Yesterday was one of those days when I felt that all my efforts are in vain. 'In Vain Do We Labor...and all that stuff'.
I told Steve that I so desperately needed to be in the house working all day to get some of the holiday messes cleaned up. I worked like a dog all day, and it seemed last night like I had got absolutely nothing done.
The one thing I did get done that I'm pretty proud of is I got a storm window made and put on the door of the rear entrance foyer. Steve had complained about how cold the foyer was, so I had him cut a large sheet of plexiglass for me to mount on the door. In the summer, the sun comes in so hot, and in the winter, the cold just whooshes away from that door. There's double glass, but the door always seemed cold. I mounted the plexiglass permanently, as it will work well in all seasons.
It was an old sheet that we had bought at Lowe's because I could get it discounted. It had a chipped corner. I didn't need all the size, so it worked for me. It had warped some in storage, but I put it on the heated floor in the bathroom under the Flokati, and, in about 30 minutes or so, it had straightened considerably. When I mounted it, though, after a good cleaning, the warped nature re-asserted itself. I already had the adhesive (silicone caulk) on it, so I couldn't remove it. I left it in place and got some tension curtain rods and put them between the door and the buffet on the other side of the room. It worked like a charm.
I left them in place all night, as we weren't going outside, and I wanted the door to properly seal.
I noticed a great deal of difference this morning when I took the rods down.
I'm going to put a new sweep on the bottom of that door today.
I'm presently pressing some plastic upholstry material under the Flokati to use in in some places to cut down on heating bills and the continual drafts that seem to characterize an old house.
We made a terrible mess in the kitchen last night having supper. I had pot-roasted a beef all day, and I cooked a large skillet of cornbread to go with it. It seemed like every dish in the kitchen was dirty. I just don't know where all the dirt comes from.
I did several loads of laundry, and had to dry them in the bathroom on drying racks. The days are just so overcast that they won't dry outside, and I just refuse to run a dryer.
It's still quite cold. Snow is still on the ground.
I un-loaded several things from the camper on the back of the white truck yesterday evening, and I got so cold! I had only worked a while up at the bird houses, and I didn't realize how cold it was outside.
I haven't worked on my Hut since before Christmas. Steve went up there to get a box to put some things in, and told me that my buckets of water that I clean with are frozen.
While we were at Lynn's, Steve took me shopping one day, and I found a lot of those window shields that I use for insulation, and I'm making plans for them for my Hut.
He told me this morning that he'd like to get the bedroom of the Hut finished before he goes back. I have a rather large bamboo rug that I had bought last summer, and I'm wanting to use it on the floor of the bedroom, where the tanning bed will be. That way, I can use the insulating mats under it to assure a warmer floor, and we'll have a beautiful wood floor on the room where the tanning bed will be. I had suggested this to Steve about a month ago, but he wasn't keen on the idea at the time. Now that it's his idea, it's a good one. A small, washable rugbeside the tanning bed will be way more practical than carpeting for that room. The bamboo will look just like a wooden slat floor....and it's paid for.
I need to give the walls another coat of paint before we can install any floor covering, and I suppose today would be a good day for that, though a little cold.
I need to do a lot more cleaning on the house, but I don't know if I'll get the chance today.
Betty Pike had told me last night that Ma Pike had fallen on her concrete porch yesterday, and that she was going to take her to the ER later. I asked her to let me know what was happening, and she e-mailed me this morning to tell me that nothing was broken, but Ruth is badly bruised and will be quite sore for a while.
She's over 90, so a fall is not welcome news.
I've got to get back to my morning work.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
We drove back from Jim and Lynn's today.
It was nice to have a holiday with them. Their house is so pretty. It's one of those houses that a contractor built with a lot of nice materials but poor craftmanship, though. It's very poorly insulated, and the windows are drafty feeling. I hate to think what their utilities cost. It was built for warm weather, and it snowed 7 inches while we were there. No one could go anywhere.
A lovely (quite large) Japaneze Red Maple came down in the snow. I wanted Steve to help Jim try to right it, with hopes that it may live yet, but there was not enough time to do everything we wanted.
We had arrived just a few minutes late to get to a Christmas Eve program at their church, but Lynn was still doing her hair, so we went together, arriving a little after the service started. Bill had read that we were coming on my blog, so he knew, but Marge's face registered total surprise when Steve and I walked in with Lynn.
