I certainly hope I fare better in the new year than I have in the last 5 days. I've had the week off and I guess it's a good thing since had I been working this week, I would have missed several days. Things started to go downhill the day after Christmas when I started with cold symptoms. Achy, stuffy nose, sore throat...you know the drill. Sunday I wasn't much better so I stayed home and tried to stay warm and away from people. Monday was not a good day. I ran a low grade fever off and on all day, slept all afternoon wrapped up in my blankie in my bed, coughing and blowing my nose in between sleep. I've been through a small bottle of NyQuil and several daytime cold meds.
Yesterday I started feeling better so I was sitting on the edge of my bed getting ready to take a shower. I don't know what I did, but I pulled something in my lower back. It took me awhile to be able to stand up and not so well I might add. I did manage a shower and since then I have started an intimate relationship with the heating pad. I don't go anywhere without it! I slept (badly) with it under my back last night and am now sitting in my favorite chair with it pressed right up against me. I've got my tea, my tissues and my phone at arms length and it looks like the only time I will get up is if I need to tinkle. George has gone out to run some errands before the snow starts so I have a little bit of peace. I love the man dearly and don't get me wrong, I appreciate EVERYTHING he does for me (and lately it's been a lot), but he hovers like a Jewish mother. I try not to complain because he has been doing all of the cooking and cleaning this week and I am blessed to have someone who will take care of me without complaint no matter what I need. I just need him to wait for me to ask for help. Sometimes it drives me nuts when he tries to anticipate my needs and that brings out my tendency to be stubborn. In the end I have to admit that he reads me quite well. But I am grateful for an hour or so of non hovering.
I also hear I have a new car in my drivewway. We had been thinking about trading George's car and his son Jon, who is a service technician at the Hyundai dealership, told us that they were having some great deals at the dealership and the manager was trying to unload a lot of cars before years end. So George went down there yesterday and scored himself a sweet deal. He got a leftover 2009 loaded Hyundai Elantra (Black) in our price range. He also got a great amount for his trade in and 2 season passes to a nearby ski area. OK we don't ski but I am sure we can find someone who will use them. I haven't seen the new car because I haven't been able to go downstairs to the driveway yet. I will be sure to check it out from the spare bedroom window when George gets home. Hopefully my back will allow me to go downstairs tomorrow. Maybe I can grab a photo and post it too.
It is now snowing pretty steadily out there. I think we are only expecting a couple of inches today but the storm is supposed to stall out in the Gulf of Maine and then turn back and drop more snow tomorrow. So far we have had a lot of small storms but the snow has stuck since it has been really cold in between.
We have nothing big planned for New Year's Eve. The only thing we are definitely doing is getting some chinese food later on and possbly watching a movie. I doubt I can stay awake til midnight but I will give it a shot.
We'll play it by ear as to whether or not we will go to my parents on New Year's Day. We'll see how I feel and how much snow we end up getting.
I am not one for resolutions, but I do want to do my best to be the best I can be for everyone who depends on me. 2010 will be a good year. We've got a wedding to attend which means I will have a new daughter in law by summers end. I don't know what else the year will bring but I hope it will be happy, peaceful and a healthy one for everyone.
Happy 2010 everyone!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Christmas 2009 is in the Books
It is now a couple days after Christmas and all I can say is...PHEW! I am so glad it's all over with for another year. Next year I plan on doing so much more shopping well before the last few days of December. Don't get me wrong, the hustle and bustle does get everyone in the spirit of things I believe, but I want to be able to not have to squeeze everything in at the last minute. Thank goodness for George, because he did a lot of running for me and split up some of the chores. I never did get all of the baking in that I wanted to but I guess no one missed the cookies and some of the other treats. The major things got done and done well, I might add. :-)
I think everyone was pleased with their gifts. I got a couple thumbs up from Eric and Sara loved the pink sweater I got her except it was too small. That was the only thing that needed to be exchanged and George did that for me today. He couldn't get sweater in pink but he picked a pretty blue one instead and I think she will be happy with it.
George and I got a lot of gift cards to several restaurants, I got a gift card to Kohl's, a book, and we got several things for the house. We got a couple of very pretty gift baskets too. Jessie knows me very well and picked out several things that she knows I like. Candles, cashews, kitchen towels, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, dark chocolate and teas and hot cocoas. The topper was an autographed picture of Chris Carpenter who pitches for the St. Louis Cardinals. He is a local boy who grew up in Raymond, NH and I've been following his career since he made it to the big leagues. He is also Jessie's cousin, which was a nice surprise. The picture made my day.
George got a lot of clothes which he needed badly and several dvd's, a gift card to the sporting goods store and some books. He and I agreed that we weren't going to buy a lot for each other because we want to redecorate the living room and get a new sofa so that will be our Christmas gift to each other.
We spent Christmas Eve with George's kids at Nicole's house. It was fun watching the grandkids open their gifts and I had a ball watching Matt, Jon and Patrick get drunk. Matt was probably the worst of the three and he pretty much bent my ear all evening but it was fine and it took my mind off of George's ex wife being there. By the way, she is probably the rudest person I have ever met and her son Patrick is following right in her footsteps. I am not the least bit surprised, but I can now completely understand the lack of warmth that comes from him. Anyway...I made the best of the evening and managed to have a few laughs anyway. (I am supposed to be at a hockey game right now with George to meet Patrick's girlfriends parents, etc, but I didn't want to go so I didn't. I am sure I won't be missed anyway.)
Christmas morning we went to George's brothers house for coffee and donuts. I was surprised to see Jon and Nikki show up with Patrick and Renee but we were happy they showed up. Ray and Diane don't see enough of them, that's for sure. We stayed a couple of hours and then went to my parents house for the rest of the day. It was really fun. My kids were there, my nephews, and my neice came with her new husband and little Kendal. We had a blast and never left until 9:30. It was a long day for sure. We had a pot luck supper and opened gifts, played cards, the usual fun at the homestead. Oh one gift I got that was pretty cool was a puzzle of my home town. It's done up like a map with the streets marked off and the highways, rivers, and even the high schools mapped out. The center piece of the puzzle is shaped like a house and it is located right where I lived. it's pretty cool and I've got it started out om my puzzle board right now. There is no picture to go by like with other puzzles so it is a good thing I know where the streets are located otherwise I would have a heck of a time with it. I'll grab a pic of it when it's finished and post it.
So here are a few pics from Christmas Eve
Jon Pat and Alex playing with the race track
Jon playing the drum
Pat and Nikki
Matt taking his turn with the drum
Nicole in her penguin shirt (picked out by Alex)
Alex with his big truck
Callissa's new doll
The little ones got Leapsters
And Christmas Day
Sara says Cheers!
How many men does it take to put a ham on a platter?
Great Grandpa and his pride and joy
Brad
Kelly, Crystal and Kendal (with my brother Dave's head snuck in there)
My Dad playing with Kendal
Brad, Sara, Eric and Jessie
Group shot
I have one more mini celebration planned for this week with my best friend Rose and her husband Steve. They are coming for supper one night this week. Not sure what I will make, maybe mac and cheese or lasagna...whatever it is we will eat and have a few drinks and exchange some gifts. I am looking forward to that and then the celebrating is done. We usually spend a quiet New Year's Eve at home with take out and a couple of movies or maybe watch whatever marathon is on tv that night. New Year's Day we will go to my parents for Chinese food. It will be a small group this year because both of my kids have other plans and will not be coming. That makes me sad but it's ok. They are all grown up now and have lives of their own, which is a good thing!
I hope I haven't bored you with this rambling. But I hope you like the pics!
I also hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends.
Happy New Year to everyone! May 2010 be a great year for us all!
I think everyone was pleased with their gifts. I got a couple thumbs up from Eric and Sara loved the pink sweater I got her except it was too small. That was the only thing that needed to be exchanged and George did that for me today. He couldn't get sweater in pink but he picked a pretty blue one instead and I think she will be happy with it.
George and I got a lot of gift cards to several restaurants, I got a gift card to Kohl's, a book, and we got several things for the house. We got a couple of very pretty gift baskets too. Jessie knows me very well and picked out several things that she knows I like. Candles, cashews, kitchen towels, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, dark chocolate and teas and hot cocoas. The topper was an autographed picture of Chris Carpenter who pitches for the St. Louis Cardinals. He is a local boy who grew up in Raymond, NH and I've been following his career since he made it to the big leagues. He is also Jessie's cousin, which was a nice surprise. The picture made my day.
George got a lot of clothes which he needed badly and several dvd's, a gift card to the sporting goods store and some books. He and I agreed that we weren't going to buy a lot for each other because we want to redecorate the living room and get a new sofa so that will be our Christmas gift to each other.
