OK, so this is probably not a chipper entry...

...but I feel most of you are with me for the good, the bad and the ugly, right? All I can say is it's a good thing they don't have "Live blogs" - you'd see me here in my jammies and no make-up with a frowny-face and blurry eyes...

I don't know if it's the realization that I'm out of a job and have to re-enter the workforce once again or the chaos of having the house in disarray.

Maybe it's that both of those issues are all mine - I was an OK housekeeper at best, teetering on good, but definately not great. Things got dusty and no matter how I put a spin on it, dust is not a "protective coating" for furniture. And there is no better time to realize that as when you are trying to put back together a room and find all your things are heavy with dust.

And the job thing - well I'm a "long-timer" - stay with jobs for quite a while - usually - but the last few years have been rough. And as I am getting older I find I cannot do some of the things that once came easily to me - like staying awake past PM - or lifting, serving, standing for long periods..yadda, yadda, yadda.

Waa, waa...someone call me a "waaaambulance".

Ok, good, I'm better now.

The curtains came! Had to wash them and iron them to be able to correctly cut to hem them, but I can't wait! I wish there were more than 24 hours in a day - that way I could get more done..

(why on earth is she smiling???......She must be high on something...probably cleaning-product fumes...)

Mr. B suggested that instead of just placing things on the long shelf like I had, to place them in vignettes - a word I didn't even know he knew - but he was right. I made these ...how do they look?

Still have empty walls to fill with fun pictures of family "then & now"..

And we still need to make the corner end-table-bookcase-thingy that's in Mr. B's head - kinda hard to help when I can't see in there..notice I said "we still need to make..."? Mr. B always says, "you said "we"..do you have a mouse in your pocket??"

Anyway, I'm going to take my grumpy, pitty-party self to bed. I know the morning will brighter.....

well, duh..of course, it won't be "night" anymore, silly!

g'night

-me

My very first grandchild will be 21.....

...not months old, but YEARS old.......

I am in shock. Where was I the past 21 years? I know we saw him many many times.

I know he stayed with Grammie & Grandpa on several occasions.

Then when did he have time to grow into a 6 foot tall, handsome, smart, courteous guy??

He and his girlfriend, Tessa, went to see my youngest daughter (and New York City) in January.

They had a great time as you can see in the photo collage...but look closer. I think he's got quite an eye for photography.

(by the way...the forks are from an Art Museum...I have done the same thing in my garbage disposal many times...and with spoons too! I am "multi-medium artist" I guess.....)

He's going to be a teacher, so to have an eye for art will certainly serve him well.

Anyway, I suppose it's just another Grandmother being proud of her grandson.

But he was my first and will always and forever remain so very special in my heart.

Enjoy this photo and I'll have pictures of the room soon. (the curtains arrived! )Now all I have to do is alter them to fit and hang some pictures and I "think" were done for a little while....oh, no.......Mr. B's got plans for a TV stand, another corner unit and an end table....he's like the Energizer Bunny....

More later..

-me

"On the sunny side of the street"...

Yesterday it was actually warm enough to go out in just shirtsleves...oh, and pants too, of course..



Beautiful weather and not cold...no snow at all, green grass showing, but that was just....

"On the sunny side of the street" as the old song goes.

Yep, the south side of the streets, yards, parking lots and fields are sunny, snow melted off and almost green.



But just cross the street on the north side or look into the front yard and you'll still see piles of snow...PILES...some parking lots that have shoved all the snow to one side might have 5 feet of the yucky, black-ish dirty stuff.



Ah, spring is almost here. But in between we have "mush" season. "Mushy" as the weather person called it. Mucky left-over leaves, trampled and flattened grass, you know, mushy stuff.



As we were walking yesterday, in shirtsleeves (and pants), we heard Mourning Doves (or Morning! doves as I like to call them..) and a few other, less famous birds singing. Sort of "American Idol for Birds".......I personally vote for the little chubby chickadee myself...

I saw what at first looked like Ramen noodles on the sidewalk ahead......upon closer inspection, we discovered the "Ramen noodles" were, in fact, earth worms!



Guess they felt the sunshine and decided to come up for a sunbath. Some were stretched out, some curled up, some kind of zig-zaggy. (some were squished, but we won't go into that..)

But all in all it was a good walk. Got home and expected to see curtains on the front porch, but, humbug, not there yet. Hopefully today.



In the meantime, I have plenty to do - the rest of the house looks like it's been ransacked - boxes of "stuff" and left-over furniture are everywhere still.



Good time to be between jobs, huh?!



Have a fun-filled spring day and don't step on those "Ramen noodles" on the sidewalks!


-me

I totally wanted to say "TA-DA" and show you finished photos...

...but the curtains have not come in from Urban Outfitters..although I know they are close - the DHL tracking site said so.....


And I could show you some of the pictures...but that'd be the "TA" without the "-DA!"..bummer...so I show you a teensy sneak peek....

Stay tuned...the curtains should be measured, hemmed and hung very soon!

g'night,

-me

There's something about Mary....I mean Kathleen Mary..

Yep. Kathy. My sister. My older sister...actually, my oldest sister...

( oh, I do so love saying that...)

She called today to let me know her group of "walkers" ( lady friends - not the walkers you see in Retirement centers...) came in first place in the Lake Havasu Health Walk Challenge...a relay race they have been training for.

A feat not so easy on the feet when your group is in the "Over 50" category...and they are just past a smidgen over 50...uh......some by a few years...others by more...however, we won't mention any names...

