5/8/2015
I have a love hate relationship with my hair - always have. When I was young, my hair was wavy so fashionable straight hair styles weren't possible for me. And no, I'm not going to iron my hair, partly because it's not long enough to do so.
Then I grew up and my hair wasn't as wavy as it had been. Over the years, I've cut it really short, let it grow out, colored it to cover up my gray and permed it. During the last few months, I've really tried to get used to longer hair, but today I'm going to change that. My hair is quite heavy and partly because of that and partly because it's gray hair, it requires curlers or a curling iron to make myself look presentable. I bought barrettes to hold back the hair because I hate hair on my face. The barrettes did the job, but I ended up most of the time looking like an aging school girl! Not a good look I assure you.
This morning, I'm going to see Angie who has been "doing" my hair since 1986! And today, we're going to cut the hair on top of my head short(er). I'm basically a lazy person, so after washing my hair, I just want to run my fingers and/or a comb through it and be done.
I have never fussed over my hair and when I start spending too much time looking in a mirror trying to do something with my hair, then it's time for a cut.
Today, I'm going to opt for a shorter "do" that requires no barrettes and very little to no fixing.
Wish me luck.
P
Friday, May 8, 2015
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
My Vacuum Cleaner Sucks - Really!
5/6/2015
What is it about a vacuum cleaner that sucks? Plenty. One of the problems for me is that it doesn't always suck - as in pick up dirt, dog hair, etc. from the carpet. I'll admit that I probably don't have the cleanest house in the world, but I try, really I do.
Yesterday, I got out my old but trusted vacuum, and was prepared to tidy up the living room carpet. After only a moment or two realized the stupid thing wasn't doing it's job. And everybody and everything must do their job!
Okay, I opened up the machine and decided that I needed a new vacuum bag for starters. For reasons I don't fully understand, except that I'm inherently vague about how things go together, I can never actually put the bag in where it's supposed to go. I know, I know, there's a hole in the bag that fits on the hole in the vacuum and that all sounds super easy, but it doesn't work for me. So that was problem number one for me.
Second issue was the little lint trap if you will at the bottom. The sucker was really dirty, so I've ordered a new one and while I wait might try taking this old one outside and smacking it around a few times to see if that makes a difference.
At the moment in my living room, is a vacuum that has it's cover off, with it's bag hanging more or less (actually less) from the hole where it's supposed to go. I also think that my hose might be blocked by debris (dog hair most likely) and today I will straighten out a hanger, and see if I can poke what ever's in there out.
I'm not into fabulously expensive vacuums. I only want one that works and/or is easy for someone of my limited ability (i.e., talent) to fix it when it doesn't. I don't think that's asking too much!
P
What is it about a vacuum cleaner that sucks? Plenty. One of the problems for me is that it doesn't always suck - as in pick up dirt, dog hair, etc. from the carpet. I'll admit that I probably don't have the cleanest house in the world, but I try, really I do.
Yesterday, I got out my old but trusted vacuum, and was prepared to tidy up the living room carpet. After only a moment or two realized the stupid thing wasn't doing it's job. And everybody and everything must do their job!
Okay, I opened up the machine and decided that I needed a new vacuum bag for starters. For reasons I don't fully understand, except that I'm inherently vague about how things go together, I can never actually put the bag in where it's supposed to go. I know, I know, there's a hole in the bag that fits on the hole in the vacuum and that all sounds super easy, but it doesn't work for me. So that was problem number one for me.
Second issue was the little lint trap if you will at the bottom. The sucker was really dirty, so I've ordered a new one and while I wait might try taking this old one outside and smacking it around a few times to see if that makes a difference.
At the moment in my living room, is a vacuum that has it's cover off, with it's bag hanging more or less (actually less) from the hole where it's supposed to go. I also think that my hose might be blocked by debris (dog hair most likely) and today I will straighten out a hanger, and see if I can poke what ever's in there out.
