It's been several days sinse I've posted. I said in my intro that I lead an exciting life, but it's also busy with mundane things.
Steve and I are buying another house! We're not moving, but this house is very tempting.
It's 11 rooms and two baths. It's the old Grainger County News building, and it's pretty old, at that.
The original part of the structure is solid, and was built as a mill, with heavy, solid beams, hardwood floors, lathe and plaster walls/ceilings, and HUGE rooms. The windows are the size of doors in other houses, the stairs are four feet wide, and the doors are six panel wood.
There are two sun rooms, with glass blocks in the rear, and large windows on the sides. The one that's downstairs has a bathroom in the rear. The upstairs bath is in one of the old bed rooms, is huge, and has a huge marble bath tub in it.
The whole place needs a LOT of work, but the price was right.
Dwight Bull and his son, David (who is addicted to drugs) did a lot of work on the house several years ago, and they used some of the most curious and poor construction methods I've ever seen.
They had poured a concrete porch over a wood-floored porch in front of the house, built the back porch roof so low that a six-foot tall man has to lower his head to walk out of it, installed the floor of the back porch over another old, rotted floor, installed wall plugs wired with extension cords that run through a wall and are plugged to an outlet in another room, installed light fixtures which are on pull cords, left holes in the outside walls (LARGE holes), and layed paving brick over the hardwood floors in the living room around the fireplace.
The most horrifing 're-muddle' of all is that they installed the drains of the bath tubs and sinks to drain straight down and expel under the floors onto the ground. It's little wonder that the place was impossible to heat, and always smelled like a cat box.
All these things can be corrected, but will take a lot of work.
The last tennants moved out leaving behind a terrible mess of personal garbage, dishes, food (now spoiled), liquor bottles, beer cans, and general junk. They took all the furniture and window dressings. It's hard telling what those things might have looked like.
We've worked on the grounds, the basement, and the living quarters. When I say worked, I mean WORKED! It's been exhausting but somewhat rewarding. I'm not 'shouting happy' about the exhausting.
It's going to be a great house when we're done.
I think the 'real' work begins tomorrow, when Bobby Curl comes to start construction work.
Get ready for a wild ride!
More later.
You all pray for me.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday, February 25, 2011 AM
Finally, I'm back on my Ambien, so I will try to post in the MORNING, after a night's rest. Well, with Fibromyalgia, you never really rest, but it's nicer with some help from pharmaceuticals.
In my prayers this morning, I thanked God for the sweet rest.
I went to Dr. Duck yesterday, and he scolded me for not coming more for tests. I just don't like schedueling. It seems that everything is high except my thyroid, which is low. I've got everything backwards. My cholesterol is a constant worry.
For the first time since I've been diagnosed with Fibro, I reacted to the 'tender spot' test. That just goes to show the fickle nature of the syndrome. I was diagnosed years ago. Not everyone reacts the same to the disorder.
I had gone by the Family Dollar to buy some mattress toppers that were going on sale. Joan held them for me. I plan to use them to insulate under some floors, as they're closed-cell foam, and will prevent air flow, as well as insulating against the outside weather. I'll have to think of some way to keep the cats out of there, as they just LOVE to dig in stuff.
While I was out yesterday, I went by the Down Home to eat lunch, and everyone was glad to see me. Darrell McFalls was in, and I asked him about a washer and dryer for Elaine. She's 'renting to own' a pair, which will wind up costing her a small fortune. I'd rather find her a set that will be hers much sooner.
Steve has said that we could help her out a bit, as she's a deserving person who is trying hard to make it.
Joan had found more mattress pads in her stock room when I went back by the Family Dollar to take her some lunch, which I also bought for $2.00 each. She won't stop for a meal, so I often take her something and MAKE her stop and eat a bite. She's so dedicated, and it makes me so sorry that I can't help her, now.
I can't believe how petty some people can be.
I worked at the Goodwill for a short while. Angie has truely transformed the sorting and priceing room. I didn't really believe it could be done, and she's been a true surprise to everyone. While I was there, Renae and I got to talk a bit. I told her that Mike would be a good catch, and she was telling me that he was just a friend, and, like on cue, he walked in! She turned beet red. I loved it! I still think they'd make a good pair. She keeps telling me that he's still married, but he will be single some day soon, and I want them both to have someone good. I have such a high opinion of them both.
I bought a hanging net type of gadget while I was there, which can be used for sorting things and storing them, that I thought might be useful for Beth to store her boys' things in. I took it by the Family Dollar to her. She hugged me, and told me she loves me.
I sat for a few minutes to chat with them, and The Woody Man came in. He's a local man who once sold trees, so that's what I call him now. He got shot by his son-in-law three years ago, and he told me that he felt God had given him another chance at life, and he's really different now, going to church and acting really nice.
He owns a really nice, huge older home up on the other end of town, which he had 'rented-to-own' to some people, but it was empty. I mentioned it to him, and he said they had 'flown'.
He told me I needed to buy the house, and I just scoffed at him.
He then told me the price, which is really nice. He asked me to go with him to look at it, so I drove up there with him. I am interested.
I talked with Steve about it last night, and he's interested, too. It would make a good rental house, and the price is right.
Steve told me to buy it if I wanted to. He has learned to trust my taste in real estate, I guess.
I'd love to rent it to Elaine or Beth. It's a really large house (11 rooms and two baths), and is truely impressive from the road.
I wouldn't mind living in it myself.
