It's been a whole week since I posted! How did the week go by so fast? Self-absorbed, for sure. Just doing my genealogy thing and watching basketball games when they are on.
Which makes me think--this whole Larry Nassar thing. I think first he should be horse whipped, then castrated, then his offending hand cut off, THEN jailed for 175+ years. Most of you may not know who or what I am talking about.
A sports doctor who worked at Michigan State and for the Olympic gymnasts, who has sexually abused gymnasts for decades.
Some 160 of those gymnasts came forward with "victim" statements at his trial in Lansing, last week.
Now--it seems the University is taking the heat for his actions. The President has resigned and yesterday, also the Athletic Director, which makes me sad because they were not aware of the situation.
Now--last night, the football coach and the basketball coach had to have press conferences to address sexual abuse. They didn't even know the guy! I can vouch for both coaches--early this summer a couple of the football players were charged with sexually abusing a young woman at a party. The football coach immediately took away their scholarships and kicked them out of college.
The Olympic Committee had praised this "doctor" for years, turning him into a world renowned gymnastic doctor. Sending him gymnasts from different States, sending him to the training camps around the States.
What I can't figure out, a lot of times he "treated" these girls while their mother's were sitting a few feet away from the "table". How did they not know what was going on? Didn't the girls say anything?
Now "they" want to blame the University? Just because someone, who no longer is even alive, hired said "doctor" eons ago? Calling for the coaches to resign? They were not even aware of any of this until a few weeks ago.
What about the OIC? They are the ones who built him up? I guess their membership board is being forced to resign also.
What did he do? Apparently his "procedure", which he has maintained is a long time proven medical procedure, was to insert his fingers into the girls vagina opening to stretch the pelvic bones, in turn making those bones more flexible. It must have worked, as many of his "patients" have won Olympic gold medals in gymnastics.
I can think of many things doctor's have done to me and friends of mine, that while were totally acceptable years ago, could now be viewed as sexual abuse.
Who knows? He's off to jail for 200+ years and heads will roll.
================
On a lighter more positive note--my son was told a year ago that he was in remission for prostate cancer. He got his tests results back on Wednesday, a week after his 60th birthday. Still in remission!! Thank you, God.
Saturday, January 27, 2018
Saturday, January 20, 2018
A Lovely Day
I was sitting in my recliner this evening--looking out the westerly window at the antics of my critters at their feeders and thought something felt....different. I glanced at the clock and it was after 5:00 and still daylight!!!!! I had noticed the sun is coming up at a different time now and the angle isn't hitting my computer monitor as much, but I hadn't noticed the lengthening days. How lovely it is.
Today was a sunny, warm 48 degrees. After lunch, I pulled on my fleece jacket and went for a walk up the street. Usually, I can count on my back to start hurting at a particular spot--the same spot every time I walk, but today, it felt good. As I came back home, I stopped in to visit with Merle and Pearl. My, oh my. She is going downhill so quickly. She hasn't been out of the house since Thanksgiving. It is just too hard for her to walk. I don't think she has ever used the ramp the volunteers built for her. She can't remember anything and realizes it and just laughs about it, which I guess is the best way. Merle has grown a beard and looks very thin and scruffy. They had just purchased a new, huge--too big for their living room--sofa bed, in a rather garish bright red. They got it from one of those ultra-cheap furniture stores. The sofa bed is for when they get too ill to care for themselves and one of their daughters (they expect) will come in to care for them and sleep on the bed. It is so large, that if they pulled it out to make a bed, they would have to move their TV stand and Merle's recliner out of the room, which of course neither one of them realizes.
After I left there, I decided to walk across the street and visit Dar. I haven't seen her since her shoulder surgery on the 9th. She's a real mess. She just purchased 3 new recliners and gave her sofa and love seat (2 years old) to the Salvation Army. Now she is having the recliners returned. They are supposed to rock, but I noticed the one I was in, and all of them, when you rock forward a tiny bit, they stop dead on the floor and about throw you out of the chair.
She hasn't even started physical therapy, but she's angry because she is still in pain. She expected to be healed up and using her arm by this weekend. She was even more frustrated when she found out our other neighbor Jackie, who had the same surgery a year ago, still can't lift anything over 5 pounds with pain in her shoulder.