So it is with great admiration and respect that I bring you my sister, Kathleen Mary, my rock, my rock-star, my oldest sister...

I only hope that when I am her age ...(in many many many years)...I will be as vibrent, loving thoughtful and friendly as she is and has always been.

I have always looked up to her..(she is quite tall...and older than me...) and as she ages, she doesn't slow down. She's a mother, a grandmother, a wife, a sister, a walker, one of the "girls" and a friend.

She's funny, quick, crafty and kind. She loves to entertain and entertain she does, whether it's a meal cooked just for you or a gift she saw and bought just because she knew you'd love it.

She remembers birthdays, husbands (you know, like when she calls me she always asks how Mr. B is...not that she has had so many husbands that it would be a big thing to remember them all... what were YOU thinking???) your kid's spouses and your dog's names.

She loves to "lunch with the ladies" and has a black belt in garage sales. She's an Olympic shopper, holding that title in the Sullivan Sisters competition for years now. No one has ever seen her 'messy' or without just the perfect amount of make-up...I mean NO ONE...

She reccommends great movies and recipes and which stores are having a "going out of business" sale and has clothes in just YOUR size!!

In a nutshell, she's one great sister - and I think the whole world of her!

Kathy, you ROCK..

Love you tonzzzzz,
-me

Seriously...Can I write anymore about the remodel??

...Yeppers - when it's coming together as nicely as this one is...due heavily to the help from the newlyweds.

They can still bend, kneel, stretch, reach, twist & contort............me................not so much.

I used to brag about actually liking to paint...had Mr. B totally believing me...until I creaked, moaned, grunted, screeched and bellowed...and that was just getting up from the chair..

Imagine actually painting baseboards, crown molding and trim??

That's where the kids come in. I knew having a big ol boy would come in handy one day.

And to think he had the where-with-all to marry a wonderful girl who not only likes to paint (and still can) but is totally family oriented and wants to help...the fact that she is a perfectionist comes in handy, too, when I say "Oh, I think that'll do.." and she says, "No it won't..here, let me help.."

YEAH for young lovers! Aren't they cute? (I know I promised not to put your pictures up, but,come on, how could I not??)

And speaking of cuteness............how's this one...Lulu inspecting her new throne..minus the pad which we are having made...I think the height is just perfect for her to watch all of her throngs of loyal admirers....

All Braxton wanted was for me to pick him up...and carry him the entire day..when this pitiful look didn't work and the funny mouth trick didn't work, he "took to his bed" as any mistreated gentleman would...

While watching the paint dry, which, by the way is as fun as it sounds.........tick....tick...tick..Mr. B and I decided to try to find some baskets for under the window seat and found these...

May need to get one more but Mr. B said something about a "return-air-vent-thingy" ...he didn't really say "thingy" but that's my technical term..and not "blocking air flow "or something..and the couch with the recliner foot-stool-thingy (see, another technical term) will cover it as well.. so we may not need the 6th one...

Mr. B painted the ceiling, which would have been a pain in the neck...hahahaha, I crack me up!!

And so it goes on Main Street this Saturday & Sunday..finishing up so the furniture can be delivered on Monday (yeah!)

So on this wonderful day in February, remember what my Daughter-in-law said to us when we tried to give them some money for helping....

"No...this is what families are all about..."

My son has very good taste....Oh, I'm getting all verklempt.....

-me

When I was a kid....

...I remember wanting to jump off the high dive. So I climbed up the ladder, waited my turn, then....jumped...

About half-way down, I changed my mind. But obviously, I was too late in changing my mind. So, into the water I went. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't as fun as I thought it would be.

Flash forward about 50 years (50?? Did I really say that??!!)...I was feeling comfortable in my little pond. But I thought it would be fun to jump into the big 'ol ocean again and swim with new fish.

Well, about 2 weeks in, I've regretted my decision to "jump". It's not all that fun. It's new water and uncomfortable...like shoes that just don't fit. You can try to stretch, but even if you squeeze in, you're never comfortable. You know your decision was too quick and you didn't investigate the waters enough.

So, today will be my last day at the "new job". For all of you that know me, you would know I am not an "A" -type personality. I was put into a job that was totally "A" personality-required. (by the way, it was not the job I had originally applied for and interviewed for..)

I am a jabber-wakie. It's hard for me to be quiet. To focus on numbers and lines and spreadsheets.

I want to have fun - talk to as many people as I can. Make them happy. Solve their issues with great customer service. I just need that interaction.

So, wish me luck as I try to go back to where I was..happy and satisfied. Feeling like I knew what I was talking about. TALKING, for Heaven's sake!

One thing nice about growing older is that you really get to know the person you are. What your needs are. Where you're the most happy.

And you're not afraid to confront the issue head-on - before you spend too much time regretting your decision.

So new employer, thanks for the opportunity to once again confirm what I am best at - where my strengths are. I'm sorry to leave you but I think it's only fair that you find someone who will LOVE that particular job!

Have a great Friday - I feel better already.

-me

Lulu - the dog whisperer..I mean.. the whispering dog....

You read right. Lulu "whispers".....

Not all the time. But in the middle of the night or early morning hours when she's trying to get me up to take her out.



It starts out soft, almost inaudible........aaahhhhwwww.....aaahhhwwwww..



If this doesn't get me, she turns up the volume - but just a little..aaahhhwww...aaahhhwww...



It sounds breathy and low..hhhhhhwwwaaaahhh..a little louder each time..



