A Quickie

My private thoughts are posted elsewhere as usual(and no, I am not passing out the link) but before I retire for the night, I wanted to blog in today.

My day was quiet which is unusual for the Grove. Mr M is still pretty sick and was not happy that he had to miss bowling this afternoon. That's okay, he'll get to bowl next Saturday. I noticed that the summer leagues are forming. I am hoping to get him involved. Troll and I went bowling and oh man, I sucked. I just couldn't find my mark tonight. I think it was because my mind was elsewhere and my concentration on my body position as well as my arm, was nil. It showed too. It took four games for me to even break a hundred and I haven't been that bad for years. Sigh. I am not happy. I had fun though and Troll rocked! I made him pay for dinner. *grin* This was also the first time I got to try out my new shoes since I got them last summer. It's been about a year or two since Mr M, Troll, Sprout and myself have been bowling.

All is well and everyone is home, safe and sound, thank the Divine.

Sweet Dreams.

Can I Have Some Cheese With My Whine?

I want to know how a beautiful day, with such great promise ends up with me grinding my teeth and wanting to... to.. spit! It's been like a total domino effect today. It started with one thing and then it just keep heaping on.

I dislike being in crowded places. I try to avoid them at all costs. Then I have come to the conclusion that stupid people, tick me off. I can handle ignorant ones, but stupid ones make me growl.

Then there's this hormonal merry-go-round I seem to be on. Can we say menopausal? I love being a woman, I really do... but there are times, such as these, that make me wish otherwise. I can't get the hormones under control, rather they take me over. it never really lasts very long but still, I have to wade through it. I have in this day, gone from wanting to rip something or someone into shreds to having tears well up and threaten to overcome me the next. Sigh.

I'm going to hibernate. *nodnodnodnod* for a couple of days. Maybe I can get this crap under control.

It's Friday, Already?

Where has this week gone? Maybe it's because I took that mini vacation last weekend and getting back into the groove of the Grove or having my concentration focused on a friend getting home safely that has made the week fly by. Whatever it was, here we are again. I've had periodic pockets of alone time to think and several things have been floating around my head, contemplative things. I'll probably spill some of it, later.

Mr M is violently sick today. It's that same stomach bug I caught before going to Reno and the one Troll caught on last Sunday. That poor man is married to the porcelain goddess. Since i have to go out grocery shopping, I'll pick him up some ginger ale and crackers.

Today is the last day of school (both elementary and college) for Spring Break. I am so not looking forward to this. Well, I am actually, but I probably need to get away from the grove during the week to retain my sanity.

Daughter scared the heck out of Sprout. Sprout said it wasn't too bad for her first time out driving. I am so glad he has a such a good sense of humor and can find the funny side in anything. He had me in stitches laughing at the experience. The kiddos came crashing into the house yesterday and said mom scared them. LOL. She wasn't all that bad but my hat's off to Sprout and FB for taking her out driving. Troll says he will too, but Daughter is intimidated by him.

Friday. Got lots to do today including the shopping. I was going to meet the Ladies tonight.. but with Mr M sick, I think I'll just stay close to home. I'm plugged into my cellphone so I know they'll call me later. Besides, there's some 'puttering'with my writing I want to do this evening.

Talking with my writing partner something dawned on me.(was that an ut-oh, I heard?)I don't know why I never thought of it before. I guess because I always just related both our characters with the greater concept of Camelot instead of focusing on just rp between our two characters. There's something to think about once he has time to indulge, which I don't expect for a couple of weeks yet at the very least. His hands are full, between family and work. Well, I'm not going anywhere so however long it takes. In the meantime, I am thinking on the tale I started with Talisman and wondering where I am going to take that. The one thing that my trip to Reno did was give me some encouragement to work with her again. I just sort of lost all enthusiasm for her these past months. I can't truthfully say that I've totally felt back into her one hundred percent, the reason obvious, but she's never going to leave me, ever. I might even work with some pieces for Lady Xan and her time on Avalon. Don't know yet, those are just ideas brewing. I have a few ideas for Camelot as well, but I'm still thinking on those. if I bring them to the fore, I'll post them to the list.

