This is a really sad morning for me. We got the news last night that Norma Jean Morgan died from complications from heart surgery. She and her gentleman friend, Bobby Curl, have been long-time friends. She was a hard-working woman, and a loyal friend.
I've not been posting much lately, because of all the problems with my computer. Some day, I may just vanish off the internet. I wonder how much internet interuption for me would bother the Obama Administration. They seem to have their boxers in a bind over the internet problems in Egypt.
Steve came home right on schedule. I could have used some more time to get some clearing and cleaning done, but I just couldn't get everything done that I'd have liked to.
We went to the flea market near Dandridge yesterday to see about the idea of me getting a booth to sell off some of my huge inventory of collected furniture and household items.
I hate to pay all that money for a place to sell my things, but the things I'm going to get rid of are nice, and people wouldn't come here for a rummage sale.
The owner of the flea market is a really nice Christian lady.
We then came back down by the Goodwill in Jefferson City. I talked with Annette, the manager, about hiring Jeri, Elaine's daughter. She told me that Jeri showed up for her interview wearing denim peddle-pushers and flip-flops. That just wouldn't be proper attire for a Goodwill employee. We're always shuffling boxes and dishes, and if one dropped on toes, it would be real trouble. Kids now-a-days just don't know a proper work appearance or ethic.
We came home, and I unloaded some of the stuff we'd bought from the truck.
Steve needed to lay down a while, so I went to the Goodwill in Rutledge. I had seen a cabinet there that I want to use for nests, after I put roofing shingles on it. Renae was just leaving when I got there, and, after I talked with Carzel a while, she was gone, and Kelly didn't want to put a price on the cabinet. I told her I would come back for it today.
I then went by to see Joan a bit, and helped put some inventory on the shelves.
We're supposed to go look about the laminate floor we've bought this afternoon. We're getting a great deal on it, and Joan is really excited.
I am, too. I love a bargain.
I had talked to Bobby Curl last night about 8:00, and he needed someone to take him to the hospital today to see Norma, and I gladly offered. I suppose that issue is moot now.
I'm worried about what he will do without Norma around to keep him in line.
He sure won't get as much free labor out of anyone else.
I slept fairly well last night, because I was really tired and took a whole Ambien.
I got up about 5:30 this morning, and the house was cold. We had a gas leak, and the gas company had come to check it out yesterday, and all the pilot lights were out. I had re-lit them, but had forgotten to turn the heat up afterwards.
We soon had the gas logs going strong.
My legs hurt something awful this morning.
.........but the sun is so bright!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011 AM
Yesterday was pretty hectic.
I did things at home in the morning, and it was pretty outside. I picked up some things around the yard, though it was kinda muddy, and unloaded some things from the white truck.
Ronnie came and put the new water pump and serpentine belt on the red truck, and then found that the belt breaking had punched a hole in the radiator. He took it to a radiator shop I know of in Morristown, got it fixed in just a few minutes, and brought it back and installed it. That's service!
I had gone to eat at the Down Home, and then a quick trip to the Goodwill. I didn't buy much there. Barbara joined me at the Goodwill, and we went to the bank to get her some cash. Then to the Co-op for me some corn for the birds.
I dropped Barbara off at her apartment, then I went by the Family Dollar to help Joan get ready for the inventory. They were supposed to start it at 5:00 this morning.
Fern came in to work, but was sick with streph throat and an inner ear infection, and was throwing up, so Joan sent her home.
Elaine and her two daughters stayed until 4:00, which is two hours past when she was supposed to be off the clock. Joan then had to make her leave, because they can't go into overtime.
Beth had came in at 2:00, and Steven had left at 2:00, so that left Joan, Beth, and myself there to finish the stocking and counting for inventory preps.
I am always dismayed at the number of half-empty packages and the broken-open blister packs. Theft is so common in retailing.
We worked like fighting fire all evening, and the customers we had must have thought we were running a mad house. I might have thought so, too.
We barely had time to gulp down a hamburger from Hardee's that Beth went to get for us.
Cherokee (one of our volunteers at the Goodwill) came by to see me, and told me that her son had got to come home from the hospital. I'm amazed at his speedy recovery. It didn't look good for him at first. He's the young man who rolled his car 11 times, mentioned in an earlier post.
We were all really tired at quitting time. Beth needed to get home to fix supper for her kids and husband, so I told her I would stay with Joan until she got to her truck. I just don't like to leave the ladies to get out safely alone.
Joan counted the money and got the money bags ready for the safe, and I kept cleaning and putting things in their proper places until she was ready to leave.
I didn't get home until 10:00, and I was whipped.
I did as little as I could, and got ready for bed.
I didn't get to sleep right away, because I was having pin pains. I took half a Lortab, and that helped me get to sleep.
It's raining this morning, and they're calling for three inches of snow. Grainger County Schools have already sent the students home. It's not snowing yet, and it's a little after noon.
Ronnie came to put out a bale of hay for the cows.
My modem on my computer crashed again this morning, and it had crashed last night. I'm about to crash something, myself.
I did things at home in the morning, and it was pretty outside. I picked up some things around the yard, though it was kinda muddy, and unloaded some things from the white truck.
Ronnie came and put the new water pump and serpentine belt on the red truck, and then found that the belt breaking had punched a hole in the radiator. He took it to a radiator shop I know of in Morristown, got it fixed in just a few minutes, and brought it back and installed it. That's service!
I had gone to eat at the Down Home, and then a quick trip to the Goodwill. I didn't buy much there. Barbara joined me at the Goodwill, and we went to the bank to get her some cash. Then to the Co-op for me some corn for the birds.
I dropped Barbara off at her apartment, then I went by the Family Dollar to help Joan get ready for the inventory. They were supposed to start it at 5:00 this morning.
Fern came in to work, but was sick with streph throat and an inner ear infection, and was throwing up, so Joan sent her home.
Elaine and her two daughters stayed until 4:00, which is two hours past when she was supposed to be off the clock. Joan then had to make her leave, because they can't go into overtime.
Beth had came in at 2:00, and Steven had left at 2:00, so that left Joan, Beth, and myself there to finish the stocking and counting for inventory preps.
I am always dismayed at the number of half-empty packages and the broken-open blister packs. Theft is so common in retailing.
We worked like fighting fire all evening, and the customers we had must have thought we were running a mad house. I might have thought so, too.
We barely had time to gulp down a hamburger from Hardee's that Beth went to get for us.
Cherokee (one of our volunteers at the Goodwill) came by to see me, and told me that her son had got to come home from the hospital. I'm amazed at his speedy recovery. It didn't look good for him at first. He's the young man who rolled his car 11 times, mentioned in an earlier post.
We were all really tired at quitting time. Beth needed to get home to fix supper for her kids and husband, so I told her I would stay with Joan until she got to her truck. I just don't like to leave the ladies to get out safely alone.
Joan counted the money and got the money bags ready for the safe, and I kept cleaning and putting things in their proper places until she was ready to leave.
I didn't get home until 10:00, and I was whipped.
I did as little as I could, and got ready for bed.
I didn't get to sleep right away, because I was having pin pains. I took half a Lortab, and that helped me get to sleep.
It's raining this morning, and they're calling for three inches of snow. Grainger County Schools have already sent the students home. It's not snowing yet, and it's a little after noon.
Ronnie came to put out a bale of hay for the cows.
My modem on my computer crashed again this morning, and it had crashed last night. I'm about to crash something, myself.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
It looks like I've not posted in a few days, or maybe I've got the dates wrong.
I'm too old to be childish, and too young to be senile. I guess you'd say I'm at 'That awkward age', but I forget so many things, and I get busy and feel like I don't have the time to do all I'm supposed to.
When Barbara and I were going to go out on Sunday, the power steering on the red truck didn't work, so I parked it and took the smaller white truck. I found out yesterday that the serpentine belt had come off and got all chewed up. It happened because the water pump had gone out.
I called Ronnie to see if he could make the necessary repairs. He came right away. He's really good to take care of me.
He's got a new water pump and belt, and I think he's going to put it on this morning.
Barbara and I had a good time Sunday, but she bought all the snow houses in the antique mall where we shopped, and she's supposed to know that they're all mine!
I got a really cute 'drag queen' lamp. It's got beads hanging down all around for a shade, and it looks like it belongs in a drag queen's bedroom. I'm going to use it outside to cast light and glittery 'gleams' all around. It keeps the wild birds away from the area where it's at, and they don't mess there. I just love shiny things.
I was in bed all day Saturday with a sick headache that I couldn't get rid of, so it was a useless day.
I think I know why I had the headache, but I'll not discuss it now, because someone reads these posts whom I wish to surprise.
The trip Sunday was to get some tile from a friend who I had bought from before. She found another box, which (I think) will cover the floor of the bedroom in my Hut, put with the other tile I'd bought from her before. I need to get back to working regularly out there.
Yesterday I worked at home in the morning, and went to town in the early afternoon.
I had lunch at the Down Home, then went to the Goodwill. The ladies there had not heard about 'Cherokee's' son having an accident on Saturday night. He had been drinking and doing some drugs, and was driving high speed, when he rolled his car (single auto accident) 11 (yes, that's eleven!) times, killing his passenger and severly wounding himself. Cherokee is one of our volunteers at the Goodwill, and she and I are good friends. I had seen her at the Family Dollar Sunday night when I was up there helping Joan. Joan and I both cried with her, and prayed with her. Joan got all the information so she could call her church (Sunrise Babtist) and have his name put on the prayer list. He was up at the Goodwill on Thursday of last week. Neither of the men were wearing seat belts. He's likely facing multiple charges, if he lives.
I left the Goodwill and went to help Joan at the Family Dollar.
She's all nervous and frantic about inventory, which is tomorrow morning at 5:00 AM.
We were stacking and counting merchandise all over the store, and she and Elaine were the only employees in the store. When Joan and I were sorting and reducing the shoes, we found so many wrappings, blister packs, and boxes hidden in them, where shoplifters had unwrapped their stolen merchandise to take it out of the store. Joan says they like to leave the packaging in shoes, because it takes the employees so long to go through all the shoes to find them.
There's so much stolen every day there. She taught me how to use the pricing gun and the little gun which holds 'softs' together in pairs. I feel so dumb, but she loves for me to be there to work with her.
She told me the other day that she is given a budget, and she pays herself and her employees out of it. She can't afford to hire anyone else right now, so she really needs my volunteer efforts.
I keep everyone laughing and the mood light. I also see things that need to be done that the employees just don't see or don't have the time to do. I'd rather work up there than be lonely at home. All the ladies are so good to me.
I had found Joan two pair of jeans at Goodwill, and she was delighted to get them.
When we left last night, Joan paid for my purchases from the Family Dollar, so I came out well.
She needs to have her floors stripped and waxed, but that comes out of her budget, and I don't know when she will feel that she has the money. I offered to stay late and help her do the floors one isle at a time, but she says company policy won't let her do it that way.
Lynn (Steve's sister) wrote me a nice e-mail yesterday, commenting on my blog (this one). I read hers all the time, and try to leave a comment or write her an e-mail about something she's said. She's had over 10,000 viewings on her site.
