Happy New Year!

I've had a stressful but amazing 2014 and I find I'm excited about 2015. We all set goals at the first of the year, but really, what we strive for is to do "better"-- better exercise regimen, better eating habits, better attitude; we simply try to be a better person. Maybe if we think of it that way, instead of making resolutions, we can succeed. Last year I listed the things I had learned in 2013 and they all still hold true. There are so many things happening in the world right now that make me sad; therefore my hopes for the coming year are not so much for myself as they are for others.  I tell 2014 goodbye and wish you all a happy and healthy 2015!XX

Another One

I don't normally post this kind of stuff, but this evening I read the suicide letter of Leelah Alcorn. I was scrolling through Tumblr and there it was. At first I hoped it was just some melodramatic thing some kid had written, and then realized it wasn't. And I cried. I didn't follow Leelah, but I follow some of the people who followed her and realized I have seen other things that she has posted in the past. I like to confirm things and a Google search led me to this article. The pain in her letter when speaking about her parents-- it kills me. I love my children to distraction... how could I ever not at least try to understand what they are going through? And yet, as we have seen over and over, so many parents can't-- or simply won't. They take it as a personal attack, as if it is as simple as a child acting out. I really don't have anything to say here. I took a moment to check I Should Be Laughing because Bob always does such a beautiful job of paying tribute to these lost souls and found he has.

It's one of the things that sometimes gets to me on Tumblr-- these children calling out for help. I try and send messages to the ones that scare me, hoping I can help in some little way. I'm just so sad about this.

Sainsbury's OFFICIAL Christmas 2014 Ad

Morning Coffee, The Christmas Edition

We will never replace our beloved Jinx, but for the first time in 35 years, my husband was catless. So I decided to surprise him with kittens for Christmas. I couldn't have done it without my kids-- they picked them up from the Humane Society Tuesday afternoon while I was at work, sneaked them into the house (while he was home) and my daughter kept them hidden in her bedroom.

 I'm not sure how, but we managed to keep it a secret. I was sure he knew something was up, but apparently we did well. He had no idea! I think I just earned the "wife of the year" award!

So I introduce to you Squirt (the tabby) and Pip (the black short-hair)!

I think the Christmas trees are coming down soon!

Writing Style

This writing project I started in June of '13 has gotten a bit unwieldy, a constant thought at the back of my mind, no matter what else I'm doing, whether I'm working or watching a video or just trying to relax. It started out as something to do during study-hall when I was a teenager and I added to it occasionally during college, even using a bit of it for a Comp. class assignment. (Which the professor liked and even asked my permission to use as a sample for other classes!) Even after, when my kids where young, I would get it out and add a thought here or there, not actually writing anything, just making notes. For what end, I never knew. Until something popped in my head one day at work and I dug it out again and started actually organizing it. And some little voice in the back of my head decided I ought to finish it, make it cohesive. You know, make myself crazy.

Okay, not sure where I'm going with this. I actually was just playing with my camera (having trouble with it) and I had my note cards spread out, so I think maybe I was going to post something about my crazy method of organizing my (not so little anymore) writing project, using colored cards to represent different characters. And how frustrated I get when things don't want to gel, and then there are those moments when they do. And somehow, these stupid colored index cards have become my life!

Children of the Corn

I'm sure it's the same for people who live in New York but not New York City. When traveling and someone overhears that I'm from Illinois, the common response is "oh, I've been to Chicago". My response is "so have I, a couple of times". It's a four-hour drive. I can probably get to Nashville, Tn quicker! (And yes, there are corn fields all around. I live in town and still have a field just across the street!)

Last of Morning Coffee (for awhile)

 It's been a rough week at The House of Jones. We lost our Jinx. We adopted him 5 years ago (in October) so that young Roscoe would have a playmate. Immediately, he stole our hearts. Playful, strangely ungraceful, affectionate.

But as he got larger, he became a bit of a brute. Not intentionally-- he just got big and heavy and rough.

 Roscoe became a loner, preferring to spend his time outside, sleeping and going walk-about. This summer he took a walk and didn't come back. We were sad, but not totally surprised.

