Made it through week 3 with our new 'assistant'.
Someone asked how it was I could "replace" Booker so easily, and I almost burst into tears at the thought. I was affronted by their thoughtlessness when I really should have felt sorry for their ignorance (or simpleminded attitude). We weren't replacing Booker; we found an assistant who could help Odin out of his grief. Although, perhaps we were replacing Odin's loneliness with companionship.
Be assured there is no way we could ever replace Booker - ever. But, Odin had a need and that was clear. We weren't about to shirk our responsibility to him.
Let's face it, humans are OK as slaves to their cats, but we are far from perfect buddies and playmates. Oh, sure, we supply food, water, doody control, warm laps when required, catnip, new toys, clean linen for their queen-sized beds, good head scrubs and belly rubs, and on and on...but we are not the be all and end all when it comes to the perfect companions.
Some cats need other cats around to either share every waking moment with or ignore with impunity (whilst following one another around the house all day long). Aloof? Absolutely not. Indifferent at times, sure. Independent? Absolutely true, but also dependent and faithful and loving. But do they pick and choose when or if they are going to favor us with their time and company? Oh, yeah baby, and I'm OK with that. But between cats - whether siblings or randomly adopted clowders - they are much happier and healthier when they have companionship.
Our new little crazy man has been assimilated lock, stock and barrel, and we couldn't be happier with the outcome. Simon has been inserted into our family dynamic, and Odin is much happier. He is no longer wondering the house from top to bottom, crying out for Booker for hours on end. That stress would have taken a horrible toll on his FIV-infected body, and that was not an option I was willing to take chances with. Simon is the guardian of Odin's well-being now, and he is up to that task. An older adoptee wouldn't have been the same sort of 'assistant' at this time, but when our next big change takes place, our lives and hearts are open to another lovely soul joining our clowder.
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
10.27.2019
5.07.2018
Happy Birthday to Maria!
Oh, of course I totally forgot to drop your card in the mail - even though I bought it months ago. [smacking my forehead] It was perfect, perfect, perfect, just like you - and still is - and made me think of you when I read it.
I put it away, kept it safe, and then promptly lost track of time.
No excuses, just me being me. I love you no less, and think of you often. Hope you are well, improving and healthy, and have no setbacks or sadness.
Be happy, beautiful friend, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
I put it away, kept it safe, and then promptly lost track of time.
No excuses, just me being me. I love you no less, and think of you often. Hope you are well, improving and healthy, and have no setbacks or sadness.
Be happy, beautiful friend, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
7.03.2014
Hey, Maria
In just nine short days it will have been two months since you last posted (by the way, nice haul on the Mother's Day plants). I miss your updates, dear girl.
How did your material (and all) make out after that clean up?
What did you end up doing for your birthday?
How were your classes and finals for the last semester?
Are you taking any classes over the summer (I know you detest that idea)?
How is the family?
Why is the sky blue?
Why do ice cubes 'melt' in the freezer?
Have you worked on anything fun and creative over the last (nearly) two months?
Involved in any community garden work this summer?
Are you happy/healthy/keeping content/traveling anywhere?
Wanna get together and catch up?
Love you. [squishy hugs]
How did your material (and all) make out after that clean up?
What did you end up doing for your birthday?
How were your classes and finals for the last semester?
Are you taking any classes over the summer (I know you detest that idea)?
How is the family?
Why is the sky blue?
Why do ice cubes 'melt' in the freezer?
Have you worked on anything fun and creative over the last (nearly) two months?
Involved in any community garden work this summer?
Are you happy/healthy/keeping content/traveling anywhere?
Wanna get together and catch up?
Love you. [squishy hugs]
6.25.2014
Wazzup?
Since the last post, a lot has happened/ended/improved/come-and-gone. Here is just a sampling.
Been living from Tuesdays to Thursdays to get K-dub through his compressed college course, and he ended with a solid A! Yea, Karl! He even used the opportunity to get up IN FRONT OF THE CLASS AND SPEAK for an additional (but totally unnecessary) fifteen extra credit points, using as a topic one of his written assignments throughout the course. I am so very proud of him for following through and taking the class when he really wanted to drop out of it all those weeks ago.
Brian went to a tournament in Chicago over the weekend, and had his own brand of epiphanies. We'll see where it takes him over the coming weeks/months.
Must head to the library to take an online aptitude test (job-related), as our internet connection is so slow, and more than occasionally takes a diaper break in the middle of every operation. Would hate for that to happen during the typing test portion.
Have gotten halfway through RowD, and can now begin to look ahead to RowE. One-quarter of the quilt is nearly OFFICIALLY complete, and I am excited to say the least. A far cry from being in the first row with so much to look forward to. I confess, I believed wholeheartedly that the process would go faster - especially after the first few squares, but adding material (colors) to the palette seems to have made it more difficult and time consuming.
Dropped online a couple of days ago to log the computer off for the evening, and saw that my lovely friend Maria was online, and in her google account. By the time my home internet connection allowed the correspondence box to open up....she had signed out. I was disappointed to have missed the chance to face-to-face with her. [sigh] I hope she is doing well, and that her summer classes have brought her closer to reaching her immediate goals. Miss you, Maria!
OK, time to stop burning daylight. Enjoy your days and be well, everyone.
Been living from Tuesdays to Thursdays to get K-dub through his compressed college course, and he ended with a solid A! Yea, Karl! He even used the opportunity to get up IN FRONT OF THE CLASS AND SPEAK for an additional (but totally unnecessary) fifteen extra credit points, using as a topic one of his written assignments throughout the course. I am so very proud of him for following through and taking the class when he really wanted to drop out of it all those weeks ago.
Brian went to a tournament in Chicago over the weekend, and had his own brand of epiphanies. We'll see where it takes him over the coming weeks/months.
