I LOVE Saturdays. The one day of the week I can sleep late and not feel guilty. I make sure that I turn the alarm off the night before. My husband use to call it "burning daylight" when we were younger, but now I am out of the bed before he is. He usually wakes up just as the coffee finishes brewing.
The only thing I have noticed though is that I have strange dreams in those extra morning hours of sleep. Dreams that seem so real and that I can vividly recall for the rest of the day. I often wonder if it is because I normally wake up somewhere between 5:00 and 6:00. Maybe my brain is ready to wake up and begin the day but my body is not. They are always busy and almost stressful dreams but not necessarily nightmares. They usually involve people and problems that we are dealing with. Usually with a bizarre twist or two. This morning was no exception.
This time I dreamed that my alcoholic neighbor kept trying to come over and say goodbye to us before he went fishing with some goofy looking guy. I was really mad at hubby because he finally invited him in my house. We were having company over at the time. Mark Martin was there talking to some of the ladies from the Senior Sunday School class and drinking coffee. And all the while, the drunk is pacing around cussing and shaking hands with everyone. I didn't know who I wanted to shoot more, my husband or the drunk? But have you noticed how your home is not really your home? Or that the people seem totally oblivious to what's going on around them? Am I the only that thinks the whole situation is bizarre and abnormal? Am I the only one that dreams in color? (I have heard that people do not dream in color, but only black and white.}
I find my daydreams are much more fascinating. I am in control of what happens, I can reverse, rewind and change at will. Usually I am in a different place or a different home. I do not like my house, we bought it from my inlaws and I have never really felt like I was at home. So my home is always somewhere similiar to New Mexico or out west and depending on my mood an old Victorian home in the middle of a small town. The warm colors of the prarie, mesas and sunlight surrounding me with warmth & comfort. I have horses of all colors, my favorites being buckskins & paints. My house is a beautiful western style home, sometimes a log home other times adobe style. It is beautifully & tastefully decorated, large, inviting, room for everyone and everything.
*sigh* In a perfect world huh? I really wrestle with that as a christian. I should be content with where I am and what I have but at the same time I see lots of other christians who are very successful and have aspired to more. I want to be able to give more time, money and self to the cause of Christ. But when all your time and money goes to just surviving, keeping everyone clothed and fed. Well, it makes things tight. I don't want to have financial freedom after the kids all leave home. I want it before they leave home. To give them a bit more, more time, not stuff. I want to be able to put them thru college for heaven's sake! When you have to devote your time to working, there is precious little left over for them. I want to be able to travel more with them too. I am a homebody, but I like to see more than my own backyard. I think that is why New Mexico was so important to me. It was an oppurtunity to show the kids more of the world.
The best thing I can do is pray. Prayer is a great way to talk to God. You don't need anyone to intercede (except Jesus) for you, just talk to Him. You want to talk to Him like a firend, he knows your heart anyway. I find so much comfort in that and assurances. God has already shown me that he wants me to have a good life. Not The Good Life. LOL
I need to go for now...I will probably write more later. ~katcha
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Friday, July 29, 2005
Dining with Superheroes
Tonight I spent an interesting evening with 3 Superheroes. We dined sumptiously on Stir Fry Shrimp,Jasmine Rice & Iced tea.
First, was Captain Iceberg. A pleasant fellow who has the ability to pull icecube trays from the freezer and magically chill our drinks. Quite handy fellow actually. I can hear it now, "Oh honey, we're out of ice. Could you run to the store and buy another bag." Suddenly, he jumps out of nowhere, striking a pose only worthy of a Superhero and proclaims, "Have no fear, Captain Iceberg is here!" I still haven't figured out why he wears white Hanes briefs on the outside of his leggings. I mistakenly called him Captain Underpants and was given a most serious look of dismay.
Next, was the Mad Catter. I am not sure if she was a "good guy" or a "bad guy", but she was very charming. She wore black with red and carried a small black purse filled with miniture "exploding" kitties. It was probably not a good idea to make her upset lest she throw them at you. In fact, I wanted to tell her she had a run in her hose but figured it would not be a good idea.
Finally, there was the Copy Cat. I tall lean girl, wearing a brightly striped shirt and tights whose only goal was to make sure everything she did was one step ahead of the Mad Catter.
They were altogether pleasant if not downright fun. I laughed, I was amazed and I was impressed. They are my children and they were rich with imagination tonight! I was amazed at how creative they were with their costumes and ideas. I marvel at their quikness and wit about the whole thing. I had to assure "Captain Iceberg" that only the bravest, truest, Superhero could go about with his briefs on the outside of his pants.
So after a full day, I can only hope that you have had such pleasurable company as I. But then, how many of you can say, "I have dined with Superheroes tonight."?
katcha ~ maybe I'll get lucky and they'll take me flying later?
Thursday, July 28, 2005
A Child's Perspective
I recieved this in my email last night and it had me in stitches! Gosh, my kids have come up with some wildly funny things over the years. I will share these with you cause I figure you could do with a laugh or two!
Subject: CHILDREN
The Way Children See Things: A Different Perspective
NUDITY
I was driving with my three young children one warm summer evening when a
woman in the convertible ahead of us stood up and waved. She was stark
naked! As I was reeling from the shock, I heard my 5-year-old shout from
the back seat, "Mom! That lady isn't wearing a seat belt!
HONESTY
My son Zachary, 4, came screaming out of the bathroom to tell me he'd
dropped his toothbrush in the toilet. So I fished it out and threw it in
the garbage. Zachary stood there thinking for a moment, then ran to my
bathroom and came out with my toothbrush. He held it up and said with a
charming little smile, "We better throw this one out too then, 'cause it
fell in the toilet a few days ago.
KETCHUP
A woman was trying hard to get the ketchup to come out of the jar. During
her struggle the phone rang so she asked her 4-year-old daughter to answer
the phone. "It's the minister, Mommy," the child said to her mother.
Then she added, "Mommy can't come to the phone to talk to you right now.
She's hitting the bottle."
MORE NUDITY
A little boy got lost at the YMCA and found himself in the women's locker
room. When he was spotted, the room burst into shrieks, with ladies
grabbing towels and running for cover. The little boy watched in
amazement and then asked, "What's the matter haven't you ever seen a
little boy before?"
ELDERLY
While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly
shut-ins, I used to take my 4-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds.
The various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and
wheelchairs, unfailingly intrigued her. One day I found her staring at a
pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself for the
inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, "The
tooth fairy will never believe this!"
DRESS-UP
A little girl was watching her parents dress for a party. When she saw her
dad donning his tuxedo, she warned, "Daddy, you shouldn't wear that suit."
"And why not, darling?" "You know that it always gives you a headache
the next morning."
SCHOOL
A little girl had just finished her first week of school. "I'm just
wasting my time," she said to her mother. "I can't read, I can't write and
they won't let me talk!"
BIBLE
A little boy opened the big family bible. He was fascinated as he fingered
through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out of the bible. He
picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old leaf that
had been pressed in between the pages. "Mama, look what I found", the boy called out. "What have you got there, dear?" With astonishment in the
young boy's voice, he answered, "I think it's Adam's underwear!"
Have fun! katcha
Subject: CHILDREN
The Way Children See Things: A Different Perspective
NUDITY
I was driving with my three young children one warm summer evening when a
woman in the convertible ahead of us stood up and waved. She was stark
naked! As I was reeling from the shock, I heard my 5-year-old shout from
the back seat, "Mom! That lady isn't wearing a seat belt!
HONESTY
My son Zachary, 4, came screaming out of the bathroom to tell me he'd
dropped his toothbrush in the toilet. So I fished it out and threw it in
the garbage. Zachary stood there thinking for a moment, then ran to my
bathroom and came out with my toothbrush. He held it up and said with a
charming little smile, "We better throw this one out too then, 'cause it
fell in the toilet a few days ago.
KETCHUP
A woman was trying hard to get the ketchup to come out of the jar. During
her struggle the phone rang so she asked her 4-year-old daughter to answer
the phone. "It's the minister, Mommy," the child said to her mother.
Then she added, "Mommy can't come to the phone to talk to you right now.
She's hitting the bottle."
MORE NUDITY
A little boy got lost at the YMCA and found himself in the women's locker
room. When he was spotted, the room burst into shrieks, with ladies
grabbing towels and running for cover. The little boy watched in
amazement and then asked, "What's the matter haven't you ever seen a
little boy before?"
ELDERLY
While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly
shut-ins, I used to take my 4-year-old daughter on my afternoon rounds.
The various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and
wheelchairs, unfailingly intrigued her. One day I found her staring at a
pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself for the
inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, "The
tooth fairy will never believe this!"
DRESS-UP
A little girl was watching her parents dress for a party. When she saw her
dad donning his tuxedo, she warned, "Daddy, you shouldn't wear that suit."
"And why not, darling?" "You know that it always gives you a headache
the next morning."
SCHOOL
A little girl had just finished her first week of school. "I'm just
wasting my time," she said to her mother. "I can't read, I can't write and
they won't let me talk!"
BIBLE
A little boy opened the big family bible. He was fascinated as he fingered
through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out of the bible. He
picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old leaf that
had been pressed in between the pages. "Mama, look what I found", the boy called out. "What have you got there, dear?" With astonishment in the
young boy's voice, he answered, "I think it's Adam's underwear!"
Have fun! katcha
On a Roll!
I have finished my bracelettes (and started another LOL!) they are supposed to look twisted. I need to get better clasps, they have some called clam shell clasps that I am going to get. The bottom one is pink & red beads twisting around the black.
When the lady taught me to make these she seemed pretty adament (sp?) about using black beads for the "core" of the bracelet, but I used silver beads as the core and am working on one that has amber beads for the core and gold on the outside. I also embellished two of them with small silver shaped beads, look closely and see the butterflies and dragonflies.
I also need to get some better quality thread. DO NOT BUY THE THREAD FROM WALLY WORLD! Cheap stuff, I ended up using good coats & clark heavy quilting thread that I ran thru a bar of my soap. LOL I know, it sounds weird, but works!
When I have more time and am feeling especially zealous, I will make a necklace. I am worried about getting my thread knotted up because you need to use a lot of it. Also, I get so darned bored so easily am ready to start another bracelette before I have even finished the other! Adult ADD! LOL! That is why I am an artist. Oh, and BTW, my daughters have laid claim to 2 of the bracelettes! The one that has ALL of the mixed colors is mine and the first one I ever did. It's got some uh ohs in it but hey! That is how you learn.
