Immortality

Long awaited bio GC #1 was born Tuesday. A beautiful boy. Miraculous in every way---and just as awesome as his father, aunts and uncle were when they arrived. Being the grandma is a new experience--and experience is what you have going for you as a grandma---and perhaps more affluence that when you were the mom.

So, day 4, I got a "smile". Some may say it is "gas" or random facial muscle moves, but I am convinced that it was a real genuine human interaction "smile"... We have had three substantive conversations, J and I---because auditory stimulation is important, and my prior experience with dementia allows me to have one sided conversations---except that in our third conversation was not one sided. I got facial muscle movements, eye contact, and then--the smile.

If he wasn't already my fav GC, that sealed it. Babies have a way of winning you over--in an instant! The DNA lives on--my link to the future.

You realize how much you learned while being a parent when you have a new grandchild---and you have the luxury of sitting back and enjoying the ride!!!

I was not complaining......

that our summer has been unseasonable cool! It has been delightfully in the 70's most of the summer---and at times a little cooler. I thrive in these temps! I was enjoying the weather--sweater to start the day (a knitters dream!), ditched by 2 o'clock! Nice breezes! Perfect.

Today is what summer usually is---90+/90+ degrees and humidity!! Yetch! We are behind schedule on the porch re-screening because of the torrential rains yesterday---so have had to do double today!! (Despite the best of plans, we end up exhausted trying to finish on Sunday!!) "I am sweaty" does not begin to describe what it is like to be doing this in what seems like a tropical swamp (we have a lot of decorative tall grasses around the porch---or rather had)!

We are on the home stretch--but not done yet! Waiting for the "cooler" evening to trim it out---the last step. It looks very nice, and the combination of a larger viewing area and no holes (!) is exciting! Cleaning up the mess is not exciting!

After today--only three more panels to go!!! Will be done by labor day (hopefully!) And the project of the summer gets done this year!! And we are still married!!

The early bird...

Gets a lot done! This is another "unpaid time off" day--long story. I got up early, got ready, cleaned the house, and was out the door in search of a bargain by 8:30. It turns out while I am at work, other people can be at the store with the special before the doors open, get the 50% off items that they want, check out, and be back in their car about the same time the store is supposed to open.

It was my first "open, open, open" experience---very satisfying!

Next on the list was a new passport picture. Not that I am going anywhere, but mine is going to expire this year, and you never know, something may come up. The last two have been terrible! This is better, but the way they take them, makes you look not at all like what you think you look like. But mission accomplished in less than 10 minutes--parking, checking in, click, processing, selecting, and printing....turns out that 9:05 is a terrific time to have your passport picture taken quickly!!!

In less than an hour I am back home--mission accomplished!! Amazing what you can get done when you do not work!!!

I loaded the dishwasher, cleaned the stove, watered the plants, took out the trash, and moved the lawn ornamentation out of the way so the porch project could move forward---waiting for my friend, E. to arrive so we can go to the outlet mall!

I will not overburden you with the details, but it was a successful trip and yummy lunch!!! Turns out people who do not work meet their friends, and find bargains, and have yummy lunches!!

So, it was a great day! Had fun. Came home and helped Mr. CP demo one side of the porch, and re-frame the three openings for re-screening!!

I am still marveling at what I accomplished because I did not go to work today!! Of course I could not do this everyday if I did not work--as would soon run out of space in my house, or money, or both!!.....but it does give me hopes that my house will be cleaner after I retire!!!

5 weeks and counting....

To grandparenthood!

The shower for "10" was yesterday. Wow! They sure got a lot of baby stuff---it completely filled the commander, with one item left behind to be retrieved later. I think they have what they need. Crib, mattress, changing table (courtesy of the other grandma) two strollers (one big for walking the dog and trips to town, one for the trunk for impulse trips), a pack and play, diaper bags, nursery textiles, books, clothes, a bumbo (hilarious item--wish I was making money from it!), a travel bed, bassinet, creams and lotions, blankets, burpies, bibs, bottles, bouncy jumper thingy, toys, and more. Today they are disassembling "the office" to begin to make it "10"'s room.