I wish I knew how to put pictures on my site. It would make it way more interesting to my faithful readers. It would also give Barbara something else to sneer about, and I know how important that is to her.
The sun is still not much out or bright, and I think we're supposed to get some more winter weather. The ground is soft and muddy, so I don't know if snow would lay.
I'll have to get the birds ready for more bad weather this morning.
Another day.......
I'm too old to be childish, and too young to be senile. I guess you'd say I'm at 'That awkward age', but I forget so many things, and I get busy and feel like I don't have the time to do all I'm supposed to.
When Barbara and I were going to go out on Sunday, the power steering on the red truck didn't work, so I parked it and took the smaller white truck. I found out yesterday that the serpentine belt had come off and got all chewed up. It happened because the water pump had gone out.
I called Ronnie to see if he could make the necessary repairs. He came right away. He's really good to take care of me.
He's got a new water pump and belt, and I think he's going to put it on this morning.
Barbara and I had a good time Sunday, but she bought all the snow houses in the antique mall where we shopped, and she's supposed to know that they're all mine!
I got a really cute 'drag queen' lamp. It's got beads hanging down all around for a shade, and it looks like it belongs in a drag queen's bedroom. I'm going to use it outside to cast light and glittery 'gleams' all around. It keeps the wild birds away from the area where it's at, and they don't mess there. I just love shiny things.
I was in bed all day Saturday with a sick headache that I couldn't get rid of, so it was a useless day.
I think I know why I had the headache, but I'll not discuss it now, because someone reads these posts whom I wish to surprise.
The trip Sunday was to get some tile from a friend who I had bought from before. She found another box, which (I think) will cover the floor of the bedroom in my Hut, put with the other tile I'd bought from her before. I need to get back to working regularly out there.
Yesterday I worked at home in the morning, and went to town in the early afternoon.
I had lunch at the Down Home, then went to the Goodwill. The ladies there had not heard about 'Cherokee's' son having an accident on Saturday night. He had been drinking and doing some drugs, and was driving high speed, when he rolled his car (single auto accident) 11 (yes, that's eleven!) times, killing his passenger and severly wounding himself. Cherokee is one of our volunteers at the Goodwill, and she and I are good friends. I had seen her at the Family Dollar Sunday night when I was up there helping Joan. Joan and I both cried with her, and prayed with her. Joan got all the information so she could call her church (Sunrise Babtist) and have his name put on the prayer list. He was up at the Goodwill on Thursday of last week. Neither of the men were wearing seat belts. He's likely facing multiple charges, if he lives.
I left the Goodwill and went to help Joan at the Family Dollar.
She's all nervous and frantic about inventory, which is tomorrow morning at 5:00 AM.
We were stacking and counting merchandise all over the store, and she and Elaine were the only employees in the store. When Joan and I were sorting and reducing the shoes, we found so many wrappings, blister packs, and boxes hidden in them, where shoplifters had unwrapped their stolen merchandise to take it out of the store. Joan says they like to leave the packaging in shoes, because it takes the employees so long to go through all the shoes to find them.
There's so much stolen every day there. She taught me how to use the pricing gun and the little gun which holds 'softs' together in pairs. I feel so dumb, but she loves for me to be there to work with her.
She told me the other day that she is given a budget, and she pays herself and her employees out of it. She can't afford to hire anyone else right now, so she really needs my volunteer efforts.
I keep everyone laughing and the mood light. I also see things that need to be done that the employees just don't see or don't have the time to do. I'd rather work up there than be lonely at home. All the ladies are so good to me.
I had found Joan two pair of jeans at Goodwill, and she was delighted to get them.
When we left last night, Joan paid for my purchases from the Family Dollar, so I came out well.
She needs to have her floors stripped and waxed, but that comes out of her budget, and I don't know when she will feel that she has the money. I offered to stay late and help her do the floors one isle at a time, but she says company policy won't let her do it that way.
Lynn (Steve's sister) wrote me a nice e-mail yesterday, commenting on my blog (this one). I read hers all the time, and try to leave a comment or write her an e-mail about something she's said. She's had over 10,000 viewings on her site.
I wish I knew how to put pictures on my site. It would make it way more interesting to my faithful readers. It would also give Barbara something else to sneer about, and I know how important that is to her.
The sun is still not much out or bright, and I think we're supposed to get some more winter weather. The ground is soft and muddy, so I don't know if snow would lay.
I'll have to get the birds ready for more bad weather this morning.
Another day.......
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
I'm really late today.
I've felt badly all day, and had to lay down most of the day. It was a really pretty day, too, and I'd have loved to be outside.
It was pretty yesterday, but it was pretty cold, too, and windy.
Barbara and I had lunch together at Down Home, and then I went to the Habitat Store in Dandridge. They were just closed when I got there, so I came back to the Goodwill in Jefferson City and shopped a little while.
The manager, Annette, told me she wanted a part-time employee, and I came back to Rutledge to tell Elaine about the position. Her daughter is supposed to go over today and talk to Annette about it.
I stayed and mopped the floors for them at the Family Dollar last night, as some customer had dripped something sticky all over about four or five aisles. That floor is filthy.
I don't want things to look badly for Joan.
Joan is too tired to do much anymore. I think she's just exhausted.
Elaine sent to Pizza Plus and got everyone pizzas. It is so fun to share a bite with friends.
I came home and got a bath and went to bed. I slept alright, but didn't feel good this morning.
I've stayed in all day.
I've felt badly all day, and had to lay down most of the day. It was a really pretty day, too, and I'd have loved to be outside.
It was pretty yesterday, but it was pretty cold, too, and windy.
Barbara and I had lunch together at Down Home, and then I went to the Habitat Store in Dandridge. They were just closed when I got there, so I came back to the Goodwill in Jefferson City and shopped a little while.
The manager, Annette, told me she wanted a part-time employee, and I came back to Rutledge to tell Elaine about the position. Her daughter is supposed to go over today and talk to Annette about it.
I stayed and mopped the floors for them at the Family Dollar last night, as some customer had dripped something sticky all over about four or five aisles. That floor is filthy.
I don't want things to look badly for Joan.
Joan is too tired to do much anymore. I think she's just exhausted.
Elaine sent to Pizza Plus and got everyone pizzas. It is so fun to share a bite with friends.
I came home and got a bath and went to bed. I slept alright, but didn't feel good this morning.
I've stayed in all day.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011 AM
Yesterday was a better day, only because there was a little sun in the middle of the day.
It started off pretty cold, but the sun came out, and it became warmer. By 4:00, we were getting winter storm warnings, and we heard on the radio at Goodwill that they had closed Davidson County Schools (Nashville) two hours early. It started to sleet here about 7:30 last night, and it continued until I went to bed. Very little accumulation this morning.
I was not going to go to the Goodwill yesterday, because I felt like Angie might be having a hissy fit over the condition of the stock room.
I went to Down Home to eat, and Barbara called while I was there. She joined me for tea.
She had been to Knoxville with Darla Daniel for the day. Darla is such an angel. She does so much for others.
I went to the Goodwill, anyway, after lunch. Carzel and Cherokee were sitting on the porch when I got there. Angie was not there. She's having some family trouble. Some older male is terminal, and Angie wants to go to Nashville (?) to be there for her family. She doesn't have paid days to go, and I'd say she can't afford the trip. Renae had told me all this. She's really involved with her employees and volunteers.
She's trying to get moved into her new trailer.
I left Goodwill and went to Family Dollar. We got slammed. Everyone was buying everything. They're afraid of snow now.
Elaine and Steven were the only employees in the store, and Elaine really needed all the help I could give her. We were putting out stock and replacing mis-placed things all evening.
Right before closing time, Debby Cain and her son, Nickolis (sp?) came in. He is the very image of Bobby Crumply, his father. They live on my road. I hadn't seen Nick in several years to speak of. I had sent him a afghan when he was born, but he didn't know about it until I told him last night. He came over to ask me to not shoot his dog if I saw it on my property.
Elaine thought that was so funny.
He's so tall, like Bobby, and he's going to be quite handsome, also like Bobby.
He used to come and sit in my yard and talk with me a lot, but he was stopped from that by his parents. I liked his company and that he had time for an old lady.
The sun has came out over on Clinch Mountain, and it's so beautiful. I'm pretty tired of cold, wet weather. It's still pretty cold outside, and there's a very cold, strong wind.
Leona Burden's obit was in the News Sentinel this morning. She was a sweet lady, with a real Christian witness. I sent a copy of it to Martha Workman. I plan to go to the funeral.
A good name (left behind) is better than great riches.
It started off pretty cold, but the sun came out, and it became warmer. By 4:00, we were getting winter storm warnings, and we heard on the radio at Goodwill that they had closed Davidson County Schools (Nashville) two hours early. It started to sleet here about 7:30 last night, and it continued until I went to bed. Very little accumulation this morning.
I was not going to go to the Goodwill yesterday, because I felt like Angie might be having a hissy fit over the condition of the stock room.
I went to Down Home to eat, and Barbara called while I was there. She joined me for tea.
She had been to Knoxville with Darla Daniel for the day. Darla is such an angel. She does so much for others.
I went to the Goodwill, anyway, after lunch. Carzel and Cherokee were sitting on the porch when I got there. Angie was not there. She's having some family trouble. Some older male is terminal, and Angie wants to go to Nashville (?) to be there for her family. She doesn't have paid days to go, and I'd say she can't afford the trip. Renae had told me all this. She's really involved with her employees and volunteers.
She's trying to get moved into her new trailer.
I left Goodwill and went to Family Dollar. We got slammed. Everyone was buying everything. They're afraid of snow now.
Elaine and Steven were the only employees in the store, and Elaine really needed all the help I could give her. We were putting out stock and replacing mis-placed things all evening.
Right before closing time, Debby Cain and her son, Nickolis (sp?) came in. He is the very image of Bobby Crumply, his father. They live on my road. I hadn't seen Nick in several years to speak of. I had sent him a afghan when he was born, but he didn't know about it until I told him last night. He came over to ask me to not shoot his dog if I saw it on my property.
Elaine thought that was so funny.
He's so tall, like Bobby, and he's going to be quite handsome, also like Bobby.
He used to come and sit in my yard and talk with me a lot, but he was stopped from that by his parents. I liked his company and that he had time for an old lady.
The sun has came out over on Clinch Mountain, and it's so beautiful. I'm pretty tired of cold, wet weather. It's still pretty cold outside, and there's a very cold, strong wind.
Leona Burden's obit was in the News Sentinel this morning. She was a sweet lady, with a real Christian witness. I sent a copy of it to Martha Workman. I plan to go to the funeral.
A good name (left behind) is better than great riches.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011 AM
Yesterday was a fairly good day.
I did some 'home things' early, then called Barbara and asked if she's like to go to the Mexican restaurant up in Bean Station for lunch. I've never known her to turn down food, but she was really excited to get to go up there to eat. The food is really good, and it's squeeky clean.
Brad Reynolds came in while we were there, but he went into another part of the restaurant, and we didn't go over to speak to him. He was meeting someone there for lunch.
