I've removed the pictures of my grandchildren from my blog out of respect for the concerns of their mothers.

Yesterday was a busy day! Jeff, Jenn and Benajmin came over for breakfast and then we dropped Benjamin off at the bead shop while we went to a seminar on organic gardening. After picking up some bat quano (among other things), went to our AA meeting, picked up Benjamin and headed for the miniature horse farm. Cute little critters!

On the way home, we drove through some cotton fields while they were picking cotten with huge pieces of machinery. We explained to Benjamin that this is what his shirt was made from and saw huge bales in the fields waiting to be picked up by trucks. Picked up some raw cotton that had escaped from the bales and Robert is going to try to plant that in the garden. It should be interesting. Got home close to 5 when Jeff and Jenn picked up Benjamin. They'd been on a canopy tour and that sounds like fun.

Kinda vegged the rest of the evening after doing Sugar's ears. Less than a week on that.

Someone has asked me to make them a crystal watch and think I have the materials for it.

Looks like a busy day tomorrow as well.

Peace!

Carol

My Texas grandchild!

I've got him addicted to garlic shrimp and Pad Thai! He had Pad Thai for the first time Wednesday night and again Thursday night and has requested more for Friday night! Loves scallops, too!

Guess I'm the "cooking Gramma" and that's fine with me!

Pad Thai turned out very well. Benjamin loved it! Came over expressly asking for shrimp! Discovered scallops! Figured out the sauce they use at the restaurant we like is made from fish sauce, sugar and vinegar. The one I bought at the Asian store is spicier although good.

Rice noodles are very interesting!

Will make some more from leftovers tonight.

Bowling today!

Sugar is smart! Went into the corral with a feed bucket and Duke, Eubee and Sky all followed me while Sugar waited on the side. I put feed in one dish with the others attacked; Sugar followed me into the coral (the goats had already been lured outside) and waited while I put feed in another dish and ate while I did her ears. She indicated she didn't need the halter! And she was good!

Benjamin actually played with the goats! So maybe our investment will pay off in the long run!

Bowling today.

Cut out the pattern pcs. for Jasmine--there are more than I thought and took longer than I thought. Want to get them ironed and they lay them out.

Need to feed inside critters and get ready!

Peace!
Carol

Web Pics

These are not as good as I'd like. But you get the idea; especially of the larger one. The spider is in the center.

There is one over our driveway that is quite large but hard to get a picture of--will try again another time.

Peace!

Carol

My Current Favorite Picture

I love these girls so much! They are so beautiful! My heart sings when I see them and to hold them in my arms is pure heaven! I am so privileged to be their grandmother!

Chloe did pretty well in puppy class last night. Am going to attempt Pad Thai tonight with Jeff, Jenn and Benjamin. Wish me luck!

Blew it with the airline reservations! Price went up this morning but I'll try again next week. Oftentimes the best time to get the best price is on Mondays. I'll be trying for 12/25-1/3. Meanwhile it might give me an opportunity to discuss the dates w/Jeff and Jenn and see how that works for them.

I HATE my addictive personality! It keeps me from accomplishing so much! I see this in my eating habits and in my on-line gaming! I HATE it! I HATE it! I HATE it! Why do I mindlessly eat and play games accomplishing nothing? For the same reason I drank?! To avoid nothingness? pain? feeling?

I tell myself I'm tired and don't want to think thereby excusing myself from some accomplishment. But once I start eating sweets--I'm off and can't stop! and then my joints ache! And I feel so lousy not to mention the weight gain!

The games are just as bad leaving me numb and without energy. I'm putting myself in the same oblivion I did with my drinking!

Why can't I be more productive?! Why can't I throw myself into doing something creative?!

Instead I dissolve into destructive/mindless behavior that has no merit! I hate that about me!

I've done better in the past. So wish I could turn this around!

Foggy this AM. Will be walking soon and trying to remember my camera to take pics of these wonderful webs. Chloe may be left behind as these walks might be detrimental to her training until she is better trained to walk by our side.

The day should be interesting. Loose ends to tie up. Dad has an appt. to have his carotid artery checked--don't think I need to go with until he gets the results of his test. Time to do a little housekeeping and hope to work on training Chloe.

Until later....good to vent.....maybe it will do some good.

Love and peace.

Carol

Friend Nancy with Sugar at Benjamin's Birthday Party. (Are you satisfied, Jordan?!)

Pork roast in the oven--think it's done but needs to brown a bit.

Cookies made! Sweet potatoes cooked. Shrimp peeled and cooked--so tastey--thanks again, Megumi, for showing me how to make them into such tastey morsels. Dad accepted two for lunch!