But last week Jinx started acting a bit under the weather, off his feed and sleeping most of the day.

 So, a trip to the vet, but  the news wasn't good. He was severely dehydrated and anemic--they think he had an auto-immune disease. They had him on IVs, giving him liquids and a few different drugs, but he slipped away in his sleep yesterday morning.

So now we find ourselves catless--for the first time in 27 years!

Ever Have One of Those Lives?

Happy Veteran's Day

We have a strong Military history in my family. Three of my Mom's four brothers served in WWII while the fourth was in Korea. (The picture here is her oldest.) Dad was in the Army, my brother served in the Air Force for over 20 years, and I have a whole slew of cousins who have served-- we have been present in every war in the last 75 years and represented every branch multiple times! I guess we're lucky-- Dad lost two cousins in WWII but I think that is our only losses. So, my thanks to the people who served and my love to them all.

(And Happy Birthday to my lovely daughter-- who was due on Halloween but waited until Veteran's day so she could have the days off!)

Little Details

I'm "borrowing" this from Bob just so I can refer back to it in two years, just to see where we are. Because I forget the little details!

Happy Post-Halloween!

Happy November! No kids at my house, so no plastic pumpkin raids! I even hit Walmart and K-mart early this morning (looking for a white wig, but that's another story for another day) and passed the candy by. Self will at it's best! Okay, I did treat myself to one pumpkin-shaped Reese's peanut butter cup, but that was it. No 1/2 price bags followed me home. There is a little bug in my brain that wants to start Holiday baking, but I'm going to try and avoid that, too. Anyway, 1 holiday down, 3 to go!

Oh, Not Again.

The squirrels are moving like crazy in our neighborhood, hiding their winter supply of nuts absolutely everywhere! Squirrels with big, bushy tails. I've been told that both are signs of a harsh winter. I haven't gotten my hands on any persimmons yet, but I've heard they all sport "spoons". Every old wive's tale that predicts the weather is pointing to a repeat of last year. The Farmer's Almanac concurs. I'm already dreading it.

As Time Passes By

I just glanced at the calendar and realized it's my Mom and Dad's anniversary. Or, it would be if Dad was still alive. He's been gone 22 years (is that even possible?) and Mom is happily remarried. So here is the quandary-- it's still an important day to me. But maybe I'm the only one it's important to. My brother lives 5 states away and I love him to death, but we don't really talk that much; I don't know if he even knows what September 29th signifies.  Maybe it's still important to Mom (it probably is) but she's not sentimental and we have never been the type to talk about "feelings", so again, not a subject that's going to come up in the conversation. Okay, I think I could get extremely maudlin right now, and that's not my purpose. I just want to acknowledge the day in the one way I can. Happy 58th anniversary, Mom and Dad! (Oh, and happy 122nd B-Day, Grandpa!)

Happy Fall Equinox Everyone!

Happy Fall, everyone! Where did Summer go? Somehow, it just passed me by. The daughter didn't come home, we didn't even make any trips to St. Louis to the Zoo. Heck, I think the only time I even left the county was the 9-mile drive to my Mom's, which is just past the county line. I feel like we're in a holding pattern at the moment-- just not sure what we're holding for. It's quite odd.

A Day In The Life

Life has been stressful for the last <*insert time period here-- it's been so long, I've lost track> . Like so many people, it's about 90% financial. Quite simply, the bills are more than the income. I try to take comfort in the fact that we're not alone in our misery. 

I tend to be an optimist and constantly tell myself it's going to get better. (And I'm confident it will, just hopefully before we lose the house). But I've spent the last <*> trying to get the daughter's financial aid arranged. That's been enough to make me drink (more than normal). Fingers crossed, that may be taken care of now. 

Then there has been medical insurance fun. I'm not even going into that one. It may take awhile to get that one worked out. Red tape!

So, of course, Wednesday night we had a storm and lost a tree-- and our electricity and phone line and internet/cable. More time on the phone, because being on hold is my favorite thing to do! Bless them all, they came and took care of us (if only Sallie Mae was as easy to work with!). Glass half full-- the damage to the deck and garage is minimal.

The moral of the story is--- I need a vacation!

