Secret Garden

Old AOL Journal Uploaded

2008-10-08T18:28:00.001-07:00

My old AOL journal is posted in "Secret Garden II"

http://kathssecretgardenii.blogspot.com/

Looks Like Home!

2008-09-30T14:50:00.001-07:00

Looks like AOL journals are closing their doors, so I will once again be journaling here. Hopefully I can move all my old posts over to here. We shall see!

My Three Month Check Up

2006-02-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

I just got back from my three month appointment, with some great news, and some terrible news. He was well pleased at my bloodwork numbers, and doesn't want to change my meds at this time, like we discussed last November. When he got to the HA1C results (Hemoglobin count - average over a three month period) he said (quite pointedly) "And this number is excellent!" I p-shawed him with my hand, said I wasn't happy with it, and he laughed so hard. He said "I knew you were going to say that, I just knew it! That's why I said it the way I did!" I said, "Yeah, I like it around five point oh" and he said "I know you do, but cut yourself a little slack. Your number is superb!"

I asked him if I could go on this diet Hub is going to go on. It's from The Alabama Heart Institute (though Doc, my employer Doc, that is... said he's seen the same diet but under other heart institution names) Anyway, I my PCP asked all kinds of questions about it, and said he wasn't familiar with this diet, and then he says "With any other diabetic, any other patient of mine, I would give an immediate 'NO!' for an answer. However since you care ..... no, that's not fair, the others care, but since you are so ...." He's hemming and hawing for a word here, and I interject "Anal?? Does that word work?" He laughed and said, "Yeah, I suppose that one would work for you!" Hahaha, he's such a cut up. Anyway, he said I can go on the diet (it's three days on, four days off) but I have to check my sugars at least six times a day because a diet such as this one, designed to allow you to lose ten pounds each three days to prepare for heart surgery, can really mess with your ketones, insulin levels and sugars. He said if I get at all trembly I need to get in to see him on an emergency basis. I flipped my hand at him again, and he said "I know! I know you, you won't let that happen!"

The terrible news? He's retiring from the military in August. Wah! Call the wahmbulance! I'm going to have to get a new doctor! I hate that so, because he really listens to me, knows I am intelligent about my diabetes and my body, and doesn't treat me like an ignorant patient. Sigh.

I'm dying laughing here! Corky, my cockatiel is upstairs whistling a song from a Clint Eastwood movie. It's one of the cowboy movies, and if I could even think of the name of the movie, you'd know which warble I am speaking of. We've been whistling it for years to him, and I've only heard him whistle it back once. I guess he was paying attention after all! (He's just changed to saying "Corky is a stupid bird, mama's corky") - OK, the kids just came home from the DMV and said the movie is "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly."

Several people have asked when Dee's due date is, and it's May 6th. I kept meaning to answer that, and always forgot once I sat down to write. Yesterday she tried to get the ultra-sound tech to tell her the sex of the baby, but the baby was hiding it's genitals! Ha! It really doesn't want us to know yet. She's having another ultra-sound next week at her doctor's appointment, maybe we'll find out then.

Current project is a hooded poncho, a pattern from 1942. I'm making it in lilac, however, Hub and I think it would be mighty cute in red, in a Little Red Riding Hood kinda of way, so that's another project for the future. I sure hope the baby is a girl, though yesterday Brock told me Dee said if it was a boy she would still let him wear pink. Hahaha! I do have some blue yarn to make a little boy sweater, and I made the white one, which could go either way. I'll be prepared either way! I found two adorable vintage patterns for toddler dresses, but I'll wait to start them when I know if it's a girl or boy!

I suppose I should get to cleaning. My house is a mess, as always.

Whew! False Alarm!

2006-02-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

ThankyaJesus! On the way to the hospital Brock called, and said the doctor read the wrong test results. Can you believe it?!? I was thinking she was a little too far along to just be finding out about an etopic pregnancy ... she's five months along now! Anyway, turns out it's just a urinary tract or kidney infection. (Brock didn't know which, and I was too over-joyed to ask Dee when we picked them up!)

Anyway. HOORAY!

Quote of the Day:

Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared half to death.

Author unknown

(The other day I had a fortune cookie which read: "About time I got out of that cookie!")

Surgery

2006-02-01T22:05:00.001-07:00

I just talked to my son. (Men don't know ANYTHING!!!) Sounds like an etopic pregnancy. She's on her way to surgery. I hope he's gotten his info confused. We're on on way to the hospital.

2-1-06

2006-02-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

So on my way home from work my cell rang. I can't talk and drive, not coordinated enough, so I listened to my voice mail when I got home. Brock had called Blaine and asked him to drive he and Dee to the E.R. because her cramps had gotten worse. Brock was just giving me the heads up.

I returned his call, but no answer. He just called back. She had just gone in for an ultrasound. I asked what the doctors had said, and Brock said they told her it was probably just her body adjusting to changes. Hmmm. That sounds familar. What do I know, though? I've only had three babies, and work in the medical field.

More info as it becomes available.

Hub made this doll in my likeness. I think she could use a few more pounds if she really wanted to look like me.

1-31-06 The Vintage Sweater

2006-02-01T22:04:00.000-07:00

It's finished!

1-31-06

2006-02-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

I had to cancel all our patients today because Doc’s wife had a medical emergency. I understand it couldn’t be helped. Canceling patients is the absolute worst part of my job. People don’t get mad at Doc, they are angry at ME. Bearer of bad news and all that jazz. Ugh. It makes me feel horrible. Some of today’s patients are the same people I had to cancel last week, so you can imagine all the cold shoulders I got. It’s even worse when you aren’t sure what you should tell the patients. Too little information, it sounds like a lie. Too much information and you’re crossing the boundary into the Doc’s personal life. Decisions, decisions. Sometimes choosing between the rock and the hard place sucks. Don’t kill the messenger. Please. I just don’t like people being upset with me. I never have, I never will.

So yesterday we had a patient who missed his appointments with both the Doc and the body therapist. He calls this morning and asks “Are we still on for today?” I tell him he was supposed to be here yesterday. He begins to argue with me, and then pulls out his calendar. Yep, he was wrong. However, now he begins the diatribe about how the Doc needs to fix his medication, he’s only getting 120 mg of something, but he’s been on 312 mg. Blah. Blah. BLAH. This man is on so many meds he could have his own pharmacy. I’m not lying. Anyway, so now he’s demanding he needs to speak to the doc, I tell him he’s had an emergency and I won’t be talking to him until tomorrow. He’s pretty insistent. I explain I’ll give Doc the message tomorrow. He takes 15 minutes to tell me how imperative it is that he gets his meds taken care of right away. In the back of my mind I am thinking, and wanting to blurt out “Perhaps if you had made your appointment you could have taken care of this yesterday.” I have a feeling Doc is only going to have me call him back and tell him he’s got to wait to talk about this at his appointment. It serves him right, of course, but … bearer of bad news and all that jazz. This one won’t make me feel too bad, though, because demanding people get under my skin in a bad way.

Only four days until the eldest baby bird leaves the coop. I can’t believe Blaine will be so far away from home. I know it’s time for him. But did he have to move so damn far away? I told him the other night “Just don’t go and get married without telling us first.” I’m trying to just bury the whole ordeal, because if I don’t I’ll be unable to function. The day he leaves I’ll cry, I’ll get it all out, and then I’ll move on.

Duke emailed me last night, and they are going to induce her D-I-L on Monday, so she’ll be a first time Grandma sometime next week. She’s tooooo happy. I’ve got to get the buttons sewn on the sweater tonight so I can send it off tomorrow.

