the web and newspaper said they had an 11:50 showing--and we were not the only people who thought so---turns out that even though that is what the newspaper and web site said, those were the "weekend times"--not the regular Tuesday times---so someone else got our business...and the nearby restaurant benefit ted too!

So cry me a river about our lousy economy...we had money to spend, but obviously this theater did not want it! And the mall is losing stores--which we might have shopped--but ended up a few miles away at a stand alone restaurant, and no stores.....

The manager was at the movie less theater---and a little snotty too! Next time we will just go to the mega plex in the first place!!!

Winter Blast!

Coldest day of the year!! At least it is sunny! That helps (a little!). Finished the first socks of the year(got the yarn from M1 for Christmas). Also have 3 chemo caps done...and counting.

Knitting on a cold winter night!!! Does it get any better?

How I "felt"

It was a very felty Christmas. Now to move on to more socks!!! Of course I had to buy more sock yarn---we were snowed in!!! and it creates "what if I couldn't shop for yarn" panic....three new projects, plus one I got as a Christmas gift (doesn't count, as is almost done already). It will be a good cold snowy January to knit in!!

Secret Santa and Gray's Anatomy

I work with someone who believes that everything happens for a reason...some sort of master plan of Divine intervention.

So, here goes with the "happenings":
Profound statement by Meredith Gray in the opening of last weeks episode--"the experience of practicing medicine bears little resemblance to the dream." Substitute your job for "practicing medicine" and it works for almost everyone!

Our office is particularly "grinchy" right now. Maybe it is the economy, maybe it is the "adjustment" to reorganization, maybe is the lack of basic supplies, inability to participate in opportunities and activities that we had come to take for granted, or the very real possibility of lay-offs after the holiday---Grinchy with a capital G!

In the long standing tradition, someone suggested secret Santa--where you draw a name and give little surprise gifts, not to exceed $1 in value all week. "They" did not get organized enough last week, so before we drew, one day was already over. (The tradition demands that the week prior to the holiday event lead up to the guess-a-thon at the event---to see who figured it out!) A full third of the Grinchy staff opted out--but not in any organized way, so that during the name draw, if you got a grinch not participating, you discarded their name, and tried again. I got a grinch person--and discarded to draw again.

Synergy with Gray's anatomy: Dr. Baily in this two-parter, works on "raising above"--as she saves the life of a white supremacist.

My second pick, out of everyone I work with, is the only person I would not wish to have anything to do with. Unfortunately, the way we passed it around, I could not feign having my own name and put it back....

My mind went first to all of the nasty things I could do as this person's Santa. They have no sense of humor, although they think they are hilariously funny. (soooo not!)This person is "dense", arrogant, intolerant, a bully, and no one would every describe them as "nice"...

I though about trading. I thought about paybacks (as there are things I could pay back for!!)

Then I thought about raising above. Just as my coworker says, things happen for a reason. If I went with nasty, no one would blame me, but I would have stooped to the level of this person.

So, I am taking the high road. Wal-mart, despite its "chinese-ness" has about a thousand things for $1 or less, and some are quite useful and/or nice. By the time I had wandered through just the front 1/2 I had enough for multiple themed Santa weeks--hand care (travel lotion, 2 pk of gloves, sparkly nail enamel, emery board, and sanitizer)...Personal winter care(shower poof, travel body wash, travel body lotion, chap stick, travel sun screen)....Entertainment--sudoku and word search books, candy canes, Holiday pencils, and a light up pen). There were oral hygiene possibilities, and oh, so many other options.....

I settled on a holiday theme, with wrapping paper, bag of bows, a light set, ornament set, and lighted candle decoration--all under $1, and very nice for the price!! Way nicer than what my Santa will leave, or this person deserves.

Thank you WalMart--I am raising above!!!!

I hope that I passed the "test".

Swift

Quick, rapid, fast, speedy

–adjective
1. moving or capable of moving with great speed or velocity; fleet; rapid: a swift ship.
2. coming, happening, or performed quickly or without delay: a swift decision.
3. quick or prompt to act or respond: swift to jump to conclusions.
4. Slang. quick to perceive or understand; smart; clever: You can't cheat him, he's too swift.
–adverb swiftly.
–noun
any of numerous long-winged, swallowlike birds of the family Apodidae, related to the hummingbirds and noted for their rapid flight.
an adjustable device upon which a hank of yarn is placed in order to wind off skeins or balls.
the main cylinder on a machine for carding flax.

Further information:
The swifts are birds superficially similar to swallows but are actually not closely related to those passerine species at all; swifts are in the separate order Apodiformes, which they formerly shared with the hummingbirds. They move into hollow trees and chimneys--and live and breed there year after year--they are very loyal (and noisy) birds. It is expensive to have them removed!

Fast Patrol Craft (PCF), also known as Swift Boats, were all aluminum, 50 foot long, shallow-draft vessels operated by the United States Navy for counterinsurgency (COIN) operations during the Vietnam War. Events realted to them can undo presidential candidates years later.

Jonathan Swift (November 30, 1667 – October 19, 1745) was an Irish cleric, Dean of St. Patrick's, Dublin, satirist, essayist, political pamphleteer (first for Whigs then for Tories), and poet, famous for works like Gulliver's Travels, A Modest Proposal, A Journal to Stella, The Drapier's Letters, The Battle of the Books, and A Tale of a Tub. Swift is probably the foremost prose satirist in the English language, and is less well known for his poetry. Who hasn't had to read Gulliver's Travels--or at least the cliff notes?



Umbrella swift: Hold your hanks on this wooden swift while you wind them into balls. Clamps onto table and counter tops. Easy loading is possible if you start with the umbrella in the down position. Put the open loop of the hank over the swift and pull it lightly so the far side of the hank is against the center of the umbrella section and you are holding the hank out perpendicular to the swift. Then, use your free hand to slide up the umbrella clamp, opening the umbrella to the circumference of the hank. Secure the clamp in place and wind away. Best when used in tandem with the Ball Winder. Measures approx. 26½" in diameter and 26" tall when open.

Had the birds in the chimney, know about the boats, read the book, and now have this nifty accessory to use with my ball winder. Life is good.

Swift, to swift, swifting, swifted, etc.

(Thanks to wikipedia and dictionary on line for the enlightenment!)

I do not need a silverplated mayonnaise bowl...

or much of anything else for that matter. People keep asking me what I want for Christmas. An exercise bike, which they are convinced I would never use, and may be correct about. The power charging cord for my blue tooth earpiece, which I am not sure they make. A yarn meter...maybe??? A fancy schmancy very expensive sewing machine??? Too personal for anyone else to pick out!

What I really, really want has nothing to do with me....I want MR. CP to clean up his office, paint it, make it look presentable---maybe even "nice". New carpet, or some type of flooring. Organization--less random "stuff". I thought the curtains would help--turns out, not enough.

I am looking forward to seeing the kids--being together in that crazy regression that happens when they are all here. I would like to zip in and zip out of Miami. Nora was right--the one you see the least, is the one you would most like to see---probably because you see the rest often.

There is nothing I need, nothing I want---I am very hard to shop for....and a "hard to find china site"--just sent me a message that a mayonniase bowl is now available to match my sterling flatware---which I sooooo do not want!

So, I wll be happy that I already have a new roof!

The difference between men and women

It is that time of year--when the "white panic" sets in and Mr. CP begins to hunker down and winterize!

One of the things to winterize is the interior of my car--slush mats a requirement. As soon as there was a little "sticking" snow, he started talking about them. Not about snow shovels, plowing contracts, warm mittens, etc. Once we got the snow tires on all vehicles--we had to get the slush mats!!!! (apparently, unknown to females, there is a necessary synergy between the tires and the mats!)

