Daughter update

If anyone is interested, my daughter Carmen has started a new blog where she is writing about life in Thailand.  Most of the pictures are on facebook, but she has shared a few here. (Photo credits: Matt and Carmen)  Update:  The links were working, now they aren't.  If you get an error message, try clicking on the blog name. That has been working.  Sorry for the inconvenience. 

I've been trying to keep facebook and blogging completely separate, but I think I'm about to give up (keeping them separate, that is).  I love to read blogs, but I truly dislike facebook - except for the picture albums. :)  I'll think on this.  Please share your opinion.  I'm interested.

This and that

Hope everyone is doing well.  I've kept tabs on a few people whose blogs load quickly, but lost track of others.  My apologies.

Sorry, no pictures here, but if you scroll down there is a link that will take you to some.

I've been spending quite a bit of time at our "new" shop.  Someone asked about it, so here is the scoop.   Well, I finally had had enough of the business being in the house.  We found what was basically two offices one block off Main Street that we couldn't pass up:  $600 per month with everything paid except telephone and internet.  What does my husband do?  Computer repair and consulting.  What do I do?  His books, answer the phone, get in the way, wander in and out and about...

Daughter has learned the art of thrifting and cooking.  Check out the first 5 posts for what she "hauled" home today and a yummy sounding recipe.  http://carmencanusing.blogspot.com/


Yes, my friends and I still go thrifting at least once a week.  We have found the best bargains! I need to charge my camera or stay home long enough to do some scanning so that I can post some pictures of recent purchases.

Stay warm.  Stay well.  (Roxanne and Shay, get well!) 

What I Did. Bad Packrat.

Click on each pattern picture for a larger view.


Guess I'm not yet ready to post about what happened this past winter. So, I'm going to just say that I am home. Everything is still in boxes, because there isn't anywhere to put the stuff.

I'm feeling about 95 percent better, but still have an off and on earache. Have been to the dentist.  No bad wisdom or other teeth, but I might be clenching my jaws/grinding my teeth at night which could be part of the problem. Stress. (Ya think??!!)

Daughter (and group) made it home from Europe all in one piece. She had a wonderful time, but now wants to go back with just one or two people or work or study abroad.  (Sadly, she cannot be in Vandaleers next semester, because she has another class that she needs to graduate at the same time Vandaleers class is held.) I'll try to get her to post a few pictures of the trip.




Monday, Tuesday, and today - cold (below 50 degrees), damp, rainy, dark, and depressing.


***

Sunday:  Daughter called and chatted for a minute, then she said she needed to get off the phone because she had to go to the bathroom.  Said she'd call back in a few minutes.  I'm thinking, "Well, that's silly.  You called me.  Why didn't you go to the bathroom before you called?"  I continued putting dishes away.  All of a sudden the front door flies open and someone hollers, "Is the bathroom free?"  The instantaneous thought was that it had to be my friend Marcia because the dogs were just excited and not barking ferociously.  I turn around and my daughter is standing there.  I never made the "bathroom connection", because Daughter was last person I expected to see that day.  Just call me SLOW ;)



***
Saturday was community yard sale day, so guess what I did? Yup, I spent money...

The four patterns on this page are out of a box of patterns that cost a dollar for the whole box.  No copyright date on these four.  Most are from the mid-sixties with the newest ones from 1970.  Almost all are in the 31 to 32 inch bust sizes, with quite a few being teen sizes.

I also bought lace, ribbon, remnants, fabric, and books.  But, what I consider the really good stuff will have to wait for another post.  Stay tuned.

Not home and odds and ends

Thank you all for your kind words on the last two posts.

So glad dear Madeline is home from the hospital. Thank you for your prayers.

To answer Roxanne's question about finances - yes and no. At least right now there aren't two house payments plus helping daughter with living expenses. However, repairs on our car just cost us more than a brand new car cost us in 1977. Read on...

Guess what? I'm not home (although most everything from Mom's has been moved there). I have been plant and cat sitting at my daughter's apartment for the past two weeks.

M has a smug, almost "gangster" look to him, but he is very affectionate.

V, that is a rather expensive toy you have there. Also, you really don't look very comfortable...

As a member of the Vandaleers (U of I's elite choir), Daughter has been in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany with most of the other members and a few "groupies" (some parents, spouses, other instructors. Oh, I would have so loved to have gone, too!)