If I'm really not hearing her,(or pretending not to..) she finally goes into "kissy-mode"....kissing me until I can't take another minute of it.



What a sweetheart...but a pain in the middle of the night that's for sure.

She's our girl alright. Strong willed, stubborn, determined and focused..

...and a real sweetie.

We are sooo lucky to have her in our lives. You keep whispering, Lulu, and I'll eventually get up & let you out!

Love,

Mommy

He went to Jared...no wait...he went to Home Depot!!

I don't know if you know the Jared Jewelry store add where they are so excited about him "going to Jared"..but I have something sooo much better - back lighting on the shelf that goes the width of the room!

This will afford me so many options for decorating - picture frames leaning on the shelf, collectibles. treasures...oh I can't wait!

And here is the window seat/bookcase form a better perspective - it will be painted the Buttermilk.... against the Celery walls...

I'm thinking dark baskets with the fabric liners for the under seating.

The shelves will be adjustable except the ones that are in now- those are "supporting" shelves.

The seat cushion will raise the seating to almost level with the window...perfect for grandchildren! Actually, it will hold about 4 regular sized people ...or 2 my size...LOL..

I think every home built should have crown molding - it's like a frame on a picture...or hair on your head..it looks as it has always been here...(not to "dis" bald men...and don't buy crown molding (hairpieces) for your heads - I think bald heads are very pretty...)

The furniture place called to say the delivery date has changed from Friday to Monday- which is OK - it gives us another week-end to feel "finished"...and I have a couple of pieces that I want to antique or distress that I think will look great in the room.

Then all we'll need to add is family & friends! Y'all drop by now, will ya??

Go out there and pursue your dreams today - even if it's just day-dreaming!

-me

Aiyie, yie yie........

....I'm starting to feel a little teeny bit claustrophobic - no room for much of anything.

We have a small home to begin with and even though we took all the front room furniture except the buffet to the Desseret Industries (DI) , between the books, pictures, art work and just STUFF, there's not much room for people or pups!

Speaking of pups, Braxton found he likes it just fine between the sheets of drop cloths on the floor....

And Lulu is not shy about telling us what she thinks of "foofoo-thingies" in her hair....

(how does one spell thtbbhththtbthth...?)

We will have a 4" to 5" padded seat on the window seat and I "think" maybe these curtains (?)

( I am a firm believer that every room needs a splash of red..) What do you think?

They're from Urban Outfitters and I spotted them on someone's blog (sorry- I can't give credit - I forgot who's I saw them on..) The ad said they are on a "cream" background which I think will go nicely with all the "Buttermilk"...

Maybe some red throw pillows on the new couch - it's a light tan micro-fiber and the rocker/recliner is sage green...Celery & Buttermilk walls...it's sort of coming together in my mind....

The TV will be on this wall, decorations on the shelf..and I think my "found green screen door" to the left of the TV...

This is the beginning of the window seat with the 2 bookshelves on the side- this too will be the Buttermilk color and the insides of the shelves will be the Celery color like the walls.

Not a really great photo of the window seat/bookcase combo- after the shelves are in and the crown molding is finished, you'll be able to see what a magnificent piece this is. I think the house could be blown away and that until will still stand. Mr. B makes thing to last...notice I'll have sort of corner shelves on this side and regular straight shelves on the far side...

Anyway, enough of this to bore you for one night. Have a wonderful Tuesday and remember, it's almost FRIDAY!!
-me

Tools of the trade...

Daddy was a carpenter, so I know of a few tools.

Not too many - he really never showed us "girls" too much about tools.

Still in that 50's time warp where girls do girl stuff and boys learn about.... tools...and cars...and finances...and...apparently, a lot of swear words. (...but just when things don't go completely perfectly, which, when you're working with wood, seems to be a lot....)

Here are a few of the tools Mr. B has been using these past few days...

I'd show you a picture of caulk, because it seems caulk is a major ingredient in all of home repairs, but we seem to be out...again...which probably accounts for yet another trip to the hardware store...

Love those flat, fat pencils! I just figured out the reason they're flat, I think, is so the don't roll off stuff? Maybe...

I always thought they were made sort of ugly so we girls didn't take them all the time..

Ever notice they don't have erasers? If that's not positive thinking......

I'm surprised both of the levels have the bubble in the center - not that Mr. B's work is not level, but in an older home, nothing is plumb, level or square...

Lulu enjoyed the sunshine while it lasted today...so did Braxton, but I really think he would have preferred a sweater..

Lulu is such a sweetie - I love this "divot" on her forehead - it's just perfect for stealing kisses - and she's so soft and smooth there....

And so...while some people worked......

...some people played........

But all chipped in to get to this "sneak peek" (now remember, the bead board and the shelf will be "Buttermilk" then antiqued...)

Mr. B has almost completed the window seat and the adjoining bookshelves...maybe we can get some color up tomorrow. Then it will really seem as if it's coming together!

Have a fun President's Day and do whatever you're supposed to do on President's Day...

-me

It does start out simple enough....

...sitting on an all too-uncomfortable couch. One purchased at a yard sale a few years ago...

"I sure wish we could find comfortable funtiture..." says one..

"Yeah, that'd be great...then we could have comfortable seating at Thanks-mas.." says the other...

And the chaos begins.........

Let's go & LOOK at furniture, OK?

Sure....but just look, ok??

Sure. OK.

Well, 3 hours, a sofa, a love seat, a rocking recliner, 2 French country end tables and and a bunch of money later, as we were home sitting on our all too un-comfortable couch (they can't deliver the new stuff until next week) looking at the sad white walls, one says, "maybe we should paint..."