There is a new re-sale shop in Bean Station, where the old furniture store was in an old Victorian house. We stopped there, and Barbara found a Kirby vacuum cleaner for $20.00!
They are such good machines.
I bought a lovely swan lapel pin for myself, being the lover of swans that I am.
I also got some large storage containers.
I took Barbara home, then went to the Rutledge Goodwill. I volunteered for several hours, and got some good buys on a few items, then left there for the Family Dollar. Joan and Steven were the only ones there, and I hate for Joan to be there without too much help.
Pepper Spradlin, our local lady lawyer, came in while I was there, and we had a good talk. She's the nicest lady, and we are good friends.
Elaine and Beth both came in while I was there. I don't know how they can stand to be there on their days off, they have to spend so much time there while working. We're just one big happy family there. Joan is off today.
It began to turn cold again last evening. They're calling for snow.
Several folks came in to get things that they were accumulating in case of another snow storm. The UPS man came in, and said he was so tired of battling snow while on his route.
I think a lot of people are tired of snow.
I had terrible pin pains last night, and couldn't get to sleep, so I took half a Lortab, and that did it. I slept until about 9:00 this morning. It's overcast, with very little sun barely shinning through.
Barbara called me yesterday to tell me that I had forgotten to post that I took her down to inspect her house. The men were there working, and we got to see all around.
They're not doing as good a job as I would. I looked up through her attic, and you can see the sky around her chimney. That's where rain comes from. There are several holes in her floor, and the contractors just shrugged and said that the carpet would cover them. I wish I had the time to go down there and seal all those holes with caulk and some filler. She's got a new heat system, but she will still have high bills with all those holes everywhere. There's also a crack under her kitchen door that's about 1/2 inch high and all across the doorway. You can see lots of daylight.
I just hope she will keep the house cleaner this time. They were going to put her carpet down yesterday. She doesn't know what type or color. I would have to know.
She's getting a new vanity in her bath.
She's got new windows in the basement, the dining room, and the living room. They're really nice. She's got a new front door, also. She had sealed off the old one because it leaked air so badly. She's getting her mom's refrigerator and kitchen range. Elizabeth is selling her house.
Life sure makes for some dramatic changes.
I did some 'home things' early, then called Barbara and asked if she's like to go to the Mexican restaurant up in Bean Station for lunch. I've never known her to turn down food, but she was really excited to get to go up there to eat. The food is really good, and it's squeeky clean.
Brad Reynolds came in while we were there, but he went into another part of the restaurant, and we didn't go over to speak to him. He was meeting someone there for lunch.
There is a new re-sale shop in Bean Station, where the old furniture store was in an old Victorian house. We stopped there, and Barbara found a Kirby vacuum cleaner for $20.00!
They are such good machines.
I bought a lovely swan lapel pin for myself, being the lover of swans that I am.
I also got some large storage containers.
I took Barbara home, then went to the Rutledge Goodwill. I volunteered for several hours, and got some good buys on a few items, then left there for the Family Dollar. Joan and Steven were the only ones there, and I hate for Joan to be there without too much help.
Pepper Spradlin, our local lady lawyer, came in while I was there, and we had a good talk. She's the nicest lady, and we are good friends.
Elaine and Beth both came in while I was there. I don't know how they can stand to be there on their days off, they have to spend so much time there while working. We're just one big happy family there. Joan is off today.
It began to turn cold again last evening. They're calling for snow.
Several folks came in to get things that they were accumulating in case of another snow storm. The UPS man came in, and said he was so tired of battling snow while on his route.
I think a lot of people are tired of snow.
I had terrible pin pains last night, and couldn't get to sleep, so I took half a Lortab, and that did it. I slept until about 9:00 this morning. It's overcast, with very little sun barely shinning through.
Barbara called me yesterday to tell me that I had forgotten to post that I took her down to inspect her house. The men were there working, and we got to see all around.
They're not doing as good a job as I would. I looked up through her attic, and you can see the sky around her chimney. That's where rain comes from. There are several holes in her floor, and the contractors just shrugged and said that the carpet would cover them. I wish I had the time to go down there and seal all those holes with caulk and some filler. She's got a new heat system, but she will still have high bills with all those holes everywhere. There's also a crack under her kitchen door that's about 1/2 inch high and all across the doorway. You can see lots of daylight.
I just hope she will keep the house cleaner this time. They were going to put her carpet down yesterday. She doesn't know what type or color. I would have to know.
She's getting a new vanity in her bath.
She's got new windows in the basement, the dining room, and the living room. They're really nice. She's got a new front door, also. She had sealed off the old one because it leaked air so badly. She's getting her mom's refrigerator and kitchen range. Elizabeth is selling her house.
Life sure makes for some dramatic changes.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 AM
Yesterday was a lot more exciting than the last week's dismal days.
Holston gas came early to install the propane tank for my Hut.
It was some man who used to have this route with the propane truck, so he knew where we are. They put the tank precisly where I wanted it, but I didn't have it filled. They could not hook it to the Hut's gas lines if there was any propane in it, so I had it left empty. Steve will have to terminate the lines before we can put gas in the tank and turn it on. I don't know when that will happen...probably in July or August.
After Holston left, I did a quick run-through for the birds. It is still cold. I have three nests of my beloved Frillbacks setting. I'm extatic.
I came in and called Barbara to see if she wanted to have lunch, and we met at the Down Home for lunch. They had that awful ribs and kraut dish, so I got a sandwich and tater tots.
She wanted a ride home, but I wanted to go to the Goodwill. I mis-understood her, so we went to the Goodwill. When I parked, she just walked home. You can see her apartment from the front of the Goodwill.
Renae wanted me to stay and work, so I stayed until closing time. We went through a lot of boxes of stuff, and I found a copy of one of my favorite childhood books...The Pokey Little Puppy. I can still clearly remember momma holding me on her lap and reading that book to me.
I also picked up the left-over Christmas trees for my aviaries, which Renae let me have for $10.00. I think there were about 4 or 5 of them.
I got Jo some silverware for her restaurant.
Joan, from Family Dollar, dropped by to see me a minute on her way home from work.
After I left Goodwill, I went by the Family Dollar to tease the girls about Joan sending me to check up on them. They were both hungry (Beth and Fern were the only ones there), so Beth went next door to Hardee's and got us all a hamburger. We had supper together, and it was pleasant to have freinds to eat supper with. The store looked like they had got a bomb scare. There were almost no customers all evening. Fern gave me the sad news that Angie Green had to go out of business. She had operated a little fast-food place over on 92.
A little later, about 8:30, this woman came in wearing ragged clothes, walking on the hems of her pants. She went to the clothing racks, but I thought it a little strange that she was shopping for clothing at 8:30 on a cold, rainy night, when she didn't look like a fashion diva.
I watched her for a minute, mostly out of curiosity, and presumed that she was on a shoplifting expedition. I was talking to Fern, who was at the cash register, so I 'cut my eyes' toward her to alert Fern that the woman might be stealing. We all three took turns being in the area where she was shopping, and she was filling her buggy with the strangest things.
When she came to the cash register, 5 minutes before closing, she didn't have any money to pay for most of her things. Fern had already 'rung up' her selections, so she had to void the sale.
After the woman left the store, Fern turned to me and said, "She knew she didn't have any money, and she was going to steal that merchandise". I'm glad I caught on to her, and saved the store losing their property. I think theft will get worse before this economy trouble is past.
I also think drugs contribute to the problems with stealing and child abuse that seems so prevalent.
I paid for my things, including the Coke I had drunk with my hamburger, and came home. It was raining a cold rain. I set the humane trap on the back porch, and got into the house.
I put away some things, and did a load of laundry. Laundry detergent is one of the things I had bought at the Family Dollar.
I talked to Steve, got a bath, and went to bed. I slept fairly well last night, and woke refreshed this morning pretty early.
I got the news last night of the death of Leona Burden, a sweet professing lady formerly from the Claxton area, who had moved to live with her daughter, Shirly, some years ago. The funeral is Saturday, and I plan to attend. Betty Pike e-mailed to tell me. She's so faithful to keep me informed.
It's a dismal, overcast, rainy day. My legs and feet hurt like I've run a marathon.
I'm still 'Running the Race'.
Holston gas came early to install the propane tank for my Hut.
It was some man who used to have this route with the propane truck, so he knew where we are. They put the tank precisly where I wanted it, but I didn't have it filled. They could not hook it to the Hut's gas lines if there was any propane in it, so I had it left empty. Steve will have to terminate the lines before we can put gas in the tank and turn it on. I don't know when that will happen...probably in July or August.
After Holston left, I did a quick run-through for the birds. It is still cold. I have three nests of my beloved Frillbacks setting. I'm extatic.
I came in and called Barbara to see if she wanted to have lunch, and we met at the Down Home for lunch. They had that awful ribs and kraut dish, so I got a sandwich and tater tots.
She wanted a ride home, but I wanted to go to the Goodwill. I mis-understood her, so we went to the Goodwill. When I parked, she just walked home. You can see her apartment from the front of the Goodwill.
Renae wanted me to stay and work, so I stayed until closing time. We went through a lot of boxes of stuff, and I found a copy of one of my favorite childhood books...The Pokey Little Puppy. I can still clearly remember momma holding me on her lap and reading that book to me.
I also picked up the left-over Christmas trees for my aviaries, which Renae let me have for $10.00. I think there were about 4 or 5 of them.
I got Jo some silverware for her restaurant.
Joan, from Family Dollar, dropped by to see me a minute on her way home from work.
After I left Goodwill, I went by the Family Dollar to tease the girls about Joan sending me to check up on them. They were both hungry (Beth and Fern were the only ones there), so Beth went next door to Hardee's and got us all a hamburger. We had supper together, and it was pleasant to have freinds to eat supper with. The store looked like they had got a bomb scare. There were almost no customers all evening. Fern gave me the sad news that Angie Green had to go out of business. She had operated a little fast-food place over on 92.
A little later, about 8:30, this woman came in wearing ragged clothes, walking on the hems of her pants. She went to the clothing racks, but I thought it a little strange that she was shopping for clothing at 8:30 on a cold, rainy night, when she didn't look like a fashion diva.
I watched her for a minute, mostly out of curiosity, and presumed that she was on a shoplifting expedition. I was talking to Fern, who was at the cash register, so I 'cut my eyes' toward her to alert Fern that the woman might be stealing. We all three took turns being in the area where she was shopping, and she was filling her buggy with the strangest things.
When she came to the cash register, 5 minutes before closing, she didn't have any money to pay for most of her things. Fern had already 'rung up' her selections, so she had to void the sale.
After the woman left the store, Fern turned to me and said, "She knew she didn't have any money, and she was going to steal that merchandise". I'm glad I caught on to her, and saved the store losing their property. I think theft will get worse before this economy trouble is past.
I also think drugs contribute to the problems with stealing and child abuse that seems so prevalent.
I paid for my things, including the Coke I had drunk with my hamburger, and came home. It was raining a cold rain. I set the humane trap on the back porch, and got into the house.
I put away some things, and did a load of laundry. Laundry detergent is one of the things I had bought at the Family Dollar.