Dee has a doctor’s appointment next week. Yay! It’s about time. I guess they found someplace that sees low income families. It’s only 25 bucks the first visit and then ten dollars a visit thereafter. She’s somewhere around 27 weeks now, so I am more than thrilled that she’s found somewhere she can go. Last night Brock called because Dee has been having cramps for a few days. I asked all the appropriate questions, and told her it’s probably just her body learning to accommodate the extra weight of the baby, but that she really needs to keep her appointment. I am NOT a doctor! I can’t diagnose these things. I did tell her to get to an ER if she experiences any spotting, though.

Did I ever mention one of their cats got out, was gone for about a week? Well, it must have been about six weeks ago because now they have kittens. Yeah. The four cats they already had just wasn’t enough.

No, she’s STILL not working. Big surprise, huh?

The vintage sweater pattern I’m using is making a most beautiful sweater. It’s much more labor intensive than the others I’ve made, but I like it the best. I’m almost finished, just have 1.5 sleeves to complete.

Quote of the Day:

We are all prompted by the same motives, all deceived by the same fallacies, all animated by hope, obstructed by danger, entangled by desire, and seduced by pleasure.
Rambler #60 (October 13, 1750) Samuel Johnson

1-28-06

2006-02-01T21:59:00.000-07:00

Wow! I went for my first helicopter ride today. It was truly amazing. But the best part? Hub flew the copter for ten minutes all by himself! I wasn't even scared! Ha!

We had to go for his interview for acceptance into the helicopter pilot school. Both of us were required to attend. I guess in the past guys have signed up, then a week later called and said their wives didn't want them to participate. I'm all for it, because it's something Hub has always dreamed of doing. I'm all for making dreams come true when I can! I had my camera but I did not snap any pics. Should have, but I was too intimidated to talk on the mic and ask! Silly me.

Doc was sick all week, so work was uneventful. It was just me and the body therapist. I will be happy when he comes back Monday and I have some work to do.

I've been keeping busy making baby sweaters and hats. This set is for Duke, whose granddaughter is due to arrive any day now. I just need some buttons for the sweater and I can mail it. I made the hat on the right, which looked too small for the sweater, so I tried a different pattern and made another hat to send along, too.

I found some "vintage" crochet patterns online, and printed out five or six layette set patterns, and a little romper that is just too cute. The patterns are all from the forties and fifties. I've started on one of the sweaters already.

More soon. Kelly tagged me earlier today, I have to play her journal game, so that ensures at least one more entry!

Quote of the Day:

Behind every argument is someone's ignorance.
- Louis D. Brandeis

That Long Ago? 1-21-06

2006-02-01T21:58:00.000-07:00

Twenty three years ago today I met Hub. He had gorgeous brown eyes, a beautiful smile, and killer arms. He kissed me at the stroke of midnight to be the first to wish me a happy birthday.

Twenty two years ago today I married a Unites States Air Force Airman.

And they said it wouldn't last.

Happy Anniversary, Hub. I Love You.

1-20-06

2006-02-01T21:57:00.000-07:00

It's finished. My very first baby sweater. Not too bad for a first shot, I'd say.

January 19, 2006

2006-02-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on the baby sweater. It's just too cute! I still have about six more rows on the bottom to crochet, sleeves and the edging . Look ...

Cough, Cough

2006-01-16T21:42:00.000-07:00

Nothing much to report, still, and I am sure I would have reported on "nothing" before now, but I have been pretty sick since Friday.

I went in to work feeling just fine on Friday morning, other than a runny nose (better go catch it) that had been getting worse each day. By about nine thirty I was coughing, and my chest was burning, and I just felt like I needed to sleep for a week. I skedaddled on out of the office after our last patient right after lunch and came home and collapsed on the couch. I pretty much stayed supine the entire day Saturday, either in bed or watching mindless movies on LifetimeTV. Sunday I was feeling a bit better (Coughing? Ask your doc to prescribe Tussalon Pearls. Those babies are little miracle workers, I promise. I had these left over from my bout with pneumonia, along with some DuraTuss, which I took as well.) but I was still hacking and choking when the pearls wore off. By the end of the day, though, I was feeling a bit better.

Today I got up bright and early, knowing I had to go get gas for the week to get me back and forth from work, and I had to deposit my paychecks and run another errand. I felt really good after my initial cough for 20 minutes to get out everything that accumulated over night. But after I was up for an hour or so I began feeling really nauseated and tired again. I did run my errands, but spent the rest of the day doing nothing much of anything. Started on the second sock I am crocheting (They were supposed to be for the baby, but they came out way too large. Maybe I'll save them for it's first birthday!)

I think next I'm going to try to knit a pair of socks, haven't tried that yet.

Anyway, today Doc called to check on me and see if I was going to go to work tomorrow, and ask if he was supposed to bring lunch, or me. He's going to refill my pearls and the duratuss for me, since I am taking the last dose I have in the morning. Hopefully I'll be doing OK. I really really hate calling off sick from work (The only time I have over the past three years is when I had pnuemonia, I called in sick two days, then felt too guilty to stay home and returned to work.)

So Hub is seriously considering going to this helicopter pilot school. He's always wanted to fly copters, so it's fine by me if he wants to do this. He can go at night, so he can still work, and it will take about a year. The best part is that the airport where he would take the classes is just a few miles away. It's a small local airport.

Thought of the Day:

Billy Graham has described heaven as a family reunion that never ends. What must hell possibly be like? Home videos of the same reunion?

Nothing Much

2006-01-11T22:49:00.000-07:00

This is what I've been up to the past two evenings ...

Are they adorable, or what? Each one only takes about half an hour to make, so it's very satisfying. I need to get the ribbon to weave in around the ankles to tie them on, and of course all of them have mates, except the teeny tiny one I am holding in my hand.

Since I have absolutely nothing to report (other than Hub being out tonight at an airfield looking into going to helicopter pilot school) I'll leave with this funny:

If you are not feeling old read this it might change your mind.

OK, some of us are getting old!!!

-----------------------------------------------

30 Years Difference:

1975: Long hair
2005: Longing for hair

1975: KEG
2005: EKG

1975: Acid rock
2005: Acid reflux

1975: Moving to California because it's cool
2005: Moving to California because it's warm

1975: Trying to look like Liz Taylor
2005: Trying NOT to look like Liz Taylor

1975: Seeds and stems
2005: Roughage

1975: Hoping for a BMW
2005: Hoping for a BM

1975: The Grateful Dead
2005: Dr. Kevorkian

1975: Going to a new, hip joint
2005: Receiving a new hip joint

1975: Rolling Stones
2005: Kidney Stones

1975: Passing the drivers' test
2005: Passing the vision test

Just in case you weren't feeling too old today, this will certainly change things.

The people who are starting college this fall across the nation were born in 1985. They are too young to remember the space shuttle blowing up.

Their lifetime has always included AIDS.

Bottle caps have always been screw off and plastic.

The CD was introduced the year they were born.

They have always had an answering machine.

They have always had cable TV.

They cannot fathom not having a remote control.

Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show.

Popcorn has always been cooked in the microwave.

They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.

They can't imagine what hard contact lenses are.

They don't know who Mork was or where he was from.

They never heard: "Where's the Beef?", "I'd walk a mile for a Camel", or "de plane Boss, de plane".

They do not care who shot J. R. and have no idea who J. R. even is.

McDonald's never came in Styrofoam containers.

They don't have a clue how to use a typewriter.

Do you feel old yet? (Sorry) Pass this on to the other old fogies on your list. Notice the larger type, that's for those of you who have trouble reading.

