There'd Be Days Like This......

Oh my oh my oh my... yesterday. Sparks flew. I have come to the conclusion that either my hubby's memory retension is going to hell in a handbasket or he has immersed himself in so much of his extra stuff that things are slipping his mind. Needless to say, Troll and Sprout ducked and covered. Knowing me as well as they do, it was *poof* into the woodwork. I won't go into details, they aren't necessary, just suffice it to say that hubby and I got into it. In the eight years we have been together, we have never had a 'fight', they are more like spats. That is saying something.

We got the daughter, FB and the babies moved into their new place. We have to still go over there today to do some last minute stuff, like pick up some stuff that is going to the dump or coming over here. I shall, at a later date, devote a whole blog to FB's latest exploits. *eye roll*.

In the meantime my house looks like HELL! Between being laid up with this back problem (soft whispers again..shhh), helping with the move, nothing has gotten done. I live with three grown men and they all seem to have developed short-termed memory loss like, the dishwasher is empty, put your dirty stuff in it instead of the sink or uh, hello, the washing machine is empty, fill it. How about, there's the vacuum, is there anyone besides me that knows where the push button is to turn the dang thing on and it's really simply to use, turn button to on, push, push, push, empty canister. I just don't understand. They can find the remotes, push buttons on it but they can't work the vacuum or the dishwasher? Someone please explain that one to me. No wonder I'm a mushroom. Two out of the three can cook, do laundry and clean. I know, I have three. I am beginning to believe Sprout is a lost cause. I have not given up on him however. My oldest son is 26 years old and he has learned to do more than eat out of a can. There is hope for Sprout yet. I know he can cook, inept as he may be at it, so long as it is something simple and he's really comfortable if there is a microwave handy. I know he can do laundry, all my kids were taught how. He just chooses to take the easy way out. He's lucky other people around here like to eat and that we also decide to feed him.

I've also come to the conclusion, there was STUFF mom forgot to fill me in on. I'm beginning to believe it was deliberate. That would have been right up Mom's alley.

Lady Bless, I miss her so.

Perpetual 'Shroomness

Well, perhaps not that bad. That little whisper before in regards to my back muscles cramping up? Forget it. Toss it out the window with the bath water. I am, however, not allowing it to slow me down until I have to. I have a new scent now. It's called, "Ben Gay". Monday is going to be interesting. The hubby is juggling his balls again. If he loses 'em, I refuse to accept responsibility.

Saw the kids' new apartment, smaller but functional. It amazes me that they get away with charging $850 a month for such an apartment. Something like that use to cost about $350-450 a month. I've lived in nicer for less than what she pays and in the same city too. Amazing.

Well the back is cramping up again. Relief was nice earlier. Time to go apply more of the old people cream. I am hoping to be able to sit and finish my writing tonight. Life should be so easy.

Normalcy

I understand that normalcy is relative to whomever. Therefore this is my 'normalcy'.

Things are back to normal or at least pretty damn close. I am functional again. The knee still has a twinge but it's doable and the back (and here we whisper ever so softly) no longer has the choked up muscle. It felt great to sit at the computer today so much so I have accomplished some writing in the 2,000 word zone. Don't go looking for it yet. It's not posted to the web site as I am not done writing just yet. By tomorrow I hope to have the storyline all caught up. For anyone who doesn't know, I'm referring to the role-playing section of my personal web site.

We were suppose to help the kids move this weekend, yes they got the apartment approved and now have the keys, but guess what? Our truck's alternator has died. Burial services are scheduled for Monday morning bright and early to be followed by replacement. Nothing is sacred in this world, is it?

The Troll has been home for a week. That hasn't been so bad, at least he hasn't made me grow a new wart. That's the alternative to gray hair, don't you know. He did however, refer to me as old and that got him smacked with a plastic baseball bat. Troll is a big man and I had no idea big men could move so fast when chased by baseball bats. Speaking of Troll, his bearded dragon is on the lamb. No, not literally.. sheesh. Troll set his lizard out in a cage he didn't think the lizzy could slip out of. Surprise. From my best guess, the bearded dragon lizzy is somewhere under the house. Troll seems to think the lizard has slipped away and is long gone. The betting pool starts tomorrow. Either the lizard is under the house eating bugs and spiders and such and will one day emerge as a komoto dragon OR the cats will eventually drag out some lizzy bones to gnaw on. Now why doesn't anyone go under the house you might wonder? You would not send your worst enemy under there... okay.. wait... maybe your worst enemy only. We're not sure what is growing under there, what has previously died under there or ever heard that saying, " What the cat drug in?" Uh-huh. I rest my case.

The prego kitty who sleeps on the coffee table has not downloaded her kittens yet. We're still in limbo there. There's a family betting pool going on as to how many and where she'll drop 'em. You know, my family bets on the strangest things. They don't seem to have a life.

My hubby, the red-neck, and yes he admits to it, tried to use the old cables to charge the truck battery the other day. The negative side only had one rubber handle, the other one got lost somewhere. He tried to use it anyway and whined when he burnt his finger. He then went to Sprout's car and removed a roll of duct tape (makes you wonder why Sprout carries duct tape, doesn't it?) and proceeded to wrap the one end of the cable missing the rubber handle. Okay, will someone explain to me why he thinks that would do any good? HELLO! There's a reason why the cables have rubber handles. I had to walk away. His life insurance policy is good until Aug. 1st before we have redo it. This is the same man who just has to touch the hot wire to make sure it is working. One too many times, I swear. I also have to wonder if that's why his heart is still in good shape. There's this vintage cartoon called, " Pogo " (did you like how I handled that one? Vintage. I'm good.) and I swear to you all, the hubby was the role model for that little dude. He has a little black cloud over his head and he gets these electrical shocks. The hubby gets them so much, between you and I, I think he's beginning to like it.

normalcy..yep yep..it's back and me with it.