I talked to Steve, got a bath, and went to bed. I slept fairly well last night, and woke refreshed this morning pretty early.
I got the news last night of the death of Leona Burden, a sweet professing lady formerly from the Claxton area, who had moved to live with her daughter, Shirly, some years ago. The funeral is Saturday, and I plan to attend. Betty Pike e-mailed to tell me. She's so faithful to keep me informed.
It's a dismal, overcast, rainy day. My legs and feet hurt like I've run a marathon.
I'm still 'Running the Race'.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 AM
Yesterday was another of those days when I felt like I did very little.
I watched more of The Tudors (notice, Barbara, that I spelled it correctly this time).
Those people are too twisted for color TV. Henry VIII needed to be on meds.
I painted on curio houses most of the day, and I'm getting a nice collection of them ready to hang and decorate with my little animals, shoes, and hats.
I've tried to use nice colors, but I know someone without a life will not like them. Well, things just aren't 'peachy-keen' all over.
Holston Gas is supposed to come this morning with the new tank for the Hut. I'll love having real heat out there. It's getting close to being ready to move everything into it.
I'm getting excited.
I've been staying home all over this long week-end, because I didn't get to the bank to get cash to spend on Saturday, and I'm broke. I'm going to remedy that this morning.
Some rude people wrote on Topix that they didn't like our bank. I've never had an unpleasant experience there. They're one of the top 10 banks in the nation.
I'm looking forward to getting back up to the Down Home today for lunch, if I can. I'm tired of my own cooking and eating junk food.
The snow is finally almost all gone. It's still quite cool, but I'm glad to see the ground again.
It's supposed to be warmer this week, and I'm really glad for that news.
I want to go to The Goodwill, too. I miss the ladies there.
I need to e-mail Carzel. She's the nicest lady.
Martha had me a nice e-mail this morning. I always love to hear from her.
Dolly got caught in the humane trap yesterday out by the back porch. I thought all the cats knew about it. I guess it's a new day every time they blink.
It looks like it's going to be a dreary day, but every day above the dirt is a blessing.
I watched more of The Tudors (notice, Barbara, that I spelled it correctly this time).
Those people are too twisted for color TV. Henry VIII needed to be on meds.
I painted on curio houses most of the day, and I'm getting a nice collection of them ready to hang and decorate with my little animals, shoes, and hats.
I've tried to use nice colors, but I know someone without a life will not like them. Well, things just aren't 'peachy-keen' all over.
Holston Gas is supposed to come this morning with the new tank for the Hut. I'll love having real heat out there. It's getting close to being ready to move everything into it.
I'm getting excited.
I've been staying home all over this long week-end, because I didn't get to the bank to get cash to spend on Saturday, and I'm broke. I'm going to remedy that this morning.
Some rude people wrote on Topix that they didn't like our bank. I've never had an unpleasant experience there. They're one of the top 10 banks in the nation.
I'm looking forward to getting back up to the Down Home today for lunch, if I can. I'm tired of my own cooking and eating junk food.
The snow is finally almost all gone. It's still quite cool, but I'm glad to see the ground again.
It's supposed to be warmer this week, and I'm really glad for that news.
I want to go to The Goodwill, too. I miss the ladies there.
I need to e-mail Carzel. She's the nicest lady.
Martha had me a nice e-mail this morning. I always love to hear from her.
Dolly got caught in the humane trap yesterday out by the back porch. I thought all the cats knew about it. I guess it's a new day every time they blink.
It looks like it's going to be a dreary day, but every day above the dirt is a blessing.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011 AM
I didn't post yesterday, and I'll bet Barbara thought she'd lose her mind.
She lives and breathes for my posts.
It started out pretty yesterday, then became overcast and fairly gloomy. I was totally useless. I watched The Tudors all day (9 hours). I painted some curio cabinets that look like houses. They're so interesting. I'm going to have a whole community of them.
It was a lazy day.
I saw Ronnie up at the Family Dollar Saturday, and he asked for more work. I told him he could put the life-sized nativity set back in the barn loft today. I left the truck keys for him, and wrote him a check, as he needs to pay his auto insurance.
He's such a good worker.
I'd rather wear out than rust out.
She lives and breathes for my posts.
It started out pretty yesterday, then became overcast and fairly gloomy. I was totally useless. I watched The Tudors all day (9 hours). I painted some curio cabinets that look like houses. They're so interesting. I'm going to have a whole community of them.
It was a lazy day.
I saw Ronnie up at the Family Dollar Saturday, and he asked for more work. I told him he could put the life-sized nativity set back in the barn loft today. I left the truck keys for him, and wrote him a check, as he needs to pay his auto insurance.
He's such a good worker.
I'd rather wear out than rust out.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011 AM
Yesterday I finally got out away from the house.
The snow had me at home for over a week, and I was getting cabin fever so badly. Barbara called to ask me to lunch at The Down Home after Darla Daniel had done her hair. I figured that if Darla had worked on her, she couldn't be too awfully ugly for about the next 30 minutes, so I decided I'd try to go. I called Ronnie to see if the road was clear in front of Evelyn's house, and he said it was, as he had been putting melting compound on it. It was. It was about the only stretch of our road that was clear, but it was even dry.
I slid more on our driveway than anywhere else.
I got there, and some lady I didn't even know pointed me back to Barbara. I suppose she knew that some really beautiful lady would want to sit with Barbara to cheer her in her abject misery. I'm nice like that.
Marsha Greenlee waited our table. She reported that her planter's wart is completely gone. I had diagnosed it, and told her I could remove it, but she went to a podiatrist and paid $200.00 to get it taken off.
I talked with Penny about having a drug task force of concerned citizens meet there to get something done about the drug misuse in our county. She's totally supportive.
Barbara and I then went to the Goodwill with our two-man stand-up comedy routine. We always 'rag' on each other in there, and they love the floor show. Renae's son was there, and he had never seen us 'go at it', and he laughed the whole time. He loved it.
I took Barbara home, and then I went to the Family Dollar Store. The ladies there (and Steven) had not seen me since the snow, and they all hugged me and were so glad to see me. They told me they were about to send out a search party for me. I told them I'd have put them to shoveling snow.
I had been wanting out more than they had wanted me out.
I bought some candy canes that were 90% off after Christmas. Steve and I love to let them get sticky before we eat them.
Fern gave me some styrofoam sheets to use for insulation. It works so well for my purposes.
....and it's free! My favorite four-letter word.
I got home right about dark, because the road freezes about dark, and I didn't want to have to walk in or spend the night in the truck.
I was tired, and slept fairly well. I woke up early this morning. It was so bitterly cold when I went out to feed the cats. I'm wishing for a few warm days.
Nothing warms the heart like good friendship, and I'm blessed with good friends.
The snow had me at home for over a week, and I was getting cabin fever so badly. Barbara called to ask me to lunch at The Down Home after Darla Daniel had done her hair. I figured that if Darla had worked on her, she couldn't be too awfully ugly for about the next 30 minutes, so I decided I'd try to go. I called Ronnie to see if the road was clear in front of Evelyn's house, and he said it was, as he had been putting melting compound on it. It was. It was about the only stretch of our road that was clear, but it was even dry.
I slid more on our driveway than anywhere else.
I got there, and some lady I didn't even know pointed me back to Barbara. I suppose she knew that some really beautiful lady would want to sit with Barbara to cheer her in her abject misery. I'm nice like that.
Marsha Greenlee waited our table. She reported that her planter's wart is completely gone. I had diagnosed it, and told her I could remove it, but she went to a podiatrist and paid $200.00 to get it taken off.
I talked with Penny about having a drug task force of concerned citizens meet there to get something done about the drug misuse in our county. She's totally supportive.
Barbara and I then went to the Goodwill with our two-man stand-up comedy routine. We always 'rag' on each other in there, and they love the floor show. Renae's son was there, and he had never seen us 'go at it', and he laughed the whole time. He loved it.
I took Barbara home, and then I went to the Family Dollar Store. The ladies there (and Steven) had not seen me since the snow, and they all hugged me and were so glad to see me. They told me they were about to send out a search party for me. I told them I'd have put them to shoveling snow.
I had been wanting out more than they had wanted me out.
I bought some candy canes that were 90% off after Christmas. Steve and I love to let them get sticky before we eat them.
Fern gave me some styrofoam sheets to use for insulation. It works so well for my purposes.
....and it's free! My favorite four-letter word.
I got home right about dark, because the road freezes about dark, and I didn't want to have to walk in or spend the night in the truck.
I was tired, and slept fairly well. I woke up early this morning. It was so bitterly cold when I went out to feed the cats. I'm wishing for a few warm days.
Nothing warms the heart like good friendship, and I'm blessed with good friends.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011 AM
It's felt like Friday all week long. I'm still tired of this snow, and it's still here. The sun is bright on Clinch Mountain, though, so I hope for some thawing.
About the most exciting thing about yesterday was that I got the rear wall of the Hut finished. I didn't put a coat of varnish on the wood paneling yet, because I have to use heat out there, and I don't want a massive explosion.
Many years ago, a friend was re-finishing furniture and had a kerosene heater that ignited her work, and she was badly burned. I don't want that to happen to me.
The pigeons are still setting, and I'm just hoping and praying for warmer weather before they hatch.
My Red Golden Pheasant males are acting out for the ladies, so I figure I'll soon be getting some eggs from them. I think they're the most beautiful bird.
My Whooper Swan is still missing, and I can't find the body or it, if it's still alive.
None of my birds are eating as much as usual. Someone else told me theirs weren't, either.
I wonder if the cold makes them not want to eat. They've got plenty of food.
I've spent some of my time in the house painting crafts. I could do that all day.
Betty Pike's uncle's funeral is Saturday afternoon. I'd like to go, though it's way over in South Knoxville. She and her mother are very important to me.
About the most exciting thing about yesterday was that I got the rear wall of the Hut finished. I didn't put a coat of varnish on the wood paneling yet, because I have to use heat out there, and I don't want a massive explosion.
Many years ago, a friend was re-finishing furniture and had a kerosene heater that ignited her work, and she was badly burned. I don't want that to happen to me.
The pigeons are still setting, and I'm just hoping and praying for warmer weather before they hatch.
My Red Golden Pheasant males are acting out for the ladies, so I figure I'll soon be getting some eggs from them. I think they're the most beautiful bird.
My Whooper Swan is still missing, and I can't find the body or it, if it's still alive.
None of my birds are eating as much as usual. Someone else told me theirs weren't, either.
I wonder if the cold makes them not want to eat. They've got plenty of food.
I've spent some of my time in the house painting crafts. I could do that all day.
Betty Pike's uncle's funeral is Saturday afternoon. I'd like to go, though it's way over in South Knoxville. She and her mother are very important to me.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011 AM
When I was younger and stronger, I thought I'd never get tired of looking at snow. Well, I am now. It is everywhere and it's hard, frozen, and getting a little dirty.
Yesterday was almost a boring day, being cooped up inside, either in the house, the bird houses, or the Hut. I need to be outside.
I painted on some crafts during the day. I'm finishing a tiny doll house which is actually a knick-knack shelf. I might put them (I have several) in the Hut on the walls to store 'particular animals' in them for display. I love my animal figurines, and I've got a great many of them.
