ARGGH!

Today's high temperature was:  83

Today's humidity was: 69%

Humid!  Rainy!  Blech!

Cold front coming tonight.

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I honestly thought it was Saturday most of the day!!!  Geez kids--I'm losing it fast!!!

For the last two weeks, I have had swelling in my feet and ankles--especially the right one.  I also have what looks like a red rash.  No pain--no marks from a spider bite, that I can see.  I do not have a fever and no "warm" places on my legs--in fact, I feel great!  I have also gained 10 pounds in 14 days!  I take a water pill and HBP meds and my blood pressure is not high.

Three weeks ago, I started that new medicine the shrink gave me.  I am not taking any tonight--nor forever, I don't think, because that is the only new thing I have done.  I go back to see him next Thursday and we shall see--unless it gets worse, then get in to see the primary doc on Monday.
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I can't get my shoes on, I could my moccasins, but someone took them, so I haven't gone anywhere today.  I need to take some stuff back to Wal-Mart and I need to "browse" Lowes to check on my paint and supplies.  So---today, I worked on my "job" for a full three hours and I did laundry and I cross stitched.

We are getting there.  One more arm.

I also watched a DVD on Muhammad--his life and the religion, Islam, that he created.  Very interesting and very enlightening.  The whole religion is based on non-violence, tolerance and kindness.  Quite a bit different then what we see by the Radical Jihadist's that quote the Quran (wrongly I might add) and think it is their God given duty to kill all pagans/infidels--those that do not practice Islam.  Just reminds me of how so many take scripture, turn it around to mean what they want it to mean and then quote it as if it were truth.  

Tonight, I might have time to watch the DVD on The Amish--who I pretty well think are the most non-violent people here!!!!!

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It Must Be The Third Thursday

Today's high temperature was:  78 degrees

Today's humidity was: 57%

Muggy, but sunny

=================================================

It must be the third Thursday of the month because, I had lunch with my school pals, in Durand--about 45 minutes north of here. Today it took over an hour, because..........................

A young local volunteer fire fighter died of a massive heart attack last week--one of those, stand up from your chair, fall over dead, heart explosion kind of thing.  On my way up toward Byron, I had to wait while his funeral procession passed a corner---a very long procession.  I didn't really mind however,  I got out of my car and stood with my head bowed as they passed by us.

I finally got to Doorand, which is how we all pronounce it--Durand.  It "was" the railroad capital of Michigan at one time.  Now the round house is gone and there really isn't much rail traffic.  At one time, if in labor, we had to know a route to get to the hospital, without going through Durand, because you sure didn't want to get stopped and wait thirty minutes for the trains to clear the tracks!  

Today, they have turned the Depot into a museum and also have the Farmer's Market there on the weekends.  My Mother and I boarded a train many times from that Depot on our way to the east side of the State to visit her parents.  Such fun, riding those trains.

Coming into town.  

This is one of four sets of tracks I had to

cross in a three block area.

The clock tower.

The famous Depot.

My sister was in town, buying some groceries she forgot yesterday, for her out of State visitors.  She dropped in and talked to all my friends.  I had given her "cliff notes"--picture of all of them and what their maiden names were so that if she ever ate lunch with us, she'd know them.  Most of them haven't seen her in 56 years, because...............we all graduated in June 1957 and she started Kindergarten the next September.  



One of our ladies, Liz, is getting married~!!!!!  Her husband died of cancer about four years ago--he was also an alcoholic, but a nice guy.  She had the breast cancer gene and after her bout with breast cancer, had an elective double mastectomy.  She has often said, "No man will ever want me because I don't have any boobs."  Well this guy told her, "Personally, I'm a leg man....so as long as you have two legs--I am happy!"  He has a horse farm and likes to travel and is well off--and so is she--so they met yesterday to sign a pre-nuptial agreement.  

ONE BIG WEIRD THING HOWEVER==they knew each other as kids.  They haven't seen each other in 60 years, both being married 50 years, both spouses dying of cancer, BUT.....they are first cousins!  

When she stated that, a dead silence--none of us gasped, but...almost...then I said, "Well it's not like you are going to have a passel of imbecilic kids, so....no problem."

Then she said, "We can't get married in Michigan though.  Our pastor is going with us to Indiana to perform our wedding!"

I just had to ask..."Why are you getting married?  Wouldn't it be better to just live together--better for you both financially?

