Rain and snow

Yesterday morning I look out our bedroom window and see rain. And water, lots and lots of water. The temps over night got high enough to melt the snow we had. Since there was quite a bit, it just flooded the one side of our yard and the neighbors. The water was all the way over to the deck, which ends at the end of our bedroom. I looked a little farther to see if there was any flooding from the field, some but not much. What really stood out was the garden. It looked like an oasis, surrounded by all that water, lol!

Last night I checked the weather report which was predicting 1-3" of snow, but figured they were way off since it's rather mild right now. Looked out my bedroom window this morning and what do I see? Snow, huge snow flakes, everything is covered in

snow. Guess the standing water is frozen under all that snow. And if it isn't, it will be. Tomorrow the high might get out of the upper teens and wind chills in the single digits. Have to remind the kids, and myself, that if they go walking out in the yard to be careful of that spot, might be nothing but ice under there. Or worse yet, not frozen to solid and their whole foot will sink through and get wet.

The oldest had to work early this morning. This was news to me. My plans were to pick up the few things I needed before work because I had no idea what the roads would be like later. I was thinking it would snow later in the morning, not earlier. Got myself together in record time. Except I forgot half of my lunch. I don't get to leave to go out and get lunch, so I have to bring anything I might want. Had planned on a salad and some leftover Indian rice, and cut up banana and strawberry's. I wanted to put the hard boiled egg, some shredded cheese, and maybe some canned chicken in the salad. Didn't happen, all I packed was just salad. Glad I remembered the dressing. Totally forgot the fruit. Didn't get to even drink half my tea and no piece of toast, so no vitamins for today. I managed oatmeal and a few sips of tea. All morning I was hungry. All day actually. I feel like the bottomless pit today. Few hours after I eat, I'm hungry again. It's that gnawing, empty feeling. Sure hope tomorrow isn't like this! Tomorrow I get to leave normal time and the oldest doesn't have to work. And no snow!!

Bought a precooked chicken for dinner tonight. Hubby had me run an errand after work. Went to the supermarket specifically for this one item and forgot it anyway. The temps were dropping fast and it was after 5 pm, so I just called it a day and went home. I'll have to send hubby for it. I've gone out twice not for this and haven't remembered to pick it up yet. Guess I'm not supposed to have it, lol.

The day after

Well, now that all the gifts have been opened and the food cooked I hope everyone will get a chance to relax a little this weekend. I know that's the plan for me.

We had quite a few people over yesterday for dinner. I posted a few pics on my facebook page. I was so tired Thursday and Friday. It feels like all I want to do is sleep today. We got sleet, freezing rain and some ice overnight. The ice buildup was minimum, but the temps rose enough today so things melted some along with the rain. Tonight things will freeze again. It's been a really gray cloudy day today. Good day for staying home, lol.

Tons of leftovers. Hubby took quite a few containers with him to work. He mostly took the Indian dishes from yesterday. We made cauliflower and potato. I normally make this dish myself, with no problems, I might add. Hubby had his paws in it yesterday while I was making it and over did it on the salt. Way to salty for me to eat it. Bummer, because I really wanted it. I made rice with veggies, while hubby was out of the kitchen, and that was really good. I never made it that way before but I really liked it. The green beans I only used one hot pepper and it was way, way to hot for me to eat, so he took all of that to. Only one piece of the pineapple upside down cake was left so I sent that along with him. Since the oldest was still working to, he brought some ham, gravy and salad for both of them to share. I also packed a bag of cookies and stuff for his tea later. Hubby's got quite a feast for tonight, lol!

Tomorrow after church we have to drop the very last gift. We are done in record time this year. Usually we are distributing the gifts a few weeks after Christmas. I like being done early. I've already started to put some of the decorations away. As the Christmas dish cloths and dish towels are washed, I'm just sticking them in the container for in the shed. I also put the stockings in as well. This year I want all the decorations put away by New Years. Things are going to get busy for me after that, and I want all that stuff out of the way. School starts back for me as well as the boys and a friend of mine is going to teach me to speak their language. Hubby wants to take me to India next year, but he knows I won't go unless I can at least speak and understand the language. Everyone says it will be very easy for me to pick up, I sure hope so.

Managed to get through all my laundry today. Yeah, empty baskets!! To bad it never lasts. Going to go heat a plate for dinner and then iron the church clothes for tomorrow. Then my day will be done.

Twas the night before Christmas.............

And I seem to be the only creature stirring in my house this morning!
Everyone, including the cat, is still in bed. Must be nice...........

This is a pic of the sun room after the youngest did the decorating.

This is the mantle over the fireplace in the living room.

I'll be taking pics on Christmas so I'll post the pic of the tree then. Everyone have a Merry Christmas!

Flurries that accumulate

The weatherman was predicting flurries for the next few days. The state I was born and raised in, flurries meant just a few flakes, not enough to even see on the ground. Up here, flurries means a coating to possibly an inch or two. Well, when I got home we had probably about an inch and a half. A friend of mine said it started snowing at her house around 10 am. I know it wasn't snowing in my area at that time. I noticed it at 2:30 but could tell it had been snowing for some time because it was laying on the neighbors cars. The drive home was ok, the roads were semi-clear. But then traffic in Htown was bumper to bumper anyway. Had to stop by my office to pick up something and got a small treat bag , and a winning lottery ticket, they put together for the Christmas party last week. I didn't go. I never go. I always have to many things to do after work to stop buy, even for a few minutes. During the week it's rush, rush until after dinner. Weekends are better, I'm more relaxed knowing I can sleep until whenever. Had to go do some last minute things tonight, in the snow and decided I wasn't going back out. Don't' know if Bible study was cancelled or not, but I just didn't feel like going back out on the roads in the cold again. It's only been in the lower 20's here lately and with the wind, it's super cold. Been in the low teens to single digits overnight, so I decided to skip it. Have to go out later to get hubby and the oldest. Groceries came in today because of the holiday. Hubby hurt his back so I told him to keep the oldest and make him do all the lifting and moping of the floors. Hubby says he feels best when he first gets up. Told him it's because he's rested his back all night. I hope he listens to me and takes the oldest tomorrow to give his back a chance to get better. He said he was feeling better when he got to work and then lifted something and his back is hurting again. Well...............

I didn't take tomorrow off, I'm working. I don't think there's to much I have to do, good thing because my real work starts when I get home. Pies, cake and maybe some cookies. I'm feeling to lazy tonight to do anything. I did bake some pumpkin bread to take to my lady tomorrow. Christmas isn't something she really celebrates because she's Jewish, but it's still a holiday and she should have something home baked for the weekend, since I won't be back until Monday.

The cakes should be done cooling and then I'm off to veg on the sofa. My body knows it's the middle of the week, I'm tired!!

Snow?? What snow?

I guess the big news of the day is that we didn't get the half a foot of snow, plus that was predicted. Not one single snow flake! We were talking about it in church this morning and one woman was saying she felt almost disappointed. Me to. Snow on a weekend when I can sit home and watch it knowing I don't have to drive in it is a rare treat for me. But, farther south of us, including nyc, got clobbered with snow. I had told hubby when the snow was supposed to start and to close if he was slow. Since hubby works until early morning, the roads usually aren't plowed or anything yet. I remember way to many nights driving home on unplowed back roads. Not a pleasant thing, especially when you have no cell service and you might see maybe one car the entire drive home. We live 5 minutes from hubby's work, but in snow that 5 minutes can become 20. Fortunately, it's a rather populated area.