Well, I have a biz meeting this evening and have to give the finacial report as well as an update to the Board of Directors for this Neighborhood Assoc. I work part time for. I have been gone a lot this summer so have not done all the things I set out to do but should have it all done by the end of August. *sigh* it's extra money I really can't complain about.
I'll try and write more later. BFN! ~katcha
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Running with Weird Al
Yup! You heard right! You have never lived, until you are driving the "family" van, 4 kids strapped in and running your errands all the while listening to Weird Al cranked up in the CD player. Ok, I admit, I have been a Weird Al fan since I was in high school. Recently, one of #1 son's friends gave him a cd and I promptly downloaded to my comp. I realize the feds might be after me now but it was a copy of a copy, so back off.
My kids love his stuff but, they really miss out not being able to see his videos. I mean, until you have seen "Living With a Hernia" sung to the tune of James Brown's "Living in America", well...you just lose something there. I plan on ordering the video he has on his site of all 24 videos. My husband will probably run from the house screaming but hey! I am going to have fun!
In case you are curious here is a link http://www.weirdal.com
Anyway, I have a bunch to do before hubby comes home. I'll leave you with my favorite Weird Al Song. EBay (parody of I Want It That Way by Backstreet Boys)
Yeah
A used...pink bathrobe
A rare...mint snow globe
A Smurf...TV tray
I bought on eBay
My house...is filled with this crap
Shows up in bubble wrap
Most every day
What I bought on eBay
Tell me why (I need another pet rock)
Tell me why (I got that Alf alarm clock)
Tell me why (I bid on Shatner's old toupee)
They had it on eBay
I'll buy...your knick-knack
Just check...my feedback
"A++!" they all say
They love me on eBay
Gonna buy (a slightly damaged golf bag)
Gonna buy (some Beanie Babies, new with tag)
(From some guy) I've never met in Norway
Found him on eBay
I am the type who is liable to snipe you
With two seconds left to go, whoa
Got Paypal or Visa, whatever'll please ya
As long as I've got the dough
I'll buy...your tchotchkes
Sell me..your watch, please
I'll buy (I'll buy, I'll buy, I'll buy...)
I'm highest bidder now
(Junk keeps arriving in the mail)
(From that worldwide garage sail)
(Hey! A Dukes of Hazzard ashtray)
Oh yeah...(I bought it on eBay)
Wanna buy (a PacMan Fever lunchbox)
Wanna buy (a case of vintage tube socks)
(Wanna buy a Kleenex used by Dr. Dre)
(Found it on eBay)
Wanna buy (that Farrah Fawcett poster)
(Pez dispensers and a toaster)
(Don't know why...The kind of stuff you'd throw away)
(I'll buy on eBay)
What I bought on eBay
ciao! katcha
Here Comes The Rain
It has been unbearably hot and humid since we returned from New Mexico. Don't get me wrong, it was hot there too, but it was dryer and when you went to sit under the shade of a tree, you could feel the difference. It was usually windy or breezy and really felt nice. Here, the humidity is killer. Sure, getting in the shade will get you away from the sun and makes a difference, but you are still swimming in the humidity and then the mosquitos have the same idea too. They had mosquitos in New Mexico believe it or not, but they didn't bite me. The gnats were a different story! LOL Anyway, rain is headed our way and we need it!
I can't believe it's Wednesday already. I feel like I have jet lag (even though we didn't fly) but I think crossing the time zone does make a difference. It was always an hour later getting up in the morning there but still, my body would wake up @ 5:00 every morning. I would then toss and turn until 6:00 - 6:15 when we would wake up. Then in the evening it would be 10:00 before we would get to bed and that was 11:00 our time. (I like going to bed around 9:00) I was so totally messed up on my sleep schedule. The cots were ok really, but I didn't have my usual pillows with me so had an especially hard time of it. *sigh* I'll catch up on sleep eventually.
My son's scouting is keeping me busy. He has to go to the Police dept. at 10:00 this morning and see how they do fingerprinting. Hmmmmmm. I am not sure how I feel about that. I have a friend who told me, when she was taking her bar exams she had to drive to Jackson, MS and get fingerprinted. She said they were really rough with her and slamming her fingers around until she finally said, "I am a real estate lawyer NOT a criminal!" They kind of looked at her oddly but they were a bit gentler. LOL Some people might argue that point about lawyers. She's a great gal though.
I am working on some beaded jewelry I learned to make in New Mexico. It is really neato benito, so I need to finish that up today. I'll take pictures and post them. I am having a hard time with the clasps though. I am afraid they won't hold where they are sewn and attached to the bracelette. I need to see if I can do a bit of research online today.
Well, kids. I need to get some things done this morning, but I am sure I will be posting again later today. Have a great day and God Bless!
katcha
I can't believe it's Wednesday already. I feel like I have jet lag (even though we didn't fly) but I think crossing the time zone does make a difference. It was always an hour later getting up in the morning there but still, my body would wake up @ 5:00 every morning. I would then toss and turn until 6:00 - 6:15 when we would wake up. Then in the evening it would be 10:00 before we would get to bed and that was 11:00 our time. (I like going to bed around 9:00) I was so totally messed up on my sleep schedule. The cots were ok really, but I didn't have my usual pillows with me so had an especially hard time of it. *sigh* I'll catch up on sleep eventually.
My son's scouting is keeping me busy. He has to go to the Police dept. at 10:00 this morning and see how they do fingerprinting. Hmmmmmm. I am not sure how I feel about that. I have a friend who told me, when she was taking her bar exams she had to drive to Jackson, MS and get fingerprinted. She said they were really rough with her and slamming her fingers around until she finally said, "I am a real estate lawyer NOT a criminal!" They kind of looked at her oddly but they were a bit gentler. LOL Some people might argue that point about lawyers. She's a great gal though.
I am working on some beaded jewelry I learned to make in New Mexico. It is really neato benito, so I need to finish that up today. I'll take pictures and post them. I am having a hard time with the clasps though. I am afraid they won't hold where they are sewn and attached to the bracelette. I need to see if I can do a bit of research online today.
Well, kids. I need to get some things done this morning, but I am sure I will be posting again later today. Have a great day and God Bless!
katcha
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Back from New Mexico
Unfortunatly, my vacation is clouded by the recent deaths of 4 Scout Leaders in VA. They were from Alaska and were electricuted by accident. All of this, on the heels of the wonderous ACLU trying to sue the Pentagon for sponsoring this event because, "Boy Scouts of America swear a duty to God (never mind they ignore the second part) and country." Maybe we should just get rid of 1/2 the military who feel the same way? The ACLU will be the undoing of us all. I'd hate to be in their shoes at the end of all things, when they stand ignorantly before the One Holy God that will display their lives for all to see. Then will their pompous little attitudes waiver? Will their knees shake and their strength leave them? Will they beg for mercy and plead ignorance for their actions? Yes, I am most certain they will. Unfortunatly, it will be too late and then they will experience the punishment due them. Truly frightening.
Yes, I advocate Boy Scouts of America or from here on out BSA. My son is 2 years away from being an Eagle. The highest honor a scout can recieve. My youngest son is a Cub Scout. He lives for the day he achieves that honor as well. My girls are looking forward to when they turn 14 so that they can be Venture Scouts; a co-ed program for boys and girls. Sure we have Boys and Girls Clubs of America in our area, but I do not think they instill the moral obligation to serve God and their country the way BSA does. I also think that BSA, although it is not without a few bad apples, also stands strong in the face of harder times. In order to fully understand what BSA is all about, you really need to read about the founder and what the mission and vision of BSA is. Here is a link. http://www.scouting.org
ok, off of that for the time being. My trip was great! We stayed overnight in Oklahoma City, went on thru a bit of Northern Texas. (Did you know, on some of the highways, if someone is wanting to get around you that YOU are supposed to drive off on the shoulder and let them pass? Yup, learned some new Texas driving ettiquette!) Then we stayed in Clayton, New Mexico, where Black Jack the outlaw, was hung. I guess that is their claim to fame. Neat little town. Then we drove on to Raton, then to Cimarron and finally the Philmont Scout Ranch. I LOVE NEW MEXICO! It's dry and the nights are cool and it reminds me of the badlands of South Dakota. *sigh* I felt so at home there and was melancholy when we drove back across the Texas/ New Mexico line on the way home.
PSR is a fascinating place and constantly humming with activity. Here is a cool link for that too. http://www.scouting.org/philmont/main.shtml
Hubby had to sit in class all week while we got to play. Ok, so he had Wednesday off. But, I did the C.O.P.E course. It's a personal challenge program where you insanely climb 35 foot poles and zip-line off, etc. I loved it! I even earned a patch for it. I went on a beautiful 5 mile hike to Lover's Leap, I will post pics when I get them back. I also went trail riding on horseback. A rattlesnake slithered past about 2 feet from my horse. He rattled and was poised to strike, but our horses just ambled out of the way and acted like nothing was different. Some of the women were freakin' out but it didn't bother me. (SDakota has a lot of them!) Anyway, it was really fun. I also did some Handicrafts up at there facility. The kids had a blast too. They made lots of friends, as did my husband and myself. Looks like we have been invited to Cape Cod for visit. Don't think we won't take them up on it. The first time they said something I took it as politeness, the second time I stopped them and said, "If you invite us again, we'll take you seriously. We are from the South you know?" They laughed and said they were serious. LOL
The only thing I do complain about is that I put on weight while there! My level of activity was very good, BUT they feed you high carb, high calorie, high fat food. They do that (especially for the kids) because the hikes and trails are tough. So they feed everyone like that all week! Ack! So guess who has to work out and lose weight AGAIN!? I have heard that the boys who go on the Mountain Treks (I think it is an 80 mile climb?) consume over 4,000 a day and will burn it off easily by dinnertime. I saw a group of boys and girls come off of one of those. They looked tired, smelled and looked dirty, but looked plenty healthy. There are bears up in the mountains so they can't have "smellable items" that would attract the bears. Such as, bandaids (bears like the glue!?), deodorant, film? etc. Weird, but I trust these people, they know their business.