Mom and baby doing well. I know that this final month will seem like forever to the parents, but will fly by.

I can't wait to shop for pink or blue---to know the name (which they wisely have chosen not to divulge) to see what the little munchkin looks like, to cuddle the little fuzzy head, smell the sweat baby smell......loved the newborn phase with my kids---before they could say "no", or roll their eyes, or complain about me. When the were content to snooze cradled in you arms. I know I will be looking for "2" in the tiny face, or searching for a resemblance to 1, 3, or 4. My genetic link to the future.

So, I am one of the last of my friends to become a grandmother. Everyone says that the first is special, although I think that all I am fortunate enough to have will be pretty special. Maybe it is special because you are assured that your DNA will continue. Maybe it is special because you can hand them back to the parent when you are tired of them. But maybe it is special because you know more now, about babies and life, than you did when you first became a parent. You know it is all survivable!

So, I am ready. Have pink and blue knitting completed and waiting. Am confident that the parents now have what they need to provide a great start for my grandbaby--except for some diapers (which they have promised to acquire!) Hope all goes well with the birth. Know 2 will be a great dad.

It is so much easier to be the grandma....no wonder my friends highly recommend it!!

More features than a swiss army knife!

Last week, 1 called me in the middle of the day---as she ran screaming from the large infant/child everything store! She was overwhelmed! 1 had obtained the baby registry for 2 and wife---with every intent of obtaining an appropriate shower gift. She left with only one small thing, as the overload of features, products, and "stuff" kicked in her ADD!

Today I took a look online at a "pack and Play"--the "essential" that every baby must have. It is basically what, in my mothering days, was called a "through the door" playpen---slightly larger and more PC than putting your toddler into a dog crate. A very useful piece of child containment equipment---I loved my "play pens"!, and 1, 2, 3, and 4 had no other choice!!

The "new and improved" version of the play pen, is touted for its portability. Probably a good feature, as a play pen required a large moving van to take anywhere. Of course with 4 kids, I rarely went anywhere, so it was not so much of a problem.

Then, it gets ridiculous---night lights, vibrations, sleeping shelf, bassinet with hood, changing table, wipes storage (sorry, no warmer)! Diaper stacker.....the Swiss army knife of baby gear!!! I think it has soothing sounds and rocking motions---I wonder if it breast feeds too!! How handy! You only need one thing, and it does everything!! (probably too much!)

The interesting thing in the on-line product reviews is that no one has ever packed the thing up---the new parents talk about it, just say they haven't done it yet....so although technology marches on, and the playpen has been elevated to new levels---it seems it is still rare to take the baby and its equipment anywhere---just easier to stay at home!!! Wonder if the thing has an I pod jack???????

In Memory of Margaret

Margaret was my "friend". We met several years ago, brought together by knitting and a desire to knit among other knitters. We both somehow ended up at the same coffee house knitting group--friends who would perhaps have never otherwise even met.

When we first met, Margaret had just retired. We worked in the same "industry", but our paths had never crossed. Our relationship was one of convenience and shared interest, limited to the Wednesday nights our paths crossed, but that does not diminish it's value.

Margaret was a person with convictions and opinions, who was not afraid to let you know what she thought. We debated current events, world problems, the news, politics, religion, and the virtues of different yarns. Margaret was enthusiastic--and not afraid to try new things. If it did not work out, or did not continue to interest her, she found a new home for it and moved on--unburdened, but richer for having tried. We shared a love of rings, antiques, and family. Margaret was funny and fun, and I will miss her.

She was a charitable person, quietly making sure that others had what they needed. She knew what she wanted--and once went to the mat over a bizarre pink pig in a tutu at a Christmas party--determined it would be hers at all costs during the white elephant exchange! She enthusiastically embraced knitting games at Knit Michigan, not to win, but to have fun along the way. That was the way Margaret lived her life.

