Why do we say something is out of Wack? What is a Wack?

Read an article in the paper this week about the state budget cuts, and it looks like corrections is taking a big hit. Looking at cutting the parole time from 5 years to 2 or 3. So don't know what that might mean for these two small facilities in this side of the state. Since they house less than 500 inmates, and many of them getting ready for parole, it is feasible that they could close them and absorb the population into the bigger facilities.

In the mean time, I have a list and plan to go out tomorrow and check out the home health companies in town. Also do a little smoozing with a couple shop owners on main street. Talked to one the other day that runs a consignment shop and she is trying to find a buyer. Maybe she could use someone part time till then so she can free up her time. Who knows.

The town is left with only one used book store now and it is such a cluttered place with books up on shelves that you can't reach without a ladder. I itch to get in there and organize it. Have heard from others about not liking it for that reason. Hmmmm, maybe I will go talk to her again. Who knows.

Did I mention I joined Curves this week. I think I did. Believe it or not you do get a pretty good workout with those machines and the quick circuit you do. By moving from one machine to the next quickly you stay aerobic and don't get too tired to fast. Then the stretches at the end are great.

Oh, one last thing, I got a virus in my computer last week, had to take it to a computer guy to get it removed. I do FaceBook and when a family member asked me to allow them to add me to their "family" list, it hit me. Came from FB. The computer guy has seen several just recently. It is called Personal Antivirus. You can google it and see that it is a scam, where they show you all the infected files you have and for a fee to download their program it will all go away. I ran my antivirus and it didn't show any infected files. But this program was blocking my access to do anything on line. So now all is good. Just be careful what you do when accepting any applications from FB or any of these places. And we only think that Big Brother is watching!

If you don't drop in, smile as you go by.

Pic of hubby enjoying campsite. Guess I need to update whats going on in the work place, or should I say lack of work. LOL Haven't been called back since the 2 days of orientation almost 3 weeks ago.

I made up a calender for the next 2 mo. of available days and faxed to Mary the DON and to my real boss, Lisa at the staffing agency. She has called Mary to see if she will have a schedule for me, but the story is that she is still working on getting me computer clearance and some custody thing so that I can pick up keys so that I can actually work.

You know I am not letting it worry me a bit. I am enjoying myself and actually have come to think that this retired thing isn't so bad, except there is no money in it :( I have a list of some home health agencies in town to go check out and see if they need some part time help. Something will work out. In the mean time I am enjoying myself with the volunteer work at the library, and just this week I joined Curves. I was really feeling like my walking just wasn't enough and its not. I need some resistance training to go along with it. I always feel better when I work out so its time to get my butt in gear. Literally!

I got invited to an appreciation breakfast at the library yesterday. It was fun, they had a gal cater it that does all vegetarian food. It was interesting. I enjoyed meeting some other gals, one who is a retired biologist, and one a graphics designer. I was feeling a little inferior when I realized hey, I am an RN and have something of interest to contribute too. Made me sit a little taller.

Thought of the day: Life is 10% of what you make it, and 90% of how you take it.

About 20 years ago

This is a picture taken about 20 years ago. Myself and 2 little lambs, The one on the right is my grand daughter. She has a little girl about this size now. Boy time sure flys. Yea, I was a blond then too.

It's good to know that if I behave strangely enough, society will take full responsibility for me.

I took this picture along side a lake yesterday, up in the mountains.

I finally did get to work for 2 days of orientation, (even got paid for this) But that was a week and a half ago and I have faxed in my availability so guess I will have to wait. A sort of funny chain of events, remember I have sort of complained about it taking so long to get on board with working at the corrections, even though I was told that they wanted me. I was given quite a run around and 3 trips over the mountains for different paper work, (about 500 miles round trip) Anyway I think I might have figured out something. When I first got to visit the prison and talk to Mary, the DON of another facility (she was filling in as DON at the one I want to work at too) she told me that she thought I had qualifications for the DON position that would be posted soon and I should apply for it. See the DON had died last Nov. and the position had never been posted for applicants. Well this was the end of March. So as I have said, I got this long run around all summer, and when I finally went out for my orientation recently,(working thru this staffing agency) I find that Mary has just been appointed the DON job there and will be my boss. Now do you think maybe she didn't want me there till she had the job nailed down. I really didn't want it, but had I been offered I might have thought about it for a while. Sooooooo glad that it never happened. In fact I am glad I didn't get hired on by the state yet. Working thru the agency will be just fine for me right now. Oh, and I got a letter from the state dept of corrections, that I had passed all my tests and was now eligible for hire.

Just got back yesterday from a 2 nite camp out up in the mountains with our new tent trailer. Had to work some bugs out but I think we will really like it. The campground is about 95 miles away. Caught some nice trout, and relaxed with no TV (or computers) Hope to do it again in 2 weeks. Will post some pictures on my other blog site: dorothykarmictruths.spaces.live.com

Just for a Moment

This was copied from Depok Chopra's site.

I will practice Acceptance. Today I will accept people, situations, circumstances, and events as they occur. I will know that this moment is as it should be, because the whole universe is as it should be. I will not struggle against the whole universe by struggling against this moment. My acceptance is total and complete. I accept things as they are this moment, not as I wish they were.

Just wanted to share that. Wouldn't it be awesome if we all could practice this everyday? We would live with no regrets or wants because we would know that things are just as they should be. I have always felt that at any particular time I am where I am supposed to be at that period of time. I believe that today I am exactly where I am meant to be and I accept that. Perhaps tomorrow it will change but for today I am OK. I have a picture to share of the railroad tracks that I stood on the other day when I was on a trip thru the mountains.

Also I want to share the feelings I have every time I go over the mountains. As I start to drive thru the canyons, following the rivers, I feel an incredible peace come over me. If I have some real mellow music on it is even better. I love to wind thru the canyons and see the beauty of the land. It is awesome!

Insane people are always sure that they are fine. It is only the sane people who are willing to admit that they are crazy

Headed out in the AM to drove over the pass and spend the afternoon and nite with my niece. Looking forward to that as we will do some picture sharing. Then Mon AM will do the orientation with the staffing agency. Oh, BTW I got 100% on the second test.

Anyway plan to drive on back home after all that.

We are anxious to get our new camper out for a test run. Hopefully will do that this week for at least one nite. Here is a pic of it. Will get another one when hooked up to the truck, It is really big.

Whats that you say???

Looking at old pictures from the farm in 2006. Here is Jenny giving me the what for!

This suspense is terrible. I hope it will last.

I think I mentioned that I had to sign up with a different staffing agency, since the state's right hand didn't know that the left hand wasn't using the one that they had me sign up with a couple mo. ago. So here it is now almost Aug. The suspense is that when I did the lengthy paper work for this new agency (which is 250 miles away BTW) I had to do a 15 question nursing test. Can you believe I missed one too many questions to pass. They had about half of the questions about IV drip rates and calculating drug doses in mg. per kg. Haven't done any of that stuff for so many years! And any books I have left were of minimal help. Well they e-mailed me a second test and I was very careful to double check every question and only had 2 that I wasn't positive about. So today I will get the results, then I am headed to my niece's house on Sun to have a short visit as she is about 50 miles from the agency. And on Mon. will do my 2 hrs orientation with them, and do another drug screen test. Boy you would think I was applying for some high security job. Oh, I guess it sort of is. LOL

I'm not a complete idiot; some parts are missing.

We still sleep light at night because we are listening for Molly. Like when you have a baby in the house you hear their sounds. She frequently had to go out in the middle of the night. So now we still listen for her. Had pizza out yesterday and "almost" brought home a piece of crust for her. She always expected some little tidbit when we ate out.