I told Dar that the orthopeadic surgeon's like to talk in terms of 6 weeks--3 months, where in reality, it takes at least 9 months and sometimes up to a year to feel like the joint really works like it's supposed to. In fact, 6 years later, if I lay on my side a certain way, the area where I had my incision on my hip still hurts from the pressure of my body.
Dar plans on returning to work as a cashier at the super store, by May. She just keeps setting herself up for disappointment and.........how can she take of her Dad if she is gone all day?
==================
I have finished my genealogy and going to get it bound on Monday, ready to send. I have never had a genealogy that was a "pure breed" like this one. Every ancestor came from the same area in the same country. When they immigrated to America, they settled in an area where people of their nationality lived and their children married neighbors, on and on, down through the years. It is only with the present generation that they have married outside their nationality.
Plus, I think I told you that ancestor's had written bios of themselves, which really has added to the facts and figures I came up with. I can visualize in my minds eye, 50+ years from now, a great, grandchild reading the book and learning about his DNA. With the bios added, it is going to be a wonderful family treasure for years to come.
That makes me the happiest. I want these "history" books I do to be around and read for many generations.
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Genealogy
I find these family trees so interesting.
In the olden days, father's named their first born son, either after them or after their grand father's--which makes for confusion when tracing ancestors.
In my own family, I have a Conradt, Peter, Conrad, Peter, Charles, Roy, Charles. You have to look at the birth dates so carefully to get the correct generation.
Also, back then, if a child died, the next child to be born of the same gender, was given the dead child's name. Kind of creepy to name a live child after one whom had died. They however, did it to honor the baby or child that had died. Of course, most of those families had upwards of 9 children and many children died, either at birth or within the first few years.
We use death people's names on our newborns too. My son's middle name is the same as his grandpa. My daughter Jennifer Dorathy, middle name is the same as my mother's first name. Even little Della has 3 middle names.
Della was my mother's middle name, Helene was my grandmother's name, my daughter Karen's middle name and Della's mother's first name--Whew! Her other two middle names are Ruth and Hannah. At her Jewish name-giving ceremony, she was pronounced as "Della Helene Ruth Hannah Klar". The Ruth and Hannah coming from her other two great grand mother's.
My sister and I are originals. Named after no one in the family and no one in my family has had the guts to take on the name, Judith, for any of their girls. LOL
=================
This genealogy I am finishing up has been truly fascinating. Usually I end up with names and dates and locations and perhaps an obituary or small story written about the person.
In this genealogy, I have biographies written by the people themselves!!! Saved by their descendant. I can put these pages in with the facts and figures and get a truly keepsake kind of book for upcoming generations to read. It is like a history book, only one that is a history of their own family. Wonderful!
=================
What else is going on in my world? Not much. It snows a little bit every day. it is still cold, but warmer temperatures predicted for the weekend. I have a dental appointment this Friday, and you know how I look forward to that. NOT!!
My son will turn 60 years old tomorrow, which is scary because I was 60 years old just the other day. Jennifer is coming into town for business the end of the month and Karen is having a family get together, which is going to be wonderful!!
The days meander along and I flow along with them, climbing around in the "trees", ever trying to find the highest branches possible.
In the olden days, father's named their first born son, either after them or after their grand father's--which makes for confusion when tracing ancestors.
In my own family, I have a Conradt, Peter, Conrad, Peter, Charles, Roy, Charles. You have to look at the birth dates so carefully to get the correct generation.
Also, back then, if a child died, the next child to be born of the same gender, was given the dead child's name. Kind of creepy to name a live child after one whom had died. They however, did it to honor the baby or child that had died. Of course, most of those families had upwards of 9 children and many children died, either at birth or within the first few years.
We use death people's names on our newborns too. My son's middle name is the same as his grandpa. My daughter Jennifer Dorathy, middle name is the same as my mother's first name. Even little Della has 3 middle names.
Della was my mother's middle name, Helene was my grandmother's name, my daughter Karen's middle name and Della's mother's first name--Whew! Her other two middle names are Ruth and Hannah. At her Jewish name-giving ceremony, she was pronounced as "Della Helene Ruth Hannah Klar". The Ruth and Hannah coming from her other two great grand mother's.