I prayed about it last night, and I don't see any barriers from God about it. I think He knows that my motives are pure, and that I want it so that I can rent it to some needy family cheaply. I just want everyone to have good, safe housing, because God has blessed me with a good home that's safe, warm, and dry. Steve's efforts count for something, too.
I slept like a baby last night, as Dr. Duck had wrote me a prescription for Ambien.
Lynn had e-mailed me to say that she had left me a long note on my blog. She and Faune are so encouraging and afirming. She is working hard to 'mend fences' with all the family. I think that just might be her gift. God knows we all need 'fence-menders' in this day and time.
Jesus told us that the Peacemakers will be blessed, as they are the children of God.
How true are His words.
The sun is shining on Clinch Mountain, and it looks like another day towards spring.
I want to see things coming up and blooming.
It restores my faith to see new life.
God is good!
In my prayers this morning, I thanked God for the sweet rest.
I went to Dr. Duck yesterday, and he scolded me for not coming more for tests. I just don't like schedueling. It seems that everything is high except my thyroid, which is low. I've got everything backwards. My cholesterol is a constant worry.
For the first time since I've been diagnosed with Fibro, I reacted to the 'tender spot' test. That just goes to show the fickle nature of the syndrome. I was diagnosed years ago. Not everyone reacts the same to the disorder.
I had gone by the Family Dollar to buy some mattress toppers that were going on sale. Joan held them for me. I plan to use them to insulate under some floors, as they're closed-cell foam, and will prevent air flow, as well as insulating against the outside weather. I'll have to think of some way to keep the cats out of there, as they just LOVE to dig in stuff.
While I was out yesterday, I went by the Down Home to eat lunch, and everyone was glad to see me. Darrell McFalls was in, and I asked him about a washer and dryer for Elaine. She's 'renting to own' a pair, which will wind up costing her a small fortune. I'd rather find her a set that will be hers much sooner.
Steve has said that we could help her out a bit, as she's a deserving person who is trying hard to make it.
Joan had found more mattress pads in her stock room when I went back by the Family Dollar to take her some lunch, which I also bought for $2.00 each. She won't stop for a meal, so I often take her something and MAKE her stop and eat a bite. She's so dedicated, and it makes me so sorry that I can't help her, now.
I can't believe how petty some people can be.
I worked at the Goodwill for a short while. Angie has truely transformed the sorting and priceing room. I didn't really believe it could be done, and she's been a true surprise to everyone. While I was there, Renae and I got to talk a bit. I told her that Mike would be a good catch, and she was telling me that he was just a friend, and, like on cue, he walked in! She turned beet red. I loved it! I still think they'd make a good pair. She keeps telling me that he's still married, but he will be single some day soon, and I want them both to have someone good. I have such a high opinion of them both.
I bought a hanging net type of gadget while I was there, which can be used for sorting things and storing them, that I thought might be useful for Beth to store her boys' things in. I took it by the Family Dollar to her. She hugged me, and told me she loves me.
I sat for a few minutes to chat with them, and The Woody Man came in. He's a local man who once sold trees, so that's what I call him now. He got shot by his son-in-law three years ago, and he told me that he felt God had given him another chance at life, and he's really different now, going to church and acting really nice.
He owns a really nice, huge older home up on the other end of town, which he had 'rented-to-own' to some people, but it was empty. I mentioned it to him, and he said they had 'flown'.
He told me I needed to buy the house, and I just scoffed at him.
He then told me the price, which is really nice. He asked me to go with him to look at it, so I drove up there with him. I am interested.
I talked with Steve about it last night, and he's interested, too. It would make a good rental house, and the price is right.
Steve told me to buy it if I wanted to. He has learned to trust my taste in real estate, I guess.
I'd love to rent it to Elaine or Beth. It's a really large house (11 rooms and two baths), and is truely impressive from the road.
I wouldn't mind living in it myself.
I prayed about it last night, and I don't see any barriers from God about it. I think He knows that my motives are pure, and that I want it so that I can rent it to some needy family cheaply. I just want everyone to have good, safe housing, because God has blessed me with a good home that's safe, warm, and dry. Steve's efforts count for something, too.
I slept like a baby last night, as Dr. Duck had wrote me a prescription for Ambien.
Lynn had e-mailed me to say that she had left me a long note on my blog. She and Faune are so encouraging and afirming. She is working hard to 'mend fences' with all the family. I think that just might be her gift. God knows we all need 'fence-menders' in this day and time.
Jesus told us that the Peacemakers will be blessed, as they are the children of God.
How true are His words.
The sun is shining on Clinch Mountain, and it looks like another day towards spring.
I want to see things coming up and blooming.
It restores my faith to see new life.
God is good!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tuesday, Fabuary 22, 2011 AM
I haven't been posting so much lately. I think I've been pretty rushed with the smaller things in life that just HAVE to be done, and I've been somewhat depressed.
I learned one day while putting laundry on the line that one of the windows for my much-anticipated sun room had blown over and broken. That's just another hurdle to have to overcome before I can have something I badly want. It seems that there's always something like that.
I bought Steve a tee-shirt that says, "If it ain't broken, It ain't ours". I think that's a mantra around here. There's just way too many unfinished jobs, projects, and things that have been over-looked or not done.
I hate to do without things that we could easily have, but I also hate to see all these un-finished projects.
Lynn took my advice and is posting more on her site. I like to know what's happening with her and Jim.