This trip has been one mix up after another. It seems that every week all year something would happen that jeopardized the trip. The choir was originally supposed to perform in seven different locales then the number was reduced to three. It has been cold and rainy the whole time they have been there. And, one huge disappointment for Daughter was that they were supposed to have a day to spend with her music history professor who has for several summers lived in Vienna. Because of a change in plans, they only got to visit with "Ms.Professor" for about 10 minutes right before a performance.

Because of the unions striking in France, would you believe that the group is now stranded in Berlin? I wonder how much this is costing us?! It will have to be us paying for it, because Daughter has already paid for summer school. (She is taking a traditions and history of clothing class for this part of the summer session. Yes, I think I'm jealous about this, too. lol)

(Packrat, quit complaining!) Daughter is fulfilling her lifetime dream (almost literally) of visiting Europe. Even as a toddler she would sit for hours looking at pictures of castles, palaces, cathedrals and even the landscape. Even when she was tiny she would tell me she was going to go visit those places. This desire to travel and see new places has never died.

I sure never imagined that she would get to sing in any of these places even with a choir. I'm not sure why. She started singing before she ever started to talk. She would sing to herself for hours. (naps? not her!) And, horrible mother that I was, I used to tell her to be quiet...

***

What have I done besides take care of plants and the cats? Not much. I spent my 56th birthday in the recliner trying not to move any more than I absolutely had to alternating between trying to read and wishing someone would shoot me . Whine, whine. (The day after my birthday, my husband drove up and took me out to dinner. I had what was called shrimp cocktail, but it was more like warm spicy tomato, shrimp and avocado soup. It was wonderfully delicious.)

Of all crazy things, it all started with some pressure in my right ear. Suddenly, the whole right side of head starting hurting so bad that it gave a whole new meaning to the term "splitting headache". (Think headache after having a spinal.) After several sleepless days and nights, I thought maybe I should go to the doctor.

Interesting how our bodies work. My left ear was actually more infected that my right, but the left ear didn't hurt at all! But, I did (do) have a sinus infection that I didn't even know about - the cause of the headaches. As of today, the headaches are now mild instead of almost blinding. And, I have been so cranky. Must be getting well. ;)

Also, can I tell you something really kind of odd (maybe even a little disgusting depending on how you feel about it). I complained to the doctor that for a while I haven't been able to hear well with my right ear. The doctor said that it wasn't because of wax, because there was actually no wax at all in my right ear. Now, how in the world is that possible? Shouldn't I have some wax buildup? Even babies get wax in their ears. (I didn't think about this until later.)

***

Do any of you remember reading A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle? It was one of my all time favorite books when I was in grade school. For some reason, I had never read any of her many other books. I just finished An Acceptable Time, the fourth book in the "Time" series. I loved this one, too. I am still a tad confused about the grandparents' attitude in the story, but maybe I missed something by not reading books two and three? Her books are definitely on my "to read" list. Don't want to say more in case you haven't read the books.

***

Hope everyone is doing okay. Here at the apartment, the lilacs, locust trees, peonies, and spirea are just now starting to bloom. It has been cold, damp and/or rainy everyday. Am getting a little jealous of all the beautiful garden pictures and even fresh produce pictures floating around the blogs. You know who you are. LOL (Truly, I love seeing them. Keep the pictures coming.)

HOME

Our house around Christmastime a couple of years ago.


Time sure flies when you are and aren't having fun.

First an update: Madeline (Madeline's Album), as of yesterday, was able to be up in a wheel chair, but she is still in the hospital and a long way from being well. Please continue to pray for her. Thank you. The past couple of months have been really bad for her and, of course, very stressful for her family.

Barb and Carmen, you know all of this. For the rest of my friends and readers, here goes.

I'm home. Aunt Amelia, you can stop worrying now. :)

We have basically finished moving out of my mom's house. My husband and I got home about 2 AM a week ago Thursday. After getting a little sleep, unloading the car, and J getting a couple of his jobs done, we took off for a Costco run. From there J drove me another 40 minutes to our daughter's place. Poor J had to turn right around, make another Costco stop for the things there wasn't room for earlier, and drive back home.

Friday bright and early Daughter had oral surgery. She was supposed to snap right back from it, but it really knocked her for a loop. So, instead of coming home Sunday like I planned, I stayed. She is feeling better now, thank God.

I don't know about you, but I especially appreciate and enjoy performances where someone I know (or at least know a little about) is involved - in this case, the student performers. Makes the experience so much more personal. My daughter and I had the pleasure of attending two very different presentations where my daughter knows almost everyone involved. (Pardon my grammatical errors.)

Thursday night Daughter and I attended a UI music grad student's piano recital. WOW and DOUBLE WOW! That young man can really play. One piece was his own composition - a piano concerto with full orchestration. I really hope he gets it professionally recorded and released.