"OK", says the other...we can find some really pretty colors..maybe have an accent wall?"

"What about a bead board wall..you know..that'll match the lovely buttermilk end-tables we got? And a beautiful floating shelf the entire length of the wall..."

"Sounds great!"

And.... while were at it...new window seat, new bookcases, new drapes, new artwork...oh..and don't forget lighting! We need lamps, up-lighting...throw pillows in contrasting colors..baskets to put beneath the window seat, window seat cushion, a throw for the sofa...primer, paint, glaze, rollers, brushes, caulk, putty, nails, a compressor, a nail gun ..no wait I have those......screws, bolts, washers, lumber, drop cloths, "volunteer" painters (the newlyweds) sandwiches brought in, diet cokes bought..WHEW!!!!!!!!!!

...........Oh, and don't forget the groomer for the pups at 3pm!

And so it begins. A small thing..just the wish for a comfortable seat...and a major re-model is begun.

Watch for updates and photos and tired blogs. And wish us well. We've survived quite a few re-models before and we'll get through this one too.

Stay tuned..........and don't the pups look cute..????

-me

Whoa....how do these things work??

Suppose to be what my name means...............

What Colleen Means

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily. You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind. A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable. You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life. You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Another "sing-a-long"!...I'm dreaming of a white....

....Valentine's Day!

Yep, we had one big ol ginormous snowstorm settle in over the valley. Schools closed - some students had to spend the night because the roads in/out of the schools were impassable.

Yuck. But all are safe & sound....I just know as a little kid, I've had enough of school for one day!

Mr.B shoveling at 5am for his little pups to have a place to, ahem, call their own......

Wish they'd called for a "snow day" from work......but, hey, then I wouldn't be able to share photos of the fabulous "cookie decorating contest" now would I ??

Yeppers...cookies, sprinkles, fun and all at work...what could be better?

Oh, OK, if it were on a Friday, that'd be better...

And if it was on a Friday and it was payday, yeah, that'd be better....

And if it was on a Friday, and it was payday and it was the last day of work before an early retirement, OK, that'd be WAY better....

But now for the photos of a really fun day........

I made little Valentine's for some folks at work ............

Do you remember those little candies in the wrappers? You opened the wrapper and used your teeth to get them to slide into your mouth?

Here are some of my cute albeit young co-workers....

Tables with displays of beautiful cookies...all to be judged by "secret ballot"...........

this is my entry.......

.....And this one is for our snow-shoveling-puppy-lovin'-hubby.....

Then the evening ended with a beautiful surprise of this.......

..........and a lovely home-cooked dinner of hot dogs & chips- hmmm....that & a Diet Coke and I'm in heaven! Oh, and Ben & Jerry's Phish Food Ice Cream!

I do hope you all had a fun & safe day.

The week-end's here - do something for YOU!

-me

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Hope you day is safe, full of loving thooughts and wonderful memories!

XXOO

-me

OK, so here it is...

..the "after" to the "before" of my cubicle...


Front & center


Left side...


Left side top of bins...


Right overhead bin



..View from my chair.


There you have it - nothing too impressive. But I like it - Cubicle Sweet Cubicle!



I try to keep some of my sweeties around me at work - sometimes just to smile back at me when no one else seems to be - and sometimes to remind myself why I am working - for that mini-vacation to see them, or an extra special Thanks-mas visit...

Sometimes I need to see Mr. B and Braxton, look-alikes right down to their smiles...

And of course, my cubicles wouldn't be complete without me, right? See the lovely necklace the even more lovely Mrs. P (my daughter-in-law) made for me??

Hey Dawn, does my screen saver look familiar?? Thanks soo much for YOUR contribution to the beautiful spring "theme" I have going on!

This is what I see many, many times during the day...

Yep, I work for CK Media - they do scrapbook conventions, magazines and CKU's (Creating Keepsakes Universities) all over the country. (I contribute from the corporate office in Utah)

I wanted you to notice the little (un-lit for safety of course..) candle my girls got me...it is one that's supposed to have your name, but seeing how mine is not all that common.....

...I got one that says "They didn't have your name"...hahahahaha!

OK, so that's the initial theme. I will probably change out as the mood strikes. That's what's nice about cubicles - not a lot of work to change them often - great news for us A.D.D.-ers!

Have a Happy Valentine's day and be safe! We got an additional 6 inches of blowing, blinding snow! (great excuse for anyone who hasn't gotten their sweetie something from the store, right?)

-me

I think I have another "Princess" in the family....

...my youngest grand daughter, Ella Ireland, who recently turned 4 as you may remember, just attended her very first rock concert....

...........in New Jersey...

..............with her Mom..

It was a present from her Daddy to Ella and her Mommy. Tickets to the Spice Girls concert for an early Valentine's gift.

How fun! The two of them had a "girl's night out", got dressed up, took the train downtown and saw Ella's very first rock concert - but I have a feeling it won't be her last........singing along (Ella knows all the words) and dancing in the isles........practcaily stealing the show.......

She was quite a vision in her pink petticoat-skirt and "Rock Star" T-shirt...and don't forget the pink cowboy (cowgirl) boots!

So, one loud, crowded concert, a soda and a souvenir poster and it's back to the train for the ride home. Wonder if either of them got any sleep that night?

It's Sesame Street and American Girl one week - the Spice Girls the next - I guess, like her T-shirt says..................