"Because...I am not going to live with a man and share his bed every night, without being married.  We go to church and it just wouldn't be right!"

"So--you can both perform sexually?"  (Yes, I know--that is a personal question, but I have known her since we were two years old and we all have known her since Kindergarten, and it is not a really outrageous thing to say in our group, so.........)

Then Sally said, "Is this a shot-gun wedding?"

Liz said, "NO!  I'm not pregnant!  I haven't had sex in fifteen years because my husband had his prostate removed and he hasn't had sex in ten years because his wife was so sick, but........(blushing) it seems that both of our bodies are waking up and remembering.............." (hides her head down on her arm on the table she is so embarrassed.  So we all had to tease her a bit more, but we are very happy for her.

She was sitting next to me and I hugged her and said, "Look...at our age...who knows how many years--days even--that we have left. Enjoy the life together and the closeness and the love that it brings."  and I got tears in my eyes.

She acts like a 16 year-old girl.  She is so giddy with love.  I so remember that feeling with Fred.  I guess no matter how old we are---when we fall in love---it is like we are teenagers again--with all the feelings.  

I am very happy for her.
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On the way home, I stopped at my best friend Arlene's house. Her kids have finally cleaned out the barns and house and were having an estate sale.  I wanted to get something personal of Arlene's and also get something for Bethie (who is out in San Diego).  

I got a couple baskets, a couple of Christmas ornaments, one with her name on it and a couple with "Merry Christmas from Byron," on them--Bethie and my home town.  

Then I got the library table that I had given Arlene forty-six years ago.  It was my grandma's and the time I moved into her home, I didn't have a need or room for it.  Arlene liked it, so it was hers.  It stood by a window in her dining room all this time.  Kathy wanted to give it to me and I refused.  I told her and her brothers to figure out how much "storage" for all that time cost.

Her youngest brother (my Jen's age) said, "Well--how about ten dollars a year?"

"Are you kidding?"  

Her other brother (my Karen's age) said, "I think one hundred dollars sounds about right."

"Look you little Brat--if I HAD a hundred dollars I sure wouldn't buy some old scratched up table!  I'd get a new one."

Then Arlene's daughter Kathy (my Pammie's age) said, "How about five dollars?"

Then I said, "How about twenty?"

They all said, "no!", but that's what they got!!!

It's going back to my grandma's house.  Pammie will pick it up Saturday, at the end of the sale.

Then there were  hugs and kisses all around and I turned to go and said, "I love you kids."  and they all chorused in with, "We love you too, Aunt Judy."  and off I hiked back to my car--tears running down my cheeks and dripping off my chin.

Our two families did so many things together--from high school when Arlene and I doubled dated with our guys, to being in each other's weddings--having our kids at the same time--getting them baptized together--going on trips and vacations and camping and ....well, you can see.  

We were family--she and I closer then sisters, if that is possible.  As I walked through her house and looked at their stuff---there was the granny square crocheted tree skirt that we both made--sitting side by side at her house, working on it.  There was the crocheted Christmas tree we made--sitting side-by-side at my house--cussing every time we had to pull out a row because, as she said, "This GD thing isn't turning out like it should!  Are you sure this pattern is right?"

"Yes, dammit--the pattern is right.  YOU are making your stitches too loose!"

Holding on to each other when our Mother's died.  Holding on to each other when our nephews died.  Squeezing each other hands hard, trying not to cry when our kids graduated high school and got married. Her and her husband holding me up when Gary and I got divorced and then years later, welcoming Fred as if he were family.  Memories--just tear me up.  It's gone--it's all gone!!!

Damn those doctors, twenty years ago.  When she wanted a hysterectomy and they wouldn't do it!  She never would have died from ovarian cancer.  She would have been at the lunch today with all of us.  We probably would have ridden over together and stopped back at her house and chatted for an hour.

DAMN!!!
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I stopped on the way home at a vegetable stand out in the country.  Unattended, as they are around here.  We have the honor system--always have had and it works very well.  I was a bit confused and didn't have a calculator.  Sweet corn was $4.50 for a dozen ears--I only wanted 2.  Beautiful big tomatoes, were 3.50 for a box of five--I only wanted 2.  So I dropped a five in the money box and wondered if I had short-changed "Mary B. Vegetables For U, Since 1987".   When I got home I calculated:

   $4.50 divided by 12 - 38 cents an ear.  I got two = 76 cents.
   $3.50 divided by 5 = 70 cents a tomato.  I got two = 1.50 

I owed $2.16, I paid $5.00--guess I didn't cheat her after all, LOL.  