Since the UI theater students were putting on the musical Grease, I decided to stay a few more days so I could see it. The "kids" did a fantastic job. As an added bonus, Margaret Travolta (John Travolta's sister) played Miss Lynch, the high school principal. The cast played to a full house, which is always encouraging.

Margaret Travolta

So, now I'm home again to a huge mess. I don't have a clue where to begin. Guess I'll pay the bills first, then worry about the rest later.

Hope this finds everyone well.

Up and Running? and Vee's Gifts

From dear Vee :

Tea cozy, hot pad, and beautiful card. (Missing from picture - tea bags.) Be sure to click on picture, so you can see the details.



Notice the buttons?



One side of pad.

Other side of pad.

Inside of pad. Vee, just had to show this fabric! It is beautiful, too. Since the pad opens on one side, it could be used to keep biscuits or buns warm.


Under the tea cozy was this tea pot from my mom's china closet. Not old, just pretty.

And steeping in the pot - Taylors of Harrowgate Yorkshire tea. YUM

Thank you, Vee. These are lovely. I will use the cozy and pad for years to come.


Several things to be thankful for:

Beautiful, tiny, spring flowers.

Madeline is home and doing better. Thank you for your prayers. She still needs them, though.

Jitterbug is feeling some better. Wishing you a speedy recovery! Miss Jitterbug could use a prayer or two, also.

Lots of babies - just born in the last several weeks (Jessica - a boy, Katie - a boy, Ashley - a girl) and several arriving in the next few weeks to months (Merrick, Janssen, Marie, and Lisa H). These are the moms I can think of off the top of my head. Did I forget anyone? If so, please let me know, so that I can add you to my prayer list.

Computer is working again. I have no idea what was wrong with it. No viruses or spy ware were found. The hard drive isn't making any more strange noises. The fan is quiet. You know that old law about an appliance or car not working properly, but when the mechanic/repair person shows up it works just fine? That would be my computer. (It is possible that an update messed things up.)

A small thing - my daughter just called and said that power is out on campus so all classes have been cancelled. The weather is gorgeous, so she is going to play out in her small yard.

MAGNIFICAT

You are cordially invited to attend:

J.S. Bach's Magnificat in D and other seasonal music of Britten, Lauridsen, Mendelssohn and Robert Shaw/Alice Parker
Type: Music/Arts - Performance
Cost: Usually around $5 to $7 each, less with student ID
Date:   Sunday, December 6, 2009
Time:  3:00pm - 4:30pm
Location:  University of Idaho Administration Auditorium
Description: Magnificat in D - Johann Sebastian Bach
Pamela Bathurst, soprano
Sheila Converse, mezzo-soprano
Scott Miller, tenor
Chris Thompson, baritone

UI Festival Orchestra
University Chorus and Vandaleer Concert Choir

Dr. Michael Murphy, conductor

*********

My daughter will be singing in this.  She has had both Pamela Bathhurst and Chris Thompson for vocal instructors.

If you have never seen the inside the University of Idaho Auditorium, it is almost worth the trip just for that.  It is beautiful.

Tessa, you know where this is. :)

Adrienne?

If anyone can attend, be sure to go really early so that you can park right behind the Admin Bldg and not have to hike a half-mile or more.  Look on-line for a printable parking map.  I chose the map for people with disabilities "just because".  No University parking permit is required during performances.

Unfortunately, it is snowing, and the driving conditions will probably be horrible.  But, as long as it isn't "blizzarding", we will be attending.

Last Halloween

My daughter and "Jack"

Happy Halloween

Since we live in a rural area, the children (most of them) still trick or treat. It is so nice to live where it is relatively safe.   Since most everyone knows each other, it is really stupid for someone to try to hurt a child.  (It is anyway, but here the person gets caught.)   It occasionally happens so the children and parents still have to be careful.   Over the years I've noticed more and more parents out with their children.  Even though some of the older kids might not think it so great to have their parents along (I would have hated it!), I think it's wonderful to see the the parents out doing something with and for their children.

I'm still at my mom's.  I hope no one comes tonight, because the dogs go nuts when anyone comes to the house.

I don't really have any appropriate treats here.  Wonder what the children would think about a bottle of Ensure, a bag of Cranberry Apple Herb Tea , or a can of soup?  lol   Getting the truck started and driving into town and then maneuvering said truck in the congestion just seems like a lot of work just to buy a bag a candy.  (Even really small towns get very congested, too.)