I should have pictures Friday. I put them on CD only so I could pick and choose and email them. Besides, to have prints was going to cost me $5.97 each and the CD only was $2.97! I had 10 rolls of film, you do the math. LOL
I hope everyone has had a good week while I was gone and I will write more tomorrow, sooner if something comes up.
katcha
Yes, I advocate Boy Scouts of America or from here on out BSA. My son is 2 years away from being an Eagle. The highest honor a scout can recieve. My youngest son is a Cub Scout. He lives for the day he achieves that honor as well. My girls are looking forward to when they turn 14 so that they can be Venture Scouts; a co-ed program for boys and girls. Sure we have Boys and Girls Clubs of America in our area, but I do not think they instill the moral obligation to serve God and their country the way BSA does. I also think that BSA, although it is not without a few bad apples, also stands strong in the face of harder times. In order to fully understand what BSA is all about, you really need to read about the founder and what the mission and vision of BSA is. Here is a link. http://www.scouting.org
ok, off of that for the time being. My trip was great! We stayed overnight in Oklahoma City, went on thru a bit of Northern Texas. (Did you know, on some of the highways, if someone is wanting to get around you that YOU are supposed to drive off on the shoulder and let them pass? Yup, learned some new Texas driving ettiquette!) Then we stayed in Clayton, New Mexico, where Black Jack the outlaw, was hung. I guess that is their claim to fame. Neat little town. Then we drove on to Raton, then to Cimarron and finally the Philmont Scout Ranch. I LOVE NEW MEXICO! It's dry and the nights are cool and it reminds me of the badlands of South Dakota. *sigh* I felt so at home there and was melancholy when we drove back across the Texas/ New Mexico line on the way home.
PSR is a fascinating place and constantly humming with activity. Here is a cool link for that too. http://www.scouting.org/philmont/main.shtml
Hubby had to sit in class all week while we got to play. Ok, so he had Wednesday off. But, I did the C.O.P.E course. It's a personal challenge program where you insanely climb 35 foot poles and zip-line off, etc. I loved it! I even earned a patch for it. I went on a beautiful 5 mile hike to Lover's Leap, I will post pics when I get them back. I also went trail riding on horseback. A rattlesnake slithered past about 2 feet from my horse. He rattled and was poised to strike, but our horses just ambled out of the way and acted like nothing was different. Some of the women were freakin' out but it didn't bother me. (SDakota has a lot of them!) Anyway, it was really fun. I also did some Handicrafts up at there facility. The kids had a blast too. They made lots of friends, as did my husband and myself. Looks like we have been invited to Cape Cod for visit. Don't think we won't take them up on it. The first time they said something I took it as politeness, the second time I stopped them and said, "If you invite us again, we'll take you seriously. We are from the South you know?" They laughed and said they were serious. LOL
The only thing I do complain about is that I put on weight while there! My level of activity was very good, BUT they feed you high carb, high calorie, high fat food. They do that (especially for the kids) because the hikes and trails are tough. So they feed everyone like that all week! Ack! So guess who has to work out and lose weight AGAIN!? I have heard that the boys who go on the Mountain Treks (I think it is an 80 mile climb?) consume over 4,000 a day and will burn it off easily by dinnertime. I saw a group of boys and girls come off of one of those. They looked tired, smelled and looked dirty, but looked plenty healthy. There are bears up in the mountains so they can't have "smellable items" that would attract the bears. Such as, bandaids (bears like the glue!?), deodorant, film? etc. Weird, but I trust these people, they know their business.
I should have pictures Friday. I put them on CD only so I could pick and choose and email them. Besides, to have prints was going to cost me $5.97 each and the CD only was $2.97! I had 10 rolls of film, you do the math. LOL
I hope everyone has had a good week while I was gone and I will write more tomorrow, sooner if something comes up.
katcha
Thursday, July 14, 2005
The Quiet Before the Storm
I have just made myself a piece of toast with a light spread of crunchy peanutbutter and a cup of coffee. Hubby is on his way to work and the kids are still in bed. I like this time of the morning, when everything is quiet and still, except maybe, for the washer & dryer going. LOL
I have ALL of the sleeping bags washed & dryed. Everyone but hubby and me are packed, the house is getting cleaner by the minute (not that it was bad anyway) and I think everything is about ready to go.
When the kids get up, that is when the fun begins. I will have to wash any last minute clothes etc., the dog needs a bath, wash and detail the van, light housekeeping, give the key and instructions to the neighbor's, etc.
I went to the Sheriff's Dept. and told them we would be out of town and requested a patrol watch on our home. I had to fill out a little bit of paperwork and that was it. I also had them give me copies of past complaints we had against the neighbor. So, when we go to court in August, we have records.
Oh, the dog is up. LOL He slept in this morning, obviously. Our friend the vet is really nice. He told me to make sure the neighbor's had his name and number in case of an emergency. He told me to have them bring in the dog and he would take care of everything.
Which reminds me. I went and picked the kids up from the horseback riding yesterday and the vet was very impressed with my daughter. He was laughing, "These boys were all scared and nervous about getting near the horses and now they are riding and comfortable." Then, while my daughter was sitting (eating a big ole slice of watermelon)with her back to us, he pointed to her and said, "Your in BIG trouble with this one." I was concerned, at first, and then I realized where he was going with that. "Kathy, this girl is a natural on a horse. I have never seen anyone as at ease, as she is with a horse. She needs to be doing more riding." Her daddy and I have been discussing how we can maybe get her a horse and keep it. Anyway, all of the boys were impressed with her and her brother bragged on her bunches. Not to mention she is a pretty girl and so all these boys were asking how old she was (she's 11 but tall and mature looking for her age)and "Can you teach me to ride like you?" One boy in particular, was very impressed with her and I can't say I mind. He is a very nice boy, quiet and a good kid. The vet's son ( who is about the same age) likes her and they give each other a lot of mess always. Of course, his little sister and my daughter are very good friends, so he feels comfortable with him. But, he is always looking out for her too, so that is nice. *sigh* It's so hard to see her grow up.
My "buttocks" (remember to say that like Forest Gump)and back is on the mend. If you get sunburned anywhere at all, make sure you buy the Panama Jack Sunburn Relief Gel, it is a blue gel and smells lightly of spearmint. It has lydacaine in it for the pain. GREAT STUFF! I haven't peeled or anything yet, but it is unusual for me to do that anyway.
Well, I have bunches more to finish before the kids get up and in the way. They won't be happy with me today, I have them all lined out with different things to do today. LOL evil mom that I am!
God Bless and if I don't get a chance to write anymore today, cya soon!
~katcha
I have ALL of the sleeping bags washed & dryed. Everyone but hubby and me are packed, the house is getting cleaner by the minute (not that it was bad anyway) and I think everything is about ready to go.
When the kids get up, that is when the fun begins. I will have to wash any last minute clothes etc., the dog needs a bath, wash and detail the van, light housekeeping, give the key and instructions to the neighbor's, etc.
I went to the Sheriff's Dept. and told them we would be out of town and requested a patrol watch on our home. I had to fill out a little bit of paperwork and that was it. I also had them give me copies of past complaints we had against the neighbor. So, when we go to court in August, we have records.
Oh, the dog is up. LOL He slept in this morning, obviously. Our friend the vet is really nice. He told me to make sure the neighbor's had his name and number in case of an emergency. He told me to have them bring in the dog and he would take care of everything.
Which reminds me. I went and picked the kids up from the horseback riding yesterday and the vet was very impressed with my daughter. He was laughing, "These boys were all scared and nervous about getting near the horses and now they are riding and comfortable." Then, while my daughter was sitting (eating a big ole slice of watermelon)with her back to us, he pointed to her and said, "Your in BIG trouble with this one." I was concerned, at first, and then I realized where he was going with that. "Kathy, this girl is a natural on a horse. I have never seen anyone as at ease, as she is with a horse. She needs to be doing more riding." Her daddy and I have been discussing how we can maybe get her a horse and keep it. Anyway, all of the boys were impressed with her and her brother bragged on her bunches. Not to mention she is a pretty girl and so all these boys were asking how old she was (she's 11 but tall and mature looking for her age)and "Can you teach me to ride like you?" One boy in particular, was very impressed with her and I can't say I mind. He is a very nice boy, quiet and a good kid. The vet's son ( who is about the same age) likes her and they give each other a lot of mess always. Of course, his little sister and my daughter are very good friends, so he feels comfortable with him. But, he is always looking out for her too, so that is nice. *sigh* It's so hard to see her grow up.
My "buttocks" (remember to say that like Forest Gump)and back is on the mend. If you get sunburned anywhere at all, make sure you buy the Panama Jack Sunburn Relief Gel, it is a blue gel and smells lightly of spearmint. It has lydacaine in it for the pain. GREAT STUFF! I haven't peeled or anything yet, but it is unusual for me to do that anyway.
Well, I have bunches more to finish before the kids get up and in the way. They won't be happy with me today, I have them all lined out with different things to do today. LOL evil mom that I am!
God Bless and if I don't get a chance to write anymore today, cya soon!
~katcha
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
A Little bit o' This & That
Already today has proven to be a busy one. Last night I was told, "hey mom, we have to be at Doc Porter's @ 10:00a.m. for Horse Merit badge class. Oh, and we have to pack a sack lunch." Well, gee wiz thanks ya'll for informing me right before bedtime. I shot hubby a look and he kind of hid behind his ice tea glass. "Sorry, sweetheart, I forgot to tell you Monday after the Scout meeting." I rolled my eyes and did that "martyr sigh" for everyone, you know, the one mom's lay on ya for a quick guilt trip? LOL
Doc Porter is our Vet and his son goes to Scouts with my son. Jim is actually an assistant leader so he offered to teach this Merit Badge. We appealed to him to let our oldest daughter take the class too, she had even gone and bought the Merit Badge book for herself. He smiled and said "no problem, bring her too." Nice man, I hear he does a mean YMCA move @ summer camp! LOL So needless to say, I was on the road again @ 9:15 this morning. On the way home I picked up some sunscreen for the kids, some sunburn gel for my "buttocks" (my son always says that like Forest Gump, which really cracks me up!)and some other last minute items.