They had brought a really nice couple with them from Myrtle Beach who are from Holland.
He was an engineer, and is a really smart man. I totally enjoyed talking and joking with him. She is quite intelligent, too, and I had some really good talks and a good visit with her. We called them both Duchy.
Steve took me out once while we were there to do some small shopping. I wanted the after-Christmas bargains on decorations.
Of course, he had to go to Lowe's.
We didn't get to go to the local Goodwill, but he stopped at TWO of them for me on the way home. They have some strange policies in North Carolina for their workers and volunteers. They can't buy goods there. I wouldn't work or volunteer there. They have almost no volunteers, and I can see why.
I wonder what Renae will think when I tell her.
The roads were pretty clear until we got into the mountains. We then run into ice and snow on the roads, and it would have caused me to stop or stay only in the lane that had been cleared. We could only go about 10-15 mph, both because of the ice and the other cars and trucks. All of the rest areas were full of stopped travelers...cars, vans, 4-wheel drive vehicles, and tractor-trailers.
Steve didn't want to stop, and he got us home, but over two hours later than we expected.
We stopped in Jefferson City to get a chicken pot pie at the Colonel's, but I feel like I've swallowed a hot air balloon. My stomach hurts, I've eaten so much.
Lynn had so many delectable treats, and I just couldn't say no.
We got home, and Ronnie had been here. There were tracks in the driveway, so we could tell.
He called right away when he had seen us coming up the road. We got a report from him. It's good that someone was here to feed and care for the animals while we were gone.
Amy has caught whatever virus he had, and she's miserable.
I am so glad to be home, where I can take long baths and take my time to wash my hair. I didn't want to tie up the bathroom at Lynn's so long. They have two and a half baths.
Their house is really beautiful, and Lynn works herself to death keeping it squeeky clean and totally neat. I tried to get her to stop a while, but she wouldn't hear of it. They have small yards in their subdivision, but the houses are layed out nicely.
They have a really sweet house cat, and it made me miss Yoda.
I'm so totally tired, but I'll bet I don't rest much tonight. I've had too much excitement and travel.
It was nice to have a holiday with them. Their house is so pretty. It's one of those houses that a contractor built with a lot of nice materials but poor craftmanship, though. It's very poorly insulated, and the windows are drafty feeling. I hate to think what their utilities cost. It was built for warm weather, and it snowed 7 inches while we were there. No one could go anywhere.
A lovely (quite large) Japaneze Red Maple came down in the snow. I wanted Steve to help Jim try to right it, with hopes that it may live yet, but there was not enough time to do everything we wanted.
We had arrived just a few minutes late to get to a Christmas Eve program at their church, but Lynn was still doing her hair, so we went together, arriving a little after the service started. Bill had read that we were coming on my blog, so he knew, but Marge's face registered total surprise when Steve and I walked in with Lynn.
They had brought a really nice couple with them from Myrtle Beach who are from Holland.
He was an engineer, and is a really smart man. I totally enjoyed talking and joking with him. She is quite intelligent, too, and I had some really good talks and a good visit with her. We called them both Duchy.
Steve took me out once while we were there to do some small shopping. I wanted the after-Christmas bargains on decorations.
Of course, he had to go to Lowe's.
We didn't get to go to the local Goodwill, but he stopped at TWO of them for me on the way home. They have some strange policies in North Carolina for their workers and volunteers. They can't buy goods there. I wouldn't work or volunteer there. They have almost no volunteers, and I can see why.
I wonder what Renae will think when I tell her.
The roads were pretty clear until we got into the mountains. We then run into ice and snow on the roads, and it would have caused me to stop or stay only in the lane that had been cleared. We could only go about 10-15 mph, both because of the ice and the other cars and trucks. All of the rest areas were full of stopped travelers...cars, vans, 4-wheel drive vehicles, and tractor-trailers.
Steve didn't want to stop, and he got us home, but over two hours later than we expected.
We stopped in Jefferson City to get a chicken pot pie at the Colonel's, but I feel like I've swallowed a hot air balloon. My stomach hurts, I've eaten so much.
Lynn had so many delectable treats, and I just couldn't say no.
We got home, and Ronnie had been here. There were tracks in the driveway, so we could tell.
He called right away when he had seen us coming up the road. We got a report from him. It's good that someone was here to feed and care for the animals while we were gone.
Amy has caught whatever virus he had, and she's miserable.