We have all her "bunnies" and dog beds washed and gathered up any left over dog food, biscuits, leashes, collars, and brushes. Found a animal shelter down by where we go fish so plan to take the stuff down there the first of the week.

So we are on the mend and can talk and laugh about her now and not get to teary eyed. She won't be forgotten, that's for sure. We also just realized that we have no guard dog now.

Thought for the day: Life truly is short and we need to enjoy and appreciate what we have.

Who will remind me to go fetch the mail?

We had to put our faithful dog Molly to sleep yesterday. She lived with some health issues and in the last year had been loosing so much muscle in her hips and hind legs. She had developed "fatty" tumors in numerous sites, the worse being on her chest, and flank. On Sunday she tried to chase a cat that was sitting on the back fence and she pulled or tore something in one hind leg. As a result she was trying to walk on 3 legs, and with one of them weak she just couldn't manage. We had to use a towel to help her walk and she would just lay and look at us with those intelligent eyes, like she was asking use to help her.

It is so sad when the mind is still so sharp and smart but the rear end fails. So at nearly 13 we just had to do what was right and let her go. We soothed her while the vet did the injection and it was over so quick and she is at peace now and no more pain. I know she has suffered for some time and we had agreed along time ago we would not let her suffer when the time came.

She was the best dog ever, even if others may not have seen it, as she was not very friendly to others, but that was our fault and not hers. She was so smart that we had taken to spelling things and sometimes she figured that out too. She would mind us so well, we could let her out anywhere with no leash and she would obey us with verbal and hand signs to stay where we would tell her.

What I will miss most was her total devotion to us. Her vocal Woooo Woooo greeting when we would come in the door. She trusted us and loved us unconditionally, and you can't ask any more than that from your dog. I have only seen my husband cry twice, once when he was in acute pain with a kidney stone and yesterday after we came home to an empty house.

We have agreed that there will be no more dogs, at our age, we don't want to be tied down with that responsibility again. We have had 2 good dogs, I was counting up and we have had a dog in our lives for a total of 24 of the 27 years we have been together. Thats alot.

Glory Be

Can't believe I am finally getting the 1 day training I needed at the prison before I could start nursing orientation. It is a sort of crash course in how be behave in a prison ect. Since I won't be an actual state employee I have to have this. I will be working thru a staffing agency.

Which is another long story. I talked to the D.O.N. earlier in the week and sort of reminded her that I put my application in the end of March, I signed on with a staffing agency that she suggested, which made me purchace liability ins. and get a drug screening at my expense. And she keeps stringing me along with this training thing that had to be scheduled. Anyway she told me this week that the state wasn't using that agency now and I would have to apply thru an agency across the state in the big city. So now I got my packet, have to get a physical (Mon) and get this all sent back, then go to a city in NE part of state on Aug, 3 to do orientation with them. Then >>>>>>> I will be ready to actually work and earn some money!!

Makes your head swim but at least I am swimming upstream.

I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

OK the rest of the story on our housing development. Rick who is the sales person has told us that they won't be able to start up our home owners association till a certain % of the homes are built. Guess we aren't there yet, In the mean time folks are supposed to pay their dues to the head office. This company has housing developments in several cities around here, 3 in our city. So the money goes in their pot. We can't govern ourselves. Also since they aren't building more homes there are alot of lots growing up in weeds. Alot of home owners are angry as it makes the complex look bad. The only thing they maintain is a strip of lawn as you come into our area on one end and the weeds in a rock area that has some shrubs there. After alot of phone calls from folks, last mo. they came in and sort of mowed the weeds in the vacant lots but not very short due to all the large rocks.

Many of us think we will hold out when dues are to be paid this coming year. Wonder how that will fly?

When you get Mad should you get Even?

Our builder/Realtor took us for a little ride recently, and I am still steaming.
We closed on our home on Dec 30. Last week we got a delinquent notice for 2008 property taxes. Seems the first notice went to the builder. Somewhere along the line, they paid the 07 taxes of less than 60$(was on our closing) as the property was bare dirt then. No where did it mention who owed the 08 taxes. Seems that WE owe that. We went to the court house and to the title co. and that is just the way it is. When we went to our developer thru the supervisor at our home development they said that "he" should have taken better care of his contract.
Now this company has this Christian mission statement in their literature.

Well I composed this letter quoting some of their mission statements and laying out what had happened, and that it was a shabby way to do business and treat their home owners. We owned the home for 2 days! I am sending a copy to the Better Business Bureau, and the State Realtor Commission.

I know it won't do any good but just want to raise a little stink. Maybe get even just a little.
I think they are going out of business anyway, not building any more houses and laying most of their people off. Not sure where that will leave us here in this development with only half the lots built on. But thats another story.

Many are saved from sin by being so inept at it.

I love the title here. Was one of my little thingys at the sidebar here.
I have started with the volunteers at the library here in our fair city. I think I will love it. Did my first orientation yesterday. It was a big deal to learn how the carts are set up with books that need returned to the shelves. They are grouped on carts by category, then the shelver (that's me) has to put them in order and there is more to it than you would think, so that when you take the cart out you can go down the line and put them where they belong.

Hope in my next lifetime I am a reader. I just know I can't get around to reading all the books I want to in this life.

Stuff

What does "home is where the heart is" mean? What does "home" mean to you?
It seems that we have moved so many times that each time I sort of get a diluted feeling about my home. I find it harder to get very attached to it. Maybe because I feel it won't be the last one. Maybe part is the moving so often, maybe part is getting older and realizing that material stuff is just stuff.

I loved the old routine that George Carlin did years ago about "our stuff" Wish I could remember more of it, but the gist was that we all work hard to have our stuff, then need a place to put our stuff, but you can't take your stuff with you. I guess I feel like our home is just more stuff. And sometimes all the stuff just gets to feeling like a burden. Maybe that's why we need garage sales every so often so we can sell our stuff to someone else who is still looking for their stuff.

When we watch the news, and who doesn't feel alarmed now days, we say things like we need to just find a cabin in the mountains and go there, with no TV, Phones, or Computers. Well maybe we should. But we won't, cause we still think we need all our "stuff"

Food for thought

I Know

it's hard to be reconciled

not everything is exactlly

the way it ought to be

but please turn around and step into the future

leave memories behind

enter the land of hope

--Zbigneiw Herbert, from A Life

Wikopedia's defination

Synchronicity is the experience of two or more events which are causally unrelated occurring together in a meaningful manner. In order to count as synchronicity, the events should be unlikely to occur together by chance.

When I looked up the word I found a site that uses this subject as a basis for a religion. Found that interesting.

I think my strangest synchronicity event was hearing a word that I had never heard before and the next day I saw that word on a license plate. Can't remember what it was, but I see small things frequently that to me a little whisper in my ear to help me be more aware.

Please let me grow old with joy

It is so hard to have a family member who is so negative, suspicious, righteous, pushy, opinionated, and well I guess thats enough.
I am talking about my nearly 85 year old SIL. Now I have known her for nearly 30 years and I don't see this as a new thing with her, just a worsening of her attitudes. On one hand she is the most generous person I know, then on the other hand so miserly that I have to just laugh so I don't get upset. She will gladly give something of value to someone if she thinks they will "take care" of it. But will hang onto silly things like say a bundle of old paint brushes, just in case she needs one, or a whole box of plastic cloths hangers, in case one breaks. This little stuff I can deal with, but its the other things that are hard to live with. She has taken a dislike to a neighbor that is katty corner across from her. They actually have a beautiful lawn, but keep kids bikes in the driveway and a mower, and trash cans along side of the house that is not noticeable unless you drive down the street. But every time we drive her home she cranes her neck to look and complain about what a trashy place it is and how she may have to call and report them. Oh, she loves to have a cause to be calling about. The house next door to her was repossessed, so is sitting empty, being a new home, the folks had not put a lawn in yet, so the weeds were growing. It became her mission to track down who (which bank) owned the house so she could get someone to take care of the weeds. She harassed the subdivision manager long enough that he went over and mowed them himself. But its just everything, someones dog, kid, weeds, wasps, wind, you name it. Its like she can't see any joy in anything.
So I have vented my frustration and maybe its just time I went to work so I don't have so much time on my hands and I won't end up being a negative person too.