HEY--as everyone who knows me knows--I am no mathematician!!!!!
=============================

Tonight, I went out around 10:00 to put a couple of cards in the mail box.  The full moon was so gorgeous, that I stopped and howled up at it.  Just then, I heard Tami's say, "YES!"  She was sitting, on her porch, in the dark! Scared me to pieces!!!

I found out what it will cost for me to get the minimum 50 copies of my print book.  With shipping and fees, it is kind of scary, but perhaps.  I don't know.  I will let the offer sit for awhile. If it is in THE PLAN, then God will tell me how to raise the money.  

You know what--I have found out in the last two to three years, it is a lot easier if you just give this kind of stuff to God and see how it all plays out.  I have been a control freak for 30 some years--actually letting go of control, fear and anxiety is really so much easier. 

It's like the Little House On The Corner--10 years ago I would have HAD to move there and I would have gone in debt forever to do it.  Or make a quick decision and rented it and then not be able to keep it up.  Now--when I realized that it was not possible, I just smiled and figured it was all for the best and have become even happier right here where I DO live.  It's even that way now with the step-mother's Will.  I'm like, "Whatever."

Amazing!!! You have no idea how I have changed--just in three years.  I guess an unexpected death of your loved one will do that to a person.  You just gotta realize someday that---there is very little we can control in our lives.  Better to let it go and truly believe that whatever happens, is the best, in the long run.
======================

See ya--Jude

Great Day!

Today's high temperature was: 75 degrees

Today's humidity was:   42%

Sunny and lovely.

We have heat coming back tomorrow

==============================================

OH WOW!!!  I had forgotten this was happening.  A company is not only publishing my 3 children's story books I wrote, but they are putting them in e-book and print format.  I so wanted them in print!!!

Unfortunately, they started with my least favorite, but soon the other 2 will be ready.  I AM GEEKED!!!!!  I will probably end up being their biggest buyer, LOL.  I want copies to donate to the libraries around here too.

I had my books published as an e-book format since 2004, but they weren't selling very well.  Then that publisher wanted to know if I wanted them in print.  I said, "Sure." and I got a notice from this company that they were going to do that.  However--that was THREE years ago and since then, I had forgotten all about it.  I do not remember signing a contract--I haven't paid out one cent as yet.  Now, via e-mail, she informs me that this book is up and ready for sale?  The price they have listed, in my opinion, is ridiculous, but then what do I know.  I am going to stop in the children's picture book in Wal-Mart tomorrow and check out prices.  Last I knew, a Golden Book went for 59 cents!  Anyway, I want to get a box of each book shipped to me so I can sell them and donate them--and yet, I have no clue what my price would be to get them and I have to order 50 each book.

Needless to say, I e-mailed her and ask her these questions.  If I have to pay retail rate--it just ain't going to happen.  BUT--they are being put into print and for that--I am GEEKED!!!!

http://guardianangelpublishing.com/just-too-little.htm
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So much excitement around here today---the guy finally (after 6 weeks) showed up to trim my big Maple tree beside my front porch. I had it trimmed five years ago and it cost $240.00, that was taking out some old, large growth.  Then Freddy climbed up in it and trimmed out the new growth, but, it has come back the last three years and so.................only cost $100.00 today and well worth it.  It just opens up my viewing space and lets more sun in--for winter you know.

 Before

After 

Can you see the difference?

In between 

Monkey up a tree!!

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They no sooner left then I got a phone call from sister.

"Are you awake?"

"Well....yes."

"I'm at JoAnn's on my way to Meijers and I have to go to the bathroom, can I stop in?"

"Yes."

Click

Glad I had cleaned up the bathroom after my morning shower.

She drove in, she ran down the hallway, and then she came back out.  She talked to her "niece and nephew" (Maggie and Buddy) and out she ran.  We chatted a bit in between times, but she was always moving.  As she was running out to her car, I yelled, "Think about going up to Frankenmuth next month--Okay?"

"Yep,"

Nice for the chance and spontaneity of a drop in visit however. Haven't had that for us in 30 years!  LOL.  

=========================================

Then I had to get over to the Chiropractor.  I took the book of children's stories along with me and gave to the doc.  He was really happy--said he would be reading some of the stories tonight, after supper, as the kids got ready for sleep.