My sister and I are originals. Named after no one in the family and no one in my family has had the guts to take on the name, Judith, for any of their girls. LOL
=================
This genealogy I am finishing up has been truly fascinating. Usually I end up with names and dates and locations and perhaps an obituary or small story written about the person.
In this genealogy, I have biographies written by the people themselves!!! Saved by their descendant. I can put these pages in with the facts and figures and get a truly keepsake kind of book for upcoming generations to read. It is like a history book, only one that is a history of their own family. Wonderful!
=================
What else is going on in my world? Not much. It snows a little bit every day. it is still cold, but warmer temperatures predicted for the weekend. I have a dental appointment this Friday, and you know how I look forward to that. NOT!!
My son will turn 60 years old tomorrow, which is scary because I was 60 years old just the other day. Jennifer is coming into town for business the end of the month and Karen is having a family get together, which is going to be wonderful!!
The days meander along and I flow along with them, climbing around in the "trees", ever trying to find the highest branches possible.
Saturday, January 13, 2018
What day is it?
I'm still discombobulated from the holiday weeks we had, when I had no idea what day it was, unless I looked at my calendar.
I have been so busy this last week and had no errands to run that it didn't really matter what day it was, but still, I was shocked to realize that today was Saturday and only realized it when at 11:00, I realized that Michigan State and University of Michigan were playing the rival game today at noon.
We (Michigan State) lost, which wasn't really unexpected by me. Two weeks ago, we were the #1 college basketball team in America, beating teams by 28 points. BUT--that was preseason and you can't really tell how good or bad a team is until they start conference play.
Oh well--you don't need to hear about all that.
===================
The genealogy that I am working on now, has been interesting. Probably made more so because my client has biographies written by her grand parents. I can print those pages and put them in with the "facts and figures" pages and plump up the book. Just imagine what a treasure to have for the generations still to come.
I decided to renew my subscription to Ancestry.com International, so that I can access birth and marriage records from European countries. My client's ancestor's are fairly new emigre's and if I could only access USA records, I'd only get a couple of generations.
I'm near the "top of the tree" now, so I may be able to finish writing the book this week.
=====================
We are back in the deep freeze. All the snow had melted by Thursday evening, with a temp of 57 that day. Then Friday the snow started--we got 3-4 inches, which was nice because it covered up all the mud and dead grass and is once again, a pretty, white wonderland outside. Along with that, came the single digit temps again.
I wanted to run up to Subway and get me a Spicy Italian Foot Long sub for supper this afternoon, but every door on my car was frozen shut and I wasn't in the mood to wrestle with that problem. I DO have to go up to Meijer tomorrow to get cat food, milk and bathroom tissue, so I'll pour some water on the driver's side door, to get it unfrozen, and then when I get home, try and remember to spray the rubber around the door with PAM cooking spray. That helps the doors from freezing shut--or so I heard.
=========================
My grandson is getting married June 2nd, so the other day, I did spend some time on a few websites looking for an appropriate "Grandma" dress to wear. That was quite an experience to tell you about later.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Crazy weather
Our predicted temperature for tomorrow is 50 degrees. 4 days ago, it was -20. So that means, our temperature difference will be 70 degrees in five days. Yes, I know. That's just plain weird.
The park's maintenance guys kept scraping our street today, as the sun shone and the snow melted. Unfortunately, with all this action, they filled in the end of my driveway with lots of chunks of un-melted snow. I wasn't planning on going anywhere today, but I decided I needed some fresh air, and get away from this computer.
I went out and started the car and then drove forward and back until I had the end of the drive pretty much flattened. Then I sprinkled some ice melt on it. The ice melt will work even in very cold temps. I just didn't want those chunks of snow to harden and ice up. We are expecting another big snow this weekend.
It felt almost like early spring, out there, in the sun, so I took the opportunity to fill up the bird feeders and the squirrel food box. Within minutes of coming back in, I saw 4 Cardinals, 6 Blue Jays, Chick-A-Dees, Titmouse, Nut Hatch and two squirrels having an afternoon snack.