Lab Results and Such

2006-01-09T05:25:00.000-07:00

I got back some of the bloodwork test yesterday, showing sparkling results except for my triglycerides, which were high, as usual. Overall cholesterol and the ratio were stellar, it's just those darn tri's, and that's caused by high carb intake, which, as a diabetic, I don't eat many carbs. Go figure. There was nothing to indicate the cause of my exhaustion, though. I still have not received back the hormone tests, one of the thyroid tests and the HA1C (the three month average of my blood sugar levels.) I'm not worried about that one too much, my sugars have been pretty well controlled.

Thursday Brock got paid his first "real" paycheck from his new job. The first paycheck was just a training pay (Read: Not Very Much) and he was able to pay his rent all by himself! We did have to take them grocery shopping last night (and pay for it, of course) as his paycheck only covered the rent and his bus ticket for the next two weeks. All they had left to eat was a half jar of pickles. Sigh. Maybe if they got rid of the damn animals they could afford people food.

I got a raise at work. Yay me! Doc said I deserved it. I think he was kidding. You know what I love about my boss? He thanks me nearly every day for coming to work and doing my job.

It's the dreaded grocery shopping day. Oh, joy. Hub has just gotten up from his slumber, so I better go get ready.

Thought of the Day:

Life is sexually transmitted.

Untold Truths

2006-01-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

Written 01-02-06

If someone painted a picture like this, I'd think "Those clouds don't even look real! You never see clouds like that!" Cool, pic, huh?

I soooo did not want to go to work this morning. Brock called at quarter to four this morning and woke me up. Have some decency, son, don't call and wake me up at o'dark thirty. He wanted to know if his dad could come pick him up from work. "Now?!? He's sleeping," (you inconsiderate little bugger!) I explain, exasperated. He says, too chipper for me at three forty five, "Ohhhh! OK, Mom. I'll walk home. Love you!" and he hangs up. Of course, when I answered the phone I knocked my alarm clock off the night stand, it clanked and clattered (loudly!) and woke up Hub, so he heard the conversation, or at least my half. (The "Now?!? He's sleeping!") He was thinking it was one of Bryce's friends or something.

So we are both wide awake, and feeling guilty, and mad. Hub had to take him to work yesterday afternoon. Surely he knew he'd need a ride home, why didn't he mention it? Hub was off today, so he had stayed up pretty late last night. I'm fuming because my son was so inconsiderate, and also because I know Hub is going to go pick him up, and Brock won't be there, because he's either found a way home or is actually walking. (It's probably ten miles from work to his apartment, at least!) I couldn't go back to sleep, and sure as sunshine, Brock was no where to be found.

Kids. Geeeeshhhh!

Pebbles and I had a good lunch today. (She's the Asian body work therapist.) I brought homemade split pea soup, and Doc left for the day so it was just the two of us. Journals came up in conversation, and she asked if I had ever kept one. I explained I had kept a journal since I was in fifth grade, but had recently thrown them all away. The first journals were childish, of course, and the journals written during the period of my life when they should have/could have/would have been "juicy" were all written in code, just in case anyone found them. (i.e. my boyfriend Rick and I called cigarettes "grape soda" and heaven only knows what "Bubblicious" was, but it was referenced A LOT! I know we weren't talking about the gum!) Anyway, I told her I could never ever keep a REAL journal, because I would never ever, ever want anyone to know *I* had those thoughts. Whatever they may be, secrets, dreams, desires, anger, disappointment. Heaven forbid anyone find out I am just a normal human being with "those things" running through my mind. She said she was the same way, she couldn't write being her true self, either. I must admit, I was a little relieved. I thought I was the only one who used flowery self written poetry, secret words and out and out code to keep a journal.

I wonder if I put any of my old poetry in this journal, if anyone would pick up on the hidden meaning behind the words. Ah, teenage angst. I was full of it.

The whole conversation made me want to start a REAL journal. Not tell anyone about it. Write what I REALLY feel, and think, and experience. Written, or online, I am considering it. I do tell Duke anything and everything, but it's not the same as writing it all down, is it? (We have to be friends forever, she knows too much about me!)

Something to think about, anyway.

Today Doc and I wrote up my 'script for my three month check up with my PCP. I always write up my lab order, have Doc sign it and bring it to the lab, so I don't have to call my PCP's assistant, leave a message, wait for her to call back, request my labs, fast for 12 hours, go to the lab only to find my labs were not called in, go to my PCP's office, request the labs, go back and wait in the lab, only to not have them called in again. You get the idea. Anyhoo, we added on BMP (to check electrolytes) and a FSH and TH to check my hormone levels and see if I am really in menopause or not, plus my regular diabetic check up tests, and thyroid tests. There's like nine tests all together, I hope I have enough blood.

Thought of the Day:

Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.

Bang Bang

2006-01-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

Not a whole lot to say tonight. Hub, Bryce, Izzy and I rang in the new year in style - with champagne and caviar (Ick! Too fishy for me! But I did try it! And the boys had root beer, not champagne.) We went outside at midnight to see the (illegal) fireworks and listen to (the even more illegal) gunfire. We have a law here called "Shannon's Law" which makes firing a gun into the air illegal. One New Years Eve a few years ago a young lady was killed by a stray bullet that was shot into the air four miles away. She was only 14 years old. Such a shame. Anyway, in Glendale the police department has some kind of radar thingy that allows them to track gunshots, down to the exact location where the gun was fired. So shooting guns into the air in Glendale is a very asinine way to bring in the New Year. It's pretty bad when you hear automatic gunfire, too. :::Shiver:::

I leave you with some pics of the incredible sunset tonight:

These last two are my favorites

Thought-O-The-Day:
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

Auld Lang Syne

2005-12-31T20:51:00.000-07:00

Stevie, this is for you:

And I'll email you a ghost story, I promise. Soon.

So, I went shopping today for boots. The pair I saw in the store the other day weren't (:::Gasp:::) leather, so I looked around online at one of our local cowboy stores, and found several pair that would suit me. We headed out to CowtownBoots, and I got a whiff of leather when we opened the first set of doors. It made me giddy! Giddy, I tell you! We walked in and I felt an adreniline rush, kinda like you'd experience when you're getting ready to do your first free fall base jump or something. I haven't felt that way in years. I have wanted to replace my cowboy boots for forever. Silly, I know, to get so excited about a pair of freakin' boots. (Or maybe it was the thought of all those real live cowboys who might be inside.) I spent way more than I wanted to, but they should last me a good long time.

I bought this lovely pair, and put another on hold in my mind for a later date:

I forgot to mention, when I picked up my check from work on Thursday, Doc had added on a very generous Christmas bonus. I was both surprised and shocked. Maybe I can afford that other pair of boots after all. Heh.
Just fooling around with the camera, but I liked these two pics:

I took this picture the other day, just before the sun was to come up. Yes, it looks lovely, until you realize that's "The Brown Cloud" of smog that hangs over Phoenix on most days. It's been particularly bad the past few weeks, as there's been no wind.

A nearly smog free sunrise looks thusly:

I reckon that's about all I've got for today!

Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?
And here's a hand, my trusty friend
And gie's a hand o' thine
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

2005-12-30T05:52:00.000-07:00

I saw another shooting star tonight. Go me!

I ran out to work this morning to check the mail and return phone calls. I have trained our patients well, I reckon. There was only one phone call to return, and that was someone I told to call me this week and let me know which day his partner had off so I could schedule his appointment. I posted all the checks that came in on the computer and the ledger, and I was out of there before I knew it.