I want to find joy everyday, even if I am the only one who sees it and no one else does. I would like to do Oprah's little thing of writing a little thankful note everyday, just for myself.

For today I am thankful for the little humming bird that is faithful to our feeder and the pleasure I get watching him sit on a tree limb near the feeder like he is the owner of it. Also for the smiles from the old Veterans I saw today riding the float in the July 4 parade and for the beautiful clouds with the sun shining thru as the sun was going down tonite.

Why do we hate Garage Sales?

Just finished a 2 day garage sale with my SIL. She did good to sell a couple easy chairs, and a big cedar chest, plus alot of small stuff. We sold alot of old 8 tracks, coffee cans full of matches from the 70's, and one large mirror, and some small stuff. The rest is boxed up to go to the Salvation Army. Just glad to be done with it.

Headed out tomorrow to the "city" to Sam's and a health food store. Then on Tue. we are going fishing!! I got worms in the refrig. to prove that we really are. Man, 4$ for a little tub of worms, I assume there are a doz. in the tub. They better do their stuff and catch us a few trout.

God whispered in my ear, again

I picked up a book yesterday and started the first few lines, and as I read the words "big deal" at the same moment those words were said on TV, "big deal". Not a coincidence, just more synchronicity. Would love to hear if you are finding these in your life.

Me and ABBA

With ABBA in my ears I did a 2 mile "quick" walk last pm. Getting better. I have a road that runs a couple blocks behind our house that is a straight 1 mile stretch. Not to much traffic and lots to see. Most of the homes are build on 1/4 to 1 acre lots. So they have horses and just such a diverse setting. Makes the walk easier. ABBA helps as most of the music is very fast beat. A couple days ago I went to the river trail. Which is nice, but just a little scary alone. It is a great bike trail but meanders thru trees and secluded. Think I will try the other end of it that is out in the open and maybe more used.

Talked to the Director of Nursing that is managing the facility where I am trying to get on. Looks like I will be doing some orientation soon, and will fill in some shifts thru the nursing agency that I have applied with. This will be good till the state finally has an "official" position posted for me.

We are trying to get everything ready to do a combined garage sale with SIL. Have all our stuff priced and ready but now weather looks like rain Fri. and Sat. So guess we will wait a week. Just want to get it over with. We LOVE doing garage sales, about like having your fingernails pulled out.

Do as I say, not as I do

I was cleaning out my desk and found this joke I had cut out. It is a picture of a Dr. sitting behind a desk, He is very obese and he is asking his patient: "Are you eating properly and getting plenty of exercise?"

Made me think that alot of times we are ready to hand out advice that maybe we don't really follow ourselves. Food :) for thought.

All quiet on the western front. (I just made that up)

Heading out bright and early in the AM to take that test I mentioned before. Hubby going with me. He overdid yesterday, (only 1 wk. since he broke the 2 ribs) He is having alot of shoulder pain. But each day I can tell it is better. I told him he is getting grouchy and sassy so that is a good sign. But he is so stubborn!!

Still having a bit of cool weather for it being almost the first of summer. We will be wishing for these breezes and fluffy clouds next month.

Not much else new so bye for now.

Here's to the importance of fiber in your diet!

Hubby still not doing so well with the rib pain. But did a lung check today and he is moving air down in the bottom and it sounds clear. Just have to be patient. Yesterdays bathroom drama about wiped him out. Definitely no joking matter. Have been adding extra calcium, IBU's, and FIBER. I know it will get better every day. Dang we are all ready to go fishing.

Having a cool spring (or is it summer?) May save alot on air conditioning if we can just quit running the heat in the mornings. Still down in the 50's at nite. Can't really complain.

Will be heading to Canon City next week to take a competency test, (just to be sure I haven't lost my nursing smarts) A 4 hr drive one way to take a 1 hr test. Hopefully hubby can go with me and we can check out the lakes on the way home.

Little brother headed to NC to see his oldest grand daughter graduate Sat. Have a safe trip.

That's it for now.

Hubby's Boo Boo

Yesterday hubby was sealing a little crack in the bed of the pickup, (we are getting a camper shell put on it this week) and he was getting down by "hopping" off the tailgait. Guess his hand slipped and he banged his back on the corner of the lowered tailgait. He came into the house, looking real pastey and groaning, trying to breath. He has a good abrasian up the left side of his back. He refused to go to ER at the time. But by nite time I told him we were definately going this morning just to make sure there were no internal injuries. The X-ray shows one complete break and another one almost all the way thru. So he is sleeping in the recliner as he can't lay down, taking IBU, and ice. Got to go pester him soon to do some deep breathing. I will try to scan the printout of the X-ray and add it here. Its all digital now and they sent us home a copy.

I am soooo tired.

Wow, that trip to Mo. and all really kicked my butt. Haven't had much energy to do much since I got home last Tue. Recap: I was gone 18 days. 2 day drive both ways, I kept the store open for 12 days straight to sell out as much stock as possible, Sold the book cases, pictures, card rack, advertising sign, and a couple small tables. Then I took my main desk and a couple of bookcases to my daughter. The remaining books, turned out to be about 1900, I donated to a local little library, and what a job to get them boxed up and loaded in her truck.

The store is all clean, and winterized all ready thanks to help from brother and his girl friend. I really couldn't have been more pleased with how it went. Of course when it was all empty and just me looking at the empty shelves I wanted to cry. I really didn't want to give up my store, but I know something else is waiting for me to do. It was a wonderful experience and maybe someday I will do something like that again. Not sure what I will do with the building, I left a sign on the front that anyone wishing to inquire about the building to call my brother.

The 2 days to drive home were peaceful. But as I said I have had a bad case of dragging butt.

Oh, we did get our fishing license this week and found an old camper shell to put on the little pickup so we can throw our gear in and go fishing. Yea. Very soon.

My synchronicity

While driving home Tue I hit a rain storm, well ended up driving in and out of the rain all day. But just as I was going into the rain for the first time, a song came up on my CD I was listening to by the Mavericks called " can you guess? "Here comes the Rain"

I always feel like this is God's way of saying "I am here" "Did you notice that?"

Update

Well lets see, I was premature on the Sold Out post. When I got to the store the next morning to meet the folks and take the money, I had a voice mail message telling me they had changed their minds. They didn't have the guts to call my cell phone and tell me themselves. Anyway it was for the best.
I actually wanted to see it to the finish anyway. I did a brisk business all day Friday, had cut my prices in half. Selling out at garage sale prices, then on Sat I put up signs and did 2$ bag sales and sold about 60 bags of books. On Sun I donated the remainder stock to the local library. I thought there was about 1,000. But turned out there was 1900. I will get a slip for my donation for my taxes. I gave away about $1000 worth of books (my price's) for the folks that had credit for trading in books. I figured I sold over 2,000 books. Not bad. Would like to have sold them at my regular price, but its all done and the building all cleaned out and winterized too, just in case it is still empty.