Joan told me that someone had called her at home to say that I was working at the store again, and that I would have to stop. Well, I have, and within hours, you could easily tell that my efforts were again needed. There was clothing items, rugs, and toilet paper all over the floors. Balloons were flying all about the store. There's a 'fence' of netting that is supposed to be the place for them, but children had got hold of the strings and took the balloons all over the place, then left them to fly about when they left the store.
Well, it's someone else's job now.
I'm sorry that all my efforts were for nothing.
Elaine and Beth are (I think) genuinely sorry that I'm gone. I don't know about anyone else.
I came home last night and washed my hair and went to bed. I didn't sleep well at all.
I'm supposed to go to Dr. Duck this afternoon to get more prescriptions, and I know the Ambien will help.
I can't concentrate without some rest, and I'm getting very little.
The sun is out, but it's cold.
I learned one day while putting laundry on the line that one of the windows for my much-anticipated sun room had blown over and broken. That's just another hurdle to have to overcome before I can have something I badly want. It seems that there's always something like that.
I bought Steve a tee-shirt that says, "If it ain't broken, It ain't ours". I think that's a mantra around here. There's just way too many unfinished jobs, projects, and things that have been over-looked or not done.
I hate to do without things that we could easily have, but I also hate to see all these un-finished projects.
Lynn took my advice and is posting more on her site. I like to know what's happening with her and Jim.
Joan told me that someone had called her at home to say that I was working at the store again, and that I would have to stop. Well, I have, and within hours, you could easily tell that my efforts were again needed. There was clothing items, rugs, and toilet paper all over the floors. Balloons were flying all about the store. There's a 'fence' of netting that is supposed to be the place for them, but children had got hold of the strings and took the balloons all over the place, then left them to fly about when they left the store.
Well, it's someone else's job now.
I'm sorry that all my efforts were for nothing.
Elaine and Beth are (I think) genuinely sorry that I'm gone. I don't know about anyone else.
I came home last night and washed my hair and went to bed. I didn't sleep well at all.
I'm supposed to go to Dr. Duck this afternoon to get more prescriptions, and I know the Ambien will help.
I can't concentrate without some rest, and I'm getting very little.
The sun is out, but it's cold.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011 AM
I slept late this morning, but was awake most of the night. Without Ambien, I take little naps, which are not restful.
I'm still half asleep.
I read comments last night during the night. I think Faune is about the only one who comments much anymore. She's like me a lot, she talks! She's pretty good at self-expression in written and spoken works, both.
Marie Shirley wrote me an e-mail recently and complimented me on my journal, too. She's an old, really good friend. Her whole family are friends with me. Tim, her only still-living son, used to deliver our mail, and I still see him at the post office once in a while. Her son, Tommy, died several years ago of kidney failure. It warms my heart when people still talk about how nice he was. He has a beautiful marker in the Methodist graveyard, and my throat gets tight when I see it. I often see Mr. Gaultney cleaning up the graveyard. I'm afraid he will soon be a tenant there, as he and his wife are quite elderly. He's one of those great men in Rutledge who will be sadly missed, too.
Day before yesterday, Elaine, Jeri, and I went to some Goodwills and Family Dollar Stores. They are both really great running buddies. Elaine enjoyed herself so much, she said that she was tempted to call in and tell Joan to cover for her. She's so anxious to get started digging in the dirt in her yard. She's got a really big, nice yard, and I can see her planning to do things with it. She asked me if I had been working on her turtle, which is a plastic (?) turtle she has already found in one of her flower beds. It was really weathered, and I offered to restore it for her. It's turning out pretty nice, if I must say so. I work on it at night, when I'm not ready to go to bed, yet.
We ate lunch at Lisa's barbeque in Jefferson City. There's a waitress there who used to work at Shine's in Rutledge, and we're always glad to see each other. She and Elaine knew each other.
I worked with Elaine and the crew until closing at the Family Dollar. There's so much to get done. I don't know what they will do when it's summer, and I'll be working at home more.
I'm trying to get the cleaning done so that it will look nicer when they don't have so much time after I'm not there so much.
They all tell me all the time how much they appreciate me, and I glow when they praise me.
Steven paid me back $14.00 that he'd borrowed from me, but I took it to his grandfather and gave it to him for gas money. He has to bring Steven to work, and I don't know if Steven compensates him enough. He's really faithful to be there, and we include him in our Family Dollar family.
It's good that Grandad is in the parking lot when Joan and her ladies have to leave after dark.
We're all just one big happy family, except for Fern, who is insubordinate to Joan over Joan being the store manager. We just avoid her.
Yesterday, we all worked really hard to get the truck unloaded. Logan, Beth's youngest son, had been sent home from school because he had a sniffly nose, so Beth brought him with her. It was cute to see him trying to help, and he really was a help. He's getting more used to me, but he's so painfully shy. He will wave to me now when I call across their yard from the lot at Goodwill.
That's real progress. I think Beth is trying to get him to trusting me. He's adorable.
We put out a lot of stock.
Judith, Norma's sister-in-law, was in the store, and we talked a while. She misses Norma, too.
Norma was sure a great lady. She says Momma is not doing so well, and we all know that she's grieving herself to death over Norma.
Elaine's kids took her van up to Doyle Robert's to get her tires mounted, and I called ahead to ask Christine if I could pay for having them put on with my credit card. She took care of it for me. Elaine was so pleased that I want to hep her. She's always grateful for any help, and I want to help those who are grateful. She's going to take her van to Eddey's to get it aligned on Monday.
