Over the lovely Valentine's Day dinner Kristin prepared for us, we had a conversation about how expensive fish has become. Kristin told us the least expensive fish sold at the store where she works is something called swai. I'd never heard of it and asked what it was. She answered it was a sort of Southeast Asian catfish. "What about Louisiana catfish? Or other American catfish?" I asked.
Kristin answered hardly anything comes from the United States anymore--except for lump crabcakes, which are from Maryland. Crabs are from Canada. Shrimp and other fishes are from Asia and Southeast Asia. Even crawfish (which I associate with Louisiana) are from Spain at her store.
I recollected lately about buying leg of lamb and tenderloin beef roast on sale. They were from Australia.
So what is going on? Where do the American fishermen and farmers sell their products? Overseas?
Even our produce is from everywhere else. Fruits and vegetables come from South America.
Maybe it's a seasonal thing? It just seems wrong that we don't have more American products available in the meat, seafood, and produce sections of grocery stores. I asked Kristin if people complain about it and she said yes--they worry about the quality of the water and what might go into it. TB said he'd worry about the same thing.
I finally finished reading The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb. I started out loving it but by the end of the book, I was freely skipping sections and grimly plowing ahead to the end. It's a shame because the book had a good premise.
Caelum and Maureen Quirk are a teacher and school nurse respectively. They move from Connecticut to Colorado to try and save a damaged marriage. They both get jobs at Columbine High School. Yes. That Columbine. On that fateful April day in 1999, Maureen is hiding from the gunmen in the library while Caelum is back in Connecticut for the funeral of his aunt.
The first half of the book centers on Maureen's struggles to cope with the after effects of Columbine. Caelum, not the most sensitive soul in the world, struggles to deal with Maureen's manifestation of PTSD. They decide it would be better to leave Colorado, leave the memories behind (hopefully) and go home to Caelum's family farm.
Tragedy follows.
In more way than one--I think the book was a victim of the move too. I thought the story was going to be about Maureen's struggle and recovery from PTSD and that Caelum would grow as part of the experience into a loving, supportive husband. Well, that didn't happen.
The focus went off Maureen and onto Caelum and his dysfunctional family. It should have been its own story, like a sequel or something. Part of the problem I had with this is that I didn't like Caelum. I found him to be angry, cold and withdrawn. He was mean to people he had no business being mean to. I couldn't get away from Caelum. He was the narrator. I was willing to put up with him when the focus was on Maureen. In the second half of the book though ...
What made it worse for me was all the paperwork from and about Caelum's family. I was bored to death reading some of the letters and diary entries so I ended up skipping great chunks of it. I didn't feel I lost anything by it because Caelum usually summed it up one way or another anyway.
I really liked Wally Lamb's other books so this was a big disappointment!
And in the what else is new? department, I totally forgot about Cats on Tuesday and Kosmo has been letting me know about it since!
I had to take Kristin to the doctor for an infected gland. She's being treated with an antibiotic now that will hopefully take care of it. If not, we have to see a specialist. :P
And today I needed a shot in my left hip. I thought I was having a return of SI joint dysfunction but the doctor said it was actually bursitis. Better that, I think, than the other. The last time I had it was in 2009 and I was incapacitated a month! Anyway, the doctor gave me a shot and said I should start feeling some relieve tomorrow. I hope so!
Showing posts with label Family Stuff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family Stuff. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 15
Sunday, February 12
Supermarkets and workman's compensation
Is it just supermarkets or are there other companies that make you go to their doctors when you get injured? I've been injured on the job before (in the 1980s) and I got to go to my own doctors and emergency room--places convenient to me. I didn't work for a supermarket though. Now both of my daughters have been injured on the job in two different supermarkets. They were both told they had to go to specific places to be treated and that if they didn't, they'd have to pay the bill.
What?
Is that because of some special deal worked out between the supermarket and the medical facility? I think so...and how do I know my daughters would get the appropriate care? The facility would tend to favor the employer, no?
What happened this most recent time was this: Heidi was preparing some food and cut her pinkie badly. People felt she needed to go to the required facility in Cherry Hill, a good 20 minutes away at least. The thing is, no one especially wanted to take her (except for one person) and she had no way of getting herself there. She shouldn't have driven herself in any case anyway because of shock. So Heidi would have had to wait 45 minutes for me to come out there and then drive her to this place. The bleeding stopped so Heidi decided the hell with it, she'd just come home on the bus.
When I picked her up, she told me what happened and asked if I would help her wash the wound and re-bandage it. We stopped at the store and picked up gauze and tape. When we got home, Heidi took off the dressing and the bleeding started again. There was a lot of it and when TB got a look, he said she'd need stitches. So our choice was ... drive to this place in Cherry Hill, an hour away, or go to the ER five minutes away. Duh. No brainer.
It took six stitches to close that cut, including one in the nail. The ER doc gave Heidi a note so she could be out of work two days. Yesterday we went to the store where Heidi works so she and the manager could fill out an accident report. It should have been done the night before but for some reason the manager just told her to come back. That pissed me off.
