I Will Offer Them My Head!

?, Sugar and Cube at our fence last year.

I think both dad and I have colds. Down here, it's hard to tell if it's a cold or an allergy, but I think these are colds. Maybe that's why my shoulder hurts so much--maybe my cold has settled there.

We found some Japanese patches Megumi had left back when she had Iris. They're still good! We opened them and Dad put one on my shoulder yesterday and findally got some relief from the pain. THANK YOU Megumi!

Chuck is coming here today to help Dad hang most of the doors. We need to get them out of the guest room so that Millie and her Mom have a place to sleep! Then I have to clean the guest room!

Today will be busy. I will make county ribs for freezing and also some teriyaki chicken. Those will be stored in the freezer for use when Millie gets here. Plan to fix a pot roast for them for when they arrive on Monday. Told Jenn I'd fix paella for Wednesday when we all get together.

Want to make a crystal watch today and get that to my friend tomorrow. Then cleaning up/organizing my room. I made an appt. with Charles & Sue's School of Beauty to offer my head for a haircut and perm. These are students with supervision and, hopefully it will cost a lot less than the $70+ they ask for in a regular beauty shop. I hate paying that kind of money for someone to work on my hair!

It's Halloween. We generally don't get trick or treaters but Benjamin is coming in his Venom costume. I'll have something special for him. Wish I'd put some more thought into that for the girls--the disadvantage of them being so far away. Wondering if their costumes fit, if they like them, if they're able to wear them, how do they look in them? Sure wish they could live closer to us. Can't wait to see them!

Gotta run!

Peace!

Carol

When they say things are bigger in Texas, they really mean it! The RenFaire here is HUGE! At least as far as space is concerned. Easily 3-5 times as big as the one in Wisconsin. Set on 53 acres, there were three gardens in the center we never had the time or energy to visit! The jousting arena easily 3 times the one in Bristol.

The vendors were about the same; just a lot more of them. Same for the food. Did miss the corn--the corn is long gone by this time of year down here--matures in June, I think. And then, generally, it's not the good sweet corn we're accustomed to in Illinos. But they still had turkey legs--Jenn really likes those. We saw Ded Bob and the Mud Show--might be the same actors in the Mud Show--disgusting as always. I keep hoping that it's really chocolate frosting they're diving into but I'm afraid it's not!

Jeff and Dad and I agreed that although the faire is bigger it's not necessarily better. With that much space, some of the intimacy is lost. The musician's, for instance, are barely noticeable--the sound only carries so far. And the commarderie is lost a bit. But, if the opportunity presents itself, we'll likely go back next year. Dad and I did go in costume but I do need to find more comfortable shoes. Still--five hours is probably enough. Next year, I'd like to visit some of the gardens.

Millie's pending visit has me in a tizzy. It's a love/hate relationship I have with her and am trying to analyze it. I know she's a good friend and would do anything for me--wish she didn't like me so much! When she left the last time she came down here, she kissed me on the lips! Yech!--no woman has ever done that to me before and there was no way I could avoid it! I'll be better prepeared for it this time!

Her visit is one thing, but the length of time is another. 10 days or more out of my life juggling temps in the house to accommodate her mother and eating 3 meals a day whether you want to or not! Plus there's so many things I want to do to get ready for Christmas and just don't know how I'm going to get it all done!

Once they're here, I know they'll be generous with their time and money and will work to help us do things around the house that need doing. I shouldn't complain. But----I do! Not sure if it's her 90+ yr. old mother who is fast failing or Millies black and white attitude or just what it is but I've been complaining a lot since I found out she's coming and am not easy to live with.

One thing I know I must do is to set boundaries--I will continue to go to my meetings and walk in the AM at the very least. And then there's bowling and the puppy training class--that will almost be a relief!

Made deviled egg "eyeballs" for the group last night as well as lunch meat fingers with red grape tomato "fingernails". Seemed to be appreciated and enough leftover for my supper!

Hi today of 78 and 82 tomorrow before dropping back into the 70s -- hopefully for good. Plan to work in the garden as much for therapy as anything this AM after our walk and then to cook up some stuff this afternoon--maybe get a head start on next week if nothing else. Picked up some wine vinegar--tempted to pick up some cooking wine but thought with the upcoming stress that might be a much too tempting!

Peace!

Carol

Nadja and her daughter were happy with their goodies so that started the day off well.

Able to get some things off my chest in the meetings--feel sorry for people who can't go to meetings like this and unload!

Listened to my sponsee's 4th step. She did well and seems to be doing well.

Millie called last night. She and Dennis and her Mom will be here 11/5 and staying until 11/14 or 15. Her Mom is failing. She's 90+. This will all be a challenge for me in trying to get things done before Christmas but will do my best. Maybe Millie and her skills can help. When they were here last year, they did a lot to help around the house and have to keep all that in perspective. Meanwhile, there are 7 doors in the guest room and hope we can get them all hung and out of there before they get here! I'm accepting all prayers and good thoughts! So much to do between now and their visit and between now and Christmas!

Even though I'm feeling very bloated right now, I did manage to lose 2# last week. Don't feel that great and my meditation and exercise were off because of some pretty intense pain in the right side of my chest and shoulder. That seems to have dissapated so hope to get on the "bandwagon" again next week.

RenFaire today. Hope Jenn can get into the spirit of things. From the web site, looks like the TX faire might be bigger than the one in Illinois. We'll see. Kids coming over at 9.

A&M lost yesterday but played a good game. Still, Coach Fran is in hot water and a loss does not bode well for him!

49 degrees at 7:30 AM with high of 78 today. Should be great at the Faire. Same temps throughout the week -- no rain in sight. Good working weather--go0d-to-be-alive weather!

Peace!

Carol

A Day's work! Ghostly cupcakes, brown spiders and creepy fingers!

Spent the day, after walking with Linda, doing all of the above. Amazing that it took me so long, but each thing had to be individually baked and then decorated. I started after 10AM and just now finished at 7:30pm. Don't know what i would have done if I'd had something else to do today! These are the treats for a friend's daughter's party tomorrow night.

My back hurts--around the shoulder blade. Salonpas helps but it is still very painful around the shoulder area. Has been painful all week and very slowly getting better. At least it's getting better and not worse!

Beautiful day today. Highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s. Finally closed some windows for sleeping last night--some have turned on the heat but not us! Love it!

Benjamin came to play today--school holiday. He asked for a ghost cupcake==I've saved him out several. Gave him a "spider" to eat for lunch. Interesting: in response to something he said to me, I told him I didn't want him to tell his parents I was mean to him. His response was: "I would NEVER say anything like that!" Dad took him for a play date at one of his friends this afternoon around 3 and later he called and to make sure I'd saved him a ghost! Earlier he'd said he didn't want to be here when I made the fingers because that was too scary for him!