It's that time of year. Sales. Mark-downs. Close-outs. I had to go and pick out my color theme for the presents next year. (i.e. pick out my wrapping paper for next Christmas.) I got rolls (and rolls!) of paper with light blue, medium blue and teal colors. (A few even have a little bit of lavender, oh, so pretty!) I like the colors a lot. I can't wait to start wrapping. (I'm kidding!!) I bought some bows, too, and some "gossamer" ribbon with a few shiney threads interwoven, in light blue that matches the paper perfectly.
    My watch stopped December 23 at two thirty and four seconds. I bought a new battery but I can't get the back open. I knew you wanted to know.
    Bryce has a friend coming for the weekend. He's really quiet, they'll spend the entire time in Bryce's room playing PlayStation, and we'll hardly know he's here.
    Yesterday while taking Bryce shoe shopping, I saw a pair of cowboy boots I really really want. I might have to go get them tomorrow.
    Random thoughts from a random mind tonight, I'm afraid.

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree!

2005-12-30T05:49:00.000-07:00

You've been tagged (by Sie)

Here are the rules; the first player of this game starts with the topic. Five weird habits of yourself and people who get tagged need to write an entry about their five weird habits as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose the next five people to be tagged and link to their web journals. Don’t forget to leave a comment in their blog or journal that says “You are tagged” (assuming they take comments) and tell them to read yours.

5 weird habits.

(I don't know that all of these are weird, and I really am struggling t make this list. It's taken me two days to think of the first two!)

1. I take about 20 vitamins, minerals and medications each morning. I have to take them in a certain order. I don't know why!

2. If you were to give me a handful of m&m's, Skittles (Oh the horror! ICK!) , or any other candy that comes in more than one color, I would have to sort them before I ate them, and if there are any green ones, I eat those last! (Otherwise I eat them in the closest order of the rainbow that I can, starting with the darkest color fisrt.) The number should be an even number, to make me happy, and if there is only one of any color, I take one from the pile with the most and put it with the loner. 'Cause I always eat them in two's. If there is an odd number in a pile, say, seven, I eat two, then two more, then three. Never just one by itself. Yeah, I guess this one is weird.

3. I take eight itty bitty sips of water to get rid of my hiccups and it works every time!

4. I never buy anything for myself unless it's marked down over fifty percent. Edited to add: OK, well, maybe shoes don't have to be marked down.

5. Appropriate footwear must be worn if leaving the house. (This one's for you Duke!)

I tag the following to do the above "Thingy" (if you haven't already! I think most have done it)

1. Christa

2. Ken

3. Stevie

4. Margo

5. Connie

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2005-12-27T00:08:00.000-07:00

The annual making of the "Santa Cookies" was a lot of fun this year. Brock was very appreciative that I saved he and Dee some dough to make their own batches. I think he got tired of decorating after the first two sheets, so the remaing cut outs got a sprinkling of green sugar and that's it. That was OK though, because we had dozens of beautiful cookies that they had spent their creative imaginations decorating. Of course, we alk had to make fun of Hub, because he decorated "The Best Cookie of the Year," as usual. He's such a perfectionist. I mean, look at the candy cane! He probably measured each little jimmy to make sure it was the same size as all the others he was using. He even had to doctor up the cookie before I took the second picture (the first one was blurry) by removing the brown jimmies he had started to use for Santa's boots.

We were beat by the time we fell into bed. We had warned Bryce not to wake us up a minute before seven, otherwise we'd call the North Pole and have Santa take back all the gifts. Turns out he slept the latest of us all. I got up at around five to get the sticky buns out of the fridge so they could warm to room temp by seven, and ended up staying up. I had been tossing and turning, anyway. Brock had heard me coming down the stairs, so he got up, followed by Blaine who had been awake since four thirty. Hub was down the stairs soon after, followed by Dee. We all sat down here laughing and joking until Bryce came down at precisely seven a.m. He said he'd been awake for hours, but none of us believed him. Hee!

Christmas was wonderful, but I always feel a sense of disappointment in the end. Not because of the "things" I got or did not get, but more because there's such a build up to the day, and then it's over for another year. Maybe I am left wondering why we can't experience that happiness year round. Why does it take a tree and dozens of presents to make us all sated?

Shouldn't we be that happy every day?

I leave you with a few more pics of our holiday.

Bryce and his girlfriend decorating cookies ...

Bryce with the guitar he thought he wasn't getting ...

Dee ...

Blaine ...

The tree on Christmas Eve

What Child is This ?

2005-12-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Jesus.

Santa Claus is Coming To Town

2005-12-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

    Well, here it is, the dawn of Christmas Eve day. I couldn't sleep. I've been awake since about three thirty this morning, but I tossed and turned in bed until five thirty or so. I think I was afraid I'd over sleep, and I have a ton to do today. Over-sleeping would have really put a damper on the beginning of the day, but it wouldn't have been the end of the world. This is ridiculous! I don't want to be tired all day, and I certainly won't have time for a power nap!
    We have to go grocery shopping this morning on the base, and we want to get there when the store opens to avoid all the crazy last minute shoppers. We, ourselves, are not last minute shoppers, oh, no! Ha! I'll be sure next year to time my bimonthly grocery trips so it doesn't coincide with Christmas weekend! It just turned out this way, it's a shame, I know, I prefer not to go out at all today!
    We have the "Santa's Cookies" get- together this afternoon.   Bryce's girlfriend will be coming, and Blaine wants to decorate when he gets home from work, and Brock and Dee said they will be here around nine thirty tonight (YAY!!) so we will probably be doing the whole decorating deal in shifts, which is fine by me. I was really hoping Dee and Brock could make it over tonight instead of in the morning. I am pretty sure Dee was really looking forward to the "Santa's Cookie" event, and I wanted her to be able to participate. I don't think she's ever decorated cookies before.
    My Mom's package arrived yesterday, and she sent a present for Dee, too. Wasn't that thoughtful? I thought so.

So, today I have to make the Cappucino Cheesecake, the pumpkin pie, and tonight Ihave to make the sticky rolls so they'll be ready to pop in the oven tomorrow morning for our traditional Christmas breakfast of sticky buns, orange rolls, orange juice and coffee. I'd like to get the house sparkling, but I'm not sure that will happen! I did tidy up some last night, did a tiny bit of dusting, but I need to vacuum and finish dusting. (Ick) The boys need to clean their bathroom, and I need to pull out the hide-a-bed from the couch, remove all crumbs, pens, coins, guitar picks, bird seed, ribbons, bows and various other items that have made their way into the cushions since the last time I cleaned it out. I need to wash the linens, too, and remake the bed so Brock and Dee have a bed to sleep in. (His room, i.e. my craft room, is chock full of boxes at the moment. The tree box, empty boxes from gifts arriving in the mail, etc, that need to be taken to a dumpster.)

I'm really excited to be able to put the gifts under the tree tonight. I'll finally be able to walk through my room without fear of having to go through the obstacle course! Last night I had switched the light off when I heard someone honking their horn in front of our house. I made it to the window without incident (It was pitch black in the room, I couldn't peak out the window with the lights on, could I?!) but the trip back I nearly broke my neck a few times. I did the Tai Chi walk after I smartened up, which is basically putting your foot out in front of you gingerly before you actually step on the foot, thus I made it to the door through the maze without tripping over anything. I'm such a Nosy Parker, I should have just left the room without looking out the window. Besides, I should have known it was someone over at the house across the street. They haven't yet learned if you walk up to the door and ring the bell someone will answer. Honking profusely is their known method of getting the attention of those inside. And ... those inside every house in the surrounding area. Some people are so rude!