I am staying at the same motel, same room as I did on my way to Mo. So I am half way back home. Had a great visit with all my family. Just felt like going back home.

Was able to help my sister out as she got home from her stay in KC after her surg. over 3 weeks ago. She is doing well, still weak, and having trouble tolerating more than a very small amount of food at a time, but she has about got the hang of managing the colostomy now. Just needs to gain about 30 lbs back. Dr. says she is doing just fine.

So its on home tomorrow and get back to my Co. life. More later

Sold Out!!!

Been doing great selling books to close the store, Have sold at least 2,000 books at garage sale prices, then had a couple come in and offer to buy the rest out, about 2,000 more plus the shelving!!! So have sold out one day early. Going to check out what to do to let them use my business name.

Sort of Happy, Sort of Sad

I have a plan, I think

Sales have been great this week. Been keeping the store open every day. Daughter and 3 grand daughters came up yesterday for a not long enough visit. Lol, At least we had a quiet time for a bit.

If sales stay good all week, I am trying to decide if I should have a "bag" sale on Friday. Depends on what I find out this week. Will be calling a couple local used book stores and see what they would do for me to take what is left. Still have about 2,000 books. Plan to stay open thru Fri. Pack up whats left to sell to another book store or take to the auction. Then Get myself loaded up Sun and head home on Monday.

Hubby has called several times to find out where to find things. Did I mention he called once and asked what to do with the load of cloths in the washer, (in water). I guess I turned the washer off and then left the next day and they had been sitting there almost a week when he found them. Makes him miss me, huh?

I'm seeing books in my sleep

Been a busy week so far. I have sent over 300$ worth out the door free for folks who have credit with me. And considering I am selling the rest at garage sale prices I am doing pretty good. Having to start moving books around on the shelves to fill the big gaps. Yeah for me. Have had a steady flow of customers.

Big sister got home yesterday from KC. She was so glad to be home. Gone over 5 weeks. Healing Ok. But she sure lost a ton of wt. Her husb kidded that they are going to tell people she went to a health spa and lost 35 lbs in 5 weeks! A long way to go yet to get her health back but she is over this hurtle now and just needs to heal and get used to the new "life style" She will have lots of support.

Been pulling my hair out with my e-bay. I auctioned off 6 items just before I left to come back here to Mo. on this trip. To make a very long story shorter, what with the move in Jan, new computer, new e-mail, and all. (I had changed my e-mail acts with e-bay and pay pal) The payments got messed up so had to have everyone cancel their payments, reissue new invoices, So now have 3 of the 6 cleared, so will mail them today. Makes me wonder if I want to sell on e-bay anymore or not.

Thanks Big Brother

Here is a cheer for my big brother who asked my why I didn't just plug my laptop into my brothers computer line. Well duh! That would have been too simple, I was looking for a hi tech router to connect too. LOL Well big brother it works just fine.

Headed to the store this morning, been calling all my old customers, making posters and sort of cleaning up the place. The other gal made quite a few holes with nails and screws in the walls, will get them patched and touch up the paint.

Wish me luck on selling lots of books in the next 2 weeks, I am sure I will be ready to go home by that time!!

Like being home

Here I sit at brother's home, can't use my laptop, no close wifi connection. So managed to get on with his computer. Trip was great. Did about 450 miles both days.
Have been calling all my customers that I had phone no. on today to let them know I was closing the store on the 29th. I feel like a telemarketer. The gal thats been running the store is clearing all her stuff out. Boy she had alot of stuff in there. I will breath a sigh of relief to just have the store back to myself for the duration. The plan is to let my customers who have credit from bringing in books will get to spend the credit on books with no money exchange. Then for anyone else I am discounting the books to garage sale prices to just clear the stock. Not sure what I will do at the end. Something will come to me. As a last resort I will box them up to take to an auction. Then I plan to cut utilities and just let the building set for a time and see what happens. I won't cost much to pay the ins. and taxes. If someone comes along with a good offer. (ha ha) I would just go ahead and sell it. So will see.

Been out walking a few times. Seems good to be walking these hilly streets and looking at all the overgrown yards and trees. Rather sad to see so many houses that are vacant and falling down.
Hey I even went to church with little brother today. Will be busy from here on out.

Here we are back in Kansas, Toto!

I headed out this morning at 6:30 and now I sit in a motel in Kansas. Will make it on in tomorrow to Mo. Sort of tired, but I enjoyed the trip. Taking a different route that is more direct, should be less miles, but alot of 2 lane highways. Traffic has been sparse, everyone must be on the interstates. I really enjoy driving thru all the little towns. What catches my eye: the real old stone buildings, whether they are old court houses, school houses, or what ever. I saw the marking on one that said 1888. Saw some in fields, all vacant with no windows. How sad, if only the walls could talk huh? Maybe someday I will do a slow road trip and stop and take pictures of old buildings. Would make a cool album.

I am sort of avoiding thinking about what I have to do when I get to Mo. It sort of breaks my heart to dismantle my little books store, but then I try to think that something else is in store for me and I just need to move on. Right? At least thats what my head is saying.

Been trying to stay true to my health cleanse, at least the best I can do on a trip. I won't bore anyone with anymore details. I do just have to say that I notice since I have cut sugar out I don't seem to be as hungry. thats a good thing,

Come on Toto lets get out of Kansas tomorrow. Woof, Woof.

Day 5

Looks like the end of my health cleanse. Hubby came home a little early, not that I'm not glad. But I plan to stick to most of it. Wheat (onlly whole) will get added and small amounts of chicken, I think. Will try to keep sugar and caffeine out. This has felt good and makes you get out of the habit of snacking. That's my biggest problem. I am a grazer!! I know Moooooooo!

New developments. After I told hubby that the gal wasn't running my store anymore he suggested that I head back right away before the weather gets to hot and take care of my business. I know he is right. I have to contact all my customers and let them come in and use their credit up that they acquired when they brought books in. I will let them use it across the board. Its not fair to shut down and technically I owe them. So will be fun to be in my store if only for a couple weeks. Then I will find a local place to sell the remainder books if I can. I may decide to sell the building rather than let it sit empty. Just don't know at this point. Maybe someone will come along while I am there and want to rent it or buy it. Who Knows.

Talked to brother there in Mo. and they are waiting out a big storm that is to hit tonight.
Talked to sister who is in the hospital yet and she is doing pretty well post op. She will be there for a few more days. So I will be at her home probably when she gets out, so maybe it will work out well and I can be of some help to her too.

Heading out Fri AM. My state job I am working on will probably not be ready for me for a few more weeks anyway. Will take my computer with me and hope I can find a signal somewhere and log on from time to time.

Thought for the day: Change your thoughts, change the world---Norman Vincent Peale

Day 4

So far so good. Alot more energy today. Same thing for breakfast. Had a soy protein shake with a banana, 1 tlb. peanut butter and used chocolate soy milk. Yummy. Then got busy during afternoon and didn't get to eat till after 6pm. So just warmed up some more beans and rice and added a little of the vegy soup to it and a few blue corn chips. Then for snack did some air popped popcorn and drizzled a little olive oil on it. It works just as good as butter believe it or not. Bought a jug of decaf green tea. Not to bad. Had one glass with supper.

Got a call from hubby, and they are on their way home a day early so will be in tomorrow evening. Poor guy, he hates to travel with his sisters 2 little dogs. They drive him crazy. Will be glad to have him back home safe and sound.

Talked to my sister on the phone, she had major surg last Fri. and is now in a private room and doing pretty well. Not sure if she will remember much of our conversation but it was good to hear her voice.

Thats it, I am going to bed after I soak my sunburn in the shower.