We spent Christmas Eve with George's kids at Nicole's house. It was fun watching the grandkids open their gifts and I had a ball watching Matt, Jon and Patrick get drunk. Matt was probably the worst of the three and he pretty much bent my ear all evening but it was fine and it took my mind off of George's ex wife being there. By the way, she is probably the rudest person I have ever met and her son Patrick is following right in her footsteps. I am not the least bit surprised, but I can now completely understand the lack of warmth that comes from him. Anyway...I made the best of the evening and managed to have a few laughs anyway. (I am supposed to be at a hockey game right now with George to meet Patrick's girlfriends parents, etc, but I didn't want to go so I didn't. I am sure I won't be missed anyway.)
Christmas morning we went to George's brothers house for coffee and donuts. I was surprised to see Jon and Nikki show up with Patrick and Renee but we were happy they showed up. Ray and Diane don't see enough of them, that's for sure. We stayed a couple of hours and then went to my parents house for the rest of the day. It was really fun. My kids were there, my nephews, and my neice came with her new husband and little Kendal. We had a blast and never left until 9:30. It was a long day for sure. We had a pot luck supper and opened gifts, played cards, the usual fun at the homestead. Oh one gift I got that was pretty cool was a puzzle of my home town. It's done up like a map with the streets marked off and the highways, rivers, and even the high schools mapped out. The center piece of the puzzle is shaped like a house and it is located right where I lived. it's pretty cool and I've got it started out om my puzzle board right now. There is no picture to go by like with other puzzles so it is a good thing I know where the streets are located otherwise I would have a heck of a time with it. I'll grab a pic of it when it's finished and post it.
So here are a few pics from Christmas Eve
Jon Pat and Alex playing with the race track
Jon playing the drum
Pat and Nikki
Matt taking his turn with the drum
Nicole in her penguin shirt (picked out by Alex)
Alex with his big truck
Callissa's new doll
The little ones got Leapsters
And Christmas Day
Sara says Cheers!
How many men does it take to put a ham on a platter?
Great Grandpa and his pride and joy
Brad
Kelly, Crystal and Kendal (with my brother Dave's head snuck in there)
My Dad playing with Kendal
Brad, Sara, Eric and Jessie
Group shot
I have one more mini celebration planned for this week with my best friend Rose and her husband Steve. They are coming for supper one night this week. Not sure what I will make, maybe mac and cheese or lasagna...whatever it is we will eat and have a few drinks and exchange some gifts. I am looking forward to that and then the celebrating is done. We usually spend a quiet New Year's Eve at home with take out and a couple of movies or maybe watch whatever marathon is on tv that night. New Year's Day we will go to my parents for Chinese food. It will be a small group this year because both of my kids have other plans and will not be coming. That makes me sad but it's ok. They are all grown up now and have lives of their own, which is a good thing!
I hope I haven't bored you with this rambling. But I hope you like the pics!
I also hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends.
Happy New Year to everyone! May 2010 be a great year for us all!
Friday, December 18, 2009
One Week Before Christmas!
Season's Greetings to one and all! It's been rather busy for me the last few weeks and I guess we have one more week to go before all the madness is over but I really look forward to this time of year. I am not a shopper, kind of hate it actually, but I do enjoy the baking, cooking, wrapping, decorating and how happy and joyous most people are this time of year. Last weekend I managed to get most of my shopping done, (can you say procrastinator?) and I will get the rest done tomorrow. I may have something last minute to pick up Christmas Eve...but that's the way it is with me. No matter how much time I have, I am always in a store even if it is for lottery tickets, on Christmas Eve. Never fails.
This week will be a nice short week at work and it should be an easy week too. We shipped the last of our monthly orders yesterday so we can relax a little bit before Christmas. On Wednesday our department is having a Christmas pot luck lunch. I will be making lasagna for that. Last Wednesday we had our company wide meeting with the President of the company and we got a really nice bonus along with a thermal vest and a calendar from the President and his wife. They are always pretty good to their employees and I am proud to work there. It's by far the best place I have ever worked and I hope to be there for many years to come. I can't believe I've been there 7 years already.
Tonight is the Company Christmas Party and this year it is being held at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester. This will be the first time I go. I always wanted to go but never had a date and although I was always encouraged to tag along with my co workers who did go, they usually had a spouse or significant other with them and I never wanted to feel like a third wheel. But this year I can drag my sweet husband along for the ride and I am sure we will have a great time. We had to choose between prime rib and chicken for dinner so I picked chicken and George of course picked the beef. It should be a nice fancy evening.
On Christmas Eve we are going to my step daughter's house to celebrate with all three of George's kids and their spouses, his and grandkids. I am looking forward to seeing the grandkids open their gifts. I hope they like what we picked for them. Last year I was dumbfounded to see the amount of presents George's ex wife brought for the grandkids. We don't go crazy like Donna does. I try to select things that they will appreciate. I don't know if she is trying to buy their love or show off, but she kind of goes way overboard. I know, it is weird to spend Christmas Eve with your ex spouse, but it is something we do to pacify George's son Jon. He takes the holiday very seriously and he is very much into tradition. This is the second year we have done this and I frankly, am not a huge fan of spending Christmas with Donna and her husband, but I am hoping that Jon will eventually realize how awkward it is. I am sure it isn't a piece of cake for her either but last year we went along with it because Jon's wish was to be able to spend at least a few hours with his whole family and their new 'loves' together at Christmas time. He went to a lot of trouble planning the evening (last year we went to his house) and it was alright. George is a clssy guy and would never show his feelings for his ex and her new husband around his kids but we both agree, we could think of a dozen things we would rather be doing on Christmas Eve than spending it with her and Peter. No matter what, we will get through it with a lot of rum and eggnog. LOL
Christmas Day we are going to visit George's brother and his family and then go to my parents house for Christmas with them. My kids will be there along with my brothers and my nephews. I hope my niece will make it with her new husband and her baby. I haven't seen them since summer and they are back in New Hampshire now that her husband is out of the Army. I got little Kendal a ride on toy that plays nursery rhymes so hopefully she will get a kick out of that.
I have the week after Christmas off from work so it will be nice to have a little down time to relax and recover. We don't go out on New Year's Eve but New Year's Day we always have a chinese food fest at my parents house to ring in the new year. That's always a lot of fun, eating and playing cards and just spending the afternoon together.
Last week I met with an orthopeadic surgeon to see what can be done with my increasing joint pain. After an x-ray and a long consult, it has been decided that I should have a total hip replacement on my right hip. I've been struggling with pain pretty much 24/7 for quite some time now and it is only going to get worse. I have osteoarthritis in my right hip and also a little bit in my lower back and it has been getting worse over the last year or so. My hip joint is just about fused with nothing between the ball and the hip to cushion it and pain meds will only mask the issue so it's time to take some action. We haven't set an exact date yet but we are looking at mid to late February for surgery. I am actually excited to finally get it done. I am sure I will feel immediate results, although it will be a couple months of rehabilitation and recovery. I will keep you posted on how things progress and ask for your prayers that I get through this with no complications. My son is getting married in August and I want to be able to dance at his wedding.
I should get moving here and finish the laundry that I started hours ago. I did take a break and did some banking and picked up medicine at the pharmacy but it is time to get cracking.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. Happy Holidays to you all!
This week will be a nice short week at work and it should be an easy week too. We shipped the last of our monthly orders yesterday so we can relax a little bit before Christmas. On Wednesday our department is having a Christmas pot luck lunch. I will be making lasagna for that. Last Wednesday we had our company wide meeting with the President of the company and we got a really nice bonus along with a thermal vest and a calendar from the President and his wife. They are always pretty good to their employees and I am proud to work there. It's by far the best place I have ever worked and I hope to be there for many years to come. I can't believe I've been there 7 years already.
Tonight is the Company Christmas Party and this year it is being held at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester. This will be the first time I go. I always wanted to go but never had a date and although I was always encouraged to tag along with my co workers who did go, they usually had a spouse or significant other with them and I never wanted to feel like a third wheel. But this year I can drag my sweet husband along for the ride and I am sure we will have a great time. We had to choose between prime rib and chicken for dinner so I picked chicken and George of course picked the beef. It should be a nice fancy evening.