We got up and went to church. All but hubby, he chose the bed instead. As I was getting ready he was tossing and turning in bed having trouble sleeping. I told him it was God's way of telling him to get out of that bed and go to church with his family, lol. He said it was because the heavy curtains weren't' closed. Ha! He was up when I got home and I asked him what time he was up, he said 11:45. He only slept for another hour anyway. Again he says he will go next week. The service this morning was such a good one that I really wish he was there. We had been working through the book on Daniel, which he missed almost all of. Then the other elder has been preaching and he chose the real meaning of Christmas. Again, all messages that hubby should really be hearing instead of laying in bed. But, with him working nights he can at least attend church with me. If he worked daytime, he wouldn't have that option at all.


I came home and worked on getting the cookie baking done. One batch of cookies made and one bar cookie done. Ran out of time after that because the oven had to be free for the oldest to make dinner in. And I was getting tired. Had the oldest make stuffed shells. They were really good. I did hover over the oldest as he was making them though! So tomorrow just cookies on the agenda for me. And the mountain of laundry. Always laundry.........................

This 3 day work week is going to feel nice. So will next week since I took new years day off to. Not to do anything special, but just because. Since we didn't' do the white elephant at church last week with the pot luck, the thinking is maybe to do it new years eve. Sounds good to me. Maybe have everyone bring in some kind of snack to have before. We could have our own new years celebration. Should know for sure probably next week.

And then, well then it's back to business......................No more days off.

Slow day

So, this is the last weekend until Christmas. I pushed myself yesterday after work to do all the Christmas dinner shopping. And I even bought some dips and chips for New Years. It will be just us, I think, for Christmas, which is fine with me. I took Monday off, just to relax and get all the last minute things done. Hubby and I went last night and delivered one of the gifts we have under the tree. I was surprised hubby went with me, so was she. I can't remember the last time he was there. She was telling me she hasn't gotten anything done yet. Her husband was coming home last night and they were going shopping today. Not sure when he's leaving again, but she did say he won't be home for Christmas but will be there the day after. Her sister is supposed to come for Christmas, but since she lives out of state, it will depend on the weather. So we told her to stop by our house, no reason to sit home on the holiday alone.

Got up super early to drop my time sheet off at work. By dropping it off I know I'll get paid on time. Putting it in the mail if it comes in the office late I have to wait until the next week to get paid. No snow, so off I went. Earlier in the week I had bought something for the guy who works with hubby for his birthday. I got him a hoodie. The hood it lined with fur and has a fleece lining inside. He said it wasn't the right size, to small across the shoulders. That was the largest size they had at the time and I lost my receipt anyway. The youngest took it. He liked it and it fit so early Christmas gift. We bought him a different hoodie, bigger size. The guy doesn't like the color of this one! Well, guess he's getting nothing now. I've tried twice and struck out both times. Now I have to return this one and get the money back though. I did keep the receipt this time. It's odd the other receipt disappeared. I've been keeping the receipts in my purse. Best place I can think of where they won't get lost!

Supposed to be getting snow later tonight into tomorrow. Some people say we're not getting anything and others say quite a bit. According to the weather map we are on the verge of the 7+ side. Guess tomorrow will tell. Anyway, if we get a lot of snow then Church will be cancelled for sure. Another Sunday hubby was planning on going. Hubby says to just stay in bed and relax a little tomorrow morning if it's snowing. For the man to say that, I know he's tired.

I got all my knitting done so off to the post office I go on Monday with my boxes. Late in mailing them this year. Made a batch of Christmas cookies this afternoon, and that was it. I wanted to get 2 kinds done in the next 3 days, but just wasn't into it. Maybe tomorrow. Hope so, since I bought all the ingredients for the different kinds I wanted to make. Hubby bought me a new mixer for Christmas. So tired of fighting with the one I have now. Really tempted to get it out of the box and put it to use. Just might tomorrow. Tired of fighting with a mixer who's beaters refuse to stay put!

Well, I have a hat and scarf to work on yet for hubby so I need to get moving on it if he's going to have it for Friday.

Bbbbbbbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr............

The wind has been blowing like crazy since last night. It's only in the low 20's out there but with the wind feels below zero. At least this house I work in has heat, not like the last one, just a fireplace and room heater.

Got nothing done last night after I made dinner. Just so tired. Went out on the sofa and was ready to sleep my 7 pm. All the busy days must be catching up to me. Didn't even knit last night, just layed on the sofa and fought to keep my eyes open. Then, when I did go to bed, had a hard time falling asleep. The whole reason I fought sleep was so I could sleep when I went to bed! Did sleep well because I never heard hubby come in. I heard someone moving around though. I looked at the foot of the bed and didn't see hubby's clothes so thought maybe it was a kid. Didn't sound like a kid though. Looked at the clock and thought it was to early to be hubby, but it was him. Just closed early. Must have been tired or not busy. Or maybe since I have to pick him up, he's used to closing around 1/1:30 and just decided it was time.

Well, I need to head to work. My eyes are so tired they burn a little. All I really want to do is crawl back in bed and relax.

Free time

Actually got home from work and had a few minutes to myself. That's rare! Staying home for the night. Bible study is basically cancelled because they are going to sing Christmas carols. I can't sing anyway.

Hubby was still here when I got home from work. That's unusual. The other guy had the truck and couldn't come and get him because the early guy wasn't around. Oh well, guess you just have to wait. Glad I didn't go shopping or visit my friend, like I planned. He'd still be here, lol! All I plan on doing is wrapping hubby's gifts, taping up moms box and then starting the last pair of booties for the cousin in Canada. Just might be able to mail both boxes on Friday. Then I have to start stuff for when hubby goes to India. Ordered wool yarn online and got a email today that it's been discontinued. Only getting the wool I ordered for the fingerless gloves. Now I have to go back and look at something else. I bought 2 skeins of a mohair and something else yarn. Two colors in the same color family. It's a very thin yarn and not quite enough to make what I want out of it. At least I don't have a pattern for anything using yarn that thin. My thought was to mix it with a slightly heavier yarn. Since I've never done any lace type work, but would love to I found a lace scarf pattern. All I need now is the second yarn to mix it with.

Decided I'm taking new years day off to. I normally don't but I want this last day to just relax and breathe. It's back to school after that so things will be getting busy again. It's like my last day of relaxation. What's really going to hurt is no more holidays off for quite a while after that!

Been thinking about what I'm going to cook for Christmas dinner. Decided I'm going shopping Friday night. This way I can take the boys, visit my friend, and drop my time sheet. Then I have all weekend to stay home, except for Sunday morning. And Monday I'm taking off as well, so it's a long weekend for me. Both the beginning and the end of the week. That should reduce some of my stress.

Well, time to work on dinner. I asked hubby to make a salad before he went to work, he forgot. I also asked him to make bread since I'm making potato and cauliflower for dinner tonight. He remembered the bread. Guess I can only give him one thing at a time to do :)

Done, done, done, done...............!!

All the Christmas shopping is done. Finally!! Took the oldest out tonight to get for hubby and his brother. Whew! Now, the wrapping part :(

Actually, the youngest helped me wrap some of the gifts that we are giving last night. So tomorrow night, I'm hoping, I'll be able to have him help me wrap hubby's gifts. That will leave me with his gifts to wrap. I'm thinking on Thursday when the oldest is working we will wrap his. I have to stop by a friends house tomorrow after work to drop gifts for the family and day old, unsold bagels for the chickens. I wanted to do it tonight, but she wasn't home most of the day. I pass her house on the way to and from work. After we were shopping she was home and her husband had left, but I know she doesn't open the door after it gets dark. If I tell her I haven't been home yet, I should be out of there quickly. Last time I went for a visit I was there like 3 hours. She just loves to talk, lol!!