I got a massage--hurt like heck--on the muscles of my neck and shoulders and lower back, then the doc went all over me with the "tapper" what I call the Woodpecker Gun; he even used it on my arthritic hands and especially my right hand where arthritis is pulling my thumb into the palm of my hand.  Then I had the zapper (like a T.E.N. S. device--pads on my neck and shoulder with electric pulses going through--and then, I even got underwater ultra sound on my arthritis hands.  Nice.  and it cost?  $15.00 for the massage.  If I didn't have the massage, it would have been $0!!  Medicare now pays for Chiropractic adjustments.  YAY!

I was going to stop at Wal-Mart to take back some stuff I bought that is either defective or I decided I didn't need, but I was so mellowed out from the massage--my legs felt like boiled noodles, that I just came home. 

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I no more then got in the door and I saw Dar walking over.  

She walks in, "I noticed you just got back.  Where were you?"

"I was at the Chiropractor's office, I........................."

"Oh.  I went to mine today too.  And the eye doctor's. You were gone quite awhile."

"I had some extra adjustment's done to........................."

"Oh, I also stopped in at my doctor's office.  It appears I owe them over three hundred dollars.  Instead of sending me a bill every month, they decided to wait to see what Medicare would pay.  They didn't, so I have too. Can you believe this weather?  It is suppose to get hot tomorrow though.  Oh my gosh, we are suppose to have storms tomorrow night.  There's a cold front coming through.  Did you know that the manager of the park might be leaving.  You forgot to tell me that I owed you ten dollars.  You should have seen my Father Sunday.  Oh my gosh, he was so funny. We were at.................................."

So, I just sat and listened to what SHE wanted to talk about.  Per usual.  I can't even remember most of it now.

I happened to look up and there was Pearl, on my porch, putting Hydrangea's in one of my railing boxes, along with some fake leaves I had put in there.  Just then, Dar's phone rang and she started the kind of conversation she always does when in the presence of someone--she repeats everything the other person is saying so that you are aware of the things going on in her magnificent life....so I got up and walked out to see what Pearl was up to.

Pretty soon, Darlene came out and the three of us chatted.  Dar told us that with her new job is a union reps assignment.  "I will have to be full time because if I am a union rep, they can't put me on part time."  Then the raucous horse laugh came out.   "My father is sooooo proud of me!  He was a BIG union rep and both my brothers were too and now.....his daughter."  

Raucous laugh   I swear, she sounds just like Curly, in the Three Stooges!!!

Pearl continued to look up, but said nothing, so.....I said, "Well, I will try and restrain myself from saying any negative thoughts I have about  unions." 

Pearl burst right out giggling!

Then I went over to the planter and said, "Pearl, thank you so much.  Isn't this just beautiful?  I needed something else in there to fill it out and this is absolutely perfect!"

Dar looked over my shoulder and then said, "I gotta get home.  I am going out to dinner with Sheila.  That was her that called.  Oh--my life is so busy, but I am so blessed. "  Down the steps she went with a "God bless you both richly.  Bye."

So Pearl and I sat out on the porch and had a nice chat.  A two-way chat. 

P.S.  If you want to buy any of my books, wait until I get all three of them made and then I will sell them to you personally. It will cost you a lot less :-)

Tuesday--Why Did It Seem Like Friday?

Today's high temperature was:  67 degrees

Today's humidity was:  36%

Sunny and lovely--all day!!

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One of my blog buddie's cat died.  He was 16 years old!  His name was Gizzy.  I felt terrible--all morning, I was sad.  I never met that cat.  I have never met the blog buddy, but still...I felt bad.

Remember me telling you that because I was raised on a farm and animals--pets--were always getting run over or died?  I grew up---I had pets all my life--they died.  I was sad for a few days, but it wasn't tragic or anything.  

I laughed to myself, when a co-worker had to take two days off work when one of her cats died.  It was one of those hairless, skinny, ugly Sphynx or something.  They looked like Yoda on a bad day.

I had to take care of them for a week for her.  I had to feed them their special food out of a spoon!  EGAD!!  Probably registered.  Probably cost a ton of money.  UGLY!!

Take two days off work?  For a cat?  It's just an animal--big deal.