Something else occured to me lately. All this time... all this time and it never dawned on me to use my text messaging. How simple is that to send just a small note, like.. bumping shoulders once in awhile to let someone know you're thinking of them? I've used it a lot lately and aside from the physical attribute *grin* it's kinda nice getting those..like this little pocket of sunshine touching me from time to time.

So, you all have a good weekend.. those of you traveling, be careful out there. Get to your destination and get home safely. Will be thinking about you and let me know when you're home again please.

Quote For The Day

Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, "This is the real me," and when you have found that attitude, follow it.
- William James

What Is It About My Pets?

I swear to you, when animals come into this house, they are intelligent. I'm just not sure what happens to them after they're here for awhile. They mutate or something.

When I lost my wolf cross, I was heart broken. She was the first animal I got after moving back home. About a year ot two before she died, she had a single puppy. That was a shocker. At any rate, we kept him and Pookie named him Clifford (as in that kids' show Clifford the Big Red Dog) and rightly so. Clifford is HUGE. He is bigger than his mother or his father. His father was my golden retriever Eagle. Clifford is the sweetest dog, but dumber than a box of rocks and he use to be quite smart.

This afternoon I left to go pick Mr M up from the Post (he had a funeral) and then he and I had a late lunch at Red Robin. ( I love their cripsy chicken tender salad-yum). I think we were gone a total of about two hours. I came home to let Kiowa out in the backyard and heard Clifford whining. Clifford does not whine.... except when he gets himself stuck between the gate and the fence post. *sigh* Dumb dog. He could easily jump the fence, but he hasn't figured that one out yet, Thank the Lady. So Mr M and I proceeded to get him unstuck. *eye roll* I also have a bird that is laying unfertile eggs and driving everyone around here insane with her constant chatter. Read: They want to microwave her.... hence the reason for saying that while I was gone they didn't 'nuke' her.

The jury is still out on the two shelties, but I'm partial to them, so I'm no judge. Ask Sprout or Troll and they'd have an opinion for you and it wouldn't be pretty either.

Look Out, World

Daughter got her permit today. First, let me say, I am proud of her. She has been frightened of driving and for her to even attempt this is a big deal for her. However, while I am proud of her, that doesn't mean I am going to drive with her. Nuh-uh, no way. I have never taught any of my kids to drive and there's a reason for that. I really don't want to have to kill them. Sprout and Troll have offered to drive with her. Daughter says she's not ready for Troll yet. Sprout just came back from the grocery store with her. *amused grin* He survived, but *shakes her head*. It was her first time out. FB even said he would drive with her. Okay, soon-to-be-ex=son-in-law, taking his soon-to-be-ex-wife out to drive... oh please, can I *even* think just evil thoughts? Naw, karma would come around and bite me in the arse if I did. *sigh*. I guess even though my halo is around my ankles, it beats losing it altogether. The damn thing keeps tripping me up.

Beautiful day today. It's warm and sunny and that sunshine felt so good on my skin. I could have basked in it all day long, but alas, life calls and there are always things to do.

Mr M spent the day catching up on work. Hey, we even had our first billing of the year. Huzzah. We'll see how things go with the business this year. I hope pretty good since I plan on taking Mr M to the Indianapolis 500 next May. He's still talking about a train trip to a certain state next year. That man and his trains. One of these days we'll take one, I promised.

April 19th is our anniversary. We don't have any kind of plans made. We'll probably go see the Titanic display at the musuem. The Titanic has always fascinated me.

Redding is not a large town. We're considered a retirement place. Most of the people that come up here are from the Bay Area and are retired. What they sell their houses for in the bay Area, allows them to build a really nice place here and usually that can come with at least an acre. Sacramento isn't far away if one wants or needs some culture. It's about a 3 hour drive from here. Our crime rate is minimal (knock wood). Mr M use to get a kick out of reading the police reports in the paper. We have one of the largest lakes in the state and some awesome fishing if your're into fishing. The weather isn't bad. We hardly ever get snow and when we do, it's a fluke. The summers are hot though. It's a dry heat and it gets up into the 100's a lot. To me, it's not a bad place to live.