Everything is in my parents box and ready to be sent. I have the cousin in Canada's gifts for the new baby almost done. Hat half way done and one more pair of booties. Hoping to be done by the weekend.

I looked at the calender the other day, really looked at it and I realized Christmas is next Friday! I know it's coming, just didn't realize how close it really is.

Time to put my feet up because they really ache. Lately it seems they ache all the time. Hubby has to rub my feet for me when he gets home otherwise I'll have achy feet all week. Seems like all my shoes and boots aren't comfortable anymore. Don't know what's up with that.

Pot Luck

Finally made it to church this morning. All I really wanted to do was stay in bed and relax, but the cat was making such noise, I got up. As soon as I'm up she gets quiet. We've nicknamed the cat the "four legged alarm clock." Every morning she just crys and crys, loudly sometimes, until I get up, or one of the kids on the weekends. Then she's quiet. By the time I'm dressed and awake, she's snuggled up somewhere asleep. Now, that's the life!

We had our annual pot luck and white elephant today. I knew about the pot luck, but not the white elephant. Not until I walked in and saw the wrapped gifts under the tree, then I knew. But, I haven't been to Church in a few weeks so that's why I didn't know. This pot luck was finger foods. Glad I brought meatballs because 2 people brought egg salad sandwiches and one person premade cold cut sandwiches. I did meatballs because in case there were a lot left over, I could always freeze them. Can't do that with the other

stuff. I only brought home a few meatballs. The others had a lot of sandwiches left. Two kinds of soups, but they also freeze well. The white elephant was cancelled because of the snow. We were supposed to get snow this afternoon and we did. It started right after the service was over, and accumulated fast. The snow was large flakes. Hubby didn't come with me this morning because he had to work early. His cousin spent the night at their aunts place and is coming back later today. So, early day for hubby. I never got home until after 1:30, hubby was supposed to be at work at 1. Oh well, I had these plans first and I'm not changing them just because someone made plans yesterday and I'm supposed to accommodate. Tired of doing that. I am glad I left when I did though because the roads were bad. As I was sitting at the end of the church driveway, there was a white suv coming down the road. The youngest was in the front with me and he tells me that person is sliding. They were going slow, but the closer they got to the turn they wanted to make, yup, they were sliding all right. Slid right past the turn. Slowly backed up a little and slid and made the turn. I had the pick up and had put it in 4 wheel just for the traction down the driveway. The church sits up on a hill, so it's up to get into the parking lot and down to get back out to the road. Winter you have the snow and ice and slush. But come Spring, it's mud. Mud, mud and more mud. The kind of mud that just sucks you in. Many a times in the Spring I've just floored it up the driveway hopping not to get stuck. Of course, the car looks like I've gone muddin, but I got up, lol!!

Anyway, it takes 10 minutes to get to church from my house. Took 20 today. On the way home saw 2 vans that had slid off the road in a ditch. Could only go about 35 and then I could feel the back end of the truck starting to slide, so nice and easy all the way home. As I was driving the snow was starting to turn to rain, but with the snow already on the roads, the rain was just making slush, and that can be slick to. By the time hubby got to work, the trucks were out salting and sanding. Had I waited a little longer, it probably would have been better driving. But, I'm home and hubby is at work, so that's what counts.

The white elephant was cancelled until a later time. There are a lot of elderly, mostly women who had to drive themselves home. Most don't live close either. This gives me time to get something under the tree for the white elephant to.

Break Time!!

Why is it the weekends go so darn fast and it takes forever for the work week to move??

Had a lot to do today so was up and out the door by 10 am. Unusual for me, but busy day. Got all the shopping in town done and dropped my time sheet at work so no more in town for me this weekend. Talk about traffic!! Geez, I think everyone in the county was out today! Bumper to bumper. Did a lot of the shopping for baking stuff local because I just wanted to do it and get it over and get home. Had to go into town anyway, so got what I couldn't get local. I know the local supermarket is expensive, just never realized how expensive. While I was in town I saw some of the same stuff I bought local and on one thing I paid $2.20 more!! Everything in town was a lot cheaper. Told hubby that we have to shop in town more and to only use the local supermarket when we have to. My excuse today was I was just lazy, tired, and not in the mood. Stayed up to late last night knitting! I paid for it!

Get all my stuff home and hubby is making his bread. No room in the kitchen or the stove for me. Puts me behind on what I need to make for tomorrow. Hubby tells me his cousin needs our car because he's taking his family to see their aunt and possibly spending the night. Oh goodie, I get to drive the truck tomorrow!! NOT!!!!!!!! Anyway, his cousin has been having trouble with his wife and kids. He went and rented a house before he left and his wife refuses to stay there. She spends all day in the appt upstairs at the station. The few times he did leave his wife and kids at the house, they called every few minutes complaining about how he needed to come home because they are to afraid to be their alone. I'm going to keep my opinion to myself on this one. Anyway, hubby was telling me this morning that his cousin is looking for something else to rent. He already signed a 6 month lease for the place he has. He might not be able to get out of it and if he does, I doubt he will get his deposit back. He got this place through a friend of his, hubby told him to be careful because it might damage the friendship. His cousin has been looking at houses to buy but everything he looks at his wife doesn't like and says she won't live in it. I've lived in rentals I wasn't crazy about, but I kept my mouth shut and made do. After all, a rental is only temporary. When I first moved up here hubby plopped me in the middle of the woods. All alone, no neighbors close by. Wasn't crazy about it, but I didn't give him a hard time about it either. He says his cousins wife keeps telling him she wants us to move in with them at the rental house. Hubby says no. I asked hubby why and he says me and his cousins wife wouldn't get along very well. I asked him why and he said she's very lazy. She stays all day upstairs in the station appt, but doesn't do anything. No cleaning or nothing. His cousin had a local woman come in and clean up their yesterday. His cousin takes the laundry over to the station to do because she's terrified to go in the basement, where the laundry room is, at the house. He doesn't know how to work that machine, so he carts is with him. Hubby, and the oldest showed them how to work the machines. Again, I'm keeping my opinion to myself.

The cookies for tomorrow are baked and cooling. Gave the boys each one. Now I have to make the meatballs for tomorrow. While they are baking I'm just going to throw together some soup for dinner and call it a night. I've played catch-up with my laundry all day. Last load in washer, one drying and a pile on the bed waiting to be put away. I'm determined to get all this done tonight so tomorrow all I have to do is just make dinner. And relax. Monday will be a long day because of a meeting and Tuesday I have to battle the stores again to take the oldest Christmas shopping. Then the rest of the week should go rather well. I'm hoping!

Back to work!!

All I wanted to do is relax

Bitterly cold and very windy here today. The wind chills made it feel colder than it really was.

