Its Winter Time

Don'tcha just love this little guy? Sometimes I feel like that. His fur would be nice right now too. Makes me think of when the kids were little and on occasion fell asleep in the high chair.

Got down to 4 below last nite. SIL had one water line in bathroom freeze up. These houses are built on concrete slabs with lines run in the concrete. How does that work if the line freezes?? It is a little unusual for us to be quite that cold here.

No plans for Christmas, sending only a few cards, I have about quit sending cards, May do a Christmas letter to everyone and send out thru the good old internet. Hey I would rather have a newsy letter than a card with just a name on it. But that's just me. Bah Hum Bug.

We decided to sell our little "farm" truck. Decided it was silly to have 3 vehicles.
Someone was supposed to come look at it yesterday but didn't show up.

Going to do a time study on myself the next 3 working days. Want to be able to show the boss just what I do and see if we need to do some adjustments. The hours she has me working just don't seem to let me do the administrative stuff I need to do. Maybe we can compromise.

Thought for the day: Familiarity breeds contempt----and children----Mark Twain

Finishing a good book is like saying good bye to an old friend

Yes, thats how I feel today. Just finished the latest 8th, in the Outlander series by Diane Gabaldon. I love her writing and her characters. The main character, accidental goes thru these big stones in Scotland and ends up 200 years in the past. It is so interesting to follow the people and how they may have lived and fought for their lives and families. Of course the book ends with open questions about "what next", as it is into the 3rd generation now and the suspense is there for another book. Problem is it takes her 3 years to write each book! Maybe I will have to start over again to read them in 3 years. Yea, I figure I will have forgotten alot by then!

Winter weather here where I live, think we missed the worse, only got about 2 to 3 inches and they got 8 or more about 60 miles north and lots up in the mountains, with roads closed. Hubby built a roof over the pan that he feeds the doves so they can get under it and eat. I will try to attach a picture of them coming up under the back porch yesterday when it was snowing. They are pretty little things.

Bought hubby a lazyboy recliner for Xmas. Should get it delivered this week. Old one is getting lumpy so figured he desirved a comfy one.

Work is good. Had to go in Sun AM real early to fill in till someone could get in to work. Someone came into work and got sick and had to go home. Of course no one but ME would answer the phone at 6:15 AM. (Had to, I was on call) Part of the job. Got out of there by 9:15, and took hubby to Denny's for some breakfast.

Thought for the day: Consciousness: That annoying time between naps.

Thanksgiving 2009

If the only prayer you ever say is thank you, that will be enough. (From the German theologian and humanist Meister Eckhart.)

More jobs than I can handle!

I think if you click on the picture and make it bigger you can read the rest of the caption.

Now about the jobs. I got a job offer from the prison this past week. How about that? After running after them for 7 months. Funny how things work out. I would have been only working 2 days a week, but they were 10 hrs plus driving 30 miles each way. My job I have is only 6 hrs a day and 4 days, and 3 miles away. Great people and wonderful residents. So over all I think I got the best deal. It was their loss, is how I look at it.

Just finished cooking up the "last" of my tomatoes from that monster plant, I had picked all that were starting to ripen and put them in a box. So finally had to do something with them.

Nothing special happening, going out for Thanksgiving dinner. Anyone who really knows me at all knows I do not look forward to the holidays and am glad to get them behind me. But this year I think I will try to make a special effort to look to others and find happiness in them to celebrate the holidays and not think about myself.

Thought for the day: God has a sense of humor. Don't believe me? Go to Wal-Mart and just look at people.

Turkey Humor

A little turkey humor here.

Talked to my big brother today and he says he keeps checking here for me to write something, so here it is.

Job is going great. Alot to learn in a short time. But the folks are great. I think I mentioned I am Director of Health Care Services at a really nice Assisted Living Facility. Actually got my name tag this week. Have done admissions on a couple residents this week and entered them into the computer system. (that was the hard part) Getting new computers in Jan and everyone is excited. Can then do resident info and medication info from the same computer, (in my office)

All is well with us. Sister in Law is getting a sun room built on, started today. She has finally settled down (for now) and I think will be happy with her home. Was making noises about wanting to move to a different home, as she doesn't like living in a sub division. We are happy here and would hate to have her move across town. She will be 85 next week!

We have been enjoying the elk meat from the elk that hubby shot. Looking for receipts to use. So far have made some awesome chili and speg. sauce.