Life has settled back into an even keel. Uh, yeah. By next week I may be singing a different tune. I just want next Wednesday to come and go. I have flat out decided that all this politic crap with the Auxiliary is not going to get to me. I am quite happy to be the editor of the newsletter and if anyone else wants my job? They can have it. There are just far more important matters in my life than politics.

So, this Shroom is off to go make meatloaf, mashed potatoes and a veggie for dinner. Y'all have a good one.

Catch Me Quick!

Since Daughter and the grandbabies have moved in (since around Jan. of this year), I have had to get tough on her. I also told her that she has one year to get her life together and then I expect her and the kids to get their own place. My home is just too smal to house all these people and still allow me to keep my sanity.

When I got back from Reno this weekend, I found out that Daughter had read her driver's manual AND wants me to take her down to get her permit. This is a big step. Daughter is terrified of driving. If any of you out there has met Mr M, he's a typical Irishman. He is so fair skinned. Now just imagine that fair skin turning even whiter. *arched brow* She scared him that much when he tried to teach her to drive. I have never taught any of my kids. I'm no dummy. Sprout has offered to drive with her. I swear I think the lad has listened to too much Slipknot. He's brains are rotting *nodnodnodnod*.

Now if I could just get her to keep her stuff and the kids' stuff picked up, I'd be a happy camper. Still, you could have blown me over with a feather when I learned she was ready to get her permit. Heaven help us all.

ARUGH!

Nothing like getting catapulted back into reality. *eye roll* I have spent the day constantly hearing, "Mom!" "Mom?" "Mom." I'm seriously thinking of changing my name. I was only gone 3 days! What they heck are they going to do if I choose to hightail it off to Vegas for a week? Give me a break.

It rained today. I am so glad we got over the mountains yesterday. The trip from Reno to Redding via Susanville, is a lovely trip. A lot of people see why we call it God's country up here. Anyone visiting Reno and would like to make a road trip, should try it. It only takes about 3 hours from Reno to Redding.

Because of the rain, I was asked if I'd make stew for dinner. Now this is what I want to know. They survived for three days without me around to cook. Can't someone else around here make stew? *sigh* So, yes, for inquiring minds, I made stew and there will be fresh french bread and butter to go with it.

Exercise routine started today. I have one more session for this evening to complete, which is going to be done as soon as I fire this off. I'm also going to look into doing some Tai-Chi. I like how it feels. I've done it before. I find it soothing and heaven only knows, I need soothing. Right about now, I could use a set of strong hands to work out the knots between my shoulder blades. Don't I just wish. So,I'll settle for a hot shower.

Well the kiddos are due home in about 45 minutes so I better get after that exercise. Once they get home, there is no peace around here until bedtime.

Got to watch my Indy Car race. Yeah buddy. Weldon deserved that win.

A Correction

While in the shower this morning, something dawned on me. I did have fun in Reno. I had the absolute pleasure of meeting a certain 12 year old young lady who makes everything fun. I had dinner with her, her mom and a friend. Well, they ate, I kept them company. I will never forget that meal and time spent with her. It was wonderful to view the world through her eyes. So, yeah. I had fun.

Home Again, Home Again

Ugh. It's humid here and that stuff just zaps me. I did manage to get a decent night sleep. While the bed at the Eldorado was comfy enough (compared to some I've slept on) it is not my own and that waterbed last night felt so good on my back. I woke up at 6am and read for a little bit. I wasn't ready to climb out of bed. I lazed in this morning until about 9 and then I couldn't stand it anymore and had to get up.