Actually, I do have some bottles of "kid's" (the weird mixed stuff that tastes like punch) juice. The juice would be an expensive treat, but there shouldn't be more than ten kids, if any at all. Also, it is 100 percent juice, has no added sugars, and 100 percent vitamin C. Am I brilliant or what? Probably the what.  Oh, well.

The wind is blowing, but it is 57 degrees outside!  Balmy.  Barometer keeps changing from rainy to nice day to rainy.  The sky is bright blue right now.  A half hour ago, it looked like it was going to pour rain.   Guess we'll take whatever we get.   The power keeps going off, so I'll wish everyone a fun day and evening.

Last Post's Boring Update and More

Gorgeous day today - finally. Nice weather after a long crappy spell does wonders for one's outlook on life.

My daughter spent the last few days of her spring break with her grandmother instead of coming home. Sad she didn't stay with us, but her grandma needed to see her, too. Today, Daughter stopped in on her way back to school. We went out to lunch at a local cafe and then wandered around in a store that is going out of business. Daughter is now safely in her own town and headed to her apartment. She had to get back because not only does she have homework to do, the person that was taking care of her cats needs her to take care of his cat over the weekend. Sigh. Yes, I'm okay. Sigh.

White vinegar is a wonderful smell remover. One towel is now fresh smelling and very soft. (I haven't washed the other towel yet.) I'm going to the grocery store after while to stock up on vinegar and Borax. I used to mix Borax with water in the diaper pail to soak the diapers. How could I have forgotten that it is a good odor and stain remover??? (Well, in my defense it was 29 to 30 years ago when I quit using cloth diapers, and Daughter was only diapered in disposables.)

The pickup didn't start. The battery was dead. Imagine that.

Our friends, Joanie and her son Brian, cooked St. Patrick's dinner. We wound up having stew and soda bread instead of corned beef and cabbage, but it was absolutely the best stew I have ever eaten. (Joanie said she couldn't find a decent corned beef, which I certainly believe.) There was supposed to be a huge crowd, but Joanie's dau-in-law and the grands and greatgrands all had the flu. So, there was just Joanie, Brian, an older gentleman that I'd never met, my husband, and me. We ate, visited, and ate some more - such good company and such a good time.

The "good" bookcase that got wet dried out very nicely. There is about 1/4 inch along the bottom of one side that is rough, but if anyone looks that closely... And, if the bookcase is ever set on carpet, it won't show at all. Whew!

DH jump started the pickup, and took it to Lewiston and Clarkston yesterday. J had a job to finish up, so it was a good excuse to go buy a new vacuum cleaner. (I hope it is a good one; I haven't yet taken it out of the box.)

While in "town", I looked for filing cabinets. Staples only had the expensive chintzy kind that bend easily or the really expensive wooden ones in stock. There is only one other office supply place in the Lewiston now, and they don't keep filing cabinets in stock.

Also for several years now, I've wanted one specific kind of storage cabinet. The only place I've seen them, besides in a catalog, is at Shopko. I didn't want to order them and pay shipping (heavy and over-sized = $$$$), and I've been "too cheap" to pay the price Shopko was asking. I've checked on these every time I've gone into the store. You can imagine how surprised I was yesterday when I found that they were on sale for 52% off (!!!), and we had the pickup to haul them! I really only needed two, but bought the 3 that were in stock. Finding things (fabric??) to fill the third cabinet will not be difficult.

Let's see. Bookcases (laminated particle board) were also on sale. Purchased three for J's office at his "other" job (I didn't have to pay for these. Yeah!) and two for my sewing room.

And, since J was along, he got to man-handle the huge sacks of dog food and the heavy buckets of cat litter that Costco sells. Actually, taking him to Costco is not good, because he wants to buy fattening goodies.

Ordering clothing from a catalog is for the birds. Daughter normally wears an 8 petite dress, so that is what I ordered. The dress is huge - at least two sizes too big. She normally wears __ size shoes, wide width, and a half size larger if purchased from Payless. I ordered several pairs of dancing shoes to see which style she liked best and/or fit best. Yep, they are all too long. (One pair is even defective!) But, where in Idaho would one buy ballroom dancing shoes - especially ones in wide width - except out of a catalog? Is there a place in Spokane? (We don't have time to travel anywhere else to try on shoes.) And, why in the world doesn't the catalog state that the dancing shoes run larger than regular dress pumps? The dance world is new to me; I don't know these things. I'm sure other people don't know, either. Every single item I ordered has to be returned, and I get to pay the shipping. Grrr.

It is now 6 PM. Time to fix dinner. Hope everyone has a good weekend.