Then, as I am walking out the door to work at an ungodly time in the morning, here he comes--in business attire, excitedly waiving the "slush mats" about--headed for my sink....and those of you who live in my type of climate, know what slush mats look like when we put them away last spring--yetch!

Mr. CP thinks that he will "wash them off" before he leaves for work..so they can dry all day!?!?.

I try, as calmly as my now shrieking voice will allow, to point out--
My KITCHEN, with the sparkly pretty counters and new sink is probably not the best choice for scrubbing last years ice melter and "grit" off the mats!
He is dressed for work--remember the power washer, I say
There is no emergency to get the slush mats in my car-- I will be careful with my slush!! (which there is none of at the moment)
Just where did he plan to "dry" these??? (dripping on my wood floors!)

Grumble, grumble--but he knows I am right. I offered up the laundry tubs--he, I think saw the wisdom in not wearing a dress shirt, tie, and jacket to do this.

This weekend we must wash off the slush mats (so they can get dirty again with the slush--but don't go there) Maybe at the quarter car wash (that is now a dollar).

What price sanity!!! I won't even point out that I find very little slush to step in between the interior of the house and the attached garage---that I park in a parking structure--no slush there!....and it is a long walk between where slush might be, through the structure to where my space is!!!

White panic and slush panic.....give me strength!!!

Over the river and through the woods...

So, o.k., there is no river, and I am not really any one's grandmother--but there are some woods, at least right here! And it was snowy--just like the pictures in the elementary school song book! We don't have a sleigh, but people got here anyway!

Despite the protestations and asides, the T'giving meal was just fine. We had just enough turkey--and no bones!! A few sandwiches the next day, and it is but a fond memory!! There is a little gravy left, and some stuffing, but I think that will be a hard sale, as the stuffing lover has left town! And in spite of what anyone predicted, sweet potatoes from a box are not bad!!

Now, the tablecloths are washed, and awaiting the Xmas feast. The last of the silverware is back where it belongs. The dishes are put away, and since we are all grown ups, there are no crumbs to sweep up. Maybe not the "Martha Stewart" Thanksgiving, but good enough--and we have much to be thankful for!

Being all together (even though we start to get on each others nerves in a few hours), and being "far from want"-- all of us.

And then there is/was pie!! We ate the fabulous "Angies' pecan pie that M1 brought, along with most of the pumpkin. Mr. CP--bought two more enormous pies--just in case 30 extra people showed up---and since neither of us need the calories, these will go to our respective work places in the morning, where our co-workers can share in the calorie load!!

Oh, so very far from want.....over the river and through the woods......

A trend I've noted

or survival in a down economy?

Yesterday it happened twice. I went to lunch with a group...separate checks. The first two people paid by credit card--the girl rang their payments up. Mine was cash--and I got change from the open drawer--no buttons were pushed, no reciept.

I would say this was efficiency. It was a 'buffet", so the price is the same for everyone....

Then I went to a little botique on the way home. Had a coupon! Looked at things, did not find what I went there for, but did find something else. $18.00--less $5 coupon + tax=14.02. I handed her my card--she says--I don't take plastic for less than a $25.00 purchase--the fees are too high. I dig and dig and find the correct amount in cash in the purse by combining all the loose change, etc.

I get only the had written reciept--and she put my purchase in a "used" bag--all crumpled! Again, no ringing, no reciepts from the register!

So I guess that is what it has come to--off the grid cash purchases, and recycyled bags---nice people, running small businesses--and just trying to make it. A sad commentary on "my" economy....in a state that just raised taxes. Bet these two businesses are thrilled!

Simple pleasure!

Today I got pants for $1.97!!! It was the thrill of the unexpected! Bagging a bargain! Getting something for practically nothing.

I will not wear them to work--more like Saturday, gardening, retirement(?) pants--but for $1.97, I do not even need to wash them if I don't want to---can just afford to throw them away--really!

Somedays the stars just align!

History and Hysterical

So I went on the "Historic" home tour last weekend. I was older than one of the "Historic" homes--bummer! I also knew much about the "historic" homes--from experience!! I have come to the conclusion that I have the wisdom that comes from life experience.

Today I met a friend for lunch, and we went to an antiques mall--and again, much of what was there seemed not all that old to me! Then they told me that to qualify, something had to be at least 30 years old!!! That is not antique (at least to me)!

So there was a lot of the same "junk" that I have gotten rid off, that my mother and her sisters got rid of, etc. It was no better now than it was when they discarded it. There were also duplicates or near duplicates of lots the the "stuff" I have--except that mine at least has a story, a former owner, and a reason I have it.

I did not find anything to acquire. Probably a good thing.

Goofy stuff on the internet-what is the point of this?

Monday, August 27, 2007
from someone who got it from someone--and I bit...

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes, two people with my name (well, it wasn't mine yet, that my parents (one each) both knew and liked.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Over Auntie L of the slippery pants.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? yes, unless I am in a hurry, which is always.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? YETCH! Awful stuff! IF forced, ham.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes. Great ones.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Of course!

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? All the time.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? No.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No--I am not crazy.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? granola with yogurt--Vanilla and absoluetly no raisins! Raisins are gross.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? absolutely, or couldn't get them off!

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? For an old lady!

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Hagendaz--vanilla swiss almond

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Teeth

15. RED OR PINK? Pink

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I don't get to all the weeds in my garden.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? A whole bunch of people, but recently ALOTSP, despite the "new freedom".

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? I'm not sending it to anyone as don't do the chain mail thing

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Red and beige.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? French dip.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Silence--it is nice.

22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Purple

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Vanilla

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? One of my children.

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? No one sent it--I nabbed it from another blogger!

26. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? By default-racing--it is good to nap to--the droning sound....

27. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR? Ravishingly Blonde (in my mind)

28. EYE COLOR? Brown with a little bloodshot this time of night.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes, occassionally. What a stupid question.

30. FAVORITE Foods? Mexican.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy, Happy, Happy.

32. LAST BIG MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Casino Royale--Bond!

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Red, but who would care.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Depends on with who.

36. FAVORITE DESSERTS? Ice cream.

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Noone

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Still noone

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? A book about the history of socks--yeah, I am boring!

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? My mouse!

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T. V. LAST NIGHT? Nothing, cable was out!

42. FAVORITE SOUND? Quiet

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles--yeah, yeah, yeah....

44. WHAT IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Monte Carlo.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Yes, many.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? In a hospital

47. What frustrates you most? People

48. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Don't expect answers from anyone. Who answers a blog?

So what is the point--other than the mental exercise? Maybe the fun is in the comparison.

If I had it to do over again...

I would become a "demolitions expert". Not as in demolition derby, but the kind that tear down buildings. They are demolishing a building next to my office, and I have been fasinated the entire time.

I am expecially fond of watching the excavator manuver between the buildings, sorting the twisted chunks, loading the truck--makes it look easy. Know that it is not.

Now, we did not get the excitement of the implosion like the Hudson's building in downtown Detroit. I did get to watch chubby, dirty construction guys go at this building with sledge hammers. The best part were when little puffs of dust would be emitted from the wall, followed by small chunks, and finally a hand would shoot out!

Most of the excitement is done now. The rubble is toted away, and a clean space awaits the new building (?) or parking structure. Can only guess at how "toxic" all the stuff was...I loved watching their progress. It was amazing how they managed to be so exact with such large equipment! The demolition dance!! Loved it!

Expired!

My cell phone rang at work today--something that rarely happens anymore now that I am not a caregiver any longer. The compassionate voice on the other end identified herself as the hospice worker who had done the initial intake on Auntie L of the Slippery Pants. She said she was calling because she noticed that Auntie L had EXPIRED! (She seemed surprised by this--something I though odd for a hospice worker!?!)

Now, my ALOTSP was a lot of things, but she was NOT expired. She had hardly gone past her "best if used by" date!