Margaret had developed some health problems, and was frustrated that despite all she tried, things did not get better. She give the honest try, but when things did not work out, moved on--living her life, loving her grandchildren, and taking a class to improve her knitting. We all knew that she was not feeling well. That the Dr's. could not seem to find a cure that worked for what ailed her, or even really identify what was causing her symptoms. That slowed her down a little, but did not stop her.

The last time I saw Margaret, she came to knitting, despite being in pain. She was very uncomfortable, and frustrated that the medical community could not find out what was wrong, nor could they provide relief. They thought she had dislocated her ribs. In just a few weeks, she was dead. The victim of pancreatic cancer, diagnosed shortly before her death. Would it have mattered if she had known this diagnosis sooner? Probably not. She was uncomfortable, but spared the false hope and rigors of cancer treatments, to arrive at the same end.

Margaret will be missed. She was boisterous, sometimes bawdy, opinionated, and had a heart of gold. She enhanced us all for having known her unselfish spirit and giving nature. Margaret was one of my knitting friends and I am fortunate to have known her.

Connections

Social networking. Tweets. Email. IM. TMI?

Unscientific Survey

In a suburb, outside Detroit, I had to wait for Mr. Pants to buy his lettuce. It was a large Mega-discount store---groceries, stuff--One stop and you can buy everything--soup, a tent, garden plants, and a shirt! I waited on the side of the garden center, as apparently looking for flowers takes much less time than lettuce shopping.

I started to watch the cars that were pulling in... Chrysler products. Fords. General Motors cars of all kinds......and it became rapidly apparent that anyone who thinks that the Americans who shop at this mega-discount store want small fuel efficient vehicles, have not looked around this parking lot. BIG horn trucks, more- power Vettes, SUV's, JEEPS! I saw three Honda's about one in 10-15 ratio to the American cars--older silver Hondas-- driven by older women. There were large Buick's--mostly Burgundy in color, Chevy's of every description---lots of Ford sedans, SUV's, and those ugly "new" metallic trim clad station wagons.

Now, one could say it is Detroit--home of the big three---but this occurred miles from Detroit. These are "discount" shoppers---sort of everyday Americans. They were shopping, so probably still have jobs. They seem uninterested in little, uninterested in foreign, uninterested in hybrids.....

So, Washington, maybe this is an aberration unique to this area......or you guys in DC do not know any "real" American consumers.......

This could get interesting!

You did not ask what size they were!

It was early, sort of dark, and as usual Mr. Crabby Pants had waited until morning to pack for his trip.....what color are these? Blue or black! Identification occurred. Turned out the color was correct....size however belonged to oldest son--a slight difference.

Next time, look at size and color!! Or remember that you bought your son pants just like yours!!! Can only imagine the "noise" when trying to get dressed in someone elses new pants!

Suspect

Apparently the TSA must inspect suspicious luggage. On a recent trip, I bought two knitting books, was given a candle, and had the usual assortment of cosmetics and Rx. I decided that I did not want to drag the weight around through the airport, so carefully packed the books flat in the center of my suitcase, nestled between the newly purchased blouse and the bag of laundry. Then I added the lint roller, hand cream, candle, curling iron, cosmetics in baggies, and my nightgown. Somehow, this combo triggered the suspicious search. I know, I know. Mr. CP does not check luggage.....

I know that a condition of flying is that if you check luggage it could be searched. I am o.k. with that. But searching is a different thing than "rummaging". Although I cannot imagine digging through other peoples stuff in suitcases, I would have appreciated that the person neatly return things to the suitcase. Apparently the books were the offending items---removed from their protective bags and crunched on the top of my now disorganized "stuff". Maybe they were expecting something more interesting or exotic??? Maybe they thought that I had subversive ingredients? They could have put it back the way it was--not matter how disappointed or disguisted they were.