I am so glad to be home, where I can take long baths and take my time to wash my hair. I didn't want to tie up the bathroom at Lynn's so long. They have two and a half baths.
Their house is really beautiful, and Lynn works herself to death keeping it squeeky clean and totally neat. I tried to get her to stop a while, but she wouldn't hear of it. They have small yards in their subdivision, but the houses are layed out nicely.
They have a really sweet house cat, and it made me miss Yoda.
I'm so totally tired, but I'll bet I don't rest much tonight. I've had too much excitement and travel.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010, PM
I'm really late posting today. Barbara was LONGING to read about my glamourous life.
I won't be posting after today for a while, as Steve and I are going to his sister's house for Christmas.
I'm really anxious about Christmas. I never feel like I've got it right or bought the right gifts for anybody. Our family used to have these elaborate dinners for Christmas, but we just can't all get together without someone getting all huffy or hurt, so we decided to discontinue it a few years ago. Now I feel like the holiday is a waste.
I needed Ambien today, so I called Barbara to tell her I was driving down to Blaine to Okie's Drug Store, and asked if she'd like to ride along to check the progress on her house repairs. Of course, she wanted to go. When we got there, there was no one around. The house was locked up tight. She got to look in the windows, at least.
We then came back to Rutledge and went to the Goodwill. She got some lovely window scarves for her livingroom windows, for when she moves back in. They're fuscia, her signature color.
Steve and I had been to Lowe's in Jefferson City earlier today, and he took me by the Habitat Store there. I bought a fabulous really long counter top with a sink already in it for the Hut. It may even be a little too long, but we can cut it down if needed. I was really glad to get it.
We ate at Kentucky Fried Chicken while we were there.
This evening, I filled all the reservoirs at the bird houses. Ronnie is going to feed the cats while we're gone.
Then I went to work in the Hut. I repainted the walls in the bedroom I had painted last night, then sanded and painted (the first coat) the other two walls. Steve had brought a gas heater up there for me to keep warm and help dry the paint, and it made me sick.
I put it in the livingroom for the duration of my time up there.
I came in about 9:00, and we had a ham sandwich for supper. I have to pack for our trip yet tonight. I like to get an early start.
Merry Christmas to all.
And to all a good night.
I won't be posting after today for a while, as Steve and I are going to his sister's house for Christmas.
I'm really anxious about Christmas. I never feel like I've got it right or bought the right gifts for anybody. Our family used to have these elaborate dinners for Christmas, but we just can't all get together without someone getting all huffy or hurt, so we decided to discontinue it a few years ago. Now I feel like the holiday is a waste.
I needed Ambien today, so I called Barbara to tell her I was driving down to Blaine to Okie's Drug Store, and asked if she'd like to ride along to check the progress on her house repairs. Of course, she wanted to go. When we got there, there was no one around. The house was locked up tight. She got to look in the windows, at least.
We then came back to Rutledge and went to the Goodwill. She got some lovely window scarves for her livingroom windows, for when she moves back in. They're fuscia, her signature color.
Steve and I had been to Lowe's in Jefferson City earlier today, and he took me by the Habitat Store there. I bought a fabulous really long counter top with a sink already in it for the Hut. It may even be a little too long, but we can cut it down if needed. I was really glad to get it.
We ate at Kentucky Fried Chicken while we were there.
This evening, I filled all the reservoirs at the bird houses. Ronnie is going to feed the cats while we're gone.
Then I went to work in the Hut. I repainted the walls in the bedroom I had painted last night, then sanded and painted (the first coat) the other two walls. Steve had brought a gas heater up there for me to keep warm and help dry the paint, and it made me sick.
I put it in the livingroom for the duration of my time up there.
I came in about 9:00, and we had a ham sandwich for supper. I have to pack for our trip yet tonight. I like to get an early start.
Merry Christmas to all.
And to all a good night.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Yesterday was my wedding anniversary. Steve got me a card, and he's learned that I like the mushy ones. Charles, my older brother, always sends me something like that. He knows I like them. I got Steve a Makita skill saw. It's REALLY nice.
We didn't do anything special.
We worked at individual projects in the morning, then in the early afternoon, we got ready to go to Down Home for lunch/supper. We took along some Christmas decorations and decorated Barbara's apartment for her. I had a one-sided Christmas tree, which we hung on a wall above her TV and decorated it for her. I put LED lights on it, so it wouldn't get hot or take much power.