Dad told me if I made cookies I wouldn't have to do anything else today including working in the garden! Maybe next week it will be cooler and we can accomplish something out there.

Puppy training class again tonight. She was doing so well! Barked sharply at 6 this AM and let her out and did her thing! Then, later this morning, let her out of her pen and when she didn't come to the back door--found her peeing on the carpet!!!!! So irritating! And disappointing.

Looking at airline schedules -- we could leave on Christmas Day and get in around 9 that night. Might give us an opportunity to have Christmas with both families. If we wait to return until Jan. 3, we can get flights for as cheap as $318 round trip--more than $100 less than this last summer! Otherwise it goes to $354--big difference when you multiply it by 2.

Need to take Dad into work today @ 4:30 and then want to get tamarind spice for Pad Thai--still looking for a good recipe and want to try serving that tomorrow night. Maybe pick up a kid's T-Shirt for Chloe--wonder what size she wears?! Trainer said that it's good to dress them up because that gets them used to being handled.

Then home to do Sugar's ears and change shirts--get plates ready for Jeff--and back to pick up Dad to go to puppy class w/Chloe--have to remember to bring her along!

Am going to try to take pictures of some spider webs tomorrow. We have some incredible spiders here--non-poisonous--that build these incredible webs that look so eerily beautiful in the morning when they're filled with dew! They're HUGE! And perfectly round! Done by a little sputnik type spider!

Think I'll mash the sweet potatoes and add a little butter and cinnamon. The pork I'll try to cut some "chops" and then use the rest for bar-b-q sandwiches. Good price yesterday--$1.88/#.

Probably should send them home w/some fresh broccoli and that should complete the meal with the apple slices left over from yesterday.

Tomorrow--pad thai if I can find a good recipe--otherwise salmon w/shrimp and probably squash. Could do a cake and pudding dessert or maybe just the ice cream.

Wonder--do Hannah and Iris watch Dancing with the Stars? Benjamin loves it when it comes over here! Such beautiful gowns and dancing!

More later!

Love and Peace!

Carol

Good meeting last night. People opening up. New people. Jeane brought cookies--they were good--have to get Dad to taste test them! A lot of coconut.

Always so good to see Tim. He always makes sure he gives me big hugs! So wonderful to see him back. Such a nice guy and has relapsed so many times but seems to be doing better and what a joy! It makes my heart sing to see him still trying to hang in there. Guess I look on him as another son--don't know why he touches me so much but I just love him and he seems to reciprocate so that's a very warm and fuzzy feeling.

Lots to do today. Jeane gave me some disks I need to check out and one is for Linda. Foggy this AM--72 -- need to work on Sugar's ears again and then do some cooking. Don't know if Dad will want to work in the garden--kinda hope not. I know he needs more cookies and I want to cook that pork roast and have 4# of shrimp to clean and cook. Would like to make Pad Thai for tomorrow night but the recipes all call for tamarind seed and don't have that--maybe another trip to the Asian store. Oh! And it's laundry day!

Puppy training tonight. I think Chloe is making progress. at 6 AM she was barking sharply which means either: I see that cat! or I need to go potty bad! After debating whether I wanted to take the chance of having to clean up a puddle, I got up and let her out. It was definitely the latter!!!!! She had, after all, gone to bed a little early last night and her bladder and her bowels were full! After coming in to say Hi to Dad, she went back to bed--so did I!

More and more she comes when she's called. Hate doing the clicker thing--really prefer she come when she's called.

Will take Dad to work at 4:30 and pick him up at 6:30 on the way to puppy classes. Maybe on the way back from dropping him off I can pick up that spice. Also want to get a small T-Shirt for Chloe to get her used to being handled more as suggested by the trainer.

Started looking more closely at the Jasmine costume and hope to make some real progress on that this week.

That's about it for now!

Love and peace!

Carol

May I Never Stop Learning!

Whew! What a day!

The animals are amazing! How quickly they learn! Sugar now runs when she sees us outside to do her ears--the treats are worth it, I guess. Of course, all the others run too and we're learning new ways to distract them and are trying to condition them more and mroe to be touched. Some times the treats are worth it to them.

The goats are pests but we finally figured that we could let them out in the yard since it's now fenced in! What a concept! So now the trick is to feed the others with sweet feed outside the coral, let the goats out into the yard, and then we have Sugar all to ourselves to treat her ears and feed her mouth! She lets us know she doesn't really like her ears bothered with but she allows it for the treats.