I am home again, obviously, and finally washing those sleeping bags. Here's my helpful hint for the day for you novice campers. When drying your sleeping bag, throw in a couple of tennis balls. It will keep the bag lofty. I do hang mine on the line for a bit to dry them a bit but I always fluff them in the dryer with the tennis balls. ALSO, when putting your sleeping bag back in its sinch sack, or whatever you call it, dont, roll it up like you bought it. Just stuff that sucker in there, sit on it and sinch it up. Otherwise, you will lose all of the loft and warmth in your sleeping bag.
I tended the garden today, MAN IS THAT THING GROWING! I filled up a bucket with Juliet tomatoes and the Big Boys. Then I filled 3/4 of another bigger bucket with cucumbers! My cantaloupe seeds are sprouting like crazy and my little guy's sunflower seeds are growing. I pray that my neighbors will keep the garden in good shape while I am gone. I know they will.
I have to clean house today. So I will be busy all afternoon and evening with that. Hubby has to cut the yard and pack his stuff. Then tomorrow is last minute cleaning, get all last minute packing done, then wash and detail the van. I will be going no mail this next weekend and week so I bet I will have tons to catch up when I get back!
I will try and "blog" tomorrow, but I am not sure how everything will go. I still have to pick up the two older kids around 3:00. I really NEED this vacation! LOL
katchya later! ~katcha
Doc Porter is our Vet and his son goes to Scouts with my son. Jim is actually an assistant leader so he offered to teach this Merit Badge. We appealed to him to let our oldest daughter take the class too, she had even gone and bought the Merit Badge book for herself. He smiled and said "no problem, bring her too." Nice man, I hear he does a mean YMCA move @ summer camp! LOL So needless to say, I was on the road again @ 9:15 this morning. On the way home I picked up some sunscreen for the kids, some sunburn gel for my "buttocks" (my son always says that like Forest Gump, which really cracks me up!)and some other last minute items.
I am home again, obviously, and finally washing those sleeping bags. Here's my helpful hint for the day for you novice campers. When drying your sleeping bag, throw in a couple of tennis balls. It will keep the bag lofty. I do hang mine on the line for a bit to dry them a bit but I always fluff them in the dryer with the tennis balls. ALSO, when putting your sleeping bag back in its sinch sack, or whatever you call it, dont, roll it up like you bought it. Just stuff that sucker in there, sit on it and sinch it up. Otherwise, you will lose all of the loft and warmth in your sleeping bag.
I tended the garden today, MAN IS THAT THING GROWING! I filled up a bucket with Juliet tomatoes and the Big Boys. Then I filled 3/4 of another bigger bucket with cucumbers! My cantaloupe seeds are sprouting like crazy and my little guy's sunflower seeds are growing. I pray that my neighbors will keep the garden in good shape while I am gone. I know they will.
I have to clean house today. So I will be busy all afternoon and evening with that. Hubby has to cut the yard and pack his stuff. Then tomorrow is last minute cleaning, get all last minute packing done, then wash and detail the van. I will be going no mail this next weekend and week so I bet I will have tons to catch up when I get back!
I will try and "blog" tomorrow, but I am not sure how everything will go. I still have to pick up the two older kids around 3:00. I really NEED this vacation! LOL
katchya later! ~katcha
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Katcha-ing Up!
I missed blogging yesterday. Another one of those, "on the road again" days.
It all started with Physicals at 9:00 for the girls. First, I had to drop my son off to take tests and sign a permission slip. They were so very sweet about it and assured me he was such a nice "young man" that everything would be ok. He aced both tests! anyway, got to the Pediatricians office in time to fill out paperwork etc. Then the girls went back for their check ups. They were not happy to discover it was a man doctor. But, being like me, they banded together, picked on him mercilessly and he ended up shaking his head and saying, "Ya'll are weird." Then turns to me saying, "Gosh they are too funny!" I just grinned.
Today, will be my youngest son's turn. He is less than thrilled. Then my oldest daughter has to get her allergy shot, then more shopping and then an oil change for the van. Busy, busy, busy!
We have a lot to do yet for the house. I have this obsession about a clean house before I leave, then there is the small matter of what to do with Rex, our Cairn Terrier. No dogs are allowed on this trip or he would come with us. Sooooo, I am thinking about paying our neighbor girl to come over 3 times a day to play and walk him. I mean, if we take him to a boarding kennel, #1 I will have to pay them. #2 He'll be staying in a kennel cage all the time with lots of strange dogs. #3 They will let him out 3 x a day as well. My neighbor has to come and water and take care of the garden, feed the dog and bird and put my mail on the diningroom table everyday anyway, so why not just keep Rex at home and let her tend to him daily as well? I am calling today to see what the average cost is per day and then I will pay her. I need to talk to her mom today about that.
I tanned last night at the tanning salon. I burned my booty! Yeah, I am one of those nekkid tanners and I decided I would up my time from 10 minutes to 15 minutes. I think they must have just put new bulbs in that thing because my butt is on fire. I had to be careful how I slept last night, how I sit and OY! the burn. I am so stupid. I had been 10 minutes in another tanning bed that was not so intense. I should have stuck to tanning bed #3. Oh well...here I thought it would be good to get a bit of a tan so I wouldn't fry to a crisp in New Mexico, but I think I managed to accomplish that on my own, thank you very much! ACK!
Well, I nee to roust some children out of the bed and get them fed and going. We need to do some MORE shopping for our trip, best to get as much of it done as possible. I will try and write more later.
TTFN & God Bless - katcha
hey, don't forget to pray for those in London. Let us not forget what we went thru here with the Trade Center Towers.
It all started with Physicals at 9:00 for the girls. First, I had to drop my son off to take tests and sign a permission slip. They were so very sweet about it and assured me he was such a nice "young man" that everything would be ok. He aced both tests! anyway, got to the Pediatricians office in time to fill out paperwork etc. Then the girls went back for their check ups. They were not happy to discover it was a man doctor. But, being like me, they banded together, picked on him mercilessly and he ended up shaking his head and saying, "Ya'll are weird." Then turns to me saying, "Gosh they are too funny!" I just grinned.
Today, will be my youngest son's turn. He is less than thrilled. Then my oldest daughter has to get her allergy shot, then more shopping and then an oil change for the van. Busy, busy, busy!
We have a lot to do yet for the house. I have this obsession about a clean house before I leave, then there is the small matter of what to do with Rex, our Cairn Terrier. No dogs are allowed on this trip or he would come with us. Sooooo, I am thinking about paying our neighbor girl to come over 3 times a day to play and walk him. I mean, if we take him to a boarding kennel, #1 I will have to pay them. #2 He'll be staying in a kennel cage all the time with lots of strange dogs. #3 They will let him out 3 x a day as well. My neighbor has to come and water and take care of the garden, feed the dog and bird and put my mail on the diningroom table everyday anyway, so why not just keep Rex at home and let her tend to him daily as well? I am calling today to see what the average cost is per day and then I will pay her. I need to talk to her mom today about that.
I tanned last night at the tanning salon. I burned my booty! Yeah, I am one of those nekkid tanners and I decided I would up my time from 10 minutes to 15 minutes. I think they must have just put new bulbs in that thing because my butt is on fire. I had to be careful how I slept last night, how I sit and OY! the burn. I am so stupid. I had been 10 minutes in another tanning bed that was not so intense. I should have stuck to tanning bed #3. Oh well...here I thought it would be good to get a bit of a tan so I wouldn't fry to a crisp in New Mexico, but I think I managed to accomplish that on my own, thank you very much! ACK!
Well, I nee to roust some children out of the bed and get them fed and going. We need to do some MORE shopping for our trip, best to get as much of it done as possible. I will try and write more later.
TTFN & God Bless - katcha
hey, don't forget to pray for those in London. Let us not forget what we went thru here with the Trade Center Towers.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Weekend Warrior - NOT!
Well, My weekend is pretty much a bust. Hubby had to go out of town at the last minute and I lost all motivation to do anything. Well, I did do some laundry, weeded the garden, vacuumed, did the dishes; well, you know, the general day to day stuff. I need to pack everyone for our trip to New Mexico next week but I just lost all my energy for it.
It could be the fact that Friday was an incredibly busy day for me. I went shopping for bug repellant, flashlights, batteries, swimsuits, disposable cameras etc. Then I had to take #1 son to the Orthodontist. Again, they wanted MORE money! Turns out, they considered that $300.00 I paid them 2 weeks ago PART of a down payment! ACK!!! They wanted me to dish out some more money and I didn't have it. I hadn't planned on that, no warning etc. Besides, with the whopper cell phone bill and the upcoming trip, there was NO WAY I could pay that! I told them they could have there money when I got back from out of town. What could they do? They sighed, gave me "that look" and wrote something down on my son's chart.
I did get some much needed "down time" though. I sat down and watched Shrek 2, (although I found a lot of humor to it, I found it a bit too adult for my kids) and was surprised how RETRO it was. I mean, my kids have never heard "Funky Town" or a lot of the 80's stuff that was in that movie. Not to mention, the scene were the cat was licking himself was gross. I mean, we all KNOW cats can do that but ICK!
I got a lot of crocheting done on the blanket I am working on. I bought 9 more skeins of yarn for it (that was all they had at Wally World) but if I calculated it correctly I am going to need 3 more skeins. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they will restock soon! But hey! 9 skeins will keep me busy for a while.
I have really been enjoying my time spent with the kids and getting ready for this trip. Also, I have been having some really great moments to talk to my kids. They come to me with everything and I am really happy to just sit, not judge and talk. (Even though, some of the topics take me by surprise!) I try not to act startled by their subject matter.
Like for instance; my #3 child asked big brother about sex. He gave her a pretty generic description (some of which she already knew and I had talked about with her) but she still came to ask me, "Momma? How many times did you have to do it to have us kids? There are 4 of us, so did you have to do it only 4 times?" Oh wow! Talk about trying not to have that "deer in the headlights" look! So, I had to sit down and tell her that it wasn't just for making babies, but something that married people do and enjoy. She just gave me that "EWWWW" look and said, "I don't think I wanna know anymore." and walked away. She's 9, what do you expect? I told her 11 year old sister and she started laughing, "OH MY GOSH! She ASKED about THAT?" She acts so grown up about some things, but still plays with dolls. I guess I am glad for that, it's bad enough she is almost as tall as me and wears the same shoe size! *sigh* When did she grow like that?