It's really pretty. We hung wreaths on the privacy wall between her porch and her neighbor's, and put one in each window. Her apartment looks so much better.
Then we took her to supper with us. After our meal, I discovered that Steve had taken my money out of my purse, so I was flat broke. I had to use a credit card to pay for supper.
I chewed Steve out again for not putting lights in the blow mold nativity set, so he got busy and did it.
I had fed the birds earlier in the day, so I could work in the Hut last night. Steve help out by cutting some paneling for the front end for me. He did really well with the joints, and I won't even need trim pieces to cover the seams. It looks like a camper again in that end. I re-used the old shelf from that area to make a really exuberent window sill. It looks pretty neat. I'm going to cover it with some white laminate.
Steve gave out and came into the house about 10:00, but I stayed behind to do more work and some cleaning. I think I may paint the bedroom, and I've found some pale mint green that will look nice there.
I came in about 11:00. I ate a bit and got a quick bath.
Steve said I only lasted a few minutes before I was sound asleep. I guess I was tired.
It started out looking dreary and rainey this morning, but the sun is coming out now.
We need a few cheerful days.
We didn't do anything special.
We worked at individual projects in the morning, then in the early afternoon, we got ready to go to Down Home for lunch/supper. We took along some Christmas decorations and decorated Barbara's apartment for her. I had a one-sided Christmas tree, which we hung on a wall above her TV and decorated it for her. I put LED lights on it, so it wouldn't get hot or take much power.
It's really pretty. We hung wreaths on the privacy wall between her porch and her neighbor's, and put one in each window. Her apartment looks so much better.
Then we took her to supper with us. After our meal, I discovered that Steve had taken my money out of my purse, so I was flat broke. I had to use a credit card to pay for supper.
I chewed Steve out again for not putting lights in the blow mold nativity set, so he got busy and did it.
I had fed the birds earlier in the day, so I could work in the Hut last night. Steve help out by cutting some paneling for the front end for me. He did really well with the joints, and I won't even need trim pieces to cover the seams. It looks like a camper again in that end. I re-used the old shelf from that area to make a really exuberent window sill. It looks pretty neat. I'm going to cover it with some white laminate.
Steve gave out and came into the house about 10:00, but I stayed behind to do more work and some cleaning. I think I may paint the bedroom, and I've found some pale mint green that will look nice there.
I came in about 11:00. I ate a bit and got a quick bath.
Steve said I only lasted a few minutes before I was sound asleep. I guess I was tired.
It started out looking dreary and rainey this morning, but the sun is coming out now.
We need a few cheerful days.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
December 21, 2010 AM
I'm late posting this morning. It's mine and Steve's 24th aniversary. I often thought we might not make it.
He stayed in bed until 10:00. He sleeps so much.
Yesterday he and Ronnie dug a hole out by the fish ponds and set the filter into it. It was messy work, with light rain and it being so cold.
He has spent almost a week working on the recording security system. I'm wore out with it. It makes strange beeping sounds when there's motion, which, on our back porch, is always happening.
He's planning to someday put it in the kitchen, but I already know all that beeping will drive me crazy. Maybe that's his plan.
I bawled him out last evening for doing such a terrible job on the blow-mold nativity set. It doesn't matter to him, but it matters a whole lot to me.
He put some of the characters out there with no lights in them, and no cords to put lights in.
I went to buy a refrigerator for the Hut. I got the exact model I had wanted at the Home Depot from a lady in South Knoxville for half price. It's so cute. Her husband and son met me at the Weigel's on Summit Hill Drive. Cops were there pulling so many cars over and giving them tickets. I don't know how they have room for the cars buying gas. It's all them low-life black people over there. Just trash.
I came back by the Dwarf's flea market, and bought Steve a new Ryobi skill saw there for our anniversary. I also got him a little tool that you roll along and it measures how long something is up to 300 feet. I gave them to him yesterday.
I got me a recriprocating saw to go with my firestorm battery set of tools. Those are the most useful tools.
I did some quick feeding last night, then went to work in the Hut for a short while. It was pretty cold, so I didn't last long. I need Steve to cut me some panels to go on the front wall, then I can finish it and put the old shelf up for a window sill. Then I can set things in it to look pretty.
I installed the plexiglass storm window in the rear entry foyer transom window last night. It looks real good, and it works! I just don't want to have to pay a lot to keep the house comfortable this winter, when it might get even colder than it already has.
