1/31/2015
Today is the 35th birthday of our youngest son, Andrew. Since he was our third "blue" baby, I didn't need to adjust to lacy and frilly clothing! Nope, I was well entrenched with mud, denim, burping and other bodily noises!
Andrew was a good baby and a good sleeper. Since he shared a bedroom with Scott, who was 18 months old at the time, I certainly appreciated that he didn't wake Scott up during the night. It's one thing to deal with a crying baby, but quite another thing, if you're dealing with two crying children.
Because of the proximity of their ages, Scott and Andrew were best friends and between the two of them, could get into all kinds of trouble. To the horror of some people, I allowed the boys to fill up a plastic trashcan (clean) with water, get inside and then roll down the driveway. They had such a good time doing this - but just so no alarms go off, I was always watching from the window - and a lid was a definite no-no!
Once they were of school age, I remember that when the boys walked down the street to catch the bus, a neighbor's son would kick at Scott's heels, and Andrew managed to put a stop to that nonsense. At the beginning of every school year, Andrew would sit back and analyze the teacher to see what he could or could not get away with. He was always on the honor roll, but that first quarter he always paced himself and we came to accept that was just his style.
At Easter, during a community Easter egg hunt, Scott couldn't find many eggs, so Andrew gave up his own search for eggs to help Scott. That is, after all, what brothers do.
Once the boys were in high school, Friday and Saturday nights, turned into computer game nights. They drank coke and ate chips and played until the wee hours of the morning - but they were quiet, and they were home. We were blessed that neither Scott nor Andrew had a desire to drink and/or smoke.
After Andrew graduated from high school he wanted to apply to a college in a nearby town, but didn't want to drive. Scott stepped up and took him. That is, after all, what brothers do.
Watching Andrew grow up and become the man he has become today, gives Jeff and I much joy. He is very successful and a good father to Benjamin and husband to Stacey. What more could a parent ask?
Happy birthday Andrew. I hope you have a wonderful day. Dad and I love you very much.
Love Mom
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Friday, January 30, 2015
Jeff Got A Job!!
1/30/2015
Yep, you read that correctly. Jeff interviewed earlier in the week for a position, and they called him yesterday with a job offer. To celebrate, we went out to dinner last night and indulged ourselves with steak (yummy).
Jeff starts on Monday and unfortunately is not a remote position. On-site every day, Monday through Friday. He starts on Monday and the job is about 30 miles away (I think that's what he said). Of course back here, 30 miles can equate to over an hour in the car.
While Jeff is working every day, I'll be home alone. I must and will find productive things to do around the house. Who knows maybe I'll try and organize photos! Or not.
When we lived in California, Jeff commuted every day and also had to travel during the week. Since we moved to Maryland, Jeff's commute was just a few miles to IBM and after many years, he worked remote all the time. We both know that going to work every day and having to commute, will change the dynamics of our lives.
Since I came home from Chicago in 2013, Jeff has pretty much been here every day, helping to care for me. I'm stronger now and thrilled for this opportunity for him. IBM may have put him "on the bench", but this company sees the merit in hiring somebody with Jeff's talents.
I just know that 2015 is going to be a very good year for us.
P
Yep, you read that correctly. Jeff interviewed earlier in the week for a position, and they called him yesterday with a job offer. To celebrate, we went out to dinner last night and indulged ourselves with steak (yummy).
Jeff starts on Monday and unfortunately is not a remote position. On-site every day, Monday through Friday. He starts on Monday and the job is about 30 miles away (I think that's what he said). Of course back here, 30 miles can equate to over an hour in the car.
While Jeff is working every day, I'll be home alone. I must and will find productive things to do around the house. Who knows maybe I'll try and organize photos! Or not.
When we lived in California, Jeff commuted every day and also had to travel during the week. Since we moved to Maryland, Jeff's commute was just a few miles to IBM and after many years, he worked remote all the time. We both know that going to work every day and having to commute, will change the dynamics of our lives.
Since I came home from Chicago in 2013, Jeff has pretty much been here every day, helping to care for me. I'm stronger now and thrilled for this opportunity for him. IBM may have put him "on the bench", but this company sees the merit in hiring somebody with Jeff's talents.
I just know that 2015 is going to be a very good year for us.
P
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
"Painting by Numbers"
1/28/2015
All of you who know me, know that I now have short term memory issues. Multiple ECT treatments will do that to a gal. I can, however, describe in some detail, my prom dress from 1967, but not yesterday's breakfast. Very frustrating.
I have a need to keep challenging my brain to work. One of the things that I love to do is "paint by number" through a program www.segmation.com. You buy a pattern, and there's a lot to choose from. Once you have downloaded the pattern, on the right side of the screen, is a box containing all the "paint and corresponding number" you will need to finish that pattern. I am unable to cut and paste what the paint looks like. Currently, I'm painting a pattern called "Tweedle Farm", which is mostly centered around barns.
When I'm trying to complete a pattern, my brain is forced to pick a number (let's say 4) and find the corresponding number in the pattern. There have been many times that I forget what number I'm looking for! Obviously, there is still more work to be done with regard to my memory.
