Happy Birthday

This is Happy Birthday to my youngest. Today she turns 26 years old. I AM NOT that old, am I. I can't believe my baby is 26 years old. Happy Birthday my sweet California girl!

Watching Water Boil

I am in love with cooking shows.  I don't do as much as I used to but I LOVE to watch the Food Network and The Cooking Channel, all day long.  My favorite is The Barefoot Contessa and Giada De Laurentiis but I've fallen love with another one.  As I was skipping around with the channel changer I happened onto The Cooking Channel and found Laura Calder, French Food At Home.  Oh I love her simple yet elegant and fun way to cook French food, more my style.  I have yet to try any and just ordered one of her cookbooks.  I can't wait.  Check out Laura Calder here if you haven't seen her show.  I almost feel like I'm in her kitchen, like I'm home.  The music is wonderful too.  Maybe I'll do more than watch water boil soon.  It's been awhile.

Monday, The Day After

I hope everyone had a wonderful Father's Day yesterday.  I went to see Daddy and just hung out with him yesterday.  We chatted and I fixed something on his computer.  I assessed his food in the freezer and decided that a run to the store wasn't necessary until about Wednesday.  I took his trash out and cleaned his toilet.  That was my time with Daddy yesterday.  I feel so bad that he is really stuck in that house.  He sits in his front doorway, with it open, just taking in what fresh air he can.  I have toyed with the idea of a ramp so he could go outside, but he only has a month left before the surgery and I HOPE that he will not need it after.  We take him to the doctor every two weeks and that is a trial in itself, especially since the last ordeal of me dropping him.  I really wish the doctor would get it together and push him up on the surgery list.  This waiting is agonizing for Daddy and us.  I want him mobile again so he can get out and do stuff.  I want to take him to restaurants and to the cabin and fishing.  It's just sad and depressing. 

Last week I did yoga on Monday and Friday really enjoying it.  Today I was going to get up and go but I don't have to leave this house for anything today and that is what I plan on doing.  I don't have to be at work or workout or the store or appointments or anything!  I'm staying put.  If I don't want to get dressed, then I won't.  If I don't want to brush my teeth, then I won't (not really).  I am washing the sheets from the bed because Clayton got sick last night on them.  I am going to blog, read blogs and paint.  Time to myself with no workers and no place to go.  Now that is a Monday. 

Happy Daddy's Day

A Garden Party, Part 1

I wasn't going to blog this morning, intending on saving up till the day was over, but couldn't help myself. Today we are going to B&B2's for a Garden Party in their backyard. They've been working tirelessly on a new fence, deck, and the gardens to get it wonderful.  (Notice the chain link fence!)

That tiller The Hubby and I bought close to 33 years ago at TG&Y I think for $100.  I used to manhandle that thing all over my huge garden a few houses ago.  I miss my gardens.  I have to enjoy B&B2's for now. 

I think either one of these pictures would be fun to paint.  Maybe my next 5x5 next spring. 

Now check out the new fence. 

We should have a great time today.  B2's father and brother are also coming and I haven't seen them in 3 years since the wedding of B&B2.  Sad.  In fact, tons of family and friends are coming for fun and food of hotdogs this afternoon, a Garden Party! 



"Grand" Kitties

I have to share B's news with her pretty kitty, Vera.  Go to B's blog Bifftastica to read about how little Vera did a stint for a national commercial!  Her sisters, Pimmy and Sammie stayed home to wait as Vera made her way to her photo shoot!  What a good kittie.

On another note, A has added to her new household.  She not only has a new place to live, a new beginning, but she has added little Sigmund to her household.  I now have three "grand" kitties and Mondo the "grand"dog.  Isn't Sigmund a beauty.  He was rescued from the pound.  What a lucky guy.  How could you resist that face.

I Dropped Daddy In The Dirt

Tuesday was not a very good day.  Bro asked me to help him with Daddy and the doctor visit.  His back has been an issue and getting Daddy and a wheelchair down two steps has been worrisome for him.  Sure I can help.  First, the wheelchair is a bit old.  In fact, looking through old pictures I found this...it is of me when I broke my leg at age 11, forty-four years ago, I'll be darned, I think it is the same wheelchair that Daddy is using.  It was my great grandmother's.  Could be another one but it is still OLD!