Really, a lint roller, some knitting books, and a candle are pretty dangerous....but next time, I will leave the candle behind!

Spending Other People's Money

Or...we did our part to stimulate the economy!!

M1 came home so that we could shop for a dress for "the" wedding. We got six! A national retailer near my home was having a 40% off sale--so four Jones NY went in the bag at really good prices! Retro-60's style sheaths--sun dress, and (although it looked absolutely stunning) a sexy hankie skirt dress that will probably be returned. On to the Mall!!! One dress at each "upscale" retailer--but with coupons! My fav will probably be returned---I love the colors. Other, very similar dress with less "cleavage" is, according to M1 "the one".

Then--the IKEA pilgrimage...I bought a cool garden bag for my knitting, as it stands up on it's own, and two of their great $1.50 shopping bags, because they are pretty and I like them. M1 bought stuff for work and home.

Then lunch! M1 wanted Mexican---and they left off the onions on my cheese and onion enchilada--that I had asked for extra onion on----although M1 was slightly annoyed that I complained (I figure that if I do not point out the problem, they cannot fix it!!) I did get an adjustment on my bill. (and out waiter reaped the benefit).

Then to a discount chain to obtain more shirts to be embroidered for the wedding.....long story.

On to Trader Joes, because you just cannot find their good stuff where M1 lives.

Our last stop was at the lingerie store--to get the right foundation garment for "the Dress" M1 found 4! that fit. Every woman's dream come true!! Everyone needs a bra fitter!! It changes your entire outlook on life.

So, I spent about $10 plus lunch. M1 spent about 10X that, and got a "free" lunch. J dog had a good time visiting Mr. Cat (more like tormenting him with his very existence) and got to romp and play with the deer excrement in the back yard.

We are almost ready for the wedding---20 some days and counting!

Let there be light!

Yesterday the tree guys came. We have enoromous 200 year old oak trees on the property that were getting a little "dangerous". Oaks have branches that die--all the time. But when they are huge, it can be a problem. And earlier this winter, the wind took down the victims of the ash borer---so we needed the tree guy.

They cut and trimmed and took away the debris! Now you can see the house even! A walk up the drive seems more "cathederal like"--less likely to get poked with a stick!! And the UPS man will be thrilled that our trees will no longer beat up his truck.

The sun is shining, and more of our yard can see it today--and the Oaks look happier--without the dead wood! Which is I suppose where--getting rid of the dead wood comes from!

Faith Restored

Every once in awhile your faith in the goodness of mankind is restored.
After the stolen pizza and drive away stolen groceries I was beginning to think that the world was headed in the wrong direction.

Someone at the national retailer where my car pool parks has restored my optimism about the basic good. They found my keys, that had fallen out of my bag as we rushed through the dark to make it to our van pool. They turned them into the lost and found.

I did not know they were gone of course until I returned home from work. Thought perhaps I had left them in my office---fortunately, had a spare key! Looked in the van, and then when I arrived at my office this morning, I was disappointed to see that I had just not carelessly left them in my desk. I asked my car pool buddy to dig through her car later---maybe they fell out there.

Then, in my "retrace your steps" mode, I chanced a call to the retailer--thankful that I had not driven yesterday--but then, if I had, I would have had my keys in my hands and they would not be "lost". I was amazed when the young man on the phone said , yep, they are here!

So--to the person who found my keys in the employee lot on 3/11 thank you for turning them in. I appreciate that I do not have to buy a new key, and rekey all my locks. I am relieved that I do not have to worry that someone had a key to my car. But most of all, I am delighted to know that people are still "nice".

60

On Friday it was 60 degrees! For those in Miami it is winter coat weather. Here it is practically take off your shoes and dance in the street weather---at least this year. There was still snow here and there. But the sun was shining---and everyone came our of their cubicles and stood around basking in the sun.

