I had to run to the bank and the print shop yesterday and it was 14 degrees--outside temperature. I don't know what the wind chill factor was, but it was cold.
Today, I have to go back to the print shop AND up to Brighton to get some ink jet refills. The high today is 7.
I don't wear a hat. I noticed yesterday, there are a lot of older women, with short hair, that also do not wear hats. We get out of our cars and hurry into the store. Guess we figure no hat or gloves are needed.
If I have to take the garbage out or fill the bird/squirrel feeders, I DO pull on a knit hat (actually crocheted one that my Pammie made.)
I also run around the house barefooted.
Apparently this lifetime Michigander is used to this cold?
Although, for it being this cold, this long, is unusual even for us. And today, the Northeast is being battered by a Nor'Easter complete with ice and snow and worse than anything we here have ever seen. Even coolish in Florida, I hear.
As yes, the climate it is changing. I don't know if we are headed for a new Ice Age or a Heat Wave, but having studied geology in college, I know the earth goes go through climate changes every now and then--like every thousand years or so.
What can WE do about it? Not much. It is going through its normal cycles. The hole in the ozone layer is already there and the industry that built this country, probably is to blame.
================
As you can tell, by my absence of posting, I am finishing up a genealogy--thus the running to and fro to the print shop. I want to get it in the mail by Friday.
I also finished up the Newsletter for our 60th class reunion, that was in June, but has taken me this long to get people to cooperate and send me their profiles! I told them all that it's a wonder they didn't fail English composition because they aren't very good at getting their "assignment" done in a timely manner. HAH! I got all but 3 profiles, so those people WILL NOT be in the Newsletter.
They think our Senior English Composition teacher was tough? They don't know who they are messing with in me!!!
===============
I have another genealogy waiting in the wings and 2 more after that one. YOWZA!!!
I hadn't had any since last April and in September I starting praying to God to, "please send me a genealogy", and in October I got one. Then these have come on fast and furious.
My sister told me, "Don't you know you are supposed to be specific with God? You should have prayed, 'please send me one genealogy, a month, for the next six months.'"
===============
This last one was difficult. I had to figure out how to get into records from Denmark. Then I had to figure out the translation of people's names and dates.
How could a woman's maiden name be different than her father's surname? Elaine Rasmusdatter. Her father's name, Rasmus Hansen. Rasmusdatter actually means, Rasmus' daughter. So in reality, her name is Elaine Hansen, but she is listed as Rasmusdatter.
As an example, on my wedding certificate, I would be listed, not as Judith Walts, but as Judith Charlesdatter, my father being Charles Walts. I was going to be married, so my maiden name wouldn't mean much from then on anyway. I wouldn't be, Judith Charlesdatter Miller, but just Judith Miller.
If the name I was searching was male, his name, instead of Hans Hansen, might be listed as Han Rasmussen. The "Sen" meaning son=Hans Rasmus' son.
Oh, it was fun to work through, with a lot of checking back and forth, if I had the right child with the right parents. I don't charge my clients for that "back and forth" checking. That is something that I have to do to make sure I have the correct lineage. I might work 5 actual hours, but only charge for 4 hours.
My sister says I am an "obsessive perfectionist" and that would be a correct adjective, when it comes to the genealogies. BUT--you should see my house!
It is a filthy mess in here and one I must correct! I have to start in the back bedroom and work through this place to the this room in front.
So, I will see you when I can. LOL
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Monday, January 1, 2018
A Good Man
He was simply a fine, good man. He had such enthusiasm for life. Never an argument or unkind word. My life changed, when I met him. I was much happier, content and peaceful. We adored each other.
This photo was taken just a few days before he passed. He wasn't feeling well, but you would never know it by the way he acted.
He got through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my sister and her husband, and the day after Christmas with his daughter and grandson.
On the 27th, late at night, he said, "I better go to the hospital."
New Year's morning, 2012, he said, "I love you, Sweetheart." I kissed him and he squeezed my hand and a few minutes later, he gently passed.
He was simply a fine, good man, who came into my life and changed it forever.
This photo was taken just a few days before he passed. He wasn't feeling well, but you would never know it by the way he acted.
He got through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my sister and her husband, and the day after Christmas with his daughter and grandson.
On the 27th, late at night, he said, "I better go to the hospital."
New Year's morning, 2012, he said, "I love you, Sweetheart." I kissed him and he squeezed my hand and a few minutes later, he gently passed.
He was simply a fine, good man, who came into my life and changed it forever.