Had fun with the dogs playing frisbee last night. Chloe was exhausted by the time we let her in and slept until this morning.

Good meeting this afternoon at the women's group. Discussed the 9th tradition and was able to contribute to how AA is structured or not! It's complicated but makes sense once you understand it. Actually, very democratic.

Then stopped to shop and met up with Jenn who insists on paying us for the meals I fix them--wants to deposit it right into our account. I feel guilty about this. We get as much from it as they do but she says their grocery bills have been nearly cut in half. She LOVED the paella so therefore thinks it's probably not good for her! I assured her I was working on ways to lighten it up a bit and make it even better in the future.

Made creamy apple slices today for the group tonight--wonder if there will be any left over and as I was making it was wondering if I should fix this for Jordan some time. Much like an apple pie with a cake mix crust topped with apple slices and a sour cream dressing topped with a strussle of sorts. I often think of you, Jordan, while I cook feeling particularly close to you at those times knowing you know what it's like.

Picked up a pork loin for cooking tomorrow and found scallops at $8/# and copped some of those. Figured I can fix the loin tomorrow with sweet potatoes, broccoli, and a dessert made of cake w/vanilla pudding over that.

They're coming Wednesday and want to fix salmon again--but might call Megumi for another way to fix it. Since shrimp was only $2.99/#--I bought 4 # and figure to fix that all up and have some Wednesday w/the shrimp and freeze the rest after it's cooked. Am thinking of doing a pad thai if I can find the recipe.

It will probably be time to fix more cookies for Dad in the next couple of days depending on how the time goes. We do need some garden time and now he's able to go back to his lifting so we should be able to get some mulch moved around. The garden is a big job and right now just uncovering the blackberries from the weeds that have overgrown them is enough to keep us busy let along planting anything else. Although pretty soon it will be time to plant 10/15s and I'd like to have a good crop of those in the spring.

Made another touch me bracelet yesterday--I like it but Dad likes the crystal one better. This one is white on a light blue background.

Am trying to make a goal of one bead project and one sewing project a week. Interesting how I used to take not just a week but weeks to work on a sewing project and now expect to complete it much sooner than that.

Good to be alive and breathing!

Peace and love,

Carol

Yesterday was a good day. Began with breakfast with Jeff and Benj the two of them in something of a struggle of wills. Jeff is a good parent and uses patient logic which works on Benjamin. Benj came into the house in a bad mood feeling very sorry for himself. Didn't acknowledge his "Transformer" pjs., just grousing about. But by the time he left the house, he was in good spirits and took the pjs with him after threats/offers to give them to his good friend.

Sugar is beginning to come up to us readily although last night she was clearly there for the treats! Really didn't want to be bridled but that's the only way to clean her ears. It really doesn't take long to do this. The others (especially Sky) are wary from their experience Friday but Jeanne said to only give them treats in the corral so they know where to come and that's where they'll be rewarded. Goats are pests and really object to being tied up.

Went to the gardening seminar--left somewhat inspired but sure wish the temps would go down which would inspire me to work more out there! Then to our reg. meeting whish was good--good to see the gang.

On to Jennifer's shop where I dropped the $$$ from my monogramming job and chatted a bit. Then on to the new arena to chat w/Nancy and watch some horsemanship. Tired when we got home.

Watched "The Queen" last night with Helen Mirin. Very good. Admire both the actress and the subject. When one thinks about Queen Elizabeth--stoicism, duty to country--maybe she isn't always right but she does do what she feels in her heart to be the best for her country. I have admiration for that.

Slept well again! It's getting to be a habit! Wonderful! It's Sunday and there's lots to do and hope to accomplish much from Sugar's ears to fixing Judy's watch to maybe even getting some costumes cut out. Also need to do some shopping. It's a pretty unstructured day so we'll see how it unfolds.

Peace and love,

Carol

Sleeping is Getting to be a habit!

This sleeping thing--Wow! Four nights in a row--despite chocolate although I am finding that I do wake up sweaty when I've imbibed! At least I fell back to sleep last night.

Vet visit was interesting. Thank God for Linda's help! Couldn't have done it without her! Having had a horse when she was young, she is better at handling them than I am! And couldn't let Dad help because of his recent surgery--not until tomorrow!

Meanwhile, between Jeane, the vet, Linda and myself, we were able to get all the critters haltered and vaccinated. Sky was amazing although he did rear up a few times--always scary!--but eventually calmed down and we were able to pet him and work with him a bit! He is so delicate looking with his white hide and big light blue eyes! Such a beautiful animal.