A Small Tribute

Using this space today to remember Robin Williams, who we lost yesterday. I say "we" because so many of us grew up with him in our life, just a presence on a screen, perhaps, but he brought laughter and sometimes deep thoughts to our lives. Like so many, I met him as "Mork", my friends and I used his words (Nanu, nanu) and I even had suspenders like he wore. So I'm writing my little tribute to him here. I know others will be much more elaborate, but I'm sorry and I'm sad. RIP, Robin. We'll miss you.

Couldn't Resist!

I couldn't pass this one up!

Buggles - Video killed the radio star 1979

33 Years ago today this video launched MTV. We didn't have it in our little town, it was a few more years before our cable carried it. But one of my friend's had grandparents with a satellite, so we would go spend time at their house, and watch it there. It was the kick-off to the '80's; it's music, it's clothes, it's attitude! (We really did just want to have fun!) I was married with a  two month old baby when 1990 rolled around, but the first 3/4ths of the decade was one wild ride!

A Need To Vent

I start my mornings on Facebook, basically to check Birthdays and look for funny posts that I use over on Rumple Tweezer. Plus, I have a group of friends that I think of as "The Music Club". We post videos and talk about music, obviously. But after I scroll for a few minutes, I inevitably pass a relative or school-mate's politically leaden post which borders on stupidity. (Sometimes doesn't even border), full of unchecked untruths.

(That's why I prefer Tumblr and Twitter-- I follow my interests on those sites, not just people I know but have little in common with.)

I used to get a bit political on FB, but it always ended up with me tense and shaking and totally pissed off. So I quit. I'm not going to knock any sense into their heads, so why make myself miserable trying.

It happened this morning, a totally inappropriate post by a couple-of-generations back cousin's wife. I wanted to blast her soooo much, I even started typing. Then stopped and backspaced. And debated posting these two little gems, but again, common sense kicked in. I would accomplish more talking to my Mimosa tree. So, I'm venting here and then getting on with my day. Thanks for listening!

Who Needs Doctors?

I cut off the tip of my thumb last night while fixing dinner, but I come from hardy stock, so I just wrapped it in gauze and electric tape, since we apparently don't have any medical or masking tape in the house and finished cooking. Too bad the tape wasn't green-- I could just pretend to be the Hitcher! (A Mighty Boosh reference there. They just slip in sometimes!)

Morning Coffee

He must have ran all night because I wanted to clean off my desk this afternoon, but Jinx has been stretched out since lunch. I didn't have the heart to make him move so I found other things to do. Well, now that I'm getting ready to go to bed, he's up and stretching. Of course!

Morning Coffee

I really was trying to get some work done, but I was getting a little too much help. Guess it's time for a break!

Morning Coffee

 The weather has (finally) turned warm and appears as if it might stay that way. Jinx and Roscoe are taking full advantage of it. Roscoe (the yellow one) barely comes in except to eat or when it rains. Jinx, on the other hand, is like a kid-- in and out, in and out! I would put in a kitty door, but with our luck, we would end up with opossums, skunks and raccoon making themselves at home.  

Reflection

A friend of mine died two weeks ago, 6 days after she was diagnosed with cancer. She was only 43. She and I weren't best friends, but my folks were friends with her folks and I grew up with the clan. We are like family, and I am close with a couple of her older sisters who are closer to my age. The funeral was at the Catholic Church here in town. I've been to a couple of Catholic weddings before, but I think this was the first funeral. It's so odd, but like my cousin's funeral last year, I felt totally disconnected from the whole thing. I felt like I was watching a Japanese tea ceremony as the Father poured the wine and folded clothes, wiped the chalice and said the words. I grew up Presbyterian and knew the words, could almost quote them, in fact. It was all so very ritualized. From a psychological point of view, I see where that can be soothing for the family. For me, well, lets just say, I really wished I had paper so I could take notes. I know--rather inappropriate. Now, tomorrow, I'm going to my Great-Aunt's funeral. To many deaths all at once. Hope this is it for awhile!

Have A Gay Day!

Let the Earthquakes and pestilence commence!