Center of Attention? Moi? *snort*

My personality is rated 29.My score is 29/50.

What does that mean?

Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.What is yours?quiz by midgetfarm.com

The Great Mushroom Adventure

The light dawned bright and promising early Sunday morning. It was Father's Day. Having pondered what could be done to celebrate it, something different from just going out to eat, the mushroom had a wonderful idea. After consulting with the Troll and the Sprout (henceforth the youngest child shall be nicknamed), who also thought it was a good idea and between them decided who would pay for what, it was decided we would all make a trip to the local caverns. Now the mushroom had lived in this grove for the most part of her life. She had ventured out to explore new things, but always came back to the Grove. Something she had never done was to completely explore her own backyard so the caverns seemed like a good idea.

The leisurely stroll down to the waterfront to board a party boat for a quick trip across the lake was very nice as was the boat ride itself. The climb up the ramp to the the bus would have been a bit easier if someone's grandchildren (not mine) had not slowed down and nearly stopped half way up. The mushroom was on a stride you see and slowing her down like that caused her to suck wind in a not so pleasant way. It was a precedent of things to come to the unsuspecting mushroom. The winding bus ride was enjoyable up the mountain. Of course, the mushroom didn't look down the scenic 80 foot drop to the lake level. This mushroom gets vertigo.

At the top of the mountain everyone disembarked into the visitors center where people took a moment to see the displays, use the restrooms, get a drink of water. Then the guide came, a pretty YOUNG thing named Lisa. She was entertaining and the mushroom was impressed as this was Lisa's third day on the job and all the things she had memorized from the handbook, in such a short time, was definitely impressive.

The easy part was entering the caverns. Lisa saved the more important issues for later, once you were hooked by the beauty inside. It wasn't her fault. She did offer to take those who felt they could not make the climb back to the visitors center. Of course, the mushroom is in no way going to admit that maybe the climb would be too rough for her. Hell no. Stubborn 'shroom. So, it was in the second chamber or was it the third that Lisa advised that the next stop would be after a steep climb of about 130 steps. We had already done 30 steps then 80. What's in a number? The mushroom made sure she was at the end of the group. There was no need to hold up the younger, more long-legged, less plump members of their group. Ach, no one can claim the mushroom is not a game 'shroom. She started up those steps like a real trooper. Half way up she had to stop because she was sucking wind or trying to, into her lungs. She ignored the burning sensation in her recently healed knee.

" Only a little more, " she would whisper to herself, sigh and trudge upward. At the next room she would scurry to a bench and plop down, quietly inhaling oxygen as fast as her body could absorb it, knowing that the worse of the climb was over, forgetting that there were more steps to climb but not nearly as rough. Finally, she trooped into the cathedral room and gratefully found a bench. Sprout at this point nearly got thwapped with her purse because he was being a smart ass in referring to the mushroom's age and prowess.

The climb was worth every inch as the lights were turned on and showcased the walls and ceiling. Gorgeous, simply beautiful and the Lady was hiding this? What else is she hiding, I wonder? The mushroom watched two bats fly about as pictures were taken. Then there was the descent. Lady Bless. How could the 'shroom have forgotten that? What goes up, must come down. The climb up via sometimes narrow steps and narrow passageways (sometimes of which Troll had to turn sideways to get through and even then he scraped his shoulders) were nothing compared to the climb down or maybe it just seemed longer because by now the mushroom was fading fast.

Mental note here: One really should ingest something more than 2 cups of coffee before becoming so active.

Alas, alls well that ends well. Back at the visitors center, the Sprout sat on a post waiting, like a cat out for a morning sunning. The mushroom damn near knocked him off it for his sass. Unfortunately, Sprout is considerably younger and moves far more quickly then the fading 'shroom. That's all right. The boyo will get his. He knows how cunning the mushroom can be in her vengeance. She'll lie in wait. She is patient.

This morning's light found the mushroom locked in stiff muscles, a present from her great adventure. Moving is a chore and painful. Still well worth it. However, it is not a trip she plans to make again. If she wants to see the caverns again, she'll visit her scrapbook. The pictures will be worth a 1,000 words and you can take that to the bank.

What's In A Name?

55,104.... it's a number, a large number. I tried to imagine it as marbles in glass jars. I couldn't, let alone imagine that many human beings.

It starts with a very small panel near the ground, made of black, inscribed with a few names in white. The next panel is a bit larger, not much and inscribed there are a few more names than were on the panel before it. It was a gentle slope, spiraling upward and at the apex of this slope were inscribed the most names, rows of them, side by side. All told there are 55,104. So many lives given, so many still unaccounted for. Lying in tribute along the base of these panels I saw bibles, messages slipped inside plastic baggies. Some held pictures of images of babies and people, dogs and parents. Some held pictures of the serviceman who's name is inscribed on a panel of The Wall. So young. So full of hope and dreams, that is what that photo captured yet as I stood there reading, I couldn't help but wonder what that serviceman felt over there, so far from home in a hostile environment so alien from anything he had ever known. Two things hit then: One, his name was on The Wall and he was now in a far better place and two, what of the men who came home? Some of them are called "The Living Dead". Their minds can not leave that place or the people. Some of them can not live in today's society and have retreated to the forests to live off their wits. Some of them wander the streets, muttering to themselves.