It's getting late, for me anyway, so I need to make sure I have all of my receipts written down in the check book and go to bed at a decent time. I have to go and teach Sunday School in the morning, and keep the nursery (it's my turn). It looks like my oldest will have to stay home with the youngest, who has a cold, while us girls go to church. I want him to get better before we leave to NM. I am trying to keep from getting it and so is everyone else. I bought multivitamins and juice. I also have been preaching the sermon of washing hands constantly. LOL!
Have a good night and God Bless! ~ katcha
Oh and hey! Thanks to drummerguy for linking my blog to his. I will get you linked to mine here soon.
It could be the fact that Friday was an incredibly busy day for me. I went shopping for bug repellant, flashlights, batteries, swimsuits, disposable cameras etc. Then I had to take #1 son to the Orthodontist. Again, they wanted MORE money! Turns out, they considered that $300.00 I paid them 2 weeks ago PART of a down payment! ACK!!! They wanted me to dish out some more money and I didn't have it. I hadn't planned on that, no warning etc. Besides, with the whopper cell phone bill and the upcoming trip, there was NO WAY I could pay that! I told them they could have there money when I got back from out of town. What could they do? They sighed, gave me "that look" and wrote something down on my son's chart.
I did get some much needed "down time" though. I sat down and watched Shrek 2, (although I found a lot of humor to it, I found it a bit too adult for my kids) and was surprised how RETRO it was. I mean, my kids have never heard "Funky Town" or a lot of the 80's stuff that was in that movie. Not to mention, the scene were the cat was licking himself was gross. I mean, we all KNOW cats can do that but ICK!
I got a lot of crocheting done on the blanket I am working on. I bought 9 more skeins of yarn for it (that was all they had at Wally World) but if I calculated it correctly I am going to need 3 more skeins. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they will restock soon! But hey! 9 skeins will keep me busy for a while.
I have really been enjoying my time spent with the kids and getting ready for this trip. Also, I have been having some really great moments to talk to my kids. They come to me with everything and I am really happy to just sit, not judge and talk. (Even though, some of the topics take me by surprise!) I try not to act startled by their subject matter.
Like for instance; my #3 child asked big brother about sex. He gave her a pretty generic description (some of which she already knew and I had talked about with her) but she still came to ask me, "Momma? How many times did you have to do it to have us kids? There are 4 of us, so did you have to do it only 4 times?" Oh wow! Talk about trying not to have that "deer in the headlights" look! So, I had to sit down and tell her that it wasn't just for making babies, but something that married people do and enjoy. She just gave me that "EWWWW" look and said, "I don't think I wanna know anymore." and walked away. She's 9, what do you expect? I told her 11 year old sister and she started laughing, "OH MY GOSH! She ASKED about THAT?" She acts so grown up about some things, but still plays with dolls. I guess I am glad for that, it's bad enough she is almost as tall as me and wears the same shoe size! *sigh* When did she grow like that?
It's getting late, for me anyway, so I need to make sure I have all of my receipts written down in the check book and go to bed at a decent time. I have to go and teach Sunday School in the morning, and keep the nursery (it's my turn). It looks like my oldest will have to stay home with the youngest, who has a cold, while us girls go to church. I want him to get better before we leave to NM. I am trying to keep from getting it and so is everyone else. I bought multivitamins and juice. I also have been preaching the sermon of washing hands constantly. LOL!
Have a good night and God Bless! ~ katcha
Oh and hey! Thanks to drummerguy for linking my blog to his. I will get you linked to mine here soon.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Coward on the Run?
Ahhhh the saga continues! The alcoholic claims that the neighbor's (with the goats) dog attacked him. Oh and get this, the officer said, "He seems like such a nice guy. He didn't appear to be drunk to me. He says if the neighbors would stop freakin' out over everything so would he. " WHAT?! What planet was this guy from?
Well, the jerk has run off (probably back to Wisconsin) to hide. I guess he lacks the testicular fortitude to stay and face the music. Our other neighbors have gone to the Court House this morning to press charges against him. The court said if we did the same today or tomorrow, it would do even better in court against him. I am all for it, but what will it gain us? A restraining order? Will that do any good? What's to keep him from keepin' on keepin' on? I guess if he violates the restraining order we can legally "protect" ourselves?
The house they live in is all in her name. Here is what I propose. Find a real estate agent, and sell the house. She has been paying on it for 6 years, so, tell the agent. "I want it sold and sold as fast as you can. All, I want is the pay off and enough to cover your commission." Pay off the house, move away, change her name and get a new life.
I have to ask myself though. She has plenty of opportunities to have him arrested, leave him, etc. and she hasn't. Every time he has abused her, guess who calls the cops? We, the neighbors, do. Then unless there is physical evidence of abuse she refuses to press charges. "It will just make him worse." So, she is the victim yes, but she has a problem too. Fear, codependance or psychosis? I guess we will never know.
He is a bully (I've said it before) and I am very sure, if she stood up to him just once, he would back off. I told hubby once when we were dating, "if you ever decide to beat me? Make sure I am dead... You will have to sleep sometime." I guarantee he would spend the rest of his days sleeping with one eye open. My husband is a good man and would never dream of doing such a thing, but I let him know on the front end, I had been abused, physically and sexually, and wasn't going to put up with it as a grown woman.
My husband was an angry man who made life hard enough, but 3 years ago that all changed and we have never looked back. He was willing to listen and change. He's never been a bully or physically abusive, he was just angry at the least little thing and kept us all on edge with his tone of voice, actions and words. Praise God that man doesn't live here anymore.
What really irks me, is the Coward turned tail and ran. Where is he? How long will he stay gone? Where did he go? When will he back? I guess we'll find out. It will get worse before it gets better, for him anyway.
God Bless and catch ya later!
katcha ~ who detests drama, but it has to happen at least every 3 months around here. (rolling eyes)
Well, the jerk has run off (probably back to Wisconsin) to hide. I guess he lacks the testicular fortitude to stay and face the music. Our other neighbors have gone to the Court House this morning to press charges against him. The court said if we did the same today or tomorrow, it would do even better in court against him. I am all for it, but what will it gain us? A restraining order? Will that do any good? What's to keep him from keepin' on keepin' on? I guess if he violates the restraining order we can legally "protect" ourselves?
The house they live in is all in her name. Here is what I propose. Find a real estate agent, and sell the house. She has been paying on it for 6 years, so, tell the agent. "I want it sold and sold as fast as you can. All, I want is the pay off and enough to cover your commission." Pay off the house, move away, change her name and get a new life.
I have to ask myself though. She has plenty of opportunities to have him arrested, leave him, etc. and she hasn't. Every time he has abused her, guess who calls the cops? We, the neighbors, do. Then unless there is physical evidence of abuse she refuses to press charges. "It will just make him worse." So, she is the victim yes, but she has a problem too. Fear, codependance or psychosis? I guess we will never know.
He is a bully (I've said it before) and I am very sure, if she stood up to him just once, he would back off. I told hubby once when we were dating, "if you ever decide to beat me? Make sure I am dead... You will have to sleep sometime." I guarantee he would spend the rest of his days sleeping with one eye open. My husband is a good man and would never dream of doing such a thing, but I let him know on the front end, I had been abused, physically and sexually, and wasn't going to put up with it as a grown woman.
My husband was an angry man who made life hard enough, but 3 years ago that all changed and we have never looked back. He was willing to listen and change. He's never been a bully or physically abusive, he was just angry at the least little thing and kept us all on edge with his tone of voice, actions and words. Praise God that man doesn't live here anymore.
What really irks me, is the Coward turned tail and ran. Where is he? How long will he stay gone? Where did he go? When will he back? I guess we'll find out. It will get worse before it gets better, for him anyway.
God Bless and catch ya later!
katcha ~ who detests drama, but it has to happen at least every 3 months around here. (rolling eyes)
Demon That Is Called Alcohol
My neighbor right across the street has this demon in his life. It is sad, pathetic and frustrating.
Hang on kids, because this is going to get ugly I am sure, as my thoughts begin to roll on this topic.
First and formost, I have never been given to the thought that a person who is drunk, "can't help what they do." That is a crock of hooey, they know what they are doing until they pass out. They may not have the motor skills but they are doing exactly what they want. Alcohol only breaks down their inihibitions. Don't even try to argue with me about this.
That being said, my neighbor knows exactly what he is doing. He is a mean drunk too. He beats his wife, cusses out everyone and can't keep a job. Ok, he keeps it long enough to get unemployment, then gets drunk, goes on a tirade (sp?) and gets "laid off" or fired. Then he sits around for the next 3 months causing everyone grief until his unemployment runs out. Then he gets another job and it starts all over again.
Usually, we know he is getting worse when his wife , (who is older than him by 15 -20 years), stops coming home OR her car is gone early in the morning. That usually means he started beating her and she ran out to get away from him. Recently, she slept on a park bench near one of the private lakes overnight, then came back early the next morning trying to sneak in and get her clothes. I can't even to imagine what she goes thru, and I am not going to pretend to. I just know, after the first time, there wouldn't be a second time, had it been me. I grew up in an abusive home. I determined that when I was an adult, I would NEVER live my life out like that, nor would my children.
The other sure sign that he is on it again is when he decides to antogonize me. I'll be loading up kids in the van and he will stand out in the driveway and salute me. Or he'll flip me off (had to explain that one to the kids one day which ticked me off to no end) or he'll stand out in his yard and scream obscenities at me and anything else. He paces back and forth, in and out of his house and rant, rave and flail his arms around in the air. He will yell, "Hell Yeah, I am a F@#*ing believer in Jesus Christ!" But the Bible says that you can not have both blessings and cursings come from the same mouth. SO you be the judge of that but until you have looked into his eyes while he is carrying on like that, you can see a darkness that will tell you the truth of his soul.
What was his childhood like? Was his family responsible for this? I have no idea. His family is in Wisconsin and he actually went up there once a few years back. He got so bad up there, his own family told him, "Get help and don't come back." Threw him in the car and drove him to a Rehab center or hospital. That is sad.
He has tried to pick a fight with my husband. He threw a punch, which my husband skillfully dodged, and he about fell over. My husband took a step forward, looked at him and in a very low and menacing tone said, "You really don't want to do this." and turned and walked away. My husband is a very skilled martial artist and use to train federal agents in Pressure Point Control Tactics. So, he really doesn't know what he is messing with, but there is a healthy sense of fear. *sigh* So when the "troll" decides to mess with someone he picks on the wives and women here in our little cove. Usually me, because I am the SAHM and an easy target. He doesn't do that when hubby is home.