"if the tiara fits........."

Have a great Wednesday and I'll take photos of the cubicle today for tomorrow's post ( like that's really something to look forward to, huh...)
-me

It was the weirdest thing......

....at work, I actually retained some of what I was being shown on Friday! You know, the computer stuff...Imagine that...thanks brain, you 'ol gray matter!



So yesterday when I was (still in learning mode of course) entering the input, I sorta knew where to go, what buttons to push and stuff like that. I came home in a WAY better mood, much to Mr. B's delight......



And they loved my decorations. People kept stopping by to see what I had done. When I looked overhead, I noticed some dirt and moths (ick!!) had gone to that "big light box in the sky" to die...when I asked about it, one person said it had been like that for the 2 years she'd been there.....



I also noticed my cubicle had once had one of those mat-thingies under the chair on top of the carpet so you could roll around a lot - and I roll around a LOT - but it was missing - gone - kaput.



I asked the IT guy who was working on my computer settings if I could get another...(like he would know ....duh..) Told him there obviously had been one there prior to me -you know.. the tell-tale worn area on the carpet??... which he studied with fake-interest.



He suggested I talk to someone about ordering me one - (not ME , he was probably thinking..)



...now remember, I am an "instant gratification" kind of gal - so I said "Hmmm, I wonder, since I can see the markings, if someone saw an empty cubicle and just "acquired" it for theirs...so can I find another empty cubicle and requisition one from that cubicle...?"



Although I didn't wait for a response, I do believe I heard him mumble an "OK, well, I guess..." as I darted off to find an empty cubicle.



Now because my Mother raised us with some manners, while looking for that ever elusive empty cubicle, I did introduce myself...told various people my name and briefly what team I was on, all the while scoping out their neighboring cubicle for signs of life - or actually no life.....when I spotted one!



"Is that an empty cubicle?" I asked demurly....



"uh...yeah...I think so"



"well, would you mind if I borrowed the mat-thingy?"



"no.....why.??..."



"Because I want two, I was thinking,......here's your sign.." but refrained from saying that.



"Oh, and is that cute little trash can being used....??"



I then found the facilities manager who was coincidently speaking to the IT guy and asked about the "sacred"moth-burial ground. The IT guy said, "Yeah, it is disgusting, I saw it.." and within mere minutes, a worker was there with a vacuum and a ladder to clean it out.



My across-the-way-neighbor was amazed.. I was pleased...and a little smug...



...and so it went until I felt I had all I needed to make my little home complete. At one point my new boss saw me dragging the big 'ol mat thingy and just smiled and said "Well, I won't have to worry about you, huh??!?"

So after a dinner of great leftover "poor man's lasagna" (why is it pasta dishes always taste soo great the next day??)..I stumbled to my chair and snuggled with Braxton..me tired from a hard of "acquisitions and mergers" and him from having to work on his pitiful look all day..when Mr. B noticed Brax & I had the same "posture" or lack there of - and snapped this picture..

....hey, there's nothing like a little nap before bedtime, right??

Have a fine day and remember....... if you don't ask for what you want, you might not get it and then you'll have something to be grumpy about...

-me

What was your Sunday like??

Ours was good - lazy..my kind of Sunday - decompression at it's best!

Got the laundry done, Mr. B cooked what he calls "poor man's lasagna" which in my opinion was fit for a king.

Good stuff - cheesy and rich.............the lasagna - not the king - which is probably a good description of a king.............cheesy and rich!

Made a piece for my new cubicle -here's a "before" photo - I'll take the "after" ....uh...after..........

Remember the bird graphic I "copied" from the junk mail? Well here it is - although it's really prettier in person - my camera is not the best (or the photographer for that case)

It's in a shadow box - with a couple of branches the pups & I picked up on our walk this morning. Hot glued some blossoms to the branches and viola!

I first inked the mat but didn't like it much, so I covered it with lace and sheer ribbon and some printed twill tape.

Put the twill tape "believe" over the very lightly-printed wording the add came with. (sorry advertisers)

I had placed the branches we gathered in a galvanized vase filled with dries beans that I use for silk flowers and such. The branches looked rather pretty, but a little barren ..........

So I hot glued blossoms on the branches, put a coordinating ribbon on the vase and decided to go "shabby" in my space with the white birds and the frame with Braxton & Lulu's photos.

What's that you say? Photos of my children? Nah...the pups...

Speaking of the 'daring duo' - here's how they spent their Sunday night............

Sunday naps are the best!
The there was one "bone of contention".........

Gee, I wish I had a bone............heavy sigh............

Nope. It's mine. I want it. You can't have it.

See how I can hold it with my paws?? Yeppers, it's ALL MINE.........

Have a good start to the week. I'll take more photos of the cubicle when it's fully decorated, OK?

-me

How can this be....????

Yesterday, my first child, a girl named April, turned 40.

Huh..????

How can that be when I am only, like, 34 myself???

OK, so that last part is in my head, but you know what I mean.

Funny thing though - April has always been older than me. Really.

She's was wise and mature beyond her years.

Responsible. Smart. Determined. Straight as an arrow...

Still is. Almost a year ago she received her Bachelor's degree, graduating summa cum laude, “with highest honor”; direct translation: “with highest praise” in, get this, finance! ( and to think I don't do math..)

This accomplishment after raising a wonderful family with 3 great kids, with a son in college, while working full time in the finance world, and maintain a strong and beautiful marriage.

Yep, I'm proud.

And a bit confused....