I also got my bedroom and bathroom and kitchen cleaned up and will mop the kitchen floor tomorrow. I have felt a bit overwhelmed lately and getting these chores done, really calms me down and makes me feel good.
It is always better for me to have chores done before I get involved in the computer/genealogy. I can concentrate much better. I think I finally have a time-schedule in place to give me ample time to climb branches AND keep my house in some semblance of order.
===========
Dar had shoulder surgery this morning and was home by 2:00. I can't even imagine coming home that quickly. If I get cut into, I am going to at least spend the day and night in a hospital.
She's home with a pain pump!! Are you kidding me? That kind of equipment and procedure belongs in a hospital setting, in my opinion--especially at our ages!
===================
I haven't heard from anyone in the family all week, so I can assume that means everyone is all right? No news is good news? Right?
Dang kids!
Well, if I don't see or talk to them, then I won't make a mistake and say or do something that is misinterpreted, so I guess, it's a good thing. HAH!
The park's maintenance guys kept scraping our street today, as the sun shone and the snow melted. Unfortunately, with all this action, they filled in the end of my driveway with lots of chunks of un-melted snow. I wasn't planning on going anywhere today, but I decided I needed some fresh air, and get away from this computer.
I went out and started the car and then drove forward and back until I had the end of the drive pretty much flattened. Then I sprinkled some ice melt on it. The ice melt will work even in very cold temps. I just didn't want those chunks of snow to harden and ice up. We are expecting another big snow this weekend.
It felt almost like early spring, out there, in the sun, so I took the opportunity to fill up the bird feeders and the squirrel food box. Within minutes of coming back in, I saw 4 Cardinals, 6 Blue Jays, Chick-A-Dees, Titmouse, Nut Hatch and two squirrels having an afternoon snack.
I also got my bedroom and bathroom and kitchen cleaned up and will mop the kitchen floor tomorrow. I have felt a bit overwhelmed lately and getting these chores done, really calms me down and makes me feel good.
It is always better for me to have chores done before I get involved in the computer/genealogy. I can concentrate much better. I think I finally have a time-schedule in place to give me ample time to climb branches AND keep my house in some semblance of order.
===========
Dar had shoulder surgery this morning and was home by 2:00. I can't even imagine coming home that quickly. If I get cut into, I am going to at least spend the day and night in a hospital.
She's home with a pain pump!! Are you kidding me? That kind of equipment and procedure belongs in a hospital setting, in my opinion--especially at our ages!
===================
I haven't heard from anyone in the family all week, so I can assume that means everyone is all right? No news is good news? Right?
Dang kids!
Well, if I don't see or talk to them, then I won't make a mistake and say or do something that is misinterpreted, so I guess, it's a good thing. HAH!
Sunday, January 7, 2018
Ridiculous!
Today it was 20 degrees--we are expecting a warming trend.
Yesterday it was 10 degrees. It felt colder today.
Yesterday we had sun and no wind. Today we had no sun and a breeze, and probably the reason for it to feel worse!
I had to go to Walmart and get some supplies today. I rarely shop on Sunday--only in an emergency situation---I considered this an emergency. 1 can of cat food left. No milk for me. No lunch meat for noontime sandwiches. 1/2 bottle of Diet Pepsi.
No whole milk in Walmart! How can that be! The manager said they had a lot of customer's yesterday and must have purchased all the whole milk.
"That seems odd. There is always racks and racks of it in the cooler behind the front shelves."
"Well, the one percent and the two percent have vitamin D in them, so they are good for you."
"I'm not worrying about the vitamin D," I said. "I'm concerned with the taste. Those other ones taste like the milk has been watered down."
He was not sympathetic.
Then I went looking--no typing paper, no greeting card envelopes, no filter for the air cleaner--all I normally buy there and....worse of all? No Marie Callander frozen cherry pie!!
I was going to go across the street to the Meijer store to get what Walmart was out of, but by the time I got the groceries in the trunk, I was miserably cold.
I should have gone to Meijer to begin with!!
The Climb Cart Karen gave me for Christmas really helps when I get home. Just 3 trips to get everything in from trunk to kitchen. Hauling them, 2 bags at a time, would take me 6-7 trips.