I was speechless--Auntie L had died! She was elderly, things didn't work like they used to, she was in endstage COPD and hospiced, she was ready---we did not need euphemisms! Auntie L is dead, and it is o.k. with both she and I--we discussed it at length prior to the event.

As I was busy "processing" the expired concept, the hospice lady prattled on about how amazing she thought Auntie L was--I already knew that far better than she! Perhaps I have backed up to Keebler-Ross anger stage--but I don't think so. Maybe I am just too sensitive--perhaps she was trying to be comforting. It wasn't working.

I was brought back to the conversation with a slightly louder "are you o.k.?" I must have missed a response, although I think I was uttering appropriately placed "aa-uha"s. Was I o.k.? Of course I am o.k., I just wasn't ready to get a condolence call about my expired ALOTSP.

In the hospice lady's defense, I think she was trying to help--I thanked her for her assistance and perhaps a little to quickly, ended our conversation.

ALOTSP was not like a gallon of milk or yogurt after all. She was not sour or curdled, even in the final moments. She was a sweetie!! I want to remember her that way.

I think people should stick to "I am sorry for your loss".

Caveat Emptor

Today I had a long list...Dr. apt, run errands, get hair cut, etc., etc., etc. Met E for (her) lunch, and then decided to do the mall--the "lifestyle" mall, which means that you get sweaty between stores--cause it is not enclosed. An opportunity to get some Vitamin D however.....on a day off!! (nice)

At the national retail chain store specializing in women's clothing the sign said "40% off"--smaller print-"summer clearance" It was plastered everywhere in this square "section" of the store. I found two pair of capri's that fit and felt good, that I liked, and a pair of slacks. 40% off is a bargain!

At the register, the clerk said these are buy one, get one half off. I pointed out that that is not 40%, and patiently (well maybe not too patiently) showed her the signs--40% off. She insisted that although the capri's that I selected were under these signs, the sign that applied to my selections was at the front of the store---"New fall stock--capri's--buy one, get one 1/2 off".

Here is my frustration: Why do retailers insist on putting signs with things that they don't belong with? (Obviously, in an attempt to get you sucked into spending more!) And, who gets "new" fall capri's in our climate? Although it is 95+ degrees today, in 60 days we are likely to be at freezing and/or have snow. No one in their right mind would buy "fall" capris!!

So, note to self. Hold grudge against major women's clothing retailer. I walked a few stores down to another national retailer and found some great $12.00 capri's for gardening--and the sign was correct--"this rack, $9.99 and up"!! More points for that retailer!

I may return the capri's in protest---will have to think about it. Survived the triple round-a-bout--so at least it was victory in the transportation department!

(Oh, and, to Jamison and Layla's mother--you really should stay home and put your kids down for a nap!! They are not pleasant to be around!!)

Sadly

Auntie L of the slippery pants died last week. Her funeral was today. A nice tribute to a great person. I will miss her.

"ditch" lillies

I am usually a law abiding citizen--but lately I have had the overwhelming desire to throw a shovel in my trunk, and stop along the road to dig up some of the lovely bright orange day lillies that abound in the ditches and roadside....problem is , they probably belong to someone, even if they look abandoned.

I need some, as they seem very durable. Obviously they are not especially tasty, as the deer have not mowed them down. They also abound in ditches, so must not need much care. I happen to like them.

My boss has some she doesn't want--so I may be legally getting some ditch lillies!! Yipeeee!

Ready...

These socks are the bright candy like colors I am hoping for with my dye it yourself yarn....we will see....but I love these socks! Color and comfy!! Knit them on my Kansas trip.

Probably a bad idea

I am planning to dye yarn for some socks with koolaide...have read all about the techniques, done the math, searched the web. Hard to find the "right" colors--now I am ready---is probably more trouble than it will be worth. Stay tuned!

Baby deer and smelly stuff!

We say them last night upon arriving home--mom and the tiny fawn, barely able to stand--out by the old oak. Mom headed into the woods, but the baby had trouble, falling and not getting up. Mr. CP was worried--he had to take his 1/2 of the trash down, and it was still there.

Gone this am!

Mom and/or friends however visited for lunch in the garden. Lots of hosta munching. I just weeded yesterday, so know the dining was today--not much doesn't taste good to a mom deer nursing a couple of fawns. Or the rabbits--I suspect they had the black eyed susan side salads!

Should have sprayed the smelly deterrent spray last night...but better late! while there are still plants left! Found some new stuff as my regular brand of deer repellent was sold out. WOW, does this new stuff STINK. I can still smell it on my hands--after multiple scrubbings!! Must remember to "suit up".

If the smelliness is related to the effectiveness, I may have plants this year!!

Fish on the roof

The wind socks were beyond straight out horizontal. A 60-70 MPH wind put them into the gutters. The wind played with the trees--bending twisting--just to establish that it was still the "boss", although they bucked and swayed like wild horses. The house creeks, pops, and there are thuds outside. The rain starts with huge drops, pelting the windows, highlighted by lightening. There is rumbling, howling, tapping--much noise. The dishes and the windows rattle--from wind and the rumble!

The lights dim, flicker. The sky is black--tumultuous,churning, spewing forth rain at a pace that turns the gutters into waterfalls, and the downspouts into fountains at the connectors! The weather radar is decidedly beyond red to maroon--"most severe". Walls of rain descend on the yard, flattening the grass in waves.

Then, there is silence--nothing moves. It is as though the wind is exhausted--but the strange glow in grey sky leaves the uneasiness hanging in the soggy air. Little flashes of lightening look like firefly blinks against the dim landscape. And there is a low rumble--intermittent, but threatening.

Thus are sudden, violent spring storm. Intense, unrelenting, overpowering, and yet somehow fascinating. The leaves that have clung to the trees are heavy, bottoms turned up by the wind. Chairs are tossed, branches snapped.

As the sky lightens, the fish dangle idly in the gentle breeze. Soon it will be safe to go out to see if the shingles are still intact. The power of nature should never be underestimated!

Just like Michigan but with palm trees

We adventured to the Florida Keys for fun in the sun with the 4 and assorted significant and not so significant others. It was J's birthday #30, and mothers day...the excuses for the event.

I had three goals--read a book, drink frozen pinacolodas, and get a nice picture of all (suitable for framing and/or Xmas cards). All three were accomplished! The rest did whatever they wanted--apparently harder for them to accomplish than I thought without a "field Marshall" to blame!! We all survived, and on the whole , think all had a good time!

D, E, M, and J even resurrected an earlier t-shirt theme, and had them made in our current sizes--fun! Sometimes they surprise me with their resourcefulness. Still does not mean that they cooperate in any fashion that would seem to be collaborative (family dynamics always enter in!), buy they got it done! M2 even had one, but we will not show mama E the pictures!

Key West is just like Mackinaw City, Atlantic City, or Bar Harbor, but with Key Lime Pie instead of fudge, salt water Taffy, etc. I enjoyed the resort more. Did like the Hemingway house tour, as was entertaining but overpriced, and the Truman white house development was very nice. The food was good (but again, overpriced), and riding the bikes was fun (if not a bit too far for the first time out!). Went to the southernmost point--so I could say I'd been there...one more thing off my list!

Thinking of the next big adventure--maybe an all inclusive resort, or a houseboat (except that I think that is too confined a space--would need several boats!!) Will work on it for 09 --m will be 30!

Fun in the sun was had by all, and the SPF 55 sunscreen works!

It has been awhile

...since I blogged. Nothing to say, I guess. It was the grey, dreary Feb/March winter combined with busyness and laziness I guess.

Have been buying sock yarn like they might not be making it anymore! Several out of town trips took me close enough to yarn shops not yet discovered to be dangerous! My baskets are now full, and I have many exciting socks to knit over the next several months.