I'm off to get ready to go grocery shopping. More later, I'm sure!

P.S. No, Christa, it wasn't Christmas presents for the new baby, it was presents for a couple of nephews. Go me!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas ...

2005-12-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

THIS is why people live in Arizona. (Thanks Duke, for sharing!) *I do not know who took these photos, so I cannot credit the approproate person. If you were the photographer, let me know so I can give you proper credit.

(HA Hahahahaha!!)

Hard Candy Christmas

2005-12-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

   We've had a busy weekend. Yesterday we went out to the bank, gassed up my van, then went out to the far west valley to a flea market. We didn't find much at all, but it was fun looking around. We stopped and ate some lunch, then came back home. We were so tired we went straight upstairs and took a nap. I think we're getting old.
    Today we were going to go to CostPlusWorldMarket, but when we got there we discovered they moved the store (or closed it) with no indication of where they had gone. So we went across the street. While Bryce and his daddy were in the guitar store, I went in the craft store in search of dragees for my Christmas cookies. The edible kind. I have had no luck finding them. Then we all trekked down to the pet store, and I always forget they don't have any dogs in there, so we talked to the birds and left.
    Brock and Dee came over, because Brock heard from Blaine that I was giving Bryce a trim this weekend and Brock needed his hair cut. I trimmed about four inches off Bryce's hair, and gave Brock a really, really short cut so it will take awhile before he needs another cut, at his request. They stayed for dinner (Perogi lasagna. Messy, but really good.) Dee has felt the baby moving now, and she's just barely starting to show. The baby name of the week this week is Piper. ( Love it) Everyone thinks it will be a girl, I don't think they've decided on a boy's name at all.     I finished the baby blanket for them (pic below) and I have almost finished a muffler I've had on my knitting needles for quite some time. It's my upstairs project, and I am rarely in the loft, so it had been sitting idle for awhile. It's really pretty and I should have a jacket or coat to wear it with, as many as I have. Only thing is you don't see too many people in Phoenix wearing winter scarves!  Today I started another project (knitting) and I have a crochet project in the wings.

Cool picture I snapped this mmorning. I believe someone was trying to send a message...

Time for a Christmas Quiz (Borrowed from Rosie)

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Lite Egg Nog or sugar free hot chocolate, I like them both!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? He wraps them, and writes the names with Sharpies... no tags!
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored. Oh, and as many lights on the tree as possible!

4. Do you hang mistletoe? If I have some.
5. When do you put your decorations up? When I get around to it. Usually the beginning of December.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Hmmm... my Mom used to make cauliflower with cheese sauce. I don't make it, though it's easy enough to make.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? When I was in five or six my mom and/or grandmother made me a beautiful winter coat for Christmas. It had a faux fur collar. I felt so grown up and special wearing that coat.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't recall, but I am pretty sure one of my brothers probably broke the truth to me.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Nope

10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? Elaborately decorated sugar cookies with egg nog.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Well I like visiting the snow ... 12. Can you ice skate? I could when I was younger.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? A pottery wheel (Hey, me too, Rosie!) Got it when I was ten or so.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? My family.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Cheesecake, I guess.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Baking cookies on Christmas eve with the kids.

17. What tops your tree? A foil and cardboard star I made in 2nd grade.

18. Which do you prefer Giving or Receiving? Giving.
19. What is your favorite Christmas carol? I like so many of them, like O Holy Night and The First Noel, but my absolute favorite is Carol of The Bells, preferably a instrumental version. 20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Yum, try putting one of them in a mug of hot chocolate! Mmmmm!

It Came Upon A MIdnight Clear ...

2005-12-14T05:43:00.000-07:00

I just saw a shooting star. ( Do I have to mention that there's a meteor shower going on? Does that make the shooting star less lucky? ) Maybe today won't be such a bad day after all.

I was so excited yesterday to read about the meteor shower. I always try to catch a glimpse of a few falling stars. I suppose it's old school to believe a shooting star brings good luck, but, hey! I'm old. I can be crazy and believe what I want.

I've always been drawn to the sky. (As is obvious from all the sun rise and sunset photos I take, and post on here.) I've captured awesome lightening shots, dust storms, rain, snow, you name it. I should have been a meteorologist! A weatherman, er, weatherwoman.

I've got to go get ready for work ... but first I'm going to hunt another shooting star!

Jingle Bells ...

2005-12-12T21:18:00.000-07:00

Is it just me? We have only received two Christmas cards so far this year. Is everyone just late sending out cards? Every year it seems I get fewer and fewer. Maybe it is time to stop sending cards. Bummer. That's one of the things I like most about the holidays ... catching up on what every one has been up to the past year. It's only Monday, but it feels like it should be Friday already. Today seemed like it went on f-o-r-e-v-e-r! Kiki, just wanted to let you know your gift arrived here this evening. Expect ours on your doorstep this week, we mailed it out Friday.

I'm off to rest my weary bones.

Take Care of You

Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree

2005-12-11T18:41:00.000-07:00

I have been pondering getting my hair cut for a few weeks. It had just gotten too long, took too long to dry, and still looked like a disaster after it was dried. Too many dried ends to deal with. I wanted layers. I got layers, but not as many as I wanted ... only the bottom third of my hair got layers cut in, with more layers around my face, supposedly. She said if the layers were any higher up on my head it would make my hair stringy. Ok. Sigh. I'm probably going to get it cut off to chin length in the spring, anyway. Here's the pics, before, after, yada yada. It doesn't look very different, and in the "after" photo, there really isn't a big chunk of hair missing, it's just the way it was falling. Really.

The other day I was writing the grocery list outside when Bryce came out and was talking non-stop about his moustache coming in. I always pretend to look, nod, and agree just to appease him. This time, though, I told him to come closer, and I drew on three or four hairs with my pen. We were laughing so hard Hub came out to see what the commotion was. Bryce went in the house and a few minutes later stood on the stairs and said something to Hub. He had drawn on more hairs, and Hub asked him "What the hell is on your face?" Hahaha! Here's what he looked like:

We went over to Brock and Dee's last night for a bit to bring them a few groceries and some clothes for Brock to wear to work next week (Just stuff he had left here, we didn't buy him a new wardrobe.) We played with the new kittens (I still am a bit angry they got more animals, though.) and I saw their other two older cats for the first time. Dee is showing now, and wanted to talk to me about cramping she was having. It's been awhile since I've been pregnant, but I told her as long as she wasn't bleeding/spotting and the cramps weren't too bad, she should be OK.

Did some more holiday baking, and today I ran out to the base to get chlorine for the pool, my (way-too-expensive) eye vitamins my opthomologist wants me on, a new cordless phone since ours died a few days ago, and picked up stocking stuffers for Hub. I am totally done shopping now. I could not leave the house until Christmas Eve (because Christmas Eve is the next scheduled grocery trip) and be totally ready for "The Big Day." Brock and Dee might spend the night Christmas Eve, as we have the big cookie decorating day planned, anyway. They may as well spend the night so we don't have to go pick them up at O'dark thirty on Christmas day. Bryce's girlfriend is coming over to help decorate the cookies, too, so it ought to be a lot of fun. One of our Christmas morning traditions is having sticky buns and orange glazed sweet rolls for breakfast. I used to just buy the canned rolls, but they've quit making the sticky buns, and the kids just don't want to do without them. I have to make them the night before from scratch, then pop them in the oven the next morning. Trouble is I have not found a recipe that I like yet. The "sticky" part is never right! It's too gritty or something. I found a recipe that sounds like it might work out lots better, since you melt the brown sugar with corn syrup, instead of just mixing brown sugar and melted butter. I just hope they turn out! (I am open for recipes, if anyone has a no fail sticky bun recipe, send it on!) I reckon that's about all from here for now.