On Christmas Eve we are going to my step daughter's house to celebrate with all three of George's kids and their spouses, his and grandkids. I am looking forward to seeing the grandkids open their gifts. I hope they like what we picked for them. Last year I was dumbfounded to see the amount of presents George's ex wife brought for the grandkids. We don't go crazy like Donna does. I try to select things that they will appreciate. I don't know if she is trying to buy their love or show off, but she kind of goes way overboard. I know, it is weird to spend Christmas Eve with your ex spouse, but it is something we do to pacify George's son Jon. He takes the holiday very seriously and he is very much into tradition. This is the second year we have done this and I frankly, am not a huge fan of spending Christmas with Donna and her husband, but I am hoping that Jon will eventually realize how awkward it is. I am sure it isn't a piece of cake for her either but last year we went along with it because Jon's wish was to be able to spend at least a few hours with his whole family and their new 'loves' together at Christmas time. He went to a lot of trouble planning the evening (last year we went to his house) and it was alright. George is a clssy guy and would never show his feelings for his ex and her new husband around his kids but we both agree, we could think of a dozen things we would rather be doing on Christmas Eve than spending it with her and Peter. No matter what, we will get through it with a lot of rum and eggnog. LOL
Christmas Day we are going to visit George's brother and his family and then go to my parents house for Christmas with them. My kids will be there along with my brothers and my nephews. I hope my niece will make it with her new husband and her baby. I haven't seen them since summer and they are back in New Hampshire now that her husband is out of the Army. I got little Kendal a ride on toy that plays nursery rhymes so hopefully she will get a kick out of that.
I have the week after Christmas off from work so it will be nice to have a little down time to relax and recover. We don't go out on New Year's Eve but New Year's Day we always have a chinese food fest at my parents house to ring in the new year. That's always a lot of fun, eating and playing cards and just spending the afternoon together.
Last week I met with an orthopeadic surgeon to see what can be done with my increasing joint pain. After an x-ray and a long consult, it has been decided that I should have a total hip replacement on my right hip. I've been struggling with pain pretty much 24/7 for quite some time now and it is only going to get worse. I have osteoarthritis in my right hip and also a little bit in my lower back and it has been getting worse over the last year or so. My hip joint is just about fused with nothing between the ball and the hip to cushion it and pain meds will only mask the issue so it's time to take some action. We haven't set an exact date yet but we are looking at mid to late February for surgery. I am actually excited to finally get it done. I am sure I will feel immediate results, although it will be a couple months of rehabilitation and recovery. I will keep you posted on how things progress and ask for your prayers that I get through this with no complications. My son is getting married in August and I want to be able to dance at his wedding.
I should get moving here and finish the laundry that I started hours ago. I did take a break and did some banking and picked up medicine at the pharmacy but it is time to get cracking.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. Happy Holidays to you all!
Friday, December 04, 2009
Winter Will Arrive Tomorrow
Our quiet and warm weather will soon be coming to an end. Tomorrow we are expecting the first measureable snowfall of the winter. Right now the forecasters are calling for 3-5 inches for our area but have warned that those totals could be adjusted in the next 12 hours or so. It's fine with me, it is the weekend and except for grocery shopping in the morning, we have no plans.
We had a very nice Thanksgiving last weekend. We spent the day with at my parents house with my kids, my brothers, and my nephews. We also got word that my neice and her family are returning to New Hampshire and should be here today sometime. I am very excited to see them, to meet Crystal's new husband, Kelly, and to see my grand neice Kendal who recently turned a year old! It's hard to believe she is already walking.
Last Saturday we had to make the 4.5 hour trip to Canada to go to a Memorial sevice for George's uncle Leonid. He had been a missionary in Peru for about 40 years and wanted to live out his life there. He has been buried in Peru and it was nice to have a service up there for him. George's family is so accomodating and they are all very nice. It was good to see them all again even under those circumstances.
I went out Christmas shopping a bit today and picked up a few things. I also am going to do a little online shopping this afternoon, so I should be in good shape. George and I will be able to finish up next week I think.
I guess I should go clean up the mess I made in the kitchen. Another batch of cookies made and ready for the freezer.
Have a great day and a wonderful weekend.
Happy Holidays!!
We had a very nice Thanksgiving last weekend. We spent the day with at my parents house with my kids, my brothers, and my nephews. We also got word that my neice and her family are returning to New Hampshire and should be here today sometime. I am very excited to see them, to meet Crystal's new husband, Kelly, and to see my grand neice Kendal who recently turned a year old! It's hard to believe she is already walking.
Last Saturday we had to make the 4.5 hour trip to Canada to go to a Memorial sevice for George's uncle Leonid. He had been a missionary in Peru for about 40 years and wanted to live out his life there. He has been buried in Peru and it was nice to have a service up there for him. George's family is so accomodating and they are all very nice. It was good to see them all again even under those circumstances.
I went out Christmas shopping a bit today and picked up a few things. I also am going to do a little online shopping this afternoon, so I should be in good shape. George and I will be able to finish up next week I think.
I guess I should go clean up the mess I made in the kitchen. Another batch of cookies made and ready for the freezer.
Have a great day and a wonderful weekend.
Happy Holidays!!
Monday, November 23, 2009
How Is This For A Post
Good Morning! It's Monday, I have the whole week off and I have been trying to catch up on everyone's blogs. Just because I don't comment on each and every one doesn't mean I don't read them. Sometimes I barely have enough time to read and respond to my email. And I have been bitten by the Facebook bug and somehow I can find so much to do on there. There just isn't enough time in the day sometimes. I am away from home on weekdays for 13 hours and require 6-7 hours of sleep so... Anyway, enough excuses, here I am and I am going to bore you all with what's been going on. (Probably won't take up much space.) LOL
An update on George's hunting. Very few deer sightings and the ones he has seen have been too far away to get a shot at. Being a bow hunter, he wants to make sure of his shot because you don't want to injure an animal and not be able to find it. So unless he is absolutely sure, he won't take a shot. His friend Scott however, did get a small buck on our property a few weeks ago with his muzzle loader. It's been a few years since Scott has taken one so we were very happy for him.
Work has been pretty busy. Our department is steady and will be for several months, then hopefully we will get another contract and just continue as we are. I am very blessed to have a job, and I really do work for a wonderful company. The CEO of the company won a National award last week in Palm Springs, The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Manufacturing and Distribution. I've tried uploading Mr. Solinsky's acceptance speech but had no luck. You can view it on YouTube if you like.
George's son Patrick will be moving to Colorado in January. He will be graduating from college in May but first has to do an internship for his degree in Culinary Arts. He was accepted at the Boradmoor Resort in Colorado Springs and starts working right after the holidays. We are very excited for him. He will be graduating with degrees in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management so this would be a great start for his career. If all goes well, he plans on staying there after his internship is complete so we will have a vacation place to go to! :-)
On Saturday night we went out for dinner with George's brother Ray and his wife Diane. They have 2 boys, Keith is 22 and Kris is 20 and they also joined us along with George's son Jon and his wife Nikki. We went to a place in Manchester called Famous Dave's and they specialize in BBQ. The atmosphere is very casual and we pretty much had the whole bar area to ourselves. The food was fantastic, we got this thing called the Garbage Lid and it was a whole variety of items actually served on a trash can lid. We had ribs, a half of a chicken, beans, cole slaw, corn muffins, fries, brisket and BBQ pork and lots of beer. LOL It was a really fun night. I really love all this extended family. Keith and I really had a great conversation before dinner. He is almost finished with school too and is doing his internship for radiology at a local hospital. He's a very smart kid, very sweet and personable and the best hugger by far! Kris is a bit more shy but seems to be warming up to me a bit more. He's a gentle giant, stands about 6'5" tall and has the nicest smile. He kind of reminds me of what Abe Lincoln might have looked like when he was young. LOL What really tugs at my heart about these two is the loving care they have for their Mom. Diane has been confined to a wheelchair for many years. She had Dystonia which is a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. Back when we were in high school, she was able to walk with the aid of a cane but she has had a lot of experimental treatments to help her and although some things have helped, nothing has ever helped permanently. The last surgery she had helped her get around somewhat better but affected her speech and now it is very difficult to understand her. She suffers a great deal from very painful muscle spasms in her legs so she can no longer walk or drive a car but she is killer in her motorized wheelchair! When they come to visit, Kris will carry her up the stairs on his back and both boys take awesome care of her. It's a little more difficult for Ray to carry her now that he is getting older and has bad knees but the boys really do pitch in when they can. Anyway, we had a super wonderful time and I can't wait to do it again.
Here are Ray and Diane. As soon as I can find a pic of the boys, I will post it.
I have a couple of new pics of Alex and Callissa too. Aren't they just the cutest lil kids?
Alex
Callissa
We are spending Thanksgiving day with my parents, brothers, nephews and my kids. Not sure who else will be there. I wanted to have dinner here but both of my kids whined that we live too far away and my mother would have to cook a turkey anyway because my father and brother look forward to leftovers so we're going to go there. It is a long drive for Sara to come here. She already lives 90 minutes away from my parents and then add another 50 minutes to that so I can totally understand not wanting to be on the road all day. She will be stopping by at her Dad's house too I imagine.
I will be making a few side dishes so Mom doesn't have to do all the work by herself and Sara has volunteered to make dessert. I hope Jessie brings a green bean casserole but I am not sure what she is planning.
I guess I should get off of my butt and get a few things done around here. I still have to make the bed and bake some brownies for George to bring to work tomorrow for their Thanksgiving luncheon.