Eubee was somewhat of a challenge and Jeane worked with him quite a bit and did manage to swab his runny eyes. Sugar was a surprise as she didn't like her shots and let us know--so gentle otherwise! She even kicked at Eubee as he passed by! Jeane found a tickle spot on her! She actually likes having her ears cleaned out now--guess the scratching feels good! And there's a spot on her chest she likes scratched, too!

How much I've learned! Can actually bridle her!--but then again, she is sweet.

Spent more $$$ on pets at PetSmart getting a new training collar for Chloe--she yanked me around pretty good on our walk yesterday. She is responding better to her name so do think we're making some progress.

Jeff and Benjamin will be over shortly for breakfast and Dad and I are going to Producers for a gardening seminar (I'm blowing off my AM meeting but I think I can afford to miss one now and then). Going to see if we can see our friend Nancy this afternoon performing with her horse--we'll see if Benj wants to go with.

Finished his "transformer" pjs last night--we'll see if he appreciates them.

It really does feel good to write things down. Thanks, Jordan, for suggesting this!

Peace!

Carol

Slept Again!

Wow, three nights in a row and last night I even had a bit of chocolate! Amazing!

Congratulations, Jordan, on being mentioned in a publication! I'm excited for you!

Bowled lousy yesterday--started with a 135 but it went downhill from there and the last game didn't even bowl 100! Our efforts showed too as the team only won the first game! Oh, well, only one way to go from here.

Got the vet bill yesterday for the shots and exams to be given today--$284--and that's discounted. Between that and Choe's bill of $301 makes us realize how expensive our animals are! Still have to get Eubee gelded so that will add another 100+. Glad Dad went back to work.

Speaking of which, Dad worked another 2 hrs. last night which gave me some much needed time to myself. He'll be up to 6 hrs/wk. next week as he works Mon, Tues., and Thurs. from 4:30-6:30.

I spent the time trying to meditate--not too successful there--4:30 PM is not as good as 4:30 AM, and then actually did some things productive like repairing the new slipper the dogs had decided to play tug of war with, sewed a button on Dad's shirt, and got the top of a pair of pjs for Benjamin made (from "Transformers" material!) The shirt turned out pretty good--a small pucker which I may or may not fix. They are, afterall, pjs!

Also got the pkg. to WA packed up and ready to send and am even returning the pr. of slippers that are the wrong size (IHATE returning things!).

Then watched the Aggies get beat by Miami--at least we watched the best part when they scored in the remaining minutes so to not be "skunked". Tough blow--knew they thought they'd win--face Baylor next week and that will be even tougher now.

Gotta get ready for my walk and then try to corral all the critters to get them ready for their shots. We treated Sugar's ears yesterday and the sweet thing nearly ran up to us from the pasture for the attention even though she doesn't like the ear treatment!

Good to be posting!

Peace and love,

Carol

Sleep!

Ah, sleep! Two nights in a row! Today's awakening was wonderful. Looked at the clock at 6:30 and turned the vibration system on for the 30 min. Wonderful groggy feeling. Let the dogs out but Dad hadn't set up coffee so have to contend with water for the immediate. Fed the inside critters but will let the dogs stay out so the cats can eat first.

Outside critters were examined by our new vet friend who is in the program. We learned that Eubie the Donkey has grown up! AND has big cahones!!!! 2 yrs. ago they were missing! He's also getting grown-up teeth and likely grown-up desires! So we have to schedule a gelding before our mare pony comes into heat or else we'll have a little one out there! At least this birth would be easier than the last one she had when she bred with a full size horse!

Sugar's ears are bleeding--Linda and I had it under control for about a week but it all came back. Jeanne the vet said it's flies and we need to use SWAT on them and no water or betedine as we have in the past. It's not ear mites so we don't have to do that treatment. Sad to say, we never got back out there yesterday to treat her and I feel badly about that. But as soon as Jeanne left, we headed for a follow-up session with our dr. for dad.

He has the arteries of a teenager but will go on a staten 3 days a week to clean up the cholesterol. Made an appt. to have his carotid artery checked (a suggestion from Jenn) and then he'll have the endoscopy. Dr. says his chest pains are anxiety -- his heart and arteries are good. Still need to find out what makes him tired--could be psychological but need to be sure and these tests at his age offer good information if nothing else.

After the hectic morning I crashed for the rest of the day aside from doing laundry and fixing a meal. Did put together a small beaded charm. Played too many games--especially as I was winning!--and pretty much wasted the day. Saw a rather violent netflix movie last night--lots of stars but not my thing. Don't know who ordered it--probably because of all the big names in it--but at least it didn't disturb my sleep. Cutting out chocolate before bedtime I think makes the big difference.