Lloyd will be here Dec. 10-21! Then we fly to Washington on the 25th! Still don't know for sure about Millie and Co. and if they're still planning to come next month. Honestly--hope they don't but will certainly welcome them should they so choose. There's just a lot to do between now and Christmas and don't know how I'll get everything done. Still, where there's a will, there is a way and it will work out one way or another. I told Lloyd he might be called on to help me with Christmas cookies!

Bowling yesterday: 152, 189, 99(!)---as you can see I finally settled down and got back to my old self! It was fun while it lasted!

Someone really blindsided me today--I was trying to help her stay sober by talking to her and all of a sudden she came out with something pretty harsh and critical and shortly ended the conversation. Have to remind myself that she is mentally ill--has relapsed repeatedly. Not able to stay sober for any real length of time since she relapsed after 2 yrs. of sobriety. 50 yrs. old. Such a shame. Helps me but it into perspective.

Gotta go and work up the bill! What are bloody fingers, ghosts and spiders worth today?!

Peace!

Carol

Toadies In The Night!

Isn't this a great picture? Taken by Esther Hale (age 15) of a group of toads that live under their sidewalk!

Bowling today--picking up June soon. Shrimp enchiladas last night were a flop. Very bland. Made homemade enchilada sauce that didn't work well with it either. Oh, well! Some days are diamonds and some days are stones!

Talked a bit more with Jeff about helping Jenn build her self-confidence now that we understand her background better. Says I don't have to cook tonight--that's ok--it's a little harder on Thursdays as I'm tired after bowling. Jenn was really suffering from her allergies last night.

Got a lot done yesterday--a little carpet cleaning, finished laundry, cooked. A friend called and asked if I'd make treats for her daughter's party on Saturday so my idea of Mai Mai's Cooking and Crafts may be starting to come to fruition! I've got 3 treats to make for her (spooky witches fingers, brownie "spiders", and ghostly cupcakes. Also have an order for a crystal watch--should have finished that by now!--and Linda just asked me to make a doggie dress for Claire as a gift to her daughter on Christmas! Kinda cool the way things work out!

Gotta run!

Peace!

Carol

Well, I obviously need to figure out how to better place these pictures! Can't seem to move them once they're in there regardless of which format I choose! But, anyway, here are some pics of Claire and her costume!

Where did the day go yesterday! Did the Yee thing and walked with Linda and Claire, Dad, Chloe, Jake and Bella. Excitement when the big cement trucks came to pour the foundation for our neighbor's "Barn". Steve is building this for him and his wife to live in while they renovate their house--think he'll probably incorporate it into the design of the house ultimately. It will be fun to watch the progress.

Kristina Caine stopped by right after our return from our walk to talk a bit--her grandson goes to school w/Benjamin. Then we ate a quick breakfast and planned our day--already around 10 AM!

Planted 72 pansies in the front of the house and got a call from a guy who's going to help dad modify some doorways--which meant--since he's coming today!--that we had to go door shopping! A trip in the truck to Home Depot netted us 8 doors of various sizes--barely fitting into the truck! A stop at HEB--we'd decided to go to the Renaissance Faire and Jeff and his family thought it was a good idea too!-this week end so picked up discounted tickets there. Then home to fix supper and offload the doors! Then a quick trip to PetSmart for puppy training--I think Chloe knows when this is her special time!--only to find the class was cancelled for Halloween pictures--but they put on a brief class anyway for those of us who showed up!!!! Chloe behaved pretty well--but the bulldog kept going potty all over the store! Felt sorry for his owner!

Home by 7:30 to watch the results show of Dancing w/the Stars--and watch Marie Osmond faint the night before while she was waiting for the judges' scores! Poor lady--evidently she forgets to breathe while she's dancing! Then to watch a part of the special on California burning! Sure glad my kids aren't out there right now!

Looking forward to the RenFaire Sunday--see how they do it in Texas! Temps should be good and weather is predicted to be good. 48 degrees this AM! Wonderful! Think we'll have fun with the family there!

Lots of cooking to do today--and cleaning--going for a brief walk. Then want to shampoo some of the puppy spots and fix apricot/pistacchio biscouti for Benjamin's school and shrimp enchiladas for tonight when the kids come over. Want to make apple cake "ghosts" too--maybe some Halloween lollipops as well!

The remodeling project will be pretty extensive--but worthwhile I think. Opening up the main bathroom door from a 24" to a 36" to make it wheelchair/walker accessible, doing the same thing to our bedroom bathroom. Of course, this means ALL the hallway doors need to be changed out to match! Everything will be in white. Bought blue and off white paint for the hallway to do some sponge painting to make it appear to be sky w/clouds and then I'll put up family pictures throughout the hallway.

When I think of all I have to do between now and Christmas I have no idea how this will all fit in--but tell myself there really is no deadline--just do one thing at a time.

With the cooler temps, it will be good to work out in the garden--maybe finally getting back to those pesky blackberries that were never completely trimmed out once the heat set in.

Notice a lot of muscle cramping lately--but had some yogurt before bedtime and that seemed to help get me through the night.

Gotta run!

Peace!

Carol

Memories of Portland, OR

According to the scale, I lost 3# last week. Satisfying. Reassuring. A small dent in the long haul. But rewarding for the "work" I've done this past week. Notice a difference in my clothes and profile--subtle, but there. I think I'm moving a bit more fluidly as well. Someone told me Sat. that I was glowing! So maybe I am finding some inner peace.

District meeting yesterday and also the meeting for the Unity Conference--neither particularly well attended. I have some work to do--but it's not bad and some will be fun--getting gifts for speakers, etc. and organizing the silent auction at the conference.

FINALLY got on top of my treasurer job for my home group. Hate that job--but it is rewarding once it's done! Wrote the appropriate checks and updated the account. Today I'll stop by the bank and make a small deposit--bought a couple of books at the Club last night that I could pay for from the group's funds--one was requested and another to have on hand. HUGE burden off me.

Today I need to write some personal checks and that can be taken off my plate.

It's raining today--looks like storms most of the AM. We need the rain but will have to put off planting the pansies until tomorrow as well as our morning walk. Made some more oreo cream cheesecakes that seemed to go over well yesterday.There are enough for the group tonight so I won't have to cook for them today. Plan to put a pork roast in the oven later today to let it cook slowly. Maybe even make Dad some cookies!

Don't know how much more I should do with/for Jennifer. Her home life must have been horrible and I feel for her. We all bring so much baggage into our lives and carry it with us for so long. The love/hate relationship she has for me is normal to her and I understand it. Just hope that some day she'll be able to find the acceptance she needs to enjoy her life more fully.

More and more I see where self-discipline is key to my survival in happiness. The more organized I am, the more I "train" myself in good habits, the better I feel. I used to be better at this and I was happier then. Through the years, I've let self-indulgence take over but life with no boundaries is not a good one for me.