I'm not into fabulously expensive vacuums. I only want one that works and/or is easy for someone of my limited ability (i.e., talent) to fix it when it doesn't. I don't think that's asking too much!
P
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Cinco de Mayo
5/5/2015
I'm back again because I realized too late that what I should have written about was that this the 41st anniversary of our first date!
There were extra people involved in getting the date set-up (my dad and Jeff's sister), input from my family about what I should and should not wear. Advice from my dad about not kissing on the first date! Shish.
In our 40 plus years together, we have had some real highs and also some low lows. What I do know about Jeff and I is that no matter what has been or will be thrown in our direction, we can handle it. Our theory from the beginning is that a relationship is a lot like rowing a boat. Both people had better be in the boat and paddling in the same direction.
With the exception of 2013, my oar has kept pace with Jeff's. We will in days and years to come have some great times together. If nothing else, just watching Benjamin grow will be satisfying to both of us.
I fervently wish that I didn't have short term memory issues. That I didn't get depressed and sad. That I could see my glass as half-full instead of half-empty. Perhaps in time, I'm hoping that better and sunny days far outweigh the ones that aren't so good.
As I wrote Jeff earlier today, he is and has been my knight in shining armor. He has never let me down and knows how much I sometimes struggle with things in my life, both big and small.
For all that Jeff has done and does for me, I am forever grateful.
Who would have thought that a blind date would have been so successful?
Love you Jeff.
I'm back again because I realized too late that what I should have written about was that this the 41st anniversary of our first date!
There were extra people involved in getting the date set-up (my dad and Jeff's sister), input from my family about what I should and should not wear. Advice from my dad about not kissing on the first date! Shish.
In our 40 plus years together, we have had some real highs and also some low lows. What I do know about Jeff and I is that no matter what has been or will be thrown in our direction, we can handle it. Our theory from the beginning is that a relationship is a lot like rowing a boat. Both people had better be in the boat and paddling in the same direction.
With the exception of 2013, my oar has kept pace with Jeff's. We will in days and years to come have some great times together. If nothing else, just watching Benjamin grow will be satisfying to both of us.
I fervently wish that I didn't have short term memory issues. That I didn't get depressed and sad. That I could see my glass as half-full instead of half-empty. Perhaps in time, I'm hoping that better and sunny days far outweigh the ones that aren't so good.
As I wrote Jeff earlier today, he is and has been my knight in shining armor. He has never let me down and knows how much I sometimes struggle with things in my life, both big and small.
For all that Jeff has done and does for me, I am forever grateful.
Who would have thought that a blind date would have been so successful?
Love you Jeff.
Warm Weather
5/5/2015
All winter long, when long-sleeves and sweaters aren't enough to keep you warm, we daydream about warmer weather. Okay, the warmer weather is in the forecast for this week, and I'm already unhappy about the bedroom not being cool enough - for me!
Because air conditioning really drives the old electricity bill up, it will be saved for really, really, hot days, not just warm ones. I could, I suppose, get in my car, crank the a/c up to a comfy level and just ride around town. Downside? That would waste gas.
During the day, we own enough fans and get enough of a cross breeze between rooms, that it isn't uncomfortable - yet. I know the day is coming when sitting on a leather sofa will be more like sticking on the sofa.
When I go to bed, what I really like is a cold room. We leave one bedroom window open all winter long. It's not open all the way, but several inches or so to bring the cold air in. Perfect sleeping weather.
So like I did as a child, when the temperature seemed too hot to go to sleep, I flopped and flipped around until eventually I fell asleep. Of course, before I do, there is an internal cussing going on in my head, about a warm bedroom.
The temperature downstairs by evening is quite comfortable. Since heat rises, it obviously goes up to the bedroom. Curses. Years ago we took a trip to see Jeff's Aunt Ruby in Arkansas. When we got to her house, the downstairs was blissfully cool. And then we went upstairs where we would all sleep. With each step we took, it felt like we were getting closer to hell - it was that hot. She did have a fan, but it had steel blades and no cover, so she warned all of us not to touch the fan - we didn't.