I love painting on my little crafts and hobby items.
I went all over the woods in the grove yesterday, but I can't find my lost swan. It may be under the ice on the pond. There's only one small hole where the swans have kept the ice open. It's just been so cold for so long.
I talked with Betty Pike a while yesterday evening. She's still pretty sick. She says there's nothing anyone can do for her. She just has to wait it out. We had a pleasant visit over the phone, though. She had meeting canceled that was supposed to be at her house last night, both for the roads and because of her illness.
Mary Douglas called to say that she was not going to try to come today. The roads are bad up in Moresburg, and the side roads are still pretty bad here. It's not worth a wreck to try to clean someone's house.
My feet were hurting so badly last night. I don't know why, as I hadn't been doing all that much yesterday. I guess it's the perpetual neouropathy and Fibro (otherwise known as The Living Hell). The three 'Itus' demons are still holding my thumbs for ransom. I don't know if it's more Arther, Bursa, or Tendon that's giving all the trouble, but these three are known to work together.
I'd like for them to take a hike. They could take Al Gore and his 'Global Warming' troup of idiots with them.
Yesterday was almost a boring day, being cooped up inside, either in the house, the bird houses, or the Hut. I need to be outside.
I painted on some crafts during the day. I'm finishing a tiny doll house which is actually a knick-knack shelf. I might put them (I have several) in the Hut on the walls to store 'particular animals' in them for display. I love my animal figurines, and I've got a great many of them.
I love painting on my little crafts and hobby items.
I went all over the woods in the grove yesterday, but I can't find my lost swan. It may be under the ice on the pond. There's only one small hole where the swans have kept the ice open. It's just been so cold for so long.
I talked with Betty Pike a while yesterday evening. She's still pretty sick. She says there's nothing anyone can do for her. She just has to wait it out. We had a pleasant visit over the phone, though. She had meeting canceled that was supposed to be at her house last night, both for the roads and because of her illness.
Mary Douglas called to say that she was not going to try to come today. The roads are bad up in Moresburg, and the side roads are still pretty bad here. It's not worth a wreck to try to clean someone's house.
My feet were hurting so badly last night. I don't know why, as I hadn't been doing all that much yesterday. I guess it's the perpetual neouropathy and Fibro (otherwise known as The Living Hell). The three 'Itus' demons are still holding my thumbs for ransom. I don't know if it's more Arther, Bursa, or Tendon that's giving all the trouble, but these three are known to work together.
I'd like for them to take a hike. They could take Al Gore and his 'Global Warming' troup of idiots with them.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
January 12, 2011, Wednesday AM
I'm frustrated because I can't post to Lynn's blog.
I don't know why Steve can't fix things for me as good as he does for Verizon.
I guess he loves them more.
Yesterday was a pretty boring day for me. It snowed and sleeted all day. I went up to feed the birds, and missed one Whooper Swan. I looked all over for it or some sign of it, but couldn't find it, though I did find some canine foot prints. There were no signs of blood or any loose feathers. Their pond is mostly frozen over.
I have three pigeons setting on eggs. Two are my adored Frillbacks, and one is my Owls, which are really good setters and parents. I hope they don't any hatch before the weather breaks. Pigeons almost always lose their babies when it's really cold.
I worked in the Hut all afternoon, but didn't seem to get much done. It's a lot easier to heat sinse I've got more insulation done to it. The panelling is so hard to fit into all those little nooks and crannies on the walls. I have to cut the panelling down in Steve's garage, and then carry it up to the Hut. If it doesn't fit just right, I have to take it back to Steve's garage and start with the trimming to make it right. There's just no room to work in the Hut. I'll be glad when it's finished and ready to do my hobbies in it.
I talked with Betty Pike some yesterday. She's having a fit trying to get her uncle's funeral arranged. I've rarely heard of funerals being postponed for snowy weather in East Tennessee.
I think it must be Global Warming. Yeah...RIGHT!
I'd divorce Al Gore if I were Tipper, too. He's such a putz!
I don't know why Steve can't fix things for me as good as he does for Verizon.
I guess he loves them more.
Yesterday was a pretty boring day for me. It snowed and sleeted all day. I went up to feed the birds, and missed one Whooper Swan. I looked all over for it or some sign of it, but couldn't find it, though I did find some canine foot prints. There were no signs of blood or any loose feathers. Their pond is mostly frozen over.
I have three pigeons setting on eggs. Two are my adored Frillbacks, and one is my Owls, which are really good setters and parents. I hope they don't any hatch before the weather breaks. Pigeons almost always lose their babies when it's really cold.
I worked in the Hut all afternoon, but didn't seem to get much done. It's a lot easier to heat sinse I've got more insulation done to it. The panelling is so hard to fit into all those little nooks and crannies on the walls. I have to cut the panelling down in Steve's garage, and then carry it up to the Hut. If it doesn't fit just right, I have to take it back to Steve's garage and start with the trimming to make it right. There's just no room to work in the Hut. I'll be glad when it's finished and ready to do my hobbies in it.
I talked with Betty Pike some yesterday. She's having a fit trying to get her uncle's funeral arranged. I've rarely heard of funerals being postponed for snowy weather in East Tennessee.
I think it must be Global Warming. Yeah...RIGHT!
I'd divorce Al Gore if I were Tipper, too. He's such a putz!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011 AM
I'm posting a little late this morning. I got up pretty early, but later got cold, so went back to bed for a short while. It's really cold out.
Yesterday, I worked on the Hut quite a bit, but didn't seem to get so much done. The paneling is so hard to fit up against the ceiling, and I don't want to use trim to hide poor carpentry skills.
Steve worked on his closed circuit system until he left in the evening.
I stayed out in the Hut to work on a really difficult panel, but I finally got it about right. I may have to use some small trim to cover the seam. The roof truss is lower than any other truss, so I had to whittle quite a bit to get the wall panel right.
I'm still insulating. I can only do a small part at a time, as all the other building materials and tools are in the way, and I'm constantly having to move things around to make room to work.
It's frustrating.
I also have to come in the house for the bathroom, as I don't have water out there yet.
It might have frozen if I did.
I sometimes carry a bucket out there with hot water, and put it on a heating platter to keep it hot, as I like to keep my hands clean so I won't dirty my panelling. It's one of those old-timey buffet warmers that momma had one like when we were growing up. I think maybe Aunt Dora sent it to her one year for Christmas. I buy them at Goodwills. I use some of them to keep the water thawed up at the bird houses. They sure beat having to carry water every day, and keep the birds in something to drink.
I have to take care of my babies.
I've almost got all of the rear wall of the Hut panelled, and it is going to be so pretty. I only lack one more piece, and it's like a jig-saw puzzle, with all kinds of angles. Shannon is following my progress via this journal, and she has words of encouragement for me all the time. She's snowed in up on her hill. She had to park her beloved Cadillac down on the bottom one night, and was in a panic until she could get it back up the hill. I don't think she's taking any more chances with it.
I'm not going anywhere until the roads are clear. I hate that feeling of sliding and not being able to stop.
Steve left last night for Ohio, and he said the roads were terrible.
Ronnie is putting rock salt on Evelyn's corner, down at the bottom of our road. It will make it better for Richard and Connie Fain, Otto and Edith, and Mike Ilick, who have to go to work, no matter what. We had taken him several bags to use, and Steve said that part of the road is totally clear.
It's good we can count on him.
Yesterday, I worked on the Hut quite a bit, but didn't seem to get so much done. The paneling is so hard to fit up against the ceiling, and I don't want to use trim to hide poor carpentry skills.
Steve worked on his closed circuit system until he left in the evening.
I stayed out in the Hut to work on a really difficult panel, but I finally got it about right. I may have to use some small trim to cover the seam. The roof truss is lower than any other truss, so I had to whittle quite a bit to get the wall panel right.
I'm still insulating. I can only do a small part at a time, as all the other building materials and tools are in the way, and I'm constantly having to move things around to make room to work.
It's frustrating.
I also have to come in the house for the bathroom, as I don't have water out there yet.
It might have frozen if I did.
I sometimes carry a bucket out there with hot water, and put it on a heating platter to keep it hot, as I like to keep my hands clean so I won't dirty my panelling. It's one of those old-timey buffet warmers that momma had one like when we were growing up. I think maybe Aunt Dora sent it to her one year for Christmas. I buy them at Goodwills. I use some of them to keep the water thawed up at the bird houses. They sure beat having to carry water every day, and keep the birds in something to drink.
I have to take care of my babies.
I've almost got all of the rear wall of the Hut panelled, and it is going to be so pretty. I only lack one more piece, and it's like a jig-saw puzzle, with all kinds of angles. Shannon is following my progress via this journal, and she has words of encouragement for me all the time. She's snowed in up on her hill. She had to park her beloved Cadillac down on the bottom one night, and was in a panic until she could get it back up the hill. I don't think she's taking any more chances with it.
I'm not going anywhere until the roads are clear. I hate that feeling of sliding and not being able to stop.
Steve left last night for Ohio, and he said the roads were terrible.
Ronnie is putting rock salt on Evelyn's corner, down at the bottom of our road. It will make it better for Richard and Connie Fain, Otto and Edith, and Mike Ilick, who have to go to work, no matter what. We had taken him several bags to use, and Steve said that part of the road is totally clear.
It's good we can count on him.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011 AM
Yesterday was one of those days when I worked so hard to try to make a difference, but was not able to honestly say that I made much progress.
Steve took me to Lowe's and Home Depot to get the rest of the luan panelling to finish the living room and kitchen areas of the Hut.
We saw some GORGEOUS snap-lock laminate floor covering at Home Depot, but they didn't have enough to do a whole room. It was marked down dramatically!
I suggested that we might get what they had, and mix a similar product in a close color. He didn't want to, so we won't. It was about 12" wide, and single-plank design.
We'll never see that kind of a bargain again.
We came home, and went to work in the Hut.
Steve cut the wall panels, and I nailed them in place with only a few nails. I really don't like this noise on Sunday. It was so cold when we started working out there, but It got a little warmer as I put insulation on the walls and glued the linoleum on the wainscoating area in the livingroom. I hope my efforts helped some.
We came in about 9:00, and I got a hot bath right away. It took a while to scrape the floor adhesive off my hands.
It snowed last night, again. I don't remember this much snow in recent years. Folks around here are not pleased with the new Road Commissioner.
Edie called a little bit ago and said sh'e d like to take us up on our offer to get her to work. She's going to spend the night there. We have 4-wheel drive trucks, and our road is one of the worst in our county.
Steve took me to Lowe's and Home Depot to get the rest of the luan panelling to finish the living room and kitchen areas of the Hut.
We saw some GORGEOUS snap-lock laminate floor covering at Home Depot, but they didn't have enough to do a whole room. It was marked down dramatically!
I suggested that we might get what they had, and mix a similar product in a close color. He didn't want to, so we won't. It was about 12" wide, and single-plank design.
We'll never see that kind of a bargain again.
We came home, and went to work in the Hut.