Stolen From My Son

2005-12-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

Stolen From My Son
70 THINGS YOU PROBABLY DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME

1. DO YOU SNORE? - If I have a cold
2. ARE YOU A LOVER OR A FIGHTER? - lover.

3. WHAT'S YOUR WORST FEAR? - Outliving my children

4. AS A KID, WERE YOU A LEGO MANIAC? - I don't think Lego's are that old ...
5. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF "REALITY" TV?- Mostly, it bites.
6. DO YOU CHEW ON YOUR STRAWS? - nope

7. WERE YOU A CUTE BABY? - So they say!
8. IS THE SINGLE LIFE FOR YOU? - I don't think so, since I have been married almost 22 years.
9. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR KEYBOARD? Off white.

10. DO YOU SING IN THE SHOWER? - No, but I sing in my car. 11. HAVE YOU EVER BUNGEE JUMPED? - No

12. ANY SECRET TALENTS? - Of course, but if I told, they wouldn't be secret any more!

13. WHAT'S YOUR IDEAL VACATION SPOT? - Australia

14. IS JAY LENO FUNNY? - Looking.

15. CAN YOU SWIM? - yes.

16. HAVE YOU SEEN THE MOVIE "DONNIE DARKO"? - Never even heard of it.

17. DO YOU GIVE A DAMN ABOUT THE OZONE? - Sure I do.
18. HOW MANY LICKS DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO THE CENTER OF A TOOTSIE POP? - One, two, three.
19. CAN YOU SING THE ALPHABET BACKWARDS? - No... I can't.
20. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON AN AIRPLANE? - Of course.
21. ARE YOU AN ONLY CHILD? - No, I have three brothers, one sister.

22. DO YOU PREFER ELECTRIC OR MANUAL PENCIL SHARPENER?
Electric!
23. WHAT'S YOUR STAND ON HUNTING? - I crouch in the bushes, waiting on prey, I don't stand there. LOL I've never been hunting.
24. IS MARRIAGE IN YOUR FUTURE? - Just the one I'm already in

25. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? - Sure do.
26. WHAT ARE YOU ALLERGIC TO? -Potatoes, tomatoes, English Walnuts, green beans, onions and mostly Bananas.

27. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SAID, "I LOVE YOU? - About two hours ago.
28. IS ELVIS STILL ALIVE? - I think the last few years of his life he wasn't alive.
29. DO YOU CRY AT WEDDINGS? - Not usually. Ask me when my kids get married.
30. HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR EGGS? - Cooked.

31. ARE BLONDES DUMB? No, bottle blondes are. LOL
32. WHERE DOES THE OTHER SOCK END UP? - When you die, you'll meet up with all your socks in heaven.
33. WHAT TIME IS IT? - 9:53 (Which is weird ... my son's survey was just the opposite! 3:59!)
34. DO YOU HAVE A NICKNAME? - Bee, Figgy, Hun, MOMMMMMMMM, "K," Kath
35. IS MCDONALD'S DISGUSTING? - I don't think so
36. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WERE IN A CAR? - The commute home a few hours ago.
37.DO YOU PREFER BATHS OR SHOWERS? - Baths, with lots of "Stink Pretty" and bubbles!
38. IS SANTA CLAUS REAL? - If you don't believe, you don't receive.
39. DO YOU LIKE TO HAVE YOUR NECK KISSED? Mmmmm

40. ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK? I'm afraid of stubbing my toe in the dark, but generally, no, I am not afraid of the dark.
41. WHAT ARE YOU ADDICTED TO? How much time do you have?

42. CRUNCHY OR CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER? - I like them both

43. CAN YOU CRACK YOUR NECK? - Doc does it for me.

44. HAVE YOU EVER RIDDEN IN AN AMBULANCE? Not as a patient. My son was the patient.
45. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU BRUSHED YOUR TEETH TODAY? - Twice
46. IS DRUG FREE THE WAY TO BE? - Illegal drugs suck.

47. ARE YOU A HEAVY SLEEPER? - Not really

48. WHAT COLOR ARE YOUR EYES? - Blue, green, sometimes gray.

50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR LIFE? - Can't complain too much.

51. WHOSE IS BETTER? - How could anyone's life be better than mine??
52. ARE YOU PSYCHIC? - Yup
53. HAVE YOU READ "CATCHER IN THE RYE"? - Yup

54. DO YOU PLAY ANY INSTRUMENTS? - Used to play the clarinet, can pick out songs on a flute and a piano.
55. HAVE U EVER STOLEN MONEY? - Nope.

56. CAN YOU SNOWBOARD? - No.
57. DO YOU LIKE CAMPING? - Yes

58. DO U SNORT WHEN U LAUGH? - LOL :::Snort:::: of course not.
59. DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC? - I belive in miracles.

60. ARE DOGS A MAN'S BEST FRIEND? - If they are, I have no friends!

61. YOU BELIEVE IN DIVORCE? - It's a fact.

62. CAN YOU DO THE MOONWALK? - No.

63. DO YOU MAKE A LOT OF MISTAKES? - I certainly try not to.

64. IS IT COLD OUTSIDE TODAY? - Not too terribly bad.

65. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? - Homemade Macaroni and cheese.

66. DO YOU WEAR NAIL POLISH? - On my toenails

67. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN KISSED? - No! Never! Of course not!

68. WHAT'S THE MOST ANNOYING TV COMMERCIAL? - Any car commercial, cell phone commercial and countless others

69. DO YOU SHOP AT AMERICAN EAGLE? - Never been there.

70. FAVORITE BAND AT THE MOMENT? - I can't pick just one

What Temperment Are You?

2005-12-05T14:27:00.000-07:00

I agree with some of it, but other parts are just WRONG. (Especially the part about being consumed with my attractiveness. That couldn't be further from the truth, since I don't consider myself attractive!)

You Have a Sanguine Temperament

You are an optimistic person who is easily content.
You enjoy casual, light tasks - never wanting to delve too deep into anything.
A bit fickle, it's easy for you to change plans or paths when presented with something better.

You enjoy all of the great things life has to offer - food, friends, and fun.
A great talker, you can keep the conversation going for hours.
You are optimistic and sure of your success. If you fail, you don't worry about it too much.

At your worst, you are vain. You are obsessed with your own attractiveness.
A horrible flirt, you tend to jump into love affairs and relationship drama easily.
You're very jealous - which just magnifies the craziness around you.

What Temperment Are You?

Bryce's Birthday

2005-12-04T22:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Bryce's 15th birthday. I cannot believe our youngest son is fifteen! we took him out for breakfast, where he felt like such an adult because I let him have coffee. He wanted "Rice Bowls" for his birthday dinner (Ever eaten at El Pollo Loco? It's just Mexican seasoned rice, pinto beans, chicken, cheese, sour cream and salsa. I leave off the chicken and rice.) He also wanted a sinfully decadent cheesecake. The crust is made of 'Nila Wafers, and there's caramel and pecans on top. (You can find the recipe on Kraft.com. I found the recipe in the quarterly mag they send out. You can sign up to get it on their web site. It's free, and chock full of great ideas and recipes.) He liked all his gifts, and I think overall he had a great day!