Now she has to go to this place to have her finger looked at ... after she works her shift. And she has to go back to have the stitches removed. Meanwhile, our doctor is a lot closer. Who cares how much it inconveniences us and how much gas it costs us?
Maybe I'm crazy but it seems to me that if the employee has to provide his or her own transportation after an injury, then that employee shouldn't be forced to go somewhere miles away. And when an employee is injured, transportation to and from a facility should be provided. And the manager should be required to sit down and fill out an accident report then and there, not tell the employee "come back tomorrow".
I am spectacularly unimpressed with the way supermarkets exploit their employees!
What?
Is that because of some special deal worked out between the supermarket and the medical facility? I think so...and how do I know my daughters would get the appropriate care? The facility would tend to favor the employer, no?
What happened this most recent time was this: Heidi was preparing some food and cut her pinkie badly. People felt she needed to go to the required facility in Cherry Hill, a good 20 minutes away at least. The thing is, no one especially wanted to take her (except for one person) and she had no way of getting herself there. She shouldn't have driven herself in any case anyway because of shock. So Heidi would have had to wait 45 minutes for me to come out there and then drive her to this place. The bleeding stopped so Heidi decided the hell with it, she'd just come home on the bus.
When I picked her up, she told me what happened and asked if I would help her wash the wound and re-bandage it. We stopped at the store and picked up gauze and tape. When we got home, Heidi took off the dressing and the bleeding started again. There was a lot of it and when TB got a look, he said she'd need stitches. So our choice was ... drive to this place in Cherry Hill, an hour away, or go to the ER five minutes away. Duh. No brainer.
It took six stitches to close that cut, including one in the nail. The ER doc gave Heidi a note so she could be out of work two days. Yesterday we went to the store where Heidi works so she and the manager could fill out an accident report. It should have been done the night before but for some reason the manager just told her to come back. That pissed me off.
Now she has to go to this place to have her finger looked at ... after she works her shift. And she has to go back to have the stitches removed. Meanwhile, our doctor is a lot closer. Who cares how much it inconveniences us and how much gas it costs us?
Maybe I'm crazy but it seems to me that if the employee has to provide his or her own transportation after an injury, then that employee shouldn't be forced to go somewhere miles away. And when an employee is injured, transportation to and from a facility should be provided. And the manager should be required to sit down and fill out an accident report then and there, not tell the employee "come back tomorrow".
I am spectacularly unimpressed with the way supermarkets exploit their employees!
Monday, December 26
Our Merry Christmas
We had such a lovely Christmas and hope everyone else who celebrates enjoyed peace and joy yesterday.
All of us donned festive head wear whether we wanted to or not! ;)
The kids made merry
and TB and I made merry!
Tomas came over later in the morning. It was fun to watch him open presents!
TB made this checker board for T in his workshop. It came out beautifully!
TB explains how to play checkers
T and his daddy enjoy a moment together
Kristin took this picture of me. See the little pin on my collar? I love it! It's an angel pin for grandmas and T gave it to me! :)
Hope everyone is enjoying this day after Christmas!
Kristin took this picture of me. See the little pin on my collar? I love it! It's an angel pin for grandmas and T gave it to me! :)
Hope everyone is enjoying this day after Christmas!
Thursday, May 26
The long road to graduation
I did it! I finally graduated on May 21, 2011. It only took some thirty odd years! :D
I didn't go to college when I graduated high school in 1973. I was under the impression my parents couldn't afford to help me out and I didn't qualify for financial aid nor did I win any scholarships. I decided I would work and save up the money to go. We all know how that goes. ;)
Almost two years later, I was going to a church for the Deaf and the pastor there took an interest in me, deciding I really should be in college. There was a big crisis between my parents and I left home. I rented myself an apartment in the city but was only there a few months when the pastor decided I should move in with him, his wife and mother.
The pastor wanted me to go to school so I reapplied for financial aid and to the local university. This time, I got the aid and it was enough to pay for my tuition and books. It was a new, intimidating and totally confusing experience for me to go down and try to make a schedule. When I was done, though, I felt great.
About a month into this, the pastor was accused of misappropriating funds. He plotted a counterattack against the treasure, making up a bunch of lies to spread around. I happened to overhear and was horrified. The pastor tried justifying it all to me and I just kept saying, "But it's not true!" I felt totally betrayed--this was a man of God trying to destroy the reputation of another based on lies. The pastor called me a Judas and I knew I had to get out of there.
I probably could have rented myself a room and continued on but I spiralled into this depression, hurt, angry, disillusioned and sad. I just stopped going to classes. First I lived with a roommate in Baltimore City and went to work. I was offered a better job in Washington D.C. My parents were living nearby and asked me to join them so I could save more money for college. I agreed but that was a mistake.
By 1978, I'd saved enough money to take a couple of classes and reapplied to the same university (different campus). I enjoyed the classes so much! I was into the second year when my mom went on a drunken rampage and chased me from the apartment with an ice pick. That was in the middle of a semester and instead of renting a room somewhere and muddling through, I just sort of collapsed and became depressed again.