Got home from work and decided I wasn't tackling the long list of errands I had to do. Would save the running in town for the weekend. Since Sunday we are having a pot luck after the service, I decided I would shop local for just what I needed for that. And hit the bank and post office while out. Well, got home and the boys were working on rearranging the sun room and living room. Decided to help them by vacuuming before they put the furniture back because that part is lost on them. I decided to put the new sofa in the living room because it went in that room better than the one we have in there now. Took the living room sofa in the sun room. The boys were in the process of bringing the new sofa in the living room when all of a sudden the oldest starts screaming. I thought maybe he dropped the sofa on his foot or something. There was a bag of finishing nails on the floor by the boot rack that nobody moved. Didn't really think much if it actually. Well, he managed to step on one. Got it in the back part of his heel. I'm trying to find it because it went in through his jeans and sock. He's screaming like crazy which is just making me panic. So, I called hubby and told him I needed him home now and I'm taking H to the ER. He had me so upset with his screaming I just went blank, like I didn't know what to do. Hubby shows up as I'm getting H out the door and I'm trying to explain and get H in the car. Hubby was just as scared as I was because he was pale. He did go with me which I'm so glad he did because I probably would have lost it on the way there. All I kept telling myself was he's not bleeding, not pale, and no pain. These are all good signs. For the first time ever, we were in and out of the ER within an hour. It was just the tip of the nail that went in and the PA just pulled it out. She asked H if he wanted 3 needles to numb it or just to give it a good pull. He said just yank and she did. He was so busy talking to me he didn't know she did it. When we saw it wasn't deep hubby was like we could have done it at home, but you just never know. It's a puncture wound after all. So he has to stay off his foot for the next day or two, so no Christmas shopping for him this weekend. Maybe next weekend. I thought I was tired before, well, I'm exhausted now! The kid pulls out his cell phone and tells me to take a pic of his heel, and "to make it a good one." I'm sure that's been plastered all over his myspace and facebook page, lol!

Went to knit last night. Last one until the end of January. Got there late so it just didn't feel like I got enough time in. Hubby calls me 30 minutes before I have to leave and tells me we have to go and get the new sofa now. I'm like NOW? He says it will only take a few minutes. Oh well, it's done and I can do what I need to do this weekend. Was hoping for nothing, not to be. But, I can spend the rest of the night snuggled on the sofa with my knitting, lol!!

Howling winds and snow flakes

There's certainly enough snow on the ground to make one of these! Early this morning I'm sort of waking up and I keep thinking I'm hearing wind and sleet hitting the bedroom window. Decide not to check because the alarm will go off soon enough. After I do get up I look out the window and sure enough, wind blown snow. Gonna be a great ride to work today.

As I'm getting ready I hear the snow plow coming down the driveway. This guy never fails to plow my car in. Is it really so hard to knock on the door and ask me to move it instead of piling snow in front of it?? Since the boys were off from school I got the oldest up to shovel the steps, around my car, and clean the car itself off. Hey, I got two teenagers, why should I do it? So, he shovels from the walkway to the car and that's it. Had to tell him again to shovel around the front of the car. It sits lower in the front than the back and I'm notorious for getting stuck in the snow anyway. Also had to tell him to clean the car off. He tells me to give him the keys so he can move the car. I ask him how he's going to move the car when it's covered in snow???? This car has a remote starter. I use that to at least get it warmed up a little, hopping some of the snow would start to melt off a little. Oldest takes the keys and puts them in the car because otherwise, it turns itself off after a few minutes. A while later he comes in with the keys in his hand and says the car won't turn off. I ask him what he's talking about. He says he has the keys and the car is still running. Personally, I think the kid is joking with me so I grab the keys and go outside, in my slippers to see what's going on. Well, he was right. I put the key in the ignition, turn it, take the key out and it's still running. Again, same thing. Finally, I leave the key out and try to put it in gear. Then the car turns off. I start the car with the key and by remote and it's working fine after that. Really strange though. Something must have been stuck or something.............

As I'm getting ready to leave I hear someone honking their horn. Long and loud. I get to the end of the driveway and this tractor trailer is speeding down the road just laying on the horn. My first thought was he's going way to fast on this snowy road. Sure hope he could stop and wasn't sliding. Don't know what he was blowing his horn at.

My drive to work is normally 30 minutes. Today it was 50 minutes. Some roads were really bad and others so-so. By the time I left, it wasn't as windy but a sleet and rain mix. When I left to come home, all the roads were clear and the rain/sleet mix had ended. Glad it did. Someone from the Church had called and said Bible study for tonight was cancelled. When I drove past on my way home, the driveways hadn't been cleared. Guess nobody could get to it until later.

This isn't my road, but it sure could have passed for it this morning. Except the sky was grey, not this bright blue. Saturday the trees looked more like this. Just imagine huge, fluffy snow flakes falling, lol.

I know this is late, but me and hubby on Thanksgiving. Why everyone wants to snap my pic at the end of the day when I'm exhausted, I'll never understand!

First snow fall of the season

I just love it when it snows. I like to sit home in the sun room and watch the flakes fall. It's even better when I can see the pine trees with snow laying on their branches. Something very calming about watching the snow.

Unfortunately for me, I didn't get to sit home and watch the snow fall today. I was out shopping in the snow. When I realized it was supposed to snow today I almost told hubby we would do the shopping tomorrow, but didn't. I kind of expected the snow to start later than it did.

We finished the Christmas shopping today. I have 2 more things to get hubby and one more stocking stuffer to get the boys and then I'm done to. We bought for the relatives today to. Hubby says we are done with them, I sure hope so. Found some really great buys on stuff for hubby to take with him when he goes next month. Told him to grab the stuff now because it won't be there later.

It was cloudy when we went in wally world and it was snowing when we came out. We weren't in there very long either. They just didn't seem to have the variety they have had in the past. We were looking for mens and womans gift sets. I always give the bath and cologne sets, but this year not much to choose from. We did better at Big Lots. We also went to the furniture store looking for a new sofa. Saw a few I really liked, but were some were to big to fit the living room. We have a propane fireplace that takes up about two thirds of one wall. That same wall also has a window and the vent for the ac unit. Ours isn't vented from the ceiling. So wish it was. That leaves very little space for much furniture. The opposite wall has the doorway to the sun room. The third wall, since the living room opens into the kitchen, is the only wall with the most space. Hard when I really wanted a sectional for the living room. Saw one sofa that was a recliner sofa that I really liked. It was a chocolate brown color. Normally not a brown person but there was just something about this shade that I really liked. Also saw a leather sofa that I was originally thinking about getting for the sun room. The whole purpose was to change the sofa in the sun room, not the living room. I like my living room sofa and really don't want it in the sun room. Then hubby tells me he has a friend who has a sofa he wants to give away, so he doesn't want to make any definite decisions until he sees this sofa to. Well, I'm already sold on two, lol! N o matter what we decide, there's going to be some room rearranging in the future. I prefer to wait until after Christmas, that way it won't be so cluttered with the Christmas stuff. The youngest has spent most of this week decorating. That's all fine except when it comes time to take the stuff down and put it all away. He's never in the m ood to do that! He has the tree up, but only some decorations on it. The boxes of decorations are sitting in the hallway. Waiting....................... Waiting for someone to finish the tree. I'll have to tackle that if I want the boxes to go away.

We got about four inches of snow today. Winter has arrived! There is another snow storm coming in the middle of the week again. I was surprised to see the snow laying on the ground. I thought for sure the ground was still to warm. Guess I thought wrong!

Hubby went shopping with me today. I should have left him home. I spent more time backtracking, looking for him than I did shopping. Every time I turned around I lost him. He either got sidetracked or lost me. So many times I turn around and he's not there. I walk back and find him just standing in the walkway, just staring off at something. The eyes were open, the body was moving, but I think he left his brain in the bed. It just wasn't functioning very well today, lol! Started to make me crazy! Finally, I grabbed his arm and pushed the cart just move things along. At least it's done and I don't have to hit a store with him for a while now. I'm beginning to dislike shopping anyway. Don't need another excuse to not want to go, lol!

You are beautiful and wonderfully made

I'm finally starting to feel a peace tonight. The tension is still in my shoulders, but should get better over night. I had hubby rubbing my shoulders for quite a while last night. He rubbed until the skin felt tender. Then this morning, the tension was back, within seconds.

Went to knit tonight since this is the next to last one until the new year. I'm going to miss it already. Anyway, when I came in a friend of mine was already there. She's one of those people who is always bubbly and happy. I'm not that kind of person. Not all the time anyway. She looked at me and asked me if there was anything I needed prayer about. Guess the tension of the week was showing on my face. But, I lied and told her I was fine. She probably really could have helped me, but that just was not the place. But the chatter around me and the knitting did help. Good diversion.