Day 3

Feeling a little draggy today. I think its the lack of caffeine. Stayed true though, did the oatmeal thing again for breakfast. Did a protein shake with a banana and 3 big fat strawberries for lunch. Yummy. Got a little sun on my legs, then went shopping. Found a receipt on the back of a can of cannellini beans (A white kidney bean). I used left over brown rice, the beans and a can of diced tomatoes, and a teasp of Italian seasoning. Was wonderful. A slice of toast. A few grapes and strawberries. I probably snacked on to many almonds though. OOPS. Almost made a pitcher of ice tea. But don't have decaf so just filled my water bottle and said what the heck. Its all water anyway right? Oh, have lost 2 lbs. too.

Hubby and his sis are doing OK in Nv. Finding out things are never like you remembered. 3 of her favorite stores have closed down. Another huge Walmart on the other end of town. Construction is really down and people reporting no work. I guess thats all over. I feel so lucky to be looking at a job coming up real soon.

Day 2

So far so good. Day 2, enjoyed a bowl of usual oatmeal, walnuts, and ground flax, but added the strawberries and soy milk. Quit good and kept me full all morning. Took a brisk walk and painted on a cabinet I am doing for SIL while she is away. For lunch I had a slice of toast with peanut butter. The bread was as close as I could get to gluten free. It is Ezekiel bread made from sprouted grains. Really good. I added a can of cannelli beans to the vegetable soup I made yesterday and a few almonds for snack. I forgot to mention the soup I made. I cooked fresh green beans, yellow pepper, celery, carrots, and green onions about 10 min. then put it juice and all into a blender to make a sort of cream soup, but no cream, Added some seasoning. Not bad.
For supper tonite I had brown rice, a little more veg soup and a salad. Have been drinking lots of water, no soda. Drank the last one Fri. LOL. I got out my small coffee maker and just made one mug of decaff this morning. No headaches! Yeah.

I know this sounds really boring and nuts but I think I am enjoying having control over what I eat and to eat with planning and not just snacking so much. Anyone interested the plan is from a book called Quantum Wellness Cleanse by Kathy Freston. I already know what I will have tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Spent a very quiet Mothers Day, just me and the dog. Got messages from both kids, so that was nice to be remembered.

Called to check on sister who had major surg Fri. She has been up in a chair and doing well. Her hubby said when the Dr. came in to see her she cried because she was so happy to finally have the surgury after being put off so many times. I think she will heal up and be OK

Health Cleanse

OK here is the scoop>
I have been reading about a health cleanse. It doesn't really sound to far out there. There are 5 things that you don't eat for 21 days. Well I am shooting for a week and then see if I can commit to more. The purpose is to rid your body of toxins, and things you might be allergic to and don't know. You know how some days you go around feeling draggy, bloated, You get the picture.

So here are the 5 things.
1. Caffeine
2. Alcohol
3. Gluten
4. Sugar
5. Animal products

I know some may think gee what is there left to eat. Well first of all I went thru the cabinet and read labels. The hardest for me will be the caffeine, so I have been diluting my coffee for a couple days with more decaf so that I won't get such a head ache. Starting tomorrow it is her tea. The Alcohol is no problem, The gluten means no wheat products. So thats fine, I can live without that. But if it is made with corn, or oats its ok. Sugar, I will try to get used to the taste of my oatmeal with strawberries in it with some soy milk. Maybe throw in a few walnuts. I have soy yogurt and soy protein powder too, so can make shakes with lots of fruit. I just made up a batch of soup with all kinds of fresh vegetables and then whizzed it in a blender and added some Mrs. Dash. Not bad. Had a few corn chips with it.
My big problem is not drinking enough water, so the water bottle goes with me and will try to deliberately drink several a day.
As for the animal products, that is just for the cleanse, later I will add eggs, cheese, and white meat.
So I will report here daily how I do, what I eat, and how I feel.
The thing that will help for this first week, is that hubby is out of town so its just me to please. The dog doesn't mind, she will have what ever I have, well maybe not the fruit.

/Thought for the day: (I saw this on a sign this morning) Only dead fish go with the flow!

What a wonderful bird is a Pelican.

Remember that old rhyme? What a wonderful bird is a Pelican, He can hold more in his beak than his belly can, And I don't know how in the hell he can.


This picture is a view about 5 miles from the prison. The white things you see in the middle is a flock of pelicans. On the way back when I passed this spot they were flying in a big circle over the river, just riding the wind currents.


Got to meet the big boss from Denver today. She was at the prison where I will eventually be working and they asked if I would drive over to meet her. I feel very encouraged. The medical facility is better organized and equipped than the large on I worked at in Nv. You can see that a small staff makes a big difference in pride. Shouldn't but I think it does. The next step is one day of "prison" training required since they will be using me for a few weeks thru a staffing agency and I won't have my official 3 weeks of Prison "camp" done yet. The one day should be a week from tomorrow.





So looking at a week home alone while hubby drives his sister to Nv. to visit friends. I have a plan for my self that I will talk about Sat. So if I put it in writing I can't back out of it. Right?





Looks like summer is here, getting hotter and no rain in the forecast. In fact it was mentioned that we are probable heading into the dry period now till fall. Wow, we didn't see much rain for the spring. They measure rain in the 1/100 increments here. But the clear blue sky is awesome.

Is it really May?

To my daughter: I always pass on good advice. It is the only thing to do with it. It is never of any use to oneself. (That is a silly quote, from my little guy to the right here)

To my son: Happy Birthday big boy! (well almost)

I passed my little drug test yesterday for work, No surprise since I don't even know what half the stuff is. Will be meeting with the big boss this week and if all goes well start working soon under the local staffing agency, till the state gets all their stuff done to hire me on. But thats government for you.

Hubby got his knee injected with cortisone again Monday and it sure feels better. Still waiting for a follow up with the halter monitor that was done over a week ago. He is getting ready to head out Sat. to drive his sister to Nv. to visit. She wants to see some old friends before it gets to hot to travel. So I will have a week to myself. Think I will try the wellness cleanse that I read about. You cut out most everything from your diet and eat only fruits, vegetables and whole grains. (no wheat though) I think I can do that. Coffee will be the worse, but I know I drink too much of that anyway. Might get in the habit of drinking more water, I think I drink coffee when really I am just thirsty.

Thought for the day: The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: "Decide what you want.">>> Oliver Wendell Holmes

Short Joke

A 3-year-old boy examined his testicles while taking a bath.

'Mum', he asked, 'Are these my brains?'

'Not yet,' she replied

Hello

Hello, is any one there? I think I am all alone here and no one comes to visit me any more. (sad face) I write here for me mostly but would be nice to know that someone else is listening.

Hello..............Hello......................

Am I impatient?

My horoscope for today is interesting considering I have been feeling impatient about this retirement thing and working on getting back in the work force.

AquariusJanuary 20 - February 18
There is a slow, lethargic pace to the day that might leave you feeling a bit frustrated, dear Aquarius. It may seem as if situations are not progressing as fast as you would like. Don't get seduced by the thought that everything needs to be done faster. Faster is not necessarily better. Today is a great time to focus on quality and efficiency of movement. Examine parts of your life that may be considered wasteful action. Streamlining certain areas of your daily routine may be necessary.

Oh, the Rockies

I know why they are called the Rockies: driving thru the canyons between Gunnison and Canan City is beautiful. the highway follows the Arkansas River thru these beautiful rock walls. You can see the layers of different colored minerals with many areas that you can just imagine the pressure that was exerted thousands of years ago to push these canyon walls up with the layers standing almost on end. Guess I have been watching to much National Geographic on TV, but we really need to take some time and appreciate our world.