==================
I mailed out the genealogy I had finished on Friday and started a new one on Saturday.
Already I have managed to get 9 generations back. This one is unusual. This family is pure Dutch.
Usually there is a predominant nationality in a family, but I have never done one where the nationality on both sides is the same. There isn't an Englishman, or Irishman, or German in the lot. At least so far.
This is why I find genealogy so fascinating.
================
I am trying to get some sort of schedule written down. I am becoming overwhelmed with the way my house is such a mess. I can't just get motivated in my mind and figure out what to do and when to do it, I need a list!!
A definite schedule with times and duties. It probably wouldn't hurt if I got up an hour earlier. Then spend an hour on FaceBook, then 2 hours on the genealogy, then lunch and Soap and at 2:00, housework. At this time of year, the sun comes directly in these windows and I can't really see my monitor from 11:00 to 3:00-4:00, so that would give me a 2 hour window to do housework. Then I can work on the genealogy in the evening--if there isn't a basketball game on, of course. LOL
We are expecting 2-4" of snow tonight and then warmer temps. 47 degrees on Thursday? Time to get my shorts and T-shirts out. HAH!!
We have set records--it has never been this cold for this long a period. 15 days under 20 degrees. I love winter, but I am soooooooo ready for some above freezing temps.
Yesterday it was 10 degrees. It felt colder today.
Yesterday we had sun and no wind. Today we had no sun and a breeze, and probably the reason for it to feel worse!
I had to go to Walmart and get some supplies today. I rarely shop on Sunday--only in an emergency situation---I considered this an emergency. 1 can of cat food left. No milk for me. No lunch meat for noontime sandwiches. 1/2 bottle of Diet Pepsi.
No whole milk in Walmart! How can that be! The manager said they had a lot of customer's yesterday and must have purchased all the whole milk.
"That seems odd. There is always racks and racks of it in the cooler behind the front shelves."
"Well, the one percent and the two percent have vitamin D in them, so they are good for you."
"I'm not worrying about the vitamin D," I said. "I'm concerned with the taste. Those other ones taste like the milk has been watered down."
He was not sympathetic.
Then I went looking--no typing paper, no greeting card envelopes, no filter for the air cleaner--all I normally buy there and....worse of all? No Marie Callander frozen cherry pie!!
I was going to go across the street to the Meijer store to get what Walmart was out of, but by the time I got the groceries in the trunk, I was miserably cold.
I should have gone to Meijer to begin with!!
The Climb Cart Karen gave me for Christmas really helps when I get home. Just 3 trips to get everything in from trunk to kitchen. Hauling them, 2 bags at a time, would take me 6-7 trips.
==================
I mailed out the genealogy I had finished on Friday and started a new one on Saturday.
Already I have managed to get 9 generations back. This one is unusual. This family is pure Dutch.
Usually there is a predominant nationality in a family, but I have never done one where the nationality on both sides is the same. There isn't an Englishman, or Irishman, or German in the lot. At least so far.
This is why I find genealogy so fascinating.
================
I am trying to get some sort of schedule written down. I am becoming overwhelmed with the way my house is such a mess. I can't just get motivated in my mind and figure out what to do and when to do it, I need a list!!
A definite schedule with times and duties. It probably wouldn't hurt if I got up an hour earlier. Then spend an hour on FaceBook, then 2 hours on the genealogy, then lunch and Soap and at 2:00, housework. At this time of year, the sun comes directly in these windows and I can't really see my monitor from 11:00 to 3:00-4:00, so that would give me a 2 hour window to do housework. Then I can work on the genealogy in the evening--if there isn't a basketball game on, of course. LOL
We are expecting 2-4" of snow tonight and then warmer temps. 47 degrees on Thursday? Time to get my shorts and T-shirts out. HAH!!
We have set records--it has never been this cold for this long a period. 15 days under 20 degrees. I love winter, but I am soooooooo ready for some above freezing temps.
Thursday, January 4, 2018
YOWZA!!
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
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
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!!!
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
That's It!!!
Get a grip on yourself, Jude!!!