"Things That Make Me Smile" Hm. It goes beyond the obvious wording, so not everyone will pick that up. GQS, I could have labelled it all those things you mentioned, but thought to wrap it under one umbrella, so to speak. Things that transport me, things that fill my heart so full, that just thinking about them brings tears to my eyes, things that touch me so... deeply that I am at a loss for words... all gathered up into "Things That Make Me Smile". And speaking of which, I remembered another one and will add that the list momentarily. There are so may things that make me smile and at the moment, for who knows how long, these are the things that make me smile and that smile not only reaches my eyes, but fills my soul.

So, what do I have waiting for me today? Ugh. After a quick meal, I have laundry,(it's so nice to be dropped out that dream time and shot right back into reality, isn't it? NOT.)household stuff (the house wasn't destroyed but neither is it as clean as I would like), exercise for the day and maybe later, some writing. While I received inspiration that would fuel my imagination, I'm not so inclined to do so....yet.

I need to get outside and mow the winter grasses back, but I'm not sure I'll get to that today. It's on my to-do list for this weekend. Speaking of weekend, maybe I can get Mr M back into the bowling alley on Sunday before leagues. Here's to hoping. I might even try to shoot for Saturday simply because Troll is off on Saturday and both he and Sprout enjoyed bowling when we went before. We all have such a good time when we're bowling. We give each other such a bad time and talk more crap about each other when we do. I miss that. In fact, I think I'll drag Mr M down to the bowling alley some time this week and check it out. He needs to get hopping. Summer Leagues are going to start soon. I believe this would be good for him, get him out of the house and into a fun atmosphere again. I can but try.

For The Sisterhood

Uh... let's see... I played Keno and lost. Mr M won a $100.00 though and like a good husband he handed it to me. Ummm, what else? I had a glass of wine Thursday night that has now become my new favorite. It was excellent. As a matter of fact when Mr M and I had a prime rib dinner on Friday night, I ordered a glass of it. My thanks to the person who introduced me to it.

Hmmm.. my sistahs want juicy... wellllll.... does spilling my glass of orange juice count? *snicker*

*Smile*

Things That Make Me Smile-2007

We all have them, things that when we think upon them, make us smile. Go on, think about it, then go make your own list and add it to your blog. Who knows, it may get contagious and others will stop to think of such things.

Here's Mine:

1. Water Fountains
2. Escalators
3. Leather(yeah right)chairs one would find in a lounge
4. Park benches
5. A spoonful of vanilla ice cream
6. An overly large shirt turned into a nightgown
7. Tickles
8. Text messages
9. Unexpected touches
10.Promises
11.Having someone belive you're perfect just as you are, even though you know you're not
12.The question: "What does that have to do with the price of tea in China?"
13.The thought of adding to this list

There's no doubt more and I'll go back and add them as I think of them, but this is what I thought of just sitting here at the moment.

Back Home Again

Well, if I have any hard regrets it's that the long weekend was not long enough. The time away from The Zoo was much needed and maybe now I have just that wee bit more strength to deal with all the things I know are just standing on the horizon waiting to pounce on me.

Yesterday I got a phone call from Sandy (one of my 'girls' here), as I was headed over to the Bowling Stadium there in Reno, and she filled me in on the friggin politics within the Auxiliary because of the upcoming elections. *sigh* Personally, I rather stay the heck out of them, but it seems like I have dropped right into them as some of the ladies rather see me as President of the Auxiliary than the next in line. However, there seems to be some under currents within the Post itself that do not want me in the position. Some people in the Post seem to be under this (false) impression that there's going to be this huge battle between the lady running for President and myself. Pffft. News to me. I have enough on my plate without getting stuck with that job. You see, if I end up with that job, I'm going to throw myself into it and commit the hours it's going to take to bring the Auxiliary up to par and into the community as it should be. So, do me a favor people, elect her.

On other fronts, no one burnt down the house, they didn't microwave the bird, they didn't shave the puppy's fur off and all the cats are alive.... I think, at least, according to my head count and I'm having to suffer through puppy love.. *grin*.. read: the puppy is all over me and under my feet.....Is it time for Vegas yet?