'Buzzy', one of Dr. Duck's nurses, came in the store, and I asked her about an appointment for Monday. She told me to come around 1:00, and she'd take care of me. She's such a nice lady. All of Dr. Duck's staff is nice.
I asked Beth to make sure that some things Judith needed were stocked. Beth is like me, and tries to look after her customers. Elaine is the same way, though, but doesn't make much notice of what all she does. You have to have a caring spirit in retail.
I left early last night, as Fern was coming in, and I didn't want her to make any comment about me helping Joan. She had seen my truck at the Goodwill, and called me to ask if I could find her a chest of drawers for her grandchildren. I went down to the Family Dollar to ask her about the size and how many drawers they would need. While I was there, the man we all call "The Hot Wheels Queen" came in. Fern made Steven follow him around the store. He steals a Hot Wheels car every time he comes into the store, so Fern makes sure there's someone following him. He's pretty slick, and will steal something if he's not watched really closely. I'd give him some cars if he'd just quit stealing from Joan.
It started to rain pretty hard while I was there, and I headed for home. It seems strange to get home early. I worked on Elaine's turtle.
As I stated earlier, I didn't sleep well.
It's a really pretty morning today, and it's warmer outside. It's going to be 'spring fever' time soon.
I'll have some choring to do before I can go help Joan, and I think I can go in about 1:00.
I love helping others.
I'm still half asleep.
I read comments last night during the night. I think Faune is about the only one who comments much anymore. She's like me a lot, she talks! She's pretty good at self-expression in written and spoken works, both.
Marie Shirley wrote me an e-mail recently and complimented me on my journal, too. She's an old, really good friend. Her whole family are friends with me. Tim, her only still-living son, used to deliver our mail, and I still see him at the post office once in a while. Her son, Tommy, died several years ago of kidney failure. It warms my heart when people still talk about how nice he was. He has a beautiful marker in the Methodist graveyard, and my throat gets tight when I see it. I often see Mr. Gaultney cleaning up the graveyard. I'm afraid he will soon be a tenant there, as he and his wife are quite elderly. He's one of those great men in Rutledge who will be sadly missed, too.
Day before yesterday, Elaine, Jeri, and I went to some Goodwills and Family Dollar Stores. They are both really great running buddies. Elaine enjoyed herself so much, she said that she was tempted to call in and tell Joan to cover for her. She's so anxious to get started digging in the dirt in her yard. She's got a really big, nice yard, and I can see her planning to do things with it. She asked me if I had been working on her turtle, which is a plastic (?) turtle she has already found in one of her flower beds. It was really weathered, and I offered to restore it for her. It's turning out pretty nice, if I must say so. I work on it at night, when I'm not ready to go to bed, yet.
We ate lunch at Lisa's barbeque in Jefferson City. There's a waitress there who used to work at Shine's in Rutledge, and we're always glad to see each other. She and Elaine knew each other.
I worked with Elaine and the crew until closing at the Family Dollar. There's so much to get done. I don't know what they will do when it's summer, and I'll be working at home more.
I'm trying to get the cleaning done so that it will look nicer when they don't have so much time after I'm not there so much.
They all tell me all the time how much they appreciate me, and I glow when they praise me.
Steven paid me back $14.00 that he'd borrowed from me, but I took it to his grandfather and gave it to him for gas money. He has to bring Steven to work, and I don't know if Steven compensates him enough. He's really faithful to be there, and we include him in our Family Dollar family.
It's good that Grandad is in the parking lot when Joan and her ladies have to leave after dark.
We're all just one big happy family, except for Fern, who is insubordinate to Joan over Joan being the store manager. We just avoid her.
Yesterday, we all worked really hard to get the truck unloaded. Logan, Beth's youngest son, had been sent home from school because he had a sniffly nose, so Beth brought him with her. It was cute to see him trying to help, and he really was a help. He's getting more used to me, but he's so painfully shy. He will wave to me now when I call across their yard from the lot at Goodwill.
That's real progress. I think Beth is trying to get him to trusting me. He's adorable.
We put out a lot of stock.
Judith, Norma's sister-in-law, was in the store, and we talked a while. She misses Norma, too.
Norma was sure a great lady. She says Momma is not doing so well, and we all know that she's grieving herself to death over Norma.
Elaine's kids took her van up to Doyle Robert's to get her tires mounted, and I called ahead to ask Christine if I could pay for having them put on with my credit card. She took care of it for me. Elaine was so pleased that I want to hep her. She's always grateful for any help, and I want to help those who are grateful. She's going to take her van to Eddey's to get it aligned on Monday.
'Buzzy', one of Dr. Duck's nurses, came in the store, and I asked her about an appointment for Monday. She told me to come around 1:00, and she'd take care of me. She's such a nice lady. All of Dr. Duck's staff is nice.
I asked Beth to make sure that some things Judith needed were stocked. Beth is like me, and tries to look after her customers. Elaine is the same way, though, but doesn't make much notice of what all she does. You have to have a caring spirit in retail.
I left early last night, as Fern was coming in, and I didn't want her to make any comment about me helping Joan. She had seen my truck at the Goodwill, and called me to ask if I could find her a chest of drawers for her grandchildren. I went down to the Family Dollar to ask her about the size and how many drawers they would need. While I was there, the man we all call "The Hot Wheels Queen" came in. Fern made Steven follow him around the store. He steals a Hot Wheels car every time he comes into the store, so Fern makes sure there's someone following him. He's pretty slick, and will steal something if he's not watched really closely. I'd give him some cars if he'd just quit stealing from Joan.