Must head to the library to take an online aptitude test (job-related), as our internet connection is so slow, and more than occasionally takes a diaper break in the middle of every operation. Would hate for that to happen during the typing test portion.
Have gotten halfway through RowD, and can now begin to look ahead to RowE. One-quarter of the quilt is nearly OFFICIALLY complete, and I am excited to say the least. A far cry from being in the first row with so much to look forward to. I confess, I believed wholeheartedly that the process would go faster - especially after the first few squares, but adding material (colors) to the palette seems to have made it more difficult and time consuming.
Dropped online a couple of days ago to log the computer off for the evening, and saw that my lovely friend Maria was online, and in her google account. By the time my home internet connection allowed the correspondence box to open up....she had signed out. I was disappointed to have missed the chance to face-to-face with her. [sigh] I hope she is doing well, and that her summer classes have brought her closer to reaching her immediate goals. Miss you, Maria!
OK, time to stop burning daylight. Enjoy your days and be well, everyone.
10.13.2013
What a nice break from the routine
Yesterday was about as glorious a day as could have been - and is the reason I love fall in Michigan. The weather in Michigan is about as perfect as could be asked for; and the colors slowly turning on the trees (and other deciduous plants) casts such a lovely painterly effect across everything, how could anyone not revel in the fall season?!?!?
After teaching a class Friday evening, I hot-footed it up to Jean's for an overnight girl-gab-and-sewing-session, which became a jaunt to East Lansing on Saturday for sushi with the adorable, wish-we-had-one-like-him boyfriend of one of her daughters. Jean began the day by making us berry smoothies at breakfast :) then her sister, Anne, drove down from Traverse City to join us Saturday, and brought lunch with her - and it was delicious! Freshly homemade pita bread with homemade chicken salad (including spinach and homegrown basil), AND homegrown tomatoes to top it off! Soooo tasty! Thank you, Anne!
We ended the day with sushi for dinner and voila! "Perfect" doesn't really even come close to describing the whole thing. [contented sigh]
I drove home after that to work with Karl on his essay. He needs a lot of pushing and pulling and cajoling, and I hate feeling as though I abandon him (even though I know he needs to be more independent overall). When it comes to sinking or swimming, even though I know I give it my all, I still feel somehow that I push Karl under with a stick if I don't help lead him to shore (with regards to homework).
Anyway, we made a little progress before turning in last night, but now I feel like I could have stayed and played one more night with the girls and gotten Karl to about the same place today if I'd come home after breakfast instead of last evening. Ah well. If nothing else, at least I got the cat box cleaned out (and the puddle off the floor). That was necessary, too.
After teaching a class Friday evening, I hot-footed it up to Jean's for an overnight girl-gab-and-sewing-session, which became a jaunt to East Lansing on Saturday for sushi with the adorable, wish-we-had-one-like-him boyfriend of one of her daughters. Jean began the day by making us berry smoothies at breakfast :) then her sister, Anne, drove down from Traverse City to join us Saturday, and brought lunch with her - and it was delicious! Freshly homemade pita bread with homemade chicken salad (including spinach and homegrown basil), AND homegrown tomatoes to top it off! Soooo tasty! Thank you, Anne!
We ended the day with sushi for dinner and voila! "Perfect" doesn't really even come close to describing the whole thing. [contented sigh]
I drove home after that to work with Karl on his essay. He needs a lot of pushing and pulling and cajoling, and I hate feeling as though I abandon him (even though I know he needs to be more independent overall). When it comes to sinking or swimming, even though I know I give it my all, I still feel somehow that I push Karl under with a stick if I don't help lead him to shore (with regards to homework).
Anyway, we made a little progress before turning in last night, but now I feel like I could have stayed and played one more night with the girls and gotten Karl to about the same place today if I'd come home after breakfast instead of last evening. Ah well. If nothing else, at least I got the cat box cleaned out (and the puddle off the floor). That was necessary, too.
9.25.2013
Hello, again
Not going to wait until the end of the week to post an update. Nope, instead I am going to 'steal' a moment here and fill in a blank or two, then get back to my regular programming.
Heh heh...television humor.
The big news of the week is of course - Brian's 27th birthday! 27! :vO His birthday gift to me was a haircut (his, not mine), and my gift to him was a beautiful pair of woolen socks to wear with his kilt. Hey, those bad boys are hard to come by, and are expensive. Karl bought him a large bottle of clove-infused mead after having tried it at the Renfest. Happy birthday, Brian!
School is progressing about as you'd expect. Comp I for me is going well; for Karl, it's a bit more challenging - but he seems to have a good instructor. Mr. Quincy is (so far) diligent in responding to email, and genuinely seems to care that I want Karl to succeed, and is willing to help through open communication and getting copies of notes from class to K. [insert excited, happy face here]
On the other hand, Web Design is really kicking my keester. It doesn't help that my retrograde PC (and it's outdated IE program - which I can't upgrade past IE9 in order to do the work at home) is conspiring against me. Today I will head into the lab for a couple of hours to avail myself of the tutor and the working program there. [this calls for a cheer and an "oh, crap"]
Maria is enrolled in four classes this semester - GOOD ON YA, M! I would be too, but I waited too late. Although, it's probably a good thing I get my feet wet and ease back into this sort of school work. It's not like Specs was....not by a long shot. This is REAL work, eh? I am proud of you, Maria, keep up the good work!!
Jean is now in her second year of that radiology program (YEA!), and seems to be taking more of it in stride - I think. She is a wonder, because it's a lot of work and practicum on top of it! Plus, she's working one to two days (l o n g days) per week in a radiology facility on top of it! I know it's stretching you thin, lady, but you are a champ!