I am reading the book Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane and hopefully I can spend some time on that later on. I just finished Duma Key by Stephen King. I liked it for the most part, didn't like the ending but that happens a lot with his books. They start out grabbing my interest but eventually the story gets weird and I lose interest. I did force myself to finish it though even though I have 4-5 books waiting to be read.
I just had a nice long chat with Greg's wife Sheila. She is doing remarkably well all things considered and is in Texas spending the holidays with her family. That makes me happy to know she is with people who love her at this tough time.
I am off for awhile now. Going to make the bed and then fold some laundry. I probably should get those brownies baked too since it is now noon. Hope everyone has a great day!
An update on George's hunting. Very few deer sightings and the ones he has seen have been too far away to get a shot at. Being a bow hunter, he wants to make sure of his shot because you don't want to injure an animal and not be able to find it. So unless he is absolutely sure, he won't take a shot. His friend Scott however, did get a small buck on our property a few weeks ago with his muzzle loader. It's been a few years since Scott has taken one so we were very happy for him.
Work has been pretty busy. Our department is steady and will be for several months, then hopefully we will get another contract and just continue as we are. I am very blessed to have a job, and I really do work for a wonderful company. The CEO of the company won a National award last week in Palm Springs, The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Manufacturing and Distribution. I've tried uploading Mr. Solinsky's acceptance speech but had no luck. You can view it on YouTube if you like.
George's son Patrick will be moving to Colorado in January. He will be graduating from college in May but first has to do an internship for his degree in Culinary Arts. He was accepted at the Boradmoor Resort in Colorado Springs and starts working right after the holidays. We are very excited for him. He will be graduating with degrees in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management so this would be a great start for his career. If all goes well, he plans on staying there after his internship is complete so we will have a vacation place to go to! :-)
On Saturday night we went out for dinner with George's brother Ray and his wife Diane. They have 2 boys, Keith is 22 and Kris is 20 and they also joined us along with George's son Jon and his wife Nikki. We went to a place in Manchester called Famous Dave's and they specialize in BBQ. The atmosphere is very casual and we pretty much had the whole bar area to ourselves. The food was fantastic, we got this thing called the Garbage Lid and it was a whole variety of items actually served on a trash can lid. We had ribs, a half of a chicken, beans, cole slaw, corn muffins, fries, brisket and BBQ pork and lots of beer. LOL It was a really fun night. I really love all this extended family. Keith and I really had a great conversation before dinner. He is almost finished with school too and is doing his internship for radiology at a local hospital. He's a very smart kid, very sweet and personable and the best hugger by far! Kris is a bit more shy but seems to be warming up to me a bit more. He's a gentle giant, stands about 6'5" tall and has the nicest smile. He kind of reminds me of what Abe Lincoln might have looked like when he was young. LOL What really tugs at my heart about these two is the loving care they have for their Mom. Diane has been confined to a wheelchair for many years. She had Dystonia which is a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. Back when we were in high school, she was able to walk with the aid of a cane but she has had a lot of experimental treatments to help her and although some things have helped, nothing has ever helped permanently. The last surgery she had helped her get around somewhat better but affected her speech and now it is very difficult to understand her. She suffers a great deal from very painful muscle spasms in her legs so she can no longer walk or drive a car but she is killer in her motorized wheelchair! When they come to visit, Kris will carry her up the stairs on his back and both boys take awesome care of her. It's a little more difficult for Ray to carry her now that he is getting older and has bad knees but the boys really do pitch in when they can. Anyway, we had a super wonderful time and I can't wait to do it again.
Here are Ray and Diane. As soon as I can find a pic of the boys, I will post it.
I have a couple of new pics of Alex and Callissa too. Aren't they just the cutest lil kids?
Alex
Callissa
We are spending Thanksgiving day with my parents, brothers, nephews and my kids. Not sure who else will be there. I wanted to have dinner here but both of my kids whined that we live too far away and my mother would have to cook a turkey anyway because my father and brother look forward to leftovers so we're going to go there. It is a long drive for Sara to come here. She already lives 90 minutes away from my parents and then add another 50 minutes to that so I can totally understand not wanting to be on the road all day. She will be stopping by at her Dad's house too I imagine.
I will be making a few side dishes so Mom doesn't have to do all the work by herself and Sara has volunteered to make dessert. I hope Jessie brings a green bean casserole but I am not sure what she is planning.
I guess I should get off of my butt and get a few things done around here. I still have to make the bed and bake some brownies for George to bring to work tomorrow for their Thanksgiving luncheon.
I am reading the book Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane and hopefully I can spend some time on that later on. I just finished Duma Key by Stephen King. I liked it for the most part, didn't like the ending but that happens a lot with his books. They start out grabbing my interest but eventually the story gets weird and I lose interest. I did force myself to finish it though even though I have 4-5 books waiting to be read.
I just had a nice long chat with Greg's wife Sheila. She is doing remarkably well all things considered and is in Texas spending the holidays with her family. That makes me happy to know she is with people who love her at this tough time.
I am off for awhile now. Going to make the bed and then fold some laundry. I probably should get those brownies baked too since it is now noon. Hope everyone has a great day!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wet Weather in New England
Good Morning to everyone. I hope the weather is better in your next of the woods than it is here but it just figures. We've had a week of temps in the 60's and lots of sun but I have the day off today so of course it is going to rain. It is pouring on down right now but I hope it lets up at least for a little while because I am taking Hunter in for his pedicure at the Vet's office and you all know I am made of sugar so I don't want to melt. LOL
The girls at work have worked so darn hard this month that we got our product all finished and shipped for the entire month a full week ahead of schedule. That is over 800 units off to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas where the soldiers need it. So our manager has rewarded us and given us all of next week off. YIPPEEE!! We were going to have two paid days for Thanksgiving off anyway so we only have to use 3 vacation days and today is an Off Friday anyway so that gives me 10 days off. Whatever will I do with my time?? (I plan to catch up on everyone's blog, for one thing.) I have also put the Betty Crocker skill set into play and plan on experimenting on some new recipes too. I'll let you know how they come out.
Hunter is crashed out on the sofa so I guess I better get him loaded into the car and be on my way. I am sure there are some very qualified Vets in the area but I tried one and couldn't stand taking my animal there so I went back to Dr. Audrey's office. Problem with that is it is an hours drive from here. I know, I know, but he is my lil baby and I can't just have him cared for by any ole doctor. It's like a kid...you wouldn't take him to a pediatrician if the doctor gave you the willies, right?? LOL
OK gotta run but I shall return!
Have a great day!
The girls at work have worked so darn hard this month that we got our product all finished and shipped for the entire month a full week ahead of schedule. That is over 800 units off to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas where the soldiers need it. So our manager has rewarded us and given us all of next week off. YIPPEEE!! We were going to have two paid days for Thanksgiving off anyway so we only have to use 3 vacation days and today is an Off Friday anyway so that gives me 10 days off. Whatever will I do with my time?? (I plan to catch up on everyone's blog, for one thing.) I have also put the Betty Crocker skill set into play and plan on experimenting on some new recipes too. I'll let you know how they come out.
Hunter is crashed out on the sofa so I guess I better get him loaded into the car and be on my way. I am sure there are some very qualified Vets in the area but I tried one and couldn't stand taking my animal there so I went back to Dr. Audrey's office. Problem with that is it is an hours drive from here. I know, I know, but he is my lil baby and I can't just have him cared for by any ole doctor. It's like a kid...you wouldn't take him to a pediatrician if the doctor gave you the willies, right?? LOL
OK gotta run but I shall return!
Have a great day!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Still Alive
I am still here. Sorry about not posting lately. Just haven't had much time or much to post. It's been pretty quiet around here.
All is well here. The kids are all doing ok and so far no one has contracted the Swine flu, although it is all around us. George and I both still have jobs so that's good. I'm still waiting for the elusive venison, although George's friend Scott got one on our land out behing our house last Wednesday. I hope we at least can get a steak or some hamburger. :-)
I want to take a minute and mention that a very good friend of mine has lost his battle with cancer. I think some of you know him too from chat, Greg198. He's been fighting for a few years now but made his way to God last week. He will be greatly missed. Greg was a friend I met in chat well over 8 years ago and he was a funny, smart and sweet guy. He never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him so many never knew he was sick. I chatted with him last a couple of weeks ago and he was in good spirits and ready for the next chapter of his life. Please take a minute and thank God for every blessing. Greg, I will miss you. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Time for me to hit the sheets. Have a good night everyone.