Then I started again in 1994. By then, I was married to a wonderful man and had my three beautiful children. Rich encouraged me to try again and so I did. I almost finished, too. I was stymied by geometry and an unexpected move to New York. Once we got to New York, I figured I could finish up somewhere...but Rich died. The early bouts with depression was a tap dance compared to the way I felt then. I've learned that fibromyalgia can develop from trauma and I am sure that's when my symptoms started.
Fast forward to 2010. I never thought I would ever find love again but a miracle occurred and I met and married TB. When I started talking about finishing my degree, he was completely supportive and has been there for me throughout. I had another bout of depression this spring and he is one of the reasons I didn't give up and drop out again.
So on May 21, I graduated with an AA in education, with "highest honors"--a GPA of 3.9 overall in all those classes over the years. It feels good to be able to say "I did it!"
I didn't go to college when I graduated high school in 1973. I was under the impression my parents couldn't afford to help me out and I didn't qualify for financial aid nor did I win any scholarships. I decided I would work and save up the money to go. We all know how that goes. ;)
Almost two years later, I was going to a church for the Deaf and the pastor there took an interest in me, deciding I really should be in college. There was a big crisis between my parents and I left home. I rented myself an apartment in the city but was only there a few months when the pastor decided I should move in with him, his wife and mother.
The pastor wanted me to go to school so I reapplied for financial aid and to the local university. This time, I got the aid and it was enough to pay for my tuition and books. It was a new, intimidating and totally confusing experience for me to go down and try to make a schedule. When I was done, though, I felt great.
About a month into this, the pastor was accused of misappropriating funds. He plotted a counterattack against the treasure, making up a bunch of lies to spread around. I happened to overhear and was horrified. The pastor tried justifying it all to me and I just kept saying, "But it's not true!" I felt totally betrayed--this was a man of God trying to destroy the reputation of another based on lies. The pastor called me a Judas and I knew I had to get out of there.
I probably could have rented myself a room and continued on but I spiralled into this depression, hurt, angry, disillusioned and sad. I just stopped going to classes. First I lived with a roommate in Baltimore City and went to work. I was offered a better job in Washington D.C. My parents were living nearby and asked me to join them so I could save more money for college. I agreed but that was a mistake.
By 1978, I'd saved enough money to take a couple of classes and reapplied to the same university (different campus). I enjoyed the classes so much! I was into the second year when my mom went on a drunken rampage and chased me from the apartment with an ice pick. That was in the middle of a semester and instead of renting a room somewhere and muddling through, I just sort of collapsed and became depressed again.
Then I started again in 1994. By then, I was married to a wonderful man and had my three beautiful children. Rich encouraged me to try again and so I did. I almost finished, too. I was stymied by geometry and an unexpected move to New York. Once we got to New York, I figured I could finish up somewhere...but Rich died. The early bouts with depression was a tap dance compared to the way I felt then. I've learned that fibromyalgia can develop from trauma and I am sure that's when my symptoms started.
Fast forward to 2010. I never thought I would ever find love again but a miracle occurred and I met and married TB. When I started talking about finishing my degree, he was completely supportive and has been there for me throughout. I had another bout of depression this spring and he is one of the reasons I didn't give up and drop out again.
So on May 21, I graduated with an AA in education, with "highest honors"--a GPA of 3.9 overall in all those classes over the years. It feels good to be able to say "I did it!"
Thursday, January 27
Snow cancels school!
Ah, winter. I started the "spring" semester this week and snow closed the college today! This semester I'm taking physical science, history of the foundation of education (something like that) and educational psychology. There was a fourth but there's so much work required that I decided to drop it. I don't need that class to graduate but I do need these three. I feel a little scared of how much is required but I'm giving it my best shot. I have several papers to write, group projects to do, individual presentations and have to go into the field to attend a school board meeting and volunteer in a school setting. Whew!
This winter we've had a snow storm every week and I'm so tired of it already. I want spring. TB and I need to move someplace with a warmer climate, a place where snow is a rare occurrence. Say ... North Carolina. I know they do get snow too but it's more of a once in a blue moon occurrence. So this is what we woke to this morning:
Everyone piled out the door to shovel ... except for me!
Oh...and Mouse didn't go out either. He sez: Dis da way I spend a snowwy day!
With the threat of another snowstorm coming next week, TB and I decided to get an electric snowblower, the kind we could afford. He found one at Lowe's in stock and bought it and we all started to pile into the car to go get it. First I took pictures of our street.
Pretty yes! Aggravating and frustrating yes!
Off we went to Lowe's but it was a wasted trip. The store tried to call us back after the order was placed but TB had accidentally put down the wrong phone number. There was no working electric snow blower for us and so we had to turn around and come back home. Everyone piled out and had to finish digging out the driveway with shovels.
I guess that's what we'll do next week too.
Come on, spring!
This winter we've had a snow storm every week and I'm so tired of it already. I want spring. TB and I need to move someplace with a warmer climate, a place where snow is a rare occurrence. Say ... North Carolina. I know they do get snow too but it's more of a once in a blue moon occurrence. So this is what we woke to this morning:
Everyone piled out the door to shovel ... except for me!
Oh...and Mouse didn't go out either. He sez: Dis da way I spend a snowwy day!