Then bath and bed. I slept pretty well, but woke early and couldn't go back to sleep, so I started early.
I made biscuits and steak for breakfast.
It's drizzling rain, and it's pretty cold.
Looks like a miserable day.
He stayed in bed until 10:00. He sleeps so much.
Yesterday he and Ronnie dug a hole out by the fish ponds and set the filter into it. It was messy work, with light rain and it being so cold.
He has spent almost a week working on the recording security system. I'm wore out with it. It makes strange beeping sounds when there's motion, which, on our back porch, is always happening.
He's planning to someday put it in the kitchen, but I already know all that beeping will drive me crazy. Maybe that's his plan.
I bawled him out last evening for doing such a terrible job on the blow-mold nativity set. It doesn't matter to him, but it matters a whole lot to me.
He put some of the characters out there with no lights in them, and no cords to put lights in.
I went to buy a refrigerator for the Hut. I got the exact model I had wanted at the Home Depot from a lady in South Knoxville for half price. It's so cute. Her husband and son met me at the Weigel's on Summit Hill Drive. Cops were there pulling so many cars over and giving them tickets. I don't know how they have room for the cars buying gas. It's all them low-life black people over there. Just trash.
I came back by the Dwarf's flea market, and bought Steve a new Ryobi skill saw there for our anniversary. I also got him a little tool that you roll along and it measures how long something is up to 300 feet. I gave them to him yesterday.
I got me a recriprocating saw to go with my firestorm battery set of tools. Those are the most useful tools.
I did some quick feeding last night, then went to work in the Hut for a short while. It was pretty cold, so I didn't last long. I need Steve to cut me some panels to go on the front wall, then I can finish it and put the old shelf up for a window sill. Then I can set things in it to look pretty.
I installed the plexiglass storm window in the rear entry foyer transom window last night. It looks real good, and it works! I just don't want to have to pay a lot to keep the house comfortable this winter, when it might get even colder than it already has.
Then bath and bed. I slept pretty well, but woke early and couldn't go back to sleep, so I started early.
I made biscuits and steak for breakfast.
It's drizzling rain, and it's pretty cold.
Looks like a miserable day.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010 AM
Yesterday was a busy day, though Steve had said we would 'just blow it on running around'.
We got dressed for the cold and went to the Tazewell Flea Market. It was so cold up there. They still have quite a bit of snow. There were few shoppers, and just a few vendors. It is just too cold. After a short while, I told Steve that it took a lot to make me leave a flea market, but the cold did it. We headed for the truck.
We then went to an indoor flea market near-by, but it was pretty cold, too. We didn't stay long there, either.
Then we went to a Mexican restaurant for lunch. The 'Church Crowd' was there. They are the rudest customers of the whole week. It was a mad-house, but we got served pretty quickly, considering the crowd.
Our waitress couldn't even speak conversational English. That infuriates me. Those foreiners are taking over our country!
We left there and started for home, but Steve wanted to detour through Morristown and take me to the Goodwill there. I was game for that. I think he's trying to do some damage control, and it is badly needed. I got some birdhouse toy things there. I also got two strings of bubble lights. I'm getting quite a collection. I love them, but they take a lot of power. They look so old fashioned.
Steve went to Lowe's and Radio Shack while I was in the Goodwill. He got some more things for the video security system.
We then came home, and the second shift started.
I had a Christmas program I wanted to attend at Sunrise Babtist with Barbara, so I didn't want to get dirty, so I worked in the house. I did some more of those plexiglass storm windows. Faune Gerber called me from Nashville, and told me that Betty Pike is on the site of those people who enjoy slamming the 2X2'ers. She said that Betty was registered under Nora. I informed her that Nora was Betty's first name, and she used that name to try to get on the site to read a post I had made there. She can't just talk a few minutes, and kept me on the phone for so long. I was afraid I was going to be late picking Barbara up.
I made it on time, though. I wore a red and white dress, with matching hat and heels. I also wore a red leather coat. I was stunning.
We got there a little early, and it's a good thing. The place was packed! Joan was there, and Lorene Ward, who is a member at Southside. She just came for the children.
The play was a little different. Some of the cast wore terrible bathrobes and head scarves, and looked like they had just came out of the shower. The beards on the shepards were so hokey. They used some pallets for the manger, which was a touch of practicallity.