Very difficult to meditate this AM but did put the Yee cd in and was pleasantly surprised at how well I'd remembered the routine. Need to move the furniture just a bit more to be able to stretch out properly. Without the walk today, I'll need to be busier at more strenuous activities around the house today to continue to work my muscles.

Peace!

Carol

Resentments

Yesterday was very busy!

Beginning w/breakfast with Jeff and Benjamin, pancakes turned otu awful! Think I know why and won't do that again. So sad because I ruined a good recipe.

Then off to see Benjamin graduate to the next level in TaiKwanDo--Tiny Tiger. He's a little slow in his movements but does quite well. The full class demonstration was impressive--gets me thinking what good exercise it is! Maybe I should try some moves??

Then a quick trip to Wal-Mart, Lowes and a stop to attend our reg. Sat. meeting. Got Ralph to chair--think he was flattered and did a good job. Think I saw him square his shoulders a bit! So glad we asked him! He can come off as something of a curmudgeon--but I don't think he means to. Good meeting--lots of talk about relapsers.

Lunch at SouporSalad and home to finish off the oreo cream cheesecakes to take to going away party for Jenn's first employee--a mixed blessing for Jenn. Nice to be included. Lots of good food and a fun game.

Afterwards Jenn's Mom, Angea, came by after spending the day with Benjamin....and not too successfully--related his ungratefulness and complaints to her so now I don't feel like the only one to be put down by him.

After Angea left, Jenn and I had a deep conversation in the parking lot for nearly an hour! One thing revealed--the main thing--is that she thought my was cooking for them was a way of my saying she wasn't taking proper care of her family. when I meant nothing of the sort! I tried to tell her that it was good for me--I like cooking--and we eat better because of it. Also, I expressed my concern for her that SHE doesn't eat as well as she should and was hoping to give her the gift of time by allowing me to help feed her family. There were tears on her part as she revealed that her dad was always critical of her Mom's cooking and often left the house to eat at his mother's in preference to his wife's cooking!

How misunderstood good intentions can be! Here I thought my cooking for them was a gesture of help and she took it as a criticism! Ah, daughter-n-laws! Why must there be this conflicting relationship? Why must we be competitors for our son's/husband's affections?! Is this an age-old thing? I know I'm not alone in this feeling!

To my daughters-in-law: You are now and forever will be the No. 1 woman in my son's life! I lovingly bore him and raised him until he became yours. My love for him did not stop when he married you! Please let me continue to love my son and let that love overflow onto you as he chose you and I respect that choice and know he made it based on the love I gave him all those years before!

I treasure you as a woman who can fullful my son's wants and needs as I want only the best for him. But please don't shut me out entirely. Let me fill in those small gaps that as a busy wife and mother you may not be able to fill--whether that's making his favorite cookie, bringing back good memories of home cooking or making his child a Halloween costume. This is not a competition but rather a partnership to build a firmer family foundation for your children and my grandchildren and hopefully a bond between us as two women whose common goal is the enrichment of our husband's/son's life.

Peace and love,

Carol

I Did It!

Hey Jordan!

I posted two links!

Thanks for your help! I was having trouble until I corrected the URL which had, of it's own accord, put in some strange symbols!

Cool!

Love,

Carol

I Scored Some More Points!

Pictured L-R: Sky, Duke, Twinkle (The goat!) Dad and Eubee the donkey! Down on the farm!

Bowling was terrible yesterday! We lost all four games and deservedly so! No one on our team really performed well--I had two games under 100! After being in first place for a brief one week, we fell to the last place team! I personally blame it on the plaster dust drifting down to the lanes while they were sanding! (Of course, it couldn't have anything to do with any inadequeacies on our part!)

Without June to take home afterwards, I indulged myself in a trip to Hobby Lobby--a place Dad doesn't particularly like. Drifted through the depts. and bought some on-sale stuff. So many inspirations and so little time to fullfil them!

More grocery shopping. Had some Teriyaki Chicken in the freezer for Jeff and family but needed things to go with. While roaming the aisles, Spiderman fruit treats jumped out at me and picked up a box. Must have been the right thing to do because when Benjamin saw them and I told him I'd bought them for him he immediately thanked me and told me he loved me--several times before he left!!!!! He was thrilled to take his Venom mask and costume home as well. Amazingly patient on this last--actually wanted to make sure the paint was dry before he took it--asking me first!!!! Wow! His closing was "When these (spiderman snacks) are gone I'll call you and ask you to put them on your list for the next time you go shopping!). Claimed he'd share with his parents!

Tomorrow he graduates to an orange belt (a dividion within the white belt) and we'll all attend the little ceremony. He seems to be doing quite well with his Tai Kwan Do--think it's helping his attitude--Jeff is always reminding him to have a black belt attitude--whatever that is!--but think it has to do with respecting himself and others. Also, (honestly) he is so much better a kid when he hasn't seen his other grandmother for a while--Angea is nice but she gives him anything and everything he wants. I'm thrilled that with a cheap snack and costume (and good food!) he seems happy with me these days!

Continue to practice my new lifestyle but it is getting harder as the week wears on. Amazing how I catch myself ready to do mindless eating. So far, I've been able to pull myself up and if nothing else, direct myself to healthier food--vegetables or fruit. A banana before bedtime seems to be helping me sleep better and more soundly.

A call from Lloyd! He wants to come and see us. Evelyn won't be able to join him because of her job but he wants to come by himself. Probably just before Christmas--it should work out well and hope the plan materilizes. Haven't seen him since he visited in San Francisco.

Will walk again today with Linda. Would like to spend some time with the ponies--maybe try putting a halter one Sky and/or Duke just to see if we can do it. It would be great to have them tamer and easier to handle.

56 degrees this AM!!!! Wow! Should be good walking! High of 88 but down to the 50s again tonight. Prediction of 70s on Monday! Bring it on!

Peace!

Carol

Charlie

Tried to upload Charlie's pic yesterday but there was a problem with the site. Sky got curious about the camera!

Interestingly, all my games have disappeared from my Real Arcade account! Maybe someone is trying to tell me something?! I can download them again but there were a lot on there. Have tried shutting down and restarting the computer twice and still no dice. MMMMM

Jeanne came out yesterday and gave booster shots to the big critters. Then she worked with the two little ponies and the donkey a bit. Sky--the white one--was amazing as she let him halter him and stood like a tiny toy! Eubee, the donkey, was far more stubborn but think he did learn something. She didn't spend a lot of time with Duke but think he would have been as compliant as Sky.

My new lifestyle is a bit challenging--beginning to realize how much mindless eating I've been doing which, of course, explains my current wt. But, at least (pat on the back) so far this week I've resorted to fruit instead of more harmful munchies. Had a few pecans and peanuts last night but my fruit intake for yesterday was an apple, an orange and a plum not to mention the avocado for breakfast and stewed tomatoes.