Reno was wonderful. Did I have fun? I smiled a lot. I had some good laughs, but fun? I can't say that. At least, not by my idea of fun. There just wasn't enough time or the right circumstances for fun. That's okay though. There were other circumstances that far outweighed fun. Vegas? Now Vegas is going to be fun....amongst other things and no, I am not going to elaborate. Those that need to know, know.

In my quieter moments in Reno, when the world and Mr M slept, I found myself looking out of the window into the night, sometimes, my mind and soul whispering to me and sometimes, just quiet. Sometimes, it was all I could do to bite back tears of regret and I don't believe I succeeded, much. However, those tears were tempered by a promise made.

There were other tears as well, though these, were tears of joy, of celebration. The very things I thought had died within me, long ago, hadn't died, but merely awaited to be awakened. They rather reminded me of Excalibur. *soft chuckle*

I also learned that I rather starve than eat alone in a public place ever again. I went down the coffee shop Saturday morning around 7am. Yes, I'm always an early riser even when I don't get much, if any, sleep. I ordered breakfast and as I sat there, watching people wander by, I toyed with my food. It tasted like cardboard that stuck in my throat. Mr M as an aside, is not an early riser. I hate waking him up to do anything. I think I ate most of my omelet. I did get a coffee to go and then meandered back upstairs to read until Mr M got up.

I learned that whoever said that to be noble is a virtue.... SUCKS!!!!

Most importantly, as we drove away, placing Reno behind us, there was a smile in my heart and an anticipation for things yet to be experienced.

Almost Ready

Well, the truck is ready. I'm packed except for last minute items I'll need in the morning. Mr M has yet to pack. Why is it that men are always so last minute when it comes to this sort of thing? *rolls eyes heavenward* he also decided to take along our bowling balls. Like... I'm going to bowl? Uh yeah.. my average sucks! And yes, I can manage to stay out of the gutter. LOL.

My stomach is still not doing so good with that small bug I managed to pick up on Tuesday. But I do feel much better. I still have that nagging cough but not nearly like it was.

I'm taking my laptop with me, but we'll see if I can get access when I get there. Daughter has a dialup account and there are access numbers for Reno, so I should hope to shout, I'll be around. If not, I'll be back on Sunday.

I can't express enough how much I am looking forward to getting away from The Grove, although I am scared to death as well. Leaving this place to the kids? *shudder*
The weather is suppose to be good so I don't have to worry about snow over the mountains.

Hey! Do things that happen in Reno, stay in Reno? *grin*

Well I'm Damned, Eh?

The Dante's Inferno Test has banished you to the Eigth Level of Hell - the Malebolge!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:

Level	Score
Purgatory (Repenting Believers)	Low
Level 1 - Limbo (Virtuous Non-Believers)	Very Low
Level 2 (Lustful)	Very High
Level 3 (Gluttonous)	High
Level 4 (Prodigal and Avaricious)	Moderate
Level 5 (Wrathful and Gloomy)	High
Level 6 - The City of Dis (Heretics)	Very Low
Level 7 (Violent)	Moderate
Level 8- the Malebolge (Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers)	Very High
Level 9 - Cocytus (Treacherous)	Moderate

Take the Dante's Inferno Test

Worry Assailed

This past Tuesday saw me taking Mr M to Sacramento for a CT Scan. I always secretly worry about these things. Well, today, Mr M had an appointment with a specialist and according to the specialist, there wasn't anything to worry about. My biggest fear is the cancer and by the Lady's Grace, there was none to be found. So, I am hoping that his appointment with his GP Monday afternoon will simply be to go over these tests.

I've still got a bit of a cold and a cough and it is icky. I'm going to be doing my utmost to be getting rid of it before I leave for Reno. However, nothing is going to stop me from enjoying that trip. A little tea, a little honey.. and I shouldbe right as rain.

A friend of mine has been in Boston for the past week. I hope he either got out of Boston today or will be able to tomorrow. I haven't heard from him yet so I don't know what his status is but I'm going to be worried until I know he's home safe and sound again.