Mom is mending well, the issues with swelling and pain are subsiding. It's a good thing! Thank you, Lord. And, she still has PBS on her rabbit-eared TV, so is happier than not. It's not the same as seeing some regular network programming and her favorite "Wheel" and "Jeopardy" shows, but PBS is great when that's all there is. And that's WAY better than the alternative "reality TV" BS now offered 70% of the time on the other four channels (which she can't see).
As for me, well...I am the slacker in the group, I suppose. I am teaching somewhere in the neighborhood of two classes a week (the ones that don't cancel due to low enrollment), and taking my own piddily two classes. Pfft. Yes, still sewing when I get a moment here and there, just not enough of those moments any more.
OK, so enough of this for a bit. I need to get cleaned up and ready to meet with the tutor. I'm gonna learn me some web designin'. Hooo-doggies!
Heh heh...television humor.
The big news of the week is of course - Brian's 27th birthday! 27! :vO His birthday gift to me was a haircut (his, not mine), and my gift to him was a beautiful pair of woolen socks to wear with his kilt. Hey, those bad boys are hard to come by, and are expensive. Karl bought him a large bottle of clove-infused mead after having tried it at the Renfest. Happy birthday, Brian!
School is progressing about as you'd expect. Comp I for me is going well; for Karl, it's a bit more challenging - but he seems to have a good instructor. Mr. Quincy is (so far) diligent in responding to email, and genuinely seems to care that I want Karl to succeed, and is willing to help through open communication and getting copies of notes from class to K. [insert excited, happy face here]
On the other hand, Web Design is really kicking my keester. It doesn't help that my retrograde PC (and it's outdated IE program - which I can't upgrade past IE9 in order to do the work at home) is conspiring against me. Today I will head into the lab for a couple of hours to avail myself of the tutor and the working program there. [this calls for a cheer and an "oh, crap"]
Maria is enrolled in four classes this semester - GOOD ON YA, M! I would be too, but I waited too late. Although, it's probably a good thing I get my feet wet and ease back into this sort of school work. It's not like Specs was....not by a long shot. This is REAL work, eh? I am proud of you, Maria, keep up the good work!!
Jean is now in her second year of that radiology program (YEA!), and seems to be taking more of it in stride - I think. She is a wonder, because it's a lot of work and practicum on top of it! Plus, she's working one to two days (l o n g days) per week in a radiology facility on top of it! I know it's stretching you thin, lady, but you are a champ!
Mom is mending well, the issues with swelling and pain are subsiding. It's a good thing! Thank you, Lord. And, she still has PBS on her rabbit-eared TV, so is happier than not. It's not the same as seeing some regular network programming and her favorite "Wheel" and "Jeopardy" shows, but PBS is great when that's all there is. And that's WAY better than the alternative "reality TV" BS now offered 70% of the time on the other four channels (which she can't see).
As for me, well...I am the slacker in the group, I suppose. I am teaching somewhere in the neighborhood of two classes a week (the ones that don't cancel due to low enrollment), and taking my own piddily two classes. Pfft. Yes, still sewing when I get a moment here and there, just not enough of those moments any more.
OK, so enough of this for a bit. I need to get cleaned up and ready to meet with the tutor. I'm gonna learn me some web designin'. Hooo-doggies!
7.03.2013
One active day
Began the day by covering the long wall in primer - finally! Wish I had spent it in a different order, i.e.; using the cool part of the day in more "quilty" pursuits instead, and moving on to the painting stuff last, but....ah, well. I am only one step away from hanging artwork and quilts!!!
In the early evening, Barb and Jean stopped by - armed with ice cream cake! - to celebrate another year of maturity for Karl and Barb. We ordered LL pizza and relaxed and chatted.
Later, Barb kindly reviewed Karl's last math test and spoke with him about it. I am not certain if she was able to identify his more difficult hiccup, but I think she helped him to clearly understand it is within his power to turn the ship around before the end of the semester.
Thank you, Barb!
The evening fell and the humidity rose, so I gave up hope of any quality quilting time...opting to finish up the dishes in the sink and then laze on the sofa, sorting old paperwork and waiting for the evening news just for the weather forecast. Well, I fell asleep and missed it completely!
Now, I've dragged myself upstairs, washed up for bed and am ready to crash mightily.
Have a good night, all. See you tomorrow ~
In the early evening, Barb and Jean stopped by - armed with ice cream cake! - to celebrate another year of maturity for Karl and Barb. We ordered LL pizza and relaxed and chatted.
Later, Barb kindly reviewed Karl's last math test and spoke with him about it. I am not certain if she was able to identify his more difficult hiccup, but I think she helped him to clearly understand it is within his power to turn the ship around before the end of the semester.
Thank you, Barb!
The evening fell and the humidity rose, so I gave up hope of any quality quilting time...opting to finish up the dishes in the sink and then laze on the sofa, sorting old paperwork and waiting for the evening news just for the weather forecast. Well, I fell asleep and missed it completely!
Now, I've dragged myself upstairs, washed up for bed and am ready to crash mightily.
Have a good night, all. See you tomorrow ~
6.30.2013
Don't be jealous, but...
...I have some VERY AWESOME friends.
OK, you can be jealous if you want to.
OK, you can be jealous if you want to.
6.16.2013
Physical pursuits
Well, well. Midway through the month of June already. Bwah!
Spent the early part of this weekend engaged in physical acts of sweatiness and grunting. Oh, for Heaven's sake...get your minds out of the gutter!
After correcting another egregious attack on my meager financial holdings at the bank (which took forever, by the way), I headed north to help a friend begin the nitty-gritty cleaning chores of a property she hopes to sell. Because of the long line of loan customers (who receive preferential attention AND can make appointments, which supersede those of us already in line waiting to speak with someone regarding our account issues), I was later arriving than I wanted to be.
And, I was not the happiest camper.