I do feel better when I'm more productive and hope to do some sewing this afternoon. There is an Aggieland convention meeting tonight--I may blow it off but we'll see when the time comes.

Need to get the package of cookies on it's way--may not make it to the PO until tomorrow but will try to get it wrapped up tonight!

Peace and love,

Carol

3 AM

It's 3 AM and I need to be up at 5 to let the animals out and get to the hospital.

Went into eating mode last night. Seem to be very nervous for some reason. Do I love him more than I think/know? Do I not have the confidence in my Higher Power I shouldl? Somehow I know everything will be all right yet.....am I being tested? Is he?

Of course, "he" is sleeping quite well!!!! Yet these sleepless nights are not so unusual for me so maybe it's not that different.

Won't be long before we know more.

Cooking Mode

I seem to have gone into cooking mode--not sure why. Maybe I'm more nervous about tomorrow than I think.

Anyway, there's still leftover paella--which turned out to be good if a bit salty--maybe the chicken broth? or the chorizo? It is edible and tasty.

Today I made Reese's Bars--from a mix! Also round steak, seafood pizza, and chicken terriyaki. That's more than will fit in the fridge. I'll take the desert and pizza to group tonight but lately people don't seem to be eating that much.

Finished two 'touch me" bracelets--one needs to be reworked (the first one), but the other is good to go--not perfect but it will do. Wore it to the meeting today and it lived up to its name--everyone wanted to touch it! Several people would like me to make them one.

Also a new gal asked if I'd be her sponsor. Of course, I said yes. Hope this works out better than the last one. It's so hard to ask for a sponsor and I'm still not sure what to do but know that it's more on the sponsee's part than mine. I'll work with her if she wants to. She's at LaHa so will see her tonight and when she graduates I'll be seeing her on Monday nights.

Am probably more concerned about tomorrow than I should be. This should be pretty routine and, hopefully, they'll either find nothing significant or they'll be able to fix what's wrong. Jeff says he's going to be there even though we have to be at the hospital at 6 AM! Said he'll definitely be there before the procedure begins at 7.

Need to make sure my cell is charged and Dad and I reviewed where I can find our wills and power of attorneys and the living will as well. Probably (hopefully) these are not necessary, but we have to face the fact that people our ages (and younger) die all the time so either of our deaths could not be chalked up to being too young!

Monique called him back to work today--think he has mixed feelings. Two hours tonight from 4:30-6:30 and then Thursday the same hours. In some ways it's good for him to be out of the house for a while; in others it's good for him to be home and get things done around here. At least the subjects aren't new to him and he doesn't have to do a lot of prep.

Chloe got her stitches out today and I told them they should have taken out half her energy! That dog is getting so strong and so full of vim, vigor and vitality! She's nearly 30# now! Thank goodness puppy training starts tomorrow night and we'll learn better how to control her!

Felt kinda down last week--someone suggested that when that happens it's because we're too much into ourselves. It was bothering me that no one steps up at the meetings to volunteer to take over any of the "jobs" like opening up and setting up coffee. Lo and behold, someone actually raised his hand and volunteered at the afternoon meeting! What a shock! Further proof that God works in mysterious ways!

Funny how I can work, work, work and then when I sit down to rest I'm almost bored! There is so much to do! My mood is pretty good and I know tomorrow will go well. I'm truly not worried about it but must admit it will be good to have one of my sons there with me--I know the other one will be there in spirit. It's times like this when I'm grateful to have family. One doesn't know how much that means until something comes up.

I'll report back.

Meanwhile--in peace and love,

Carol

Found it interesting that someone else besides Jordan posted to my blog! GREAT!

Walked this AM and then worked with Dad in the garden uncovering more fledgling blackberry plants and beginning to uncover the asparagus patch. It was cooler today and not so humid with a good cloud cover. Still-an hour is about enough for me outside. Came in and "chilled" for awhile before cleaning another small patch of carpet. Then showered and started in "Aunt Carol" mode making not only Dad's cookies but some chocolate chunk--yes, Jordan, I'll be sending you some!

Then it was more (on request!) garlic shrimp, zuchhini, salmon and couscous. The icemaker came in and Dad set it up! Ice again! How I missed it! The store-bought kind is such a pain! Especially this last batch that had to be chipped away! Now to have our own, wonderful, individual discs!!!! It really is the simple things.