There is such profound silence as I walk along the seemingly neverending black panels. The silence echoes off The Wall or maybe, it resides in it. I watch the men who survived this war, men who returned and were hailed with taunts, anger and hatred for what they were sent to do, for what they did to survive, for things done that we safely here could not possibly begin to comprehend let alone understand, stop and hug each other, friend and stranger alike, for they are Brothers. I watched these men with tears in my eyes as they knelt or crouched in front of a panel and lovingly ran their fingertips against a name. There was a history there I could not hope to know but I could feel their loss.

One man crouched in front of a panel, taking his time, his finger continuously rubbing one name on the panel. This man was a plane captain and the name on the panel was that of his pilot, who never returned from his last mission. Apparently the plane captain and pilot had a minor falling out and the young plane captain said some harsh words that included wishing his pilot never came back. His pilot never did. The young plane captain never meant those heated words, wished them back almost immediately. To this day, those rash heated words, spoken by a young plane captain on a flight deck all those years ago, still haunt him today. That young plane captain went on to serve 3 tours in Vietnam and became a corpman assigned to the Marines. There are also memories of injured servicemen he could not save. I am sure somewhere there are men whose lives he did save, but these are not the memories that haunt him, only his own inadequacies. The memories do not come as often now, but they still linger in the back of his mind I am sure. He is hard on himself when he does think of them, it's all part of the guilt he feels for coming back alive.

That young plane captain was,is my husband.....

For all things there is a purpose. I don't have to remind him that he is alive to remember and to keep the memories of those precious sacrifices in the minds and hearts of all today. He is here today to help lay to rest, with honor and dignity, those of his brethren who have also lived beyond that time and now go on to better things.

Someone has to remember....

Someone has to remind us all that every person deserves to turn their face up to Freedom's Light and bask in it.

Someone has to remind us that Freedom comes with a high price and that there are those willing to give that price because their humanity is greater than their own fears.

55,104 servicemen gave to their country because it was asked of them.

I honor them and the tears I shed that day were not for the servicemen who are lined on those panels, they are beyond our reach and no longer need our help, but for the men who came home to live out their legacy.

And somewhere out there, is another pilot, related through marriage, who is still listed as MIA, shot down over Hanoi. One day, you will be accounted for. We have not forgotten.

A Weekend Brief

It has been a good weekend. Saturday we went to pay our respects to our fallen and missing heroes of the Vietnam Era. We went to the Traveling Wall. Today, Fathers' Day, Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there, we went to Shasta Caverns. This mushroom is a stubborn one, when visiting the caverns one will walk up about 800 feet at the top and then of course one needs to walk back down. They did offer to take those who couldn't make it back down so they could wait in comfort. *snort* As some of you know, I had a knee injury about 3 years ago and reinjured it about a year after that. This past year is the first year it has truly mended without further damage *knock wood*. The gist of it is, I have overtaxed it today and now paying for it. I don't care. It was well worth the trip. It is possibly, oh hell, IT IS going to lay me up for a couple of days. Of course, I didn't even think about taking my cane or using my brace.

Errands to run on the morrow.. an early night today with my knee elevated and hopefully after being a good little 'shroom, I will be able to sit down and write my thoughts about this weekend.... then again, maybe not... the grandbabies will be here. Hm, Troll is on vacation this week. He's pretty good about riding herd on them because obviously I can't this week. Maybe I will get in some writing time if the knee will allow it.

I hope you all enjoyed the Summer Solstice.

Hey! What's Wrong With Hazel?

Hazel Eyes


What Color Eyes Should You Have?
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Hoooo-kay, Maybe It's Time to Stop

Satine


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*NodNod* I agree

hand holding - you like to be in constant physical
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Yeah, Right *snort*

Innocent


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Okay, Okay.. This Is NOT My Fault

Griffin:
Griffins are gorgeous creatures with the head of an
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and are usually docile and submissive. But if
someone offends you you do bite back.


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*Whimper*

You're GI Joe with the Kung Fu Grip!! You're
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One Last One

What Monty Python Character are you?
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Addicting Little Buggers, Aren't They?

You are a Siren. More adventurous than all with a
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You are a bottle of talent and power. What the
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Qizzes and more Quizzes

SELENE: You are selene!
Beautiful, vivacious,
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Ever wish you could be a
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Which UNDERWORLD character are you?
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What Light Doth Yonder Break----

It does not appear to be an oncoming train! I am cautiously optimistic as I write this. The hubby went to a business workshop today and it was productive, very. In a nutshell:

1) Our business qualifies in a special category because most of what we order is special order items. This would make allowances for the materials to be ordered by us and sent directly from the factory. The person he talked with from the Sac. office is going to work with the hubby to fix this, to include hand walking it over to the appropriate office.

2) We have just found out today that as a DVBE we have the right to be classed as a DBE as well. This has been in place over a year and a half ago. That means we missed out on a whole season of work. So, the hubby will be working on that one too.

Hubby asked the State Rep that was there today about this whole matter since we just spent an ungodly amount of hours making sure they got all the paperwork they needed to clarify we still qualified as a DVBE Supplier, told we did and then this happens. Why? Apparently in recent months new DVBEs have been qualifying as a DVBE, people who should not have. This has set in motion a crack down of sorts. The snare, unfortunately, has also caught the innocent ones.

So, to straighten this all out may take a week or two. The hubby has to call down to Sacramento and set up an appointment, fill out some paperwork, gather some information and then get down to Sacramento. If all goes as promised, if all goes well, if the Universe will smile and the Lady's Grace shines, a weight will be lifted. It'll mean more work, but you won't hear me complain at all.

Keep a good thought, will you?