When I arrived, Jean was hard at work in the bathroom and had already mopped the breezeway floor to within an inch of its life. I cleaned out a portion of dishes from the cupboard and whatnot, then suggested that maybe a fresh pair of muscles and aggravation should set to work on the stubborn stains in the tub. That seemed to do the trick.
After annihilating the country rust, we divided and conquered other areas of the house. The wood living room walls and ceiling are dust- (and spiderweb-) free, thank you very much, and I managed to irritate (then kill) a few residents of the creepy crawly sort along the way. SCORE!
It wasn't long before we called it a day and headed for a more lazy posture.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Jean showed me all of the surg hats she managed to create on her school break; an astounding number of really cute hats that will sell quickly at the hospital! We ordered a pizza and watched a little TV before turning in for the night.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Saturday morning found us bushy-tailed (if not bright-eyed), and we readied ourselves for a long day of driving and moving furniture. Her lovely doctor daughter (or, is it daughter doctor?) was moving from her groovy residency residence to Maine for work, so we were heading to K'zoo to help her get rid of the items not traveling with her to lobster-land.
Had the chance to meet her boyfriend and a sweet doctor friend - both very wonderful people, much like Carrie (doctor daughter)...so no surprise there. We actually kibitzed our way through lunch at a great GREEK diner in K'zoo before getting started on the heavy stuff. Too much laughing - more so than eating - but no complaints.
We all loaded a small moving van; chit-chatted a bit; said our goodbyes and parting 'nice-to-have-met-yous,' then; off we went one more time. The road was our mistress yesterday, without a doubt.
Once back on the expressway, we headed first for Lansing to drop off a heavy piece of furniture, then proceeded to Jean's home to unload the rest into storage.
~ I want to thank Dr. Carrie for the dining table and chairs. They are going to fit perfectly in my dining space at the end of the kitchen! I simply need to paint the walls before making that happen - but I am more than incentivized!! Currently scheming of the perfect design for your wall hanging, girlie. ;)
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
This morning I am stiff but very eager to remain in any non-sitting positions as much as possible. Don't know what the day has in store exactly, but I'm thinking it'll be something to do with finishing priming the dining area walls and hanging the planned art for the arrival of the 'new' table and chairs! It's supposed to rain later this afternoon, so I will have to work somewhat quickly.
So, I guess....more physical pursuits.
Thanks, again, Carrie and Jean!
More later. Photos when I can. :)
Spent the early part of this weekend engaged in physical acts of sweatiness and grunting. Oh, for Heaven's sake...get your minds out of the gutter!
After correcting another egregious attack on my meager financial holdings at the bank (which took forever, by the way), I headed north to help a friend begin the nitty-gritty cleaning chores of a property she hopes to sell. Because of the long line of loan customers (who receive preferential attention AND can make appointments, which supersede those of us already in line waiting to speak with someone regarding our account issues), I was later arriving than I wanted to be.
And, I was not the happiest camper.
When I arrived, Jean was hard at work in the bathroom and had already mopped the breezeway floor to within an inch of its life. I cleaned out a portion of dishes from the cupboard and whatnot, then suggested that maybe a fresh pair of muscles and aggravation should set to work on the stubborn stains in the tub. That seemed to do the trick.
After annihilating the country rust, we divided and conquered other areas of the house. The wood living room walls and ceiling are dust- (and spiderweb-) free, thank you very much, and I managed to irritate (then kill) a few residents of the creepy crawly sort along the way. SCORE!
It wasn't long before we called it a day and headed for a more lazy posture.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Jean showed me all of the surg hats she managed to create on her school break; an astounding number of really cute hats that will sell quickly at the hospital! We ordered a pizza and watched a little TV before turning in for the night.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Saturday morning found us bushy-tailed (if not bright-eyed), and we readied ourselves for a long day of driving and moving furniture. Her lovely doctor daughter (or, is it daughter doctor?) was moving from her groovy residency residence to Maine for work, so we were heading to K'zoo to help her get rid of the items not traveling with her to lobster-land.
Had the chance to meet her boyfriend and a sweet doctor friend - both very wonderful people, much like Carrie (doctor daughter)...so no surprise there. We actually kibitzed our way through lunch at a great GREEK diner in K'zoo before getting started on the heavy stuff. Too much laughing - more so than eating - but no complaints.
We all loaded a small moving van; chit-chatted a bit; said our goodbyes and parting 'nice-to-have-met-yous,' then; off we went one more time. The road was our mistress yesterday, without a doubt.
Once back on the expressway, we headed first for Lansing to drop off a heavy piece of furniture, then proceeded to Jean's home to unload the rest into storage.
~ I want to thank Dr. Carrie for the dining table and chairs. They are going to fit perfectly in my dining space at the end of the kitchen! I simply need to paint the walls before making that happen - but I am more than incentivized!! Currently scheming of the perfect design for your wall hanging, girlie. ;)
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
This morning I am stiff but very eager to remain in any non-sitting positions as much as possible. Don't know what the day has in store exactly, but I'm thinking it'll be something to do with finishing priming the dining area walls and hanging the planned art for the arrival of the 'new' table and chairs! It's supposed to rain later this afternoon, so I will have to work somewhat quickly.
So, I guess....more physical pursuits.
Thanks, again, Carrie and Jean!
More later. Photos when I can. :)
6.01.2013
5.26.2013
Little expeditions
As my friends and I try to re-invent and re-purpose ourselves for employment, we manage to take time to insert a little creative juice and activity into our schedules to keep from going mad. I am an artist who prefers to turn her energy and talents towards fabric arts (quilting) and photography (and silk screening - although, admittedly not so much s/s as I once did).
My best friends are also into quilting, which is where I direct most of my non-job-searching time, and every once in a while we allow our little vises to take control of our minds and pocketbooks, and we have fun "shop-hopping" on a private basis. Well, Maria has had the fun of a true organized shop hop - an organized and chauffeured tour, put on by multiple quilt shop destinations - but Jean and I haven't gone that route, yet.