With the threat of another snowstorm coming next week, TB and I decided to get an electric snowblower, the kind we could afford. He found one at Lowe's in stock and bought it and we all started to pile into the car to go get it. First I took pictures of our street.
Pretty yes! Aggravating and frustrating yes!
Off we went to Lowe's but it was a wasted trip. The store tried to call us back after the order was placed but TB had accidentally put down the wrong phone number. There was no working electric snow blower for us and so we had to turn around and come back home. Everyone piled out and had to finish digging out the driveway with shovels.
I guess that's what we'll do next week too.
Come on, spring!
Friday, December 31
Trying to catch up
I knew I hadn't updated in ages but hadn't realized how long it's been!
Going back to school ended up being much more demanding than I thought but it was worth it. I still feel wiped out though!
Finals began December 15th. I found out all my grades right before Christmas and it was a very nice gift! I earned 4 A's and a B+. A couple of things I learned: I'm not too old to go back to school and can retain information in my brain most of the time. I still have my fibro days but there weren't enough of them to throw me off completely. Another thing I learned is that I can still write stories well. My instructor wanted me to try and get one of them published so that's something I want to work on for the New Year. I learned I can sort of teach myself when I have an instructor who's very disorganized. Most of all, I felt challenged and stimulated by these classes.
From finals, I went right to trying to prep for Christmas. I didn't have much time to devote to decorating or cards or baking or wrapping or any of that stuff while school was going on. If I thought I was going to be able to sit back and relax after finals, I was sure wrong! I probably could have let go of some of these things--like Christmas cards--but I just wasn't ready to do that and so I didn't.
Now, though, I sort of feel like a popped balloon. I keep telling myself there's things I should be doing but my body and brain are saying "uh uh". I decided to listen to my body and that part of my brain saying "uh uh" and am just resting. I read a little, I nap a lot and I just have been "vegging out" since Christmas.
The new semester starts in about three weeks. My batteries should be recharged by then.
TB's been suffering a lot and I worry about him. The pain meds don't seem to be helping very well. He has this issue with his hip now. He needs a shot using a fluoroscopic machine. We were supposed to go on the 27th but then there was this massive snow storm and so it was put off until January 3.
The doctors don't seem to be sure what's going on with his hip. An Xray seemed to show a foreign body (like a piece of arthritis) floating around. He had a CAT scan of his hip and one of the surgeons that looked at it thought he had a torn cartilage.
Why aren't they doing surgery to correct the problem? I don't get it. I don't get the explanation--that TB's baseline pain medical management and fibromyalgia makes the prognosis not hopeful. The surgeon wanted him to put up with the pain until he can't stand it anymore. Well...it's at that point now!
It looks like we're getting a loan modification after all from Bank of America. TB got the news over the phone just before Christmas but they've told us so many stories that I didn't believe it. I wanted to see it in writing and the paperwork just got here. We have a three month trial modification period starting in February. I am cautiously thrilled. I guess I still don't trust the bank and have heard other stories of the modification being cancelled capriciously. We'll see.
The three kids are still hanging in with us. They're all in school full time, working part time and right now not in a position to be able to live on their own.
The gang is doing great! Is the cold winter the reason they've all become extra snuggly lately?
So that's the major stuff that's been going on around here since I blogged last.
Best wishes for a happy and safe New Year!
Going back to school ended up being much more demanding than I thought but it was worth it. I still feel wiped out though!
Finals began December 15th. I found out all my grades right before Christmas and it was a very nice gift! I earned 4 A's and a B+. A couple of things I learned: I'm not too old to go back to school and can retain information in my brain most of the time. I still have my fibro days but there weren't enough of them to throw me off completely. Another thing I learned is that I can still write stories well. My instructor wanted me to try and get one of them published so that's something I want to work on for the New Year. I learned I can sort of teach myself when I have an instructor who's very disorganized. Most of all, I felt challenged and stimulated by these classes.
From finals, I went right to trying to prep for Christmas. I didn't have much time to devote to decorating or cards or baking or wrapping or any of that stuff while school was going on. If I thought I was going to be able to sit back and relax after finals, I was sure wrong! I probably could have let go of some of these things--like Christmas cards--but I just wasn't ready to do that and so I didn't.
Now, though, I sort of feel like a popped balloon. I keep telling myself there's things I should be doing but my body and brain are saying "uh uh". I decided to listen to my body and that part of my brain saying "uh uh" and am just resting. I read a little, I nap a lot and I just have been "vegging out" since Christmas.
The new semester starts in about three weeks. My batteries should be recharged by then.
TB's been suffering a lot and I worry about him. The pain meds don't seem to be helping very well. He has this issue with his hip now. He needs a shot using a fluoroscopic machine. We were supposed to go on the 27th but then there was this massive snow storm and so it was put off until January 3.
The doctors don't seem to be sure what's going on with his hip. An Xray seemed to show a foreign body (like a piece of arthritis) floating around. He had a CAT scan of his hip and one of the surgeons that looked at it thought he had a torn cartilage.
Why aren't they doing surgery to correct the problem? I don't get it. I don't get the explanation--that TB's baseline pain medical management and fibromyalgia makes the prognosis not hopeful. The surgeon wanted him to put up with the pain until he can't stand it anymore. Well...it's at that point now!