Finances or the lack thereof, will no longer be posted on this blog! It makes me sound whiny and ungrateful and "poor me", and like I'm asking for a hand-out. I dislike people that complain that the government doesn't give them enough assistance. The government owes us nothing, financially.
If I was stupid enough to get divorced, or to sign off on his pension, or to keep that big house, instead of selling it, NO MATTER how much pressure I was getting from my Daddy, then all that is my problem!
Yes--I got money from "our" estate sale two years ago. I spent some of it on a new living room, which I probably should not have done. I took $150.00 each month to supplement my budget. I paid to get my car fixed with a new undercarriage, radiator, exhaust system and tires. I got my kids nice presents last year for Christmas.
I have $200.00 left from that sale.
But--I am NOT poor. I have a nice little house, with a fairly new roof and furnace. I have an old car, that runs like a new car. I have my health. I have a mighty God that has sustained me these last 25+ years and I believe He will continue to do so.
I just finished a genealogy. I am working on a new one. I have two promised in the new year. You know how much I love doing them for people. The money I receive is secondary, but I am grateful for it and it will bring my budget into the "black" at least for a few months.
Nope. No more complaining and no more venting. How boring to "listen" to someone whine about their finances.
===============
By the way, Dar came over for a visit yesterday. Wait until you hear about that!!!
Finances or the lack thereof, will no longer be posted on this blog! It makes me sound whiny and ungrateful and "poor me", and like I'm asking for a hand-out. I dislike people that complain that the government doesn't give them enough assistance. The government owes us nothing, financially.
If I was stupid enough to get divorced, or to sign off on his pension, or to keep that big house, instead of selling it, NO MATTER how much pressure I was getting from my Daddy, then all that is my problem!
Yes--I got money from "our" estate sale two years ago. I spent some of it on a new living room, which I probably should not have done. I took $150.00 each month to supplement my budget. I paid to get my car fixed with a new undercarriage, radiator, exhaust system and tires. I got my kids nice presents last year for Christmas.
I have $200.00 left from that sale.
But--I am NOT poor. I have a nice little house, with a fairly new roof and furnace. I have an old car, that runs like a new car. I have my health. I have a mighty God that has sustained me these last 25+ years and I believe He will continue to do so.
I just finished a genealogy. I am working on a new one. I have two promised in the new year. You know how much I love doing them for people. The money I receive is secondary, but I am grateful for it and it will bring my budget into the "black" at least for a few months.
Nope. No more complaining and no more venting. How boring to "listen" to someone whine about their finances.
===============
By the way, Dar came over for a visit yesterday. Wait until you hear about that!!!
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Here I Am!
I'm still here! Still standing! Just been busy.
Genealogy stuff. I get so involved, I don't pull my head out of the tree top, for hours and hours.
==================
Well, let's see--it snowed 3 inches. Then two days later, it snowed 9 inches. So far this past week it has cost me $45.00 to get my driveway cleaned 3 times. I thought I would get a budget break now that I don't have to pay $40.00 a month for lawn mowing. I think we have enough snow for the entire winter--just my opinion.
Had to miss the Old Gal Pals luncheon--they called it off and rescheduled it for this Thursday, which is a good thing. It's suppose to be 40 and sunny this Thursday.
My SS raise was $20.00 a month, so to the welfare people, that signifies an income increase so they cut my food assistance from $28.00 to $19.00 a month. Even though expenses have increased.
There are percentages and cut-off amounts involved. It is all very complicated on how they get to their assistance amount. I am allowed expenses of $547.00 a month, with an income of $1,000.00, to get assistance. Even if the expenses are more, that doesn't count. My cut-off is $547.00. So, with my $20.00 a month "income increase", my income went up to $1,001.00. One dollar more than I am allowed.
Thus the decrease in food assistance.
Makes a whole lot of sense, doesn't it?
===================
I have been paying my house insurance monthly. $30.00 a month. To save money, "they" switched me over to paying every six months. It saves me $10.00, but the six month payment came due the first of December and I didn't expect it. $170.00 all in one swoop. So I am paid up, until June, at which time, I will go back to paying it monthly. Egads!!