I finished my Christmas shopping today, Yay! I wrapped everything I bought today, so I am good to go. I have a few things coming in the mail, but other than wrapping those, I am finished. I just need to get the tree up now, and decorate the house. I didn't know what I should get for Dee. I ended up buying her a pajama set - silk long sleeved top and pants. Is that an appropriate gift? I don't know. I also framed a senior picture of Bryce to give her, a few other small things,and made her a stocking. I hope that's enough and she doesn't feel slighted. I did also buy them "together" gifts, stuff for their apartment (dishes, etc).

I've got to get to bed, I'm so not looking forward to the morning commute.

Take Care of You

I Rated My Life

2005-12-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

This Is My Life, Rated
Life:	7.7
Mind:	6.8
Body:	4.8
Spirit:	8.4
Friends/Family:	8.1
Love:	9.1
Finance:	8.2
Take the Rate My Life Quiz

Cookie Swap

2005-12-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

Jessica is doing a virtual Cookie Swap. Since we can't actually swap cookies, the next best thing is to swap the recipes. If you want to participate, post your favorite Christmas (Or other December Holiday) recipe, then post a link to your journal in her comments. We could get some awesome recipes this way. Post pictures of your cookies, and tell why they are your favorites.
I no longer make the vast array of Christmas goodies. I usually only make Sugar Cookies and Mexican Wedding Cakes, but I have fond memories of the cookies my mother and I used to make, I made them for years myself, but I just don't spend the time to do it now. My mother used to make apricot thumbprints, Beacon Hill Cookies (I'm going to try to find that one to share, it's in a box somewhere, and I was thinking about making them this year, anyway) and Spritz Cookies and fudge and one year Divinity (Ick!!), bourbon balls and truffles. Mmmm! Here are a few of the recipes I have made for Christmas Gift Baskets. (Sorry, no pictures yet. I won't be making many of these this year, anyway.) Hope you enjoy, should you try them.

English Toffee
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Butter
1 Cup Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
1/4 Cup finely chopped pecans

Line cookie sheet with wax paper. In 2 quart saucepan combine sugar and butter. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until candy thermometer reaches 300ºF or a small amount dropped into ice water forms brittle strands, usually 25-30 minutes. Quickly spread into prepared pan with a buttered metal spoon. Sprinkle with chocolate chips immediately. Allow chips to stand five minutes, then spread evenly over the toffee. Sprinkle with nuts. Cool completely, then break into pieces.

This is a recipe my husband's sister shared. His Mom used to make these.

Snickerdoodles
1/2 C shortening
1/2 C butter
1 1/2 C sugar
2 Eggs
2 3/4 C flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

2 Tablespoons Sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Mix shortening, the 1 1/2 C sugar and eggs until creamy. Mix flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt in a separate bowl. Stir into sugar and egg mixture. Shape dough into one inch balls. Roll balls in mixture made of the 2T of sugar and the cinnamon. Place on ungreased cookie sheets and bake 8-10 minutes at 400ºF. Makes about 6 dozen.

Kentucky Bourbon Balls
1/4 C butter
1 pound powdered sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 C ground pecans
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 C bourbon
4 one ounce squares unsweetened chocolate
2 Tablespoons shortening
    Line baking sheet with wax paper. Beat butter until fluffy. Beat in 1/2 pound of sugar. With hands work in remaining sugar, lemon juice, pecans, salt and bourbon. Chill for 30 minutes.
   Meanwhile, melt chocolate and shortening in double boiler stirring often.
   Shape dough into one inch balls. Dip in chocolate and place on baking sheet until firm. Store in refrigerator.

Peanut Butter Candy (Just like peanut butter cups, without the fuss!)
2 C peanut butter
1/2 C margarine, melted
1/2 C brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 C powdered sugar
2 C chocolate chips or a 12 ounce bag
1/4 C margarine
In a large bowl mix peanut butter, melted margarine, brown sugar and vanilla. Add powdered sugar and mix well. Press into the bottom of a cookie sheet.
Melt chocolate chips and 1/4 C margarine in double broiler. Quickly spread over peanut butter mixture. Chill for at least half an hour before cutting into small squares.

File Under: What Will They Think of Next?

2005-12-02T18:28:00.000-07:00

Hmmm.... A dress made out of condoms ... What do you think?

Happy Birthdayyyy Dear Hubbbbb-eeeee, Happy Birthday To You!

2005-12-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

    Because Hub is a birthday Scrooge (Not just a Christmas Scrooge) and never wants me to make him a cake or any other kind of fuss, I came home from my short day at work and made him a Chocolate Cheesecake Flan with caramel sauce, which sounds much fancier than it actually is. It's basically just a firm baked pudding with carmelized sugar. It smells pretty good.
    One year I made Hub a meat loaf in a tiered cake pan, then "frosted" it with mushroom/sour cream gravy. Ha! I showed him! He got a birthday "cake" after all!
    Then I made lunch for Doc and I for tomorrow, since it's my day to "bring." I made Thai spinach dip, to be served with veggie dippers. Which is to say: cut up raw veggies. It's a pretty unusual dip made with sour cream, fresh spinach and mint, soy sauce, peanut butter and crushed red pepper. Onion. I bet it would taste great with onion in it. And garlic, too!  Doc brought in Persian soup yesterday that his wife made and it was awesome!
     Last night I was going to make the Mexican Wedding Cakes to put into Duke's "Critmas" box, but I was just too lethargic. I've got the ingredients out now, coming to room temp, and maybe they'll actually get done tonight. I haven't even made one loaf of Blaine's beloved pumpkin bread yet, either. Maybe this weekend I can whip out a few loaves of that and the yearly batch of Extra Hot Super Spicy Catch Your Tongue Afire Chex Mix. Mmmm. I could live on that stuff, and so could the boys. The Grinch isn't too fond of it. I have to be careful and control myself, it's got too many carbs for a diabetic ... and I could really oink out on the stuff if I'm not mindful.
    We've been rather busy at work lately, which is a good thing. Doc didn't leave me any dictations this morning, but I still spent a good two and a half hours working on charts. (The other two hours I spent talking on the phone to Doc and cleaning the office.) No rest for the weary, I tell ya.
    I think I figured out why I hate change. I like things to stay the same ole, same ole because I am comfortable with it, and I know the routine.  When things change, I don't like it because (Light Bulb Moment -Ping!) it opens the door for potential screw ups. Of course everyone messes up now and again, but I hate looking the fool, therefore I don't like to make mistakes. Especially when someone else might see me make the mistake. I never realized why I disliked change until today. Until I'm comfortable with the change, I'll be wary of making mistakes, which will make me seem unsure, which will make me look like a fool. There you have it. Give me a few days, then it will be old hat once again.
    I need to make phone calls, to family, to friends, and I'm just so not in the mood to talk on the phone. Mainly because it inevitably requires I speak about Brock and Dee, and quite frankly I'm just too stressed over the entire situation to have to explain his life and his choices and I can't say "Call and ask him" because then I'd have to explain that he doesn't even have a phone. Sigh. Calgon take me away!
    I've seen three shooting stars. That should count for something, right?

Bwahahahahaha!

2005-11-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

Pictures

2005-11-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving went pretty well. The food was great, and we all had fun. I was exhausted by the end of the day, but what's new?
Just wanted to share a few pictures.

We went to the mall today to take Brock to see the recruiter. There was a Navy recruiter. There was an Army recruiter. There was a Navy recruiter. No Air Force recruiter. Figures. He was at another mall. We walked around for about an hour, because we didn't know there wasn't an AF recruiter there until after we had walked around. We told Brock we'd meet him at the food court. We ended up sitting there for about twenty minutes before Brock and Dee walked up.

They dropped me at home because today's trip was my yearly limit for being in the mall. The AF wouldn't accept Brock because he only has a GED, not a high school diploma. That used to not be an issue. We're going to look into that.