No Cinderella Here

*whoosh*.... that's how I feel at the moment. No great pearls of Wisdom, no expansive view point, no insight from the Mushroom tonight, come to think of it, not even meaningless chatter.

I believe I fell asleep a little after 8 pm and only just woke up about a half hour ago. I'm not sure if I am going to be awake for awhile or go back to sleep. Dishwasher is loaded, coffee pot made and set for tomorrow morning. It's still pretty warm outside. The compost pile has pretty much settled down for the night. I am looking forward to some alone time tomorrow morning. Everyone else is off to work or to a workshop. The weather is also suppose to be a bit cooler. I'll believe that when I can feel it.

I do have some random thoughts I want to address on some things I've read lately, but not tonight, at least, not at the moment.

Nothing witty or funny or clever to spout, so this little mushroom is just going to turn the lights out.....

What's Up With That?

I swear, it's a male thing. Okay, so there are a lot of male things, but I'll preserve some for later blogs.

The male species suffers from short term memory loss when it comes to domestics. One minute you can remind them to put a used bowl in the sink and run water in it. Not even two hours later, they bring out another bowl and leave it on the counter for you to find. What? Did they lose their sense of direction as well? The sink is merely a hand span away, but the used dish didn't make it there, let alone get filled with water.

It's the same thing with Time. Most men I know wear watches. Now can someone explain to me how come a man can look at that watch all day long, make it to his meetings on time and heaven forbid he misses his lunch hour, yet, he calls you on the cellphone after work to let you know he is on the way home and two hours later he's still not there? Did Hansel forget where he laid the breadcrumbs for the homeward trip? Did the birds eat them? Or did he merely consume the bread himself? And please don't even try that line of, " I lost track of time. " There's a watch on your wrist, buddy. I know you look at it. If I lost track of time where dinner preparation was concerned, there would be a major sulk and I've got news for you, that pout is u-g-l-y.

I've heard it said men make good map makers. They're the only ones who understand the concept of one inch equaling a mile. So, why do they hate to stop and ask for directions when they know they are clearly lost? And how come it's all right if they badger the female in their life into doing it? To make matters worse, a little while later you get to hear all about how they knew where they were going all along.

Why are men so lost in a grocery store when you give them an explicitly written list? It's got every bit of information on it they could need. The only thing missing is a picture. They can locate the potato chip aisle like a homing pigeon however.

And you want to know the worst of it? No matter how hard you try, no matter what you do, your sons become the same way.

It's gotta be in the DNA I tell you.

Pass the Salt Please

When it rains, it pours....

Daughter and FB's car is now sitting in the front of their house with what I can only guess is a broken water pump. I had to calm daughter down because she was ranting how they just got it out of the shop. She found it funny that this had happened so soon from having been in the shop and told nothing was wrong but a major tune-up was needed. I had to tell her that this was not something they could foresee. They have one of those older car models, no computer on deck. They can not afford to have this happen and unfortunately, we are not in any position to help them. The hubby went to go make sure it was the water pump, picked up FB and found out the car had been towed. Wonderful.He did get lucky, it only cost him $75.00 to get it out. That was $75.00 they could ill afford. Daughter ended up borrowing the money from her youngest brother. They still have the problem of fixing it. They don't have the money to do so themselves, not with the move coming up at the end of the month. FB is going to school. He has to attend school or get a job or they have no income. Their rent is paid via a state program. Bottom line, he'll have to find some way to get the money, buy another water pump and install it himself. Luckily for him his father-in-law has the tools he will need and the experience doing such things. It's still going to be a knuckle breaker for FB. Think that's all? FB is also on academic probation. He's grade point average falls short of 2.0. It's all his wife's fault. We won't go there.

Hubby and I have been brainstorming over this problem the state has handed us. It comes down to having a 'yard' for inventory. There are two options to that one, 1) rent the space from his ex-partner or 2) use some of our acreage for storage. We have about 4 acres to use. I'm letting hubby work that one out. As far as materials go, sounds like we may have something cooking in that area too. He has to go see the man later this week.

We found out that not only has this new change affected DVBEs but all businesses, DBEs, Women Owned, Minority Owned, etc. There are some people out there in the same boat. We're not so bad off as some of them are.

I still believe that there is no problem that can not be solved by a little hard work, ingenuity and Divine Grace. Ask me that again in about a month, will ya?

I don't know what the Cosmos is doing, maybe it's burping. I give y'all fair warning right now, buckle your safety belts, just in case...I think the ride is going to get a little bumpy.

The last few days have passed so quickly and the nights even faster. I feel like I have accomplished nothing. It's an unsettling feeling to say the least. No matter what I do, it still feels the same. This too shall pass. It isn't the first time I have felt this way. I'll ride it out. I get the feeling there is something I need to be doing. I just wish I could figure out what it is.

In other more mundane matters, the weather is heating up here in the Grove. It is now approaching the 100's. It's so dry this year. We didn't get the rainfall we really needed, which means working dang hard to make sure no fires come close. I've gotta get out there and get that green belt going around the house. We still have not had to install the air conditioning window units yet. The swamp cooler seems to be holding her own at the moment. Fortunately, I don't need o turn it on until mid-afternoon and it stays on until after midnight. All the bedrooms come equipped with ceiling fans so that also helps. Huge electric bills I can do without.

Well, I best see to putting out the lights in the hovel. I ended up falling asleep in my rocking chair and just waking up moments before I started this post. I've got some reading to catch up on in.

May Divine Grace settle upon your shoulders like a true friend, the promise of a new day bring a smile of hope to your new day and may you always remember that there is no problem that is insurmountable and there is always someone who cares...