Yesterday he was on the tear again. A neighbor called and filed a complaint against him, then another neighbor, then us, because he was being a menace again. He has these 4 black labs, that only 3 weeks ago, jumped a fence and attacked the neighbors goats and killed the big male. So the dogs were taken away and only to be released IF they put up electric fencing or only kept 2 of the dogs. The one, named Dixie, is sweet and has been there since a pup, the other 3 were pound dogs. Well, apparently they got 2 back and guess what? No, they didn't kill another goat, but they were running loose again. Thus the complaint. My kids had to shout and throw rocks at them because they tried coming up into our driveway, barking and growling. The kids were on the way in from bike riding and were trying to close the gate. SO I filed a complaint as well.
Believe it or not, we have a county wide leash law. It doesn't matter if you live on 200 acres of sprawling land way out in the country, if your dog is not on your property and on a lead, your going to be fined.
The cops were out here for hours it seems and the Animal Control person came out for the dogs. I feel bad for the wife, Dixie was sweet and probably the only normal thing she had and now because of him it was taken away from her. He got drunk and let the dogs out to run loose.
He is a man with lots of apparent issues. He needs help, but until he decides he wants to end this nightmare, he will suffer. In the meantime though, we have to suffer as well. He does not want to change or he would. Please don't argue with me on this one either. I have known too many people that have totally changed and been freed from their alcoholism and so I know it can be done.
This guy actually told me once, "My grandaddy was German and taught me how to drink." like Germans were all heavy drinkers and that was an excuse. I was walking away, but I turned and looked at him hard for a minute. I took a step forward and said, "You know, my grandfather was German too, but if he saw you act the way you do and say things you say. He would have tied you in a pretzel knot and told you a thing or two. Sure, I saw him have beer or a drink before but I NEVER saw him act like you do. You should be ashamed." then walked into the house. Truth of the matter is, my aunt's husband was an alcoholic and he was a mean drunk too. One time when my aunt was young and pregnant with their second son, she called up my grandparents scared, he had not come home, they needed groceries and she was afraid. Grandpa, grandma and my mon (who was 15 at the time) went to the house to get my aunt. They started driving around and my grandfather asked, "where do you think he his?" She tried to pretend she wasn't sure. Grandpa finally said, "Look, I know he drinks, which bar is he at?" They found him. Now, her husband was 6 foot at least and my grandpa was 5'1". Grandpa went in and found him, sitting at the bar. "It's time to go home now. " Her husband said something like, "Get bent old man." (not in so nice of wording but I have censored it)The next thing everyone knows, my grandpa had him off that chair, out the door and thrown bodily in the back of the car. For years, any time this guy started getting loud and drunk, my grandpa would say, "shut up." in a low voice and my aunt's husband would sit there looking like a whipped pup. I asked mom how she knew, she told me she was there and it was the "talk of the town". "Don't mess with Oscar, he's small but tough." LOL
This what I think should be done. All of the men in this cove (4) should go together to the alcoholics house. Call him out and tell him, "We want you gone. Pack your things and leave now. Go to Wisconsin, texas or wherever you came from and don't come back. If you are still here tomorrow morning, we are going to come over, drag you out and lay hands on you." I think he would be beatin' feet to get away from here. I think, he is a bully and a coward. The only reason he is still here is because in his own little pea brained mind he actually thinks everyone is afraid of him. In reality, everyone would like nothing more than to go and "give him what his daddy should have given him more of". I think, like all bullies, if he was actually confronted he might actually just go away. Who knows? Only God does. God help him and I mean that.
Hopefully, today will be a quiet one. God Bless and have a great day.
katcha ~
Hang on kids, because this is going to get ugly I am sure, as my thoughts begin to roll on this topic.
First and formost, I have never been given to the thought that a person who is drunk, "can't help what they do." That is a crock of hooey, they know what they are doing until they pass out. They may not have the motor skills but they are doing exactly what they want. Alcohol only breaks down their inihibitions. Don't even try to argue with me about this.
That being said, my neighbor knows exactly what he is doing. He is a mean drunk too. He beats his wife, cusses out everyone and can't keep a job. Ok, he keeps it long enough to get unemployment, then gets drunk, goes on a tirade (sp?) and gets "laid off" or fired. Then he sits around for the next 3 months causing everyone grief until his unemployment runs out. Then he gets another job and it starts all over again.
Usually, we know he is getting worse when his wife , (who is older than him by 15 -20 years), stops coming home OR her car is gone early in the morning. That usually means he started beating her and she ran out to get away from him. Recently, she slept on a park bench near one of the private lakes overnight, then came back early the next morning trying to sneak in and get her clothes. I can't even to imagine what she goes thru, and I am not going to pretend to. I just know, after the first time, there wouldn't be a second time, had it been me. I grew up in an abusive home. I determined that when I was an adult, I would NEVER live my life out like that, nor would my children.
The other sure sign that he is on it again is when he decides to antogonize me. I'll be loading up kids in the van and he will stand out in the driveway and salute me. Or he'll flip me off (had to explain that one to the kids one day which ticked me off to no end) or he'll stand out in his yard and scream obscenities at me and anything else. He paces back and forth, in and out of his house and rant, rave and flail his arms around in the air. He will yell, "Hell Yeah, I am a F@#*ing believer in Jesus Christ!" But the Bible says that you can not have both blessings and cursings come from the same mouth. SO you be the judge of that but until you have looked into his eyes while he is carrying on like that, you can see a darkness that will tell you the truth of his soul.
What was his childhood like? Was his family responsible for this? I have no idea. His family is in Wisconsin and he actually went up there once a few years back. He got so bad up there, his own family told him, "Get help and don't come back." Threw him in the car and drove him to a Rehab center or hospital. That is sad.
He has tried to pick a fight with my husband. He threw a punch, which my husband skillfully dodged, and he about fell over. My husband took a step forward, looked at him and in a very low and menacing tone said, "You really don't want to do this." and turned and walked away. My husband is a very skilled martial artist and use to train federal agents in Pressure Point Control Tactics. So, he really doesn't know what he is messing with, but there is a healthy sense of fear. *sigh* So when the "troll" decides to mess with someone he picks on the wives and women here in our little cove. Usually me, because I am the SAHM and an easy target. He doesn't do that when hubby is home.
Yesterday he was on the tear again. A neighbor called and filed a complaint against him, then another neighbor, then us, because he was being a menace again. He has these 4 black labs, that only 3 weeks ago, jumped a fence and attacked the neighbors goats and killed the big male. So the dogs were taken away and only to be released IF they put up electric fencing or only kept 2 of the dogs. The one, named Dixie, is sweet and has been there since a pup, the other 3 were pound dogs. Well, apparently they got 2 back and guess what? No, they didn't kill another goat, but they were running loose again. Thus the complaint. My kids had to shout and throw rocks at them because they tried coming up into our driveway, barking and growling. The kids were on the way in from bike riding and were trying to close the gate. SO I filed a complaint as well.
Believe it or not, we have a county wide leash law. It doesn't matter if you live on 200 acres of sprawling land way out in the country, if your dog is not on your property and on a lead, your going to be fined.
The cops were out here for hours it seems and the Animal Control person came out for the dogs. I feel bad for the wife, Dixie was sweet and probably the only normal thing she had and now because of him it was taken away from her. He got drunk and let the dogs out to run loose.
He is a man with lots of apparent issues. He needs help, but until he decides he wants to end this nightmare, he will suffer. In the meantime though, we have to suffer as well. He does not want to change or he would. Please don't argue with me on this one either. I have known too many people that have totally changed and been freed from their alcoholism and so I know it can be done.
This guy actually told me once, "My grandaddy was German and taught me how to drink." like Germans were all heavy drinkers and that was an excuse. I was walking away, but I turned and looked at him hard for a minute. I took a step forward and said, "You know, my grandfather was German too, but if he saw you act the way you do and say things you say. He would have tied you in a pretzel knot and told you a thing or two. Sure, I saw him have beer or a drink before but I NEVER saw him act like you do. You should be ashamed." then walked into the house. Truth of the matter is, my aunt's husband was an alcoholic and he was a mean drunk too. One time when my aunt was young and pregnant with their second son, she called up my grandparents scared, he had not come home, they needed groceries and she was afraid. Grandpa, grandma and my mon (who was 15 at the time) went to the house to get my aunt. They started driving around and my grandfather asked, "where do you think he his?" She tried to pretend she wasn't sure. Grandpa finally said, "Look, I know he drinks, which bar is he at?" They found him. Now, her husband was 6 foot at least and my grandpa was 5'1". Grandpa went in and found him, sitting at the bar. "It's time to go home now. " Her husband said something like, "Get bent old man." (not in so nice of wording but I have censored it)The next thing everyone knows, my grandpa had him off that chair, out the door and thrown bodily in the back of the car. For years, any time this guy started getting loud and drunk, my grandpa would say, "shut up." in a low voice and my aunt's husband would sit there looking like a whipped pup. I asked mom how she knew, she told me she was there and it was the "talk of the town". "Don't mess with Oscar, he's small but tough." LOL
This what I think should be done. All of the men in this cove (4) should go together to the alcoholics house. Call him out and tell him, "We want you gone. Pack your things and leave now. Go to Wisconsin, texas or wherever you came from and don't come back. If you are still here tomorrow morning, we are going to come over, drag you out and lay hands on you." I think he would be beatin' feet to get away from here. I think, he is a bully and a coward. The only reason he is still here is because in his own little pea brained mind he actually thinks everyone is afraid of him. In reality, everyone would like nothing more than to go and "give him what his daddy should have given him more of". I think, like all bullies, if he was actually confronted he might actually just go away. Who knows? Only God does. God help him and I mean that.
Hopefully, today will be a quiet one. God Bless and have a great day.
katcha ~
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Power Naps
I just woke up from mine and feel pretty good.
Have you ever noticed how we, as adults would die for a nap? I think preschool and kindergarten did an evil thing to us as little ones. The public educational system set us up for a dismal future and won't take responsibility for their actions.