Well I feel like there isn't much else to say. Reading another great book by Ken Follett: World Without End. I read the other one, The Pillars of the Earth last year and loved it. They are both set in old England, one back in the11th century and this one the 13th century but same location. If his history research is accurate it is quite insightful to think about how people lived back then. Great reads, big books!

Thought for the day: We'll be friends till we are old and senile..... then we will be NEW friends.

Where have I been?

Wow seems alot has happened since I last posted. Guess the best is that I got a good part time job finally. I have complained about the prison not giving me more than 2 or 3 days a month and after they fired the part time person they still didn't seem to need me, and they don't know if and when they will fill that position. So when I saw an ad in the paper for a part time RN nursing supervisor at an assisted living facility I thought it sounded good. I picked up an application last Mon and got a tour, then on Tue I dropped it off and stayed to volunteer for a few hrs to help move 10 residents and all their belongings into new rooms. Got acquainted with some of the staff and a few residents. On Wed I got a job offer, went in on Thurs to do the paper work and drug screen. (my 3rd one this year!!) I will start as soon as that and the screening to make sure I am legal and licensed. My work schedule will be Thurs. 9:30 to 3pm, Fri, Sat, & Sun 3:30 to 10PM.

I think it will be a good fit. I will actually have an office! The only one over me will be the administrator who seems really nice, I love her British accent!

I called the DON at the prison to let her know and she was glad for me and said it was their loss but she understood. I will stay on with the staffing agency for a couple months and if I don't get called I will just cancel it out. It was a good experience and made a few bucks but I am glad I will only be driving 3 miles one way instead of 30. When the snow blows hubby can be a go getter. You know he will take me to work then "go get her".

Thought for the day: Be careful Bees with honey in their mouths, have stings in their tails. (from my fortune cookie today)

See my new book case?

Trying a new program here. Found it on someone else's blog site. I will try to add more books that I really like or what I am reading at the present. Just got a call to work tomorrow. Got to open up the medical dept at 6:30 AM. that means leave home at 5:30. Guess I will be getting up really early.

Thought for the day: from my fortune cookie: If you speak honestly, everyone will listen.

Just finished reading a really good book by Stephanie Meyer ( the gal who wrote the Twilight Series) This was her first book for adults. I really liked it. Was almost a scifi book. But great story line. Would love to read her other books if they are ever in the library. Oh, the name of the book is The Host. Get it, Read it! Back to another Dean Koontz book, and checked out another Diane Gabaldon book. Have read all of her series of the Outlanders and have pre ordered her new one of that series. This one I have now is the third of her series of Lord John, not sure how many there are but I love her style of writing, subject matter, and the era. If anyone wants to read her, you must start with the first book, Outlander. Then you will get hooked. Nice big books that last a while which is good for me.

Not much other news. Got a call to work at the prison on the 16th. wish they could use me a little more often. I can hardly remember the computer stuff with 3 weeks between working. Still waiting to see if they will fill that part time position.

Thought for the day: He who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh about!

I can rise and shine, but not at the same time!

Trying to get back in a routine, last week was weird. I did the colon prep on Mon. So you sit all afternoon for IT to hit you. Then Tue. had the colonoscopy. One more day shot, as it was about 3 by the time we got home. Then I worked on Wed, and Thurs. Yea for me.

I think I posted about all of this. Well I got my biopsy results on Mon. The funny flat polyps that they removed were whats called tubular adenomas. They are pre cancer. Thank God for the word PRE. Makes you sort of sit up and take notice, right. Well it got my attention. I am scheduled for Jan to have a repeat scope done. I was told to eat high fiber. Well I thought I already did, but now I am really looking at everything I eat and ask my self if it is high fiber or not. Of course it helps to eliminate alot of the stuff we shouldn't be eating in the first place. All the processed, and refined foods. So that's my new focus.

I got weighed and measured at Curves today after 5 weeks on the program,(I pretty much missed last week) I actually gained 2 lbs, and 2 in. just below my waist. I think I must still be puffy from the scope and scraping they did. I hope thats what it is. I lost 1/2 in. in a few other places. So will see what happens in another month. Should be interesting.

Not much else going on. Having hard frost this week. Covering the huge tomato plant again. It is still loaded with tomatoes. Waiting to hear if they want to hire me into that part time position. Hope it happens soon, as I will have to go over the mountain for my 3 weeks of training and don't want to do that in the middle of winter.

About forgot, we went to the butcher shop and picked up the elk meat. Was a 10 hr. round trip drive, but beautiful weather, Sat. Filled 2 50 gal coolers and one regular lg. cooler. So lots of meat, all vacume sealed. Having serloin steaks for supper tonite. Don't you feel sorry for me??