The lead character was this cop, who was trying to quell disturbances in Bethleham, and his name was Joe Saturday, an obvious take-off on the character in Dragnet called Joe Friday. His deputy was called Rookie.
Only one little boy forgot his lines, and just once.
The lady who played the angel truely looked angelic. Her hair was stunning. I just hope Darla Daniel didn't do it, or she'll never live it down. Lori will have something negative to say about it.
One of the shepherds was called Shep. One of them got lost.
The baby Jesus was badly mis-handled by the sheriff, who declared that the star on his chest was the only star going to be seen in Bethleham. They sang rather bee-bop type songs, but mixed in some of the traditional sounds of Christmas. It was different, but not all bad, of course. Darla sang a beautiful solo. She has such a lovely voice.
The Byrd family was all there. They didn't speak to me, and I didn't speak to them.
Joan and Darla sat with Barbara and me during the fellowship and refreshment time afterwards.
Then Barbara got Creed Daniel to play her some songs on the piano, a Howard grand.
He's pretty good with honky-tonk type music. Creed commented to me that our Christmas lights looked so good. I told him he must tell Steve.
I took Barbara home, and mentioned to her that she had no Christmas decorations. She said that she just didn't have any. I'm going to take her some today, and Steve has kindly consented to go along to do the heavy lifting. I'm going to take her some gift certificates for Darla Daniel, which I know she will love.
I then came home and put up one storm window in the bedroom suite in the transom window, and preped the transom window in the rear foyer so I could hang the storm window panel today.
Angie Slagle had left my stained glass nativity window on the back porch yesterday while we were gone, and it's so pretty. All the angels make it a little busy, but there WERE a multitude of heavenly hosts. The holy family are all a little small in comparison, but it's a beautiful window panel. I'm not yet sure where I'm going to hang it.
I suppose Steve and I are going to Lynn's and Jim's for Christmas.
We got dressed for the cold and went to the Tazewell Flea Market. It was so cold up there. They still have quite a bit of snow. There were few shoppers, and just a few vendors. It is just too cold. After a short while, I told Steve that it took a lot to make me leave a flea market, but the cold did it. We headed for the truck.
We then went to an indoor flea market near-by, but it was pretty cold, too. We didn't stay long there, either.
Then we went to a Mexican restaurant for lunch. The 'Church Crowd' was there. They are the rudest customers of the whole week. It was a mad-house, but we got served pretty quickly, considering the crowd.
Our waitress couldn't even speak conversational English. That infuriates me. Those foreiners are taking over our country!
We left there and started for home, but Steve wanted to detour through Morristown and take me to the Goodwill there. I was game for that. I think he's trying to do some damage control, and it is badly needed. I got some birdhouse toy things there. I also got two strings of bubble lights. I'm getting quite a collection. I love them, but they take a lot of power. They look so old fashioned.
Steve went to Lowe's and Radio Shack while I was in the Goodwill. He got some more things for the video security system.
We then came home, and the second shift started.
I had a Christmas program I wanted to attend at Sunrise Babtist with Barbara, so I didn't want to get dirty, so I worked in the house. I did some more of those plexiglass storm windows. Faune Gerber called me from Nashville, and told me that Betty Pike is on the site of those people who enjoy slamming the 2X2'ers. She said that Betty was registered under Nora. I informed her that Nora was Betty's first name, and she used that name to try to get on the site to read a post I had made there. She can't just talk a few minutes, and kept me on the phone for so long. I was afraid I was going to be late picking Barbara up.
I made it on time, though. I wore a red and white dress, with matching hat and heels. I also wore a red leather coat. I was stunning.
We got there a little early, and it's a good thing. The place was packed! Joan was there, and Lorene Ward, who is a member at Southside. She just came for the children.
The play was a little different. Some of the cast wore terrible bathrobes and head scarves, and looked like they had just came out of the shower. The beards on the shepards were so hokey. They used some pallets for the manger, which was a touch of practicallity.
The lead character was this cop, who was trying to quell disturbances in Bethleham, and his name was Joe Saturday, an obvious take-off on the character in Dragnet called Joe Friday. His deputy was called Rookie.
Only one little boy forgot his lines, and just once.
The lady who played the angel truely looked angelic. Her hair was stunning. I just hope Darla Daniel didn't do it, or she'll never live it down. Lori will have something negative to say about it.
One of the shepherds was called Shep. One of them got lost.