Did Tilapia and Salmon last night with fresh broccoli and a mac and cheese that included garlic, onions and stewed tomatoes. Mac and cheese is one of Jenn's weaknesses. For some reason, they forgot about picking up dinner last night and when I called Jeff he sent Jenn over to pick it up. She was very grateful! Said her menu planning had just not gotten that far into the week. I find it interesting that when I offered extra dessert and mac and cheese, she readily accepted it. Now--I can fix a low-cal meal, and portion that meal out into serving sizes--but it's up to the recipient to decide how much to take and eat of each food--that responsibility rests on the taker!

I do love doing this! Found some plates that will snap together that are microwave and freezer proof. I can cook the meal, plate it up, top it off with another plate for the lid, and hand over a meal that, if they get it home in quickly, doesn't even have to be microwaved! Or, if it does, it's just a matter of popping it in the microwave for a minute or two as is. THIS is my idea of fast food!

There's an outfit moving into the center where Jenn has her shop that's called something like Mom's Meals. But from what we can udnerstand, the only thing they've done is provide the chopping and the recipes and people just pick up the ingredients. In fact, they don't even do the chopping on site--they order everything from Sexton and are just there a few times a week to monitor the pick-ups.

I like the idea of being a personal chef OR -- having a catering truck that could deliver to say schools or day care centers with pre-planned plated meals that just have to be picked up. They would be nutritious and fun and a wide variety of things! Now if I only had the money........

Trying to get organized now that the costumes are gone. When I get my new material oranization in place, I'll post a picture. Still need to make a watch for someone and should have done that this week but let it slide. She said she wasn't in a hurry. Want to take the time to do a good job.

Still haven't put in the tape for Yee but have run through the basic routine every day so far this week. Love getting up before Dad to score some quiet time--it's very different from the time later in the day when he's gone to work.

Dealing with a friend who has relapsed indirectly through her neighbor who is also in the program. Lynn--the neighbor--has relapsed many times but seems to be doing pretty well right now. She's 52 but I worry about her as she is slurring her words and think she may have done some brain damage. Anyway, she's kept me informed about Arlene who has let her 3 yr. old daughter run the streets in her pjs. Arlene is not yet 30 and has so many problems. She seemed to be doing so well but stopped going to meetings and even though she's tried to come back, just can't seem to get with the program. So sad for all of us.

Don't know why Lynn seems to feel she can talk to me--guess she feels she has to tell someone and I'm glad she has. Several of us have tried to reach out to Arlene--Lynn seems to have gotten the furthest. But if Arlene keeps on this path, her kids will be taken away from her--feel sorrier for the kids than for her. Yet--how close was I to that when my kids were babies????? If it hadn't been for Dad staying with it longer than me, who knows what might have happened?

Cookies? What cookies?! I know there WERE some in the freezer!!!!!

Peace and love,

Carol

Although it's not raining, I see from Weatherbug that the humidity is 100%! Not sure about walking today! Will definitely need a headband! And Jeanne is supposed to come over around 10 to give the outside critters their booster shots so that means rounding them up. She's also going to check Sugar's ears--which, regretfully, I haven't even thought about doing--so hope the ol' paint is in good shape! Hoping too that Linda will volunteer to help. She hasn't offered so far but that might mean she's waiting to be asked. She claims to enjoy that kind of thing and I could use her help!

Thanks so much, Jordan, for the clarification on the stockings. For whatever reason, I guess I need permission to just be me and do my own thing. Actually, stockings were something I'd thought about for a while, now I just need to make up my mind what to do from all the patterns I have to choose.

Just got up to refill my coffee cup. Charlie's asking for trouble out there! Think he's taunting the dogs through the fence!

Chloe was pretty good in class last night. This last class was still a review for her since we'd been switched to an earlier class--at 6 instead of 7:30 which I like better but dad can't go as he's still working at that time. Got to meet 2 more puppies--another Chloe and a Sadie both little strawberry blonde 3 mos. old Lab girls. Beautiful puppies. Then there's Phoebe--the sweetest little black puppy you'll ever meet--young blonde couple (look like they could be models but don't have that vapid look!) picked her up off the street when she weighed only 6#. She is so smart--they really don't know what she is but are actually having some DNA testing done to find out. So far, she's much smaller than Chloe.

Then there's Diesel--an English Bulldog--17 mos. old. Owner's only had him 8 days. He's ugly as sin but seems to have a sweet personality and his coat feels like a plush carpet!!! His ears are spotted!

Matty returned and is a Lhasa Apso type--cute small dog--very sweet. One of the exercises last night was passing the puppies around for them to socialize with other people. So we each got to hold and play with each puppy for about a minute or two and were told to give them the simple commands they've most recently learned. By far, little Phoebe is the star pupil--she knows "sit" and "lie down" perfectly! (She also competes vocally with the instructor!)

Interstingly, only Phoebe and our Chloe made eye contact with each new person. Our Chloe seemed really happy to see each new friend wheareas the little Lab girls and Diesel would concentrate on their owners--although I did get Diesel to look at me occasionally.

Chloe has nearly all of her big dog teeth including her canines--some of the baby teeth still haven't fallen out. Last week her little mouth was all bloody with new teeth trying to surface. She's much bigger than we expected her to be--I'm sure she's well over 30# right now. But these teeth give me hope that she won't get much bigger. She seemed to know that it was puppy night and eagerly hopped in the car--just wish she hadn't raided the cat box just before we left as I had stinky breath on me all the way to the class--and kisses! Yech!

Practicing my lifestyle change was harder yesterday--really seem to be into avocados lately! The stew I made turned out great!--I'll keep that recipe! The gravy was wonderful! Don't know Jeff's reaction yet but gotta believe they loved it.

Hopefully this afternoon I'll begin making headway in my room--start putting things away after making the costumes--still have to modify Ben's pajamas and make a crystal watch for a friend, but the new projects will all be for Christmas and want to see what I have on hand before leaping into that venture.

Package is on it's way--Tracking No. 0307 1790 0005 3199 9678--sent the number to Megumi. Hopefully it will be received by this week end.

Peace and Love,

Carol

Preview

Here's a sneak preview! The headband is at the top. Doesn't show the necklace. Still have one more necklace to make and should be able to send this off some time today. Hope the outfits fit! The satiny part is lined with a light flannel so they should be comfortable to wear outside and inside--maybe even to sleep in!

I need to put in the Yee tape tomorrow! I'm going through these movements much too fast and I think that will slow me down. Still, at least I'm doing my best to make it a habit and I think that's what's important.

Love getting up and letting the dogs out, feeding the cats and the dogs and doing everything in relative darkness--except for outside light that comes in from the yard lamps. So peaceful.