Thought for the day: If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is he homeless or naked?

A little of this, and a little of that

Here is my rainbow from back door a few days ago.

Been a busy week, had the colonoscopy on Tue, then worked Wed, and also Thurs, and now it is Fri. already.

First the colonoscopy was quite interesting. I got to the hosp at 8 AM. On the table with IV by 8:30, Dr. was to be there at 9, but he had an emergency and got there at 11:30. I wasn't about to go home and do the prep another day. I was asleep the whole time for the last one I had, so I was surprised to wake up and find myself looking at the monitor and watched the last half of the procedure and even that I remembered. I watched them snip off some polyps, (didn't have those 5 years ago) I even got colored pictures of them to take home. (Icky). The bad part was that they blew so much air into the colon to puff it out to see and do the work, and it was quite painful. The pain lasted a couple hours till I was able to pass some of the gas. So now I wait for the biopsy reports. My concern now is that he wants to repeat it in 4 mo. to make sure they didn't "grow" back. So just keeping positive thoughts that all is well.

Now about the work. Wed. went OK. Worked with the 2 who are the gossips, so just tried to ignore and do all I could to learn more of their routines. Then I was asked if I could work the next day, as the part time nurse was working alone and the DON was coming in for only part of the day. I knew something was up after a few hrs. Judy (the part time nurse) said she had a meeting at 3pm with the Big Wheels. The DON told me later on the side that it was a sort of hearing and the outcome may not be good. So I sort of pushed all day to keep all the charts done up and tried to learn everything I could about the paper flow and finally got computer access code. (Oh, and I got to assist the PA in removing a big shot pellet from this guys forehead) So Judy left at 3pm and about 45 min. later was brought back by an officer and picked up her bag and left, escorted out. So that was it, and there is now a part time opening. I felt really bad for her. She seemed like a nice person and I really don't want to know all the details, its not my business. So I was left to do the 4pm pill call alone, and had only done it once, with help. You have to use the computer to look up each one and then document that rx. was given. Well the computer wouldn't show up the new orders, and the DON helped me some, but basically I got thru it and all ended well. So I don't know how long it will take them to decide what to do about hiring me into that slot. It may be awhile. So will wait and see.

Headed out to pick up our elk meat tomorrow. It will be an all day trip. About 5 hrs. one way

Thought for the day: A word to the wise is not necessary, its the stupid who need them.

People Watching

People watching the other day as we sat in the car waiting on SIL to do her grocery shopping. What a strange assortment there are. Does any one realize that what we see on TV has to just be the cream of the crop. Very few folks really look like that. In 30 min. I didn't see one that would get casted on a sitcom. Not even a Rosanne Barr! But isn't it sort of cool to realize that we are all so different and yet inside each one beats a heart that would look the same circulating the same colored blood around inside these different bodies. Now bodies are one thing, then you look at what everyone is wearing. Such diversity! From crack showing low hung pants, to fuzzy boots with shorts, to long sarong type dresses and everything in between.

Enjoying a nice little rain everyday for the last 4 or 5 days now. Then it blows thru and the sky is blue and air so fresh. Doing more tomato sauce today. Diced up more hot red peppers and onions to add to this batch. That's it, any more and I will just share with neighbors. I picked 3 one gal. buckets from that one plant the other day. And there are still alot left that are still ripening.

Starting my colonoscopy prep tomorrow, will be glad to get that out of the way on Tue. Then I work on Wed. Sat. we go after our elk meat. Well that's my update for this week. May have new news next time. You just never know what we are up to.





Thought for the day: He who throws dirt, looses ground.

Big Elk

Here is the proof. Hubby got a nice bull elk yesterday. Says he saw some alot bigger than this guy.

Just glad he had a same hunt and the guide seemed to take good care of him. It is sort of a once in a life time thing for him. He says he lived his dream of getting a big elk. This is the 3rd one he has taken. The first bull. Hopefully he was a young one and should be good eating. Having alot ground up into hamburger. We love chili and speg. sauce made with elk meat. I will go with him in a couple weeks to pick up the meat. Ya'al come over for a pot of chili when it gets cold.

Long lost friend

It is so wonderful to reconnect with an old friend. There is a gal that I went to nursing school with back in 86. We shared rides for one class that we had to take in Reno so we got to know each other pretty well and then graduated from nursing school together. I moved away, in 89 but we kept in touch some, and the last time I heard from her was a calender she sent me from HI. while she was there as a traveling nurse. By the time I got around to thanking her she had moved back to the mainland. So the years went by.