Good Night.

100 Things About Me

Okay..okay, already... here it is and there is no order to it:

1) I'm short. However, I'd like to point out there are others shorter than I am. Ha!

2) My hair is a deep mahogany with lighter reddish highlights that get more red the longer I am in the sun.

3) I love to write almost as much as I love breathing.

4) I have a sense of humor. I rather laugh than cry and I enjoy making someone else laugh.

5) I have no problems making fun of myself

6) I NEED coffee first thing in the morning, 2 cups.

7) I rather be in a rural setting than a city one.

8) I DO NOT like flying. I will if I have to.

9) I do not like being late nor do I have much patience with people who make a habit of it.

10) I usually do not go to sleep before 3 am these days.

11) I am normally an early riser.

12) I am disturbed by chaos, unorganization and lack of forethought.

13) I'm beginning to hate gravity.

14) I actually enjoy getting older. I just hate where gravity comes in.

15) I love cats.

16) I adore my shelties.

17) My favorite colors are emerald green, hunter green, red, purple and black.

18) I am only a touchy-feely person around people I am comfortable with.

19) I am usually shy in a crowd. Exception: When I am around people I am very comfortable with.

20) Yes, I admit it, I like playing Pokemon.

21) I usually see the glass as half full.

22) I believe all things happen for a reason.

23) I do not believe in coincidence.

24) I believe that each and every person has a purpose on earth.

25) I believe in spankings, not beatings. There is a difference.

26) I enjoy creating and manipulating graphics.

27) I adore the ocean. I can sit on a beach for hours so long as the weather isn't too hot.

28) I use to wallow in clutter, now my mission is either organize it or get rid of it.

29) I collect recipes, tips and hints for practically everything.

30) I always have a fresh tree for Yule

31) My favorite holidays are Yule and All Hallows.

32) I am Wiccan and I am married to a Catholic, go figure.

33) I adore music.

34) I like to sing. Some say I can sing, some say I can't. Ask me if I care.

35) Yes, I talk to myself, I even answer myself, BUT I always know it's me.

37) I DO NOT snore. I merely breathe hard when I am very tired.

38) I rather sleep on my stomach.

39) Most of my creative ideas for writing come to me when I am in the shower.

40) I embroider, sew (after a fashion), knit and crochet.

41) Right now my favorite ice cream is vanilla in a cone.

42) I take my coffee with creamer only.

43) I love crab legs and lobster.

44) I am a carnivore. *grin*

45) I like watching Lilo and Stitch

46) I read romance novels, but I am picky.

47) I usually don't drink but I have been known to take a shot of tequila or whiskey from time to time. I had one last week, tequila.

48) My favorite food is Mexican.

49) I serve rice pretty much every night at home.

50) Did I mention I am half Japanese, born in Hawaii and the other half is a 57 mix.

51) I like dancing in the moonlight.

52) I love dancing and it's about the only thing I am graceful at.

53) I am a reforming ice cruncher.

56) I actually enjoy silence.

57) I don't mind spending time alone.

58) I am comfortable in my own skin and happy being who I am.

59) I tend to worry more than I should.

60) I need to be in control, but sometimes wish I didn't.

61) I rather have just a few good friends I trust implicity, then many I don't.

62) I am pretty much a loner, on purpose.

63) I enjoy most music but especially listening to country, classic and 50's.

64) I like vintage cars.

65) I drink more water throughout the day than anything else.

66) I am allergic to iodine and latex.

67) Flattery might get your foot in the door if it's reasonable, sincerity gets you everywhere

68) I can be a bitch and I take it as a compliment when others recognize it too.

69) I have nil tolerance for stupidity, ignorance is a horse of another color.

70) I know my way around under the hood of older cars. I use to work in the pits for race car drivers when I was younger.

71) I enjoy skinny dipping in the moonlight.

72) Aspirin is my best friend.

73) I did a fine job raising kids. I am proud of them all.

75) I like and enjoy the simple things in life.

76) I like money too.

77) I seldom take medication (other than aspirin) for anything.

78) " No" is a strong word in my vocab.

79) I have never broken a bone in my body, but have hurt everything.

80) I have bad knees, ankles, feet and a bad back due to previous multiple accidents. Some days walking a distance is an accomplishment.

81) I believe in the spirit realm and have had experience in such matters.

82) I am more patient the older I get, about most things.

83) I am more comfortable around men than I am around women.

84) I do not like chatting on the phone. I worked with that thing for at least 4 years, seven days a week, 8 hours a day.

85) I make exceptions to #84. It depends on who it is. There are only a few exceptions.

86) Don't ask me a question if you don't want to hear the answer.

87) I never ask a question I don't want to hear the answer to.

88) I do not like going to big social functions and having to make small talk.

89) I still miss my mother after all these years.

90) I have a terrible temper, when roused, but it's short lived and the sun hardly ever sets on my anger.

91) I hate housework but find it therapeutic.

92) I love to garden and design gardens by recycling things from around the house.

93) I love sunrises and sunsets.

94) I am a private person and seldom invite someone into my inner sanctum, be it my home or my soul.

95) I'm a pushover for seduction and romance.

96) Someone only gets something from me because I let them have it.

97) If there is any innocence in me, then it is in the belief that everyone is born a good person.

98) I wear a size 8 shoe and I will not hesitate to use it.

99) I usually go around barefooted.

100) And last, but not least, I am not human before coffee!

Anyone Have A Spare Aspirin?