This whole week has gone fast, but been so stressful. Seems like every day there is something going on that just sets me off first thing in the morning. Yesterday we had no water. None of our neighbors had water either. Sent the oldest down the road to the little store for 2 gallons of water and he comes back with 2 liter bottles and a box of cereal. How did you get that out of 2 gallons of water!! Get in the car and drive there only to find they are sold out of the gallons. Why could the kid not have told me this????????? Anyway, we drive down to the station to get the water. Of course, the teapot is empty. The large water bottle I keep in the fridge is empty. The cats water dish and cup (yes, she has her own cup for water) is empty, and my water bottle I carry to work is empty because hubby was supposed to bring one home for me. So I'm trying to find water in my pj' s and Don King hairdo. Get home and hubby tells me there's no water. Really?? That's news to me.............. As I'm getting ready to walk out the door the water is back on. Figures.

Yesterday the boys rearranged the little bedroom. Gave me more working space. Get everything set up and the printer doesn't work. An hour later it's working again. Then the boys discover that their computer isn't working so the oldest comes and does something on my computer to get theirs working. Don't know what he did but he disabled my internet. Finally, after a few hours of my working on it, I got it enabled again. I admit. I went ballistic on the kid this morning. I use my computer for school. It's vital that it works. Hubby heard me yelling at the kid and told me it's my fault because I don't tell him not to use my computer. He got snappie with me and told me he knows I don't say anything. I told him he didn't know anything about what goes on here because he's never here and on the rare occasion when he is he's watching tv or on the phone. Yes, this morning set me up for a wonderful day. Came home to loads of clothes, that had been washed, thrown on my bed. Hubby's way of telling me to take care of it.

Last night's dishes were still in the sink, waiting to be put away, along with all the breakfast dishes. Came home from work to a sink full of dishes, still!! And they all wonder why I get upset!!

Took care of the laundry and the curtains before I went to knit. The youngest did the dishes while I was gone. No matter what I say or do I get ignored when it comes to the chores. I find it extremely disrespectful towards me. I've taken every gadget away from the boys and still no help. I have no other options right now. Thought for sure the gadgets would do it.

Anyway, as I was leaving my friend told me to call her so we could get together and knit during the week. And she told me I'm beautiful and wonderfully made to not forget. Was God working through her or what? I owe her a phone call.

New week

I'm hoping this week goes smooth. Just so much to do. After work today I have to return something at wally world and then go to the verizon store and pay the bill. My plans were to just come home and continue working on the house. In the process of changing curtains and putting out Christmas decorations. Started on the windows, but ran out of push pins. Bought them when I was out yesterday.

I have been telling hubby for months that I want to look for a new sofa for the sun room. The one we have is a sleeper sofa, but the cushions are so broke in that when you sit on it, you feel the wooden frame where the mattress sits inside, against the back of your legs. I've even put pillows under the cushions, but they have to be moved out over the frame every time you sit down. It's not a need, but a new one would be nice. So, hubby says the other day that this weekend he wants to get a new sofa for the living room and move the sofa we have now into the sun room, and get rid of the sun room sofa. I'm all for getting rid of the sun room sofa. But, I really like my living room sofa and want to keep it in there. He wants to get one of those sectionals to go in the living room. I want something easy to clean and doesn't show the dirt in the sun room since that's the room we watch tv in, eat in, etc. That room was designed with getting a lot of use and being dirty in mind, lol. I've been looking for sofas, but really haven't found anything I really like. Him and his cousin have been looking for sofas because his cousin needs one. So why do we need one now?? It's almost like they are in competition with each other. I have no problem with getting new stuff. My problem is I don't want to listen to him cry when the bills come in.

Back to the routine

Well, this is where I should be this morning, but I'm not. Instead, I'm making a list for the day/ week, and then going to try my best to stick to it. This whole week has been upside down for me and I need to get back on track.

So, laundry is done and hanging outside, yes, a huge no-no for me, did some straightening in the kitchen, dishes done, and ground turkey dethawing for dinner tonight. Making chili. Yum! It's rather nice outside today. Yesterday was so windy you couldn't do anything outside. It's been cloudy for the past 4 days or so. The sun is out today and it's making me want to be out in it. We had snow flurries yesterday. The first! They were mixed in with some rain showers. Predictions for the higher elevations were for possibly 1-3". Yup, that time of the year.

We went to an Indian food store yesterday. It was about an hour drive each way. The store was small, but had a lot of stuff and the owners were actually nice. There's another store we used to go to, about the same distance, but the woman who ran it was never nice, even to hubby. There's a bigger store not far from that little one, which I really liked, but hubby said the stuff in there was old. Ok. The store we went to yesterday also had food for take out. Hubby ordered samosas. Boy, were they good!! They were better than the ones I've gotten in the restaurant we sometimes go to. I have to check into learning how to make them, if they aren't to involved. All last week hubby got indian food for dinner. Last night, he got a sandwich for dinner at work because no one cooked for him, lol. I had gone out and did some more holiday shopping. By the time I got home it was to late to cook indian food. I had gotten pork chops out before I left. I'm happy to say maybe 2 more trips and my guys will be done. Started hubby and the oldest. Hubby has been so hard this year, everything I want to get him he shows no interest in or wants to get for himself over in Indian when he goes. Geez! But, he's getting a stand to stack his movies in. He was telling me about it the other day and then showed it to me when we were in the store. Perfect, except I have to keep him from going in there and getting it himself, lol. Got all the guys some clothes yesterday.

Decided I wanted to decorate my windows this year. I haven't done that in ages. I wanted some red ribbon to hang gold balls from in the windows. Except, I wasn't willing to pay an arm and a leg for the ribbon. Found some red ribbon, all on one spool for cheap. Got 2 packs of six gold snowflakes for the same price as the ribbon. All in all it costs me less than $10 to do the windows. Not bad! I'm really in the holiday mood this year. It's been a few years since I wanted to be bothered doing all the decorating and baking, but this year I am. Making a list of cookies I want to bake is on the list for next weekend. I'm thinking I might even do the cookie cutter cookies this year. I haven't done those since I was a kid!!

The knitting has been coming along good. Until the day before Thanksgiving. Haven't' touched anything since. Been to tired. Seems like everyday we are going somewhere with hubby's cousin and his wife for the things they need for their house. I don't mind helping, but it's getting exhausting. Today it's just me and hubby going out. And the other guy he works with. At least there will be no kids, lol!

Ok, spent enough time on here. Have to get some more things done in the house before I go running again, lol!

Black Friday and Pink!!

And the craziness has begun!! What's even worse, is I found myself out on black Friday. Again!! I'm not a person who likes crowds, anywhere. I knew I was in trouble when hubby came home with the paper yesterday. Full of the black Friday sales. Personally, I thought I was being smart by not taking today off. Thinking if I had to work I couldn't go shopping. Wrong!! Learned my lesson though, never ever will I work on black Friday again. At least not as long as hubby is around. I think it's his favorite time to go shopping actually.