Now it is time to start on the yard clean up. Has been an unusually hard winter for trees and bushes--lots of ice breakage. Need a huge bonfire! Have to get going, as have many more out of town trips upcoming--and know how easily it gets out of hand! Maybe I will take a gardening day off!!!?

Auntie L of the slippery pants had quite a March--being hospitalized, etc. Is doing o.k.now--took up lots of my time a the bedside. Didn't mind so much tho, as had my knitting, and we had some "quality conversations". Did some cute booties for a baby shower , and worked on some other socks that I have started.

Stay tuned...spring is upon us!

Sock Goddess

I managed to drop in at my favorite yarn store today. Fortunately I do not have this opportunity often--it is expensive! They had re-arranged the store--so it took longer to take it all in! I left with yarn for only 5 (!) pair of new socks and a book. (Note: tremendous restraint here--that only knitters can appreciate)

I have recently had a compulsion to add to my sock knitters reference collection--and have added several previously dismissed books to the "must have " list. I was searching for reference material, but what the heck--luscious purple, shockingly pink, a lovely aloe yarn in the colorway I thought I was getting last time(but got the peach instead), another aloe because I like to knit with it, and a SALE opal--not that I needed any of this, but retirement will come someday, and/or there could possibly be a shortage of yarn shops/sock yarn in the future due to some unforeseen circumstance. (My former favorite yarn manufacturer did have their factory burn down, and have not rebuilt!) I will have socks to knit for me to occupy the foreseeable future! And there is the occassional "gift sock" for those truly special people.

One must have a stash--you never know what mood you will be in. It all has to work together...yarn, needles, pattern, interest, color, mood...... It is an addiction--a 12 step program my be needed! I found myself rationalizing to the shop clerk that I have daughters who knit, so if I have any left at the end, they will inherit the coveted yarn (and realized how stupid this sounds as soon as it is out of my mouth--neither of them knits socks---yet!)

In looking through the patterns in the new book, there are new techniques to try! Experience levels are indicated--and a particularly intriguing toe/heel indicates it is for "sock goddesses"---so my new goal! Not just a sock princess or queen of sock knitting--but to be a sock goddess!

I guess my knit group would agree--as they already think I am a obsessed with knitting socks--and am their sock "expert". I even have the sock icon in the membership list!! I have, however, noticed that one by one, they are falling in to line and are knitting socks--or trying to....and some have become "converts" to the two at once circular method. Just like a disease, this sock obsession! (Not to mention that hand knit, wool blend socks are wonderful!! to wear).

So, I have declared myself a sock goddess, and will continue to embrace new techniques in search of even more sock nirvana!!! Traveling again tomorrow--new frontiers (and yarn shops) to conquer!

Knit-a-thon

My daughter has talked me into going to a knit a thon. (I thought that is what I already did each night while Mr. CP watched the big screen!). But there will be other knitters there--a-thoning. And a "mart"--YARN TO BUY--Yea! (like I need any more yarn for the next few years!) and Food, and part of the proceeds go to breast cancer research. (what kind of food can you eat while knitting--intriguing!)

Will let you know how the knit-a-thon goes. May take my camera. Must be other sock crazed knitters out there!

Technology marches on!

I remember the discussion--who would want to watch TV on the Internet??? Incredulous. Dumb idea. Weird. Just another "boy" justification for some monitor he wants!

So, I was wrong. Who knew that you could skip the TV altogether, pick the episode you wanted to watch, when you wanted to watch it, and click. Great, convenient, useful. Once they get the bugs out (this is not for prime time viewing when Internet traffic is high--it "stalls" too often).

So, I now see the value in it. Not for everyday viewing. But o.k. for catching up, for hotel rooms in strange cities where you have nothing to do, for understanding the story line if you missed an episode....

Technology. A wonderful thing!

Then and Now

I was in high school. In the girls locker room after swimming class (UGH!) to be exact. As first it was a murmur through the locker room, and then it got quiet. The radio was on in Mrs. Pringle's office---and we heard it---the president had been shot. We stood there, staring at the radio in various stages of dress, not knowing what to do or think. The president had been shot.

I think we got out of school early. No one knew what to do. We walked home, and it was strangely quieter in the streets. At the 14th street party store, where we always stopped, the radio was on...the president was dead. He had been shot in Dallas. Even the store clerk just stared at the radio. No one knew what to do.

I am not sure how long it was. There were only 4 channels on the T.V. All of them only had "news" about the president being shot, and being dead. It seemed like forever, but I am sure it was only a couple of days that we watched, and watched, and watched....

I learned to knit that weekend. There was nothing else to do, and all four channels had the same "news" , and I think everything was closed, as no one knew what to do. There was yarn, needles , and a book in the basement, and I taught myself how to knit while the whole country sat and watched TV, not knowing what to do.

On Sunday (I am sure it was Sunday) there was more news--some one else shot a suspect. It was "live" and we were watching.....and no one knew what to do then either, as they could not take it back...it was "live" on all three American stations.

The funeral was on all day. Flags, motorcades, John-John's salute. Jackie in a black veil. Very sad. All day. All three stations. Then replayed.

This weekend I was knitting too, and I am a much better knitter now. TV is better too. 100's of channels--so there is always something on--well maybe--that someone would like to watch.

Today it was part of Gerald Ford's multiple day funeral--former President. Not shot. Just died a natural death at 93. He seemed to be a good man--everyone says so. An Eagle Scout. From Michigan. A 32- degree Mason, a dad, husband, veteran, former President of the United States.

Betty Ford looks much like Nancy Regan did when Ronald Regan, former President died, and his funeral was on TV. Hard to share this loss with a country. Hard to put on your public face at 80 something, and be televised while burying your husband--except they really aren't theirs to bury, as former Presidents still belong to the country watching on TV--even when they are former Presidents. Hard for the "children" , who are now adults with lives not usually televised.

My generation was the first to watch this--the funerals of Presidents--on television. It is part of who we are. It is part of what we expect. Every detail. Film at 11. Instant replays. Commentary. The visual images that define our generation. Walk on the Moon, dinner with the latest news from Nam, watch the space shuttle explode, see assassins live, see the plane hit the building, watch "shock and awe" "live".

Life was simpler before we could watch everything detail on TV.

Condolences to the Family of Gerald Ford. I am glad they had the chance to say goodbye before the televising began.

Xmas "sucked"

This year was the year of the vacuuming appliance. D,S,and J got a Dustbuster. M got a rechargeable broom vac. I got the Dyson root 6--paling all other sucking devices with its glory.

Now, as it turns out, we could have used even more vacuuming devices at the house this holiday .....E. spilled wine on the stairs--call in the carpet cleaning device!! E also spilled wine in the kitchen--a wet/dry shop vac would have been handy. (are we noting the pattern here?) Most of the other spills, dropped stuff, tracked in crud and debris was handily handled by the Root 6--for speedy quick clean up.

I ended up washing the kitchen floor this morning--it was sticky. And washed the rugs--they were sticky too! Haven't gotten to the shampooing yet, but am sure eventually it will be so sticky that it will need to be done!

It is so fun to watch the "stuff" whirl around in the tiny Dyson---the ultimate quick cleanup tool for the ultimately ADD--useful and entertaining too! Thanks to Santa.

White Elephants

I love white elephant gift exchanges...mostly because I always seem to have a steady supply of white elephant gifts to select from. I don't want to brag--but my white elephants are funny, and often fought over --but are definately white elephants!

Alas, this may have been the last year for the white elephant at the office. Lest I break the "dooce"rule, I cannot describe the gory details of how the people I work with cannot play nicely with others, but it is sufficient to say, some (mostly one) have ruined the fun for everyone else--three years in a row now. So I get the feeling that next year, we will not have an exchange.