I arrived and we started the decent down the two steps.  The trick is to practically lay the wheelchair, with Daddy in it, down backwards and then easily let it roll down the steps.  Well, those big old wheels just went WHOOSH and Daddy was on his back in the wheelchair.  DRAT!  The tread came off the wheelchair and we quickly got Daddy upright.  Shook me up for sure but Daddy was fine.  Since he was pretty much laying down he didn't fall far but I DROPPED MY DADDY!  I now have a call into the doctor to see about getting a new wheelchair for Daddy through his Medicare.  Brother has been doing this all by himself for a few weeks now and I realize it takes two very strong people.  I also realize, we need a ramp.  So the call, or text message, as that is the only communication with Sis right now, has gone out to possibly build a ramp.  The Bro-In-Law, her hubby, is a carpenter and should be able to help, should being the word to use but not necessarily going to happen.  Okay, I may rant a bit here but Sis has been to see Daddy once in the 4 weeks he has been home and talked to him on the phone once.  She lives not far from him while I live in another town.  He has laundry to do, trash to take out, groceries to buy and just company for him.  I also manage his finances right now too.  Bro has been great with getting Daddy to the doctors.  It takes "ALL" of us but right now we are down a third and not sure why. 

Yoga and Me

Yesterday I took my first yoga class.  I was a bit nervous but excited.  B took yoga in college and loves it but has not done it in awhile.  We found a free class at noon and joined in.  The class was packed but we both found mats in the back.  No shoes, silence your phones, get the gear that will be used and sit quietly on the mat till class starts.  I wasn't sure at all if I could do it, but I could and did.  My knees were not too pleased but I was able to do downward dog, the plank and a balance stand (stork like) thing.  I was a sweaty mess by the time the class was over and may be a bit sore tomorrow but I can't wait to try it again.  I think I'll do it again on Friday and am thinking of Monday's and Friday's early in the morning to be added to my regime.  I like to get my exercise done and over with early.  A friend said she thought yoga was a fountain of youth and I'm so going for that.  I think my joints and blood pressure will love me again.  A new journey for me.

Rest and Stress

Good morning my dear friends.  Monday morning and I'm moving slow.  I feel like the head is fighting heat and allergies today.  I have to really keep a check on that or a sinus infection will be soon to follow.  I didn't even get up this morning to do cardio as the head felt like lead.  B and I are going to try a free yoga class today to see if I like it.  I am hoping it will help with my stretching and stress levels.  This weekend I left it all behind spending a lot of time in the hammock yet again.  I couldn't have asked for better weather with waking up yesterday to rain.  I loved it but know today the steam factor will be unbearable and the headache!  I finished a book and nearly finished another book, now that is accomplishment. 

Daddy is doing well at home and Bro has been great getting him to doctor appointments every two weeks.  Yesterday I went over and took out the trash, pulled weeds from his flowerbed, went to the grocery store for milk, and did his laundry.  While waiting for the laundry to run we had some nice visits and checked out stuff on Facebook.  He's really doing quite well, but now he's talking about a ramp to go outside.  That scares me.  I really don't want him outside as he probably couldn't get back inside and I would be afraid that he would roll down too fast and fall.  SCARY!  One of the conditions of him coming home was he was NOT TO GO OUTSIDE!  I know he would love it but my comfort zone would be tested.  He's only got another month to go until surgery so he can just stay put.  You would think this hip doctor, knowing he is ready and has been through hell and back with this infection would knock someone off the list and take Daddy right on in.  I hate it that we are having to wait so long, 2 months home, but 3 months in hospital(s)/nursing home.  I mean really, especially since this doctor didn't think his wound was anything to begin with then we ended up with a raging infection right after surgery, even releasing him to drive to Arizona.  Have to stop before I start ranting, oh wait, already there.  Blood pressure, down girl!  Ommmm, ommmm, ommmm, I'm in my hammock, ommmm, ommmm, ommmm. 