Look at me, I'm on WiFi

The big leap, I brought my lap top with me and have managed to hook up to the motel's wifi. Now I see my battery is gettin low. So will be quick. I drove 240 miles yesterday for an interview (investigative) for this job I am looking for. Think all will go well, I have confidence. I guess no one wants to work in a prison, it is the best kept secret in nursing! but don't tell anyone. Gotta run, sun is shining and need to get out and take a walk then get ready for the interview. I typed a nice blog entry on my word pad last nite but now don't know how to highlight it without my mouse so I can transfer it to here. Duh!! Sometimes it the little things that can mess you upw

Looks like her Mamma

This is a picture I finally found of myself in 1989 with my grand daughter. She is the mother of the baby in the last picture. Quite a look alike huh?

Just have to post this picture!!

Isn't this a precious picture?? She looks sooooooooo much like her Mamma!

Need a new loom

I want a new loom. Like a big one that I can make rugs 36 in. wide at least. I currently have a table top one and can only do 20 in. wide. I think I can make room now in this house to put up a big one. If I can make it to Iowa this year, by buddy there will help get me fixed up, but will have to haul it home. Maybe I can find one closer to home.

Here is my baby loom and the warp frame with warp (thread) set up ready to wrap. With the small one you have to wrap new warp pretty often, I can make about 6 or 7 rugs before I have to rewrap. It is pretty labor intensive and wasteful of the warp.

Google yourself

Ever try to do a Google on your own name? I found it interesting that I found myself 3 times in the first 2 pages! Yea, does that make me famous?

Got my nursing license for this state in the mail today so guess I am legal to work if I get a job offer. Won't know for a while, so just biding my time. Been making lots of rag balls to work up into rugs. Just trying to get my clutter cleaned up.

Here is a picture of my BALLS

Food for thought

Our sun is one of a 100 billion stars in our galaxy. Our galaxy is one of billions of galaxies populating the universe. It would be the height of presumption to think that we are the only living thing in that enormous immensity"
– Wernher Von Braun


A great website to visit and spend hours: world-mysteries.com

Happy Easter

All I Need to Know About Life I Learned from the Easter Bunny


Don't put all of your eggs in one basket.
Walk softly and carry a big carrot.
Everyone needs a friend who is all ears.
There's no such thing as too much candy.
All work and no play can make you a basket case.
A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention.
Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day.
Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.
Some body parts should be floppy.
Keep your paws off other people's jellybeans.
The grass is always greener in someone else's basket.
An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare.
To show your true colors you have to come out of your shell.
The best things in life are still sweet and gooey.

Strange that this should be my reading today

Aquarius (1/20-2/18)
You may be starting to be more ambivalent about the future, especially in terms of your career. These unexpected feelings about ambition or advancement might seem like a bad omen, but they are just part of a natural growth process you're going through. You cannot always be driven and goal-oriented. Sometimes, you need to just walk down the path of life checking out the view. Besides, this period probably won't last long. You'll soon be scheming new ways to get up the ladder again.

Found a fishing hole!

Took a drive yesterday. Click on the pic to the left and see the elk herd. Lets see we saw elk, deer, a marmot, prairie dogs, and nesting cranes. Wow. Must be spring, even though there is still snow up at 7,000 feet +.

Now back to work since the sun is shining, picked up a load of cedar mulch this morning so plan to get the rest of the plants in the ground that we moved from Mo.

Bob Woodruff, from GMA: Cho. chip cookies

I saw this on Good Morning America and copied it to share here. They are flat crisp and chewy at the same time. Thought it looked interesting as you use cake flour instead of regular flour.

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup light brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs 2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350° F.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until each is incorporated, then add vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine cake flour, baking soda and salt. Stir with a wire whisk. Add the dry ingredients to the butter/sugar mixture all at once, and mix until they are just combined. Do not over mix.
Fold in chocolate chips with a rubber spatula. Drop 1-tablespoon-size mounds of dough onto a nonstick cookie sheet.
Bake at 350° until golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
Click here for the full "GMA" recipe index.

Been Weaving

Finally got my weaving area set up. Hubby hung a lamp in the corner and I have music or TV or big window to glance out. This rug is from an old denim rag rug that I have had for years and the warp was worn out and it was coming unraveled. The gal that taught me to weave, told me I could clip it loose and re weave it. I really like it and will keep it for many years of wear. It is 48 in. long.
The second pic is of some denim that I have saved for many years. The most of it is from some old striped denim overalls that my dad wore and I have packed them around for close to 40 years. So this rug is a keeper too. Darn I have a hard time weaving something that I don't want to keep for ME.
Can click on pic to see a larger pic. Working on one now that is from some cotton cable knit sweaters that I wore for years and hated to get rid of. It is coming out nice and thick.
Thanks Betty for all your teaching. I am finally getting back to sewing rag balls and weaving in my spare time.
New project coming up that I will report on later next week.

Getting dirty

After all it is the first day of spring and you have to get down and a little dirty!! Hubby went to Walmart to get a few bags of potting soil and came back with a pickup full of bags of Chicken manure and top soil. Great stuff. I have painted some huge potting tubs like you get from a green house, that trees come in. I painted them a stone red and now I have big pots to do my gardening in. They look great along the edge of the lawn sitting on the gravel. I plan to have tomatoes, onions, and several for flowers. Will post pictures as things progress. Got the bird feeding station up. We did hear birds singing in the trees a block away so hopefully they will find us. Hung up my first load of cloths on the umbrella clothesline that got set up 2 days ago. Got one rose bush planted. 2 more to go. The flower bed is full of small boulders so it takes time to dig them all out, then will add some of that good stuff he bought today. I brought several small pots of ground cover, cone flowers, yellow spiky plants, and a big tub of hibiscus with me when we moved. Making progress.

Since we can't fish might as well get dirty!

What do ya mean we can't go fishing for 6 mo!

Went to Walmart to see about our fishing license and what the crap! Have to be a residence for 6 mo. before you can get a simple fishing license. Doesn't matter that we own a home, have valid drivers license for this state and our vehicles are licensed for this state. That is so stupid. I would think they would be glad to make the money selling licenses for something so simple as to fish.

We were so bummed out we stopped by the Cold Slab Creamery and drowned our sorrows in big ice cream cones.

OK DON'T LAUGH!!

OK this is one side of our back yard. Mostly rock! We have 500 Square feet of grass. Thats all. Should take about 10 min. to mow it. We will be putting in trees along the back and one side. We plan to do most of the front yard in rock and put in Purple Sage or Heather with a drip system. So we should be free to get the fishing poles out soon.

We actually got the garage arranged pretty good and have both vehicles inside now. Even got the old tennis ball hanging so I won't run into the freezer when I pull in.

Please don't call me for a Tow

When we moved we got a new phone number. It is always interesting to find out who had the number before you got it. Apparently this number belonged to a Towing Company that is now out of business. It is mostly funny to get the calls except the other nite it was about 11 pm. Hubby jokes that we could have made alot of money if we had a truck!

At least this isn't as bad as the number we had when we lived in Nevada. It had belonged to someone who not only didn't speak English as a first language but was wanted by finance companies, collection agencies, and the law. It was hard to make people believe that the person they wanted did not live there. That went on for over a year.

Thought for the day: Smile, it uses fewer muscles that a frown. Besides its catching, try it.

Not a tornado!

Just a weird cloud formation last PM. Had to go out in the street and catch a picture. We had these little dry snow "balls" showers off and on yesterday. This morning the foothills were white till the sun hit them. Mountains got several inches.