All is well here. The kids are all doing ok and so far no one has contracted the Swine flu, although it is all around us. George and I both still have jobs so that's good. I'm still waiting for the elusive venison, although George's friend Scott got one on our land out behing our house last Wednesday. I hope we at least can get a steak or some hamburger. :-)
I want to take a minute and mention that a very good friend of mine has lost his battle with cancer. I think some of you know him too from chat, Greg198. He's been fighting for a few years now but made his way to God last week. He will be greatly missed. Greg was a friend I met in chat well over 8 years ago and he was a funny, smart and sweet guy. He never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him so many never knew he was sick. I chatted with him last a couple of weeks ago and he was in good spirits and ready for the next chapter of his life. Please take a minute and thank God for every blessing. Greg, I will miss you. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Time for me to hit the sheets. Have a good night everyone.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Lazy Sunday
Just a quick post to say Hey. I am getting ready to put a roaster chicken in the oven. It's a dreary chilly day today and a nice warm home cooked meal will be very welcomed here. I worked a lot of overtime last week, including part of yesterday, so I am planning to spend today catching up on blogs, watching football and cooking.
We went out for supper last night with Jessie, Eric and Sara. It was Jessie's 21st birthday on Friday and Eric will be 27 on the 29th so we did a combo dinner. It was fun, a little weird, but I really like being with my kiddoes.
We went to a place called Newicks Seafood. They are located in Dover on the point where the Oyster River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It's a nice family oriented place with wonderful seafood, nice and fresh from the ocean. We don't go there very often since it iw quite a ways from where we live but it is only a half hour drive from Eric and Jessie's. Sara had been visiting Eric and Jessie for the weekend so she came along too.
I don't know why Jessie does this but she seems to have some issue no matter where we go for dinner. Even when we have dinner there with her, something randomly spoils her dinner. You never know what or when but it almost always happens.
She was so excited to go there because she loves seafood, especially lobster, and no place would have fresher lobster! We ordered dinner and she changed her mind about lobster for whatever reason. I believe she ordered calamari and scallops for her entree with wild rice, and she and Eric split a bowl of clam chowder. She ate the chowder, claimed it was very very creamy and good, and then her entree arrived. I happened to be looking at the food on the tray but George said her eyes got real big when she saw the size of her plate (huge) and only after a couple of bites, she barely ate anymore. We all asked if her food was ok. She said it was fine, she didn't think her plate would be that big and she was suddenly not hungry anymore. She spent the rest of the meal like she usually does, picking at her food and looking like she wanted to go home. This happens just about every time. Jessie is very moody and I think she is bi-polar, especially seeing her moods flip with the snap of your fingers. I've talked to Eric about this but he says it's just how she is. He tells me not to worry...but I do.
Anyway, the rest of us finished our meals and most of us took home doggie bags cos they really do give you a lot of food. We ended up leaving without dessert. No point of celebrating with a piece of cake or something sweet since she wouldn't eat it anyway. George and I took our car so we just headed home. Eric, Jessie and Sara rode back to Eric's house where Sara's car was. I think she was planning to head back to Massachusetts.
Before we went for supper, I met Eric and Jessie's new puppy, Cooper. He is a Yellow Lab, 14 weeks old and very very cute. As soon as I get a pic, I will post it. He's all legs, a little awkward right now, still growing into his body but such a face! He's very sweet, a little shy, but friendly once he gets to know you. I think he's the perfect little addition to their household.
I guess I better get the chicken into the oven. I am making sweet potatoes and whole wheat rolls too. Will smell good in here real soon!
We went out for supper last night with Jessie, Eric and Sara. It was Jessie's 21st birthday on Friday and Eric will be 27 on the 29th so we did a combo dinner. It was fun, a little weird, but I really like being with my kiddoes.
We went to a place called Newicks Seafood. They are located in Dover on the point where the Oyster River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It's a nice family oriented place with wonderful seafood, nice and fresh from the ocean. We don't go there very often since it iw quite a ways from where we live but it is only a half hour drive from Eric and Jessie's. Sara had been visiting Eric and Jessie for the weekend so she came along too.
I don't know why Jessie does this but she seems to have some issue no matter where we go for dinner. Even when we have dinner there with her, something randomly spoils her dinner. You never know what or when but it almost always happens.
She was so excited to go there because she loves seafood, especially lobster, and no place would have fresher lobster! We ordered dinner and she changed her mind about lobster for whatever reason. I believe she ordered calamari and scallops for her entree with wild rice, and she and Eric split a bowl of clam chowder. She ate the chowder, claimed it was very very creamy and good, and then her entree arrived. I happened to be looking at the food on the tray but George said her eyes got real big when she saw the size of her plate (huge) and only after a couple of bites, she barely ate anymore. We all asked if her food was ok. She said it was fine, she didn't think her plate would be that big and she was suddenly not hungry anymore. She spent the rest of the meal like she usually does, picking at her food and looking like she wanted to go home. This happens just about every time. Jessie is very moody and I think she is bi-polar, especially seeing her moods flip with the snap of your fingers. I've talked to Eric about this but he says it's just how she is. He tells me not to worry...but I do.
Anyway, the rest of us finished our meals and most of us took home doggie bags cos they really do give you a lot of food. We ended up leaving without dessert. No point of celebrating with a piece of cake or something sweet since she wouldn't eat it anyway. George and I took our car so we just headed home. Eric, Jessie and Sara rode back to Eric's house where Sara's car was. I think she was planning to head back to Massachusetts.
Before we went for supper, I met Eric and Jessie's new puppy, Cooper. He is a Yellow Lab, 14 weeks old and very very cute. As soon as I get a pic, I will post it. He's all legs, a little awkward right now, still growing into his body but such a face! He's very sweet, a little shy, but friendly once he gets to know you. I think he's the perfect little addition to their household.
I guess I better get the chicken into the oven. I am making sweet potatoes and whole wheat rolls too. Will smell good in here real soon!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Leaf Peeping 2009
George and I took a drive thru Twin Mountain, Crawford Notch and down the Kancamagus Highway today. The colors were so nice. Unfortunately we had more clouds than sun but it was a nice relaxing drive and certainly one of the better Foliage sight seeing drives I've been on in ages. Probably the number 1 reason why I LOVE New Hampshire so much.
Monday, October 05, 2009
A Couple of Pics
I have a little time this evening since Georgie Boy is out hunting so I thought I would post a couple of pictures. Saturday night was a blast. When Sara got here around 5, Jon, Nikki, Matt, Nicole, Callissa and Alex were already here. It was so cute to hear Callissa and Alex proclaim "Aunty Aunt Sara is here", while they ran to her and gave her big hugs. I don't know how they came up with Aunty Aunt Sara, but it has stuck. They both had to sit with her while we feasted on Pizza and homemade brownies and she played hide and seek with them too before they all went out to a local bar to shoot pool. George and I kept watch of the little ones, which was a hoot. We watched Cars and munched on popcorn, and drew pictures. It was a very fun evening.
Nikki, Nicole and Sara
Minnesota Sara lining up her shot
Alex, Hunter and Callissa down for the count
Yesterday was a quiet day. Sara had breakfast with us and visited until mid afternoon, then she headed home. George and I watched the Patriots and had an early supper so he could go out to his tree stand. The weekend went by way too quickly, but it was a very good couple of days.
Friday, October 02, 2009
October News
Wow October already! Where has the time gone?
This is my favorite time of year. I think October has always been my favorite month. I love the crispness of the air, I love the apples in the orchards, pumpkins in the pumpkin patches, and the beautiful Fall colors on and off the trees. I also love bright yellow and maroon colored Mums paired together in the garden and on the porch. (And as soon as I put some there, I will take a pic.)
I've been extremely busy lately with just the normal every day things. But I've also managed to finally get my house on the market. It has a For Sale sign on the front lawn and everything! I am optimisticly hoping it will sell before the winter sets in but I know chances of that are fairly unlikely. Still...I could get lucky. It really took me a lot longer than I planned to clean it out and prepare it for the market. I lived in that house for almost 20 years and you just don't realize how much stuff you really have. But it is empty now except for the gun cabinet that once belonged to my ex husband. (He doesn't want it.) As soon as we have a Saturday that promises no rain, we will go up and get it. It is a nice cabinet and I don't want to ruin it. I know I can get a few bucks for it.
Work is still a crap shoot every day. I know how lucky I am to have a job so I am not complaining. I go into work with a smile on my face every day. It just makes a person feel stressed out, never knowing if today is the last day you will be punching in. George's son in law, Matt, got laid off from his job last night. The job market is just so bad right now. I hope he can find something soon. Nicole still has a job but she works for the same company that Matt did so they have every reason to be nervous. They have 2 little ones to worry about too.
Tomorrow afternoon, Sara is making the almost 2 hour drive to come visit. She will be staying overnight and Nikki and Nicole have plans to take her out Saturday evening for a couple drinks and to shoot some pool. I am glad my 'girls' all get along and enjoy each other's company. Nothing makes me happier than to hear them calling each other "Sis". You just never know how 'blending' families is going to go.