It started to rain pretty hard while I was there, and I headed for home. It seems strange to get home early. I worked on Elaine's turtle.
As I stated earlier, I didn't sleep well.
It's a really pretty morning today, and it's warmer outside. It's going to be 'spring fever' time soon.
I'll have some choring to do before I can go help Joan, and I think I can go in about 1:00.
I love helping others.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011, PM
I'll try to post again. The last post I wrote, for two days, just disappeared when I hit the post button.
I may have forgotten some things, as it's been a really active three days.
Wednesday, I picked up Jeri and we went to get her zebra-striped seat. It's beautiful, and matches all the jungle prints in her room. She's really happy to have it.
That night, we went down into the basement of their house, and tried to lay out plans to build her a room down there, as Chris is afraid of the basement. There's lots of possibilities there for a nice room and a family room, also. Elaine is excited to see what we will try to do with the space.
We had a barbecue on their back porch, and it was a delightful time for everyone. I stayed way too late, and my cell phone did not take Steve's calls, so he was worried when he finally got hold of me.
I didn't sleep well, but I was supposed to be back at Elaine's early this morning to get her and Jeri to go to Dandridge to the Habitat re-sale shop there.
On my way, I went by Cameron's Service Station to get some gas, and Ann complimented me on my pretty floor tile I had in the truck. I gave her three boxes to do her bathroom with, and she hugged me over and over. She's a sweet lady, and has done so much for our community. I'm glad to help her.
Jeri, Elaine, and I went to the Goodwill in Dandridge, and I ran into Ron and Ada Stroup. I hadn't seen them in years, and it was a good time to see them and remember our love for each other.
While we were at Habitat, I played an organ they had. I drew quite a crowd, even the convicts that were working there. Jeri and Elaine couldn't even see me playing, for all the people standing around. Stella Hensley was there, an old friend from Blaine. Her husband had driven Edsells. He died several years ago.
She bragged to everyone that I had played for her in my home before. She was so proud of me.
I got some baseboards for my hut while we were there.
I had seen a whirlpool bathtub on Craig's List that I wanted, and I asked Chris if he would take our truck and pick it up for me. He was glad to, and he went for it in the late afternoon.
When he got back to the Family Dollar, everyone went out into the parking lot to see it and exclaim over it. It's a two-seater, with built-in stero, drink holders, a heater, and a clear glass front. It's a truely deluxe model, but not really too big for our bathroom. I talked the man down even over the phone. No one could believe how cheaply I got it. Chris sent pictures to Steve over my phone. He called right away to tell me I did good.
I was so tired this evening, I didn't do too much at the store. We get a truck tomorrow. We really need cleaning chemicals. I cleaned some on the floors, but Elaine did the fronting of the products. Beth watched the front, and put out some 're-packs', which are products that did not fit onto the shelves originally. There's always so much to do.
We had gone by the Rutledge Goodwill for a few minutes in the afternoon, but didn't buy much there.
They had got some furniture, but it was almost all gone, and the rest was pretty high.
Elaine is looking for two love seats for her living room. Her furniture is clean, but it's showing some age. She's just had to make do with what she has had for so long. I want her to have some nice things now.
Two love seats would make for better arrangement of her living room.
She needs at least two tires for her van, too. I worry that she will have enough.
We want to go to Joe's Sweet Spot Restaurant and to the Shepard's Corner one day next week. Maybe we'll find a nice love bench there. And perhaps some other nice things.
We look forward to busy and good times.
I may have forgotten some things, as it's been a really active three days.
Wednesday, I picked up Jeri and we went to get her zebra-striped seat. It's beautiful, and matches all the jungle prints in her room. She's really happy to have it.
That night, we went down into the basement of their house, and tried to lay out plans to build her a room down there, as Chris is afraid of the basement. There's lots of possibilities there for a nice room and a family room, also. Elaine is excited to see what we will try to do with the space.
We had a barbecue on their back porch, and it was a delightful time for everyone. I stayed way too late, and my cell phone did not take Steve's calls, so he was worried when he finally got hold of me.
I didn't sleep well, but I was supposed to be back at Elaine's early this morning to get her and Jeri to go to Dandridge to the Habitat re-sale shop there.
On my way, I went by Cameron's Service Station to get some gas, and Ann complimented me on my pretty floor tile I had in the truck. I gave her three boxes to do her bathroom with, and she hugged me over and over. She's a sweet lady, and has done so much for our community. I'm glad to help her.
Jeri, Elaine, and I went to the Goodwill in Dandridge, and I ran into Ron and Ada Stroup. I hadn't seen them in years, and it was a good time to see them and remember our love for each other.
While we were at Habitat, I played an organ they had. I drew quite a crowd, even the convicts that were working there. Jeri and Elaine couldn't even see me playing, for all the people standing around. Stella Hensley was there, an old friend from Blaine. Her husband had driven Edsells. He died several years ago.
She bragged to everyone that I had played for her in my home before. She was so proud of me.
I got some baseboards for my hut while we were there.
I had seen a whirlpool bathtub on Craig's List that I wanted, and I asked Chris if he would take our truck and pick it up for me. He was glad to, and he went for it in the late afternoon.
When he got back to the Family Dollar, everyone went out into the parking lot to see it and exclaim over it. It's a two-seater, with built-in stero, drink holders, a heater, and a clear glass front. It's a truely deluxe model, but not really too big for our bathroom. I talked the man down even over the phone. No one could believe how cheaply I got it. Chris sent pictures to Steve over my phone. He called right away to tell me I did good.