=============
Oh--why do I post about my financial problems? It makes me embarrassed, but you are the only ones I can talk too. Plus, just think how great and blessed it makes you feel to NOT have such problems. LOL
===============
I have all my presents wrapped and packed in canvas grocery bags to take with me Thursday. I will stop in at sister's on my way home and put them under her tree, so that I don't have to tote them all in on Christmas Eve. Good idea. Right?
=============
Have a great pre-Christmas week. Rejoice on the 21st--the Winter Solstice as that means---the days will be getting longer!!!!!!!!!!
Genealogy stuff. I get so involved, I don't pull my head out of the tree top, for hours and hours.
==================
Well, let's see--it snowed 3 inches. Then two days later, it snowed 9 inches. So far this past week it has cost me $45.00 to get my driveway cleaned 3 times. I thought I would get a budget break now that I don't have to pay $40.00 a month for lawn mowing. I think we have enough snow for the entire winter--just my opinion.
Had to miss the Old Gal Pals luncheon--they called it off and rescheduled it for this Thursday, which is a good thing. It's suppose to be 40 and sunny this Thursday.
My SS raise was $20.00 a month, so to the welfare people, that signifies an income increase so they cut my food assistance from $28.00 to $19.00 a month. Even though expenses have increased.
There are percentages and cut-off amounts involved. It is all very complicated on how they get to their assistance amount. I am allowed expenses of $547.00 a month, with an income of $1,000.00, to get assistance. Even if the expenses are more, that doesn't count. My cut-off is $547.00. So, with my $20.00 a month "income increase", my income went up to $1,001.00. One dollar more than I am allowed.
Thus the decrease in food assistance.
Makes a whole lot of sense, doesn't it?
===================
I have been paying my house insurance monthly. $30.00 a month. To save money, "they" switched me over to paying every six months. It saves me $10.00, but the six month payment came due the first of December and I didn't expect it. $170.00 all in one swoop. So I am paid up, until June, at which time, I will go back to paying it monthly. Egads!!
=============
Oh--why do I post about my financial problems? It makes me embarrassed, but you are the only ones I can talk too. Plus, just think how great and blessed it makes you feel to NOT have such problems. LOL
===============
I have all my presents wrapped and packed in canvas grocery bags to take with me Thursday. I will stop in at sister's on my way home and put them under her tree, so that I don't have to tote them all in on Christmas Eve. Good idea. Right?
=============
Have a great pre-Christmas week. Rejoice on the 21st--the Winter Solstice as that means---the days will be getting longer!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, December 11, 2017
It's a New Week
Monday morning and I'm sitting here watching the snow. You can't tell in the photo, but it is coming down heavy. 2-4 inches the weather guy says. Wonderful! I love it. It's so pretty.
...and the reason I ran up to Walmart yesterday. I heard this was coming.
So today, I can stay inside, watch the snow falling, and wrap Christmas presents, fill the freezer bags with the finished spaghetti sauce, watch my Soap, do some laundry, cross stitch and in general, enjoy myself.
=================
It occurred to me that I needed to get a small gift for Della. I have no idea what toys she has and I sure can't afford to spend much. As I walked along, there was a whole box of "Pet Toys". $5.00. I looked down into the box and lo and behold, a dog toy that looks similar to their real dog. Nice and soft and cuddly and even squeaks--just as a dog toy should.
When I got home, I cut off the tag that designated it as a "dog toy" and wrapped it up for Della. Sh-hh. No one will know the difference. I hope.
"Two quarts of home-made spaghetti sauce are waiting for you, in the red and white cooler on the front porch. Don't forget to take it with you. Love Gramma Judy", or Mom or Judy.
Do you know how much 6 cans of cheese and 6 small boxes of spaghetti costs? Good Grief!!!
Then I went looking for a gift box that it would fit in. None to be found. In that aisle was an old guy hunting for the same thing--a simple gift box. I know because he asked me if I knew where he might find one. We both looked and all we came up with were mailing boxes. Too deep, but the right length. "Guess this will hafta work," he said.
"Not what I wanted either, but guess it will work."
Then we both grabbed a roll of bubble wrap to stuff the boxes with.
"Geez! Look at the price of that," he said. "Newspaper would work better."