Steve cut the wall panels, and I nailed them in place with only a few nails. I really don't like this noise on Sunday. It was so cold when we started working out there, but It got a little warmer as I put insulation on the walls and glued the linoleum on the wainscoating area in the livingroom. I hope my efforts helped some.
We came in about 9:00, and I got a hot bath right away. It took a while to scrape the floor adhesive off my hands.
It snowed last night, again. I don't remember this much snow in recent years. Folks around here are not pleased with the new Road Commissioner.
Edie called a little bit ago and said sh'e d like to take us up on our offer to get her to work. She's going to spend the night there. We have 4-wheel drive trucks, and our road is one of the worst in our county.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
January 7, Saturday AM 2011
It was rainy and cold all day yesterday. A miserable day to work outside, or even inside.
Every time I walked across the back yard, I felt like I was wading the French Broad River.
We worked inside as long as we could, then went to Down Home for lunch, as we knew we would get muddy and nasty once we went outside. They had a delicious lasagna.
I took Penny some plastic farm animals to add to her farm scene in her display case, and we took some of Steve's railroad display grass for the lawn.
We came home and got to work on farm things then. Steve fired up the tractor and took the cows a blae of hay down to the front gate. That front gate is going to prove useful, I think.
He said that when he was trying to get the cows to follow him out to the hay, Bull butted him in his back. Bull has been acting a little mean lately. Ronnie told me one day he tried to get him.
I worked on the back wall of the livingroom in the Hut, putting styrofoam panels that Joan had given me on the area where wainscoating is going to be. I'm going to use some linoleum as wainscoating there. I had a piece of it that will fit pretty well, and it's not so thick.
I finally talked Steve into letting me put fabric on the upper part of the wall, and when I got it out, I found out that there is cutter's chalk all over it. I put in in the washer and 'rinsed and spinned' it, and almost all of it came out of one side. I'll have to iron it to use it, but Steve is now trying to talk me into letting him get some luan plywood to use there. I would rather be a little more original.
I saw Brenda Lakins at the Down Home, and she's lost all her hair from chemo now. I think she's fighting a losing battle, but I tried to give her some words of encouragement. She looks bad.
Betty Pike's uncle died this morning in his sleep. She had expected that he would be going soon.
There may be some trouble, because the 'son' wants some preacher he knows to hold the funeral, and the uncle had wanted his pastor to hold it. The 'son' is adopted, and his parents have been paying his rent for years, while he's off volunteering somewhere. It's a sad situation.
There's predictions of bitter cold next week, and I need to get plastic over the windows up at the bird houses, and make sure all the water fountain heaters are working properly. The peafowl suffer so from the cold and wet weather.
The snow is beautiful, but, like many beautiful things, it's trecherous.
Every time I walked across the back yard, I felt like I was wading the French Broad River.
We worked inside as long as we could, then went to Down Home for lunch, as we knew we would get muddy and nasty once we went outside. They had a delicious lasagna.
I took Penny some plastic farm animals to add to her farm scene in her display case, and we took some of Steve's railroad display grass for the lawn.
We came home and got to work on farm things then. Steve fired up the tractor and took the cows a blae of hay down to the front gate. That front gate is going to prove useful, I think.
He said that when he was trying to get the cows to follow him out to the hay, Bull butted him in his back. Bull has been acting a little mean lately. Ronnie told me one day he tried to get him.
I worked on the back wall of the livingroom in the Hut, putting styrofoam panels that Joan had given me on the area where wainscoating is going to be. I'm going to use some linoleum as wainscoating there. I had a piece of it that will fit pretty well, and it's not so thick.
I finally talked Steve into letting me put fabric on the upper part of the wall, and when I got it out, I found out that there is cutter's chalk all over it. I put in in the washer and 'rinsed and spinned' it, and almost all of it came out of one side. I'll have to iron it to use it, but Steve is now trying to talk me into letting him get some luan plywood to use there. I would rather be a little more original.
I saw Brenda Lakins at the Down Home, and she's lost all her hair from chemo now. I think she's fighting a losing battle, but I tried to give her some words of encouragement. She looks bad.
Betty Pike's uncle died this morning in his sleep. She had expected that he would be going soon.
There may be some trouble, because the 'son' wants some preacher he knows to hold the funeral, and the uncle had wanted his pastor to hold it. The 'son' is adopted, and his parents have been paying his rent for years, while he's off volunteering somewhere. It's a sad situation.
There's predictions of bitter cold next week, and I need to get plastic over the windows up at the bird houses, and make sure all the water fountain heaters are working properly. The peafowl suffer so from the cold and wet weather.
The snow is beautiful, but, like many beautiful things, it's trecherous.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Yesterday was cold with the promise of snow, and by late day, we were getting it.
Steve and I both worked in the house, him on the burglar video taping system, and me on other chores, until lunch time. We then went to Down Home for lunch. Lu Lu came in while we were there, but she was early for her shift. Penny looked awfully tired, but she said it was just from coming in early and staying late. Barbara joined us for lunch. It was Steve's suggestion.
We then went to co-op for corn. They have a new girl, Shannon, who seems like she will fit in. I 'quizzed' her on some things. She lives down in Buffalo.
We got home, and I went to work in the Hut. Steve helped me some last night, and we got the new kitchen counter and sink put in. It's an intriguing shade of squash or pumpkin. I'm not sure yet how I'm going to do for my backsplash area, but it will have to be something that I can splash, I know. The counter is 8 1/2' long! It looks almost too big, but I just love it.
I stayed late out there, but Steve came in a while before I did. He has been cold a lot lately.
I put some more insulation on the livingroom walls. I'm using those sun shields that I got when we were down at Lynn's.
I went all day without talking to Betty on the phone. We e-mailed, though.
She's going to wear herself out going to the hospital and running for Ma Pike.
.....and her dog sitting service.
I saw that Dale Jones had been arrested for being drunk and breaking a door (I think at his mother's house). He had worked for me some a while back, and I had tried to help him. His mother is Norma's sister. Norma lives with Bobby Curl.
These people get drugs and booze so easily.
It's still snowing this morning here, and there's more coming, they say.
Steve is so irritated with it.
I'm pretty sore from my fall coming out of the Hut the other night. I guess time will heal that.
I just wish I HAD more time.
Steve and I both worked in the house, him on the burglar video taping system, and me on other chores, until lunch time. We then went to Down Home for lunch. Lu Lu came in while we were there, but she was early for her shift. Penny looked awfully tired, but she said it was just from coming in early and staying late. Barbara joined us for lunch. It was Steve's suggestion.
We then went to co-op for corn. They have a new girl, Shannon, who seems like she will fit in. I 'quizzed' her on some things. She lives down in Buffalo.
We got home, and I went to work in the Hut. Steve helped me some last night, and we got the new kitchen counter and sink put in. It's an intriguing shade of squash or pumpkin. I'm not sure yet how I'm going to do for my backsplash area, but it will have to be something that I can splash, I know. The counter is 8 1/2' long! It looks almost too big, but I just love it.
I stayed late out there, but Steve came in a while before I did. He has been cold a lot lately.
I put some more insulation on the livingroom walls. I'm using those sun shields that I got when we were down at Lynn's.
I went all day without talking to Betty on the phone. We e-mailed, though.
She's going to wear herself out going to the hospital and running for Ma Pike.
.....and her dog sitting service.
I saw that Dale Jones had been arrested for being drunk and breaking a door (I think at his mother's house). He had worked for me some a while back, and I had tried to help him. His mother is Norma's sister. Norma lives with Bobby Curl.
These people get drugs and booze so easily.
It's still snowing this morning here, and there's more coming, they say.
Steve is so irritated with it.
I'm pretty sore from my fall coming out of the Hut the other night. I guess time will heal that.
I just wish I HAD more time.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Yesterday was mostly overcast, and quite cold. I didn't put any laundry on the line.
Steve and I went to the Goodwill late in the morning, because he wanted to buy some of those old TV's that people are now giving away, because the government has mandated that everyone has to buy a different kind of TV.
I don't remember the constitution giving the Federal Government the authority to regulate such things, but they sure are.
On our way home, it started to snow flurry. The ground was frozen, so it began to lay really fast.
I went up to feed the birds and check the water containers that are not on the water weasel I built a few years ago, and threw out a few buckets of corn for the sheep and geese.
I then went to the Hut to start insulating the walls where the new kitchen counter is going to be. It's a little trouble to fit those panels I'm using, but they will help in the long run.
I watched it snow out the kitchen window while I worked, and it started laying pretty good. By this time, it was snowing huge flakes, and really hard.
I called Joan to tell her she'd better send Elaine home, because she lives out Highway 92, and it gets really bad when it's bad weather. She told me she had already thought of that, and that Elaine's daughter was on her way to pick her up as we spoke. She had to come up Water Street, because she couldn't get up the hill to the only red light in Rutledge.
Later, when I called Joan to see if she had got home alright, she told me they closed the store at 7:00. She's becomming such a good friend, and I was a little worried about her, as she lives on Owl Hole Gap Road, and it gets bad when we have bad weather. She was in the car, rather than her truck, so I had reason for concern.
Betty Pike told me she was worried about getting home from the hospital, where her uncle is a patient. She said someone made the comment that the snow flakes 'were as big as biskits'.
I called Barbara, because she SO longs to hear the sweet sound of my melodious voice, and joked with her about the schools being closed for the next week because of the snow.
When I left the Hut to come back to the house, I came down off the steps (concrete blocks stacked there) I stepped down onto a desk chair mat that had been covered with snow. It was really slick, and I slid down pretty hard. I didn't hit any of the lumber and junk that's laying around up there, which we use in the construction process, but I did hit the ground pretty hard.
It knocked the breath out of me. I managed to get up and get in the house, and it was so funny to see my 'snow angel' in the snow from the camera on the security system Steve has built.
I could tell that last night was one of those times when a really long, hot bath was in order.
I took extra meds last night, so I wouldn't thrash about so much and keep Steve awake, and I slept well.
Everything is white this morning. The snow is beautiful but trecherous.
The first picture below is out toward our barn from our front porch. The second picture is from our porch across the valley toward the Daniel property. The stone wall in the bottom of the picture is our overlook. The scenery from there is beautiful, any time of the year.
We are truely gifted by God.
Steve and I went to the Goodwill late in the morning, because he wanted to buy some of those old TV's that people are now giving away, because the government has mandated that everyone has to buy a different kind of TV.
I don't remember the constitution giving the Federal Government the authority to regulate such things, but they sure are.
On our way home, it started to snow flurry. The ground was frozen, so it began to lay really fast.
I went up to feed the birds and check the water containers that are not on the water weasel I built a few years ago, and threw out a few buckets of corn for the sheep and geese.
I then went to the Hut to start insulating the walls where the new kitchen counter is going to be. It's a little trouble to fit those panels I'm using, but they will help in the long run.
I watched it snow out the kitchen window while I worked, and it started laying pretty good. By this time, it was snowing huge flakes, and really hard.
I called Joan to tell her she'd better send Elaine home, because she lives out Highway 92, and it gets really bad when it's bad weather. She told me she had already thought of that, and that Elaine's daughter was on her way to pick her up as we spoke. She had to come up Water Street, because she couldn't get up the hill to the only red light in Rutledge.