Busy yet with unpacking SIL Tooooo much stuff for her cute little house. Already sold her sofa and hassock. She must have 15 lamps!! Oh well she is being a really good sport about it and is just glad to be here and not where the real tornado's are. I hear Kansas got hit again.

We should have our back lawn in tomorrow. Will be glad, we are already tired of looking at dirt. I have roses and some other plants to get in the ground that we moved with us. Putting up some peg board in the garage today, and bought a couple of cabinets to put over the toilets to use as medicine cabinets. Guess they don't put them in new houses anymore.

I have one more picture to add of the sunset last week that was so pretty.

Thought for the day: Look for all my little notes with "thought for the day" ideas. LOL

Oh, the mountains!

If you click on the picture you can see a better view. These are the mountains that are just So. of where I live now. Mighty pretty huh? I can see a bit of them out my kitchen window. All is going well. Talked to hubby today back in Mo. and he says movers are scheduled to load his sister up in the morning. Then they will head out Sat. and get in here on Sun. Will be good to all be in one spot again. The landscapers are getting her back yard into shape with a rock border all around the inside of the fence, sprinkler system installed and they will lay the sod in a few days. Then they will start on our back yard. Getting tired of taking the dog across the street to some grass several times a day. Somehow dogs seem to prefer to poop on grass instead of dirt!

Fri 13th

These pictures were taken when I crossed the great mountains on Fri the 13th by myself! Beautiful huh?

E-mail, almost there

Big accomplishment today, I got my e-mail to work on my new computer. The instructions were very helpful till it got the the last step, which they left off. But my new best friends, the computer guy and his wife got it going. I so wanted to do it myself! Now I have to find a copy of MS Office 03 to load (without having to pay thru the nose) My friend saved all my old outlook express info but it won't run with this Vista Lady. I will live without it and get used to the new program, but dang I loved that old Outlook and I had so many files stored on it. So if anyone wants my new e-mail you already have my yahoo address, just send me a message and I will give it to you. Oh, I don't like yahoo e-mail format either.

New PLAN: I will learn how to do a back up disc for all my hard drive info.

Home At Last, and on line too

Here I am, safe and sound. Also to be noted that I have a new computer and this is my first day back on line. First about the computer, my old one bit the dust. It was bad timing but I think it will work out great. I got some good advice from a really nice computer guy and went to Office Depot and got a new 17 in. laptop by Toshiba. He was able to download my hard drive and put it on this new computer. It has the Vista program and I am going to give it a go, so far it seems easy to use. What the heck I think I will get a wireless router later on. You can't say we aren't doing all we can to help the economy.

Now about my trip back alone. One whole day to get across Kansas, stayed all nite in Colby Ks. and kept getting weather reports about a snow/sleet mix moving into that area after midnight. Well needless to say I didn't sleep very well. Ended up getting up real early and by 4:20 AM I was on the road and the sleet was just starting. Of course, coming west, I was driving into it. I feel sure that if I had waited till 6 or 7 AM I would have been to chicken to head out and would have been stuck there for a couple of days. As a storm was coming over the mountains west of Denver for later that evening. Anyway to make a long story short. I managed to get on some black ice and slid off in the ditch. I was very lucky, as no one was around to run into me, and the ditch was wide and only 2 or 3 feet lower than the highway. After I sat and got my heart to slow down, I just turned the wheels and drove along the side of the highway till I was back up on it. I drove with my flashers on and stayed on the shoulder for at least 10 miles till I saw that traffic was moving along and the road was more clear. I finally drove out of it, but it took me 3 1/2 hrs to go 130 miles. Boy I was ready for breakfast and a break! But the rest of the day went well and I got home before dark.

So I got here on Fri the 13th, Hubby left out on the 18th and is now back in Mo. helping finish up packing his sister up (I think I got about 90% of it done the week I was there). The movers come next Fri and they will make the trip back here to HOME.

I think I will like it here. Everyone has been very friendly and helpful. Ran into a gal at Office Depot who has a weekly "estate" sale locally. Think I will check it out. She takes stuff from all over the area and sells it on consignment. I know a sister-in-law who is moving way tooooooo much stuff that she won't have room for. Dang with all the stuff we got rid of I don't have room either, But I love my house and have just decided that there is still alot of stuff that may have to go. Sometimes less is better.

So thats my thought for the day:: Less is better

Oh, my! I'm not in Kansas anymore Toto!

What a month this has been. Not sure where to start except to say my computer blew up! Can't believe it. I have had a computer for years and this is the first one that a bug got into and blew it up for me. When I took it in they thought the hard drive was still intact. So I will get it rebuilt but it will be probably at least 3 weeks before I get back on line. Gee I hope I didn't loose all my "favorites"

Well where to start. We got moved to Co. 2 weeks ago today. Made the trip over the mountain OK. I spent a week there to start unpacking, and get a little organized. Then I took a bus, yes I said a bus, back to Mo. as we left our pickup here. I got in here last Sun. and am staying with my SIL and helping her get packed. She closes on the sale of here house here on Tue. Then closes on the house she bought in Co. just a block from us later in the week, then I am out of here to drive home if the weather is good for me to travel over the mountains. 2 day trip all by myself!! Then hubby will come back by bus about the 18th and stay with his sister and drive her to Co. after the movers load her out on the 27th.

So far things have been falling into place pretty well for us. Hard to believe really. For us to finally get the farm sold in Oct. Then to sell 2 houses and buy 2 within 2 months. I think someones hand was on us for sure.

Now just don't know why the darn computer had to shoot craps on me. Been on line trying to make sure that I have all my accounts switched to my yahoo act. Am going to try to transfer my Outlook Express info to Yahoo. Anyone know if that can be done??? I have alot of saved folders there that I believe will be lost when I close out that act. next week with my IP.

OK, I said goodbye to my little store today. Feel sort of sad as Teresa is running it now and she will be fine. Doesn't know much about books though, but she has half of the store for her antiques and collectibles and is advertising. In exchange for letting her use half of the store and I pay the utilities and all as I did before, she will ring up my sales, weekly give my sales for the week to my brother who will deposit them for me. I think it is a fair deal.

Well that's it for today and I won't be back for awhile again. Seems funny to not have access to a computer daily. I am using my brothers today while I am here in town.

Thought for the day: Every path has a few puddles.

Last DAY

Today is my last official day in my store. (wipes a tear) I will be back the first couple weeks of Feb and do some blogging then, but for now this is it.

I was very lucky to find a young lady to share my store. She will be selling country collectibles!! Doesn't that just fit with use books! I will maintain everything in the store, utilities ect. and she will be here 6 hrs. a day 5 days a week. I have been working with her for 3 days to teach her how I handle my books, the trade in system, and all. My brother will pick up money weekly and deposit it for me. She will hopefully sell her stuff. She has a hubby who drives semi and is gone most of the week. So she is excited and I am too. This will work out for us. So thats it for now. Will not be around on line till about the 2nd of Feb.

Please send up a little prayer for me for good roads for our mountain crossing next Thursday!

Nut Case?

I know that doesn't sound "Nice", but since the guy called himself that I guess it is OK to refer him to a Nut Case.

This was a customer who came in yesterday. Just a little scary. Here is a description of him:
Big guy, very pale blue eyes, big glasses, dark stringy hair down past his shoulders, bandanna tied around his forehead, front teeth broken and decayed. Nothing to unusual you say, Well he had a bushy beard about 10 in long, BUT only on half of his face!! Duh do you think? He came right out and said he just got out of the Nut House. Of course he was in there against his will and had to take the psyc drugs or they would never have let him out. He talked for 20 min. or more and I just tried to act natural and slightly interested. Because I really just wanted him to leave. Anyway he told me he was a minister of (I think I have this mostly right) Church of Christ and the Arriayn (I don't even know how to spell that) Brotherhood. He said the face thing was his political and religious statement. He has run for governor, you know they are all crazy that run the government, and he was on his way to the local City Council meeting. Oh, Boy, I was glad to see him leave. Wonder if he is the Nut that burned down the Pub down the street a couple weeks ago?