Sara has an ulterior motive for coming to visit. Sunday is Hunter's 10th birthday and she wanted to be sure to be here to help the pooch celebrate. LOL She is too much. I hear she has bought him a gift and everything.
George is doing well. He has been out hunting almost every evening and has not provided his wife with any venison yet. I'm not sad. I like venison but I secretly cheer for the deer. I saw a beautiful Momma deer yesterday morning on my way to work, just standing by the road at the edge of the field with her little one. I stopped and watched them for a couple minutes until they ran off. It was way too dark for a picture (4am) but it made me smile all day and I have the visual in my head.
Eric is well. He and Jessie will be celebrating birthdays this month. Jessie's on the 16th and Eric's birthday is on the 29th. Still thinking about what to do for them. I already got Jessie a gift but I can never think of anything cool to get Eric. Jessie got him tickets to a Boston Bruins game and they are taking the train from Dover, NH to Boston. The cool part is she has arranged for several of Eric's friends to board the train at various stops and they will be joining them at the game. At the last stop, Sara will be waiting. He will be very surprised. I think it's a cool idea!
Next week I am going to the doctors for my yearly physical. Hopefully I will get my flu shot too. I do NOT want to get sick. I have a list of things to discuss with my doctor so it will be a long visit but my asthma ailments are pretty much history. Yay ME!!! That will make him happy too.
OK time to go for now. Have a great weekend!!
This is my favorite time of year. I think October has always been my favorite month. I love the crispness of the air, I love the apples in the orchards, pumpkins in the pumpkin patches, and the beautiful Fall colors on and off the trees. I also love bright yellow and maroon colored Mums paired together in the garden and on the porch. (And as soon as I put some there, I will take a pic.)
I've been extremely busy lately with just the normal every day things. But I've also managed to finally get my house on the market. It has a For Sale sign on the front lawn and everything! I am optimisticly hoping it will sell before the winter sets in but I know chances of that are fairly unlikely. Still...I could get lucky. It really took me a lot longer than I planned to clean it out and prepare it for the market. I lived in that house for almost 20 years and you just don't realize how much stuff you really have. But it is empty now except for the gun cabinet that once belonged to my ex husband. (He doesn't want it.) As soon as we have a Saturday that promises no rain, we will go up and get it. It is a nice cabinet and I don't want to ruin it. I know I can get a few bucks for it.
Work is still a crap shoot every day. I know how lucky I am to have a job so I am not complaining. I go into work with a smile on my face every day. It just makes a person feel stressed out, never knowing if today is the last day you will be punching in. George's son in law, Matt, got laid off from his job last night. The job market is just so bad right now. I hope he can find something soon. Nicole still has a job but she works for the same company that Matt did so they have every reason to be nervous. They have 2 little ones to worry about too.
Tomorrow afternoon, Sara is making the almost 2 hour drive to come visit. She will be staying overnight and Nikki and Nicole have plans to take her out Saturday evening for a couple drinks and to shoot some pool. I am glad my 'girls' all get along and enjoy each other's company. Nothing makes me happier than to hear them calling each other "Sis". You just never know how 'blending' families is going to go.
Sara has an ulterior motive for coming to visit. Sunday is Hunter's 10th birthday and she wanted to be sure to be here to help the pooch celebrate. LOL She is too much. I hear she has bought him a gift and everything.
George is doing well. He has been out hunting almost every evening and has not provided his wife with any venison yet. I'm not sad. I like venison but I secretly cheer for the deer. I saw a beautiful Momma deer yesterday morning on my way to work, just standing by the road at the edge of the field with her little one. I stopped and watched them for a couple minutes until they ran off. It was way too dark for a picture (4am) but it made me smile all day and I have the visual in my head.
Eric is well. He and Jessie will be celebrating birthdays this month. Jessie's on the 16th and Eric's birthday is on the 29th. Still thinking about what to do for them. I already got Jessie a gift but I can never think of anything cool to get Eric. Jessie got him tickets to a Boston Bruins game and they are taking the train from Dover, NH to Boston. The cool part is she has arranged for several of Eric's friends to board the train at various stops and they will be joining them at the game. At the last stop, Sara will be waiting. He will be very surprised. I think it's a cool idea!
Next week I am going to the doctors for my yearly physical. Hopefully I will get my flu shot too. I do NOT want to get sick. I have a list of things to discuss with my doctor so it will be a long visit but my asthma ailments are pretty much history. Yay ME!!! That will make him happy too.
OK time to go for now. Have a great weekend!!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Mid Week Ramblin'
It's mid week and I have nothing to write about but I will ramble on here for a bit just because I can. :-)
The weather has been fairly nice, a little cool today but still sunny. Getting the Fall feeling for sure. Tonight it is supposed to drop down into the low 40's. I will leave my bedroom window open for as long as I possibly can. I sleep so much better when I can feel fresh natural air blowing on me. I don't like running the ceiling fan all night. For some reason, I wake up in the morning with my nose all stuffed up when the fan is left on.
George has been going out hunting every evening for the past week. Bear season opened up on September 1st. He likes to go out but he isn't interested so much in bear. He mainly hunts deer out behind our house and he is an avid bow hunter...no shotguns for him. We have 6 acres of woods/fields out there and he has a few favorite spots to sit up in his tree stand and be one with nature. So several evenings a week, he races home and grabs a quick bite to eat and goes out until it starts getting dark. This won't last long, obviously, since it has been getting dark earlier and earlier. But for now, he's having a good time. (Although I don't know how much fun it can be sitting 20 feet high in a tree for several hours trying not to make any noise. Not my idea of fun.) LOL
My friend Leanne got terminated from work today. I am pretty sad about that but she made a mistake and at this time, the management is not in much of a forgiving mood. Looking for any reason to reduce the work force, I think. There are some people who should have been let go a long time ago because they are pretty useless but somehow they are still employed.
They've been riding our butts about time clock practices...don't punch in more than 5 minutes before your shift starts and you can't punch out any later than 5 minutes after your shift ends...etc etc. Apparently she was running late yesterday morning so she pulled her car up to the building...ran in, punched in then went back out to park her car. I know...that has wrong written all over it. No argument from me there. But I see a lot of people who are on the clock and they're in the ladies room for 15 minutes combing their hair and reapplying makeup...or hanging around in the halls killing time. One of my co workers makes an entire loop through the building 2 or 3 times a day using the bathroom that is farthest from her work station so she can kill a little time. So I don't see how this is any worse. But she was ratted out by the security guard and lost her job. I guess I am going to have to really keep on my toes. It looks like they are looking for any reason to dump a few more bodies.
I suppose I should get my supper dishes washed and maybe I can get a little reading in before George gets home.
Not sure what we are doing this weekend. So far, nothing is planned but things can change in a heartbeat around here. I know he is going to want to get out into the woods late afternoon on Saturday and Sunday if the weather is good.
Have a great evening. Hope your week is going well.
The weather has been fairly nice, a little cool today but still sunny. Getting the Fall feeling for sure. Tonight it is supposed to drop down into the low 40's. I will leave my bedroom window open for as long as I possibly can. I sleep so much better when I can feel fresh natural air blowing on me. I don't like running the ceiling fan all night. For some reason, I wake up in the morning with my nose all stuffed up when the fan is left on.
George has been going out hunting every evening for the past week. Bear season opened up on September 1st. He likes to go out but he isn't interested so much in bear. He mainly hunts deer out behind our house and he is an avid bow hunter...no shotguns for him. We have 6 acres of woods/fields out there and he has a few favorite spots to sit up in his tree stand and be one with nature. So several evenings a week, he races home and grabs a quick bite to eat and goes out until it starts getting dark. This won't last long, obviously, since it has been getting dark earlier and earlier. But for now, he's having a good time. (Although I don't know how much fun it can be sitting 20 feet high in a tree for several hours trying not to make any noise. Not my idea of fun.) LOL
My friend Leanne got terminated from work today. I am pretty sad about that but she made a mistake and at this time, the management is not in much of a forgiving mood. Looking for any reason to reduce the work force, I think. There are some people who should have been let go a long time ago because they are pretty useless but somehow they are still employed.
They've been riding our butts about time clock practices...don't punch in more than 5 minutes before your shift starts and you can't punch out any later than 5 minutes after your shift ends...etc etc. Apparently she was running late yesterday morning so she pulled her car up to the building...ran in, punched in then went back out to park her car. I know...that has wrong written all over it. No argument from me there. But I see a lot of people who are on the clock and they're in the ladies room for 15 minutes combing their hair and reapplying makeup...or hanging around in the halls killing time. One of my co workers makes an entire loop through the building 2 or 3 times a day using the bathroom that is farthest from her work station so she can kill a little time. So I don't see how this is any worse. But she was ratted out by the security guard and lost her job. I guess I am going to have to really keep on my toes. It looks like they are looking for any reason to dump a few more bodies.