That's about all from here for now.

Take Care of You!

What I Just Found In My Backyard

2005-11-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the third post today, but I wanted to share what just scared the living daylights out of me. I found this fella in the backyard. I didn't even know Arizona had fox. Foxes? We saw what we thought was a fox twice right after we moved in, but I figured with all the contruction in the neighborhood it would have moved on. Guess not. (I think it's a fox, anyway!)

This last picture, the fox was running across the fence (you can see it if you look hard enough,) but I included it because I was stunned at all the spirit orbs!! If I could post a bigger pic you'd see it is literally filled with orbs. The spirits are all out to say Happy Thanksgiving, I guess. I have never captured so many in one single photo. Awesome. Chilling. I wonder why they are congregating in my yard?

Take Care of You

Ten Things I Should Have Said But Never Did

2005-11-23T18:53:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to tell someone something, but couldn't or didn't? Here's your chance. List ten things you wanted to say, you needed to say, you should have said or wanted to ask... but don't tell who the comment is directed to. When I was typing this up, I found myself realizing several of the comments could be directed at more than one person. I wonder if anyone will realize a comment is meant for them? I had to do 11, because there was one that needed saying after all was said and done.

Should you decide to "play the game" leave a link, I'd love to see what you've come up with. It can be for people in your life, other journalers, or even someone you don't know but feel the need to make a comment towards them.

1. I pray every single day for your recovery.

2. Stop kissing up to me! I can't get the lipstick off my ample behind, and by the way, you have a brown smudge on your nose.

3. I love you more than I could ever tell you. There aren't words enough.

4. Thank you. Thank you for standing by me all these years. Thank you.

5. If I could, I'd take away all the pain your love relationship gives to you.

6. I don't believe you. Ever.

7. Thank you for making her happy. I love you as if you were family.

8. I did it. All those years ago, it was me. I wonder if you knew. I'm sorry.

9. I'm here for you always. For anything. I

10. I miss you. Terribly and completely.

11. Why?

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

2005-11-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

    I can't believe I haven't written this week. To be brutally honest, I just haven't wanted to. (I have no idea why the Wicked Witch of the West just popped into my head shrieking "I'm melting! I'm melting!!")
    So I paid Brock's electric bill today, which wouldn't have been to terrible, if there weren't the connection fees on there. Rent is due next week, and I have that covered, too. Neither has a job yet, and I know Bub has been looking (at least he says he has been) but I have no idea if Dee has done anything. It just seems rather odd that she couldn't get hired on anywhere  as Christmas help. I mean come on! 'Tis the season and all that jingle jangle.
    Big news, however. Brock is going to talk to an Air Force recruiter today. He's decided to join the A.F.! Dee says she's all for it, but I think she's probably disallusioned about the whole "See the world, join the Air Force" (or any branch, for that matter.) I don't think she realizes that yup, he'll see the world, but she'll be sitting home taking care of baby. I think she'll hate it. We'll see. I am, of course, assuming they accept Brock. He might have to drop a few pounds before Basic Training. I think he could do that, though. I have mixed feelings. I think it's a great idea, and he's wanted to do it for years. However, I am already fond of the baby, and it isn't even here yet! (She's not even showing, that I can tell. She's almost 17 weeks now. Still no prenatal care yet, either. Boo! Hiss!)
    The Asian Bodywork gal has worked on me twice in the past week. I've been having leg cramps at night, so she asked if she could do some work on me. The first night was great, no cramps. The past three nights, they have been back, and last night with a vengeance. Ouch. So she worked on me again today (today being the second session) and she worked on, well, how can I say this ... she worked on getting my body fluids to move more freely. I guess that's as good an explanation as any. We'll see how that works. My entire right side from foot to shoulder is in lock-down. Everything is stiff, the muscles are tense and they've been like that a long time. Don't ask me why, I couldn't tell you, but hopefully the work she did today will help that some.
    Work has been pretty busy. I think this is the first time we've been solidly booked at least a week in advance. Normally we have at least a few open spots, but until the second we have nothing open at all. We had some trojan virus' and infected files galore on the work computer, so I spent the majority of the past three days playing doctor to that, getting rid of the garbage. It's finally back up to speed, and I thought I had taken care of the pop ups, but I got a few today when I wasn't even on the web, and one was (Oh Horrors!!) A page of nude women in compromising situations. I have no idea how long it was up on the screen before I noticed it, as I was working on digging up a pathology report from 1993 for a patient. I hope no one saw it. Really. I'm not addicted to porn!
    I am making these teeny tiny pecan pie tarts for dessert tomorrow. I made half of them last night, but I was tired, and I had two more trays to make before I'd be finished, so I left them for today. Each batch needs to bake for half an hour, I couldn't have held my eyes open that long. (I wish I had a bigger mini-muffin pan, that would help!) Anyway, the batch I made so far today turned out awful. They overflowed, the pan was a mess, and I couldn't even get three or four of them out of the pan because the ick that is the inside was gooey and making them stick to the pan. So I had to soak the pan to get those out, and the others were very crumbley. So now I have the pumpkin pie in the oven, and I will finish the pecan "pies" later.
    The turkey has thawed, and everything else is ready to go, I think. I feel very unorganized this year, though. Every year, everything gets done at just the right time, and this year something is going to happen. The turkey will still be frozen. The homemade rolls will burn. The gravey will be lumpy. Something. I can just feel it.
    I've got to get ... things to do yet before everyone gets home.
    Take Care of You and have a Blessed Holiday

2005-11-19T22:51:00.000-07:00

Bryce and I went Christmas shopping today. We picked up some things for his brothers and Hub, so his end of shopping is finished, except something for his girlfriend. We got a few presents for Hub's birthday, too, not much, but at least he'll have something.
After shopping we stopped for coffee. My cup holder in the front wouldn't adjust so that the cup wasn't wobbling, so I stuck it in the cup holder behind my seat, it was too hot to drink, anyway. We were almost home, and I turned onto the last road leading home from the major roads. I heard the cup fly across the van. Argh. No Hi-Rev coffee for me. I had to wash the mat and soak up the coffee that was pooled in the slots where the seats are set into the floor. What a mess. All I wanted was my coffee!
I've been a crocheting fool the past four days. I had the blanket for my nephew about three quarters finished. I got to looking at it, and I found mistakes, ratty looking spots and I just wasn't pleased with the way it looked. So I ripped it all out and started all over. Here's the results so far.

Not much else in the way of news around here.
Take Care of You.

2005-11-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to WallyWorld for a few things. I needed some new bras, as most of mine have hit the trash can lately with a not so delicate thud. They all seem to wear out at the same time, but what irks me the most is when the underwires poke through the material. The bra is still wearable if it weren't for the fact that there's a piece of sharp metal poking me inder the arm or in the cleavage. Ugh. Why does it have to be so difficult being a woman?
I picked up a few Christmas presents, stocking stuffers, actually, as they were so cheap I couldn't justify them truly being a gift. I am completely done shopping for Bryce (Christmas and birthday). Blaine only wants a guitar, so he won't give me a list. Sorry, that boat won't float this year, we don't have the money since we are paying Brock's rent in December. ( No doubt he'll be calling for money for the electric bill this week, too.) It's a good thing I do start shopping early, otherwise there'd be no Christmas this year. I told Hub not to buy me much of anything this year, and I've only bought him one or two gifts. Brock and Dee - well, they've got a few presents, but not as much as I'd like to give to them. I'm thinking I'm just going to have to make the best of the holiday, no matter there'll be slim picking in the gift dept.
Off to work!