Jenn was late and apologetic and complimentary (this place smells amazing!). Jeff came in exhausted after a board meeting and Benjamin was pretty nice. Jenn shared with me something he'd said to his other "Nanny" who'd sent him home with some pj's. He called her and told her he didn't want them as "Mai Mai" makes my pajamas now! Jennifer told me I don't measure up as badly as I think I do as a grandmother and I appreciated her comments.

Got a nice invitation for Grandparents' Day from Allen Academy for a luncheon at a private country club. In the past, the event has been on a Thursday and I haven't made it because that's the day I bowl and don't figure Benjamin really wants me there anyway. But I can make this one. Jeff says they'll hit us up for money!

The "Touch Me" bracelet didn't work out and I discussed it with Jennifer and found out why--some of which I suspected. I'll try again but did enjoy the peyote stitch and love the feel of the beads in that stitch. Makes me want to do more.

Tomorrow--now today!--will be busy with bowling and then some shopping. I'll probably stop by the shop and maybe Hobby Lobby to look at patterns they have for 99 cents. I'll be taking vacation pics to show off. It's good for me to be social and talk with others but still like hovering in my cave.

Hurricane hitting the coast--we may get rain out of it and could use some. Hard to pull weeds today. Just hope it knows when to quit!

I should probably try to get back to sleep! But glad I wrote!

Love and peace!

Carol

Haven't posted in a while because of various reasons but i know I miss doing it when I don't do it every day.

Had some sleep problems and felt a little down. Disappointed in people as much as anything. No one doing "their share" of the work==especially in AA--but sitll expecting the meeting to be there and coffee set up.

One meeting I go to has changed flavors dramatically since one of the leaders left. I hope it survives especially as I'm their rep. But if it doesn't, it doesn't. That's up to attendance. But the attendance is so irratic that there is no one to do the 'jobs" that need to be done so I'm left with it all. How can people, even those with long term sobriety, ignore what needs to be done? Never speak up to accept responsibility? Always expect that someone will be there? So unfair to the newcomer especially.

Got some things done around the house yesterday and used the new carpet cleaner to great success. Most of the puppy pee spots are gone now--although I'm sure there'll be more! Chloe seems to be healing nicely from her surgery and the dogs are playing at near normal speed--she walks a big funny but I'm glad she's protecting herself.

Also did laundry and made a stir=fry from leftovers. Even washed some artificial flowers and changed the decorations a bit to suit fall.

So far no fall-out from Dad as I took over the clean-up in the bedroom and threw out 3 or 4 wastebaskets of "stuff" he'd had piled on his dress and chiffarobe in out room! Some things were from 2005! He said the room looked great!

To his credit, he's been working on his room and we can actually see the floor! He commented on how Megumi made him pick up the stuff on his floor when she lived with us! Maybe I should be harder on him!

Actually got him working on a project on the outside of the house that has been needing work for over 2 yrs! It's not done but at least it's started.

Invited some people over for supper Sat. and they have cheerfully accepted! Just a spur of the moment type of thing and a get-together with some AA friends. Going to try making some paella--have never tried that before.

Jeff asked if I'd consider fixing some lunches for hs staff in the upcoming future so he can open dialog with them. He also wants me to make an appearance so they see he actually does come from a mother!

Well, the dogs are out so guess that's time to sign-off! They desparately need to go for a walk!

Love and peace,

Carol

Sunday!

Yesterday was good although it seems ironic that of all the days of the week we go to bed early it invariably is Sat. night!

Fixed French/Freedom(!) toast with scrambled eggs and sausage yesterday all of which were appreciated. I think Benjamin had 3 pcs. of toast plus eggs! Jeff still seemed tired. He and Jenn need more rest!

Meetings went well and I got my two yr. chip from my sponsor at the afternoon meeting. Both meetings fairly well attended considering the A&M home game which they eventually won in triple overtime. Dad and I did the smart thing and didn't tune in until just before the end of the 4th quarter so we got to see the real excitement with the overtime. Don't know how those kids played in all that heat--95 outside but temps on the field they said were measuring at 140+! They all had to be glad when the game was over!

A&M did prevail against Fresno but just barely and both teams did a good job as evidenced by few penalties.

Stopped by the shop earlier and bought supplies for a "touch me" bracelet that I need to figure out. Jenn was talkative but tired and there was a pleading for understanding in her eyes and a gratefulness as well. She requested Salmon for their Wednesday night visit and I think I'll make a chicken dish for them to enjoy Monday/Tuesday.

So many things to do it's hard to decide where to start! Finally got my printer and computer to talk to each other so can send out pics and want to print some as well.