Things went pretty well yesterday. Concocted a dessert of chunks of cut-up pound cake (a "mistake" leftover from Benjamin's party), home made chunked apples with cinnamon and a topping of vanilla pudding. Might be better warmed through but not too bad (I had a small sample--wrote it down!). Helped me get rid of something taking up space in the freezer and some apples that were past their prime.

Today's supper will be a roasted stew of sorts--found an interesting recipe that I'll try to modify a bit. Warming drawer will come in handy again today as I need to leave at 5:30 w/Chloe for puppy classes and Jeff won't get here until after 6. He can just pick up their dinners from the drawer.

Good meeting last night. Surprised that we got through everyone but it did work out. Drake has a lot of problems and I have a lot of problems with him--he was involved in organized crime and did some pretty heavy stuff but seems to be trying -- but I don't trust him and think he's a smart alec. Probably shouldn't be so judgemental.

Christmas Stockings: My dear Jordan! You asked me so make some for the girls reminicent of the one Gramma made you. Honestly--those are works of art! The more I look at them, the more I realize that I never fully appreciated them and I hereby deeply and truly apologize to my mother for never letting her know this! The time and talent that was involved are beyond my humble efforts! My crafting skills cannot begin to match hers.

Admission and a Question: I cannot knit like that! Can they be crocheted? Sewn? Do they have to be exactly like that or can they be modified to my skills? (actually--if I make them they have to be modified to my skills! I can only do what I can do!) Should they be in girly colors--bright pinks and purples? Or traditional Christmas colors? Can the patterns be embroidered on them or must they be included in the stitching?

You would not believe how much I've agonized over this simple request! Knowing it is impossible to fullfill. Some things are just originals and cannot be duplicate by one as inadequate as me. Please forgive me!

Otherwise, I'm doing pretty good! Stuck to my new lifestyle yesterday although Dad tried to tempt me with ice cream--he doesn't even have a clue as to how he sabotages my efforts!

Weatherwise it wasn't too bad yesterday--dried up for the walk but rained pretty good later--which we needed.

Looking forward to having another good day!

Peace!

Carol

Meditation is not easy! Tried to do some this AM after skipping a few days but could only manage about 5 minutes, if that. Went into my Yee routine--good routine for daily stretching but would like to put in the tape tomorrow with no sound--maybe!

Yesterday was pretty good but spent way too much time on my butt! Sewing, sewing, sewing! Hannah's costume is done but instead of it being bettter than Iris's it may not be as good! Why does that happen?! So frustrating! Spent a good bit of time "Fray-checking" the edges--especially the pants. The material is lined with flannel and the satin on top--the two ravel like crazy!! Hopefully, even through washing, the Fray check will keep the costumes from falling apart!

Added a little "bling" via some rhinestones to the top. Basically finished. Still need to work on "crowns". Might actually be able to meet my deadline of shipping it off tomorrow! Hope Megumi is understanding of the mistakes I've made. Left sections open so she can adjust the elastic where necessary.

Raining this morning and with a temp of 74, it's like a sauna out there and don't look forward to our walk in a few minutes. Oh well--it will keep my complexion nice.

Dad met the new neighbors who will be moving in in early November. Lots to speculate about. Last name is Scott--same name as the neigobors across the street! He is a major in the US Marine Corps! Pilot. About to get in his 20 yrs. but will stay in as the money is good and he's supporting his "trophy" long-blonde-haired wife through vet school! Dad said he looked much darker complected--probably Spanish--should get along well with Jesse of the same heritage.

We suspect a 2nd marriage as I'd heard there were kids involved--probably his who will come to visit periodically. They intend to fence in the corner lot as they apparently have lots of animals including dogs. They will be tearing up all the brand new carpeting and putting down tile because of the animals! Should be interesting. Might be good to have a vet across the street though. Understand the people who lived there before the Schulties' were also vets!

Began recording my food intake in a spreadsheet along with comments. Did pretty good yesterday. Dad fixed a fritata for breakfast in which he incorporated grits! Turned out good! Glad to see he's being creative! Since breakfast was late, we didn't eat again until 6 and that was the leftover pizza I'd made the day before--lots of meats and veggies on that. Couldn't finish my large pc. and actually wrapped it up for later today! Ate a plum in mid-afternoon.

It would have been so easy to do the nervous eating I usually do--especially when I'm frustrated with projects--but I didn't! Fortunately, Dad didn't tempt me w/ice cream although I noticed he had some after I left for the computer. That's ok. Did eat a couple of hands full of pecans--but there are worse things. Had some green tea in the afternoon and mixed my water with a bit of a 7-up beverage--other than that, that was my intake for the day.

Well--got to put on shoes and see if Linda's out there. Hope it's stopped raining and that we can walk.

Peace!

Carol

Benjamin (and his dad) really liked what I did to modify the Venom mask and he was particularly pleased when I lifted up the tongue to show him that I'd also put teeth underneath--something I'd said I couldn't/wouldn't do. Unfortunately yesterday he was sick. After breakfast, he came to me and said he was cold. I wrapped him up in a little coverlet and put him in our bed where he took a good nap.

A little surprised he came to me so trustingly. Most times I don't think he likes me but lately I think this has changed. He hasn't had a lot of interaction with his other gramma so maybe that's why or maybe we're both growing up?! Anyway, it was fun to modify the mask to his satisfaction. Something I wouldn't have been capable of doing two years ago.

Started a weight loss spreadsheet today and bought lots of fresh fruits and veggies yesterday. Ate the last of the milk chocolate last night and hope to go on a good, healthy kick. My waist and hip measurements surprised me--not pleasantly--and with Denise as a good inspiration, hope to make some major improvements. I think this blog will help me as well.

Wish the temps would moderate here! Still see a 90 looming later this week and the rest is in the 80s! Temps at night don't go much below 70--sometimes low 60s. Hard to get into Fall preps with that going on.

Sundays are good days to play catch-up! Hope to finish Hannah's costume today, do some menu planning, and begin The Big Clean-Up! Want to stay active and busy. Tomorrow is a new day to begin a healthier life style!

Peace!

Carol

P.S. Doggie Claire and her owner Anna took 2nd place in the costume contest at the Brazo's Animal Shelter yesterday. Claire was dressed in her "bun" costume and Anna's Mom dressed her up as a mustard bottle! Linda (the Mom) took pictures which we'll see tomorrow! Cool!

Costumes!

It always amazes me when my kids want help with costumes--I remember post-teen-age children wanting help! Now it's grandchildren!

Benjamin wants to be Venom for Halloween--that child has so much violence in him! We went to Wal-mart and found the costume but he was not happy with the mask. We bought the costume and some red material and some puff paints and this is what I came up with. He'll be over this AM for French (Freedom?!) toast and eggs so hope he likes my efforts.