So, bright and early me, hubby and the oldest hit the stores. Wally world was first on the list. I think we got there around 7 am. Have to say, it really wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. And, we got all but one thing on the list, so it was worth the trip. When we got up to the register there were no lines, not long ones that I could see. I went to the first register who had no one in line. The only problem we really had was finding the tv we wanted. Asked 3 different people and got 3 different answers. But, the last woman I asked was really good. We were looking for a particular tv so she radioed over and told the others that we were on the way and wanted that tv because it was the last one they had. I had the oldest guarding the 2 carts we had and told hubby to go over the the garden section, where the tv's were, and I would meet him there. I round the corner and hubby is standing in the isle. Told the man to run and grab the last one before someone else did!! Sorry, but if you got me up this early I'm gettin what I can get, lol! I got there just before someone else and got the last ticket. Other person wasn't to happy. Anyway, the guy thought there were more of those tv's in the back so he went to look while I waited, and waited, and waited. Finally, one guy comes over and tells me they don't have any more, but do have something similar, but a little more. They only had 3 of those and did I want one. By this time hubby was gone so I told him I wanted one and went to find hubby while they brought them out. If hubby didn't want to pay more we didn't have to get it, but took one just in case. We got 2 because hubby and his cousin both wanted one. The stands were on sale also. There were 4 stands left and I told the oldest to grab 2 and put them in the carts, before we got the tv's. Hubby wanted to wait, told him no because they might not be there after we find the tv's. Glad I did because by the time we found where the tv's were, the stands were gone. I got myself a Kitchen Aid mixer. Which was on sale. I've been wanting one of those like, forever. Three left, grabbed myself one.

Earlier in the week I had to go to wally world and get hubby's cousins wife a vacuum cleaner. Hubby, the cousin and his wife were in wally world but didn't know what kind to buy. Like I do! Anyway, I got a nice one. A really nice one. One I would love to have myself, lol! But, with the boys still home, not putting that much money out on one. I've gone through 3 vacuums in 6 years. Never have I gone through vacuums like this. Now, the boys can now vacuum. So, the one I do have is pretty beat up and doesn't clean all that well, but I've been refusing to buy a new one. I'll get a nice, new one when the boys move out. Anyway, hubby spies the vacuums that are on sale and grabs one of the boxes and asks me if I like that one. So, I go look at the displays and it's ok. He tells me to get it because it's pink. Can you imagine, a hot pink vacuum cleaner, lol?? Well, I'm the proud owner of one. And apparently a lot of other women to because there were 3 boxes left of those. They had other vacuums, but lots of other boxes left and they were cheaper than the one I got. Hubby's got this thing that since I'm female everything I have has to be pink. If it's pink, hubby will get it for me. I really, really detest the color pink!

Got back and dropped everything off and called work to tell them I'd be late. Really wanted a nap before I went to work. Now, since I've been on the go all day, I'm to wound to really relax. Laid down for about an hour and the darn cat would not leave me alone. Guess she was upset because it was late in the morning and I'm in bed. Not the normal routine. Once I got up she was fine. Crawled all over me when I got home but now that she thinks I'm staying, she's fine. Of course, stepping on her a few times might have something to do with it to, lol. Why, why do cats decide to lay right under your feet??????? And then have the nerve to give you a dirty look because you didn't see them??

Came home to the new tv set up and the sun room rearranged. Oh boy!

At a loss

This whole week has been an odd one, so many twist and turns during the week, I'm glad it's over. Woke this morning to the phone ringing. The station calling wanting to know where the oldest is. He was over an hour late. Now, the oldest is 19, but refuses to be responsible for himself. Always depending on me or his brother for everything. He doesn't drive yet because he can't pass the written test. He refuses to study for it, so why would he pass. Years ago I stopped getting the boys up in the morning. They each have alarm clocks and know how to set them. Only, the oldest won't set it. Therefore, I don't feel obligated to wake him. Since I was really irritated at the oldest, I took the youngest to the station instead. He's more responsible than his brother. He'll also be going tomorrow to.

I've talked and talked until I'm blue to the oldest about growing up and being responsible, but it just goes in one ear and out the other. Even hubby has gotten on his case about it. We had heard that when the oldest is at the station in the mornings he just does the minimum and then goes upstairs to the apartment and either watches tv or plays on the other guys computer. Of course, he says not, but if the other guy is telling my youngest knowing it will get back to us, then I think there's some truth there. After all he's my kid and I know how lazy he is. Hubby has suggested sending him to his fathers house in India for a while. Harsh, but maybe that's what he needs. I just don't know with him. I was never happy to just sit back and let things go on around me, I always had to get out into everything. I was driving at 17, and working. I had 2 jobs by the time I was 18 and out of the house. And in business school. Don't know what happened with this kid, But he sure doesn't have my drive. So his punishment for today was to clean the house. Kitchen, bathroom, ceiling fans, wet mop and sweep, and do some outside work. The kid has been busy all day. All day long I had to check behind him and well......................he's done the kitchen floor and the bathroom more than once.

And I have a clean house and didn't have to lift a finger to get it that way!

Back to normal

Got up early this morning to go to my first patient, only to find out, as I was sitting in the driveway of the house, that he had passed. Ok, one less thing I have to deal with this week. Now I'm back home wondering what I can do with this unexpected time I have on my hands. It's terrible that you get so used to a routine that when there's a change, you don't know what to do with yourself at first. I do know I don't have to be in bed so early anymore, which will give me more time to work on knitted gifts at night. I do feel relaxed though.

I've been hearing that hubby's cousin is coming back on the weekend, so hopefully he'll be here and that means I will actually get to come home after work, not 2 hours later. A lot less stress for me. A lot more time to do what I want to do. I've been making hubby do a load of laundry before he goes to work in the morning. He actually looked shocked that I asked him, but didn't say anything. After all, why should I carry the whole load myself? Today I left him a list of a few things to get at the supermarket before he goes to work. I figure he goes there every few days to buy food to cook at the station, he may as well buy food for this house to. The man has had it way to easy for way to long. No reason why he can't do something.

I've finally realized that I don't have to do everything. The more I do myself, the less everyone else does. That's just not right. To much for me. For years and years, I've always been the one to take over things for everyone, always picking up the slack, and eventually I find myself with everything on me. They just let me, no arguments. I finally realized that I have to stop this. It's not good for me and it makes me resentful of everyone who lets me carry the whole load. Then, when I give others things to do, and I have time on my hands, I feel guilty for not doing these things myself. Talk about a vicious cycle.

I have started taking the weekend, the whole 2 days and doing only what I want to do. That makes for a very busy week, but I enjoy the weekends. More and more I'm finding that I like being home on the weekends. I use that time as my time to unwind, no housework, except making dinner. That's it. Sometimes I do some school work, but the main thing is to do what I want, not what is expected of me. Again I feel guilty, but the peacefulness I have usually outweighs the guilt.

End of another week

I'm actually glad today is the end of my work week. I'm tired, but in the mood to get some things organized this weekend. Like my closets. Time to dig out the winter clothes. Went on a glove search last night, only found 3 gloves. One pair though, lol. The weather seems to be staying cooler so I need some warmer tops. But not for work. To hot in there, have to keep some t-shirts out for work. Warm tops for in my house and t-shirts for work, what a combination! Last year at this time I was bundling up because the house I worked in used very little heat, all winter long, so I froze. This year I will melt if I don't dress accordingly.

Also have to think about Thanksgiving. What I'm cooking. I took the day before off as well, so that will be a nice week. Have an in service that week to, so not much will be getting done. I wanted the time to bake the day before. That way the day of I don't have much to do. Don't think anyone's coming this year, haven't invited anyone. Just as well, I can use the time to rest and relax.

I've been hearing hubby's cousin isn't coming back on Sunday. Maybe another week yet. Told hubby I need help with running these kids, because it's just getting to be to much for me. My hospice case hasn't gone away. It's still waiting for me. So, guess Monday or Tuesday I have to start that.