I don't know if my short term memory issues are temporary or permanent. Since all of my troubles began in 2013 and we're now in 2015, looks like this problem is planning on sticking around.
Another beauty of painting on line is that when I'm on hold with some company waiting for a person, I can be quietly painting in the background - and nobody's the wiser! Oh another advantage of painting online is that once you have completed the pattern, you can clear it and paint it again and again! The pattern cost of $5.95 is a steal and well worth your money.
Do yourself a favor and check out this program. I promise you won't be disappointed and the Vice-President, Beth Feldman, is always happy to help answer your questions.
So get busy and start painting!
P
All of you who know me, know that I now have short term memory issues. Multiple ECT treatments will do that to a gal. I can, however, describe in some detail, my prom dress from 1967, but not yesterday's breakfast. Very frustrating.
I have a need to keep challenging my brain to work. One of the things that I love to do is "paint by number" through a program www.segmation.com. You buy a pattern, and there's a lot to choose from. Once you have downloaded the pattern, on the right side of the screen, is a box containing all the "paint and corresponding number" you will need to finish that pattern. I am unable to cut and paste what the paint looks like. Currently, I'm painting a pattern called "Tweedle Farm", which is mostly centered around barns.
When I'm trying to complete a pattern, my brain is forced to pick a number (let's say 4) and find the corresponding number in the pattern. There have been many times that I forget what number I'm looking for! Obviously, there is still more work to be done with regard to my memory.
I don't know if my short term memory issues are temporary or permanent. Since all of my troubles began in 2013 and we're now in 2015, looks like this problem is planning on sticking around.
Another beauty of painting on line is that when I'm on hold with some company waiting for a person, I can be quietly painting in the background - and nobody's the wiser! Oh another advantage of painting online is that once you have completed the pattern, you can clear it and paint it again and again! The pattern cost of $5.95 is a steal and well worth your money.
Do yourself a favor and check out this program. I promise you won't be disappointed and the Vice-President, Beth Feldman, is always happy to help answer your questions.
So get busy and start painting!
P
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Anxiety
1/25/2015
For most of the people that I know, either well or as an acquaintance, know that I suffer mightily from anxiety. Trust me when I tell you that anxiety, like depression, is not something that can be shaken off lightly. If I don't have something to worry about, I worry about that.
When I'm anxious, which is a lot of the time, I can't wrap my head around anything else but whatever the current issue is. Even if I know somebody else is going to handle the "x" problem, that fact does not relieve me of the constant churning of events, that may or may not have occurred, from running around in my head, like a car on a racetrack.
I am married to a most wonderful man. Jeff takes care of me, it's that simple. Can I just accept that I need not worry? Nope, it's almost like a seventh sense. A lot of my anxiety is caused by events and/or people around me, over whom I have little or no control.
I stay in the background. I don't need or want to be the center of attention. Being me is easier when there are only a few bumps in the road. Unfortunately, life doesn't always work that way.
P
For most of the people that I know, either well or as an acquaintance, know that I suffer mightily from anxiety. Trust me when I tell you that anxiety, like depression, is not something that can be shaken off lightly. If I don't have something to worry about, I worry about that.
When I'm anxious, which is a lot of the time, I can't wrap my head around anything else but whatever the current issue is. Even if I know somebody else is going to handle the "x" problem, that fact does not relieve me of the constant churning of events, that may or may not have occurred, from running around in my head, like a car on a racetrack.
I am married to a most wonderful man. Jeff takes care of me, it's that simple. Can I just accept that I need not worry? Nope, it's almost like a seventh sense. A lot of my anxiety is caused by events and/or people around me, over whom I have little or no control.
I stay in the background. I don't need or want to be the center of attention. Being me is easier when there are only a few bumps in the road. Unfortunately, life doesn't always work that way.
P
Getting Ready for Snow
1/25/2015
The outside is gray, but not particularly cold - at the moment. Weathermen (who are sooooo very accurate) predicate snow to fall later today and through the night. We might get a few inches, but unlike in years past, Jeff and I don't have to go to work, so the weather doesn't cause me to fret.
We keep our freezer and pantry well-stocked. We have no need to rush out today and get the essentials for a winter storm: bread, milk and toilet paper! If we didn't have the dogs, today would also be a great day to defrost our really big chest freezer in the basement. Once the snow is on the ground, we could just chuck the food into the snow, where it would remain frozen! The freezer would thaw out and we could put the food back into the freezer. There is a large wall of ice built up on the sides of the freezer, but we can't really defrost because you have to have someplace for the food, while you do that.
We have a cooked chicken in the refrigerator and tomorrow Jeff will boil the carcass down to bones, which will give him great stock for chicken soup. Jeff makes great soups, but always has a need to put mushrooms in the soup. If I never ate another mushroom, it would be too soon! Still, I can't complain too much, since I literally don't do anything to help make the soup. I just show up when it's ready!
Stay warm.
P
The outside is gray, but not particularly cold - at the moment. Weathermen (who are sooooo very accurate) predicate snow to fall later today and through the night. We might get a few inches, but unlike in years past, Jeff and I don't have to go to work, so the weather doesn't cause me to fret.