It looks like we're getting a loan modification after all from Bank of America. TB got the news over the phone just before Christmas but they've told us so many stories that I didn't believe it. I wanted to see it in writing and the paperwork just got here. We have a three month trial modification period starting in February. I am cautiously thrilled. I guess I still don't trust the bank and have heard other stories of the modification being cancelled capriciously. We'll see.
The three kids are still hanging in with us. They're all in school full time, working part time and right now not in a position to be able to live on their own.
The gang is doing great! Is the cold winter the reason they've all become extra snuggly lately?
So that's the major stuff that's been going on around here since I blogged last.
Best wishes for a happy and safe New Year!
Monday, June 21
GiST 141, Mancat Monday & Monday Memes
Happy first day of summer! It's less humid here today but still very hot and we're supposed to have temperatures into the 90s all week! Today, I'm hiding from the sun!
Grace in Small Things #141
1. Our upstairs cat, Indigo, has been staying in our room with the door closed. Now we're slowly introducing her to the rest of the gang. We're hoping we can get her to live downstairs. So far, so good!
2. It's the first day of summer. For some reason, that's making me smile a lot today.
3. I have my radio turned to an "oldies" station that has been playing all the music I listened to as a teenager and young adult. Those were the days!
4. Although it's very hot outside, I am cool because I am indoors with the air conditioner.
5. I am doing a count down of how many more mornings I need to get up at 5:30 a.m. and then Kristin will graduate. Four more. Then I can get up on my own! High school will be done and the "baby" graduates on Friday!
Man Cat Monday
Is Cubby handsome or what? It's okay that he's sitting right in front of the monitor. Who could resist that face?
Monday Movie Meme
This week's movie topic is all about Time Travel. Share on your blog movies featuring journeys through time, linking back here at The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!
Oh, there's a few of them!
1. The Back to the Future trilogy
2. The Time Machine
3. Groundhog Day
4. Peggy Sue Got Married
5. Planet of the Apes
There are others but those were the first to come to mind.
Moody Monday
This week's theme is: fatherly 
This picture of Little T and his dad was taken by me at a class party a couple of years ago.
1. Our upstairs cat, Indigo, has been staying in our room with the door closed. Now we're slowly introducing her to the rest of the gang. We're hoping we can get her to live downstairs. So far, so good!
2. It's the first day of summer. For some reason, that's making me smile a lot today.
3. I have my radio turned to an "oldies" station that has been playing all the music I listened to as a teenager and young adult. Those were the days!
4. Although it's very hot outside, I am cool because I am indoors with the air conditioner.
5. I am doing a count down of how many more mornings I need to get up at 5:30 a.m. and then Kristin will graduate. Four more. Then I can get up on my own! High school will be done and the "baby" graduates on Friday!
Is Cubby handsome or what? It's okay that he's sitting right in front of the monitor. Who could resist that face?
This week's movie topic is all about Time Travel. Share on your blog movies featuring journeys through time, linking back here at The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!
Oh, there's a few of them!
1. The Back to the Future trilogy
2. The Time Machine
3. Groundhog Day
4. Peggy Sue Got Married
5. Planet of the Apes
There are others but those were the first to come to mind.
This week's theme is: fatherly
This picture of Little T and his dad was taken by me at a class party a couple of years ago.
Monday, May 10
GiST #128 (weekend edition)
I had a pretty nice weekend all things considered and weighed out!
1. I still didn't feel well enough to go see The Winter Tale but gave my ticket to Bill so he could go and enjoy it.
2. I found out Linda and her husband Jay are moving to TN in like 10 days and stayed calm. I worked my first step which is all about powerlessness. There is nothing I can do or say to convince her otherwise although I did express my view that this isn't good for Little T and probably a really bad idea for Linda and Jay. I have learned if I do more, I'll just go mad with frustration and aggravation so this is a good thing. It's called detaching with love.
Besides, Linda moving doesn't affect how often TB and I can see Little T.
I decided to play the denial game a little and not think about how another grandchild (the baby due in July) will be out of reach for us. I won't go there. Won't won't won't.
3. I felt well enough Sunday to go with TB and Little T to the large playground that just reopened in our area. I like Ft. Medford better but this one is awesome and closer! I worked muscles I haven't gone near in years and am feeling it this morning. Pain meds are good for nanas who play like six-year-olds!
4. I totally let myself be spoiled and pampered yesterday. It felt good! I enjoyed the beautiful card and gifts from the kids and TB. What a fantastic Mother's Day!
5. TB changed the oil--desperately needed--and will work on the back brakes. This is part of our plan to get to Maryland to work with my brother to get some more stuff resolved. One day at a time!
1. I still didn't feel well enough to go see The Winter Tale but gave my ticket to Bill so he could go and enjoy it.
2. I found out Linda and her husband Jay are moving to TN in like 10 days and stayed calm. I worked my first step which is all about powerlessness. There is nothing I can do or say to convince her otherwise although I did express my view that this isn't good for Little T and probably a really bad idea for Linda and Jay. I have learned if I do more, I'll just go mad with frustration and aggravation so this is a good thing. It's called detaching with love.