Well--haven't times and feelings changed!  I worry so that I will die before Buddy and Maggie and what would happen to them.  They have to go to live together--they cannot be separated--that is in my Will!!!  My sister said she'd take them, but she is like I used to be--not real cozy or patient with animals.  If Maggie jumped up on her counter--she'd probably make her into an outside cat--really quick!  If Buddy wanted to sit on her all the time, like he does me, she'd probably dump him off her lap onto the floor every single time.  AND FOR SURE--neither one would be allowed to sleep in the bedroom, let alone snuggle on the bed.

I sometimes worry that one of them will die BEFORE I do.  I just don't know what I would do without Buddy lying up by my head every night--his soft warm fur for me to stroke to fall asleep--his big head, resting in the palm of my hand.  Maggie at my feet--keeps my feet warm when it is cold in here.  Their constantly jumping up on the recliner to sit on my lap for a pet, or lie at the foot of the chair for a nap, while I stitch or read.

When a pet use to get sick, I would have them put down, rather then pay for expensive surgeries or vet bills.  Now--I just know--I would go into further debt to get them well--if it were possible AND I wouldn't just leave them at the vet's for him to put them down, I would hold them and pet them while the shots were given!

I'll just bet you, if one of them died, I'd probably cry and mourn harder then I did when Fred died.  I'll just bet I would!  Then, I had to be brave for everyone around me.  Keep a smile on my face and tell everyone how thankful I was to have been in his life--and I was--but now?  I could just cry and mourn and rant and scream if I wanted too.  I'll just bet I would.
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So today, I worked for about three hours.  I am just having a ball and researching all different ways to self-publish and how to market and sell books.  My friend, who I am doing the work for, lives in Europe.  I think it is going to be difficult to keep a supply of her wonderful cookbook on hand to mail to the distribution place.  I think it would be more prudent, if I had the books here and then worked with the seller and distributor.  Easier for me to ship what books they want to sell, then for her.  She lives three miles from the nearest post office and doesn't drive.  I know how to package them, print out a shipping label and have the mail lady pick them up at my door.  

Anyway, I am having a good time--trying not to spend all day in here--and today, I made $21.00 and I didn't spend anything, so I am ahead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I decided to look at my "to do" list and took the refrigerator apart and washed every stinking inch of it, all the shelves, drawers.  Vacuumed under neath.  Talk about a back breaking job.  My back and hip still hurt!  But--it is done and it shines like new.  All of my appliances are fifteen years old--and they run just perfectly.  Kenmore and GE--guess that is the brand I would buy when they give out.  Definitely, GE!

Then I vacuumed, then I mopped the kitchen floor.  Opened up the windows and door as it was getting warmer outside.  

Then--my box of spring bulbs I ordered last spring arrived via UPS!  I am going to keep them out on the porch because I feel it is too warm inside.  I have tulips and daffodils and Snow Glories.  Next week, it promises to be cold again and I will start the process of cutting back the perennials, pulling out the now ragged annuals and planting my spring bulbs, where I stuck the sticks last spring--in the empty spaces in my garden.  I am already getting pictures out of catalogues and other's blogs for what I want to plant next spring. I can hardly wait to see what comes up next year.  I had such a bountiful growth for my lilies this year--they were taller then usual and fuller--beautiful.  

I will take down sun catchers and porch ornaments and garden ornaments, clear everything off my porch and get ready to---paint it.  I know, that is going to be a job.  It has to be prepped and sanded in places.  I think right now, that it will be easy peasy, but I KNOW--that never happens.  There will be a hitch somewhere along the way, but I can figure it out.  I bought treads to go on the steps, because they scare me when the snow and ice come.  I also got something, which I think is neat.  Motion detector lights that go on the porch spindles.  Last year, when I came home from some of Madeleine's functions, always after dark, I had a hard time seeing where the porch steps began--now, these lights will come on and I can see!!!

I am going to paint the porch grey--floor, and the railings and posts white.  Two coats--at least.  Hoping to find a paint that has a primer/sealer in it.  Every one's porch around here is this color--mine is this color:

Floor, railings, spindles.

I want mine to be Cape Cod grey and white--like my sisters.
Too bad I can't afford a new deck made out of the composite Trex like they did.  No maintenace--EVER!