This morning, at least right now, is a comfortable temperature. The back of our house, which is all window, faces west, which means that I close all the blinds before noon in an attempt to keep the sun out.
Okay, I'm done complaining about the temperature - for the moment. I can't promise that I won't revisit this topic when it's not just warm out, but hot and humid!
P
All winter long, when long-sleeves and sweaters aren't enough to keep you warm, we daydream about warmer weather. Okay, the warmer weather is in the forecast for this week, and I'm already unhappy about the bedroom not being cool enough - for me!
Because air conditioning really drives the old electricity bill up, it will be saved for really, really, hot days, not just warm ones. I could, I suppose, get in my car, crank the a/c up to a comfy level and just ride around town. Downside? That would waste gas.
During the day, we own enough fans and get enough of a cross breeze between rooms, that it isn't uncomfortable - yet. I know the day is coming when sitting on a leather sofa will be more like sticking on the sofa.
When I go to bed, what I really like is a cold room. We leave one bedroom window open all winter long. It's not open all the way, but several inches or so to bring the cold air in. Perfect sleeping weather.
So like I did as a child, when the temperature seemed too hot to go to sleep, I flopped and flipped around until eventually I fell asleep. Of course, before I do, there is an internal cussing going on in my head, about a warm bedroom.
The temperature downstairs by evening is quite comfortable. Since heat rises, it obviously goes up to the bedroom. Curses. Years ago we took a trip to see Jeff's Aunt Ruby in Arkansas. When we got to her house, the downstairs was blissfully cool. And then we went upstairs where we would all sleep. With each step we took, it felt like we were getting closer to hell - it was that hot. She did have a fan, but it had steel blades and no cover, so she warned all of us not to touch the fan - we didn't.
This morning, at least right now, is a comfortable temperature. The back of our house, which is all window, faces west, which means that I close all the blinds before noon in an attempt to keep the sun out.
Okay, I'm done complaining about the temperature - for the moment. I can't promise that I won't revisit this topic when it's not just warm out, but hot and humid!
P
Monday, May 4, 2015
Televison Shows
5/4/2015
As I sat yesterday programming the Tivo for the week, I noticed that several of the shows we enjoy are season finale. There is this horrible dry spell after the finales before summer television begins. I know that the actors and the behind the scenes producers, etc., work long hours. And I would, and you should, feel sympathy for them, if it weren't for the ridiculous amount of money they make.
TV actors can earn anywhere from $150,000 to $1M per episode. Mark Harmon, for example earns $500,00 per episode!
Of course, because earning money by acting in a television show isn't enough, many actors farm themselves out to do commercials. You've seen Matt McConaugh driving a Lincoln, John Hamm has an ad for Mercedes.
Tim Allen and Morgan Freeman earn $1M (as in million) for their ad which generally only requires one day of work! Wish I could make that kind of money. Other actors can earn from $300,000 to $1M for their advertising gigs.
For the "regular" people who do ads, they'll earn, which works out to about $3,000 to $5,000 an ad. Not too shabby for doing much but being the voice in a commercial. I can talk, why aren't I in Hollywood earning big bucks?
A dog handler in Hollywood makes $54,000 and a body double makes $33,000. The actors do work 12 to 14 hours a day, which doesn't leave much time for them to do anything else, except sleep! But when they do sleep, they are likely doing so in a palatial house in a really nice part of town!
So when we feel sorry for the actors, we need to just remember how very well they are compensated and chances are they don't even have to work all year.
P
As I sat yesterday programming the Tivo for the week, I noticed that several of the shows we enjoy are season finale. There is this horrible dry spell after the finales before summer television begins. I know that the actors and the behind the scenes producers, etc., work long hours. And I would, and you should, feel sympathy for them, if it weren't for the ridiculous amount of money they make.