Let me start off by saying that this is not a whine. It is merely a chronicle of the latest happenings so that one of these days I can look back and say, " Hey that wasn't so bad. "

Where do I start? Business. The people in Sacramento whose job it is to run this state, have been amending legislation. They mean well, it benefits the Disabled Veterans, it truly does, but in practically, it has been creating more problems. In our case, it's going to mean redefining how we do business. We have spent this past week talking about it a little. He has a plan, now we're waiting to see if it comes to fruition. If it doesn't, we're going to lose the business, plain and simple. I have a couple of things pending in the back of my mind that I need to research on the net.

Another avenue is for me to go back to work. In one aspect, this would be a good thing. I need three more quarters to be able to collect social security. I could collect the quarters via self enterprise, but we can't afford that. Working would definitely be the answer. On the other hand it would have a devastating affect on my hubby's self worth if I did. He has prided himself all these years that even though he is disabled, he has been able to provide for me even with some help from me. My youngest has also told me that I am not going back to work, bless his heart. Like the Troll said to me last night, " Things will work out. " I wouldn't mind doing web page designs but I am not proficient enough in this area for my comfort. I also don't think I have the mentality for it...clean, clear, concise and uncluttered. I'm too much of an artist, I think. I am not happy unless I am cluttering up things. *grin*

We also discussed whether or not we can be okay without the added income. I didn't gloss it over for him, for the next year and a half, it will be tight. I have been tighter than tight before, try stressing over whether or not you'll be able to keep a roof over your children's heads and food in their belly, that's tight. We'll be ok.

I love writing. It's the soul of me. GQS and I wrote a book of erotica, it's now published material and we got our first royalties check, all twenty-five dollars and sixty four cents of it. Don't get me wrong, I am pleased as punch, but like I told the hubby the other day, don't count on me to make us rich any time soon. *chuckle*

This past week, I have been tied up in the funeral of Ronald Reagan. Yesterday when he finally came home to rest, was so...so... well, it reached out and grabbed me, especially Mrs. Nancy Reagan. She showed us the Grace of a First Lady, allowed us to see a woman who loved her husband devotedly, and showed us vulnerability. I pray that the Lady will continue to shower this lovely woman with Grace, give her strength and hope. For no matter what your opinion is of Mrs. Reagan, one thing can not be denied, that is her love and devotion to her husband.

In about two weeks I will be helping my daughter and her family move. I am so looking forward to that...um-hm, right. This should be only a mild headache, but I know my daughter. That is two weeks away though, today, I shall attempt to clear my mind with thoughtless work, like puttering around the house, inside and out. I don't have to think. I can just use my hands and it helps calm and center me.

One more thing, the cat is pregnant. All my animals, save one, are fixed. This was a rescue kitty my daughter begged me to take. She couldn't have it, so I did. What can I say? I'm a sucker for cats. When I first took her, I wasn't sure how old she was, too young to come into heat though. Somehow, time has flown by me. The hubby started to say the obvious thing, " How did that happ-"

Me: If you complete that sentence, I'm gonna smack you. YOU KNOW how that happened.
Him: *chuckle*

So, I have a preggers cat running around here. I need kittens like I need another hole in my head.

In the interim, I wonder what the price is on stock in aspirin?

The Evil Troll

" Sissy! " The whisper snakes into my dreams on Monday morning at 9am. I whimpered and pushed it aside, but it would not be denied.

" Sissy! Get up! "

Nooooooooo. I don't wanna. I don't care what I promised. I hate shopping. I hate going to Wal Mart and Goddess knows where else the evil troll will drag me. I can always be assured when traveling with him, it's more than one store.

" Sissssssy! " Damn evil troll! A pillow is flung in the general direction of the bedroom door. I could hear his evil laugh as he disappeared. I flung back the covers and got out of bed. I just knew he was capable of getting a supersoaker, brother-in-law, not withstanding. Although, I would like to see what would happen if Troll Breath did use one of those things and got the hubby instead.

The Evil, nasty little troll even took me out to breakfast, like that was going to make me more amiable. But he KNEW... oh yes he did. He knew that a cup of coffee would go a long way to making me feel human and drag me back from the land of 'I-don't-wanna-return'. Evil, nasty, little troll. I love him. He's my kid brother and the only one of my siblings I lay claim to. He's a darling and a gentleman. He grew up in this house, it's his home. How did he get that nickname from me? We went to the bookstore one day and I swore I was not going to walk out of there with a new book, I had plenty. I did not count on him. He found a book called, " The Last Pendragon " by Walter Goodwater. A good read if you are curious how the author sees the times after King Arthur. He was 15 when he wrote the book. I enjoyed it. Back to the troll. He came around to where I was browsing books and handed it to me. I HAD to have it. I looked at him and called him the Evil little nasty troll. The name stuck and it's his new pet name from yours truly. He laughs.

You just never know what The Grove will turn up.

HA!

I have had netscape uploaded for some time now. I decided to try it and see if I can get blogger to come up right for posting and it does, which tells me it's my IE settings. Now... if only I can figure out which ones aren't set. Then again, the way my luck is running of late, I'll just use Netscape for now until my patience returns.

What in the Sam Hell?

It all started with the purchase of the webcam and it went downhill from there. The webcam still won't finish installing, btw. Then I had to remove and reinstall my printer software, THAT FINALLY installed all the way. Now I think the Norton Internet Security thing is acting up because when I tried to get here, to create a new blog all the boxes are scrunched together. I tried access from another computer and it's fine so it's this one that's giving me fits. I daresay I'll get it fixed. I just have to figure it out. I AM NOT a techie.