Iris's costume is done and am working on Hannah's. Nice compliments on Iris's costume from those who see it. Thought Hannah's would be a piece of cake but noooooooo! At every turn there's a foul-up. The machine some times wants to eat it! But the shoulder straps are on and hope to find the time today and tomorrow to get it done so it can be mailed next week--probably Tuesday as I want to show it off on Monday.

Yesterday was busy with grandparent's day at Allen Academy. They went all out this year with a luncheon at the fanciest country club in the area pretty much owned and operated by the richest made in the area--Don Adams. He once owned the bank where Jeff worked and was instrumental in getting Jeff his job at Allen. He spoke at the assembly of us older folks urging us to get into our pockets to help send our grandchildren to this school that he sent his children and grandchildren to. Of course, this man is a mult-millionnaire several times over--maybe Allen did him some good!

Afterwardss a tour of the new school that is still under construction. Currently and for many years, the students have been going to school in "temporary" classrooms. The new school will be state of the art and from the framework it appears it will be quite nice. Benjamin will attend there next year.

Afterwards, we took Benjamin with us and he was pretty good and the result was getting him his costume.

Doggie Claire and her family will be in a costume parade today with the hot dog costume I made for her--it never quite fit right I think because she is so small. Linda dressed one of her girls in yellow felt and she looks like a mustard bottle! There will be a lot of competition this year--response--which benefits the local animal shelter--was overwhelming. Linda has promised to take pictures.

Will be busy today with Jeff and Benj coming for breakfast and then our usual meetings. Denise has lost over 30# and is inspiring me to think of making a serious weight-loss effort. If I can just get passed this chocolate! Hope to stop this afternoon for some fresh fruits and veggies!

Gotta get my shower and start breakfast!

Peace!

Carol

Yesterday was a busy day beginning with getting Dad to the hospital by 8 AM for his procedure. When he suggested to his dr. (Dr. Ragu(pathy)! that they add coffee to his intravenous bag, the dr. agreed that they should be working on that! Always nice to have a dr. w/a sense of humor.

As the dr. said, the procedure took less than 10 minutes and he was out in the waiting room fully dressed in business garb with the pictures of Dad's insides. He said everything look normal aside from the irritation from Dad's acid reflux which he's had for some time. For assurance, they did take a couple of biopsies but don't see anything suspicious and Dad should see him in 2 weeks.

After he came to, I went back to the room and helped him dress and we went out for breakfast at Ihop and enjoyed their wonderful harvest grain pancakes along with a good omelet.

After shopping and resting a bit, we went across the street to take care of Jesse's horse while he's away at his brother's funeral. The horse was off in another pasture but we filled his bin with grain and refilled the water trough. Schulties' house has finally sold and we should be getting new neighbors in early November. Hope they're as nice as the former ones!

Made gazpoucho and tried a new recipe from one of the catering mysteries I've been reading--Chicken Sonora. Made with fresh tomatoes, green chilies, garlic, a bit of cumin and onion, sauteed in olive oil and mixed w/shredded chicken, sour cream and cheddar cheese topped with a puffed pastry. I saved out some thighs for Benjamin assuming he might not like the casserole. To my surprise, he announced that he thought that looked pretty good and he wanted some and liked it! So nice he's beginning to expand his horizons!

Earlier I'd found some hot wheels and their garage set-ups from when the boys were younger. I got this out for Benjamin to play with and he LOVED it! I explained to him that our boys played with these things when they were his age at their grandmother's house and now he was playing with them at HIS grandmother's house. Everyone thought that was pretty neat!

Finished--nearly--Iris' costume except for the snaps. Will start on Hannah's today--hopefully it will go faster now that I've been through one and hope to get that all sent out next week some time.

Doing a lot of reflecting these days. Since it's been two years since my last alcoholic drink, things of the past are beginning to come back to me albeit slowly.

When Jordan mentioned arrogance and how he'd hurt Megumi's feelings I couldn't help but think of Dad and how, from the beginning of our marriage -- not our writing -- he thought he was more intelligent than me and started out to change me. Of course, at the time, I had no idea he was trying to do this. I came into the marriage expecting a partnership, although I acknowledged Dad's intelligence and, frankly, thought the fact that he had some education, automatically made him smarter than me. I believed this myth (and so did he) for fully the first quarter + of our marriage.

It left me depressed and feeling inferior even though I took care of the money, ran our home and made all the major decisions--I never felt his equal. I felt empty. The hole began to form.

It was much later that I finally came to realize that although he might be smarter in some technical aspects and has the tools to solve physics problems, in practical ways, he really is no smarter than I am and, in fact, in many respects, my intellect is probably superior.

This is something we're still working on! A discussion yesterday led to a discovery, once again, of how different we are and were from the beginning. Differences shown in the way we approach life--he much more of a romantic--me much more practical. This could be simply because I'm a first born and always had responsibility and because he was raised as an only child where someone always took care of him.

These fundamental differences can account for how we view things--he yearns for "pie in the sky" feeling he deserves it and that by his very yearning it will come to him in due time just by wanting it. I look at the pie and ask what do I have to do to earn it? how bad do I want it? how long will it take to get it? Is it worth the price I have to pay for it? Getting back to how bad do I want it?

Just interesting and a path to walk towards understanding and making the marriage better.

Peace!
Carol

I Tried Again!

This AM I awoke a bit earlier..didn't dress and went straight to the chair to sit in the darkness. Hard to relax--kept waiting for a repeat of yesterday's (albeit funny!) debacle. But I had disturbed the dogs so got up to let them out. Sat down in the darkness again and Sam came to knead my stomach. Got up to feed the cats.

Saw that Dad had set up coffee so pushed the button to start it up while I fed the cats. Decided to do Yee-with the dogs outside Jake couldn't join me! Went through the stretching routine fairly quickly trying hard to slow down but still a bit nervous that there would be other disturbances. (There were no more except for listening to the cats quietly munching their food.)

As good as it's going to get today. Now to the computer to write some notes and thoughts.

Yesterday was pretty good. The meetings went well--I related my meditation dilemma of the morning to some good laughs--laughter is still the best medicine.

Made some roll=ups for the group--not too appreciated I don't think as there were quite a few left--depends on who's there as to how things go over. Could be the ingredients: crab and avocado with a turkey, cream cheese and cheddar wrap for one and dill pickle with a cream cheese, cheddar and onion and beef wrap for the other. No matter--served as my dinner on the way home.

Did get to talk to my sponsee a bit at after-care--she graduated last night. Pretty girl, bubbly--been through a lot. Also talked with another gal recently released from prison in Minnesota where (she related) drunk driving laws are much stricter. She's a bit nervous--is isolating--we encouraged her to get out more--ashamed of her past. Her husband is 29 and has already had TWO triple bypass surgeries!!!!

Had also made Dad's cookies before I left for after-care which he appreciated by setting up coffee last night for this morning--I LOVE fresh coffee!