Temps have been every warm here lately. However, I certainly hope that March goes out like a lion since it came in like a lamb or else we're going to be in hurting status this summer. Just what I need, to be on pins and needles through the summer.

I'm ready to choke Daughter and FB. I swear they have spent more time together and on the phone since she and the kids moved in. I'm about ready to blow a head bolt. Not a pretty sight, btw.

Other than that, not much to report around the Grove. I've been keeping busy writing some new stories with new characters and doing research on the web until I lose sight of the time. Since the early switch to DST, the time is just flying past me.

Tell Me Something I Don't Know

You Are a Warrior Soul

You're a strong person and sometimes seen as intimidating. You don't give up. You're committed and brave. Truly adventuresome, you are not afraid of going to battle. Extremely protective of loved ones, you root for the underdog. You are picky about details and rigorous in your methods. You also value honesty and fairness a great deal. You can be outspoken, intimidating, headstrong, and demanding. You're a hardliner who demands the best from themselves and others. Souls you are most compatible with: Old Soul and Peacemaker Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

My List

Okay, Em... I'll let this one slide BUT you owe us another blog for April. *wicked grin*

Okay, so here's my list, Ladies and in Em's own words... "don't judge me, people." *snicker*

My List:

C.K. (initials only-no one famous-yet)(no, I'm not going to explain)
K.T. (initials only-fictional character but daaayam)(again, no explanation)
Sam Elliot
Nicolas Cage
George Strait
Patrick Swayze (I've had a crush on this dude since forever)
Richard Gere
Johnny Depp (he may be a 'pretty one' but dayam, I want inside his head)
Sean Connery
James Earl Jones
Peter Fonda

Am I There Yet?

Wow. This crud has been tenacious. Mr. M is just starting to recover from it. He should be back to normal or close to by the time we leave for Reno. I've still got a bit of the cough and my energy is so much more than it has been this past week. By the time the Reno trip gets here, I should be back to normal... well, normal being relative *snicker*.

I had to attend a funeral for an old family friend yesterday. I have known this man since I was a girl of 11. He was one of the sweetest, kindest, most giving souls I know. It's hard to believe he's gone. I just always thought of the world with him in it. His wife is my "Auntie". I absolutely love her and it hurt me so much to see her this way. We all got through it.

Today is a beautiful day out and I have so much to catch up on here inside the house but maybe that can wait until tomorrow. I have this desperate need to get outside and feel the sun on my skin. Troll and I may sneak off and go to the movies to see "Ghost Rider" today. He's already seen it, but he may choose to see it again.

PITA? Thank you for the kindness of checking up on me and mine. I appreciate it. And I swear, you still have way too much time on your hands.

EM: GIT YER BUTT OVER TO YER BLOG! *glare*

GQS: I am keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes as it should, when it should. I'm sorry I missed your call.

JOY: *HUGS*

Writing Partner: Enjoy Reno. *grin*

FAI: We could use an update

DANIEL: SEE ABOVE

E: Bwah-hahahaha... sock, sock, boot,boot. The Order of the Universe has been restored.

mmmmmm

You are The High Priestess

Science, Wisdom, Knowledge, Education.

The High Priestess is the card of knowledge, instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge. She holds scrolls of arcane information that she might, or might not reveal to you. The moon crown on her head as well as the crescent by her foot indicates her willingness to illuminate what you otherwise might not see, reveal the secrets you need to know. The High Priestess is also associated with the moon however and can also indicate change or fluxuation, particularily when it comes to your moods.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

UGH!

Practically everyone in the Grove has come down with 'the crud'. I'm glad it's now and not in a couple of weeks. Reno sure would have been a lot less fun. It's a nasty little thing too. It's still got me by the throat. I feel icky and that's being nice. I haven't been answering my phone or my cell phone, so if anyone has called, I'm not ignoring you, I'm just too dang sick to answer it.

Nice weather today and suppose to be for tomorrow too. Then we're in for more rain. I'm ready for Spring now.

Not much more to add. I just thought I'd drop in and let people know I'm still alive. Barely.