The Vendor from Hell left a message on the answering machine earlier in the week. She wanted to know why his (the hubby's) wife insisted on short-changing the invoices. Call her. Pardon moi? I was livid and the hubby knew it. My job is to process checks and pay the bills. He does the invoices, posts the payments and all the assorted stuff related to making this business work. I did not appreciate her assuming that I was at fault here and neither did he. He called back the next day, she was out, but he made his displeasure known. I mailed the short-changed amount, all $43 and some odd change.

Think that's the end to my week? *snort* hardly. Yesterday we're informed by CALTRANS that according to the new amendments that we do not meet the criteria as a 'supplier' for CALTRANS. It all bases around the phrase, 'commercially useful'. At any rate, we've sort of come to a sort of standstill and I am not sure what lies ahead. I have some research to do and the hubby says he can meet the criteria within a week. We'll see.

I get the grandbabies today. It happens to be my daughter and FB's anniversary and I took the kids so they could go out.

OH yes! I forgot to mention a few moments ago, the evil little troll (I'll fill you in on who that is later) went to take a shower and had turned on the hot water. The faucet apparently popped off. He was lucky he got out of the shower without burning himself.

I really want to say that sentence, but I refuse to tempt the Universe to do anything more.

Someone pass me my compost blanket and my fuzzy slippers. *whimper*

A Shroomy Sunday Morning

From somewhere deep in the Grove, in her little tiny patch of compost, the Shroom stirs. It's Sunday. She looks forward to her peaceful, quiet Sunday routine. She yawns, she stretches, scratches in the most absentminded manner then stumbles through her tiny little hovel to the front entrance, all the while avoiding object de` art, curtesy of the little furballs she keeps as pets.

The front door is opened minutely, just wide enough for a hand to slip through and snag up the morning paper. Oh, good, the day's supply of fodder for the compost pile has arrived. Another yawn erupts and the door is closed tightly to avoid any intrusion of the profusive sunlight that seems to be streaming everywhere outdoors.

Shuffling sounds resound through her tiny domain, pinpointed in the direction of the kitchen and the coffeepot, must have coffee for survival. Through squinted eyes the coffee finds it way into a mug, creamer is added and a hasty stir is given before she places the morning's delivery under her armpit, clamped there by extremely well defined muscles in that area, as she clutches her prize possession between two hands. There is more shuffling as her destination is the kitchen table.

A soft growl is heard as she bypasses the sleeping furball, who lifts his head at the sound, wondering yet again why his Mistress insists upon making this sound. Furballs are just not interested in coffee. The fuzzy head merely flops back to the floor with a sigh and a body rollover.

Coffee mug, filled with steaming goodness, is placed on the table, near at hand. The morning delivery is set beside it and the Shroom plops unladylike into an empty chair. This Shroom is not feeling anything resembling ladylike at the moment.

The newspaper is flipped opened and shuffled through, keeper... keeper... compost pile fodder.. an unsteady hand reaches for the mug, lifting it to her lips and the rich creamy darkness is sucked down as quickly as its heat will allow. Oh, the glory of it! The peace, the quiet...the only sound is the rustle of a turning page and the sucking noise of mana from a warm mug.

Then it happens. Without warning, without forethought, the sound of NASCAR racing BLARES throughout the tiny hovel via modern technology called, Surround Sound. Newsprint flies everywhere. The nectar of the Gods spill and the Shroom must now be scraped from the ceiling.

Saturday Morning at " The Zoo "

Well, at the moment "The Zoo" is quiet. No one here but the resident zookeepers. Wanna bet it doesn't stay this peaceful? It's a sucker bet, don't take me up on it.

I've been up since nine, but didn't get to the computer with my first cup of coffee until about 11 or so. Found out that my writing partner was online and had furthered the storyline a bit, especially after he read what was done last night after he left. I jumped online to chat with him a bit. It never fails to amaze me how we dovetail so well when it comes to stories. Writing with him is such a pleasure. He left to go have lunch leaving me with a quarter cup of coffee and a spinning head. Damn, I just need to get all this stuff brewing in my gray matter onto electronic paper. THIS is always what happens, I have this need to write but then in the next second, a very close second, there are things here on the homefront that need attending to. I put the home stuff first and by the time I get back to the keyboard, my desire to write has gone *poof* dammit. I got to figure a way around that. There's always so much to be done around the homestead. I never get caught up where I can just do maintenance. There's also the other matter of a different type of genre writing I want to get to. I also need to do some creative graphic manipulation to go with it. ARUGH.

So, my decision? The hubby is currently watching something on TV. I shall take my second cup of coffee, hit the shower, stand under it until my mind quits twitching, get dressed see where we are in hubby's motivational state and take it from there. Somewhere, sometime today I shall get to the storyline update even if I have to stay offline to do so....maybe even entice the hubs into a Mexican lunch.. gee, I'm craving Mexican. I wonder why. *eye roll*

My whine: Too many things to do, not enough time and I ain't killing myself to get it all done either.

Quiet Day

The day has been fairly uneventful. I did get in some quality roleplay with a good friend who is a damn fine writer and roleplayer if you ask me. My writing partner, bless his heart, is still pulling early morning hours. I miss him, when he's ready, he'll be back into the action.

I find it a challenge to play my character to a wide range of emotions. She may be strong, knows her heart but she still has to have vulnerability. I have to stop and think before I act, even if it means I must have her react in a way I rather not. I am constantly asking the question, how would a woman deeply in love with her husband react to the situation at hand? She can rise above some emotions but she is not some super human being that conquers everything. Most of the time, my character flows from my fingertips. There are times however, that, I truly have to stop and think. There is much in her history that is not explained yet. I'm working on it... slowly.