Thought for the day: The statistics on sanity is that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends--if they're okay, then it's you!

Me?

AQUARIUS - The Sweetheart (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Optimistic and honest. Sweet personality. Very independent. Inventive and intelligent. Friendly and loyal. Can seem unemotional. Can be a bit rebellious. Very stubborn, but original and unique. Attractive on the inside and out. Eccentric personality.

Yup that me! LOL

Got a contract on SIL's house this weekend!
Now just need to find someone to share my store and get that settled

Thought for the day: My mind works like Lightening
One brilliant flash and it is gone!

Good Advice! Please read

This message was sent to me but I am not e-mailing it on to folks, but thought it worth while to put in here. I have always had a feeling that alot of this junk we send around to each other is not a good thing. In fact I delete alot without even opening. And now feel I will stop forwarding anything at all. No wonder we get so much junk mail from all sorts of sites.



Advice from Snopes:
If any of you are wondering why I didn't return something to you that said something like "if I don't get this back I'll....or, "See how many flowers you can get back", or " Forward this to 10 people in the next 5 mins. or something bad will happen to you", etc.The following is why I don't send them back.Advice from Snopes.com http://snopes.com/1

Any time you see an E-Mail that says forward this on to '10' of your friends, or sign this petition, or you'll get bad luck, good luck, or whatever, it almost always has an E-Mail tracker program attached that tracks the cookies and E-Mails of those folks you forward to.The host sender is getting a copy each time it gets forwarded and then is able to get lists of 'active' E-Mails to use in SPAM E-Mails, or sell to other spammers.

Almost all E-Mails that ask you to add your name and forward on to others are similar to that mass letter years ago that asked people to send business cards to the little kid in Florida who wanted to break the Guiness Book of Records for the most cards.All it was, and all any of this type of E-Mail is, is a way to get names and 'cookie ' tracking information for telemarketers and spammers - - to validate active E-Mail accounts for their own profitable purposes.


There was more to this but didn't want to bore anyone to death, but I think you get the idea.

Sleepless In Mo.

Still not knowing for sure about SIL's house, they are still countering each other, but I think they are finding a meeting ground. Hope so as the folks in Co. won't hold the house out there for her many more weeks. Its all enough to keep you awake at night. We were worried that her house would sell first and we would be sitting her and she can't move and be there alone.

I just have faith that this will work out just fine. And with the housing market we need to be really thankful to have found buyers so quickly.

Thought for the day: Memory is the Personal Journalism of the Soul:
Richard Schickel

Just a Weaver

I clipped this from the news paper recently, and since I consider myself a weaver I fell in love with it. The poem is by Benjamine Malachi Franklin

My life is but a weaving,
between my God and me,
I do not choose the colors,
He worketh steadily.

Ofttimes he weaveth sorrow,
and I in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper,
and I the underside.

Not till the loom is silent,
and the shuttles cease to fly,
Will God unroll the canvas,
and explain the reasons why

The dark threads are as needful
in the skillful weaver's hand
As threads of gold and silver
in the pattern He has planned.

New buyers?

Sister In Law got that low offer on her house Sun Nite. So she has countered and will know today what the deal will be. Come on, I know its a buyers market now but don't be insulting!

Starting to feel a panic, well sort of, about my store, Will save that till tomorrow.

Thought for the day: No one can arrange anther's happiness.

Bid on my elk hide!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=110333516933 Here is the site on e-bay if I did it right. Go see and bid it up!!

Ahhhhhh!

Went to a new massage therapist this morning. Boy what a difference from the one I had been going to. I asked for the deep tissue massage and that's sure what I got. Had to come home and take some Tylenol and put ice pack on. But I got what I needed. Just too many muscles in knots, they started hurting in the night again this past week. Couldn't be that I am working to hard, think? Spent all day Sun packing boxes. About have the kitchen and dining room done. Just enough left out to get by for the next couple weeks. Hubby has done great with the garage, has sorted and finally gotten rid of all the plumbing, electrical, and alot of gardening stuff. We pick up something to pack and say "do we really need that or plan to use it ever?" if the answer is no, then it goes. The auctioneer will miss us. Been taking stuff to an old guy so. of town that holds an auction every Fri PM. Been averaging about $100 a week. Better than messing with a garage sale.

Sister in Law got an offer on her house last nite, but it was rather insulting. She is going to do a counter offer then wait and see. She had already listed it way below value then they asked for $30,000 less. So will see. She can't move till the end of Feb anyway so that will be in her counter offer. Need to give us time to get our move done, me come back to help her pack, then hubby come back to drive her after the movers come.
OK enough for today. Will save something for tomorrow.

Thought for the day: Only in America do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke. Well for me it used to be a Snicker bar with a diet pepsi!

Postal Rates, so confusing

Now I remember why I don't usually ship outside of the US. I sold a jacket on e-bay and let a guy in Switzerland win it on the understanding he would pay the extra postage. All was fine, then I let him know I had another one that was real nice and a little heavier. Sent him pictures and he wanted it too. So I added a couple dollars to my shipping cost. Duh< Never assume anything. This coat weighed 11 oz over the limit and had to go priority at 17$ more than I quoted him. So had to offer to refund or let him pay more which ever he wants.

Lesson learned: 4 lbs is the cut off then the price goes UP!! But I don't' think I will do this again unless I just charge some outrageous postal fee and let them bid away. Getting ready to put a big elk hide, fur and all on line today. Its beautiful but not very practical unless you live in a lodge in the mountains.

They're burning the Roadhouse down!

I think thats how the song goes. Last Sat. nite they burned the "Pub" down. Just two doors down from my book store. Now I'm not in a bar neighborhood, its just a very small town.

Seems a "mental" guy was in earlier and got nasty and the bartender had to make him leave. As he left he said "You'll be sorry" So around 2 AM he threw gas against one side of the building and it was a very old building, so it went up pretty fast. I hadn't realized that it was 104 years old. It was the old train station. My sister and her husband owned it a few years ago and named it The ---- Station and the recent owners collected alot of old train stuff in there. Here is a picture of it now.

A Challenge

I have accepted a challenge from a favorite person to blog daily for the new year. Well I won't be able to do it daily as I only have access to my computer 5 days a week at least for the next couple months, then after I get moved I should have daily access.

All is going well with the transition: At least I think so. We took possession of our new home yesterday. Sort of anti-climatic since were were sitting here in another state. Oh the wonders of the internet and over-nite mail.

Our good friend and Realtor in Co. did the walk thru for us.

I was having a horrible feeling about the gal who said she would manage my store for me. I think I mentioned that she had fallen from her sulky and fractured some ribs. But after she finally called to tell me that was why I hadn't heard from her and she would be in to see me that next week, she didn't come in for over 2 weeks and didn't return my phone calls.

So now she is coming in next Tue to start training with me. But we need to sit down and have a real heart to heart talk about what my expectations are and how she will be able to meet them.

Dang it this is my baby here and I am having a hard time turning it over to someone else. But I will take the risk as apposed to converting it to an apartment.

Well I best shut up or I won't have any info for those daily posts!!


Thought for the day: Life is too short to wake up with regrets

Quote

A slip of the foot you may soon recover,
But a slip of the tongue you may never get over---
Benjamin Franklin