One of these days, though....you just wait!
At any rate, Jean and I squoze in a mini hop Friday - visiting five different quilt stores - and we were terribly impressed with two of the target stores and not so impressed with two others. The fifth store was a charming mix of antiques, chachki and material, but the setting was disappointingly short of material offerings and decent light to shop by. Still, FUN to walk through, and a possible go-to spot for a re-visit at some time in the deep future.
If you want to read more about each of our new quilt shop finds, please find the reviews at: www.truenorthquilter.blogspot.com. I'll be writing them out this afternoon (or tonight). Otherwise......
Work progresses on the large 16+K piece art quilt;
Karl's persevering in his new advanced math class;
Brian continues to work his two part time jobs while looking for something full time and stable, and;
the cats are still fuzzy and demanding as ever.
How's it by you?
My best friends are also into quilting, which is where I direct most of my non-job-searching time, and every once in a while we allow our little vises to take control of our minds and pocketbooks, and we have fun "shop-hopping" on a private basis. Well, Maria has had the fun of a true organized shop hop - an organized and chauffeured tour, put on by multiple quilt shop destinations - but Jean and I haven't gone that route, yet.
One of these days, though....you just wait!
At any rate, Jean and I squoze in a mini hop Friday - visiting five different quilt stores - and we were terribly impressed with two of the target stores and not so impressed with two others. The fifth store was a charming mix of antiques, chachki and material, but the setting was disappointingly short of material offerings and decent light to shop by. Still, FUN to walk through, and a possible go-to spot for a re-visit at some time in the deep future.
If you want to read more about each of our new quilt shop finds, please find the reviews at: www.truenorthquilter.blogspot.com. I'll be writing them out this afternoon (or tonight). Otherwise......
Work progresses on the large 16+K piece art quilt;
Karl's persevering in his new advanced math class;
Brian continues to work his two part time jobs while looking for something full time and stable, and;
the cats are still fuzzy and demanding as ever.
How's it by you?
5.11.2013
How'dya do, Maria?
About two weeks ago you wrote that you had "just about two weeks to go" before the end of your semester.
Well...it's been just about two days past your two week forecast, and I'm a-wondering how it went?
How'dya do?
What's the word?
Are you pleased with your final grades?
Oh, and how was your birthday?
In another very short while Jean's travails of her first 'year' of radiology studies will be over with, too, so the two of you each have something to celebrate! I have two incredibly bright friends!
:^)
It's (they're) not even my accomplishment(s), and I'm so proud!
Well...it's been just about two days past your two week forecast, and I'm a-wondering how it went?
How'dya do?
What's the word?
Are you pleased with your final grades?
Oh, and how was your birthday?
In another very short while Jean's travails of her first 'year' of radiology studies will be over with, too, so the two of you each have something to celebrate! I have two incredibly bright friends!
:^)
It's (they're) not even my accomplishment(s), and I'm so proud!
5.07.2013
Happy birthday to my lovely friend, MARIA!
I hope your birthday is every bit as wonderful as you are ~
Maria and I met several years ago while we attempted to infuse our later years with more learning, and a chance at starting our lives (and flagging careers) anew. She has been such an inspiration and a joyful addition to my meager collection of friends.
God has truly blessed me with such a lovely woman, and I hope to be more like her as the years pass.
Happy, HAPPY birthday, Maria!!
Maria and I met several years ago while we attempted to infuse our later years with more learning, and a chance at starting our lives (and flagging careers) anew. She has been such an inspiration and a joyful addition to my meager collection of friends.
God has truly blessed me with such a lovely woman, and I hope to be more like her as the years pass.
Happy, HAPPY birthday, Maria!!
5.05.2013
Another bright, lovely spring day
Will there be a piper to pay in the near future for all of this delightful weather?
It could stay exactly like it has been for the remainder of the year for all I care. Not hot (except for the upper 70s Tuesday or Wednesday of last week) and not too cool. Perfectly pleasant!
I dislike hot temperatures, and I grew exceedingly weary this past winter of grey, doldrum-y frigidiness. Something warmer than 55*F and cooler than 74*F is optimal; add sunshine, a drizzle here and there and you have the best weather pattern EVER! Why can't that be the norm? Where can a gal find such happiness?
Yesterday was picture-perfect, and I spent it with friends in Grand Ledge for a community concert, then at lunch, then in a quilt shop, and on the road. By the time I returned home there was dinner to make for 'boy junior' and jobs to look over for a bit. Then I capped the day with a smidge of daydreaming over what is to come on the large new quilt project (which I had a small angsty guilting session over, not having touched at all yesterday).
This morning, I settled in to watch Joel Osteen's sermon. Once done, I began cleaning up the latest mountains of 'decision' I had created since last weekend; all the materials pondered over, cut from, discarded, etc., etc., in the pursuit of finishing up row one.
I found I had somehow succeeded in amassing three separate groupings of material in different areas around the sewing area (and in it, too). I really needed to get it back under control...and locate everything I had formally had in some sort of order. I found things I knew I had but couldn't locate when I wanted it, so I now know I must be even more diligent about maintaining order whilst laying out the blocks.
There was a lot to put back in order, too. Too much, in fact.
On the plus side, the color pool is expanding by leaps and bounds, and I have worked my way over into the upper right-hand corner which contains a vast amount of blues, and several muddy reddish bits. So my little one-inch-square spectrum continues to grow!
I have decided my aim shall be to stay pro-actively ahead of the color curve requirements (if that's at all possible with this monster), and to scope out the next 100 pieces to see if I have cut and at the ready most of what will be needed. If not, then I will get to work ironing, measuring and cutting dozens upon dozens of little squares of what looks right and stacking them into little towers in my 'color palette.'