Later, when I called Joan to see if she had got home alright, she told me they closed the store at 7:00. She's becomming such a good friend, and I was a little worried about her, as she lives on Owl Hole Gap Road, and it gets bad when we have bad weather. She was in the car, rather than her truck, so I had reason for concern.
Betty Pike told me she was worried about getting home from the hospital, where her uncle is a patient. She said someone made the comment that the snow flakes 'were as big as biskits'.
I called Barbara, because she SO longs to hear the sweet sound of my melodious voice, and joked with her about the schools being closed for the next week because of the snow.
When I left the Hut to come back to the house, I came down off the steps (concrete blocks stacked there) I stepped down onto a desk chair mat that had been covered with snow. It was really slick, and I slid down pretty hard. I didn't hit any of the lumber and junk that's laying around up there, which we use in the construction process, but I did hit the ground pretty hard.
It knocked the breath out of me. I managed to get up and get in the house, and it was so funny to see my 'snow angel' in the snow from the camera on the security system Steve has built.
I could tell that last night was one of those times when a really long, hot bath was in order.
I took extra meds last night, so I wouldn't thrash about so much and keep Steve awake, and I slept well.
Everything is white this morning. The snow is beautiful but trecherous.
The first picture below is out toward our barn from our front porch. The second picture is from our porch across the valley toward the Daniel property. The stone wall in the bottom of the picture is our overlook. The scenery from there is beautiful, any time of the year.
We are truely gifted by God.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Some morning soon, I'll bet, I'm going to post on here, and I'm going to go back to 2010.
Well, that year is gone, and, as much as I'd like, I can't go back and change things or make them better. All I can do is look to the future. That's all anyone can do.
My 'pin pains' were horrible last night. Fot the first time, Steve asked me to leave our bed. I suppose he was tired of being kicked or something. He told me to 'go paint' which is what I do often when I'm having too much pain to sleep or if I'm too restless.
Yesterday was a really pretty day, but it was quite chilly in the shade.
I did things in the house for a while in the morning, then I went (alone) to Habitat for Humanity in Dandridge to get the countertop for my Hut. I also went to the jewelry store where I had taken a watch for a battery. When I had taken it in, the jeweler said the parts had flown everywhere when he took off the back, and he had to practically rebuild the watch. It's a gold, hand-made Jules Jorgensen watch I had recieved as a gift from a 'Gentleman Admirer' many years ago when I lived in Illinois with Aunt Dora and Uncle Bill.
I went by the Goodwill there, and I found out that it's smaller than ours. I'm shocked...SHOCKED! I thought the one in Rutledge was the smallest Goodwill in the free world.
I bought a few small items at Habitat, then started back to Rutledge. I called Steve, and we met at Down Home for lunch. I then went to Goodwill in Rutledge. I didn't buy much, but enjoyed the girls.
I came home, then, and got started working here. There's always so much to do.
We took out the old kitchen counter, and it had been installed in such a wierd manner. But it had worked. My new counter is 8 1/2' long. It's going to be nice to have all that counter space, and the drawer units I can put under it. I'm going to use it as a work table, I think, rather than have a big table in the middle of the floor.
Steve helped me take out the old counter and sink, but we had to wait until I put some insulation panels on the wall before we can install the new counter. I insulated the part of the wall that will be under the counter, and put a coat of primer on it to make the tiles I used more stable. I used the old ceiling tiles from the house I'm tearing down at Shannon's church.
I quit at about 11:39, and came in. It was getting quite cold. The grass crunched when I walked across the yard.
Steve made us a couple of cans of Manhatten Clam Chowder for supper.
I got a bath and went to bed, but then the 'pin pains' started. I flopped around like a fish out of water for most of the night. I don't know when I finally got to sleep, but I slept REALLY late this morning.
Ronnie called (he's so faithful) and fed the cows a bale of hay. I think Steve is going to get him to help him with some outside work later today. There's plenty of it to do.
Betty Pike's uncle Clyde is in the hospital, and she's about the only one in the whole family that is going there to be a comfort to her aunt. She's going to wear herself out doing all this.
She is one of those people who are a servant to almost everyone. She sure has been a faithful friend to me for many years. The other day, I found the gum wrapper that Ramona Clabo had given me to get me in touch with Carl and Ruth Pike many years ago. I had put Betty's number on it, when Ruth told me to call her daughter to get information on 'The Meetings'.
I guess Betty did a pretty good job, because I went to 'The Meetings' until we moved way up here and it became such a hardship.
Barbara Womack's old editor at the News Sentinel, Barbara Asbury, died. I know Barbara would like to go to the recieving, but it would mean that I would have to take her, and I just don't want to go. I don't like to go out in the evening.
Steve is still working on the security recording devices. He's so obsessive about these things.
I saw Lynn on-line this morning, early, and we IM'd for a greeting. She's having a hard time with her IBS. Thank God, that's one problem I don't have.
I need to get things picked up. Mary is coming tomorrow, and I like to get things out of her way.
The house really needs her attentions.
Something is going on with Steve. He's been almost nice lately.
Barbara just called. She's LONGING to see today's post.
She hangs on my every word.
Well, that year is gone, and, as much as I'd like, I can't go back and change things or make them better. All I can do is look to the future. That's all anyone can do.
My 'pin pains' were horrible last night. Fot the first time, Steve asked me to leave our bed. I suppose he was tired of being kicked or something. He told me to 'go paint' which is what I do often when I'm having too much pain to sleep or if I'm too restless.
Yesterday was a really pretty day, but it was quite chilly in the shade.
I did things in the house for a while in the morning, then I went (alone) to Habitat for Humanity in Dandridge to get the countertop for my Hut. I also went to the jewelry store where I had taken a watch for a battery. When I had taken it in, the jeweler said the parts had flown everywhere when he took off the back, and he had to practically rebuild the watch. It's a gold, hand-made Jules Jorgensen watch I had recieved as a gift from a 'Gentleman Admirer' many years ago when I lived in Illinois with Aunt Dora and Uncle Bill.
I went by the Goodwill there, and I found out that it's smaller than ours. I'm shocked...SHOCKED! I thought the one in Rutledge was the smallest Goodwill in the free world.
I bought a few small items at Habitat, then started back to Rutledge. I called Steve, and we met at Down Home for lunch. I then went to Goodwill in Rutledge. I didn't buy much, but enjoyed the girls.
I came home, then, and got started working here. There's always so much to do.
We took out the old kitchen counter, and it had been installed in such a wierd manner. But it had worked. My new counter is 8 1/2' long. It's going to be nice to have all that counter space, and the drawer units I can put under it. I'm going to use it as a work table, I think, rather than have a big table in the middle of the floor.
Steve helped me take out the old counter and sink, but we had to wait until I put some insulation panels on the wall before we can install the new counter. I insulated the part of the wall that will be under the counter, and put a coat of primer on it to make the tiles I used more stable. I used the old ceiling tiles from the house I'm tearing down at Shannon's church.
I quit at about 11:39, and came in. It was getting quite cold. The grass crunched when I walked across the yard.
Steve made us a couple of cans of Manhatten Clam Chowder for supper.
I got a bath and went to bed, but then the 'pin pains' started. I flopped around like a fish out of water for most of the night. I don't know when I finally got to sleep, but I slept REALLY late this morning.
Ronnie called (he's so faithful) and fed the cows a bale of hay. I think Steve is going to get him to help him with some outside work later today. There's plenty of it to do.
Betty Pike's uncle Clyde is in the hospital, and she's about the only one in the whole family that is going there to be a comfort to her aunt. She's going to wear herself out doing all this.
She is one of those people who are a servant to almost everyone. She sure has been a faithful friend to me for many years. The other day, I found the gum wrapper that Ramona Clabo had given me to get me in touch with Carl and Ruth Pike many years ago. I had put Betty's number on it, when Ruth told me to call her daughter to get information on 'The Meetings'.
I guess Betty did a pretty good job, because I went to 'The Meetings' until we moved way up here and it became such a hardship.
Barbara Womack's old editor at the News Sentinel, Barbara Asbury, died. I know Barbara would like to go to the recieving, but it would mean that I would have to take her, and I just don't want to go. I don't like to go out in the evening.
Steve is still working on the security recording devices. He's so obsessive about these things.
I saw Lynn on-line this morning, early, and we IM'd for a greeting. She's having a hard time with her IBS. Thank God, that's one problem I don't have.
I need to get things picked up. Mary is coming tomorrow, and I like to get things out of her way.
The house really needs her attentions.
Something is going on with Steve. He's been almost nice lately.
Barbara just called. She's LONGING to see today's post.
She hangs on my every word.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011, AM
I slept fairly well last night. We both woke early this morning, and it was nice to lay and snuggle under the covers a while. Steve usually sleeps pretty late, so these occasions are rare. He started to turn once, and yelped in pain. I asked what was the matter, and he had got stuck by a opened safety pin I had used to hold on the heating pad. I guess it's time to place the water bladders in the mattress.
I would like to enlarge the drawers in the pedestal, so they will each hold a full set of bedding. Our bedding is so thick (1500 thread count) that it will not fold small enough to get a full set into one drawer. There's room in the middle of the base to make the drawers about a foot longer each. I had asked Steve to do this several years ago, but it's not done. Perhaps I should e-mail him the request. He fried his computer yesterday morning, and took an old hard drive from another older computer we had around here someplace. He then fried it, too. Some mornings it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.
Yesterday started out by feeling a little warmish, but it was deceptive. After being out for only a few minutes, you felt the cold biting into you. The Hut was as cold as the inside of a refrigerator. I crawled under it to see if I could find some places to beef up the insulation, and I found massive holes torn in what little, thin insulation was there.
It's a messy and scratchy job to insulate overhead. I don't have much fiberglass batting to do the job with, so I'm using whatever I can find that I think will work.
I used some left-over memory foam mattresses last evening to fill some holes, then stapled landscape fabric to hold it in place, and to keep the cats from crawling up in there.
I tried all day to get Steve to help me with the floor covering, but he keeps stalling on me. Last night I was so mad I almost just painted the floor, and perhaps go back later and 'dob' it with other colors. Ruth and I used to do that when we were in the work together, and we had some really amusing floors.
I can't really do much else until this floor is finished, and I can move the materials from the front end into the bedroom.
I think I've figured out a way to insulate the walls in the kitchen and living room using materials that I already have. I'll post later if I get it done.
Barbara Womack, better known as the most boring critic in the Free World, told me that I had not written about New Year's Eve at The Down Home. Penny and Jerry gave a free food buffet for customer appreciation. Barbara got there first, and was going to get a booth for herself, myself, and Steve. Well, Jack and Cindy Munsey came in early, and each one sat in seperate booths with some friends who were already there, to hold the booths for later when the friends were finished with their meals and left. Barbara had been setting on a stool waiting for a booth, and this just really lit her fire. Lou Lou told her she might as well go to the back dining room and get a table. We got there before the food was served at 8:00, and Clarence Singleton joined us. He's such a sweet, though mis-guided boy.