Last nite I was going thru some old albums and saw our pictures. I got the bright idea of seeing if she was on FaceBook like I am and I could send her an invite. No luck, so I googled her name and thought it might pop up that she had a blog or something. Well what the heck, she popped up alot of times. Seems she is an actress/nurse and has a website and I could see all her acting credits and PICTURES!! I looked close and sure enough it was her. There was a phone no. on that web page. So I called it this morning and had a great little chat with her. How cool is that?

I gave her my blog site so I know she is reading this and Hi again.

Thought for the day: Can't have too many friends and old ones are the best.

Hitting the sauce

Making tomato sauce today. I added diced up red peppers that are hot. They were supposed to just be sweet red pepper plants. But think they will give the sauce nice flavor. I will attach a picture of the monster tomato plant!

Hubby called from the lodge where his hunt is located. They went out this morning, saw quite a few bull elk but no cows. So after a rest up thru early afternoon they will go back out after 4pm.

Had a nice visit with my sister yesterday. Not much news except that she sounds like she is getting her health back now and doing alot better. They are having a family gathering this Sun. Wish I was there. I had originally planned to go back this fall to see everyone but ended up going in May to close my store down so I hope to save up a few bucks and take off in the spring and make a nice long trip out of it.

Thought for the day: Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?

Yeah, got to work one day

Tue. I got a call to come in and work on Wed. Soooo I did. It was clinic day with the PA so I got to run the clinic line and take off orders. All helpful stuff to learn. I need to be there one day when they do labs so I can learn their routine for that. I have one day scheduled later on, but boss lady is hoping there will be a part time opening soon. Which could mean by Xmas!


All alone for a few days, as hubby is about 5 hrs away on an elk hunt. Going to get some "spring" cleaning done. Got a counter full of tomatoes that I guess I will cook up into sauce. My red pepper plant has ended up having these cute small cone shaped red peppers that are just a bit hot, so figure I will chop them up in the tomatoes.


Think I will take a day for myself and go do a nice drive up in the mountains and pack a lunch and a book and lawn chair. Think I will? I will report.




Thought for the day, was in an e-mail from a friend: Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.

If you speak honestly, everyone will listen.(my fortune cookie)

This is the view from the front door of our tent trailer this past week when we went camping. Woke up to 34 degrees and a skim of ice on the windshield of the truck. Good fishing, Got some nice larger trout. Our promise to ourselves is to eat trout once a week. Got several 18 in. long ones. They put up a good fight and are fun to catch. It is so peaceful to sit and look at the pine trees and mountains, and breath the clean air.

My arm is about healed up from a malignant spot that I had removed. It was basal cell ca. which is what I sort of thought it was. The path. showed all edges of it were clean so that's good news. Family frowned at me for letting my family Dr. remove it. but I had confidence that he knew what he was doing and it is all good.

Hubby heads out Thurs to Utah to hunt elk. He thinks this will be his last hunt and I silently agree. He is slowing way down, but sort of like the hound dog that still gets the scent to chase a rabbit.

Should hear from the home health agency this week about working part time for them. The staffing agency that I signed up with keeps calling me to fill shifts 200 miles away. Sorry I am not that desperate. But might consider getting a little orientation with the one 100 miles away if they schedule me 2 or 3 days in a row. Plan to talk to the DON about that tomorrow. She says that "next" week she will start getting me scheduled. We will see.

SIL is still (whats new) not happy about where she lives. I plan on driving her around the area and letting her look at other neighborhoods. I don't think she will be happy anywhere, she watches out her window and finds fault with everything, kids, weeds in neighbors hard, and heaven forbid a trash can sitting in front of someones garage. She is just not used to living in a housing community with neighbors. We don't let things bother us, and personally I think it is pretty quiet.

Well enough,

Thought for the day: Why is the third hand on the watch called the second hand?

Dogs

We did a small garage sale today. One guy had a red heeler in his truck that looked so much like our Molly, at least when she was young. He was telling us stories about his dog and we shared some of ours. When he left he had her jump out of the cab and run in a circle and then back in. I was ok till they turned around in the street and I saw her with his hat in her mouth. I just had to go in the house for a tissue, cause that was one of Molly's favorite tricks. She loved to have something in her mouth, either a hat or glove when she came back to the house.

I did get to pet a big lab on my walk this evening. I feel better now.

This is a cloud formation we had today. Have never seen this brushed look before.

check out this blogger

kimberlysnyder.net This is a blogger that I like to read. Wish I had her brain and information when I was in my 20's But its never to late to learn new things.

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.