It's all good intentions on my part, mind you, so we shall see if I can keep up with it for the next thousand pieces. The cutting is tedious, and I most decidedly would rather be assembling the silly squares than cutting, cutting, cutting. But it has to be done at some point, right? 16,000+ pieces don't make themselves.
Yeesh!
Enjoy your day, whatever you will be doing. Revel in the wonderful weather!
It could stay exactly like it has been for the remainder of the year for all I care. Not hot (except for the upper 70s Tuesday or Wednesday of last week) and not too cool. Perfectly pleasant!
I dislike hot temperatures, and I grew exceedingly weary this past winter of grey, doldrum-y frigidiness. Something warmer than 55*F and cooler than 74*F is optimal; add sunshine, a drizzle here and there and you have the best weather pattern EVER! Why can't that be the norm? Where can a gal find such happiness?
Yesterday was picture-perfect, and I spent it with friends in Grand Ledge for a community concert, then at lunch, then in a quilt shop, and on the road. By the time I returned home there was dinner to make for 'boy junior' and jobs to look over for a bit. Then I capped the day with a smidge of daydreaming over what is to come on the large new quilt project (which I had a small angsty guilting session over, not having touched at all yesterday).
This morning, I settled in to watch Joel Osteen's sermon. Once done, I began cleaning up the latest mountains of 'decision' I had created since last weekend; all the materials pondered over, cut from, discarded, etc., etc., in the pursuit of finishing up row one.
I found I had somehow succeeded in amassing three separate groupings of material in different areas around the sewing area (and in it, too). I really needed to get it back under control...and locate everything I had formally had in some sort of order. I found things I knew I had but couldn't locate when I wanted it, so I now know I must be even more diligent about maintaining order whilst laying out the blocks.
There was a lot to put back in order, too. Too much, in fact.
On the plus side, the color pool is expanding by leaps and bounds, and I have worked my way over into the upper right-hand corner which contains a vast amount of blues, and several muddy reddish bits. So my little one-inch-square spectrum continues to grow!
I have decided my aim shall be to stay pro-actively ahead of the color curve requirements (if that's at all possible with this monster), and to scope out the next 100 pieces to see if I have cut and at the ready most of what will be needed. If not, then I will get to work ironing, measuring and cutting dozens upon dozens of little squares of what looks right and stacking them into little towers in my 'color palette.'
It's all good intentions on my part, mind you, so we shall see if I can keep up with it for the next thousand pieces. The cutting is tedious, and I most decidedly would rather be assembling the silly squares than cutting, cutting, cutting. But it has to be done at some point, right? 16,000+ pieces don't make themselves.
Yeesh!
Enjoy your day, whatever you will be doing. Revel in the wonderful weather!
3.28.2013
I miss reading Maria's updates
That's all.
See, Maria has a life. A full life, and I am envious....and in awe. I love reading her updates, but she's been so busy between school and her new home shaping up, and family stuff, and just taking part in life in general, that she hasn't any time to post the happenings.
I miss you Maria, but I am glad you are making the most of it all. And I am hoping by now you have gotten over your cold.
See, Maria has a life. A full life, and I am envious....and in awe. I love reading her updates, but she's been so busy between school and her new home shaping up, and family stuff, and just taking part in life in general, that she hasn't any time to post the happenings.
I miss you Maria, but I am glad you are making the most of it all. And I am hoping by now you have gotten over your cold.
10.18.2012
Operation "Omission"
I have opted over the first two-plus weeks of October to remain silent rather than rant. To practice abstention over my need to explain, or question, or expound.
I exercised silence in hopes of finding my voice once again - but it's still missing.
The feeling that I have nothing to offer persists. Nothing that anyone would give a rat's ass about, anyway. My melancholia is evident in spades, and I resent it!
This time of year is usually my favorite. The cooler days; the languid afternoon sun shining down at awkward, elongated angles; shorter hours of daylight; falling evening temps; the changing colors of the trees and foliage around the yard. It all normally buoys my spirit and raises my happiness meter to new heights.... but not this year - and I don't know why.
Over the past few weeks I have hidden away from all of my normal activities. Found a deep recess in the attic space of my psyche and burrowed in, wholly surrendering to oblivion and ennui. Eshewed the handful of brilliantly sunlit days (when I would normally revel in them with my quilting projects) and ignored the overabundant dark and rainy days, keeping myself cloistered and walled off from the daily disappointment of the less-than-satisfactory responses to job applications (mostly), the ignorant SPAM comments being shovelled in this direction, and the daily barrage of Karl's strange, Autistic-shunning friend seeking help and guidance she laughingly will not give credence to.
She is a time waster and an emotional drain. An 'ask hole,' and unworthy of the space in my head and the indigestion she has caused. A walking whirlwind of discontent. But, she is another story foranother. No!
I've told you already, she is a drain, and I won't go there any more....never-in-a-million-years!
At any rate, I am feeling a bit more optimistic this afternoon, so I thought it might be a good time to share a little information. Don't know how enlightening or significant you may find any of it, but here it is.
Karl's photography class is proceeding down it's slow, slow path. It's not the sort of class he thought it would be (maybe that'll teach him to read the darned class description when mom suggests it), and it is a bit of a backward step for him, but at least he is getting outside the house once a week and having to deal with meeting new people and being in unfamiliar territory.
We (Karl and I) had lunch with Maria in Ferndale about a week ago, and had a very nice time at a restaurant named Como's. Always wondered about that spot every time I would pass it coming home from a film gig in the D. Now I know!
Thank you, Maria -- a-g-a-i-n!
I had some farm animal materials to give her (pulled from my stash, Mom) for the charm block challenge happening in the quilting guild she belongs to. I hope she can use them, or pass them along to others who can. Goodness knows it's all sat long enough in my collection!