Teaser

Yesterday was my Birthday. And I had to work. And the temps were in the 70s! And to make it worse, it was one of my nights to work until 6 pm. So Not Fair! But I still pulled my lounge lawn chair out of the garage when I got home, grabbed a beer, my music and my favorite book, and "practiced" for 20 minutes for when the weather finally gets nice. So of course, it's snowing right now--yesterday was such a tease! It was a good day, tho. Lots of Birthday wishes on FB and an angel-food cake from one of my co-workers and one of my friends sent me flowers at work. I assumed they were from Mom until I got a closer look at them. My friends know me so well! I'm having a bit of a problem wrapping my mind around '50', surprisingly. It doesn't bother me, it's just a number. But it just seems like such a strange number, all of a sudden. I'm starting this next part of my life, I was a kid, I raised my kids, now I need to decide what to do and how to define this next decade. It's really kind of awesome.

Now That Spring Is (almost) Here

A squirrel for Abby and Tar!

Since Winter Continues

Ha, I got my next project done in two weekends! I think that's a record for me, but I guess there is a good side to this lousy weather we continue to get. If I can't be outside, I might as well put my time to good use. This is The Tiger-Spider and his butterfly wives. It's a story by Noel Fielding in his book, The Scribblings of a Madcap Shambleton. Color makes me happy and paintings on the wall don't have to be dusted, a double win! I may add some more butterflies and thicken up his face, but for now I'm just going to live with it and decide later.

Now, which wall is next?

Florida or Bust? Bust

I should be in Florida right now. I'm not. It was a trip I really can't afford right now, but such an opportunity that I couldn't turn it down. So I looked for the cheapest way to get there and it turned out to be Greyhound. Tickets bought, arrangements all made. And a feeling of impending doom all week and the inability to envision myself there. I've always seemed to have an over abundance of empathy but I don't consider myself very clairvoyant; but this didn't really feel like the seasonal depression I usually suffer from in late Winter. Just this feeling of "not going to happen".

So what happened, you ask? The bus terminal is small, just a closet at a Pilot station with a McDonald's on the other end of the building. No personnel on the weekend. I got there early. And waited. And waited. And waited. And started making phone calls. It took me an hour to find out that my bus had been cancelled due to bad weather further up the line. You would think in this computer age, I would have gotten some kind of message earlier in the day. If I had known, I could have driven to St. Louis and caught my connection there, but by the time I knew what was up, it was too late. Plus, I don't actually know if my connecting bus made it out. So, back home and sitting on the floor, making phone calls and digging around in my luggage for the little bottles of booze I was taking to drink at Disney (their drinks are pricey), on the verge of tears. Rosco must have sensed something because he ran through the house, took a flying leap and parked himself on my shoulders.

I suppose I gave up too easily. Everyone kept saying "can't you find another way there?" but it would have taken another day to arrange things, probably be Tuesday before I could have gotten there and then turned around on Friday to head back. Again, maybe it really is just seasonal depression, but I couldn't even think by then. The thought of it just exhausted me.

So now I have the week off, although I'm going to go talk to my boss about working Wednesday through Friday. I think I'll see about getting my taxes done tomorrow and some other things I've been wanting to get taken care of. And today? Well, make some of those phone calls. Oh yeah, and watch the freezing rain that is supposedly moving through in the next few hours.

This winter really sucks.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Not doing anything special this year (which is the norm!) but I'm leaving for Florida tomorrow, so I'll probably be packing. Just hoping the weather holds so I have no trouble getting there. This is going to be the first vacation I've had since I've been married that didn't include my kids, my husband or my Mom. I'm taking the bus, it should be interesting! I'm actually looking forward to the ride, sitting back and relaxing with my book and my laptop. I'm hoping to get alot of work done. Plus, spending a few days with my BFF who I haven't seen in a couple of years plus a friend I haven't seen in almost 30 years is going to be the best!

Morning Coffee

Our neighbors put this chair out on the curb yesterday and my daughter fell in love with it. So we rescued it and put it in the garage until the day she has her own place. There are a few rips in it, but the frame is solid. I ran some errands this afternoon and left the garage door up and came home to this. I think Roscoe has adopted her chair for the time being!