I mean, I know she's mine. One reason I know is that she was so beautiful when she was born.

Everyone (even th doctors & nurses) was surprised because newborns are not usually so pretty.

Everyone said so. So when I took her home from the hospital, I knew they had given me the correct child - there was no mix-up in babies - she was mine....

(disclaimer: I'm not just being prejudiced. My other children looked surprisingly like little Winston Churchill's, or Jabba the Huts...)

And she certainly didn't get it from her biological father - my starter edition husband, version 1.0

( you ladies know what I'm talking about - like the first edition of a computer program - )

.......it stops working - you have to "re-boot" all the time...

.......had a lot of data but was still clueless.

........as soon as you commit to one, you realize that, if you had waited a little longer you could have had a better model.

.......hard to figure out and never have enough memory.

And, the computer's communication is most often a one-way .......

Sound familiar??

Had to upgrade to the great system I have now - Husband 2.0 - Highly recommend this one!

anyway...

......my beautiful, smart, determined, ambitious and A-type personality daughter turned 40 yesterday.

Happy Birthday, Honey.

I am forever proud of you and forever confused as to how I got so lucky to have you in my life. I may have given you life, ......but you gave me a reason to live....

I love you April.........

XXOO

-mom

Whew...I survived!

New day jitters. Like the first day at school after a long summer vacation - only this was after a short day off -

Wondering what to wear. Am I over-dressed? Will they like me. Will I have someone to eat lunch with. Not being able to sleep the night before - so being incredibly tired...then getting their long before anyone else...( I'm kind of an early-bird anyway...)

All that may seem almost childish - but I am a "long-timer" - stay at jobs for years. Sometimes longer than some marriages.

So change is unsettling. New kids to play with. New "teachers"...finding out who's in the "in crowd.......

...listening to stories in the lunchroom yet feeling like someone who's picked up the book in the middle - trying to figure the characters, the setting, the "plots"

...and they're all quite young....I think I have shoes in my closet older than most of the girls. Some could be my daughters...some could even be my grand daughters.

....while their "5 year goals" are making it up the corporate ladder, starting their families, my "5 year goal" is retirement....enjoying my family..having TIME...

....and they're all quite smart. They can type without looking at the keys...they know the shortcuts in programs I've yet to learn.

...but each one of those "challenges" has a positive side...So what if I'm older...I will think of it as WISER...

...they may know about the latest programs on the computer, but I know about life..

...the stories on the lunchroom? I could tell some that'd knock their socks off. (but I won't..part of being wiser, don't you think??)

After all, this is not ordinary Grandmother they're dealing with.

So, Colleen, pull up your granny-panties, be a big girl and show them what class, experience, humor, and a lot of "Aunt Bea and a little of Rod Stewart" is all about!

And, boy, am I glad it's Friday!!!

And, thank you Mr. B, for listening to my tales of the first day...

Have a fun week-end and let us know what you've been up to..

-me

"Junk mail" that may not be.......

They say inspiration can come form anywhere.

I agree.

I say it can even come form what some may consider to be junk mail...

Got this bright pink mailer from a company out here called "Artichokes & Co." - neat place - may be a tad pricey for my allowance...but great, beautiful, soothing items.

As I looked at this sitting next to the cute plant Lillie and Layle got me for my new desk, I thought, "It's too pretty to waste" so into my craft room and on to the scanner it went.

Here are some of the pretty images that I managed to save...hope I'm not doing anything "seriously wrong" by sharing - it's just hard not to .....




Aren't these images just yummy? And not just the cookies, although they look really yummy....

Because of a few of my favorite bloggers out there, I was inspired to scan the bird images (there are similar ones inside the catalog) and enlarge.

There's one in particular that I am planning to put in a white shadow box, insert a real branch and glue on some sweet little blossoms, making it a 3D art piece. (Thanks, Dawn for your inspiration! http://the-feathered-nest.blogspot.com/ )

Dawn also has a wonderful sense of style. She can see and re-create beauty in many forms. Stop by and visit her blog - you won't be sorry- talk about "eye candy"! .... and while there, vote on her art piece at ........

"Amy's blog Charming Sam Studio and if you would, I would so appreciate you visiting her blog and casting your vote!!! There are nine entries and I'm one of them ~
The voting ends Feb 13th ~ wish me luck!!!"

So, it's off to my new job today. Get my feet wet, get all that paperwork done. Find out the most important stuff like...where's the bathroom, where's the lunch room....how can I decorate my cubicle....it's Colleen with a soft "O"...(have to do that all the time...) ...do I get free stuff??!! (It's in the scrapbooking industry!!)

Wish me luck & I'll let you know how I did. Y'all have a wondrous Friday and keep your eyes open for all sorts of inspiration that's out there - even in "junk mail"......

-me

Good bye from the gang...

Well, I did it. I left. Today was my last day. Lillie and Brenda (second row) each brought me a plant for my new cubicle.

All had such kind words and hugs for me.

Even Dean, the young man in the second row told me that if he could have chosen a "Mother" he would have chosen me...

Ahhhhh....I know you're saying that right now!

So, my new adventure begins on Friday. Tomorrow I get my hair cut, maybe get some new pants and just rest up and practice NOT saying "Hello" - and the old company's name.

When I first started I had come from another company that started with the same first letter. I cought myself saying the wrong company name a couple of times.

Finally wrote the current company name on a sheet of paper & stcky-noted it to my computer. Whenever the phone rang, I'd look to see where I was working......

But that's just me...