Think about it. Here we are as 5 year olds, just coming in from lunch and recess, and they demand we take a nap! We try, bless our little hearts, to settle down and take a nap. #1. it's a mat, and a strange place for us to be trying to take a nap. It's not all comfy and safe like at home. #2. Our friend is right next to us still hyped up from that rousing game of tag and giggling, who can sleep? #3. The real person who is getting anything out of this is the teacher who wants just a few minutes to sit and read her romance novel in peace. #4. When we finally DO fall asleep it seems for only a brief moment and we are rudely awakened, groggy and "out of it" for the rest of the day!
Ok, now flash forward a few years. We have been imprinted and for some strange reason, right after lunch and sitting in class as preteens and teens, we find ourselves fighting to stay awake. Meanwhile, the teacher is getting all bent out of shape because we find her class less than exciting! It's not altogether her fault, we have been "conditioned" in our subconciousness to want to take a nap. So we struggle thru.
Now, here we are as adults still fighting that urge to want to take a nap. Wouldn't it be cool if, you were sitting at your desk and right after lunch, the boss comes up and says, "Hey everyone, it's nap time." Hey, the big CEO's do it, they call it a "power nap", but not so, for the working man.
See, I think they should do away with nap time at the kindergarten level. Wear those kids out! Keep them busy. That way, when they get home, Mom can give them supper, a bath and BAM! they are ready for bed at a decent hour! That way, years from now, their poor bodies and minds won't be "conditioned" to want a nap. In fact, I think more people would be better rested, because they wouldn't stay up as late. They would be in the habit of being in bed earlier, instead of watching Letterman and Leno. Ah, in a perfect world huh? LOL
This random thought pattern was brought to you today by, "Gee, I Wonder Why?" a division of Katcha's Inner Thinking Process. A trivial weird thing my brain does more often than I care to admit. (You know, like, how did Maryann always manage to bake all of those banana cream pies for Gilligan? I mean, where did she get the eggs, cream etc?)You get the picture.
Have fun! ~ katcha
Have you ever noticed how we, as adults would die for a nap? I think preschool and kindergarten did an evil thing to us as little ones. The public educational system set us up for a dismal future and won't take responsibility for their actions.
Think about it. Here we are as 5 year olds, just coming in from lunch and recess, and they demand we take a nap! We try, bless our little hearts, to settle down and take a nap. #1. it's a mat, and a strange place for us to be trying to take a nap. It's not all comfy and safe like at home. #2. Our friend is right next to us still hyped up from that rousing game of tag and giggling, who can sleep? #3. The real person who is getting anything out of this is the teacher who wants just a few minutes to sit and read her romance novel in peace. #4. When we finally DO fall asleep it seems for only a brief moment and we are rudely awakened, groggy and "out of it" for the rest of the day!
Ok, now flash forward a few years. We have been imprinted and for some strange reason, right after lunch and sitting in class as preteens and teens, we find ourselves fighting to stay awake. Meanwhile, the teacher is getting all bent out of shape because we find her class less than exciting! It's not altogether her fault, we have been "conditioned" in our subconciousness to want to take a nap. So we struggle thru.
Now, here we are as adults still fighting that urge to want to take a nap. Wouldn't it be cool if, you were sitting at your desk and right after lunch, the boss comes up and says, "Hey everyone, it's nap time." Hey, the big CEO's do it, they call it a "power nap", but not so, for the working man.
See, I think they should do away with nap time at the kindergarten level. Wear those kids out! Keep them busy. That way, when they get home, Mom can give them supper, a bath and BAM! they are ready for bed at a decent hour! That way, years from now, their poor bodies and minds won't be "conditioned" to want a nap. In fact, I think more people would be better rested, because they wouldn't stay up as late. They would be in the habit of being in bed earlier, instead of watching Letterman and Leno. Ah, in a perfect world huh? LOL
This random thought pattern was brought to you today by, "Gee, I Wonder Why?" a division of Katcha's Inner Thinking Process. A trivial weird thing my brain does more often than I care to admit. (You know, like, how did Maryann always manage to bake all of those banana cream pies for Gilligan? I mean, where did she get the eggs, cream etc?)You get the picture.
Have fun! ~ katcha
Barely Keeping My Head Above Water
I hate trying to come up with catchy titles. LOL I usually end up changing it a few times before publishing it.
I was very industrious today! I got everyone up and at em' and ready for the day. We waited for my little "ward" to come for the day and we headed on out to the pool at the Recreation Center. I swam about 8 laps and then did water aerobics. I feel great! Tired, but great. The kids all had a good time and we had the whole place to ourselves, almost. A lady I go to church with was there and another elderly man. I think he was kind of schmoozin' on my friend cause she is about the same age. She is kind of heavy but has one of the prettiest smiles in the world and he was trying to make small talk with her. It was kind of funny to me...I mean, sure, ok, you think of young people, teens, even mid-lifers, but it is kind of funny to see elderly people doing that. He didn't get very far, she's married and didn't show any interest. He gave up and went on about his swimming.
We got home and I was about to starve to death. LOL I opened up a ziplock of baby carrots to eat and feel sated, for now. Interesting thing here, our little dog loves baby carrots. He will "sit pretty" and beg for carrots while I am eating them. It's cute, so I give him one, but he won't even attempt to eat it UNLESS I have taken a bite first. What's up with that? He'll sit and watch me take a bite then hand it to him. Then he promptly sniffs it for my slobber, I guess, then eats it. Weird!
It is overcast here and after that swim I am sleepy. LOL It rots getting old. In my mind I feel young, I think young, but my body tells a different story. Besides seeing the extra weight in the mirror, the aches, pains and lack of stamina is very unsettling. *sigh* I'll keep working out though. I don't want age to be an excuse. Heck, look at all of those people in their 80's that still do triathalons and even the Iron Man race. That is totally cool. But for now, I'll keep working on my puny little laps until I can work up to a mile swim like hubby and walking everyday. Something is better than nothing right?
I have some things to do so, I'll write more later. Thanks to "drummerguy" for the encouraging comments and advice! Someone likes me, they really like me. LOL!
God Bless~ katcha
I was very industrious today! I got everyone up and at em' and ready for the day. We waited for my little "ward" to come for the day and we headed on out to the pool at the Recreation Center. I swam about 8 laps and then did water aerobics. I feel great! Tired, but great. The kids all had a good time and we had the whole place to ourselves, almost. A lady I go to church with was there and another elderly man. I think he was kind of schmoozin' on my friend cause she is about the same age. She is kind of heavy but has one of the prettiest smiles in the world and he was trying to make small talk with her. It was kind of funny to me...I mean, sure, ok, you think of young people, teens, even mid-lifers, but it is kind of funny to see elderly people doing that. He didn't get very far, she's married and didn't show any interest. He gave up and went on about his swimming.
We got home and I was about to starve to death. LOL I opened up a ziplock of baby carrots to eat and feel sated, for now. Interesting thing here, our little dog loves baby carrots. He will "sit pretty" and beg for carrots while I am eating them. It's cute, so I give him one, but he won't even attempt to eat it UNLESS I have taken a bite first. What's up with that? He'll sit and watch me take a bite then hand it to him. Then he promptly sniffs it for my slobber, I guess, then eats it. Weird!
It is overcast here and after that swim I am sleepy. LOL It rots getting old. In my mind I feel young, I think young, but my body tells a different story. Besides seeing the extra weight in the mirror, the aches, pains and lack of stamina is very unsettling. *sigh* I'll keep working out though. I don't want age to be an excuse. Heck, look at all of those people in their 80's that still do triathalons and even the Iron Man race. That is totally cool. But for now, I'll keep working on my puny little laps until I can work up to a mile swim like hubby and walking everyday. Something is better than nothing right?
I have some things to do so, I'll write more later. Thanks to "drummerguy" for the encouraging comments and advice! Someone likes me, they really like me. LOL!
God Bless~ katcha
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
ROAMING Charges!?
Ok, I am really ripped about this! I just sat down, payed all of the bills (electricity was high this month but it always is in the summer.) got them out and am feeling really good.
Then comes the Cingular cell phone bill, (can you hear the theme music from Psycho playing?) and I open it up to discover a $291.00 bill?! Most of it roaming charges! I was talking to hubby on the cell phone at the time...(talking about irony)and he heard me gasp and gasp some more! "What?!" he's practically screaming, "What's the matter?!" I could hardly get the words out but I managed to. He is calling them now to see what he can do about our bill. I have an idea, but it's not a very "Christian" one.
We have got to get a better plan than this. Like Verizon or something. We need 2 phones, nationwide, no roaming or low roaming charges, oh whatever. We need something better than what we have. The bill is due July 19, WHILE we are out of town. I am hoping, praying, wanting a different cell phone service. In these matters, I always let hubby handle things. I just get so frustrated I can't think rationally and don't make wise decisions. LOL I let him handle the stress. He usually pays all of the bills too. We have been busy and he asked me to pay the bills. I did happily and felt good knowing everything was taken care of etc. Rats, how can one stupid cell phone bill kill my whole day like this?
I'll tell you why. 14 years ago we made a decision to keep me at home, raising a family. I could have easily made more money than my husband with a career. That was my choice not to go back to work. With 4 kids and me at home, it's a challenge in this day and age. Most people have lots of credit card debt, two incomes and lots of stuff. We do not. I have to budget and watch every penny. We are debt free (except for the vehicles and house) and do without a lot of stuff. We have been doing really well lately, especially with our trip to New Mexico coming up. This almost $300.00 bill is going to really hurt us. We also have braces on the oldest kid. His braces and dental work is going to end up costing almost $4,000.00 when it's all said and done. I have to pay monthly on that too. ACK!
Ok, got done talking to them. They gave us a discount, ooooo, and we switched over to the Nationwide plan, with new phone upgrades. I guess it will have to do. My hubby told them we couldn't pay the bill all at once, (we could, but he thinks its "immoral how they conduct business just because they can" and says "they can wait for their money")so they are working out a "payment plan with us. What a crock of hooey! It's laughable. Oh well, I see new cell phones in our future.
Ok I griped enough about that for one day. Life goes on...later ~ katcha
Then comes the Cingular cell phone bill, (can you hear the theme music from Psycho playing?) and I open it up to discover a $291.00 bill?! Most of it roaming charges! I was talking to hubby on the cell phone at the time...(talking about irony)and he heard me gasp and gasp some more! "What?!" he's practically screaming, "What's the matter?!" I could hardly get the words out but I managed to. He is calling them now to see what he can do about our bill. I have an idea, but it's not a very "Christian" one.