Went to knit last night. The first time I've been out all week. Still working on the baby blanket. Realized I have made a mistake, so ripped it out to the mistake. By the time knitting was over, the blanket was right back to the point it was when I walked in there, minus the mistake.

I've officially started my Christmas shopping! So proud of myself. I've bought a few things, have a few more to get. Not buying much this year and not giving much either. I'm making up 4 baskets and knitting dishcloths and a set of place mats for in them plus some other things like flavored teas, hand soap and whatever looks good. Things I know the families will use. Also have thought of putting sticky buns in there to. That will be the day before given though. Not knitting the guys in the house anything. They don't use it.

The plan for hubby is to get him an mp3 player and download some Indian songs on a blank cd for him. This way we can put them on the mp3 but he can also listen to them at the station in the stereo they have there as well. Other than that a few thermal tops, maybe some bottoms and that's about it. He's been looking at a bracelet for a while now. Might get it for him, might not. I've bought him so many bracelets in the past and he never wears them.

The oldest has me pretty stumped. All the kid wants is games and more games. I refuse to buy the kid any games. Him I have to think on. My parents, their stuff just needs to be boxed. I've been working on their stuff through the months so they are done. That's about it for Christmas in this house this year. Not over working myself with knitting either. Hope I can stick to my plans, but we all know the saying, man plans and God laughs.

Here we go again

I got up very early this morning got myself ready for the day, thinking I had to work early. I get a call asking me if I'm working my early case this morning. Well, I still have a cold, is it advisable? My supervisor says she doesn't know and will call me back with an answer. Not even 15 minutes later she calls me and tells me not to go. She never called the other agency to find out for sure, just made that decision herself. Why? Because she thought of the consequences of my working with someone with a compromised immune system. With my having a cold. Not a big deal for someone rather healthy, huge deal if they aren't.

So I'm up with no where to go, lol. Should have gone back to bed, but I'm awake now. I'll be feeling it later. Plus, who knows what's going on tomorrow. My cold won't be gone by then. Just want a definite answer for this. I'm at the point of telling them to just find someone else and be done with it.

Finished my last chapter for now. Officially on break. Sort of. I still have info to gather and other stuff, but as for the reading and the class, taking a break from all that for now. Use this time as catch up time.

Was talking to hubby last night, around 8 or so. Told him I still had class to do. He had the nerve to act surprised that I was working on that so late. I asked him when he thought I did it. I don't learn by osmosis.

Had to wait yesterday because one of the kids is staying after school for extra help. This means she doesn't get here until around 4 pm. I'm usually on my way to drop them by then. This will make my day even later. My running has been ending between 5 and 6 pm. Now it will be later because of this staying late. Which will make it even harder to get to the places I need to be by 6 and 6:30. Oh, joy!

Theraputic entry

One thing I like about blogging, it clears my head. And believe me, my head is jumbled lately. Tuesday I get a call from work to do a hospice case. I agree to do it. I can fit it in before my other case. Makes for a longer day, but it's hospice and maybe I need to be out of the house more anyway. I'm thinking if I'm away more, than the things that bother me won't be so bothersome because they might not seem that big of a deal. Anyway, hubby's cousin left on Wednesday. I had to get the chicken and stuff from in town and drop his kids off at the other relatives house. Ok, one night, not a big deal.

Hubby calls me later that night to inform me that I have to drop the cousins kids off EVERYDAY until he gets back. Now, if the drive wasn't to far, I probably wouldn't mind, but we're talking an hour round trip. Yes, that bothers me. What also bothers me is that hubby just volunteered me without even asking me first. It also bothers me that the other relatives house, there are 4 drivers in the house, two college students. Every time I drop these kids, the college kids and the wife are there. And just why are they not coming back to get these kids????? Why am I doing this???????? Her husband drops them off at the school inthe morning because he has to go to the station to get the paperwork, and the school is on his way. Their house is not on my way. Coming home and going back is not on my way either. I asked hubby how I got to be the lucky one to do this and he said his cousin begged him. And he just volunteered me without asking me. But then again, this is a man who thinks I have nothing to do after work. And that I only work a few hours. I'd like to know who he thinks takes care of all the other stuff in the house, who does his errands, who does the station errands, how the money gets in the bank and how the bills get paid and who buys food and all that other stuff I do that he doesn't think I'm responsible for.

My days would be shorter if I didn't try to do other things after work, but why should I give up those things because I have a husband who doesn't think about all I really do. Maybe he just doesn't really care either. I've considered charging him for everything I do, problem is, he wouldn't be able to afford me. I would have thought that his thinking would change since when I was sick it took him and his cousin to do everything I do myself, but I was wrong. Short memory I guess.

I've considered quitting work, but that just makes hubby spaz and say he'll need to work more. More?? The man works 12 to 14 hours a day 7 days a week. How can he possible work more? I think he just says that so I won't quit. He doesn't have the time to work more, and if I quit we'd still be ok. Sometimes I think he does this because he thinks I need to be occupied, or maybe so he knows what I'm doing and where I'm at. I don't know, just wish I knew what was going through his head when he does this stuff to me so I can change his thinking.

Spent the weekend home with a nasty head cold. Called off from work today because I knew my lady wouldn't let me in sneezing and coughing and stuff. The other case is hospice, he already has a weakened immune system. I don't even know if they would want me there anyway, so I did, what I thought was right, and stayed home. This afternoon I get a nasty message about not working............. Yet, every year we do an in service, and every year we are told if we are sick to stay home. So stay home and deal with an attitude because you did. Just can't win. If I knew I could get another job in about a week, I'd quit. I'm that tired of it all.

The only good news is I'm done with school until January. I really, really need the break!

Been thinking

I know thinking can be dangerous, but in my case I've come to some decisions, lol. I've decided to take a break from classes. I'm going to finish the chapter I'm in, but after that, hopefully before Thanksgiving, I'm taking a break until after the new year. This way I can enjoy the holidays with out the stress of class and I really have been pushing it since July, so I think a break is needed. This means I won't graduate in December like I planned, but on the other hand, when I come back I have one more chapter, a final, and the thesis. The thesis is on the last chapter anyway, so I figure I have months to really concentrate on it. And I'm taking a break over the summer to. Going to try to follow more of a going to a college schedule. I feel good about this so it must be the right decision.

This is the time I year that I really enjoy. All the preparations for the holidays and the time with family. I also really get into the knitting at this time because things are usually gifts for someone. Don't think anyone in the house this year is getting anything knitted from me. None of them wear what I make, so why waste my time.

It really doesn't feel like November outside. Still in the upper 50's. Started my holiday shopping to. I'm determined this year not to be out in the stores shopping after thanksgiving. I have hubby's list and the youngest list. Only one thing for the oldest. I'm clueless for him this year. I've decided we are cutting way back this year anyway, only a few things. The older they get the more expensive the things get!! If they get a few things they really like they should appreciate what they get.

Ok, break times over. Time to hit the books for a few hours, lol!

Did everyone remember to change their clocks back?

Woke up yesterday with a migraine. Took something in time so it wasn't as bad as it could have been, but enough to put me down for most of the day. There have been so many fronts moving through with this crazy weather, I'm not surprised. Was up and around by the end of the day. Of course! Hubby called a few times while he was at work to make sure I was feeling better.

I'm up and ready for church this morning. Was up earlier than normal, but stayed in bed until the alarm went off. I forgot that the alarm is set ahead by 30 minutes, so I was still up early. Every things done and they boys are ready to. Normally, we are all still scrambling at this time. My eyes are feeling tired, but other than that, I feel pretty good. Sometimes, I think the migraines are my body's way of telling me to slow down. I'm trying to adopt the there's always tomorrow attitude. Not working so well for me.