My surprise was in receiving one of her wonderful tote bags with a flap! Made of beautiful, upholstery-like material, it's lined and has interior pockets, and a very long strap which is wide and comfy for over the shoulder use. Thank you so much, lady, I've already had an opportunity to use it and will continue to do so!!
Been contacted for a scripty gig but most likely will be turning it down, as 'they' are unresponsive regarding questions I have, and have yet to send the script for a breakdown (production begins 10/29). Rushing for every little scrap of time is not my ideal way of working. Plus, the daily rate is absolute crap - AGAIN!
Damned California production companies thinking they can undervalue MI talent while taking advantage of the incentives (what little remains of them). I may as well continue to look for 'regular' work outside of the industry during those three weeks as opposed to all of the driving I'd be doing; spending money on gas and a place to stay, and bringing home little $ for bills and the bank. Not worth it. SO not worth it.
On top of all those detractors is the real issue of arranging a ride for Karl to and from class for those three weeks. He can't afford to miss that much time....so, it's a definite "no" for this cheap Cali-indie.
Yes, Bud is still with his company, working 40 hour weeks, and they are gearing up for the holidays already - annoying music and all. Hoping it would incentivize him to find other work while the finding is good (for his ilk), but he seems determined to stick it out at M's and continue internalizing the grief and sniping of his workmates and staff. [tsk, tsk] He'll have an ulcer if he never leaves there.
Karl had been contacted by Target over a week ago, and had a cursory phone interview ending with the vague promise of a return call in a week's time. Yeah, yeah...right.
No, he hasn't heard from them again. Yes, we know it takes time. Yes, we are aware this particular wheel grinds slowly (if at all), but please understand how eager he is to find a job at a place he would prefer to be.
Tall order without the Autism thrown in for good measure. At any rate, we wait. See? This is why I have omitted myself from blogging of late.
Tick. Tock. Tick.
Hope things are well for you, wherever you are.
I exercised silence in hopes of finding my voice once again - but it's still missing.
The feeling that I have nothing to offer persists. Nothing that anyone would give a rat's ass about, anyway. My melancholia is evident in spades, and I resent it!
This time of year is usually my favorite. The cooler days; the languid afternoon sun shining down at awkward, elongated angles; shorter hours of daylight; falling evening temps; the changing colors of the trees and foliage around the yard. It all normally buoys my spirit and raises my happiness meter to new heights.... but not this year - and I don't know why.
Over the past few weeks I have hidden away from all of my normal activities. Found a deep recess in the attic space of my psyche and burrowed in, wholly surrendering to oblivion and ennui. Eshewed the handful of brilliantly sunlit days (when I would normally revel in them with my quilting projects) and ignored the overabundant dark and rainy days, keeping myself cloistered and walled off from the daily disappointment of the less-than-satisfactory responses to job applications (mostly), the ignorant SPAM comments being shovelled in this direction, and the daily barrage of Karl's strange, Autistic-shunning friend seeking help and guidance she laughingly will not give credence to.
She is a time waster and an emotional drain. An 'ask hole,' and unworthy of the space in my head and the indigestion she has caused. A walking whirlwind of discontent. But, she is another story for
I've told you already, she is a drain, and I won't go there any more....never-in-a-million-years!
At any rate, I am feeling a bit more optimistic this afternoon, so I thought it might be a good time to share a little information. Don't know how enlightening or significant you may find any of it, but here it is.
Karl's photography class is proceeding down it's slow, slow path. It's not the sort of class he thought it would be (maybe that'll teach him to read the darned class description when mom suggests it), and it is a bit of a backward step for him, but at least he is getting outside the house once a week and having to deal with meeting new people and being in unfamiliar territory.
We (Karl and I) had lunch with Maria in Ferndale about a week ago, and had a very nice time at a restaurant named Como's. Always wondered about that spot every time I would pass it coming home from a film gig in the D. Now I know!
Thank you, Maria -- a-g-a-i-n!
I had some farm animal materials to give her (pulled from my stash, Mom) for the charm block challenge happening in the quilting guild she belongs to. I hope she can use them, or pass them along to others who can. Goodness knows it's all sat long enough in my collection!
My surprise was in receiving one of her wonderful tote bags with a flap! Made of beautiful, upholstery-like material, it's lined and has interior pockets, and a very long strap which is wide and comfy for over the shoulder use. Thank you so much, lady, I've already had an opportunity to use it and will continue to do so!!
Been contacted for a scripty gig but most likely will be turning it down, as 'they' are unresponsive regarding questions I have, and have yet to send the script for a breakdown (production begins 10/29). Rushing for every little scrap of time is not my ideal way of working. Plus, the daily rate is absolute crap - AGAIN!
Damned California production companies thinking they can undervalue MI talent while taking advantage of the incentives (what little remains of them). I may as well continue to look for 'regular' work outside of the industry during those three weeks as opposed to all of the driving I'd be doing; spending money on gas and a place to stay, and bringing home little $ for bills and the bank. Not worth it. SO not worth it.
On top of all those detractors is the real issue of arranging a ride for Karl to and from class for those three weeks. He can't afford to miss that much time....so, it's a definite "no" for this cheap Cali-indie.
Yes, Bud is still with his company, working 40 hour weeks, and they are gearing up for the holidays already - annoying music and all. Hoping it would incentivize him to find other work while the finding is good (for his ilk), but he seems determined to stick it out at M's and continue internalizing the grief and sniping of his workmates and staff. [tsk, tsk] He'll have an ulcer if he never leaves there.
Karl had been contacted by Target over a week ago, and had a cursory phone interview ending with the vague promise of a return call in a week's time. Yeah, yeah...right.