Sunday, December 31, 2017
The Dwindling Days
It looks like I have been the only one to take a blogging holiday. I didn't really mean too, but it's been a week since I posted.
Last week sure felt funny. Most of the time, I had no idea what day it was--date or name. I was so busy, spending many hours on genealogy research. Fairly newly immigrated family. Nothing in Ancestry.com or Family Search. I had to get into International files and hope I could find some that had been translated. When I did, I spent many hours getting all the information I could. Even then it was difficult. Some ancestor's were just "dead ends" after only 3 generations. It's difficult to find the next generation "up" when all information on parents stop. I tried to just search the surname, but with the surname being the most popular in that country---well............
But I did find some ancestor's that I don't think my client knows about, so that gives me a feeling of accomplishment.
======================
When I wasn't "climbing branches", I was taking a break watching the Football bowl games or MSU basketball. The reason for the breaks--the windows in this computer room face south. At about 11:00 each day, if the sun is shining, which it has been, even with the mini blinds closed, it is so bright I can't see the monitor. I can work from 9:00am until 11:00 and then have to stop until late afternoon.
Of course, that gave me time to eat lunch, watch my Soap and run to the store if needed. As cold as it has been, I only left to go to Walmart one day, and quickly filled bird and squirrel feeders twice.
My daughter Karen gave me one of these "Climb Carts" for Christmas and it sure is great. Normally, I have about 7 trips to bring in the groceries. With this thing packed up with bags, it only took me 3 trips.
It has 6 wheels and "climbs" up the steps easily.
So, tomorrow is a new year. I like it. It makes me feel like I have a clean slate to write on. Like pounding a stake into the ground, leaving last year behind me, facing forward and trying to make this year better.
=================
Last week sure felt funny. Most of the time, I had no idea what day it was--date or name. I was so busy, spending many hours on genealogy research. Fairly newly immigrated family. Nothing in Ancestry.com or Family Search. I had to get into International files and hope I could find some that had been translated. When I did, I spent many hours getting all the information I could. Even then it was difficult. Some ancestor's were just "dead ends" after only 3 generations. It's difficult to find the next generation "up" when all information on parents stop. I tried to just search the surname, but with the surname being the most popular in that country---well............
But I did find some ancestor's that I don't think my client knows about, so that gives me a feeling of accomplishment.
======================
When I wasn't "climbing branches", I was taking a break watching the Football bowl games or MSU basketball. The reason for the breaks--the windows in this computer room face south. At about 11:00 each day, if the sun is shining, which it has been, even with the mini blinds closed, it is so bright I can't see the monitor. I can work from 9:00am until 11:00 and then have to stop until late afternoon.
Of course, that gave me time to eat lunch, watch my Soap and run to the store if needed. As cold as it has been, I only left to go to Walmart one day, and quickly filled bird and squirrel feeders twice.
My daughter Karen gave me one of these "Climb Carts" for Christmas and it sure is great. Normally, I have about 7 trips to bring in the groceries. With this thing packed up with bags, it only took me 3 trips.
It has 6 wheels and "climbs" up the steps easily.
So, tomorrow is a new year. I like it. It makes me feel like I have a clean slate to write on. Like pounding a stake into the ground, leaving last year behind me, facing forward and trying to make this year better.
=================
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Christmas At The Farm.
Pictorial Family Christmas--missing Granddaughter Maddie and her Dad Mark with the stomach virus.
Missing Jennifer and her family in Disney World, but other than that........................
=======================
Ancestor's farm. Settled in 1850. The house built in 1857 and renovated in 2012,
The farm from Susan's kitchen window--where I was born and my son lives now.
Sister and me
Susan's son and his two girls
My grand girls--Helene, Morgan and Susanna holding Della.
Actually, Morgan isn't official until June 2, 2018 when she and Marcus will marry.
Our family tradition since I was a little girl. The singing of the carols here.
Sure glad I rode up and home with Karen. The outside photos were taken at 1:00. By the time we left to come home, there was 2" of snow on the ground and another 5" predicted. Karen has a nice new car and new snow tires. We never slipped a bit on those country roads.
Missing Jennifer and her family in Disney World, but other than that........................
=======================
Ancestor's farm. Settled in 1850. The house built in 1857 and renovated in 2012,
The farm from Susan's kitchen window--where I was born and my son lives now.
Between the entry-way and the family room.
2nd child and oldest daughter--Pammie
My eldest, son Mark and 3rd child, Karen
Poor Mark--bloated from the steroids he has to take
to keep his cancer at bay.