Long Winter Days

The days have dragged this week. It was endless. And I'm in a funky mood, which I realized this morning feels like depression creeping in. I have a problem with it, especially in the Winter. I've detected enough of a pattern over the years to know it sets in about now and it's probably sun deprivation. As soon as we get a sunny early Spring day that I can go out and bask in I'll feel the shift. Knowing this doesn't make it easier, however. My mind scatters, I can't seem to move in a straight line, mentally, at all. Every hurtle seems bigger. But.... I have a chance to go to Florida next month. Definitely can't afford it, but it isn't an opportunity I care to miss. I'm going, even if I have to hitchhike! I'm just hoping that the Florida sun does the trick!

We're All Members of the Mob

A little bit of silliness on Facebook this morning. But it's true--if you say you're from Illinois, people always say, 'Oh Chicago?'. No. It's a big state. And we don't carry Tommy-guns. (I'll bet upstate New Yorkers have the the same problem!)

Morning Coffee

Jinx finally got to go outside and run around (the rain melted almost all of the foot deep snow) until he came in, exhausted. It's amazing the positions cats get in, all twisted around. He slept all afternoon!
(yes, that's a box with a piece of carpet on in-- so he can look out the window in comfort.)

The Sun Rises on a Brighter Day!

We have water! The plumbers got here yesterday afternoon and it was an easy fix. My husband said he got done in less than an hour. While one plumber was under the house fixing the problem the other one was in the drive way, getting his truck unstuck! We have a narrow drive way and he slid off of it. Anyway, got home from work and was able to take a hot shower. Best shower of my life! It's supposed to get warmer today, maybe into the low 40s (heat wave!) with rain. My concern is the fact that there is no where for it to go. Somehow, I don't think the City crew is going to drive around this morning digging out the sewer drains. I had almost hoped to wake up to freezing rain and use it as an excuse to not show up to work. I could use a day off--such a long week!

Just for a taste of the fun we've been having, I'm sharing this video. I think you have to go to YouTube to watch it. The last 30 seconds or so are our stretch of road. People have talked about the "Snow of '82" for years (18" that year) but I think this is worse, just because of the colder temps.

I Need a Little Less Reality, Please

Well, the earliest we can get a plumber is Friday, maybe. When I was little, my Grandparents lived in the boonies and had no indoor plumbing. If they did it every day, I can do it for a few days. But that doesn't mean I'm happy about it!

My husband made it to work yesterday, but he said he's never seen anything like it. When he got into Effingham there was so many Semi's lining the roads, he didn't think he was going to make it through. The authorities were directing them to every large parking lot in town until every one of them was full, eventually they parked them on the sides of the road. The truckstops kept running out of diesel and the fuel trucks couldn't get through to refill the tanks. It may be days before they get it all sorted out. Things started to get back to normal at the store yesterday, most of our delivery trucks got through and were able to get limited orders to us. We still look a bit picked through, but at least we have the staples again. Unfortunately, they are predicting more precipitation for today and tomorrow. Every one keeps saying, yes, but it's supposed to be rain tomorrow and it's going to be in the 40s. But they aren't thinking about the fact that the rain has no were to go! I think it could be a whole other bunch of problems!

I'm keeping my sense of humor in all of this. Because it's that or roll up in a ball and cry. So, laughter all around, my dears!

Mark Your Calendar!

The continuing saga of Winter Storm Ion is making my life miserable interesting. I live10 miles from where I70 and I57 crosses in Illinois. It's a trucker's haven, lots of truckstops and restaurants. The authorities have asked people to avoid parts of the town because of the congestion caused by the truckers getting off the Interstate to rest and refuel which has become a problem all on it's own. Check it out here and here. My husband works at Menard's, which is in the middle of all of that mess. He hasn't gone in the last two days (we couldn't get the car out of the drive) but he's tried it this morning.