Besides, Linda moving doesn't affect how often TB and I can see Little T.
I decided to play the denial game a little and not think about how another grandchild (the baby due in July) will be out of reach for us. I won't go there. Won't won't won't.
3. I felt well enough Sunday to go with TB and Little T to the large playground that just reopened in our area. I like Ft. Medford better but this one is awesome and closer! I worked muscles I haven't gone near in years and am feeling it this morning. Pain meds are good for nanas who play like six-year-olds!
4. I totally let myself be spoiled and pampered yesterday. It felt good! I enjoyed the beautiful card and gifts from the kids and TB. What a fantastic Mother's Day!
5. TB changed the oil--desperately needed--and will work on the back brakes. This is part of our plan to get to Maryland to work with my brother to get some more stuff resolved. One day at a time!
Tuesday, January 26
Kristin's birthday
I took these pictures on Sunday, one of the happier days I've had this year. :) I burned a copy of them and gave them to Kristin so that she could upload them to Facebook and share them with her friends. I figured they'd get a big kick out of them. I made a slideshow to share here.
These are some terrific young people, I'll tell you. We've known many of them since they were in sixth grade--11 or 12 years old. They've grown up into fine young adults and if only I could be sure that the country would be run by only people like these then I would feel secure!
Kristin’s 18th birthday
These are some terrific young people, I'll tell you. We've known many of them since they were in sixth grade--11 or 12 years old. They've grown up into fine young adults and if only I could be sure that the country would be run by only people like these then I would feel secure!
Kristin’s 18th birthday
Saturday, December 26
'Twas the day after Christmas ...
...and we have about an hour before we leave for the Hussey Family Christmas party so I thought I would update with some pictures from our day yesterday.
I got up around 7--not the first to awaken but the only one up then. I took a couple of pictures of the tree.
If you look at the bottom right, you'll see that Amber was admiring the tree too.
Kosmo didn't seem especially impressed with it
It was a very laid-back day. Normally, everyone's up and opening gifts by 9 but this year, nearly everyone slept in. By the time we started breakfast (around 10 a.m.!) we hadn't even opened any gifts yet.
Little T and his dad came over as we were having a very late breakfast. He said he didn't want any thing at first but as soon as all the food was gone, he wanted eggs, LOL, so I made a scrambled egg just for him!
Bill helped Tomas search for the pickle ornament while I made the little guy his egg. Tomas found it but decided Bill could play Santa in his place.
We'd gotten T a handheld V-Smile game player and here, TB and I enjoy playing right along
Think regifting doesn't work? Check out the look on Kristin's face!
Other pictures from the day:
Kennan, TB and Kristin
Kristin and Tomas
I hope everyone else had as blessed and wonderful a Christmas day as we did!
I got up around 7--not the first to awaken but the only one up then. I took a couple of pictures of the tree.
If you look at the bottom right, you'll see that Amber was admiring the tree too.
Kosmo didn't seem especially impressed with it
It was a very laid-back day. Normally, everyone's up and opening gifts by 9 but this year, nearly everyone slept in. By the time we started breakfast (around 10 a.m.!) we hadn't even opened any gifts yet.
Little T and his dad came over as we were having a very late breakfast. He said he didn't want any thing at first but as soon as all the food was gone, he wanted eggs, LOL, so I made a scrambled egg just for him!
Bill helped Tomas search for the pickle ornament while I made the little guy his egg. Tomas found it but decided Bill could play Santa in his place.
We'd gotten T a handheld V-Smile game player and here, TB and I enjoy playing right along
Think regifting doesn't work? Check out the look on Kristin's face!
Other pictures from the day:
Kennan, TB and Kristin
Kristin and Tomas
I hope everyone else had as blessed and wonderful a Christmas day as we did!
Thursday, December 24
Thursday Thirteen #44: Christmases Past
TB and I have been together since 2002 and I thought I'd go back and find some pictures from Christmases past to share. I have some pictures from 2002 but none of them are digital and I didn't have time to scan them. Oh well. Here's thirteen I picked out from 2003 on.
Decorating the tree in 2003:
Bill & Kristin
Kristin
From 2004:
Little T's first Christmas ... held by his loving Pop-Pop
The joy of being a child at Christmas! Something simple like a tee shirt can make a kid so happy!
From 2005:
This was a special gift to the kids. I'd taken their dad's coat and mailed it away to a wonderful person specializing in making bears from the clothing of loved ones who've passed away.
From 2006:
From 2007:
Heidi
Tomas
From 2008:
Monday, December 21
Challenges to being merry
'Tis the season, right?
We're having a really rough time though.
Although we applied to have our mortgage restructured, Bank of America is taking its sweet merry time deciding whether or not it'll happen for us.
We need the brakes on our car fixed but can't afford to repair them.
Bill's car broke down on Friday. We need to give him rides to and from work because he has no money to fix his car either.
Kristin has no snow boots and neither does Heidi. Well, luckily TB and I stopped at Goodwill the day before the storm. I picked up a pair of nice boots for me. I thought the girls already had boots. Well, now we're sharing.