Susan's son and his two girls
My grandsons, actually I just met the one on the left. Susanna, from Oregon, boyfriend from Alaska.
James, a nicer man I have never met--next to my own grandson's
Marcus and Stephen.
Actually, Morgan isn't official until June 2, 2018 when she and Marcus will marry.
Our family tradition since I was a little girl. The singing of the carols here.
Sure glad I rode up and home with Karen. The outside photos were taken at 1:00. By the time we left to come home, there was 2" of snow on the ground and another 5" predicted. Karen has a nice new car and new snow tires. We never slipped a bit on those country roads.
...and Darling Della celebrating
Hanukkah two weeks ago.
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Blessed Day
I left kind of early this morning so I could stop in to visit a friend on my way to our Old School Gal Pals lunch.
Becky is Pam's friend, but she and I visit a few times a year. Her house is immaculately clean and decorated to the nines for Christmas.
This is the house where we will celebrate our Christmas.
Click on this to see a video of her house. Susan's
Becky is Pam's friend, but she and I visit a few times a year. Her house is immaculately clean and decorated to the nines for Christmas.
Lunch was wonderful and my best friend Arlene's, daughter stopped and paid for ALL our lunches!!
Then out to The Farm to visit sister and drop off my presents, so I only have to tote in my food on Christmas Even. She only put up 5 trees this year.
Entry Way by front door
Family Room
Crystal Christmas Trees on the mantle
in the dining room
Between Dining and Living Room
The Christmas Angel cross-stitch I made of her on the wall
Corner of the living room
her special memory tree in the bedroom
This is the house where we will celebrate our Christmas.
Click on this to see a video of her house. Susan's
Dear Dar.
Yes--Dar. Dear Dar.
She came over for a visit. A conversation. Well, her kind of conversation.
Usually when I visit someone, my first words are, "Hi. How are you?" and then I listen to their answer. Dar's first words on walking in my front door are, "I had to come over and vent!" She has yet, in the 7 years I've known her, asked how I am.
She walked in, threw her coat on the couch, dumped Buddy out of the rocking chair and sat down with a big, "WHEW!"
Before she could say a word, I asked, "I haven't seen you in two weeks. How are you doing?"
"I met with my attorney. My tail bone is getting better. I am going to have surgery on my shoulder January ninth and.......we have an infestation of bed bugs."
Wait. What?
"Get your nasty self outta my house!"
did I say that? Of course not, but I started itching.
"My attorney tells me he can get back all the money I have spent on doctor's bills. He says he can't get me anything for pain and suffering and I still have pain and I have suffered!"
Breath.
"I am finally feeling more comfortable with my therapist. I am beginning to trust him. He knows not too get to close to me, not to walk around behind me and...he let's me smoke during our sessions."
Breath
"My right arm and hand are still numb, but the surgeon thinks that when he fixes my shoulder...all that will go away. My tail bone is better. The inflammation is going down, but...they can't do a thing for my neck and the doctor told me, I will have to live with it for the rest of my life."
Breath
"My doctor and therapist both told me I probably won't be able to go back to work...ever...but I won't accept that."
Breath
"I had a flare up of my herpes, but it's better now"
Breath
"My daughter texted me...first text I have gotten for three years. She wants to move back here. No way--I just ignored the text and I'm not going to respond."
even though her daughter owns the house Dar lives in.
Pause, as she lit another cigarette.
I quickly jumped in, "And the bugs?"
"Oh...the bugs! Well, about three months ago I started getting a rash. It got larger and worse. I thought I had Lyme's Disease, so I went to the dermatologist. He took a biopsy of one of the areas and told me I had "mite bites". Like dust mites, you know."
Breath
"I had to shower with a special soap and launder all the bedding. It seemed to get worse, so I went back to the dermatologist. He looked again and told me to go home and check my furniture and mattress and see if....if there were any little, tiny black specks."
Breath
"Sure enough. So I called him and told him and he said they were bed bugs instead of mites!"
Breath
"My housekeeper won't come back into my house. I had to get pest control to come out and fumigate--they've done it twice and are coming back again next week."
Breath
"I had the garbage men come and take my mattress and box springs--my new recliner and Dad's mattress, box springs and head board. You can see the tiny little black specks on the carpeting under the beds, along the wall above the furnace registers."