A good time was had by all, but Eva Mae LeFevre was not there to play the piano.
Last night I came in at 10:00 and cooked a pound of turkey bacon and made toast for supper. I was whooped.
I hope to get more done today. Steve wants me to go get the counter top, if the place we bought it is open today.
I talked with Betty Pike, and, as always, asked about some of the friends I hadn't seen or heard from in some time. I was distressed to hear that Michael Blakely, Jr, is not attending meetings anymore. He had once been a worker.
She says that Lance George is doing well, and goes and picks up Norma Majors for meetings.
He's a really fine man, whose mother died not too long ago.
Well, to the work.
I would like to enlarge the drawers in the pedestal, so they will each hold a full set of bedding. Our bedding is so thick (1500 thread count) that it will not fold small enough to get a full set into one drawer. There's room in the middle of the base to make the drawers about a foot longer each. I had asked Steve to do this several years ago, but it's not done. Perhaps I should e-mail him the request. He fried his computer yesterday morning, and took an old hard drive from another older computer we had around here someplace. He then fried it, too. Some mornings it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.
Yesterday started out by feeling a little warmish, but it was deceptive. After being out for only a few minutes, you felt the cold biting into you. The Hut was as cold as the inside of a refrigerator. I crawled under it to see if I could find some places to beef up the insulation, and I found massive holes torn in what little, thin insulation was there.
It's a messy and scratchy job to insulate overhead. I don't have much fiberglass batting to do the job with, so I'm using whatever I can find that I think will work.
I used some left-over memory foam mattresses last evening to fill some holes, then stapled landscape fabric to hold it in place, and to keep the cats from crawling up in there.
I tried all day to get Steve to help me with the floor covering, but he keeps stalling on me. Last night I was so mad I almost just painted the floor, and perhaps go back later and 'dob' it with other colors. Ruth and I used to do that when we were in the work together, and we had some really amusing floors.
I can't really do much else until this floor is finished, and I can move the materials from the front end into the bedroom.
I think I've figured out a way to insulate the walls in the kitchen and living room using materials that I already have. I'll post later if I get it done.
Barbara Womack, better known as the most boring critic in the Free World, told me that I had not written about New Year's Eve at The Down Home. Penny and Jerry gave a free food buffet for customer appreciation. Barbara got there first, and was going to get a booth for herself, myself, and Steve. Well, Jack and Cindy Munsey came in early, and each one sat in seperate booths with some friends who were already there, to hold the booths for later when the friends were finished with their meals and left. Barbara had been setting on a stool waiting for a booth, and this just really lit her fire. Lou Lou told her she might as well go to the back dining room and get a table. We got there before the food was served at 8:00, and Clarence Singleton joined us. He's such a sweet, though mis-guided boy.
A good time was had by all, but Eva Mae LeFevre was not there to play the piano.
Last night I came in at 10:00 and cooked a pound of turkey bacon and made toast for supper. I was whooped.
I hope to get more done today. Steve wants me to go get the counter top, if the place we bought it is open today.
I talked with Betty Pike, and, as always, asked about some of the friends I hadn't seen or heard from in some time. I was distressed to hear that Michael Blakely, Jr, is not attending meetings anymore. He had once been a worker.
She says that Lance George is doing well, and goes and picks up Norma Majors for meetings.
He's a really fine man, whose mother died not too long ago.
Well, to the work.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011 AM
Yesterday was another dismal day, even though the early morning had promised radient sunshine.
The ground is still soggy from all the rain, and there was a pretty brisk wind all day. I put some laundry on the line, wanting to take advantage of the breezy weather.
Something had turned over the cat's food storage container, and I suspected a raccoon. Steve viewed the recording from the security system, and, sure enough, it was this incredibly fat raccoon. It had gone into the humane trap, but didn't spring the door. I extended the trap another foot in length, so maybe the nixt time, I'll catch Mr. Rocky Raccoon. It was incredible to watch the film of the cats not even seemingly knowing the raccoon was there, and he was tearing up the whole back porch. I need to catch him so badly.
I was cleaning out some cabinets in the kitchen, and opened an old address box. In the bottom of it, I found the very old gum wrapper that Ramona Clabo had given me many years ago with Carl and Rutl Pike's phone number on it, so that I could get in touch with people in the Truth. I had written Betty's number on it in my own hand. I laminated it to keep it as a souvenier. Carl, Ruth, and Betty were like family to me. I was so deeply grieved when Carl died.
I fed all the birds, and checked on maintenence things while up there. As soon as it's reliably warm and somewhat dry, I'm going to have some 'beefing up' to do to some of the top netting. The recent snow and cold was pretty hard on it. Some of it droops pretty low, now, but I can fix that.
I worked in my Hut for quite a while yesterday afternoon. It takes so long to do anything in there, I have so much stuff. I asked Steve if I could get some more luan panelling to do the living room and kitchen walls, so that I could use my sun shields for wall insulation. I'll be glad to have done it this summer when the sun is shining on the metal walls on the outside. It will pay for itself in savings for air conditioning.
My legs hurt so badly last night.
Our water is brown again, so I didn't really enjoy a hot bath.
Steve is doing some better with his temperment. Perhaps he's read some of my posts, or someone has slipped him a word of caution. He's not yelling so much, but I can tell he wants to.
I'd like to get the floor covered in the bedroom of the Hut today, but Steve is reluctant, so I don't know if we'll get it done. He doesn't want to do it until we've got all the things into the room that we're going to use there. But then, we'll have to move them back out to put the floor covering down. I'd just rather do it now, and put some heavy brown paper (which I have in abundance) on the floor to protect it until we got through with the furnishings. I don't know what will be the outcome.
I'd like to get some insulation on the holes under the floor before we have another cold spell, but I don't know if I will have the time.
Life (at Clairemont) goes on.
The ground is still soggy from all the rain, and there was a pretty brisk wind all day. I put some laundry on the line, wanting to take advantage of the breezy weather.
Something had turned over the cat's food storage container, and I suspected a raccoon. Steve viewed the recording from the security system, and, sure enough, it was this incredibly fat raccoon. It had gone into the humane trap, but didn't spring the door. I extended the trap another foot in length, so maybe the nixt time, I'll catch Mr. Rocky Raccoon. It was incredible to watch the film of the cats not even seemingly knowing the raccoon was there, and he was tearing up the whole back porch. I need to catch him so badly.
I was cleaning out some cabinets in the kitchen, and opened an old address box. In the bottom of it, I found the very old gum wrapper that Ramona Clabo had given me many years ago with Carl and Rutl Pike's phone number on it, so that I could get in touch with people in the Truth. I had written Betty's number on it in my own hand. I laminated it to keep it as a souvenier. Carl, Ruth, and Betty were like family to me. I was so deeply grieved when Carl died.
I fed all the birds, and checked on maintenence things while up there. As soon as it's reliably warm and somewhat dry, I'm going to have some 'beefing up' to do to some of the top netting. The recent snow and cold was pretty hard on it. Some of it droops pretty low, now, but I can fix that.
I worked in my Hut for quite a while yesterday afternoon. It takes so long to do anything in there, I have so much stuff. I asked Steve if I could get some more luan panelling to do the living room and kitchen walls, so that I could use my sun shields for wall insulation. I'll be glad to have done it this summer when the sun is shining on the metal walls on the outside. It will pay for itself in savings for air conditioning.
My legs hurt so badly last night.
Our water is brown again, so I didn't really enjoy a hot bath.
Steve is doing some better with his temperment. Perhaps he's read some of my posts, or someone has slipped him a word of caution. He's not yelling so much, but I can tell he wants to.
I'd like to get the floor covered in the bedroom of the Hut today, but Steve is reluctant, so I don't know if we'll get it done. He doesn't want to do it until we've got all the things into the room that we're going to use there. But then, we'll have to move them back out to put the floor covering down. I'd just rather do it now, and put some heavy brown paper (which I have in abundance) on the floor to protect it until we got through with the furnishings. I don't know what will be the outcome.
I'd like to get some insulation on the holes under the floor before we have another cold spell, but I don't know if I will have the time.
Life (at Clairemont) goes on.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Sunday January 2, 2011
It seems odd to be in another year. One minute, we're in one year, and just a minute later, we're in another.
Yesterday was a rainey, dreary day. I hate those days. They make me ache all over, and it's so miserable to have to work outside. We hauled off some garbage, and Steve couldn't lift some of the boxes of trash to get them into the truck. They were so soggy.
I did a quick run-through for feeding, as the miserable weather was so off-putting.
I then worked in my Hut. I had got a really late start to my whole day, as I'd had a hellish night the night before. I didn't expect to get much done.
I painted the top coat on the wall above the wainescoating in the bedroom. I tried (at first) to fill all the little holes in the acoustical tiles with paint to make it a solid green, but decided I liked the 'flecked' appearance without the holes filled, so I wint with that look. It went much faster.
I cleaned and put away a lot of stuff, trying to get things out of the way so we could go pick up the new kitchen counter. It's about eight feet long, and will be a nice work surface. I think I'm going to mount it the same height as a table, so I can sit at it to work, thus eliminating the need for a table in that area. We bought it last week, and didn't have the big truck with us, so we have to go back to get it.
I also fininshed the insulation on the ceiling in the kitchen to get it ready for the last piece of wood paneling. Steve took down the light fixture for me, and I think I'm going with another style when we replace it. I sealed around one more window in the living room area. I want to get that room ready for some on-wall insulation. I'm not too sure what I'll do in that room, though. I'm sure I will think of something.
I worked until about 9:00, then came into the house, took a bath, and washed my hair.
I went to bed fairly early for me.
The sun is shining brightly this morning, but I don't feel like doing much.
Yesterday was a rainey, dreary day. I hate those days. They make me ache all over, and it's so miserable to have to work outside. We hauled off some garbage, and Steve couldn't lift some of the boxes of trash to get them into the truck. They were so soggy.
I did a quick run-through for feeding, as the miserable weather was so off-putting.
I then worked in my Hut. I had got a really late start to my whole day, as I'd had a hellish night the night before. I didn't expect to get much done.
I painted the top coat on the wall above the wainescoating in the bedroom. I tried (at first) to fill all the little holes in the acoustical tiles with paint to make it a solid green, but decided I liked the 'flecked' appearance without the holes filled, so I wint with that look. It went much faster.
I cleaned and put away a lot of stuff, trying to get things out of the way so we could go pick up the new kitchen counter. It's about eight feet long, and will be a nice work surface. I think I'm going to mount it the same height as a table, so I can sit at it to work, thus eliminating the need for a table in that area. We bought it last week, and didn't have the big truck with us, so we have to go back to get it.
I also fininshed the insulation on the ceiling in the kitchen to get it ready for the last piece of wood paneling. Steve took down the light fixture for me, and I think I'm going with another style when we replace it. I sealed around one more window in the living room area. I want to get that room ready for some on-wall insulation. I'm not too sure what I'll do in that room, though. I'm sure I will think of something.
I worked until about 9:00, then came into the house, took a bath, and washed my hair.
I went to bed fairly early for me.
The sun is shining brightly this morning, but I don't feel like doing much.
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