We missed out on the pantry pick-ups this month at St. Ann's. We got held up at the doctor's office on the 10th. That's when we were supposed to sign up for the Christmas pick-up. I wasn't able to get our monthly food voucher from Family Services because we weren't able to get there for Kristin's scheduled appt. on the 19th. Next one isn't until Jan 2. We make just a little too much money in income to qualify for any food stamp assistance.
Bill needs Concerta but can't afford to go to the doctor to get his script renewed. He's on the year program created by the drug manufacturer but needs to be able to see a doctor to get a new script every month.
Heidi can't afford to get to the doctor either for her asthma.
TB keeps gluing his crown back onto his tooth because we have no dental insurance. He's got an appt at the clinic but it's his first visit there so I don't know if they'll fix the crown for him. I hope they do. He's been gluing the tooth together since before Thanksgiving.
We can't afford to get everyone presents for Christmas like we'd like to.
But the reasons I can find to be merry in spite of all that:
1. We have a roof over our heads -- so many don't.
2. We are warm -- so many aren't.
3. We can have three meals a day -- so many are hungry.
4. Everyone will get a gift -- so many won't get anything at all.
5. God works wonders in our lives. He loves all of us.
We're having a really rough time though.
Although we applied to have our mortgage restructured, Bank of America is taking its sweet merry time deciding whether or not it'll happen for us.
We need the brakes on our car fixed but can't afford to repair them.
Bill's car broke down on Friday. We need to give him rides to and from work because he has no money to fix his car either.
Kristin has no snow boots and neither does Heidi. Well, luckily TB and I stopped at Goodwill the day before the storm. I picked up a pair of nice boots for me. I thought the girls already had boots. Well, now we're sharing.
We missed out on the pantry pick-ups this month at St. Ann's. We got held up at the doctor's office on the 10th. That's when we were supposed to sign up for the Christmas pick-up. I wasn't able to get our monthly food voucher from Family Services because we weren't able to get there for Kristin's scheduled appt. on the 19th. Next one isn't until Jan 2. We make just a little too much money in income to qualify for any food stamp assistance.
Bill needs Concerta but can't afford to go to the doctor to get his script renewed. He's on the year program created by the drug manufacturer but needs to be able to see a doctor to get a new script every month.
Heidi can't afford to get to the doctor either for her asthma.
TB keeps gluing his crown back onto his tooth because we have no dental insurance. He's got an appt at the clinic but it's his first visit there so I don't know if they'll fix the crown for him. I hope they do. He's been gluing the tooth together since before Thanksgiving.
We can't afford to get everyone presents for Christmas like we'd like to.
But the reasons I can find to be merry in spite of all that:
1. We have a roof over our heads -- so many don't.
2. We are warm -- so many aren't.
3. We can have three meals a day -- so many are hungry.
4. Everyone will get a gift -- so many won't get anything at all.
5. God works wonders in our lives. He loves all of us.
Getting out from under the snow!
What a gift the snow was for me! It was a real true gift from God because I didn't come out and ask for it or pray for it. I just wanted it! I missed it so much. It seems my memories of childhood are filled with snowy days in the winter and especially of white Christmases. I don't know if that's accurate or not but it's what I remember.
When I was a young adult, I remember lovely snow falls like this in the winter time. I remember my first DH and I spending hours digging me out and then enjoying cups of steaming cups of hot chocolate. After we married and had kids, I remember "digging out" parties. Everyone helped each other out and I'd make a pot of coffee for the adults and caffeine lovers, hot chocolate for the kids and those that didn't like coffee. We'd trek to the store pulling sleds to carry home our needed groceries. So one day, I'll dig through my old pictures and find some that I took of those storms.
Anyway, we've been having an especially rough time (I'll post about that later) and so when this snow came on my birthday, it just felt to me like God knew how badly I wanted snow and so He sent it as a special gift. I was as happy as a small child!
Here was the scene yesterday:
TB says "I love you" through the windows
Then he and the kids had to dig out our cars:
I didn't do much other than goof off yesterday. Church was cancelled because of the bad weather. I did make a loaf of Irish soda bread using whole wheat flour; it came out really well. I watched Polar Express with Bill and TB. Later we watched Survivor.
TB ventured out to Wawa to get milk. No, we don't run out and buy milk, bread and toilet paper on the eve of snow storms. We had enough, we just sort of used up the milk faster than we normally might have with all of us home the entire weekend. Anyway, TB was on the way back when some idiot travelling down the middle of the road drove him into a drifted bank. He got stuck and called Bill to come in Heidi's car to help get him out. Luckily, though, two good ole boys in a truck stopped and got him out before Bill got there. The one who caused it, of course, went on his merry way. Bah humbug to you, mister!
Today, TB and I took Bill to work. His car wouldn't start Friday and we're not sure what's wrong with it. Kennan's brother Sean said he'd look at it ... depending on what the snow did. Bill wouldn't have been able to get it fixed anyway because he's flat broke and so are we. So is Heidi.
The roads are terrible! Now we get to see what "The Blob" has done in action. "The Blob" is what a radio talk show host calls the cancer of corruption in Trenton. As I understand it, funds for transportation (as well as just about everything else) has been raided and diverted. I did not expect such poor road conditions from the state of New Jersey. I would have expected it from a state that hardly ever sees snow at all--a state further south, say. Tsk.