Sad, as over the years I have divested myself of a bell ringing battery operated santa (who has been back to the event four times now!), a black lacy teddy paired with a feather boa (which my co-worker modeled in the side room of a buffet resturant at our party!), a bustiea purse paired with a tee-shirt proclaiming that it is not easy to be a princess, a cymbyl playing gorilla, and a 2 volume book set of why men are the way they are! I enjoyed passing along these treasures to another to enjoy (don't even start with where I get this stuff!)

To my delight (another opportunity to divest) my Wed. knitters decided to exchange elephants at the annual Xmas party! I took a ceramic pig bank that was cute, wearing a Tu-Tu, and had a crown. It was the only gift stolen during the exchange!! There were candles in the shapes of cupcakes--set of four. A reindeer trivet, 2 pair of (new) gloves--the cheep kind that one never looses-still with tags attached, 2 chia pets--donkey and black elephant--different gifts, a jig-saw puzzle, trivial pursuit game, a snowman candy jar, a snowman mug, an emergency radio that you had to crank (this approached the white elephant-ness of my pig) an uncle Sam candle holder (kinda cute). The hostess observed that this group didn't seem to "get" white elephant. Others noted that it was a trash/treasure thing. Maybe this is the problem with an upscale neighborhood? Treasury trash?

Anyway, the pressure is off to come up with a good white elephant for next year. I have one--already wrapped, so can bide my time. Till then, will laugh knowing that people actually wanted the pig and the purse they took home this year!!

Yultide joy?

It is the 16th. The tree has been sitting there looking "lit" for a week--and I make myself go get the ornaments boxes. M had shown up yesterday, and there was a brief hope of help, but she has flitted off again, forgetting that this might be "fun"--or maybe deciding that it would not be as "fun" as her plans.

E. has always wanted a "matching" tree (ironic if you knew her), like the ones in the department stores, with all the same ornaments, perfectly spaced lights, and festooned with matching adornments. I like my tree better, although nothing matches. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it is not the tree or the ornaments that I find beautiful, but the memories attached to each ornament.

I start with the carefully wrapped treasures--feather flamingo from my friend J. representing the now quarter- century long "joke" we have shared, an angel in a tiny snow globe from my "angel" friend at work, carefully and beautifully embroidered German balls from our friends there, beaded bells and candy canes that T. had strung together. There were reindeers (several) crafted in second grade by various of the 4. (One needed his eye glued back on). There were intricately stitched ornaments--one for each year, for each of the four--depicting something related to their self (how did I find the time?). E. has several skater ornaments. D has an adorable cub scout as cute as he was, M. is beaming at me as her most precouscious and photogenic self from a 5 year- olds hand cut construction paper bell- lamnated, name carefully lettered on the back in her kindergarten handwriting. There are several J. trains, as he loved them then. There is the drummer boy from 1988 because D. was really one then. There is an over- the- river- and- through- the- woods shiny metal ornament from 1977, from the "B "s, when we could go to grandmother's house, although it was in a Mazda, not a sleigh.

The years fly by, and I enjoy the thoughts of "them"--both the years, and the children who filled our house with noise and love. Who fought, and squabbled, left fingerprints and glow in the dark glop on our walls, and filled our days with laughter, frustrations, and busyness that I can't even imagine keeping up with now! Thoughts of all the special people in our lives who have over the years, contributed to this collection that adorns our tree.

There is the goofy poodle satin ball and pompom ornament crafted by Aunt H. There are the ornate pearl, bead, sequin creations of Aunt L., looking inspired by her trips to Europe, as these would be more in place in a palace than they were in the modest downriver homes or our origins. There is the obnoxius Pointsettia that sings "rockin around the Xmas tree" from Aunt L2--always a fan of the obnoxious and battery operated. Individually, they are strange, ugly, odd, homemade, tacky, old, unusual, or over the top--but I like them, not for themselves, but for the lives lived they represent.

There is a layer from my youth..mostly ceremic..angels, skiing santas, Mrs. Clauss. I can remember being little, and putting these on my parent's tree.....There are the sequin and tassle balls crafted by grandma F in HER favorite color- tourquoise! There are crochet mice and wreaths, bird feeders made of medicine cups, and winter scenes from discarded holiday cards glued into a canning jar lid by a first grader years ago. There are several "Make it bake it" ornaments, carefully baked by little ones spending the day with Grandma B.

I mist up thinking of those who are not around to wish a happy holiday anymore--I miss the "Scrooge" act, and the egg nog, the burbon balls and fudge meltaways, the krispy treats and wild morning treck from house to house.... The tabacco smell that had permeated even the wrapped gifts... and later, the boxes from Florida. The large extended family gatherings, where people often had a hard time being "nice" for the whole time, and the food was good, although often tepid by the time time we all sat down.

So now we move forward with 2006. New ornaments for this year purchased in fancy botiques, not child-made or home-made, for that is where our lives are now. An acorn, a glass bird, a snowman...to add to the collection and the memories.

I never want my tree to be "matching"......sorry E. Some day you may understand!

Doing Mom Proud

It all started innocently enough. We have a new receptionist, and true to office protocol, she got the short straw--planning the office festivities. Along with the requisite luncheon and the secret Santa nonsense (that we can never seem to keep secret), she added a new office "tradition"--special treat day.

The emailed instructions indicated that we should bake, make, buy and/or bring our favorite traditional holiday treat for a sharing fest during lunch (I think they got a reprieve from weight watchers for a day!)

Tempting as "buy" was, I rejected it. I am a "home economist" after all. But when thinking of my traditional holiday treats--they all seemed most appropriate for 2-7 year olds--candy cane cookies, painted cookies, sugar cookies with sprinkles and frosting, krispy treats--then I remembered--I have been in the workforce all these years---so did not evolve my "holiday traditions" beyond the point when I returned to work full time--thus forever frozen in pre-and early elementary school items (which are currently appreciated by Z).

So, I think, perhaps I will adopt the more "grown up" holiday traditions of my mother. The coveted box (no, any of the 4, you cannot have it--yet) is in my possession! I find the 50's/early 60' plastic box (intended for shoes, I think) and marvel at the collection of kitchen "gunk" that covers it--but cannot remove it--as it is "important". Flour, butter, vanilla mixtures placed by her fingers over the years.....I have "Buckeyes" in mind--not the all time favorite tradition (her fudge meltaways), but I am likely to have all the ingredients on hand.

I start flipping at the front of the box. Cookies (largest section). Then candy...sauces? on through punch, cake, pie, desserts (second largest section). Plod through casseroles, meats (interstingly only two cards: Meatloaf and porkchop casserole), vegetables (another small section with a zuchinni recipe, green bean casserole, and 5 versions of Kansas creamed corn), there is a drinks section with how to make your own Kalulah, salads--subdivided into vegetable, gelatin, fruit, slaws, etc. There is no bread section, but there is a pancake tab--? On throughFrozen desserts, potluck favorites, and some cards with recipes, but no section label. As I am hunting for the buckeyes (to me they should have been in candy), I am amazed at the stuff my mother collected that I never saw her cook...like Chicken recipes, zuchinni anything, and a dozen variations of quiche. Maybe after I left home......

The recipes were mostly hand written in her own handwritting (a little heart tug here), with meticulous notations on who it was provided by--Carrie, Marion, Ruth, Mary, Gladys,
Edna, and Fern--her friends and neighbors, church ladies, relatives and the couples club gals....brought back memories, as I could see their faces, and remember how sad she was when each "left" before her.

About half way through the "fragrance" rose up from the box--how does a box of recipes get and hold that familiar "old lady" odor when the old lady no longer cooked?---or maybe she was somehow there with me--looking for the Buckeye recipe? As quickly as it came, it went--was it in my head?....maybe. It was seeing the writting--a link to my past and my roots!