The baby Jesus was badly mis-handled by the sheriff, who declared that the star on his chest was the only star going to be seen in Bethleham. They sang rather bee-bop type songs, but mixed in some of the traditional sounds of Christmas. It was different, but not all bad, of course. Darla sang a beautiful solo. She has such a lovely voice.
The Byrd family was all there. They didn't speak to me, and I didn't speak to them.
Joan and Darla sat with Barbara and me during the fellowship and refreshment time afterwards.
Then Barbara got Creed Daniel to play her some songs on the piano, a Howard grand.
He's pretty good with honky-tonk type music. Creed commented to me that our Christmas lights looked so good. I told him he must tell Steve.
I took Barbara home, and mentioned to her that she had no Christmas decorations. She said that she just didn't have any. I'm going to take her some today, and Steve has kindly consented to go along to do the heavy lifting. I'm going to take her some gift certificates for Darla Daniel, which I know she will love.
I then came home and put up one storm window in the bedroom suite in the transom window, and preped the transom window in the rear foyer so I could hang the storm window panel today.
Angie Slagle had left my stained glass nativity window on the back porch yesterday while we were gone, and it's so pretty. All the angels make it a little busy, but there WERE a multitude of heavenly hosts. The holy family are all a little small in comparison, but it's a beautiful window panel. I'm not yet sure where I'm going to hang it.
I suppose Steve and I are going to Lynn's and Jim's for Christmas.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
December 19, 2010 Sunday AM
Yesterday morning was one of those times that are so very rare now. Steve actually got up at the same time I did. He sleeps so late. I don't know how he can stay in bed when there's so much happening right outside our windows and doors. There's lots happening inside, too.
He stayed up for a while, then went back to bed. I think he must have some kind of sleeping disorder.
I did house things in the morning, because I didn't want to get dirty. I had plans.
I got ready to go out, and took a little trip to take Ada Davis the Christmas Tree curtain panel I had painted for her. She was extatic over it. Ed was so pleased. He loves to see mine and Ada's friendship work. She's such a good friend and associate for me. She's always so supportive, much like Barbara or Shannon. She sent me home with a box of her home made fudge. I noticed that her doves are gone. I didn't notice until I was leaving, so I hadn't asked her about them. She has this lovely little cage for them in her back yard that looks sort of like a pagoda. One of her sons (Gary, I think) built it for her. I would love to have one like it.
I came home hungry, and asked Steve if he's like to go in to Rutledge for some lunch, but he didn't want to stop his work on the security system. I offered to get him a hamburger.
I didn't get to Rutledge, though. Rutledge Pike was blocked off for the annual Christmas parade.
I had seen a house for rent down close to Ada, and I wanted to go tell Renae about it.
I had to call her, instead.
I came back home and had a ham sandwich.
I then went up to the Hut to work. It takes so long to get anything done. Steve came up to help me, and I asked him to change out the roof air conditioner, so we could panel that part of the ceiling. He started in, but was not enthused, and I could tell right away that he was going to make it a real project. He did. He took the inside part of the old one down, and then decided that it was going to be too much trouble to take off the outside roof component, so it's now just sitting up there with little to hold it in place. I see disaster looming.
He then cut the panel to go on the part of the ceiling that is half-way between the living room and kitchen, where the air conditioning is located. When we started to put the panel on the ceiling, we quickly saw that he had cut it about six inches away from where it needed to be.
I didn't say one word, though some really nasty ones were floating around in my head.
He said he would trim it out with some elaborate trim. Trim? It's six inches off!
I'd like to hit him in the head with a 2X4, but he'd have to bend way, way over.
He then started to hang some lights along the ceiling over by the rear wall, and I started insulating the wall up over the tongue with my salvaged ceiling tiles. He carped about my mess the whole time, but I believe in using what you have, and that stuff is just messy. It's fairly easy to work with, though. You can cut it with a box cutter.
After I finished putting it in place, I caulked all the seams. I covered the whole wall on that end of the camper. It looks pretty nice. I'm going to get Steve (if I can) to cut me his scraps from the ceiling material to put on that wall for paneling. I also have some of the salvaged paneling from the old house down by Shannon's church to use, and I'm planning to use it down next to the floor, where the wall takes an innerward turn. I'm going to re-use the shelf that was on that wall originally to make a really exuberant window sill. I like to set things in windows. My mother did, and I think it's kinda neat. I miss her.