Breath
"I have to wash all my clothes in the hottest water and dry them on the hottest dryer setting. What can't be washed, I have to take to the cleaners or throw out. Same with my drapes, all blankets and sheets. I have been to the laundromat three times and done 25 loads of laundry."
Breath
"All clean items have to be put into big zippered bags and all bed buggy ones also in zippered bags until they are cleaned."
Breath
"That's why I haven't been over. I didn't want to bring any in here."
"But.,.you were over here two weeks ago. You had them then, right?" I asked.
"Well, I didn't know I had them then. I'm sure I didn't bring any with me. If you see any tiny, black specks, look careful, but...I'm sure I didn't bring any in."
Good grief, Woman! You said you are still seeing them in your house. You're sitting in my chair and you have a wool sweater, bed bug breeding ground, on your self. Go away!!
did I say that? Of course not.
After she left, I did wash the cushion she was sitting on. I wiped down the chair with water and bleach and sprayed where she had thrown her coat.
...and I've felt itchy every since!!!
She came over for a visit. A conversation. Well, her kind of conversation.
Usually when I visit someone, my first words are, "Hi. How are you?" and then I listen to their answer. Dar's first words on walking in my front door are, "I had to come over and vent!" She has yet, in the 7 years I've known her, asked how I am.
She walked in, threw her coat on the couch, dumped Buddy out of the rocking chair and sat down with a big, "WHEW!"
Before she could say a word, I asked, "I haven't seen you in two weeks. How are you doing?"
"I met with my attorney. My tail bone is getting better. I am going to have surgery on my shoulder January ninth and.......we have an infestation of bed bugs."
Wait. What?
"Get your nasty self outta my house!"
did I say that? Of course not, but I started itching.
"My attorney tells me he can get back all the money I have spent on doctor's bills. He says he can't get me anything for pain and suffering and I still have pain and I have suffered!"
Breath.
"I am finally feeling more comfortable with my therapist. I am beginning to trust him. He knows not too get to close to me, not to walk around behind me and...he let's me smoke during our sessions."
Breath
"My right arm and hand are still numb, but the surgeon thinks that when he fixes my shoulder...all that will go away. My tail bone is better. The inflammation is going down, but...they can't do a thing for my neck and the doctor told me, I will have to live with it for the rest of my life."
Breath
"My doctor and therapist both told me I probably won't be able to go back to work...ever...but I won't accept that."
Breath
"I had a flare up of my herpes, but it's better now"
Breath
"My daughter texted me...first text I have gotten for three years. She wants to move back here. No way--I just ignored the text and I'm not going to respond."
even though her daughter owns the house Dar lives in.
Pause, as she lit another cigarette.
I quickly jumped in, "And the bugs?"
"Oh...the bugs! Well, about three months ago I started getting a rash. It got larger and worse. I thought I had Lyme's Disease, so I went to the dermatologist. He took a biopsy of one of the areas and told me I had "mite bites". Like dust mites, you know."
Breath
"I had to shower with a special soap and launder all the bedding. It seemed to get worse, so I went back to the dermatologist. He looked again and told me to go home and check my furniture and mattress and see if....if there were any little, tiny black specks."
Breath
"Sure enough. So I called him and told him and he said they were bed bugs instead of mites!"
Breath
"My housekeeper won't come back into my house. I had to get pest control to come out and fumigate--they've done it twice and are coming back again next week."
Breath
"I had the garbage men come and take my mattress and box springs--my new recliner and Dad's mattress, box springs and head board. You can see the tiny little black specks on the carpeting under the beds, along the wall above the furnace registers."
Breath
"I have to wash all my clothes in the hottest water and dry them on the hottest dryer setting. What can't be washed, I have to take to the cleaners or throw out. Same with my drapes, all blankets and sheets. I have been to the laundromat three times and done 25 loads of laundry."
Breath
"All clean items have to be put into big zippered bags and all bed buggy ones also in zippered bags until they are cleaned."
Breath
"That's why I haven't been over. I didn't want to bring any in here."
"But.,.you were over here two weeks ago. You had them then, right?" I asked.
"Well, I didn't know I had them then. I'm sure I didn't bring any with me. If you see any tiny, black specks, look careful, but...I'm sure I didn't bring any in."
Good grief, Woman! You said you are still seeing them in your house. You're sitting in my chair and you have a wool sweater, bed bug breeding ground, on your self. Go away!!
did I say that? Of course not.
After she left, I did wash the cushion she was sitting on. I wiped down the chair with water and bleach and sprayed where she had thrown her coat.
...and I've felt itchy every since!!!
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