We have got to get a better plan than this. Like Verizon or something. We need 2 phones, nationwide, no roaming or low roaming charges, oh whatever. We need something better than what we have. The bill is due July 19, WHILE we are out of town. I am hoping, praying, wanting a different cell phone service. In these matters, I always let hubby handle things. I just get so frustrated I can't think rationally and don't make wise decisions. LOL I let him handle the stress. He usually pays all of the bills too. We have been busy and he asked me to pay the bills. I did happily and felt good knowing everything was taken care of etc. Rats, how can one stupid cell phone bill kill my whole day like this?
I'll tell you why. 14 years ago we made a decision to keep me at home, raising a family. I could have easily made more money than my husband with a career. That was my choice not to go back to work. With 4 kids and me at home, it's a challenge in this day and age. Most people have lots of credit card debt, two incomes and lots of stuff. We do not. I have to budget and watch every penny. We are debt free (except for the vehicles and house) and do without a lot of stuff. We have been doing really well lately, especially with our trip to New Mexico coming up. This almost $300.00 bill is going to really hurt us. We also have braces on the oldest kid. His braces and dental work is going to end up costing almost $4,000.00 when it's all said and done. I have to pay monthly on that too. ACK!
Ok, got done talking to them. They gave us a discount, ooooo, and we switched over to the Nationwide plan, with new phone upgrades. I guess it will have to do. My hubby told them we couldn't pay the bill all at once, (we could, but he thinks its "immoral how they conduct business just because they can" and says "they can wait for their money")so they are working out a "payment plan with us. What a crock of hooey! It's laughable. Oh well, I see new cell phones in our future.
Ok I griped enough about that for one day. Life goes on...later ~ katcha
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Madame Blueberry
I suppose you would have to be a Veggie Tale fan to know who Madame' Blueberry is, but she is "a very blue berry" as the little peas tell us. She is not content or happy with what she has in her life and is soon persuaded by some crafty green scallions to go to "Stuff Mart" and buy all that glitters and is on sale to make her life complete. Needless to say, it all ends with disasterous results and she discovers that it is God's love and the people in our lives that makes us truly happy, not stuff.
Ok, so that is my round about way of telling you we took a trip to the Blueberry farm yesterday! We had all 6 of us picking blueberries and trying to fill 2 gallon buckets! It was funny to hear the kids fuss at each other, "Stop being a pig! Your eating more than you're picking. Stop that!", we did great though, it wasn't long and we were filling up our 2 gallon buckets and heading back to the booth to pay for them. I remember when we first started going to the Blueberry farm; the children were so little, gosh, the youngest couldn't have been more than 2 years old. They had blue teeth and blue faces by the time we would leave and we had to buy some already pre picked just to get 2 gallons worth. We may try another farm just south of us we only discovered today from friends at church. So we will be having blueberry cobbler, blueberry pancakes, and whatever else you can make blueberries out of. I have 4 bags worth in the freezer but for our growing family, I forsee another trip in our future. Hey, if you have any recipes to share, please email them. I will look for my blueberry poundcake recipe and post it. It is to die for, then boil some blueberries and sugar up to make a syrup to drizzle over it, top with a dollop of fresh whipped topping and you are good to go.
Yikes, my mouth is watering like crazy, I need to stop! On the subject of food, I have been really cooking fresh here lately but todays lunch was probably not good, well, I KNOW it wasn't good. LOL We had turkey hot dogs, with kraut, relish, mustard & ketchup (kids HATE kraut!)anyway, so it was quick and easy lunch for after church, but I made a huge fresh fruit salad for dinner, maybe that will help? LOL
I am glad to report, my weight is slowly but surley coming off. I have lost a few inches too! We went swimming yesterday and I swam a few laps, I am taking a break today, but tomorrow a.m. I will be walking my 30 minutes. I figure I can lose 5 pounds in 2 weeks if not a bit more. I just need to keep eating fresh, low fat and few carbs. I need to be pushing myself on the abs, I tell you what, 4 kids and one c-section did not do well with my tummy, but I am determined! LOL
I have discovered that some people are curious as to how big I really am. I wear a size 8 right now, but need to be back into a size 4-6. I am happiest and most comfortable there. It takes a lot of work to get and stay there. I have always had to work at it. You are probably thinking, "wow, how thin do you want to be??!" Well, I am short, 5'3" to be exact and being heavy is not a good thing. I don't want to look like a little teapot, short and stout. Also, I have the osteoarthritis in my lower back and if I don't stay fit and thin, it really takes it's toll on me. I don't want to be crippled up and unable to to enjoy my children or grandchildren. So, it is my goal & mission to be healthy, fit and active for my family. Besides, I am not willing to sack up my "thin clothes" to give away. I have too much money invested in them! LOL
I need to go for now, the garden is calling to me. Have a great 4th of July! ~ katcha
Ok, so that is my round about way of telling you we took a trip to the Blueberry farm yesterday! We had all 6 of us picking blueberries and trying to fill 2 gallon buckets! It was funny to hear the kids fuss at each other, "Stop being a pig! Your eating more than you're picking. Stop that!", we did great though, it wasn't long and we were filling up our 2 gallon buckets and heading back to the booth to pay for them. I remember when we first started going to the Blueberry farm; the children were so little, gosh, the youngest couldn't have been more than 2 years old. They had blue teeth and blue faces by the time we would leave and we had to buy some already pre picked just to get 2 gallons worth. We may try another farm just south of us we only discovered today from friends at church. So we will be having blueberry cobbler, blueberry pancakes, and whatever else you can make blueberries out of. I have 4 bags worth in the freezer but for our growing family, I forsee another trip in our future. Hey, if you have any recipes to share, please email them. I will look for my blueberry poundcake recipe and post it. It is to die for, then boil some blueberries and sugar up to make a syrup to drizzle over it, top with a dollop of fresh whipped topping and you are good to go.
Yikes, my mouth is watering like crazy, I need to stop! On the subject of food, I have been really cooking fresh here lately but todays lunch was probably not good, well, I KNOW it wasn't good. LOL We had turkey hot dogs, with kraut, relish, mustard & ketchup (kids HATE kraut!)anyway, so it was quick and easy lunch for after church, but I made a huge fresh fruit salad for dinner, maybe that will help? LOL
I am glad to report, my weight is slowly but surley coming off. I have lost a few inches too! We went swimming yesterday and I swam a few laps, I am taking a break today, but tomorrow a.m. I will be walking my 30 minutes. I figure I can lose 5 pounds in 2 weeks if not a bit more. I just need to keep eating fresh, low fat and few carbs. I need to be pushing myself on the abs, I tell you what, 4 kids and one c-section did not do well with my tummy, but I am determined! LOL
I have discovered that some people are curious as to how big I really am. I wear a size 8 right now, but need to be back into a size 4-6. I am happiest and most comfortable there. It takes a lot of work to get and stay there. I have always had to work at it. You are probably thinking, "wow, how thin do you want to be??!" Well, I am short, 5'3" to be exact and being heavy is not a good thing. I don't want to look like a little teapot, short and stout. Also, I have the osteoarthritis in my lower back and if I don't stay fit and thin, it really takes it's toll on me. I don't want to be crippled up and unable to to enjoy my children or grandchildren. So, it is my goal & mission to be healthy, fit and active for my family. Besides, I am not willing to sack up my "thin clothes" to give away. I have too much money invested in them! LOL
I need to go for now, the garden is calling to me. Have a great 4th of July! ~ katcha
Friday, July 01, 2005
Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig
Ok, so I have been to the market, dollar store (spent too much money again) & PO. I almost forgot that this was 4th of july weekend. Sooooo, I had to buy some extras for that as well. You know, stuff to BBQ, potato salad, watermelon, etc.?
I heard a rumor that watermelons are selling for as much as $10.00! I think that must be like the produce people , you know Farmers Market, etc? Well, I do all of my shopping at Aldi's and the seedless watermelons were only $3.49 a piece. I bought 2. Hubby has to go to Wally World, so he is going to check out how much they are selling for there. Sheesh, come on, how much is a watermelon worth for heavens sake?!
The birds are trying to build nests in the outgoing, dryer heat, hole again. I try to cut down on the electricity we use by hanging out some of the laundry on the line.(except the towels, I have to have my towles nice and "oh so fluffy" - think Weird Al here.)So that means that the dryer isn't going as much. Dern, stupid birds. My youngest daughter went around back of the house and yelled, "GET OUTTA THERE!" Ralph Cramden style and scared the birds half to death. Then she pulled the nesting material out and tossed it. LOL Sorry, but she is 9 and such a hoot anyway, but that had me laughing for a while. I have got to get that attachement mounted back up over that hole, asap.
Well, I need sit down and check up the check book and see how much money we have left. It was pay day today, so time to sit and pay bills. WOO HOOO! NOT! Hey, if I don't get a chance to bore you to death again this weekend, have a good 4th and be safe!
God Bless America! ~ katcha
I heard a rumor that watermelons are selling for as much as $10.00! I think that must be like the produce people , you know Farmers Market, etc? Well, I do all of my shopping at Aldi's and the seedless watermelons were only $3.49 a piece. I bought 2. Hubby has to go to Wally World, so he is going to check out how much they are selling for there. Sheesh, come on, how much is a watermelon worth for heavens sake?!
The birds are trying to build nests in the outgoing, dryer heat, hole again. I try to cut down on the electricity we use by hanging out some of the laundry on the line.(except the towels, I have to have my towles nice and "oh so fluffy" - think Weird Al here.)So that means that the dryer isn't going as much. Dern, stupid birds. My youngest daughter went around back of the house and yelled, "GET OUTTA THERE!" Ralph Cramden style and scared the birds half to death. Then she pulled the nesting material out and tossed it. LOL Sorry, but she is 9 and such a hoot anyway, but that had me laughing for a while. I have got to get that attachement mounted back up over that hole, asap.
Well, I need sit down and check up the check book and see how much money we have left. It was pay day today, so time to sit and pay bills. WOO HOOO! NOT! Hey, if I don't get a chance to bore you to death again this weekend, have a good 4th and be safe!
God Bless America! ~ katcha
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