Did get into the chocolate a bit yesterday and last night but didn't feel some of the stronger cravings I've felt in the past although I did eat my share. More like I was testing myself to see if I could resist and gave in but not quite to the extreme as in the past.

Had a nice compliment from a gal we served with in Houston--said she felt at peace when she was around us! Maybe old age does account for something after all!

Laundry today and puppy training tonight--at the new time of 6 PM. I'll need to fix Jeff's dinner and keep it in the warming drawer for him to pick up after Benjamin's Tai Kwan Do. No chance to catch up with his day until tomorrow.

Dad's endoscopy is tomorrow so that will take most of the day but hope to fix a chicken and strudel dish for the kids tomorrow night--almost like a chicken pot pie--a recipe from one of the catering mysteries I've been reading lately.

Hope to get lots of sewing done today.

Peace!

Carol

I Tried!

This morning I tried to get up and do some meditating before Dad got up. He'd stayed up late last night and I thought I'd have time this morning at 6:30.

I got up and dressed, let the dogs out and sat in darkness in the livingroom. In less than five minutes he was up in the kitchen, turning on the light and making coffee! (he's usually in bed at least until 7!). He said, "I won't disturb you!", never understanding that just his being there and especially turning on the light had already "disturbed" me.

Went to our bedroom asking him to stay in the kitchen for a while, and tried again. Not long after, I heard his footsteps going into the bathroom--never mind there's a bathroom off the kitchen. Foiled again!

Decided to try some Rodney Yee by to remembering his tape without turning it on. Got out the yoga mat and laid down. Some peaceful moments as I tried to remember the relaxation movements. But, when I stood up, there was Jake doing his sitting movements! Standing up and begging while he wagged his tale and panted a happy pant! Then he laid down on his back! Was he trying to mimic me!

Finally attempted to do a bit of stretching before putting things away and getting coffee for me and dad (who, by that time, had gone back to bed!). He apologized having no real idea of how he disturbed me! But, he was right--I should have told him! But I didn't want to spoil the quiet by using my voice!

Although somewhat thwarted in my attempts, I did have brief moments where I was able to "get back to center" and immediately some things clarified in my mind. I need to be more organized; I need more structure. These things bring me peace.

Today is a busy day as Monday's usually are. I will walk in a few minutes with my friend Linda and the dogs--hardly walking--more like visiting and josteling the dogs!--but still I will be able to discuss things and get some minor outdoor exercise.

When we come home, I'll have breakfast and maybe attempt a few moments with the outdoor critters coming back in to kitchen and food prep. It became clear in those few moments what foods I need to fix today and the beginnings of what I need to do for the rest of the week although I need more time to clarify that.

Also need to do more organizing even if that's at the expense of other projects for the moment.

The girls' costumes have caused some grief--am out of my element to some extent--more complicated than I thought. The doggie costume as well--she's tinier than the pattern suggests and fitting that stupid bun on her has been a challenge. Some times these challenges (minor as they are!) seem insurmountable and I lose perspective. (They are, after all, for children and a dog! and they ARE costumes! Not for wearing every day!) but I believe that they can be accomplished--just not as quickly as I'd like perhaps.

Meeting at 12:15--I'll leave around 11:45 and perhaps do some light shopping on the way home depending on what menu choices I can make this AM.

I'll try again tomorrow!

Peace!

Carol

Portland, OR vs. TX

Actually saw one of the speed bumps by the side of the road on the way home today!

Peace!

Carol

Houston

Well, here we are in Houston. Weather about the same here as it is at home--cloudy, misty. One thing about living in the south is that we don't get as much daylight! Never thought about that living in Illinois. And I do miss the sun getting up earlier although I know this time of year the days are getting shorter.

This assembly has been booorrring!!!! The best things about it are the new hotel--very nice although they don't have a wireless internet set-up!--and the host district which happens to be Spanish so they are keeping us supplied with home made tomales which are quite tastey. But there are no veggie dishes or anything else interesting. The lunch buffet was $11.95 yesterday--a bit pricey I thought but tastey. Guess no one told the cook that we were a bunch of alkies as there was wine in one of the dishes--no wonder if tasted to good!

Also here with several other groups including a Marine group (Semer Fi!) celebrating a 50th anniversary for service in the Korean War. Very friendly group who, when knowing our son is a Marine, tell us to tell him thank you for his service! They were also very impressed when our noon meeting closed with the Lord's Prayer.

Miss home! Hope we're outa here by Noon--we could be home by 2. Always liked traveling before-loved the adventure! Now in my old age, I understand why people don't like leaving their dens!

Guess because for the first time in my life I feel like I really have a home. My father always made it abundantly clear that I only had a roof over my head because of him and that I should be beholden to him for that.

Later, as newlyweds, we moved nearly every year for the first 5 yrs. and that just seemed like an adventure to me--loved new faces, new opportunities, new life! Never put down roots.

Even our first house never made me want to "nest". I wanted to provide for my husband and children--the place was for them and I never had a place for me. Dad had his garage--there was no place for me to be me. Just places for me to do laundry and fix meals for my family.

The house in Echo Lake was ok. I did have space but never really took advantage of it. Loved the lot--the wildlife--looking out on the ever changing slough -- that was the best part. One really could meditate there.

But as the years wore on, I began to see it as a trap. A place where my only value was in what I could do for my family. Any time spent away from the house was an escape because there was only more work for me to do at home. I tried to be supermom--fixing brownies for lunches before sending everyone off for the day--and then getting myself ready for work--the only true freedom I ever felt where I didn't have to be the mom or the wife--there I could be Carol and valued for my brains--at least somewhat. If someone wanted something from me at least I got paid for it! At home, there were few rewards for me and when I tried to express myself in volunteer work or creative outlets, it was generally tolerated at best or put down at worst with the thought that I didn't have any other value other than to put meals on the table or clean the house or make sure the laundry was done. Oh--and make sure there was always money available for whatever else was needed.

Here, in the home in College Station, I finally have a spot! A beautiful kitchen to work in to prepare dishes when I feel like it rather than on demand; a beautiful scene outside my craft room to watch our lawn ornaments run around the pasture!--and a multipurpose haven that is mine alone to do whatever I feel like doing--computering, beading, sewing, crafting in any way. That is my haven.

I clean house when I feel like it and it's a nice house to clean being on all one level. I have freedoms such as I've never known before and discretionary time to spend on myself without having to justify it to anyone. And my animals -- intelligent Jake who gets our paper in the AM and loves to go for walks and I know he would defend me with his life! Rambunctious Chloe-still learning to be a good dog and who seems to be trying to put in the effort these days but who is always full of puppy kisses!