Coats were strangely absent. Sunglasses appeared again. People walked slowly--face to the sun, enjoying the reprieve from winter. There were groups just standing around talking---where the huge piles of snow had been accumulating all winter. There was a "sidewalk" sale at the Hallmark Store--a hastily conviened table of one of-a-kind and odd items labeled "Stuff for a Buck"---encouraging brisk a business!

But underlying all of this hopefulness is the weigh of economic uncertainty. The Dollar Store boasts a hand lettered sign "Closing Sale--all wall items 25% off". No one was buying anything--even for 75 cents. Diners were once again parked at the wrought iron tables inside the corrals at the eateries--but they were ordering the soup and 1/2 sandwich or salad specials--not the pricer items that used to be everyday fare.

I decided to prolong my interaction with the sun, and walked several blocks to a pizza establishment. Ordered, paid, waited. At one point I thought they called my name, but when I approached the window, the employee looked , and shook his head---I much have hear incorrectly (it was noisy, and crowded with high school kids on a field trip). I returned to my table, and my puzzle......but after a longer time, noticed that those who ordered long after me were picking up their orders. I approach again, and ask about my order---which is clearly in the computer, and no where to be found. After much discussion about this puzzlement, the manager was called, and it was decided that they needed to remake my pizza---that someone else had picked it up! Fortunately, I was not done with the puzzle--and they gave me a "free pizza". (Hastilly cooked, that was about what it was worth).

A sign of the times, I guess. A pizza nabber---walked up and walked off with my order in the chaos of noon at the pizza place. Free lunch!! The second time in a week that I had experienced someone creatively "nabbing" something from a retail establishment. All of the brightness of spring cannot hide the darker side of our current economy. People who used to pay $5.00 for a personal pizza take one instead.
People desparate for groceries "drive away" at the self check lane.....and the merchants, already percariously near loosing their shirts, must pass on the losses to everyone else---who are opting for the less expensive items to make ends meet.

Economics 101 on a sunny day downtown.....optimistic about the weather, pesimistic about the economy!

What's in a name?

A Rose by any other.....

But our names are somewhat important, despite Shakespeare's thoughts. We are 3 for 3 on the wedding invites---3 family members, 3 "wrong names".....sigh! And I did send them correctly.

Mispellings are one thing.....Hope Albert has not been married to Shirley!!!!

It will be funny---later!

Disco Christmas Wishes

Happy Holidays!

Almost unstoppable!

Mr. CP declared it so! The day provided 14 inches of snow on which to test the unstoppability. The truck passed the test! He is much more pleased than with the prior vehicle. Score one for Dodge! It is the little things in life!

...and I finally made it to the post office!

Wolle nervana!

Ulm, DE 2008/12/06
It is the Weihnachtsmarkt here in Ulm, but of greater interest to a knitter like me is the price of yarn at the Woole stores. Sock reinforcement yarn- USA $3.50, DE-.5 Euro!!!! Sock yarn: 6 Euros--$12-13 at home for the same stuff. I could live here...decent prices on yarn, good beer, and without study, my terrible, but adequate to engage in commerce, German is serving me well.

You know how we love bargains!!! ...and one of the bargains here is sock yarn! Interestingly though, no size "0" needles--and you would think that here people would need very tightly knit socks--as it is cold, and they spend a lot of time outside (you have to walk everywhere from the parkhaus in the sleet). But I have two more cities to look!!!

Ulm, the first stop on the great sock yarn acquisition mission of 2008!!!

P.S- Nice museum of bread (honest) and the tallest church spire in Europe too!!

Return to normal...

They have all left. Some sooner than others. M1 and J. left this morning. It is quiet--nice. Nothing is moving! Mr. Cat may come out of hiding soon. I must vacuum and put a few things back where they belong.

Always glad to see them come. Equally glad to have my house back after a few days. The deer are probably glad it is quiet too. J. found them quite annoying--he needed them to leave "his" territory!!

Now, On the the laundry, and the next adventures!