I was so tired this evening, I didn't do too much at the store. We get a truck tomorrow. We really need cleaning chemicals. I cleaned some on the floors, but Elaine did the fronting of the products. Beth watched the front, and put out some 're-packs', which are products that did not fit onto the shelves originally. There's always so much to do.
We had gone by the Rutledge Goodwill for a few minutes in the afternoon, but didn't buy much there.
They had got some furniture, but it was almost all gone, and the rest was pretty high.
Elaine is looking for two love seats for her living room. Her furniture is clean, but it's showing some age. She's just had to make do with what she has had for so long. I want her to have some nice things now.
Two love seats would make for better arrangement of her living room.
She needs at least two tires for her van, too. I worry that she will have enough.
We want to go to Joe's Sweet Spot Restaurant and to the Shepard's Corner one day next week. Maybe we'll find a nice love bench there. And perhaps some other nice things.
We look forward to busy and good times.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Monday, Febuary 14, 2011
I haven't posted lately. It's been busy around here, and I haven't been able to sleep, so I've felt badly.
Living with Fibro is pure HELL!
I think we may be on the way to resolving the problems with Family Dollar. It seems that on Friday or Saturday, Beth and Elaine told Joan what was happening with Fern. Fern was trying to make it seem that my being at the store was a problem with some customers, and that they had called her at home to complain about me. Elaine told Joan that Fern's theory didn't hold water. Fern had also established a habit of calling the corporate offices to complain about and question anything Joan told the employees to do or when she had changed any store policy.
Elaine and Beth told Joan also that they loved me and my sense of humor, and that they liked all the help I was giving them. I'm flattered that they would speak on my behalf.
Joan laughed Saturday evening and told me to do anything I wanted to do, that Fern wasn't there.
I think she now knows where her problems are coming from.
So, I'm back volunteering there, when Fern is not there.
Beth returned my carpet cleaner, and complimented me on how well it cleaned her carpets. She said it got out dirt that the rental unit didn't get. She was really pleased with her results.
Her boys probably carry in a lot of dirt on her floors. She's pretty watchful of them.
I told her that I have a large closet that I'll give her for her boys to use for closet space. They're the closets that Edith got me when the nursing home remodled a couple of years ago. There's never enough closet space in any home.
She's so nice, and I'm glad to help her in any way I can.
Saturday was a bland day for the first half. I hadn't slept well, and felt draggy. In the early afternoon, I went to the Down Home for lunch. Lou Lou was there, and it's really hard to feel badly when you're around her. She's always so up-beat. She always gives me a hug.
I got the catfish dinner, and kept three pieces out right away, so I could take them to Joan. She had been working sinse that morning, and I figured she hadn't took time for dinner. I was right, and when I took the fish to her, she was very grateful.
I then went to the Goodwill to volunteer for a while. I stayed until closing time. I sorted and put socks together all afternoon, but they look a lot neater now. It's an odious chore.
After the Goodwill closed, I went to the Family Dollar, and worked there until closing time. All the ladies hugged and thanked me for my work there. Elaine's girls were there all evening, too, and helped put stock on the shelves. They were all getting ready for the Easter items.
Jeri, Elaine's daughter, and I made plans to go to Jefferson City on Sunday and get acrylic nails done. Jeri is so pretty, and really works on her appearance.
Elaine invited me to her house to see it on Sunday before we were to go to Jefferson City.
I went Sunday morning. It's a really nice house.
She rents from Don Nance, who is the tax collector for Grainger County.
She apologised for the appearance of everything, but it was really nice and clean. She showed me around, and when we went into the basement, she explained that there was a water problem with rain water coming through the walls. I told her I would look around when we went outside to see if I could tell what the problem could be. I found several contributing factors.
She doesn't have enough downspouts on her gutters, so they are over-flowed with rain when it rains hard. She also has a pretty sizable seam between her front walk and her house, and water can run down between them. I told her I would bring some materials and try to fix her problems. She was pretty impressed with my assessment of her problems, and how easy it would be to get them fixed.
Jeri and I went to Jefferson City then, but the nail salon was closed. We were not off-put from adventure, though. We went to a couple of flea markets. She didn't buy anything, but I bought several items.
We then got two buckets of fried chicken and several sides and took them back to Elaine's house for dinner. Elaine will have no trouble getting rid of the chicken, as she has three hungry children, and they have quite a bit of traffic in and out of the house. I hope they don't get sick of chicken before it's all gone.
Elaine has a really nice carport on one side of her house, and she smokes out there. While we were sitting out there, I asked her if she'd like to screen it in and make it more of a sunroom, where she could put her kitchen table in the summer. She said that she had already thought of that, and we talked about 'making a project' out of the job.
She also told me that they have more of the tile I had got at the Family Dollar at the reduced price. I'm going to get all of it that I can. It's really pretty.
Jeri and I made plans to go today to get our nails done, and we're going to help Elaine at the Family Dollar.
I helped Elaine find my blog, so I may have a couple of new followers. She and Jeri were reading some of it yesterday afternoon.
It's not daylight, and I've been up for several hours. I can't sleep without my Ambien.
I'll have to call Dr. Duck and get another perscription.
I just don't like to feel so 'spacey' after a bad night.
I may go back to bed for a short while.
Rest, sweet rest.
Living with Fibro is pure HELL!