On other fronts, I've decided people are just stupid. We have been asked to stay off the roads--so of course the store was nuts busy all day yesterday with people who just wanted to get out and see if they could! We did get milk and bread (but no eggs) but they were both later than normal. I stayed in a good mood and handled it well but its stressful and gets exhausting. And then a half hour before the end of my day, my husband called to ask me to call the City office and see if they could turn off our water-- we had a pipe break. Oh lord. I was almost in tears by that point. We had left our facets dripping, hoping to avoid such an occurrence. One good thing, we had been collecting that dripping water into jugs so we have water to drink. I've got snow melting on the stove right now so I can flush the toilets, but no shower. I left a call with the local plumber--hopefully he doesn't have too long of a back list. I'm trying to keep my sense of humor, but it's a wispy thing right now!

Wonderful Winter Weather

When I walked into work yesterday, my boss looked surprised. The head meat-cutter, the only other person there except for the boss' son, told me no one else showed up and they didn't expect me, either. I live 3 blocks away, for heavens sake. I was going to show up. To be honest, I was a bit pissed. If they didn't want me, they should have called! How was I to assume that he would assume I wasn't coming?  The store was sold out of milk, and bread, and eggs, and assorted other staples. I've never seen the shelves that empty, and there is no guarantee we'll get any today. So I worked 3 hours then they sent me home because they closed early. I could have used one of my personal days, now I'm just going to have a short check. Oh, well. So anyway, I'm going to bundle up and do it again this morning (unless he calls. Surely, he'll call this time). It's 13 below right now. It's going to be an ice-cream headache the whole way! My husband's home again. He works 15 miles away and we still can't get the car out of the garage. Hopefully, things will be better tomorrow!

Because the Stupid People Need Those Cigarettes!

I haven't heard anything official, but I'm guessing we got close to a foot of snow yesterday. The drift is bad and the temps are sub-zero. The authorities have declared most of the roads closed and dangerous. I live three blocks from work, so I'm sure here in another hour or two I'll be trekking my way to the store--most of my fellow employees live in the next town over or in the country so we'll be working with a skeleton crew. Ideally, we wouldn't even open because people shouldn't be out! But, and I know this from experience, I'll have customers come in for one thing. Milk, a loaf of bread (I'm sure we're out of both) or a pack of cigarettes. It's not so much that they need them but they simply have this itch to challenge the elements. Not me--I'd be quite happy to stay in! I'm holding on to the tiniest flicker of hope that my boss calls and tells me to stay home. (Not going to happen, but a girl can dream!)

Morning Coffee

I wish I could have gotten a better picture, but my husband started talking to him and that was the end of that-no more poses. Besides, it's so bright outside, maybe a picture without glare wasn't going to happen, anyway! Poor Jinx is so confused. He wants to go outside, he walks around making little meow noises and walks to the door. Then he sits on the porch looking out at the snow for a few minutes before he wants back in. And then we do it all again!

Dreaming of Warmer Days

I'm stuck inside today, loads of snow coming down. It's beautiful and the temperature is hoovering right at freezing with no wind. It would be a great time to go for a walk, before the arctic cold moves in. The son has already been out once already. It's been years since I've taken a walk in the snow. But... I tend to fall and break things, so the best thing for me to do is stay inside and admire it through the window. I did go stand on my deck and bask in the peace of it earlier. Anyway, as pretty as it is, I'm already looking forward to Spring. I planned on planting an herb garden last Summer but that didn't happen. My resolution (for lack of a better word) is to make it happen this year. I love fresh herbs, and saving bees is an added plus!

Happy New Year, My Beauties!

What 2013 taught me:

We don't have to act our age. Who determines what that is, anyway?

Socks don't have to match.

Don't sweat the small stuff. (okay, we all know this, but don't we tend to ignore it?)

Don't stress over what we can't change. Hell, don't stress over the things you can change, but know you won't.

We can't live our lives to please others, so why waste the energy trying. (again, one of those things we all know, but tend to forget)

Find new (to you) music, quit playing the same old stuff over and over. It really does feed the soul.

Dance--anywhere, anytime.

Give hugs freely. 

Color your hair blue, or red, or purple (whatever color you like) at least once.

Eyeliner rocks!

It doesn't matter if your mom doesn't like your hair or your boots, not if you like them. 

Don't let other people's embarrassment be yours. 

Not new, but most important--Laugh!