I suppose I should get my supper dishes washed and maybe I can get a little reading in before George gets home.
Not sure what we are doing this weekend. So far, nothing is planned but things can change in a heartbeat around here. I know he is going to want to get out into the woods late afternoon on Saturday and Sunday if the weather is good.
Have a great evening. Hope your week is going well.
Friday, September 11, 2009
A Quiet Friday Morning
It's my off Friday...had a nice short week with the holiday on Monday. George is working so I am making good use of my time at home alone, catching up on blogs and doing some laundry in between. I've been awake since 6:30 and I've got three loads of laundry washed and waiting on the second load to finish drying so I can put the third load in. Once that is dry I will remake the bed and my chores will be done. I plan on grabbing my book a bit later on and making a nice dent in it. I am reading Duma Key by Stephen King. I am about 150 pages into it and it is pretty good, so far. But I know how he writes and I have a feeling the story is going to take a left turn pretty soon. Hopefully I won't end up disappointed as I have been in previous books. I have had this book for quite some time and had been putting off reading it. I had been reading books by Christopher Moore lately and he is a riot to read. He has a very unique and comedic writing style and I find the silliness refreshing sometimes.
Work has been very stressful lately. A sign of the times I guess, but still scary never knowing who is going to be laid off or terminated next. I work for a government contractor who manufactures optical gear for the military. Night vision goggles, mountable flashlights and infrared sighting systems that our soldiers need to protect us and themselves. All the budget cuts have been tough on everyone. The orders have been dwindling down and so must the work force. At one time our comapny employed almost 2000 people and since the beginning of this year management has had to lay off or terminate well over 500 people. It began as getting rid of the dead weight, mainly people with negative work records, bad attitudes and discipline problems. Then it moved onto individual departments, thinning the herd so to speak. I've heard that another 150 people will be gone by years end...but that could just be a rumor. In any event, it's a little scary. No one is safe and everyone is dispensible it seems. I continue to carry on, hopefully for a long time but you never know. I've been there almost 7 years but seniority doesn't matter here either. I'll just keep my nose clean and my attitude pleasant and show up for work every day and hope that is sufficient.
It's kind of cloudy and cool today. I guess summer is over. We didn't have much of a summer this year. June and July were very rainy and the only heat and sun we had came the first couple of weeks of August. The last 2 weeks were very comfortable and sunny, but not particularly warm. I guess we saved money on electricity where the Air Conditioning is concerned but I dread having to turn the heat on. I guess it's inevitible living in the Northeast but maybe we'll have a nice Indian summer.
Of course, everyone knows today is the 8th anniversary of 9/11. We all remember where we were and what we were doing when this horrible event took place. I had just landed at Manchester NH airport from a 7:30am flight from Newark, NJ when I saw the news on the monitors at the luggage carousel. It was 8:55am...just minutes after the first plane struck the World Trade Center Tower and it didn't make sense to me until I was in the car heading to work from the airport and the reports were on the radio. By the time I got to work (which was just on the opposite side of the airport), I knew I had to make some calls because my family knew I was flying that morning and they would be frantic. I called the high school to get word to my daughter so she wouldn't freak out and I called my parents. Then I called my son, who had been asleep and was totally oblivious to what was going on. I then made a few more calls to friends who would be worried and was very tightly hugged by some co workers who were extremely happy to see me. At that time, we didn't know exactly what impact this whole catastrophe would have on our Nation, but we would find that out in the coming hours. I personally didn't lose anyone close to me but a lot of people did and for them I pray. May God Bless us all.
Work has been very stressful lately. A sign of the times I guess, but still scary never knowing who is going to be laid off or terminated next. I work for a government contractor who manufactures optical gear for the military. Night vision goggles, mountable flashlights and infrared sighting systems that our soldiers need to protect us and themselves. All the budget cuts have been tough on everyone. The orders have been dwindling down and so must the work force. At one time our comapny employed almost 2000 people and since the beginning of this year management has had to lay off or terminate well over 500 people. It began as getting rid of the dead weight, mainly people with negative work records, bad attitudes and discipline problems. Then it moved onto individual departments, thinning the herd so to speak. I've heard that another 150 people will be gone by years end...but that could just be a rumor. In any event, it's a little scary. No one is safe and everyone is dispensible it seems. I continue to carry on, hopefully for a long time but you never know. I've been there almost 7 years but seniority doesn't matter here either. I'll just keep my nose clean and my attitude pleasant and show up for work every day and hope that is sufficient.
It's kind of cloudy and cool today. I guess summer is over. We didn't have much of a summer this year. June and July were very rainy and the only heat and sun we had came the first couple of weeks of August. The last 2 weeks were very comfortable and sunny, but not particularly warm. I guess we saved money on electricity where the Air Conditioning is concerned but I dread having to turn the heat on. I guess it's inevitible living in the Northeast but maybe we'll have a nice Indian summer.
Of course, everyone knows today is the 8th anniversary of 9/11. We all remember where we were and what we were doing when this horrible event took place. I had just landed at Manchester NH airport from a 7:30am flight from Newark, NJ when I saw the news on the monitors at the luggage carousel. It was 8:55am...just minutes after the first plane struck the World Trade Center Tower and it didn't make sense to me until I was in the car heading to work from the airport and the reports were on the radio. By the time I got to work (which was just on the opposite side of the airport), I knew I had to make some calls because my family knew I was flying that morning and they would be frantic. I called the high school to get word to my daughter so she wouldn't freak out and I called my parents. Then I called my son, who had been asleep and was totally oblivious to what was going on. I then made a few more calls to friends who would be worried and was very tightly hugged by some co workers who were extremely happy to see me. At that time, we didn't know exactly what impact this whole catastrophe would have on our Nation, but we would find that out in the coming hours. I personally didn't lose anyone close to me but a lot of people did and for them I pray. May God Bless us all.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Happy Labor Day
Happy Labor Day to all of you! I hope it has been a relaxing day for everyone.
I decided to spend the day relaxing and not doing a whole lot of anything since we have been on the go since first thing Saturday morning. We got up fairly early and I had to get a batch of brownies into the oven even before I jumped into the shower because I was pressed for time and I know the border patrol is always waiting on me as I cross over into Maine. I am not allowed in the state without a pan of brownies. LOL (That is according to Rick and Mazz and of course I always comply)
George headed for the dump while I showered and then got back home to load up the car for our 300 mile trip. Rick and Blossom were planning a pool party for the unofficial last weekend of the summer and we would not miss it for the world. As soon as the brownies came out of the oven we were ready to hit the road. I was riding shotgun this trip and I grabbed the camera because it was a gorgeous day for a ride and we were going to go through the White Mountain area and I knew I could get some awesome shots. As you can see...I did just that. The sky was so blue and it was just a pretty day.
It took us 5 hours to get to our motel. We checked in, freshened up and headed right over to Rick's house. I wish I had taken some photos of the room we had because it was really nice...and HUGE! We could have easily stayed there for a week and not been uncomfortable. It had two beds,(not that we needed two), a sofa with recliners and a really nice kitchen area with a table and chairs, s microwave oven, stove top and fridge. The bathroom was quite large as well with a walk in shower which was really nice.
Anyway...we got to Rick's and the first person I spotted was Tweetie! She wasn't able to make it the last time we were there so it was great to see her. During the course of the afternoon/evening she and I spent a lot of time chatting and catching up. Mazz was also there with his wife April and their son Andy. Rick's son David was there too with his girlfriend Jaime. Blossom's sister and brother in law also were there with their grandson. Pup-Pup, Gene and Nikki were there along with Gene's cousin Wanda. It is always great fun hanging with these bunch of mainiacs...that is for sure.
We had a bite to eat, all was delicious of course, Rick is a fantastic cook, and the drinking and partying commenced. It got really chilly outside once the sun went down so we got a fire going in the fire pit, then after awhile we went into the basement to listen to music and Karaoke. George and I laughed all night long and had a wonderful time. We left there around 11:30 and went back to the motel to unwind and get some sleep. We were planning to go back to Rick's for breakfast but never got up until after 9 and decided we had better get back on the road soon. We took the overland route home back through the mountains and made a few stops along the way for lunch and to stretch our legs. We made it home around 4pm. A whirlwind trip but lots of fun and always great to be with wonderful people.
Tweetie, Rick, Gene and Mazz
Rick and Mazz
Mazz
Today was a lazy day. All I did was laundry and read a bit, then made a quick supper. George and his buddy are out in the woods at the moment doing a little bear hunting. He enjoys that activity...I cheer for the wildlife. Hunting doesn't do much for me, but hey it keeps him out of my hair for awhile! LOL As long as I don't have to clean anything he brings home...
The Mighty Hunter
It will be back to work tomorrow...whoopie. The best thing is I have Friday off too so hopefully the 3 days I have to work won't drag.