"Yeah, it would," I answered. "But I don't get the paper anymore."
"Me neither," he replied.
"At that price, we probably could subscribe to the paper for a couple months and have all the stuffing we need." I said.
He nodded and chuckled. "Have a nice day," he offered and off we went in different directions.
As I strolled over toward the Diet Pepsi area, an older guy in an electric cart came zooming around the corner and nearly smashed into my cart. "Sorry," he said. "First time I've used one of these dang things." I smiled and went on my way.
The next aisle over, I got to help a tiny, little old lady get a bottle of salad dressing off a high shelf. Then turned around and helped another short lady get a gallon of spring water off another high shelf. Got one for myself too and we both wondered, "Why do they put heavy stuff so high up?"
As I turned to exit that aisle, the guy in the electric cart reappeared and nearly rammed into me. "Sorry," he said and then kind of grimaced as he recognized me.
"Hey. Did someone pay you to run me down?"
He let go with a huge laugh. "No Ma'am."
We laughed and I went on up to the produce section.
Wandered around a bit and then I saw him again. He was headed straight towards me. He glanced up and saw me, so I stopped dead in my tracks, then spun my cart around and pretended I was running away from him, as I headed, quickly toward the cashiers. I could hear him laughing.
Yep. I do have fun at the Walmart!
So today, I can stay inside, watch the snow falling, and wrap Christmas presents, fill the freezer bags with the finished spaghetti sauce, watch my Soap, do some laundry, cross stitch and in general, enjoy myself.
=================
It occurred to me that I needed to get a small gift for Della. I have no idea what toys she has and I sure can't afford to spend much. As I walked along, there was a whole box of "Pet Toys". $5.00. I looked down into the box and lo and behold, a dog toy that looks similar to their real dog. Nice and soft and cuddly and even squeaks--just as a dog toy should.
When I got home, I cut off the tag that designated it as a "dog toy" and wrapped it up for Della. Sh-hh. No one will know the difference. I hope.
=====================
I do manage to have fun every time I go to Walmart. I decided to plump up the gift to my boys, and get them a box of spaghetti and a can of Parmasan cheese, box it up along with the tag,"Two quarts of home-made spaghetti sauce are waiting for you, in the red and white cooler on the front porch. Don't forget to take it with you. Love Gramma Judy", or Mom or Judy.
Do you know how much 6 cans of cheese and 6 small boxes of spaghetti costs? Good Grief!!!
Then I went looking for a gift box that it would fit in. None to be found. In that aisle was an old guy hunting for the same thing--a simple gift box. I know because he asked me if I knew where he might find one. We both looked and all we came up with were mailing boxes. Too deep, but the right length. "Guess this will hafta work," he said.
"Not what I wanted either, but guess it will work."
Then we both grabbed a roll of bubble wrap to stuff the boxes with.
"Geez! Look at the price of that," he said. "Newspaper would work better."
"Yeah, it would," I answered. "But I don't get the paper anymore."
"Me neither," he replied.
"At that price, we probably could subscribe to the paper for a couple months and have all the stuffing we need." I said.
He nodded and chuckled. "Have a nice day," he offered and off we went in different directions.
As I strolled over toward the Diet Pepsi area, an older guy in an electric cart came zooming around the corner and nearly smashed into my cart. "Sorry," he said. "First time I've used one of these dang things." I smiled and went on my way.
The next aisle over, I got to help a tiny, little old lady get a bottle of salad dressing off a high shelf. Then turned around and helped another short lady get a gallon of spring water off another high shelf. Got one for myself too and we both wondered, "Why do they put heavy stuff so high up?"
As I turned to exit that aisle, the guy in the electric cart reappeared and nearly rammed into me. "Sorry," he said and then kind of grimaced as he recognized me.
"Hey. Did someone pay you to run me down?"
He let go with a huge laugh. "No Ma'am."
We laughed and I went on up to the produce section.
Wandered around a bit and then I saw him again. He was headed straight towards me. He glanced up and saw me, so I stopped dead in my tracks, then spun my cart around and pretended I was running away from him, as I headed, quickly toward the cashiers. I could hear him laughing.
Yep. I do have fun at the Walmart!
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