Anniversary

June 28, 2006 I posted my very blog post on Blogger.  Now as I approach the five year anniversary of that post and lots of stuff in my life I am re-reading some of my posts.  I was very sad when that first post was written and was only going to get sadder.  The death of my friend, our dog and the imminent death of my mother had taken a toll on me.  It has taken me these past five years to finally be happy again, not tear up everytime I thought about them all.  I think I am finally past the depression that has haunted me.  Now I'm on to the stress that is Daddy and his health issues.  I'm now showing other ways of dealing with that stress with my blood pressure having issues.  Monday B and I are going to try a yoga class.  I think that will help me get a handle on the BP.  When I was at the doctor for a physical last month the BP was up a bit but as we talked, and the talk was about painting, it went down very nicely.  I just need to let it go and of course lose a bit more weight.  Thank you all my readers for taking this journey with me, I hope it is another five years. 

Marble Saga

With yet another day of walking overheated concrete warehouses of marble and granite slabs, I find that I'm back to the my original pick of marble, Opera Fantastico.  BIL and I pounded those slab yards and only came up with one other option ...

This one is called Green Onyx.  I don't love it as much as the Fantastico but it is nice.  Didn't think I would do green but it is really pretty.

Oh my goodness, after marching up and down those aisles of slab on the concrete my heel spurs are KILLING me.  I put my feet on the floor this morning and could hardly walk.  I can't go barefoot at all for a bit till I get the inflammation calmed down.  This is going to be a process on this bathroom but I think we've got it narrowed down pretty good.  We were told that the Fantastico might not be available anymore but if you google the name there it is, lots of it.  There was even a website called SlabMarket where you could buy it.  It is cheaper but then you have to tack on the shipping which probably makes the price shoot up.  Drat.  At least we might be able to get it.  May take a bit but I'm willing to wait for what I want. 

Tile, Marble, Granite...EGAD

Yesterday, I met the Bro-In-Law (he's a designer) at one of the first tile stores to help with the massive search for flooring, shower, and counter top stuff.  EGAD...We were sure that after only one stop that the choices were going to be easy and I was so very happy with it.  We found this long glass tile stuff for some pop of color, for the top of the back splash.  I am IN LOVE with it. 

The paint color we have chosen is a couple shades lighter than the master bedroom of Richmond Gold (a gold brown shade).  We found a floor I just love and the peeble look for the floor of the shower.  The shower walls we were not too sure since one tile guy said no way for honed granite or travertine because of upkeep.  Crap. 

The wood sample is the wood floors throughout the house.

Then The Hubby decided he just had to be a part of the looking, not purchasing.  Well, that put a bunch of kinks in our decisions and then he suggested we go to another place he knew of for the marble/granite/travertine selections.  Oh my gosh, so many choices and I was at a loss for what I wanted and to match what I already loved.  Then there was "it can't be too thick, it can't be too slick, it can't be...".  MAN! 

Then, I ran across this little jewel.  It is called Opera Fantastico(?), is marble and I fell in love with it.  I was even willing to change some of my previous choses...

I LOVE this, BUT there may not be enough and it has been in their storage for 4 years and probably can't get more...DRAT!  We may have to make it work anyway. 

Today we go again to check out a couple more places, that is all, and a decision will be made! 

We have GOT to find a carpenter to build our cabinets ASAP! 

Sunset

I got to go out with the girls last night to celebrate my belated birthday at Los Cobos.  Miss CW picked me up in her little red convertible with the top down and we experienced the most beautiful sunset on the drive home.  Unfortunately it was taken with the camera phone as my camera was sitting on my desk at home.  Wish it could have been better, but we enjoyed it. 

Today will be spent picking out tile and granite for the new bathroom...oh happy, happy, joy, joy!!!!!

Worst Case

This is the worst case of writers block I have ever experienced.  My mind is drawing such a blank on anything to write here, I don't understand it.  Maybe it is because the crap that has been going on in my life, I can't put it down in words.  I guess I'll just update on a few things.  It is what it is.