School was closed today and so Kristin didn't have to stand out in the icy basically unplowed street. I was glad for that. I'm not sure what they're doing for tomorrow but I'm hoping if they're open it'll be 2 hours late.
And so, life gets back to normal.
When I was a young adult, I remember lovely snow falls like this in the winter time. I remember my first DH and I spending hours digging me out and then enjoying cups of steaming cups of hot chocolate. After we married and had kids, I remember "digging out" parties. Everyone helped each other out and I'd make a pot of coffee for the adults and caffeine lovers, hot chocolate for the kids and those that didn't like coffee. We'd trek to the store pulling sleds to carry home our needed groceries. So one day, I'll dig through my old pictures and find some that I took of those storms.
Anyway, we've been having an especially rough time (I'll post about that later) and so when this snow came on my birthday, it just felt to me like God knew how badly I wanted snow and so He sent it as a special gift. I was as happy as a small child!
Here was the scene yesterday:
TB says "I love you" through the windows
Then he and the kids had to dig out our cars:
I didn't do much other than goof off yesterday. Church was cancelled because of the bad weather. I did make a loaf of Irish soda bread using whole wheat flour; it came out really well. I watched Polar Express with Bill and TB. Later we watched Survivor.
TB ventured out to Wawa to get milk. No, we don't run out and buy milk, bread and toilet paper on the eve of snow storms. We had enough, we just sort of used up the milk faster than we normally might have with all of us home the entire weekend. Anyway, TB was on the way back when some idiot travelling down the middle of the road drove him into a drifted bank. He got stuck and called Bill to come in Heidi's car to help get him out. Luckily, though, two good ole boys in a truck stopped and got him out before Bill got there. The one who caused it, of course, went on his merry way. Bah humbug to you, mister!
Today, TB and I took Bill to work. His car wouldn't start Friday and we're not sure what's wrong with it. Kennan's brother Sean said he'd look at it ... depending on what the snow did. Bill wouldn't have been able to get it fixed anyway because he's flat broke and so are we. So is Heidi.
The roads are terrible! Now we get to see what "The Blob" has done in action. "The Blob" is what a radio talk show host calls the cancer of corruption in Trenton. As I understand it, funds for transportation (as well as just about everything else) has been raided and diverted. I did not expect such poor road conditions from the state of New Jersey. I would have expected it from a state that hardly ever sees snow at all--a state further south, say. Tsk.
School was closed today and so Kristin didn't have to stand out in the icy basically unplowed street. I was glad for that. I'm not sure what they're doing for tomorrow but I'm hoping if they're open it'll be 2 hours late.
And so, life gets back to normal.
Saturday, December 19
Graces in Small Things on my birthday!
Today, I am officially a senior citizen, whoop whoop!
1. Everyone who knows me knows that I have been wanting and wanting snow for a long time. When I woke up this morning, I looked outside and I thought, oh wow, it's like God said this poor woman has had such a rough year and all she wants is some snow. I'm giving her snow for her birthday. And He blessed me with the biggest storm I can remember in years. I have been reveling in it!
These are just two of the pictures I took while TB and I were out walking in it this morning. It's still snowing and I think we must have at least 18 inches! Church services have been cancelled! The grocery store Heidi works for closed early today ... and hopefully they'll be closed tomorrow!
2. The whole family was home today, one of those rare occurrences and it was such a wonderful gift for me--time with my kids and my DH, all of us together. We watched A Christmas Story and Public Enemies together in between the talking and the celebrating and oohing and ahhhing over the snow.
3. We splurged on this roast for my birthday dinner. It was on sale! Kristin made me a delicious cake that was absolutely delicious, the more so because it was made with love.
4. TB fixed my birthstone ring. It's a Claddagh ring and it fits my finger perfectly now!
5. While the lights were out in the house, I decided to take a picture of our tree.
This was one of the best birthdays I can remember!
1. Everyone who knows me knows that I have been wanting and wanting snow for a long time. When I woke up this morning, I looked outside and I thought, oh wow, it's like God said this poor woman has had such a rough year and all she wants is some snow. I'm giving her snow for her birthday. And He blessed me with the biggest storm I can remember in years. I have been reveling in it!
These are just two of the pictures I took while TB and I were out walking in it this morning. It's still snowing and I think we must have at least 18 inches! Church services have been cancelled! The grocery store Heidi works for closed early today ... and hopefully they'll be closed tomorrow!
2. The whole family was home today, one of those rare occurrences and it was such a wonderful gift for me--time with my kids and my DH, all of us together. We watched A Christmas Story and Public Enemies together in between the talking and the celebrating and oohing and ahhhing over the snow.
3. We splurged on this roast for my birthday dinner. It was on sale! Kristin made me a delicious cake that was absolutely delicious, the more so because it was made with love.
4. TB fixed my birthstone ring. It's a Claddagh ring and it fits my finger perfectly now!
5. While the lights were out in the house, I decided to take a picture of our tree.
This was one of the best birthdays I can remember!
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