I think we may be on the way to resolving the problems with Family Dollar. It seems that on Friday or Saturday, Beth and Elaine told Joan what was happening with Fern. Fern was trying to make it seem that my being at the store was a problem with some customers, and that they had called her at home to complain about me. Elaine told Joan that Fern's theory didn't hold water. Fern had also established a habit of calling the corporate offices to complain about and question anything Joan told the employees to do or when she had changed any store policy.
Elaine and Beth told Joan also that they loved me and my sense of humor, and that they liked all the help I was giving them. I'm flattered that they would speak on my behalf.
Joan laughed Saturday evening and told me to do anything I wanted to do, that Fern wasn't there.
I think she now knows where her problems are coming from.
So, I'm back volunteering there, when Fern is not there.
Beth returned my carpet cleaner, and complimented me on how well it cleaned her carpets. She said it got out dirt that the rental unit didn't get. She was really pleased with her results.
Her boys probably carry in a lot of dirt on her floors. She's pretty watchful of them.
I told her that I have a large closet that I'll give her for her boys to use for closet space. They're the closets that Edith got me when the nursing home remodled a couple of years ago. There's never enough closet space in any home.
She's so nice, and I'm glad to help her in any way I can.
Saturday was a bland day for the first half. I hadn't slept well, and felt draggy. In the early afternoon, I went to the Down Home for lunch. Lou Lou was there, and it's really hard to feel badly when you're around her. She's always so up-beat. She always gives me a hug.
I got the catfish dinner, and kept three pieces out right away, so I could take them to Joan. She had been working sinse that morning, and I figured she hadn't took time for dinner. I was right, and when I took the fish to her, she was very grateful.
I then went to the Goodwill to volunteer for a while. I stayed until closing time. I sorted and put socks together all afternoon, but they look a lot neater now. It's an odious chore.
After the Goodwill closed, I went to the Family Dollar, and worked there until closing time. All the ladies hugged and thanked me for my work there. Elaine's girls were there all evening, too, and helped put stock on the shelves. They were all getting ready for the Easter items.
Jeri, Elaine's daughter, and I made plans to go to Jefferson City on Sunday and get acrylic nails done. Jeri is so pretty, and really works on her appearance.
Elaine invited me to her house to see it on Sunday before we were to go to Jefferson City.
I went Sunday morning. It's a really nice house.
She rents from Don Nance, who is the tax collector for Grainger County.
She apologised for the appearance of everything, but it was really nice and clean. She showed me around, and when we went into the basement, she explained that there was a water problem with rain water coming through the walls. I told her I would look around when we went outside to see if I could tell what the problem could be. I found several contributing factors.
She doesn't have enough downspouts on her gutters, so they are over-flowed with rain when it rains hard. She also has a pretty sizable seam between her front walk and her house, and water can run down between them. I told her I would bring some materials and try to fix her problems. She was pretty impressed with my assessment of her problems, and how easy it would be to get them fixed.
Jeri and I went to Jefferson City then, but the nail salon was closed. We were not off-put from adventure, though. We went to a couple of flea markets. She didn't buy anything, but I bought several items.
We then got two buckets of fried chicken and several sides and took them back to Elaine's house for dinner. Elaine will have no trouble getting rid of the chicken, as she has three hungry children, and they have quite a bit of traffic in and out of the house. I hope they don't get sick of chicken before it's all gone.
Elaine has a really nice carport on one side of her house, and she smokes out there. While we were sitting out there, I asked her if she'd like to screen it in and make it more of a sunroom, where she could put her kitchen table in the summer. She said that she had already thought of that, and we talked about 'making a project' out of the job.
She also told me that they have more of the tile I had got at the Family Dollar at the reduced price. I'm going to get all of it that I can. It's really pretty.
Jeri and I made plans to go today to get our nails done, and we're going to help Elaine at the Family Dollar.
I helped Elaine find my blog, so I may have a couple of new followers. She and Jeri were reading some of it yesterday afternoon.
It's not daylight, and I've been up for several hours. I can't sleep without my Ambien.
I'll have to call Dr. Duck and get another perscription.
I just don't like to feel so 'spacey' after a bad night.
I may go back to bed for a short while.
Rest, sweet rest.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Friday, Febuary 11, 2011 AM
I must post, or Barbara will just shrivel up and die, longing to hear from me.
Renae e-mailed me that she LOVES my blog. She's accustomed to my way of telling things as I see them, and letting the chips fall where they may, and she says she finds my style of blogging refreshing. Her opinions matter to me, so I take her approval as a strong compliment.
Faune also comments frequently, and I'm glad to hear from her.
Yesterday started out slowly. I didn't want to do much, because I just felt 'draggy'.
I worked around the house, alternately going back to bed to warm up on the heat mat. My legs hurt so badly when they get even a little cold air on them. Even with two pairs of knee socks and my leggings, they feel the cold. All this pain is a living hell.
After lunch, I called Renae to ask if she'd like me to come up and do some volunteer work at the Goodwill. She's always glad to get good help with almost any of the work there. We get our truck on Wednesdays, so there is always work on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
I didn't help with sorting, because I wanted to scrape some of the chewing gum, paint, fingernail polish, and God-knows-what off the floors. I'd love to give them a good stripping and waxing, but Kelly told me that Goodwill sends someone to do all that. It doesn't come out of Renae's budget, so I'll let them move all the racks and do the hard work. Kelly mopped the aisles, though, and it helped make the store look a lot better. Carzel helped me scrape the stuff off the floors. She's so co-operative. She pitches in and will do anything.