Daddy - Daddy is doing well, or as well as can be expected without a hip.  He is still home and getting along fine except there has occured a small unbroken sore on his hipless leg.  That has me very concerned because that is how the original thing started.  He is to go to the doctor on Thursday and I assumed I would take him but he reminded me that Bro has too, that I'm not strong enough to pull the wheelchair and him up the steps.  Point taken, so Bro is the chosen one.  Plus he has to take him every two weeks for blood work at the infectious disease doctor (that sounds awfult to me).  So far it has been Bro and I doing for Daddy as the Sis has been elsewhere, not sure where, in town, but elsewhere!

The remodel is moving along, slowly.  The patio has been poured and is curing, waiting to be stained.  Next on the agenda is the floor and the heat tape that The Hubby has to install before we tile.  That means we have got to pick out some flooring and shower tile and countertops.  Yesterday I met with The Hubby's brother PS.  He's a designer and was great help in deciding a color for the walls and we will go tile shopping tomorrow.  Once the floor is in then paint and hopefully by then the cabinetry will be well on its way to being built.  The guy we want is not returning our calls as he is on a huge project.  I hope he can help us, he's an artist with wood.  I'm ready to be done!

See did write something here, not much but something.  Sometimes you just have to write and see where it goes. 

Double Nickel

Yesterday I had yet another days, a birth"day". I turned 55, a double nickel. I dreaded turning 50 but 55 is not bothering me. I spent MY day as I wanted to, at the cabin, in my hammock. I read magazines and my book. I took lots of pictures of a pesky squirrel, flowers and birds with my new camera and I even napped a bit. Later that evening a bunch of us went into a local township for Mexican. It was yummy and I was even toasted to! Yes, I had a great birthday. Here's a peek at what my camera caught.

Patio

My First

My first art show was this weekend.  I didn't sell a painting but did sell a few note cards.  Dang it.  Maybe next time! 

My Life As I Know It

My life has been plodding along and has not let me have much time to blog or even read some of my favorite blogs.  Since today is June 1 I am planning on trying to post everyday for a bit.  Wish me luck. 

The youngest, A, has made a move in her life by leaving the guy and spreading her wings even further with new digs and a new focus and direction of attaining her dreams.  I'm very, very proud of her and excited to see what the next part of her life holds. 

Daddy is doing quite well at home and I'm a bit more relaxed.  Tomorrow we meet with the LifeLine people to get a little gadget to hang around his neck just in case he falls.  It is for my own peace of mind.  They moved his surgery date up, three days, woo hoo!  Big deal.  It is still July 19 so we wait and wait. 

Saturday is my 55th birthday, double nickel.  I'm to have lunch on Thursday with my dear friend Christine and I so look forward to it.  I've been in kind of a pickle in my head as one of the ladies from the lake retreat was very excited with the impending birthday and suggested that a bunch of us go to dinner this week to celebrate and suggested Tuesday or Wednesday.  Well, yesterday was Tuesday and I have not heard anything else from her or anyone else.  I thought about calling but that I feel would be a bit crass and bad etiquette on my part, so I wait.  I might have my feelings hurt to be forgotten but I'll get over it.  I look forward to Thursday. 

The Hubby wanted to know what I wanted and I told him air chairs for the new steel awning.  Tomorrow they will pour the patio.  Construction has moved into the house.  They have taken down the plywood from our bedroom to the new addition and have started the sheet rock with lots and lots of sanding.  Every morning The Hubby has to totally encase the bed and wardrobe in plastic and every evening he takes it off and vacuums.  Messy, messy, messy and a bit gritty in the teeth.  I think tomorrow will be the last day of that until we have to fix the guest bedroom wall that got damaged.  It's pretty cool to actually walk into the new addition without having to go outside and walk a plank over the mud and dirt.  I think the next thing is the heated floor which means I have to to go and look for tile for the floor and the shower area.  I know what color I want painted on the walls and the cabinets and trim is a kind of cream that goes with the entire house.  We have to nail down a carpenter to build the cabinetry and that has posed a hard task.  Hopefully I'll have pictures soon.  It has been pretty much the same lately with a lot of the work not obvious to the eye. 

Later all!