So, hair cut and dinner out. Good plan. Y'all have a great Thursday, will ya?!

-me

Change is hard........and a little sad....

...So, one more day at my current job.

I'll certainly miss most of it. There are always things you'd like to see change..but 96% of me is happy there.

It's the remaining 7% I worry about. (I told you I don't "do" math...)

I went from being a little fish in a huge ocean, sometimes happy, sometimes worried, sometimes very sad...

to where I am now...a big fish in a little pond.
..and now I will be going back to that big scary ocean, just when my pond felt comfortable with all my pond-buddies... But even in the small pond, when you're a big fish, things aren't always good. The "fit" is not right..you need more....room to grow.... More than what the small pond can offer.

And being a little fish is a big ocean is frightening too. Are you just a number?

Fish #14??

And those sharks...watch out! You'll have to learn to navigate the waters all over again. The ocean is waaaaay bigger than a pond. And waaaay scarier.

So, I'll say farewell to my pond-buds tomorrow. And I'll promise to stop by...maybe "do lunch"..but it will be different. I'll be a visitor to the pond. No longer the big, friendly, welcoming fish.

Life changes. Tides change. The waters get murky. One needs to think about what's best for all.

And I've thought about this a lot. It's time this big fish to loose some of that "weight" and learn to swim in that big, wide, wonderful ocean.

Think of all the great discoveries!

Wish me luck.

-me

Sing along with me....

"Birds do it..bees do it...even educated fleas do it...let's do it...let's fall in love"

Yes, that is an old song and many of you won't remember the tune..it's like da dada da dada dadadadaddaa dada...

OK, sounds like that in my head...

Anyway, Saturday morning Mr. B took me out to breakfast. My mostest favorite meal to eat out.
After a wonderful breakfast of creamed chip beef over biscuits and crispy bacon (can you hear my arteries slamming shut??) we drove home through the snow.

By this time, the snow had stopped, it was piled high, with the new snow on top, all fresh, white and clean.

Which is probably why we spotted him....a black bird in the snow. In the gutter across the street from our house. As we turned into our driveway, Mr. B said, "Well bless his heart.."

He was flapping around and looking trapped. The bird. Not Mr. B.

I thought it looked like his wing was broken because he was just flapping one - in the snow-
Was he hurt? Was there something I could do?

As I left the cab of the truck and started to cross the street, Mr. B said "Be careful -he could be hurt...or sick..."

But I was on a mission to save this little bird. He was still thrashing around and looking quite helpless.

I was already thinking I had a cage and all...OK, I'll have to take out the artificial plant ... and clean it up and get some seed and a little bell & a swing....put newspaper down in the bottom - oh- I'll have to get a newspaper - I don't think we have any..what are those bone-things? Oh yeah, cuddle-bones. What a cute name! And a mirror! I wonder if he can sing?? But, I could "save" him, right??

As I approached quietly and carefully.............................all of a sudden I saw 2 heads pop-up and they looked me square in the eye as if to say....

"Hey Lady, do you mind????"

Oh. My. Heck. I had interrupted a trist...a lovemaking session.

They flew away, grumpy and angry...I'm certain of it.

I was mortified. I covered my eyes and ran across the street (not something I would recommend, by the way) only to find Mr. B laughing his head off.

OK, so I tried to save the bird. My intentions were good if not my timing.

And actually, I had never seen "birds do it".

Not once.

I can't say that anymore.

Chalk that up to the sex-ed classes I never took..........

And it isn't even spring..........
-me

love....simple word...so complex...so special...

yes, indeedy, the word "love" , especially in the month of February, conjures up pictures of weddings, roses, diamonds and valentines...

But many times, love presents itself in the little ordinary every-day things that happen. So this post is going to be a little "sappy" ...a little "lovey" if you will.

I'd blame it on PMS, but since I no longer have to worry about that, I will blame it on SMS - Sappy Mood Swings.

It snowed again. a lot. heavy, wet, cold snow with wind. bone chilling.

And, as I awoke from my more-than-unusual-late-morning-sleep, there was my husband, red-faced, shoveling heavy wet snow.

I know he must hate doing it. I would. He has to get up extra early, he does it by the letter of the law, meaning NOT tossing it back into the streets like so many others do, but piling it high, and having to toss it up and over instead of just pushing it into the roadway.

That's love. He knows I am not physically able to do it- and the last time I did, was right before I found out I had cancer -so it has a "bad feeling" for me.

Love is also what new brides show when they make certain the son , now new husband, comes home on Saturdays to have dinner with his folks. Even though his folks may be a tad bit boring. The new bride doesn't ever show that she may rather be doing something more, uh, fun?

Love is what mother-in-laws show who steals away your laundry and does it because they know you have a bum knee and the stairs are hard. For 3 weeks now. And not want so much as a thank-you. So, THANK YOU.

Love is what makes one sister so angry at doctors that can't figure out what's wrong with you those 10 years ago.

And love also show itself when the other sister travels to from another state to be in the hospital, and cries with you after you have yet another procedure.

What I am trying to say is that love shows itself constantly. And it doesn't always say out loud "I LOVE YOU" although that's always nice to hear.

But one must listen for the ways love speaks, and appreciate them as well.

So, go out there today and show some love. Even if it's no more than getting up early so your husband can have the freshest lunch sandwich and not one that's been in the fridge overnight.

That's just one way I try to show Mr. B how much I love him...

-me

Happy Super Bowl Sunday to you...