Cherokee was there, and we always hug and tell each other we love them, after we trade insults.
I love to get over close to her and 'shove' her by bumping into her. She has a good sense of humor, so we 'bounce off each other' a lot.
Her husband, Steve, was there for a short while. He asked me about my old cars.
Mike, Gena's ex-husband, was there for a short visit with Renae. He's a really nice fellow, and good-looking in the mix. He's helped me out with emergency repairs a few times while Steve was gone and something broke. I'm really fond of him. I have a secret (well, not now) hope that he and Renae will 'hit it off'. They're both single now, and have a lot in common.
I think they might already be on the way.
I came home and started working on a huge doll house that I'd bought last week at Goodwill. It's stone on the outside, and I'm painting the plastic to look like real stone, in all kinds of shades of browns, grays, and beiges. It's going to look really good. I'll use it for the pigeons, because of it's size. I should take it to the Goodwill to show the ladies what I've done with it.
I didn't go to bed until around 2:00, because I had got involved in that project. So, I slept late this morning. I needed the rest.
I had gone by the Family Dollar last evening to get some cat food. Joan is making really slow progress with re-setting the shelves. I'd say she's missing her free help. She's getting a truck this morning, but there will be one volunteer that is conspicuous by her absence.
Steve and I talked last night about maybe getting a place for me to start a re-sale shop in the Rutledge area. I think, with my personality and my tremendous inventory of junk and collectibles, I'd do well, but not in Rutledge. We already have two re-sale shops, and I don't really think the economy would support another one. I'd love the interaction with all the fine folks here, and I love junk, but the market is saturated.
Grainger Gifts and Grub, a local restaurant and gift shop, is closing for good today. They only had about 6 tables, and that's not really enough seating to make a good restaurant work here.
In Grainger County, we like to see other people when we're having a meal.
My taste runs more to the likes of Down Home.
The sun is shining on Clinch Mountain, but I believe the weather could go either way. It's very cold outside. The cats are in their little houses for the warmth of the heating pads.
I feel sorry for my birds in this cold.
I will be glad for the warmth and new life of spring.
Renae e-mailed me that she LOVES my blog. She's accustomed to my way of telling things as I see them, and letting the chips fall where they may, and she says she finds my style of blogging refreshing. Her opinions matter to me, so I take her approval as a strong compliment.
Faune also comments frequently, and I'm glad to hear from her.
Yesterday started out slowly. I didn't want to do much, because I just felt 'draggy'.
I worked around the house, alternately going back to bed to warm up on the heat mat. My legs hurt so badly when they get even a little cold air on them. Even with two pairs of knee socks and my leggings, they feel the cold. All this pain is a living hell.
After lunch, I called Renae to ask if she'd like me to come up and do some volunteer work at the Goodwill. She's always glad to get good help with almost any of the work there. We get our truck on Wednesdays, so there is always work on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
I didn't help with sorting, because I wanted to scrape some of the chewing gum, paint, fingernail polish, and God-knows-what off the floors. I'd love to give them a good stripping and waxing, but Kelly told me that Goodwill sends someone to do all that. It doesn't come out of Renae's budget, so I'll let them move all the racks and do the hard work. Kelly mopped the aisles, though, and it helped make the store look a lot better. Carzel helped me scrape the stuff off the floors. She's so co-operative. She pitches in and will do anything.
Cherokee was there, and we always hug and tell each other we love them, after we trade insults.
I love to get over close to her and 'shove' her by bumping into her. She has a good sense of humor, so we 'bounce off each other' a lot.
Her husband, Steve, was there for a short while. He asked me about my old cars.
Mike, Gena's ex-husband, was there for a short visit with Renae. He's a really nice fellow, and good-looking in the mix. He's helped me out with emergency repairs a few times while Steve was gone and something broke. I'm really fond of him. I have a secret (well, not now) hope that he and Renae will 'hit it off'. They're both single now, and have a lot in common.
I think they might already be on the way.
I came home and started working on a huge doll house that I'd bought last week at Goodwill. It's stone on the outside, and I'm painting the plastic to look like real stone, in all kinds of shades of browns, grays, and beiges. It's going to look really good. I'll use it for the pigeons, because of it's size. I should take it to the Goodwill to show the ladies what I've done with it.
I didn't go to bed until around 2:00, because I had got involved in that project. So, I slept late this morning. I needed the rest.
I had gone by the Family Dollar last evening to get some cat food. Joan is making really slow progress with re-setting the shelves. I'd say she's missing her free help. She's getting a truck this morning, but there will be one volunteer that is conspicuous by her absence.
Steve and I talked last night about maybe getting a place for me to start a re-sale shop in the Rutledge area. I think, with my personality and my tremendous inventory of junk and collectibles, I'd do well, but not in Rutledge. We already have two re-sale shops, and I don't really think the economy would support another one. I'd love the interaction with all the fine folks here, and I love junk, but the market is saturated.
Grainger Gifts and Grub, a local restaurant and gift shop, is closing for good today. They only had about 6 tables, and that's not really enough seating to make a good restaurant work here.
In Grainger County, we like to see other people when we're having a meal.
My taste runs more to the likes of Down Home.
The sun is shining on Clinch Mountain, but I believe the weather could go either way. It's very cold outside. The cats are in their little houses for the warmth of the heating pads.
I feel sorry for my birds in this cold.
I will be glad for the warmth and new life of spring.
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