At one time, I had thought to paint my shutters and porch green, but that would be quite a job for me.  OH--I know I could do it, but................this will be a much simpler fix.  They have paint just special for decks and concrete and will last with a lot of traffic.  It even seals up splinters and fills in cracks and screw holes.  That is what I am going to get.  It is going to be very cool and look very nice with my white house with black shutters and new black/charcoal roof..  AND I DON'T NEED TO PAY SOME MAN TO DO IT FOR ME.  I have painted porches before and I will have no problem.  The only problem is $$$$$.  Hey!!! I have a Lowe's charge card--hee hee hee.  Be paid off before next spring!
==================================
Pearl walked down this evening.  I had lent her my 3 published children's books to read.

"I had no idea you were a writer.  How come you never told me?"

"I don't usually tell people.  I guess it just never occurs to me.  When my first book was published, I was so happy.  I drove out to The Farm to tell my Dad and he was kind of yawny about it. Then I told my kids and they were like, "Oh, that's nice Mom."  I didn't quite get the reaction I expected, so....I just never tell anyone anymore."

"Where in the world do you get your ideas from?" (don't end your sentence in a preposition.)

"From events from my childhood or...just from my imagination."

"Well--you write in there, just like a child would think and talk.  How do you know how to do that?"
  
"I just remember how we talked, when we were kids.  When I first started writing children's stories---there was a park right beside where I lived in Saginaw.  I'd go over there and sit and watch the kids and listen to them talk."

"I just never knew.  You are really a good writer!"

Aw gee.  How sweet of her to say that.
==========================
See ya tomorrow, kids.  Later, Jude

Sweepstakes and Suckers

The high temperature today was: 54 degrees

The humidity was:  36%

Cloudy and cold this morning. 

Sunny and cold this afternoon

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Quite a few of the blogs I read have poetry that the ladies have written.  I love to read them.  This is a poem I wrote a couple of years ago.  Not real profound, but I giggle every time I read it.  It is going in the book for the chiropractor's boys--aged 5 & 7.

I had a Woozle, a very fine Woozle

And I asked him outside to play.

But I got a refusal from my fine Woozle

Inside for a snoozle he’d stay.

I found a stout rope put it over his moozle

Tugged and pulled him down the hallway.

When we got to the porch, he got scared of course

And dug in his claws to stay.

I pleaded and begged and tugged on the rope

I was going to have it my way.

But my Woozle was strong and he broke the rope

And promptly ran away.

So if you have a Woozle, a very fine Woozle

And he doesn’t want to play.

Then accept his refusal, let him be a Woozle

And snoozle inside all day.
================================================

A sad thing today.  I walked up to Pearl's and we chatted a bit, then the mail came and I walked out to get it for her.  She had a huge pile of stuff and while I sat there, she went through it.  All entries for sweepstakes.  It seems she has entered about fifteen different sweepstakes.  She thinks she is in the final stages of winning $2M in one of them.  She went through ten of the today and threw the rest away--only keeping the ones worth a million or more.  It seems out of the ten, she is in the running for the final prize in each one.

Okay

She looked at me and said, "Don't sit over there smirking at me.  Thinking I am silly for doing this."

"No--it's okay.  It gives you something to do."

"Yeah--you can smirk now, but when I win--you won't be smirking then!"

"I hope you know not to send in any money or buy anything from them.  You don't have to pay or buy to win.  It's the law now after the people sued Publisher's Clearing house for requiring a person to buy something in order to be in the drawing."

"I know the law...I know that.  The only money I have sent in is a measly nine dollars for the judge's fees."

"Pearl!  That means it is a scam!"

"No.  It was all explained in the paperwork.  If you don't send in the judges fees, you won't be put into the final drawing."

"But...you've sent them money, so you are getting scammed."

"No I'm not!  It is just a few dollars for the judges fees so they will put my name in the final drawing.  Just wait until I win a million dollars...or more.  Then you will see."

GOOD GRIEF!!!

So, I came home and did some research and this is what I found:

1. Sweepstakes Scams Require You Pay to Receive the Prize

Legitimate sweepstakes will never ask you to pay fees to participate or to receive a prize. You should never have to pay handling charges, service fees, or any other kind of charges up front to receive a win - those are sure signs of sweepstakes scams. No purchase necessary -- it's the law!

You never have to order or pay a fee to enter and win a sweepstakes. You always have an equal chance of winning whether or not you order -- it's the law.

The requests must come in writing and can come from the individual personally or from bulk mailings... You never have to order or pay a fee to enter and win a sweepstakes, by specially trained judges, or by a computer using random selection programs.