This great advice was shared by my good friend, Betty, who loves dogs and people and walking with my sister, Kathy, in Arizona. Thanks Betty! (waving from my chair....)

Although we're not real big football fans here, we're hunkering down & staying in today and may even catch a little of the game. I LOVE the commercials!

I don't follow football much, but I think I'm for that team that is undefeated so far...the Patriots? I am usually for the underdogs, and the Giants could pull this off and that'd be great, but it would be nice to see one team do what no other has done before...

Snowing again. Pretty as it falls, covering up all the dirty snow. But by Monday's commute, it will be icky again. However, I will enjoy the beauty of it today and be thankful for the water it's bringing for our summer months...

Daughter-in-law, Mrs. P. came over with #2 son for Saturday dinner and a video. Mother-in-Law cooked Parmesan Chicken and it was really good. We watched "Astronaut Farmer" and it was a sweet, non-violent, loving movie. Another good underdog story.

I gave daughter-in-law some pieces of jewelry that I've saved over the years, a brooch, a flower charm and a little key-chain thingy that Brandi and Ella made for me, and asked if she could make something out of them. I know whatever she does with them will be stunning. How nice to have your own custom jewelry maker in the family!

So, it was just a sweet, quiet wonderful Saturday with my husband, talks with my sisters on the phone, dinner with family and lovin' the pups.

Hope your Saturday was everything you wanted it to be.

So I leave you with a little cheer from my High School days for BOTH teams today:

Rah Rah Ree

Kick 'em in the knee

Rah Rah Rass

Kick 'em in the.................other knee!

(photo added for your viewing pleasure)

Have a wonderful Super Sunday and rest up for the week to come..

-me

Yep, tonight was one of "those" nights...

...you've probably had them. You know, the ones where you are so tired after the week's doings that you come home exhausted and with a sinus headache, eat dinner, take pills and settle in for a good night of watching TV...all cuddly with your blanket and your best pups on your lap.....

...start watching a show...then 2 hours later, wake up just in time to see you husband turning off the lights to going to bed.

Yes m'am, you've just slept away your entire Friday night.

So, it's now time to go to bed. And I'm wide awake. Who wouldn't be - after a 2 hour nap!

The house is quiet. Too quiet. Every time I make a move, the sound is almost deafening. I don't want to wake the now sleeping- comfortable-in-bed Mr. B or the pups.

Squeaky floors keep me from, oh I don't know, dancing around the living room to the music from Staying Alive (Mother-in-Law apartment downstairs...in which Mother-in-Law is sleeping...)

"Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk,I'm a woman's man, no time to talk.

(something, something, something...)

Feel the city breakin'And everybody shakin'

And we're stayin' alive, stayin' alive.

Ah, ha, ha, ha,Stayin' alive.

Stayin' alive.Ah, ha, ha, ha,

Stayin' alive. "

So, I'm in here with you, my friends. Writing to no one in particular but everyone in general.

About nothing. Everything.

Like today, I was thinking about how much I am tired of the snow. Oh, it's beauty as it falls is awesome. But after a few days on the ground, it's dirty and cold....

...and hard. Hard to the touch as well as hard to deal with.

Dressing for it, walking through it, shoveling it, scraping it, salting it, driving in it, freezing in it....it's tiring.

But as much as I complain, at the first soft snowflake I see each year, the happy dance begins.

I think God really knew what He was doing when He made the 4 seasons.


Not the Frankie Valle & the 4 Seasons seasons, but he whole winter, spring, summer & fall stuff.

Although I do like Frankie Valle & the 4 Seasons, just to be clear...

Anyway, just when we think we can't take another snowy, cold, dirty day, spring pops up!


If I didn't know better, I'd have thought God might be a woman. I mean, and this is not to be considered "man-bashing", but to think of the beauty of the 4 seasons is truly amazing...for a man....

If an "ordinary" man was given the task of making seasons, where he can choose the number and the "theme", we'd probably have 2.........

football & NASCAR

If he thought far enough in advance, it could be 4 seasons: football, NASCAR, baseball & fishing.

Aren't we glad God didn't delegate that task...

I'll look forward to seeing that first crocus pop it's head out from under the blanket of snow...and yuck..

Anyway, enjoy your "season" whatever your climate is.

Go to bed. Stop reading this. Get some sleep. See you in the morning.

It's almost time to get up.....

-me

I used to be taller..I know it....

I used to be much taller than my kids.... and certainly taller than my grand daughter Emily...

I think I may have solved the mystery of why women get shorter…

Oh I know some have osteoporosis, but as I was showering and scrubbing my feet with the sand-paper-pumice-stone-torture device, it finally dawned on me…

After all, my Daddy was a carpenter and Mr. B is a wonderful woodworker as well..you’d think I’d have realized this before now, for goodness sakes...

When a door doesn’t close just right, sticks and is just plain too big, they SAND it down! And it gets….shorter! Thus making it fit snug and tight.

Wood not too straight? Sand off the excess!

Well, ladies, we are “sanding” ourselves shorter almost daily!

Too bad they don’t have those things in big-ole-hip sizes. Fatty-Pants no more! You could eat whatever you want and just take a little off here and there.

Nose job? Who needs it! Get the handy-dandy Nose-thinner sand paper! Shoes too tight? No problem – use that pumice stone with some effort, will ya?!

Breast augmentation???? Well…maybe not so much…

But think of the possibilities.!!!

Ahhh, if only I had the money to patent all my good ideas….

So, don’t scrub too hard, unless of course, you’re working on “short”……

Take care…
-me