Sweet Sam! He knows my moods and loves me anyway! Feeling his large body next to mine in bed at night as he puts a paw on my arm or nose! Silly Lillah Jean who often views her world from atop the kitchen cabinets. And Sabu--such a pretty face--confined to the northern part of the house by threatening Sam--Sabu stays sweet and offers his belly for scratching to show his trust in us.

Outside critters: Charlie and Clara-we've decided they're married now! Always together softly clucking as they hunt for tastey morsels while patroling the garden.

Sugar--as sweet as her name! Willing to let us paw her all over just for treats! Eubee--grown up--still have to do something about that!-acting the goof while he begs for treats! Sky and Duke--still wary of being touched but willing to risk it for a mouthfull of sweet feed! Then there's the goats--Twinkle and Fran--Fran sweeter and more willing to be touch and just enjoying her simple life; Twinkle more belligerant demanding to have her own will!

My life is good. Good neighbors--good friends both inside and outside AA. Access to the internet expands my horizons.

Our sons have grown up but will always be our sons. How wonderful that they've forgiven us our sins against them in our addiction--or at least act as if they have! How wonderful that they still seem to love us! How incredible that they feel concern for us and our well being while still feeling able to trust us with their confidences.

The daughters-in-law: love me in spite of me--tolerate me--seem to appreciate my talents even as I learn from them. Forgiving me of my sins--or at least trying to!

Grandchilden: how sweet and special! Little girls to thrill me in my old age! For me to lavish all my girly ideas on! Benjamin--the challenge!--but he loves my cooking!

I am truly, truly blessed and am so thankful to have found this freedom in my later years. The freedom to love and be loved without condition! It was there all the time--so glad to have found it before it was too late!

In love and peace!

Carol

Decisions made! We will leave on Christmas Day for Portland arriving around 8:30 and leave around noon on Jan 3. That should satisfy both families (I hope!). Tickets have been purchased. Actually, Dad really does want his family around him on his 70th birthday. It seems to be important to him and it's good to have him express his feelings.

Bad day for me yesterday. All my demons seem to take over. Bowling was ok and meeting with my new sponsee was fine--then just went down hill and finished the toffee in the freezer. Went to bed early just to make the world go away and was surprised I slept until morning! Feeling a bit better today and started a food journal. Hope that helps.

Last day to work on Sugar's ears. The critters will miss our going out there twice a day but hope to continue to go out at least once a day.

Getting ready for the Houston trip tomorrow. SETA Assembly. Not exciting but important in AA to help set policies and procedures.

Hope to get more work done on costumes--the doggie one still doesn't fit that well and need to make more adjustments. But we're close!

Looks like the house across the street may have sold and hope we'll have some good new neighbors soon but guess that won't be until next month. Housing market is bad most places but apparently not here.

Hate that I'm so weak! Hate these demons!

Glad I'm blogging!

Peace!
Carol

Haven't written in a few days. I am bogged down in indecision about flights to Portland and Dad's 70th birthday in June. So much cheaper to fly the kids "home" in December, January, February rather than June when the cost would be nearly double. Finally asked Dad how he felt and he asked for time to think about it. I was glad he said that. Usually he claims no feelings or lets me make the decisions and then I get all twisted up about trying to please everyone.

Ironically, fares for the kids to come home are cheaper per person than they are for us right now! But that's if they would entertain the idea of leaving on Christmas Day and staying thru Jan. 5. I need to make a decision soon but it will probably not be until next week.

Worked on the doggie costume enough to try it on her. She's so tiny I have to make some adjustments. But I started work on Jasmine costumes today and am pleased so far. Probably won't have much time to work tomorrow--bowling in AM and new sponsee coming over in the PM. But, we'll see.

Puppy training went well. Chloe responds well to "leave it". Shocked me when she grabbed a Beanie Baby and I used the term and she dropped it! Same term worked when she started her barking at Sabu! She was actually pretty quiet today! We need to work on "down" now. And, of course, leash training. Classes moved from 7:30 to 6 in the future. Only bad thing is that Dad won't be able to attend but the good thing is that I'll get home earlier. Tend to hibernate for anything much later than 7.

Assembly this week end so no time to get anything done.

Couldn't do Sugar's ears this afternoon because Jeff needed to talk. He's going through a lot with his job and clearly wanted to talk. I reminded him to listen to his heart and his gut and not to anyone or anything else. He's the one he has to live with. And, of course, that he always will have his family and how much we love him.

Made an inventive chicken dish with red peppers and sent some squash and mashed cauliflower. Think it will be sausage and saurkraut tomorrow night with apples. Night before it was New Orleans Red Beans and Rice which included ham and that was quite tastey. Dad really liked it.

Until later.

Peace!

Carol

Yesterday was a lazy day.

I removed the pictures of my grandchildren out of respect for their mothers. So sad that in this world we live in today, we need be so concerned about predators out there lurking to pounce upon the innocent. I suppose that this has always been so but it seems even scarier today. No point in taking any chances.

Dragged my feet a lot yesterday but did do Sugar's ears twice like a good pet owner. Four more days of this! The dogs got muddy yesterday and we traumatized Chloe with shower from the hose. Poor thing went into her crate immediately and curled up! Jake took it like a "man", almost with a grin and bear it attitude! He's been through this before--doesn't like it but knows it's a requirement for access to the house.

Finally got all the pcs. of the Jasmine pattern cut and marked. Also want to make a hot dog bun costume for Claire--the miniature dachsund we rescued and gave to our neighbors! That should be cute!

The Jasmine costumes are about 10 pcs. each! Did find some better material for the blouse that's made to do some more modest covering up.

Walked this AM. We have not worked wtih Chloe as we should for her next lesson. She gets "sit" but is far from being leash trained.

Speaking of Chloe and Jake, the two made a break for it yesterday when they discovered the gate was open! We saw Jake streak past the kitchen while looking over his shoulder to see if Chloe was following (she was!)! By the time we got outside, they were no where in sight! Hopped in the van (still in our night clothes) and drove around the corner in our little subdivision and, sure enough, there they were playing with a neighbor's dog! Fortunately when they saw us, they readily hopped in the van and came back home with us!

Did I mention Sat. that we went to the miniature horse farm? Those tiny horses are no bigger than our dog, Jake! Not a lot going on there--might be fun to go when they're having an "event". Coming home, we passed through some cotton fields where they were picking with the big harvesting machines and tried to explain to Benjamin that this is the stuff his shirts are made of--don't think he was all that impressed. We picked up some raw cotton on the roadside and Dad says he'll harvest the seeds and plant them in the garden. Now that would be a hoot!

Well, still to get a shower and begin the rest of my day. Meeting at 12:15, a check on my sponsor's house, a stop at JoAnn's, and then home to fix a cherry tomato hor 'deurve for tonight--stuffed with avacado and crab.

Dancing with the Stars tonight--I'll see the tail end of the women's competition--then maybe actually start sewing!

Peace and love,

Carol