Sugar complied in the afternoon--Dad put her bridle on this time and we worked together. The donkey was goofy as always! Woke up this AM and realized we really hadn't completed our job with Sugar as I forgot to wipe out her ears after applying the first meds, but maybe we can do that later today. It's probably time to wash them out again, to to get some of the scabs out. Working w/a 500# animal is new to us and still a bit scary.

Good to be writing things down although I know they don't always make a lot of sense. But good to have a space where that doesn't matter. Thanks, Jordan, for putting me on to this!

Love and peace,

Carol

Yesterday was the hottest day we've had all summer! And summer's nearly over! At one point, the car thermometer registered 102! As far as I'm concerned, that's against the rules. Even in Texas! Maybe a low 90 here and there but temps should be headed for upper 80s at most! So I declare!

Made more progress in the garden yestereday but I can only take the heat and humidity (at 10 AM!) for only about an hour at a time. Dad can do better. We did uncover a recently planted row of blackberries and that gave us our sense of accomplishment. Won't work out there today, but probably Sunday.

Linda came over and the three of us worked with Sugar and she washed out her ears. I think/hope they're getting better and Sugar doesn't seem to hate us as she keeps coming back for more--at least for the treats. Eubee, the donkey, acted his usual fool! Linda said if their big goat-caring Grand Pyranees dog, Mercy, should no longer be, she might lobby for a donkey if not Eubee himself. We got him to take care of the goats--a job he does quite well from how he interacts with dogs in the pasture!--but he is definitely the smartest and goofiest critter out there!

Benjamin spent the night and isn't up yet. It was a last minute request from Jeff. He said Jennifer was going out with friends and he came across a poker game. When asked, Benjamin said he'd prefer to have supper over here! But instead he got leftover fish--which I'd fixed earlier in the week for them at his place as we didn't make it home in time.

He did well last night but was tired from a busy week. We all watched a cute "Monster" cartoon (Halloween is coming!), and had ice cream before went to bed. I asked him what he wanted for breakfast and he just said he wanted a big breakfast so I guess I'll do whatever I feel like doing.

When Jeff came by, he looked tired and I wondered why he and Jennifer didn't just crash together with Benjamin last night instead of going separately. How different my two boys are! I never expected this. If anything, I thought the opposite--oh well.

Benjamin is up and wants to see the movie again. Jake has dutifully brought the paper and Chloe has done her thing outside. Poor thing--I think she's depressed not understanding why she and Jake can't play together and totally unmindful of the stitches in her tummy.

I feel pretty good today--think it's going to be a good one. Want to accomplish some things but look forward to the meetings. I'll write more later.

Love and peace,

Carol

Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007

Feeling a little down today for some unknown reason. Can't figure it out. If I'm down or just feeling reflective.

Chloe is recovering quickly and she and Jake can't figure out why they can't play together--has no idea she had surgery yesterday and could pop wide open! She moves her pen all around the kitchen! And she knows how to do it!

Bowled today. First game a 162--then the rest was downhill but our team took 3 games of the 4 so that's a good start. Remodeling on the bowling alley makes it interesting every time we go to see what progress is being made.

One of the gals on my team loved a bracelet I made and wanted to buy it but is unwilling to pay the price that it's worth--even though it's Austrian crystals and the materials alone cost at least $30. But that's the way of hand-made things. They're not really appreciated. The colors are beautiful though.

Lunch at Johnny Carino's--good food. Big chopped salad.

Stopped at the bead shop and saw Jenn and her staff all of whom loved the bracelet but I was disappointed that Jenn didn't want to put it in her showcase. Oh well. I still want to make another.

Came home and rested for a bit and then went with Dad out to medicate Sugar. We totally didn't communicate and things did not go as well as we'd like. But the critters are wormed and Sugar's ears were taken care of. We tried to give her additional treats after we put her back in the pasture but she took off as if to say, "I've had enough of you guys!".

I played the new game and when Dad went to his meeting, started organizing my bead station. There's so much I want to do but I really have gotten to the point where I don't know what I have so it's way past time to organize and figure it out.

Tomorrow kind of looms. Need to work on Sugar's ears again and will probably work out in the garden again--but it's still supposed to be pretty warm. But I can take anything for an hour I guess.

That's about it...nothing special today.

Have repeated Hannah's response to Megumi about how she doesn't know how long it will take to remember to take care of Iko! So cute!

Reflectively,

Carol

Ok - Here's Another Try!

I intended to post last night but was tired enough to go to bed around 10:30 after watching the movie "Neverland" and actually slept well aside from getting up a number of times to go to the bathroom.