I'm grinnng. The hubby just came home from his VFW meeting. They had a potluck and I made a dessert for him to take, 'Better Than Sex Cake'. When he told one of the ladies what he was bringing tonight she said, " What could be better than sex? " When he told me that, I grinned and replied, " Tell her chocolate, of course. " When he got home and showed me the empty pan, I laughed. I knew there would be nothing left. I asked him if the lady got a piece and he told me she did and gave her a couple of extra pieces to take home with her since her husband loved it. Nice to know they liked it so much. It's a big hit with the family too and easy to make, but I don't make it too often. Heaven forbid I should spoil them. ~grin~

I'm Up! I'm Up!

Actually, I've been up since about 6 am or so. A small sheltie who shall remain nameless ~ahem~ decided she needed to 'herd' a cat or two outside my bedroom window. When that wasn't good enough she crawled under the office to give chase and then couldn't get out again.

The phones are silent on this Thursday (shhhh..knock wood on that one) so I am going to try to take this opportunity to write and catch my character up in the current BlackHawke storyline.

Someone come clean house for me, please?

The Sun's Up Somewhere, Why Am I?

I wouldn't exactly call it insomnia. I was tired and sleepy at a pretty decent hour. I went to bed, fell promptly asleep and now find myself awake in the early morning hours. I do this a lot and I usually don't get back to sleep until a couple of hours later. It's a dang good thing the hubby or I don't work for anyone else. I usually watch tv until I fall asleep again but that's half my problem I think. I get so into what's on, I don't go to sleep. This pattern has to change. So, here I am sitting at my desk, writing this while my cup of herbal tea cools enough to drink. It's a tea that promotes sleep and works rather well on me, when I remember to use it. Another trick of mine is to get up and do something, trick the brain into believing I'm active until it says time to go to bed, you moron. The hubby is a good soul, hard of hearing he may be, but the tv in the bedroom still keeps him awake. He's learned to sleep through it, but his sleep is broken up too and I'm sure he is not all that rested.

Think what you will, but something is going on in cosmos. I'm restless. Internally. I'm not exactly satisfied with everything. It feels like...same story, different day... and trust me on this, I don't think like that. I've felt like this before, so I know it will pass in time. I also know that it has nothing to do with not being happy with my life. Sometimes, it bothers the hell out of me to feel like some sort of cosmic conduit. Sometimes....it feels like.... waves of dissatisfaction, discontent, restlessness go in one side of me and comes out the other side more balanced and peaceful. I did not eat ANYthing weird before I went to bed and there's nothing in my tea, so don't go there.

Ahhh, the tea is kicking in or the brain is talking to the moron. Either way, sleep seems to be calling. Now, if I can only make it down to the hall and by the time I ease this old bod onto the bed again, fall alseep and stay that way until the heat of the morning drives me from the bedroom, I'll be doing good.

Good Night, Mr. Bear, wherever you are....

Just Bits & Pieces

Let's see... the kids got their new apartment, they move July 1st. Apparently they will have to downsize as the the new apartment is smaller then the one they're in now but each kid has their own rooms and those are pretty decent size. Daughter and I will be going through the apartment and figuring ways to be more organized and how to utilize space. The only problem I see with that is daughter only half listens to me and half carries it out. The best news of all is that Pookie doesn't have to change schools yet again. Huzzah.

We had to change our cruise date to October. The business is slowly starting up which usually means we work later and I can't justify leaving invoices and payments for 16 days. By Oct. We should be slowed down enough to cruise Hawaii.

The vendor from hell is appeased for the moment. We received payment by one of our slothy clients and this payment brings them up to date. Thank you Lady! The other client jumped ship as a sub-contractor so we filed a demand for payment from their bonding company. The bonding company sent back paperwork to file out and they will be in touch once they try to contact the client, good luck. We've been trying to contact the slothy client for a few months now, no response. Now if the Lady's Grace will stay with us long enough to collect from the bonding company, I may just avoid an ulcer yet. ~snort~ Like I see that written in the stars. I just want a smooth season, able to completely pay her off and then be able to say, " See ya. Thanks for the memories. " Okay, maybe not the memories. I could do well without them.

It hurts me to see any of my children hurting. My youngest got into an argument with one of his closet friends yesterday. #3 son came to see me in the office last night and we had a bit of heart to heart. Bottom line is they'll get over this, like all the other times. It just might take awhile. Both of them said things that were a bit on the angry and hurtful side. There is nothing I can do to make the hurt go away or fix the problem. It must have been pretty bad, he had tears in his eyes and that doesn't happen often. I think after our talk, he was feeling a bit better. At the very least, I hope he got a different perspective on it. I think half the problem is that his friend has no sense of direction. He can't hold down a job, he can't seem to finish school. He is wandering aimlessly out there. #3 son on the other hand, is a construction apprentice, works five days week and is contemplating going to college part time. The tables have turned and I think it unsettles his friend. He's a good kid, they both are. I have every faith they will make up down the road in a few weeks.

I find myself doing more and more editorial work in the business. The hubby is making costly mistakes and it isn't like you can go back and tell your clients, " Oops, sorry made a mistake here. Here's what you really owe. " They get kinda testy about that. Much of it is the hubby's medical problems. A lot of things are getting worse as he ages, but I knew that would happen and I accept my role in things. I just get a little more stressful is all. I love him and that comes with for better or worse. I just do what needs to be done.

My writing partner has me ever so curious as to how he'll work himself back into the action. I hate not knowing how things are going to go. I hate waiting for them to happen and yes, dammit, I love it.

The next sound heard is my forehead banging on my desktop.