The first pass did not produce the buckeyes, but I did find several other favorites--and the famous "chocolate Jello" recipe (can't believe she kept this after we all voted!). Determined, I started in again. This time, I carefully separated anything stuck together, and as I flipped through marveled at the careful clipping and neat pasting ...lots of time for zuchinni recipes that she probably never used. But then, how many people have collected 13 inches of reicpe cards in an old plastic box?

Finally, somewhere behind the meatloaf, and in front of the "favorites", I found it....sticky, smuddgy, definately well used, and faded....start with a pound of butter, add 2 lbs of 10X sugar---definately appropriate for the weight watcher at work crowd--HA!

2 hours, many dishes, a dusting of powdered sugar everywhere (and I do mean everywhere), a few chocolate globs, and lots of sticky fingerprints later I had about 100 Buckeyes----and I sort of remembered why I stopped making holiday goodies in addition to the calories.

They look and taste like hers...somewhat of a triamph, as she rarely noted the ways she changed the recipes to make them her own! So off to the office a plate will go--and the rest are carefully packaged for other upcoming events.

Next time I will do this with one of the 4, because they need to know that you can still make these as a grownup, and it will be nice to have someone help with cleaning up the stickiness!

Surprises and Cobwebs

A good friend called and said they were in town. We met for breakfast--fun to see them! She is all about knitting for granddaughter 1. Her hubby is tolerant of our knitting babble! We used to be neighbors, and they did admit that our current "over the river and through the woods" is a far cry from our old neighborhood!

So, in getting ready for Xmas, the week, visitors, etc. I found cobwebs. Not a few. Sometime since I last looked we had become a version of the Munsters House. Probably doesn't help that I leave in the dark, and return in the dark every day now this time of year. Bright sun today--you can see them clearly. Trouble is , they are usually where I cannot reach.

And I would rather knit! Quite a vision, huh? Me, at stately wayne mannor, over the river and through the woods, rocking and knitting, with cobwebs everywhere!!

On a brighter (literally) note, the holiday tree is assembled. Every year, I am determined to get it right the first time. Every year, I don't. This year, Mr. CP was on a plane to DE, so I had lots of help-free time--as I recall, he was part of the problem, not the solution, last year. I carefully laid out the branches as I brought each set upstairs (7 trips). I started at the bottom, fluffing as I went. I got all the way to the last set, when I realized that there were one set of holes, and two sets of branches. I had assumed that the top was "1" (little chinese numbers--hard to read for Americans)--actually the top was "top"--so had to readjust. At least they were in the right order this year. Must learn to step back and admire every couple of rows! It is glowing away, waiting for the decorations.

So, the stockings are hung by the chimney (sort of) with care....it is beginning to look alot like Xmas!

Royal wool winder!

Today I had a chance to play with my newest toy--a "Royal Wool Winder" that I bought myself--ostensibly for Christmas. It is wonderful! It makes your skeins into these amazing, pretty flat balls that pull from the center without (I hope) tangling. It is one of those soothing, repetative activities, where you can view your accomplishments!

I go so carried away, that I wound all the wool that I had in my socks-to-knit basket!! The tricky part is dividing the balls exactly into two equal smaller balls to knit the socks with. Got better at it after the first few skeins. Only problem is the pending carpal tunnel problem, as much wrist action goes into the wool winding....but now I have lovely wound wool waiting.....such fun!

The self striping yarn looks completely different in these balls--pretty geometric patterns! (It doesn't take much to amuse me, obviously). Unfortunately, being slightly ADD, I want to knit it all right now right now! Of course this is not possible, so have tried to calm this urge with arranging them in the baskets again!

I also started a new pair of cotton socks--did all the calculations, and got one toe done. Also finished a pair earlier today. Pictures to follow!

Close calls

Today, after overcoming holiday exhaustion, we ventured out, mostly to get lunch. After eating breakfast for lunch, Mr. CP decided that we should go to Costco. He decided to pull out of the parking lot, turning left into the impossibly heavy traffic--but he has POWER! Saw his opening, gunned it, and OH MY GOSH (not his actual words) there was another impatient person turning left from the gas station at exactly the same time--and they we both headed top-speed for the same exact pavement!!! Close call 1.

Later, same day, ventured out again for Pizza and to look at TVs (much Internet research had been done in the mean time, while I took a much deserved nap!) Around the bend, were THREE deer behinds--right there in the road as we came around the curve. Thankful today for stability control. Close call 2. Would have been extra hard to explain how we hit three deer with the same car on the same side on the same road as just a few months ago!

Too much motoring excitement for one day!

The "M" bomb

We had a delightful time in the sun and warmth (to us--the natives were bundled up like it was going to blizzard any second) of Florida. Nice flight, o.k. rental car, good food, family, fun, nice resort, etc. At brunch, Mr. CP could not "wait" any longer, as he later explained "I could not leave Florida without asking". So between the sips of coffee from the enormous "bowl"of coffee, and the last nibbles of toast and Jam, Mr. CP says, "So, when are you getting married?"--and pulls out his blackberry, poised to note a date, and in the awkward silence (with minds on both sides of the table whirring to think of what to say next...) he adds, I need to plan ahead, you know! He never got an answer......stay tuned (maybe for quite some time) to see how this plays out!

In the mean time, E, mother of M2 (my M2, not E1's -M2) is aghast at an emailed picture showing J's family--that M2 is in---she did not take this well, obviously, as she brought it up at dinner, and it seemed a "thorny" issue. She doesn't know that this years Thanksgiving picture at D's also included P, who is almost family anyway in a different sort of way. We are like that.

So we had a delightful Thanksgiving--and saw all of "the four" on the same day, just miles apart. Go to reset myself with some sun--hope it lasts until we see it again here--and Mr. CP did O.K., despite the need to walk places--tired, but made the trek. He is not yet 100%, and it is good that he is reminded once in awhile! We got back in time for some "leftovers" at D's--turkey, stuffing, bean casserole, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, pie....yum. Sorry(?) that we had to pass on the Curry Goat due to the airline schedules, but I am sure it would have been interesting, if not delightful. Sorry, but I am not interested in the squid.

If J and M ever answer Mr. CP's question, there may be celebratory Curry Goat for all! (and I am sure Squid for those who would appreciate it!)

November Sundays

Are not sunny! Today the weather person said it would be "nice"--a relative term it seems. It is snowing, windy, and only 30 degrees....not exactly my definition of "nice". I had planned to deal with the leaves today in the niceness.....which will not happen in the snow flurries!

I have wasted time on the Internet, ordered stuff I want, but do not need (have been cleaning, so have a little room for new "stuff"), and now must decide on the next project of the day.

Think I should finish the long ago started curtain project for the upstairs front window. 2/3 done--so maybe today is the day for the center panel! The woodpeckers have attacked that part of the house, so a curtain on the window can help me maintain my state of denial that I might have to do something with the woodpeckers! So far, suet has been a good distraction, but there sure are a lot of them! (They must have sent out invitations to all their friends!) Pretty pecking at the feeding stations, but so destructive when trying to rid your house of bugs--they get rid of the bugs, but also the house!!!

Too cold to deal with the woodpecker holes outside!! I would try to convince all that they were trying to nest with us, except that I do not think that woodpeckers are that dumb--and I am pretty sure that there are/were bugs in the cedar at that exact spot!

We just must be a bird magnet out here in the "wild". Just shut out the swifts for good (noisy little chimney dwellers!) and the woodpeckers become pests! As Rosana Rosanadanna would say..."It's always something"!

Friends and acquaintances

Today was a day with a good friend (from forever--we met in Jr. High), visiting an Herb farm, having a delightful lunch, and antiquing--funny how much of my youth is now in "antique" stores (or maybe not so funny!). Anyway, we had fun.