We keep our freezer and pantry well-stocked. We have no need to rush out today and get the essentials for a winter storm: bread, milk and toilet paper! If we didn't have the dogs, today would also be a great day to defrost our really big chest freezer in the basement. Once the snow is on the ground, we could just chuck the food into the snow, where it would remain frozen! The freezer would thaw out and we could put the food back into the freezer. There is a large wall of ice built up on the sides of the freezer, but we can't really defrost because you have to have someplace for the food, while you do that.
We have a cooked chicken in the refrigerator and tomorrow Jeff will boil the carcass down to bones, which will give him great stock for chicken soup. Jeff makes great soups, but always has a need to put mushrooms in the soup. If I never ate another mushroom, it would be too soon! Still, I can't complain too much, since I literally don't do anything to help make the soup. I just show up when it's ready!
Stay warm.
P
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Maggie's Birthday
1/21/2015
Today is Maggie's 10th birthday. She's our yellow lab and the third lab we've owned. Our first lab, Daisy, was hands down, the smartest dog we've ever owned. When the snow was feet deep, all we had to do is open the front door and she would mush her way around until she found the paper.
Maggie was adorable as a puppy, as all dogs are. She is loving, loyal and is a good companion. As a plus, she also really warms up the bed during the winter! Maggie listens well and doesn't mess up the house when we're gone, like Sam (terrier) does. Sam doesn't mess up the house, as much as he tosses all the throw pillows on the floor and "rearranges" the towels we keep on our chairs to help contain muddy paws!
I have part of a hamburger I didn't eat last night, so I'm going to make it Maggie's "birthday cake".
Here's to many more birthdays Maggie.
P
Today is Maggie's 10th birthday. She's our yellow lab and the third lab we've owned. Our first lab, Daisy, was hands down, the smartest dog we've ever owned. When the snow was feet deep, all we had to do is open the front door and she would mush her way around until she found the paper.
Maggie was adorable as a puppy, as all dogs are. She is loving, loyal and is a good companion. As a plus, she also really warms up the bed during the winter! Maggie listens well and doesn't mess up the house when we're gone, like Sam (terrier) does. Sam doesn't mess up the house, as much as he tosses all the throw pillows on the floor and "rearranges" the towels we keep on our chairs to help contain muddy paws!
I have part of a hamburger I didn't eat last night, so I'm going to make it Maggie's "birthday cake".
Here's to many more birthdays Maggie.
P
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Flying to the Bahamas
1/21/2015
The once a year fly-in to the Bahamas is scheduled for April this year. Jeff and I went in 2012 (seems like a lifetime ago), and besides Hawaii, I've never seen a place more beautiful. The hotel we stayed at was right on the water, which did of course, have white sand.
Lounge chairs were scattered over the beach with straw-like shelters built so that you could get out of the sun. You could have food and drinks on the beach, and I have always thought any drink that comes with a tiny umbrella in it, is pretty close to paradise.
Of course a trip like this comes with a price - a rather hefty price. Don't even bother to figure in the amount and/or cost of fuel it takes for such a trip. The rooms are $296 a night but you're just steps away from the beach. And if the beach isn't your thing, there is a gorgeous pool with an amazing view of the beach and water.
When we went in 2012, we had one, yes people you read correctly - one day at the beach! It rained every day after that and we had to cut our trip short because of news of an impending hurricane-like storm headed straight for the Bahamas. Our planes can fly just fine in rain, but you sure don't want to be up in the clouds with lightening.
Unlike the annual migration for pilots, which last year was in Las Vegas, this trip is all about fun. There are no scheduled meetings to talk about the latest gadget, or safety issues, etc. Nope, just people (mostly couples) digging their heels into the sand and getting to wear long flowing mu-mu type dresses for dinner. What's not to like?
Will we go? Who knows. But a gal can keep on dreaming.
P
The once a year fly-in to the Bahamas is scheduled for April this year. Jeff and I went in 2012 (seems like a lifetime ago), and besides Hawaii, I've never seen a place more beautiful. The hotel we stayed at was right on the water, which did of course, have white sand.
Lounge chairs were scattered over the beach with straw-like shelters built so that you could get out of the sun. You could have food and drinks on the beach, and I have always thought any drink that comes with a tiny umbrella in it, is pretty close to paradise.
Of course a trip like this comes with a price - a rather hefty price. Don't even bother to figure in the amount and/or cost of fuel it takes for such a trip. The rooms are $296 a night but you're just steps away from the beach. And if the beach isn't your thing, there is a gorgeous pool with an amazing view of the beach and water.
When we went in 2012, we had one, yes people you read correctly - one day at the beach! It rained every day after that and we had to cut our trip short because of news of an impending hurricane-like storm headed straight for the Bahamas. Our planes can fly just fine in rain, but you sure don't want to be up in the clouds with lightening.
Unlike the annual migration for pilots, which last year was in Las Vegas, this trip is all about fun. There are no scheduled meetings to talk about the latest gadget, or safety issues, etc. Nope, just people (mostly couples) digging their heels into the sand and getting to wear long flowing mu-mu type dresses for dinner. What's not to like?
Will we go? Who knows. But a gal can keep on dreaming.
P
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