Hubby told me one day last week that his cousins wife in Canada was going to have a baby around December. He wanted me to make some things and send them off at that time. I found out Saturday morning that she had the baby already. It's a girl. Well at least I know what kinds of things I can make for her. I've already started a blanket. I chose green and going to put a crocheted pink border around it. Decided on the pink after I knew what she had. Originally, I was going to make the border yellow. Since I had so much fun at knitting last week, I decided that I have to make time for this again. It's the break from my life that I need. Not to mention I get to socialize with all females. If you live in a house of all males, you know what I mean. A friend of mine brought in a knitting book and in it is a pattern for leg warmers for a baby. So cute. I borrowed the book to make a copy so I can make a pair. I didn't realize just how much I miss knitting, but I do.

Instead of class occupying my time 5 days a week, I'm going to cut it down to 3. I need the time away and I can get some projects going. I've been working on a shawl with a drop stitch in it. I wasn't sure about it at first and was going to not do the drop stitch, but now that it's done, I have to say I really like it. I have to redo the bound off edge, it's to tight, bit I think I can fix it. The problem is going to be blocking it. It's 60" long and I have no place to just wet it, pin it, and let it dry. I'm thinking of putting it on the ironing board, and doing section by section, but that will take a long time. When it's all done I think I'm going to give it to hubby's sister. Have to remember to take pics because I probably won't be doing another one like it anytime soon, if every. Purposely pulling stitches out of knitting and making holes just goes against everything you've been taught as a knitter, lol!

Hubby wants to hit wally world today after church. I hope he doesn't want to spend hours in that store because I'm just not up to it today! In and out of stores is what I like. Of course, I have a yarn shopping trip planned after work tomorrow, but it's for yarn, lol! Then needle shopping online so no over spending. Like I need more yarn. If hubby had any clue as to just how much yarn I really have he wouldn't let me near a yarn store in years, lol!

I need a vacation!!!!!!!!!!

All week I've been baking for the youngest craft fair the senior class has every year. Have not cracked a book because this is occupying my time so.

Left a note for the youngest to make his cupcakes when he got home today because he's bringing them to school on Friday for halloween. He's also making cookies and cutting the brownies we made last night. Brownies had to cool while we went to Bible study last night. When I got home I just called it a night. It was a nasty day. Rained all day and damp and raw out. I did my share of running in and out of the rain all day yesterday. Every time I came in I was wet. By the time I got home I was just cold. Had a hard time getting warm.

So today is the last day to get all this stuff together for the weekend. I'm telling the youngest how he can get all this stuff on the bus and he looks at me and says; "Mom, the craft fair isn't this weekend. It's next weekend."

He's right, it's next weekend. I'm really losing it, lol!!

Whole bunch of nothing

Three day weekend was nice, just not long enough, lol! Should consider taking more of those in the future. Thought we were going to do a whole lot of nothing on Sunday, my plans anyway, but hubby instead wanted to go shopping at wally world. Well, we left the house around 3 pm and got home about 8 pm. Don't know what time we went in wally world, it was still light outside, by the time we got out it was dark! Geez!!!! Hubby covered every inch of this store. I found things I haven't been able to find before, lol!! By the time we hit the automotive section I was ready to go. Hubby just kept going up and down the isles. sigh..............

Since his cousin is leaving in a week or two for India hubby did a little shopping for his relatives. Not a whole lot. So glad for that. He said he would do the real shopping for later when he goes in a few months. Oh, joy! Gonna be left alone during the winter. Again!!

Spent most of Saturday working on class. Haven't touched the books since. Monday ended up being an errand day. The youngest senior class is holding their craft fair and bake sale this weekend, so yesterday after work I spent baking. Have one more thing to donate which he will make tomorrow while I go knit. Then he decides to make halloween cupcakes for Friday so he will do that to. I'm not, I have more than enough to do.

Hubby was looking for some baby items to send to India. He remembered my knitted baby things and went rooting through that. Then had the nerve to tell me a relative is expecting in Canada and he wants to send stuff in December. He gave me an order of a blanket, some hats and some booties. Gee, thanks!! Haven't looked for anything yet, but will over the weekend. It's not looking like hubby's vest is going to get done anytime soon. I wanted to have it done by the winter for him. Maybe next winter, lol!

I can't believe November will be here soon. Seems like once August ffiinnaalllyyy finished, the months have been flying by. I've thought about Christmas shopping. Hubby will be easy this year, it's the boys who will be a problem. The one thing I wanted to do I can't do :( That would have been so easy.....................

Well, the state has suspended the mandatory h1n1 vaccinations because there aren't enough vaccines. Yes!!!!!!!!!!!! Now, hopefully when the vaccines are more plentiful, hopefully they won't change their minds or we will be going through this process all over again.

Damp, rainy, and miserable

My mood is fast becoming like the weather today, lol. Kids are giving me a hard time this morning and I'm just not in the mood for it. Really wanted to stay in bed and veg, but had to get my hair trimmed, so up I went. I like the way she did it this time, seemed like I was in and out in no time to.

Anyway, the youngest senior pics have been sitting on my desk for a few weeks and I can no longer ignore them. I have to order by the end of next weekend. I've glanced at them and I, as much as I hate to say this, I don't like any of them. I'm just not happy with them. Period. Last year we went to the photographer that the school uses and did the pics. We made an appt, did the changes of clothes thing and I really liked the poses, the pics and the photographer. I was happy with them. The oldest went along with what I wanted.
Even the prices weren't to bad.

This year the youngest didn't want to do all that. Originally, what he told me was he just wanted to take a pic here at home and submit it for the yearbook. Well, ok, if that's what you really want, then I will order the school pictures. Didn't get the school pics for the oldest last year, didn't see the need.

So that was the agreement. I pick the package I want for the youngest for his school pics and tell him he needs to start thinking about his senior pic. The day of the school pics he never gives the money for the pics. HE decided he didn't want them! GGGRRRRRRR!! He then said his teachers told him to use the other photographer the school is using for senior pics because there's more options available. Well. you pay for options, ya know. All I really want is one 8x10 and some wallets. That's it. I don't give a lot of pictures out and my mother recently sent all the school pics of the boys I gave to her over the years, back to me so why bother giving her anything. We haven't spoken since June and she sent the pics even before we stopped talking. Fine, whatever.

Now the deadline for the senior pics is the end of the month and I have to do something. He took 4 poses and I really don't like anything. One pose I absolutely hate. The others are ifie. Not only that I have to spend more money than I did last year, and on something I'm not happy with. There's no time to make any changes. I told the youngest, if he would have done what I wanted in the first place he wouldn't be having a problem with me. Now, I'm stuck on spending money on something I don't like or want.

He doesn't see the need for senior pics anyway. He doesn't understand that this is the last set of pics I'll ever get of him while in school. So it's a butt heads day with the youngest. I showed hubby the prices of the pic pkgs, which is really cheaper, since ordering just what I want will cost close to $100.00. Can't see paying that when for a few dollars more I can get more. Even though I don't want it. Hubby just told me to order what I wanted. I know he wasn't paying much attention to me because I told him I wanted the $600.00 pkg and he said ok! I'll wait until tomorrow and sit down with him when I have his full attention. That will give me time to stop growling about these pics and just get it over and done with.

The rest of the day I have to spend getting caught up with class. Did some last night, but it was my stopping time before I knew it, so the rest is for today and Monday. I've been stopping class work at 9 pm. So far, so good. If I go later than that I seem to spend the night thinking about things and not getting much sleep. Stopping and watching tv and knitting for a while seems to clear my head and relax me.

Gonna have some lunch, close the door on the family and see how much I can get accomplished today, lol.