Tonight I joined my acquaintances for knitting. Another fun time as we admired sock yarn (ummm, silk), chatted about various yarn shops, admired each others projects, nieces (pictures), and talked about "stuff". One of the knitters just joined E (matchmaker service), so we all offered to sit discretely in the corner of the public place should she decide to meet with one of the three gentlemen who have indicated interest...Interesting to discuss "senior citizen" dating!!! Usually talk to (or hear from) daters half her age!!!

It is nice to have both in your life--lifelong friends, and acquaintances that you share an interest with (the knitting, not the dating).

It Shouldn't Cost More Than a Luxury Car...

To put a roof on your house! We are in the beginning stages of a new roof--no leaks, just time to begin the process of replacement BEFORE it leaks!

Had the metal roof guys out. Catchy jingle. Good product. EXPENSIVE. We expected it to be More---but not that much more. Could by a luxury car for less! I don't have enough years left for their "lifetime" guarantee. Can put four "regular" roofs on for the price--and still have a little change left. Besides, I won't be living here for 4 roofs worth...Maybe 2!

Metal roofs are cool. Very durable. Energy efficient. Hugely overpriced.

Onward with the inadequate, designed for failure, "regular" singles.

They don't make stuff like they used to!

"Where is my candy?"

...The indignant Disney princess said! The orange blinking pumpkin had just been loaded with a bagged assortment of play-dough---something that lit up the eyes of many, and caused pause with a few parents! This princess was having none of it! She wanted CANDY as this was the day of candy!

Never mind that her pumpkin was bulging with sugary goodies. Never mind that she was 4, and did not need all that candy. Never mind that play dough is dentally responsible, does not contribute to childhood obesity, and has play value that far exceeds the momentary sugary high of Halloween candy! To the very pink Disney princess, a piece of bubble gum in the hand was worth 5 containers of playdough in the pumpkin.

Too bad, Dear Princess. The cowboy liked it, and the tiger was thrilled! The ladybug skipped down the walk excitedly yelling, "Hey, I gots playdough!" My guess is that next week, dear princess, you will love the playdough.

That is the thing with being a princess. It is hard to reconcile your expectations with reality!

Better mousetrap

Faint "tik"

"What's that?" She says!

"The TV" He says.

......

SNAP, RATTLE, CLUNK!

"ZZZZZZZ" He says

"The trap!" She says

Light on, look. Little pink feet--rest of mouse in trap.

Cat, soundly sleeping on couch!

Score: Mom 3, Cat 1.

Message to cat: Step up, if you want to keep the Turkey coming! You could learn from the Yankees!!!

Out of the mouth of a High School Senior

"The days are LONG....But the years very short!"

Sums up life in public schools according to one young lady!

Ladies Night Out!

Tonight after work I had a hair appointment--much needed. Due to multiple surgeries (Mr. CP and my stylist, but those are other stories)...I was long overdue. Traffic was usual rush hour stuff as I left the X-way. When I got the the edge of the village there was gridlock!

We live in the middle of almost nowhere--a land of state, county and privately owned recreation areas where people describe their property in number of acres not feet. The "village" is where I found the stylist--two blocks of "cute", visited by people who live in the suburbs and are looking for "cute" little villages. There is never a traffic jam, let alone gridlock!

With patience, I slowly rolled by way to town---20 times longer than the normal trip! Once in the business district, there were no parking spaces--usually you can have your pick of any one of a few hundred! I parked in the residential neighborhood and walked a few blocks....as it turned out it was ladies night out!

This chamber of commerce event encouraged roving gangs of women to descend on the town seeking discounted goods, stamps on the door prize bingo cards, and sipping from punch bowls with liquids with descriptions that ended in "tini" and "rita". There were limo loads--gaggles of red hatted-purple shirted bargain hunters, mobs in the "cute" shops! I haven't seen this much estrogen in one place since I last visited a sewing expo....

They were gaily amassing stamps, empty punch glasses, and a few toted bags of bargains. It was awful!

We went to the bar at the edge of town--another surprise--I got to observe Bar night!!! No wonder no one ever meets anyone in a bar. The lights are low, music blaring, the guys hang with their pack drinking cheap beer. The girls look slutty, with too much makeup. It was weird watching this pathetic mating ritual. Maybe the guys would be more successful if they would take off the baseball hats! E. pointed out that they were probably wearing them due to baldness!!

Ladies night out. Avoid it if you can!

Techno girl (at last!)

Today is a red letter day! The cable men had to come to fix the "box" for Mr. C.P, as it had some type of malfunction. They left a remote behind. Matching the Mr. C.P. remote. Exactly the same. Mr. C.P even programmed it to match his! Then he gave it to ME!!! My own remote! Imagine that!

Of course, I will only be allowed to use it when he is out of town or in the bathroom, as the king of remotes will still trump my choices. Today was a rainy afternoon, and Mr. C.P. was busy net-surfing. I entered the man-cave bravely, picked up my remote, and found a chick flick all by myself! Had a delightful little "knit in" with "The Notebook"--was a terrific afternoon. Even finished the acrylic socks that seemed to never end! I was master of my destiny!

I also learned how to "rip" a CD and load it into my MP3 player this morning!

Life is good!

Good (?) things come to those who wait!

Mr. Cat is tired today. He had a very busy night last night!

He has insisted that there was something to stalk in the basement for the last several days. I tend to ignore him, as since the chipmunk episode (see prior post), he thinks of himself as the director of homeland security/jungle hunter/the terminator! I let him enjoy his fantasy! He is 13, missing teeth, and has no claws...

But he has proved once again that he is "the TERMINATOR". This morning at about 4 a.m. he sauntered into our bedroom. Gave out the roar of a LION, and beamed at the small furry offering!! LOOK! What I have!. After a rapid disposal/burial at sea (well, actually toilet), he looked at me--"So, where is it? Aren't you going to saute it for me with some gravy?" I was at a loss, except to suggest that he may wish to go get another. After some complaining about the lack of culinary service, he retreated to the media room to "make sure". If he found anything, he kept it to himself!

He has spent the day in the "happy cat" pet bed--dreaming of the chase, I am sure.
Turns out, he was right. Not only does he have good "cat sense", but he can still walk the talk! Watch out rodents! Once they get a taste of chipmunk, there is no stopping them! I am going out to get more "gourmet" cat food. He deserves a reward!

Story problems that (finally) make sense!

Predict the result, in quantifiable terms, of the following:

A red fast Jeep 8 cylinder leaves the driveway at 6:35 a.m., traveling first west , then south, toward an expressway, slowing to approximately 35 MPH on a slight downhill curve approximately 1/2 mile north of the westbound entrance ramp.

Deer (Male) is running east (perhaps after female deer, however this is an unknown variable) at the exact moment that the Jeep approaches the junction of their true vectors with a velocity equal to of exceeding that of the Jeep.


Result: Jeep, $5,000.00 in body work. Deer lost.


Tomorrow: an examination of the historical roots of the saying "I'll knock the sh-- out of you!"

Hangin'in the Man Cave

It has now been 10 days since Mr. CP went under the knife. 10 days of having a "newborn" on my hands...10 days of step aerobics as I attempt to keep him comfortable and alive in the Man Cave.

Mr. CP chose to recuperate in the Man Cave based on the creature comforts he enjoys. LARGE screen. Recliner. The MC came with a kitchen, Oak bar, bathroom, and hideous lighting. We did a little with the lighting--which MR. CP keeps dim. There are speakers that let you "feel" the sounds. There is junk food. A cordless phone. Internet access....everything he needs!

Which is where the step aerobics comes in. Despite his description of the perfect recuperation venue, most often what he wants/needs, right now, right now!! is not in the man cave. It is upstairs, outside, in the garage, or up-up stairs. Not only is it the 14 steps in each flight, but the carrying of the "stuff" from the far reaches to appease the god of the recliner in the Man Cave is adding to the aerobic nature of this experience!!