No, he hasn't heard from them again. Yes, we know it takes time. Yes, we are aware this particular wheel grinds slowly (if at all), but please understand how eager he is to find a job at a place he would prefer to be.
Tall order without the Autism thrown in for good measure. At any rate, we wait. See? This is why I have omitted myself from blogging of late.
Tick. Tock. Tick.
Hope things are well for you, wherever you are.
8.12.2012
Karl's visitors
Every so often Karl has an itch which needs scratching. Whether he knows it or not, he desires company. A day with activity and camaraderie. Time spent face-to-face with humans who are not bent solely on destroying another civilization and stealing their 'life points'.
We all do from time to time.
It's just that he chats and yaks and grumbles at people online so often that he doesn't realize he really does want some human interaction, too - and needs it.
Yesterday, he had been on the phone with Tony (a friend of his) for quite a while, when one of them decided it would be a good idea to ask if I thought it would be a good idea if Tony came over to our place, or for Karl to go over to Tony's.
My simple answer was that they should figure out if one of those choices would be to their liking. After all, did they want to get together? If yes, then that was pretty much the question answered. Of course, that decision then created another choice to tackle; which option should they choose? Karl there or Tony here?
Two Autistic youths making decisions is fun to watch unfold. Sort of like origami in reverse.
I won't go into all of the particulars, suffice it to say they eventually came to the obvious choice, and we drove over to Tony's to pick him up for the afternoon. Given the hour of the day, I figured there would be dinner to make once they became hungry enough, so I prepped for that.
'Round about 11PM I let them know it was time to wrap it up and get Tony home.
By midnight (egads!) they were ready to roll.
LOL
All of this to say, as Karl and I approached the house last night, after taking Tony home, my headlights illuminated I shape on the lawn. It was most definitely NOT cat. It was much too late for a squirrel. Possums tails are not bushy or upright (as this one was), and it wasn't moving appropriately for a racoon. I slowed my speed and got a great look as the critter turned to face us with a bit of posturing.
It was a skunk! I haven't seen one of those in a long time, but I was delighted to watch him size us up as we watched his movements.
Karl was not thrilled in the least as his mind raced quickly to the "oh-my-gawd-how-do-we-get-to-the-front-door-without-being-sprayed?" question.
Not to worry. He moved to the shadow at the backside of the large tree in our front yard, and I turned into the driveway to size up our options - and watch our little visitor a little more closely.
Somehow, he slipped away in an unknown direction, and we neither smelled nor saw him again as we dashed from the car to the door....and safety of the house.
Visitors are always welcome.
7.14.2012
7.11.2012
Worth the wait
I have a friend - Maria - who recently finished a Master Gardening course through Wayne State. She is now in the midst of her community service/internship-like hours, hoping to keep up a good pace throughout the summer so that she might accumulate enough 'time' for the college to award her her actual accreditation.
Hoops, hoops, hoops. There are always hoops to jump through, aren't there?
I eagerly look to her blog page every day or two, hoping for some update of her progress and her happenings. She keeps very busy, and I admire her for that.
Besides her gardening/community efforts, she also visits friends or has regular visitors herself; she works with her son at his business in the city; she has a myriad of interests and hobbies she enjoys keeping a hand in, and; she's a good friend. She fishes and enjoys free time birdwatching at the Ford residence in the Pointes, and squeezes in city events like concerts and food festivals.
A true Renaissance Metropolitanite. I guess that makes her a "Renaitropolitan."
Oh, and in the midst of all of that commotion, she is also rehabbing a house! I think the plan is to move in late this fall or before the holidays.
Oh, envy and joy!
At any rate, Maria wrote an entry today detailing her current plans and activities, and it sounds as though she has formulated some good methodologies to keep her days (and her person) moving in positive directions.
Yes, there can be more than one positive direction!
Bravo, Maria! Your blog was worth the wait today - and thanks especially for the link to the snow quilts!
If you want to know more, you'll have to go to the truenorthquilter blog to catch up.
7.08.2012
Homecomings
And I don't mean high school homecomings. I'm talkin' about the type of arrival home you experience after some extended away time.
Homecomings follow vacations - usually (or trips to states a distance away for....a funeral, as an example, or a family reunion).
If you're a working person - and you travel as a part of your job - then homecomings happen as a part of your every day life. If you're not a working person (but you desperately want to be), homecomings most likely occur far less often than you may like.
And let's face it, there are those among us who never leave home. Some folks don't like to travel farther than they have to for groceries (let alone traverse more than an hour or two for a visit), and so they never go through any of the exhilaration and/or disappointment one can have upon returning home.
Well, I arrived home yesterday after a few days away (by the way, thank you Barb and Jean for dragging my sorry butt to Traverse City with you) to find a bit of cooling chaos happening in the house.
Even after writing down express directions for what order to follow in relation to the AC unit versus the attic fan....and the windows....and all of that, the two boys still couldn't get it together enough to follow through on the process - each blaming the other for the windows being closed, the AC running at full bore and the attic fan pulling what little cold air existed right out of the house! Now, couple that with the failure of the tape to hold the insulation against the top of the window (so that the hot steamy air being pulled from the house was blown right back in through the open window. We had a small collection of bugs indoors as well!) Had they periodically checked the tape and applied a little muscle to stick it firmly back in place, some measure of cooling and dehumidifying would have occurred.
Yeesh.
All I could see were the dollar signs blowing out the window and being sucked out the ceiling fan.
Happily, the place did not smell like a pee palace (meaning, there wasn't a cat box odor prevailing), so that was a huge plus. But I didn't handle the whole AC/window/fan debacle well, and I went a little crazy on Karl for not following the written (and practiced) directions or for using some common sense.
It wasn't a very good homecoming I'm afraid, and I am sorry that B&J had to be here for it.
Jeez. Guess we need a lot more practice on the day-to-day stuff before I can run away from home again (or ever).
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