She won't listen.  I am not the teacher of the world...or of Pearl.  I have told her.  I have shown her and still...she has only spent a total of ninety dollars for judges fees and she will recoup that when she wins!

and, I'll bet when they tell her she is in the final drawing, but they need twenty-five dollars or whatever to insure her name goes in--she will pay it.  Twenty-five times ten entries.  

...and she just can't see it.  ...and she still hasn't called Comcast to have her home phone taken off the bundle.  A phone that is not hooked up to the outside world!

...and she can't work her new Smart Phone.  She cannot take an incoming call, because she can't figure out how to push the talk button, or whatever button you push.  She actually said to me, "I don't understand this damn thing, but...it is a Smart Phone so it will help me figure out how to operate it."

I mumbled, "A smart phone is only as smart as the operator of said phone."

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House is separated

 House is prepared for the road

Half a house gone

Bye, bye house.  Bye, bye hunky boys.

Other half going

Hello view!

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I spent today running around.  Got an oil change for my car.  The guys said it had been taken care of real well.  Nearly 16 years old and only 42,000 miles on it--no rust--no problems.  Yes--I am very lucky.  Stopped at the Wal-Mart to get some stuff to make the story book for the chiropractor's boys.  It turned out really nice.  Made an appointment in late October to take Pammie to the Opthamalogist.  Dar came to visit--blah, blah, blah.  She did ask how my weekend had gone, but when I went to tell her, she started looking down at her watch, stretching and yawning, so I kept it short.  She really isn't interested--unless it concerns her.

Cross stitched some more on Elmo--I think I am going to make it and...put in a couple of hours on my new job.  Could have worked more hours, but trying to pace myself.  It is real interesting and I think it is going to help me too--if I ever want to self-publish a book.  

If it would just warm up a tad, I would get really interested in cleaning up and painting my front porch.  I really would like to get it done before winter comes.  October has some real nice weather--I am thinking--3 days max to get it all done with 2 coats of paint.  We shall see.

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Oh yes--I bought a three pack of cotton underpants.  I haven't worn cotton in years and years and years--they feel nice and comfy, even though they tend to drag on my jeans when I pull up my pants, but still in all.........nice.

Another mass shooting today--it seems as if we are all becoming blase' about these types of things.  

I am also working on this for a Christmas present

for Jennifer.  Like the one I did for Karen.

Boy--I sure do miss those little kids   <sigh>

A Fun Day

The high temperature today was: 56 degrees

The humidity was:  40%

Cloudy and rainy  all day.

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A really good weekend--I guess.  Not much going on, which was nice.  Saturday, I got a lot of work done on the Elmo pillow I am making for Evan's 2nd birthday.  Invited to the party or not, he WILL get his pillow.  If there is no party, I will go over the next Monday, when the three older kids are at school, Jen is at work, and visit with Pammie and Evan.  SO THERE!!!

I have to have this completed in less then two weeks.  I am getting really tired of stitch after stitch of reddish orange.  It has been so difficult.  With my shaky right hand, I have a hard time hitting the "holes" for the stitches and occasionally, stick my fingers with the needle.

Saturday, I had my entire day set up.  A football game for University of Michigan, (BOO) started at noon, another one for Michigan State University (YAY), started at 2:00.  There was some golf I wanted to watch, then the local news and then the Detroit Tigers baseball game AND, one hour of the Cedar Cove movie.

I sat in my chair and stitched ALL DAY!!!  and I only got his head completed and started on his arms.  SIGH!

Dar told me that Salvation Army store has office products.  So--before the games started, I ran up there.  It is only 1/2 mile away.  I got a large 3", 3-ring binder; 5 smaller 1" floppy binders in different colors; a pack of file folders and a lined notebook to take notes or just write in.  Equaled=$6.00.  She said they often get in reams of printer paper, pens, on and on.  I need printer paper in a big way--I am totally out!!!!!

The chiropractor I go to has two young sons.  Four years ago, I printed out one of my published children's books.  He said, "They have read it so much, it is falling apart."  So, I decided that I would go on my website and copy some of my other stories listed there.  Kids just like a "book" they can hold in their hands and turn pages.  Personally, I also hate e-books!!!  I want one I can hold in my hand, turn the pages and put a bookmark in when I am done reading a chapter.

I spent quite a bit of time today, transferring the website stories over to a Word document.  Then, I will print them off and put them in one of the colorful binders I purchased yesterday and take them in to the doc, on my next appointment on Wednesday.