My knees hurt! My feet "creak". I feel like any moment I will be a >weeble< and fall or bounce down the stairs.

Despite his professed love of the man cave....he is developing cabin feever! Says he will ride in the handicapped cart at the Costco/walmart---may take him up on that. I need to get out of the man cave tooo--am starting to look like a squinty eyed nocturnal animal!!

Go Green! Go White!

In keeping with my need to have more than one project at a time, I started another pair of socks to celebrate the completion of the super secret socks. The yarn is "interesting". A little thicker than I usually knit. Selected for its colors--suitable for Spartan alumni!

Of course, I took them along to the appointment at the rival school medical center--was eyed with suspicion by the blue and gold army with little block M's on their shirts. Opps! Had not meant offense--I just don't do blue and gold.

So...Go green! Go White! First repeat of the yarn pattern completed. Using easy round toe...like the shape--in toe up socks with 2 circular needles--size U.S. 0. Working up quickly! Fun!

I can't hear you...Or ....la, la,la, la, la,la,la,la(with thumbs in his ears)

And here is how the conversation went:

Dr.: Are you employed?

2 days Post knee surgery patient: Yes

What do you do?

Sales

Travel?

Yes. Scheduled for Germany in two weeks. Mexico, and Germany usually.

None of that for at least 6 weeks. Very high risk of blood clots on airplanes!

I thought I would go into the office tomorrow or Monday

Do you have a couch in your office?

no

Can you keep your knee and ankle above your heart---like on a bed or something?

No

Well, that will not work. The risk of blood clots is very high post-surgery!

I suppose I could not go in until Tuesday

And the swelling will impede the healing. Your leg should be elevated.

I have a chair

And there is infection. But the biggest risk is blood clots and swelling.

O.k., then I can work from home until Thursday.

We do not need complications at this point. You need to stay home for at least two weeks. You will use these crutches for at lease six weeks. No weight for two weeks.

I can go in Thurs or Friday.

You can't drive with the pain killers you are taking.

I only took one this morning, but it hurts now.

So no work, no weight on that leg for two weeks. Call physical therapy for an apt. You need to keep that elevated except when you get up to use the bathroom.

I suppose I can work from home and go in Friday.

You are to keep that leg elevated above your heart. And on ice--both the machine and real ice. We will take the stitches out in 10 days, then we can talk about going back to work.

My computer isn't fixed. That will be a problem.

So, see you in 10 days. Rest, elevate, pain killers, ice, home exercises, physical therapy. Any questions?
No.

Walking out of the building:
I have to go into the office.
Wife: In two weeks. Apt for stitches removal is the 7th. You can tell them the 8th.
I can't be gone that long.
???

He didn't hear a word they said that did not agree with his ideas!

Of course, he barely made it home, and collapsed, unconscious, for several hours, so we won't fight the office battle today.

So the people at his office should thank me, as the last thing they need is a drugged invalid in their way....And all the commuters who made it home safely....And the insurance company should thank me too, as I could be a rich widow, unless of course they rule the death by blood clot a suicide!

Super secret socks!

Done!

Not what the yarn ball made me think they would look like--but somehow still "cool" looking!

Bernat--fun colors!

Acrylic--now in the same category as "orange"----nevermore!

Only "real" wool henceforth!

It has been awhile

I have been busy doing other things. Seems I have neglected to blog. There are the weeds (lots of them). New plants to find homes for. The injured husband. Work stuff. Auntie L. stuff. Surgery for Mr. Crabby pants. Life has been very busy.

There has also been knitting. Socks, shawls, UFO's. No excuse really, but have had no issues, interesting stuff, or other topics to blog. So, guess I need to think about some issue to explore. Maybe pharmacies. That was the last frustration in my life....Stay tuned.

The Bionic Man

Men (even those with normal hearing) "hear what they want to hear, and disregard the rest"--nah, nah, nah, nah, nah,nah-nah-nah-nah....Etc.

Did you know that they were going to drill holes in my femur? (yes), ..And they are going to use screws (uh-huh)...And I will have scars here, here, and HERE! (yep).

So went the conversation tonight following his pre-op appointment for the upcoming knee surgery (still dealing with motorcycle accident damage...)

I knew all of this from the detailed explanation provided by the surgeon at a prior visit...He was in the room, (which was barely larger than my oven by the way) but obviously had suffered complete hearing loss during the explanation of the procedure and recovery.....

Men, they hear what they want to hear (and disregard the rest!!)....But I will control the pain meds!!! (tee-hee!) Stay tuned!

Who is Jennifer, and is it that I should I call her?

"Call Jennifer". That is what my "to do" list said. It was among several items, both personal and business that I needed to attend to....

Who is Jennifer? What is it I am supposed to call her about?

It took me days to figure it out! Jennifer is my hairdresser. When we moved, I needed to establish a "new relationship" with someone to cut my hair. This was accomplished by window shopping on Main street with 1's assistance, and choosing the most outrageous person I saw in the shop--which for where I live is still pretty tame.

It was not that I wanted hair on the wild side, but I do like someone who is a little creative, so we are not stuck in a rut.

Anyway, after several days of racking my brain and checking other lists for a clue of who Jennifer was and what I needed to call her about, I looked in the mirror, and remembered that I needed a hair appointment---thus, the need to call Jennifer!!

Now, I do not forget her name, although I usually decide I NEED her on a weekend, and by the time Tuesday rolls around, have forgotten that I needed to call for an appointment.

I need to be able to email my beauty shop for an appointment---maybe I will suggest that! We now have a laugh every time I eventually show up, as she knows the "who is Jennifer and why do I need to call her" story! And this time she actually did what I wanted her to do with my hair--so maybe I should just let her do her thing, as it really did look better last time when I did not interfere!

@%!$@&#^!! Deer

This is what my day lilies would look like if the deer did not keep eating them before they bloom! This morning, I swear they waited until they heard the car leaving the driveway, then sauntered right up to the house to begin their munching. What they hadn't figured on was me being home, gimpy and all. Mr. Buck and Ms. Doe were quite surprised that I took exception to their breakfasting on my plants.

You would think with three acres, and all the neighbors acreage, they could find something else to eat! So I got out my super deer repellent. Sprayed it on the few remaining flowers. Was so rank (had been in the very hot garage) that I had to come inside. Hope it works--sure smells awful!

Lesson learned. You can never drop your guard--deer do not have memories!

Grace

Over the weekend, 2's friends stopped by with new baby "Gracie". Cute. Tiny. Observation: Parenthood seems much more complicated than it did when mine were babies--we didn't have so much "stuff" involved.

Speaking of Grace, or more accurately, lack there of....I managed to take a walk at lunch yesterday, and as I was walking down the street, fell. Not tripped, just hit some uneven pavement and went down. Lots of students from the nearby law school on the sidewalk--very nice--are you o.k? Thought so. One young man pointed out that "people fall there all the time"--either he is destined to be an ambulance chaser, or he has way too much time to spend at this corner.

Anyway, I not really fine. Managed to walk back to my office. Was harder to walk to my car. Harder still to press the accelerator on the way home. Decided to seek medical care. They X-rayed. Don't know anything. Ended up with what looks like an extra large hard boiled egg inserted under the skin at my ankle. Hurts. Gave me crutches (challenging, as I was not graceful enough to avoid the fall in the first place), a wrap, several sheets of instructions and a script. See a real doctor if it doesn't get better on its own. Bill will probably be a thou---if I had an X-ray machine, could have saved my insurance co a lot of money.

I know how this goes. Have been here before. Takes much longer than they say. Hurts more than they say. Crutches are impossible to use unless you are coordinated, and if you are coordinated, you probably wouldn't need crutches in the first place. My hand is bruised--so using the crutches hurts too.

Pass the drugs. Think I should just take a nap!