TV actors can earn anywhere from $150,000 to $1M per episode. Mark Harmon, for example earns $500,00 per episode!
Of course, because earning money by acting in a television show isn't enough, many actors farm themselves out to do commercials. You've seen Matt McConaugh driving a Lincoln, John Hamm has an ad for Mercedes.
Tim Allen and Morgan Freeman earn $1M (as in million) for their ad which generally only requires one day of work! Wish I could make that kind of money. Other actors can earn from $300,000 to $1M for their advertising gigs.
For the "regular" people who do ads, they'll earn, which works out to about $3,000 to $5,000 an ad. Not too shabby for doing much but being the voice in a commercial. I can talk, why aren't I in Hollywood earning big bucks?
A dog handler in Hollywood makes $54,000 and a body double makes $33,000. The actors do work 12 to 14 hours a day, which doesn't leave much time for them to do anything else, except sleep! But when they do sleep, they are likely doing so in a palatial house in a really nice part of town!
So when we feel sorry for the actors, we need to just remember how very well they are compensated and chances are they don't even have to work all year.
P
Sunday, May 3, 2015
The Day After the Party
5/3/2015
Yesterday, Jeff and I spent the morning in tandem preparing the food we were taking to Scott's birthday party. Deviled eggs (lots) and the "cowboy" beans (also lots) and macaroni salad. Of course, after you spend the morning in the kitchen, it tends to look a lot like a bomb went off in there.
Once I had washed or put dishes in the dishwasher, things were looking better in the kitchen. Not perfect, but workable.
Jackie (Scott's wife) had prepared a lot of food for all of us to eat. She had side dishes, chips and hot cheese dip for snacks. Also had made creme bruele (however you spell it), birthday cake and jello shots.
After eating the salads and a hamburger, most of us were stuffed comfortably and dessert was served later. Several hours later, I became tired and wanted to come home. We packed up our "tovers" and left with two creme bruele desserts to eat tonight, while we are watching all the good shows on television.
Jeff works so hard during the week, that my suggestion for him today was to go to the airport and bore some holes in the sky. It would be very relaxing for him, and everybody needs a little down time. I would go with him, but getting in and out of the plane, but "arthur(itis)" in my hip makes it difficult and painful.
For me? I'm thinking of pulling a lawn chair onto the sidwalk, catch some rays and read one of the many books I have loaded on my Kindle. Jeff takes macaroni salad for his lunch every day. We don't even have to make that today, because we brought enough home for him to have for lunch for several days.
Laundry is done and dusting I don't much care about, probably because it just comes back. The good news about retirement - and lord knows we need one - is that we can put off until tomorrow to do chores!
Our weather is warming up, so the windows are now open which allows fresh air to come inside. It costs us a ton (and I'm not exaggerating) to run the air conditioner, so we'll try and get by with fans until it is really hot with a capital H outside!
Have a great Sunday.
P
Yesterday, Jeff and I spent the morning in tandem preparing the food we were taking to Scott's birthday party. Deviled eggs (lots) and the "cowboy" beans (also lots) and macaroni salad. Of course, after you spend the morning in the kitchen, it tends to look a lot like a bomb went off in there.
Once I had washed or put dishes in the dishwasher, things were looking better in the kitchen. Not perfect, but workable.
Jackie (Scott's wife) had prepared a lot of food for all of us to eat. She had side dishes, chips and hot cheese dip for snacks. Also had made creme bruele (however you spell it), birthday cake and jello shots.
After eating the salads and a hamburger, most of us were stuffed comfortably and dessert was served later. Several hours later, I became tired and wanted to come home. We packed up our "tovers" and left with two creme bruele desserts to eat tonight, while we are watching all the good shows on television.
Jeff works so hard during the week, that my suggestion for him today was to go to the airport and bore some holes in the sky. It would be very relaxing for him, and everybody needs a little down time. I would go with him, but getting in and out of the plane, but "arthur(itis)" in my hip makes it difficult and painful.