Yesterday was pretty full. Walked in the AM with Linda, had some breakfast and then worked again in the garden despite it feeling like a steambath out there! Wasn't even 90! You could almost swim in the air! But we did finish cleaning out the south row (the longest!) of the blackberrys so there's a sense of accomplishment there.

Linda came over around 1:30 to help me medicate Sugar's ears as I'd never done anything like that before. Sugar's ears are cracked in side and bleeding either from ear mites or gnats so we treated for both! As always, Sugar was amazingly cooperative and, I think, glad to be separated from the rest of the gang--Eubee, Duke, Sky, Twinkle and Fran. They on the other hand were wondering what the heck she was doing outside the pasture while they were still confined to the inside!

Meanwhile, Dad was driving the truck in the pasture to secure the fence where it had it broken down from a storm and retrieve the corral panels that had been used as a temporary barrier over the small creek. Then he cut a small amount of pasture to set up the corral and actually did a bit of lawnmowing--he was busy yesterday!

We retrieved Chloe from the vet's after her hysterectomy--she's wearing a body stocking and wondering what the heck happened to her! But this AM she's up and at 'em and see no reason to be confined! The next 5 days will be interesting for us all!

Meanwhile, we need to medicate Sugar's ears for the next 10 days! Life on the farm! Our first real experience with larger animals. Also, we've learned that we've been terribly lax in worming the critters so that procedure needs to be started with a vengeance in the next few days! Fun!

We wonder if it's worth it until we see the two Shetlands and the donkey chasing around the pasture and wonder at the glory of their movements!

And I can't wait for Hannah and Iris to ride Sugar. I hope they can come next June and hope they never want to leave!

Speaking of grandchildren, Benjamin and I had a better exchange yesterday when Jeff came to pick up supper. I'd made garlic shrimp with a bit of sweet mirin stirred into the butter and they taste like candy! (Thank you Megumi for showing me to cook shrimp for longer periods of time and they're still tender!) I popped several morsels into his mouth and he rolled his eyes in pleasure. I'd also made Tilapia which I'd marinated a bit in tarragon vinegar and then breaded wtih a cornmeal and flour mixture that turned out wonderfully pungeant after being cooked in butter (actually a lo-cal recipe!). Then I made rotini (whole grain, of course) and mixed in butter, milk and Velveeta cheese. The meal also included spinach and raw baby carrots toopped off with chocolate brownies.

Jeff told me how Jennifer had gotten herself into a bit of a bind the other day when she asked Benjamin who was the prettiest girl he knew expecting him to say "Mama" but instead he said "Nanny"! Then she asked who was the best cook and he said "Mai Mai"! So I may be the mean gramma but at least he likes my cooking.

Gotta run! Bowling starts today.

Dad's procedure is scheduled for Sept. 18.

I'll try to post tonight.

Peace!

Carol

Let's Try This Again

It's 2:30 in the AM and I can't sleep. Nothing new about this. Very typical, in fact. Rarely do I get a good, complete night's sleep--the kind you don't want to wake up from it feels so deliciously good.

My eye still itches--actually both do. I try not to scratch but the feeling is almost always overwhelming and I give in. Of course, that only serves to make it worse.

Walked for about 1/2 hr. yesterday, had breakfast and then worked in the garden for about another 1-1/2 hrs. trying to bring it back from the jungle that has enclosed it this summer. Still not completely finished with the first row of blackberries! Hope to work on it more tomorrow.

Found out Dad has to have an angiogram. Think he's real concerned. I'm trying to keep a low profile on it. I've been through a lot of surgeries but this is new for him. Makes me glad I made him go to the dr. Felt he'd been sleeping too much--see above!--and thought he should go in. We'll know more tomorrow about when it's scheduled.

Taking Chloe in to be spayed later today. Puppy training starts on the 18th. THINK she's a good dog but it's been a long time since I've been around a puppy! She sure has a lot of energy!

Jeff came to pick up their supper tonight and looked happy to get it. Made pork chops, brown rice (that I later let soak in the pork chop "juice", a fruit compote of apples, apricots and raisins, broccoli and made some tiny graham cracker sandwiches w/frosting and also sent him home with some leftover roll-ups from after-care the night before.

Feels good to be cooking like that again. There's something about cooking that makes me feel complete. Nothing like feeding people. And when I get to try new recipes, it keeps me alive. The kids want to pay me for this but I don't know what to do--it's good therapy for me too. And we eat better as well.

Spent the rest of the day playing the new game--I'm sure it's a waste of time--so many other things to do! But that's what happened.

Enough for today. Hope you see this Jordan. Can't seem to find your new blog.

Peace,

Carol