It was neat.  I hadn't read these stories in quite awhile.  I got to reading and laughing and then thought, "You are a half way decent children's writer!"  There is always a lot of funny dialogue in my stories, and funny things the kids get into, and of course--always a moral to the story--that the kid figures out for themselves, usually.  All of my stories are based on a life experience I had as a child, or a friend had.

I couldn't write an adult novel if my life depended on it--I don't much understand adults.  But I sure understand kids and remember so vividly what it was like when I was a kid.  Everything was so innocent and happy (most of the time).  I once had a therapist tell me that I wrote children's stories--happy ones, because I was re-writing my childhood--happier one.  I don't think that is true though.  I remember my childhood as being happy.  I had a great childhood!!!

Yeah, my Daddy was critical, mean and slapped me around, but--I still think of the fun time I had growing up.  An only child, so I drew on my imagination and children's books that were read to me and played them out.  One day, I would be an Indian, the next day, a cowboy shooting Indians.  One day I was an explorer, searching for and finding wondrous things in the woods or the hay loft.  The next day, I was a hermit--trying to hide in places where no one would see me.  Attempting to sneak around all day long, without anyone seeing or talking to me, while I was watching and observing them.

I had a wonderful childhood.  Of course, in my children's stories, the Daddy is always so understanding and fair.  THAT might be where the re-writing of my young life came into being?
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 I HAVE A JOB!!!!!  I am scared to death about it.  Perfectionist--I want to do it perfectly--which I know is impossible.  It is right up my alley, as they say.  Doing research on the computer.  Taking copious notes and setting up spreadsheets.  All work from home.  Knowing I will tend to be obsessed about it and reminding myself to NOT stay up all night because I am on the trail of more clues.  I have my handy-dandy new writing notebook from the Salvation Army store to keep notes in, because my remembering is not what is used to be.  I have already made a couple of spreadsheets to keep track of links and what is in them and how to access them.

I even have an expense account!  Well--lah dee dah for me!!!  I have no idea what expenses might occur, but I guess I will find out AND I have a time sheet to keep track of my time spent working on all of this.  CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?  Actual money for doing something that I like?  AMAZING!!

So--I'm scared.  I don't quite know what to search for--but my brain is already turning over idea.  (Do I get paid for the brain time, LOL.)  But, I am sticking my "puttie footie" in the stream and we shall see what we shall see.
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Did I ever tell you I was a ghost writer on a novel?  A lady found me in a Pogo game room because my ID was "akidswriter" and she chatted with me that she needed a writer for a novel she wanted to publish.  I offered.  She sent me huge envelopes of notes and written pages.  Scraps of paper with ideas--proof of people she had met, been married too.  Pictures of the houses she had lived in and the parties she went too.  She had the story, she needed someone to get it down, with dialogue and correct grammar and spelling and format.

She was from Louisiana.  The book was her REAL life story, but she wanted me to fictionalize it.  I'll tell you what--when she'd call--with that sweet southern voice and tell me instances in her life--I'd sit on this end of the phone line with my mouth all agape and just listen.  What a fascinating life she had!!!  Married at one time to a country singer--she knew Hank Williams and Patsy Cline and all the rest of them, at that time.  Then, divorced, and went off to Beverly Hills, CA and worked in the movies--as an extra.  Had a few speaking lines actually.  I have seen a couple of the movies that she was in.

I can't say much more, because it is private, but we had that book ready to go!  She had an agent and a publisher--my name was going to be on the book!!!  They even had a director who wanted to make a movie from the book!!!.  I loved that job--I was excited for her and was going to be able to meet her.

She died two weeks before the book was sent off for printing. She had no living relatives. Had no provisions in her Will for having her book published. I had no authority.  So--the manuscript is laying somewhere gathering dust, as no one has the rights to publish it.  I do have a copy on a couple of CD's and my hard drive and I treasure them.

Too bad we didn't get it done!

"I 'coulda been somebody, Baby!"
"I 'coulda made millions!"
"I 'coulda had my name in lights, Baby!"
"I 'coulda been a contenda'"

LOL
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Change

Today's high temperature was:  55 degrees

Today's humidity was:  46%

90 degrees on Wednesday--air conditioner

71 + yesterday

55 today--furnace

80+ next mid-week--air conditioner

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Michigan's Motto:

"If you seek a beautiful peninsula, look about you" 

 OR 

"If you don't like the weather, wait a minute, it will change."