For me? I'm thinking of pulling a lawn chair onto the sidwalk, catch some rays and read one of the many books I have loaded on my Kindle. Jeff takes macaroni salad for his lunch every day. We don't even have to make that today, because we brought enough home for him to have for lunch for several days.
Laundry is done and dusting I don't much care about, probably because it just comes back. The good news about retirement - and lord knows we need one - is that we can put off until tomorrow to do chores!
Our weather is warming up, so the windows are now open which allows fresh air to come inside. It costs us a ton (and I'm not exaggerating) to run the air conditioner, so we'll try and get by with fans until it is really hot with a capital H outside!
Have a great Sunday.
P
Friday, May 1, 2015
Happy Birthday Scott
5/1/2015
Today, is Scott's birthday. He is 37 and grew up to be a great man. Scott is also my middle child and there have been pages and pages written about being the middle child. I should know, I was also the middle child.
When I was pregnant with Scott, I had some health issues, high blood pressure I believe, so the doctor told me that I could pick my delivery date. I thought that the first of May just sounded right, besides I loved the birthstone which is Emerald!
As a young boy, Scott loved lights - still does as a matter of fact. I found him one day in his bedroom banging ten penny nails (these are huge) into the walls. When asked why he was using nails, he replied it's for Christmas lights! When we moved to Maryland and had a two story house, Scott was in his element. He put lights on the roof, along the porch and into bushes. When Scott noticed that a neighbor didn't put up lights, he offered to put them up and take them down for them. He got the job. The joke was always that from space you could tell where we lived - it was that bright. And it was beautiful.
Scott also loves trains. When he was younger, we had a small train track that ran around the Christmas tree. As a grown up, he still has trains around his Christmas tree, the only difference being the size of the track and the size of the trains!
Jeff learned everything there was to know about carpentry, plumbing, electricity, etc. from his grandfather. Jeff, in turn, passed along this knowledge to Scott, who today is able to repair not only his home but his friends' houses as well. When Scott is repairing or rebuilding something, it has to be just right, or it's not good enough. He never has and probably never will settle for second best - it's just not in his DNA.
As I write this, Scott is preparing to start a new job on Monday. Even though there is a learning curve with all new jobs, I'm confident that Scott will rise to the challenges brought to him.
Happy birthday Scott.
Love Mom
Today, is Scott's birthday. He is 37 and grew up to be a great man. Scott is also my middle child and there have been pages and pages written about being the middle child. I should know, I was also the middle child.
When I was pregnant with Scott, I had some health issues, high blood pressure I believe, so the doctor told me that I could pick my delivery date. I thought that the first of May just sounded right, besides I loved the birthstone which is Emerald!
As a young boy, Scott loved lights - still does as a matter of fact. I found him one day in his bedroom banging ten penny nails (these are huge) into the walls. When asked why he was using nails, he replied it's for Christmas lights! When we moved to Maryland and had a two story house, Scott was in his element. He put lights on the roof, along the porch and into bushes. When Scott noticed that a neighbor didn't put up lights, he offered to put them up and take them down for them. He got the job. The joke was always that from space you could tell where we lived - it was that bright. And it was beautiful.
Scott also loves trains. When he was younger, we had a small train track that ran around the Christmas tree. As a grown up, he still has trains around his Christmas tree, the only difference being the size of the track and the size of the trains!
Jeff learned everything there was to know about carpentry, plumbing, electricity, etc. from his grandfather. Jeff, in turn, passed along this knowledge to Scott, who today is able to repair not only his home but his friends' houses as well. When Scott is repairing or rebuilding something, it has to be just right, or it's not good enough. He never has and probably never will settle for second best - it's just not in his DNA.
As I write this, Scott is preparing to start a new job on Monday. Even though there is a learning curve with all new jobs, I'm confident that Scott will rise to the challenges brought to him.
Happy birthday Scott.
Love Mom
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