Hope you enjoyed the little slide show. Have a great evening!
I decided to spend the day relaxing and not doing a whole lot of anything since we have been on the go since first thing Saturday morning. We got up fairly early and I had to get a batch of brownies into the oven even before I jumped into the shower because I was pressed for time and I know the border patrol is always waiting on me as I cross over into Maine. I am not allowed in the state without a pan of brownies. LOL (That is according to Rick and Mazz and of course I always comply)
George headed for the dump while I showered and then got back home to load up the car for our 300 mile trip. Rick and Blossom were planning a pool party for the unofficial last weekend of the summer and we would not miss it for the world. As soon as the brownies came out of the oven we were ready to hit the road. I was riding shotgun this trip and I grabbed the camera because it was a gorgeous day for a ride and we were going to go through the White Mountain area and I knew I could get some awesome shots. As you can see...I did just that. The sky was so blue and it was just a pretty day.
It took us 5 hours to get to our motel. We checked in, freshened up and headed right over to Rick's house. I wish I had taken some photos of the room we had because it was really nice...and HUGE! We could have easily stayed there for a week and not been uncomfortable. It had two beds,(not that we needed two), a sofa with recliners and a really nice kitchen area with a table and chairs, s microwave oven, stove top and fridge. The bathroom was quite large as well with a walk in shower which was really nice.
Anyway...we got to Rick's and the first person I spotted was Tweetie! She wasn't able to make it the last time we were there so it was great to see her. During the course of the afternoon/evening she and I spent a lot of time chatting and catching up. Mazz was also there with his wife April and their son Andy. Rick's son David was there too with his girlfriend Jaime. Blossom's sister and brother in law also were there with their grandson. Pup-Pup, Gene and Nikki were there along with Gene's cousin Wanda. It is always great fun hanging with these bunch of mainiacs...that is for sure.
We had a bite to eat, all was delicious of course, Rick is a fantastic cook, and the drinking and partying commenced. It got really chilly outside once the sun went down so we got a fire going in the fire pit, then after awhile we went into the basement to listen to music and Karaoke. George and I laughed all night long and had a wonderful time. We left there around 11:30 and went back to the motel to unwind and get some sleep. We were planning to go back to Rick's for breakfast but never got up until after 9 and decided we had better get back on the road soon. We took the overland route home back through the mountains and made a few stops along the way for lunch and to stretch our legs. We made it home around 4pm. A whirlwind trip but lots of fun and always great to be with wonderful people.
Tweetie, Rick, Gene and Mazz
Rick and Mazz
Mazz
Today was a lazy day. All I did was laundry and read a bit, then made a quick supper. George and his buddy are out in the woods at the moment doing a little bear hunting. He enjoys that activity...I cheer for the wildlife. Hunting doesn't do much for me, but hey it keeps him out of my hair for awhile! LOL As long as I don't have to clean anything he brings home...
The Mighty Hunter
It will be back to work tomorrow...whoopie. The best thing is I have Friday off too so hopefully the 3 days I have to work won't drag.
Hope you enjoyed the little slide show. Have a great evening!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Quick Update
Not much to post. Last weekend's BBQ at Eric and Jessie's went very well. Sara was there along with Della and Jay, Jessie's parents. My ex didn't show. Apparently he had no way to get there (he lost his license years ago for DUI and has no car) and rejected my offer to pick him up. He said he wasn't comfortable with the idea and that is fine, I can understand that. he will go over at another time I guess and meet with Jessie's folks.
We had a wonderful meal and discussed wedding plans. nothing written in stone but ideas flying across the table. Some things have been set like the date (8-28-10)and the Country Club is where they are having the ceremony and reception. They have also started planning a honeymoon in Hawaii. The color scheme has been selected but not sure if that is a definite.
It's been a busy week at work. And it's been very hot and humid outside of work. Today is a transition day weatherwise, cloudy and overcast with thunderstorms blowing through on ocaission.
Tonight we are going to see The Moody Blues in concert so I am pretty psyched about that. Otherwise, it is going to be a quiet day.
Hope all is well with you all.
Enjoy the day!
We had a wonderful meal and discussed wedding plans. nothing written in stone but ideas flying across the table. Some things have been set like the date (8-28-10)and the Country Club is where they are having the ceremony and reception. They have also started planning a honeymoon in Hawaii. The color scheme has been selected but not sure if that is a definite.
It's been a busy week at work. And it's been very hot and humid outside of work. Today is a transition day weatherwise, cloudy and overcast with thunderstorms blowing through on ocaission.
Tonight we are going to see The Moody Blues in concert so I am pretty psyched about that. Otherwise, it is going to be a quiet day.
Hope all is well with you all.
Enjoy the day!
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Moving and Moon Pics
Another Sunday morning and I am feeling a bit lazy. I know the day is going to fly by so I will get dressed after I finish this post and enjoy the sunshine.
Yesterday was a rather busy day for me. George and I went to my old house and did some much needed work there. We made 2 trips to the dump and got rid of some furniture no one wanted and disposed of about 400 pounds of junk. The place just needs a good cleaning now and we should be set to put it on the market. Eric and Jessie came over to help out and we got quite a bit done. Next Saturday Sara is coming to get the remainder of her junk and my ex husband is supposed to clean out the toolshed on Friday since all of the stuff in there is his.
After we finished at the house, we cleaned up a bit and went to a BBQ at George's former brother and sister in laws house. They have one huge bash every summer (Bev and Rick's Summer Extravaganza) and I was surprised that we were invited since it is Donna's family, but Rick has always felt like George was another brother of his so we were included. Surprisingly Donna and her new husband weren't there so I am thinking we only got invited when they found out Donna and Pete weren't coming but whatever. We went and had a wonderful time. I personally didn't take any pics but I know Nikki and Nicole did so I will grab some of their pics and post them at annother time.
We didn't get home until 8pm but the party was still going strong when we left. I suspect it went on well into the night.
Earlier in the week, George went Kayaking with his two boys on one of the smaller lakes around here. George mainly just went paddling around but the boys went fishing and caught some nice lake trout and a couple of bass. George took the following shots before leaving the lake that evening. The moon was almost full.
Next weekend we are going to Eric and Jessie's BBQ with her family. It is a time when we all will get together to discuss wedding plans and it might be a little stressful since my ex is going to be there and I haven't seen him since Sara graduated from college. But if our son is going to get married, then we need to both be in the same place at once and we'll have to deal with it. I personally have no issue with him but I know he still blames me for tossing him out and basicly ruining his life. Never mind that he is an alcoholic who never takes responsibility for his own actions. He knows I am remarried now and I am not sure if he knows just who I am married to but he does know George from our younger days and I hope he can do the right thing and not humiliate himself and his son at this informal gathering.
I guess that is it for now. It's time to get dressed and do something. Not sure what, but I need to take advantage of the sunshine while I can.
Yesterday was a rather busy day for me. George and I went to my old house and did some much needed work there. We made 2 trips to the dump and got rid of some furniture no one wanted and disposed of about 400 pounds of junk. The place just needs a good cleaning now and we should be set to put it on the market. Eric and Jessie came over to help out and we got quite a bit done. Next Saturday Sara is coming to get the remainder of her junk and my ex husband is supposed to clean out the toolshed on Friday since all of the stuff in there is his.
After we finished at the house, we cleaned up a bit and went to a BBQ at George's former brother and sister in laws house. They have one huge bash every summer (Bev and Rick's Summer Extravaganza) and I was surprised that we were invited since it is Donna's family, but Rick has always felt like George was another brother of his so we were included. Surprisingly Donna and her new husband weren't there so I am thinking we only got invited when they found out Donna and Pete weren't coming but whatever. We went and had a wonderful time. I personally didn't take any pics but I know Nikki and Nicole did so I will grab some of their pics and post them at annother time.
We didn't get home until 8pm but the party was still going strong when we left. I suspect it went on well into the night.
Earlier in the week, George went Kayaking with his two boys on one of the smaller lakes around here. George mainly just went paddling around but the boys went fishing and caught some nice lake trout and a couple of bass. George took the following shots before leaving the lake that evening. The moon was almost full.
Next weekend we are going to Eric and Jessie's BBQ with her family. It is a time when we all will get together to discuss wedding plans and it might be a little stressful since my ex is going to be there and I haven't seen him since Sara graduated from college. But if our son is going to get married, then we need to both be in the same place at once and we'll have to deal with it. I personally have no issue with him but I know he still blames me for tossing him out and basicly ruining his life. Never mind that he is an alcoholic who never takes responsibility for his own actions. He knows I am remarried now and I am not sure if he knows just who I am married to but he does know George from our younger days and I hope he can do the right thing and not humiliate himself and his son at this informal gathering.
I guess that is it for now. It's time to get dressed and do something. Not sure what, but I need to take advantage of the sunshine while I can.
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