Steve gave out on me about 6:00, and came into the house. I stayed behind to clean up a bit, then came in myself. He was asleep on the sofa. He said he was cold, but I sure wasn't.
I let him sleep, and I painted on my Christmas curtain panel. I'll do well to have it done by Christmas, the way I just have to work on it when I can steal a minute away.
I got a bath and washed my hair, then went to bed. It was after 11:00 or so.
I slept fairly well.
There was a really heavy frost this morning. It looked like snow before daylight.
Steve is finally up.
I e-mailed Lynn to tell her she was welcome to spend the night in my Hut anytime.
They may have to sell their house, because the airport has moved their runway so close it's damaging Jim and Lynn's windows. There was some frog the airport wanted to spare. Yeah. Forget all the people in the area....we've just GOT to save a bunch of frogs.
He stayed up for a while, then went back to bed. I think he must have some kind of sleeping disorder.
I did house things in the morning, because I didn't want to get dirty. I had plans.
I got ready to go out, and took a little trip to take Ada Davis the Christmas Tree curtain panel I had painted for her. She was extatic over it. Ed was so pleased. He loves to see mine and Ada's friendship work. She's such a good friend and associate for me. She's always so supportive, much like Barbara or Shannon. She sent me home with a box of her home made fudge. I noticed that her doves are gone. I didn't notice until I was leaving, so I hadn't asked her about them. She has this lovely little cage for them in her back yard that looks sort of like a pagoda. One of her sons (Gary, I think) built it for her. I would love to have one like it.
I came home hungry, and asked Steve if he's like to go in to Rutledge for some lunch, but he didn't want to stop his work on the security system. I offered to get him a hamburger.
I didn't get to Rutledge, though. Rutledge Pike was blocked off for the annual Christmas parade.
I had seen a house for rent down close to Ada, and I wanted to go tell Renae about it.
I had to call her, instead.
I came back home and had a ham sandwich.
I then went up to the Hut to work. It takes so long to get anything done. Steve came up to help me, and I asked him to change out the roof air conditioner, so we could panel that part of the ceiling. He started in, but was not enthused, and I could tell right away that he was going to make it a real project. He did. He took the inside part of the old one down, and then decided that it was going to be too much trouble to take off the outside roof component, so it's now just sitting up there with little to hold it in place. I see disaster looming.
He then cut the panel to go on the part of the ceiling that is half-way between the living room and kitchen, where the air conditioning is located. When we started to put the panel on the ceiling, we quickly saw that he had cut it about six inches away from where it needed to be.
I didn't say one word, though some really nasty ones were floating around in my head.
He said he would trim it out with some elaborate trim. Trim? It's six inches off!
I'd like to hit him in the head with a 2X4, but he'd have to bend way, way over.
He then started to hang some lights along the ceiling over by the rear wall, and I started insulating the wall up over the tongue with my salvaged ceiling tiles. He carped about my mess the whole time, but I believe in using what you have, and that stuff is just messy. It's fairly easy to work with, though. You can cut it with a box cutter.
After I finished putting it in place, I caulked all the seams. I covered the whole wall on that end of the camper. It looks pretty nice. I'm going to get Steve (if I can) to cut me his scraps from the ceiling material to put on that wall for paneling. I also have some of the salvaged paneling from the old house down by Shannon's church to use, and I'm planning to use it down next to the floor, where the wall takes an innerward turn. I'm going to re-use the shelf that was on that wall originally to make a really exuberant window sill. I like to set things in windows. My mother did, and I think it's kinda neat. I miss her.
Steve gave out on me about 6:00, and came into the house. I stayed behind to clean up a bit, then came in myself. He was asleep on the sofa. He said he was cold, but I sure wasn't.
I let him sleep, and I painted on my Christmas curtain panel. I'll do well to have it done by Christmas, the way I just have to work on it when I can steal a minute away.
I got a bath and washed my hair, then went to bed. It was after 11:00 or so.
I slept fairly well.
There was a really heavy frost this morning. It looked like snow before daylight.
Steve is finally up.
I e-mailed Lynn to tell her she was welcome to spend the night in my Hut anytime.
They may have to sell their house, because the airport has moved their runway so close it's damaging Jim and Lynn's windows. There was some frog the airport wanted to spare. Yeah. Forget all the people in the area....we've just GOT to save a bunch of frogs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)