Empty Nest

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

I have "met" so many people via "social" networking.  Especially Laura, Janet and Marybeth.  You three have helped me thru all of my trials and tribulations especially of the past year and a-half.  I hope you have a fantastic wonderful day.   Have one for me ok?

I am so thankful for my friends and family.  You guys have been so supportive of me and helpful in every way.  I'm not sure how'd I've gotton thru the past two years without all of you.

To all of my friends and family and to all of you that don't know me..Have a wonderful Holiday Season

Happy Fourth of July Weekend!!

I'm very lazy this weekend,  First of all its hotter than hell here and the humidity is going up every hour. I need to cut the grass this morning but, considering its Sunday I don't dare start until around 9.  That may be a little early but heck.  I wanted to do it a 8. Fear of totally irate neighbors presuaded me not to.

Going to a cookout today.  Some friends and good company.  Its fresh veggie time of the year so the veggies should counteract the burgers, salami etc.  Because lets face it..Burgers and dogs are just so wonderful, you have to have some!!!

Everyone have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend.  Enjoy the fireworks!!!

Black Olives!!!!

Did you know that Black Olives are the best food on the earth?  They are.  I love them.  I can eat them any time day or night and I can actually eat a whole can if I let myself (Well, I don't, not every time)  Found out last night that if you're eating chips and 7 layer dip...top it with a black olive. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

I didn't get to take my vacation that was supposed to start last Wednesday.  I just had heavy duty stuff at work that just couldn't wait.  I did geet 4 hrs on Friday afternoon.  Better than nothing!!

So, since I had plans for my 6 day vacations (house duties) I have decided to do nothing.  Well, at least today.  The dogs and I are relaxing, gardening (You should see my garden in pots!!)  I'll take pictures. I already have 5 tomatoes (green but growing).  I've got some plants, cucumber, yellow squash that are going to need bigger pots.  This is sooooo cool.  This gardening stuff.  I know when my husband first suggested we garden, being a displanted city girl I said "why should I did in dirt for beans when I can get them in cans 3 for $1.00 at Krogers".  Yeah, we were different.  Don't get me wrong, I still don't want to mess with the worms ets.  My garden is in giant pots.  No worm meetings here.  

I'm going to grill all weekend.  I have a pretty Ribeye for tonight.  I have chicken, and ribs for the next two nights.   I went to Sam's.  I have enough of some stuff to last all summer.  I hate going to Sams.  Maybe I should go more often.  I only go 3-4 times a year. 

I hope everyone has a safe wonderful weekend.  Thanks to all of our soldiers and vets and ancestors who gave us the freedom to enjoy this weekend and the wonderful opportunity to live in this country!!

Happy Easter

It is beautiful here today.  I bought a Turkey Breast for today and I'm going to attempt to grill it rather than bake it.  Help keep the house cool.   I now there is some terrible weather in the mid-west but its a glorious day here.

Easter means so much for so many of us.  Some nothing, some quite a religious experience.  I'm not really into the rituals etc but I am thankful that I have this glorious holiday to celebrate.

I hope you all can enjoy this in your way and have a wonderful Sunday whether you observe Easter or not.

 

Happy New Year!!!

Well, I'm in Tucson Arizona with my family.  My son is getting married tonight and we're all going to bring in the New Year.  (maybe)  I might bring it in around 9 and call it quit but it will be a wonderful event.  Its cold here and the rehearsal was pretty miserable outside last night but.it is supposed to warm up a bit today so hopefully it will be much better tonight.  The wedding is at 5 pm so it will be maybe the warmest part of the day.  It was 29 last night.  Grrrr.  

Tuscon is beautiful.  I've taken tons of pictures.  I'll upload some soon and share with you all but as you might imagine there is lots to do on the wedding day.  I just wanted to wish everyone a happy safe New Year.  2010 kind of stunk for me to I'll be more than happy to welcome 2011!!!

Hate ICE!!!

Ok its been forever.  Have you  been aware of our weather?  Last week, 2 snow days and 1 ICE day. Now, I'll give it a try during snow but ice.....just plain count me out.  The first day I was at work at 7 am.  My ex-husband believed in the theory that if you get out before everyone else, you'll be fine.  I have always believed him on that, and it works.  It took be longer to get there but I did.  BUT.  It never warmed on Monday so...driving home was dreadful..  Stuck on a hill that was iced up and down.  Had to back up to get into a side road that at least had traction.  Got out of that mess, only got meet yet another iced hill.  I made it through that one slowly but with no loss of control so to speak.  At least until I turned down the last street and good lord...Patched of ice every 100 yds or so.  What a hell of a ride that was.  Went in the next day..Tuesday and took the long way, major roads only. 

Thursday was the ice storm.  My boss said stay home and that was my plan until I realized I had a very large order that needed entering for Friday.  grrrr.  So, around noon I headed in.  Took the long way again.  It was ok, just being careful.  By the time I left for home everything around work was melted.  So, I took the back way home.....It was fine UNTIL I turned into my driveway.  It was a solid sheet of ICE. Do you know that you can parallel park in a 2 car garage.  Yep.  I was a crooked as a pretzel.  Of course the first thought was to back out and straighten it.  Fortunately my brain took over and I turned it off, closed the door and went into the house.  It was fine the next morning but I'll tell you I am OVER ice.

Have a ton of stuff to do before Christmas. I'm no where near done..grrrrr but I'm loving it.

How bad am I?

Good Gravy I haven't posted since Thanksgiving.  I'm good.  I've been in quite a funk for the past few weeks.  Really depressed and I don't know why.  Hell, I have so much to be thankful for, especially this year.  I wonder if its because I haven't seen my children in a very, very long time.  And to beat all I was miserable when I did see them.  I'm actually feeling better now. I feel as if I'm getting better every day.  I just don't know about this funk that comes and goes.  Sometimes I just don't want to speak to anyone, about anything.  Grrr.  

I'm going to see my family at Christmas and New Years so I have no doubt that will give me a heck of a boost...

How is everyone doing? Are you getting ready for Christmas.?  I've been cooking etc for the people at work.  They're having to eat everything I bring in.  Nothing really fancy, cookies, peanut butter and chocolate chip,  banana and pumpkin bread and 40 million pounds of chex mix.  I've given the chex mix away.  I may never want to eat a bite of that again.  Now....the chocolate chip cookies....that's another thing.  

I've only bought one Christmas present.  I have no idea what to get anyone.  Adult kids especially.  The little kids...I can buy out the toy department if I was rich.  If they won't play with them....I will!!! 

Have a great start to the week..  Its colder than dammit here in K'town.

July 5th and not working!!!

Well actually I am working around the house but not at the job so to speak.  Paid holiday and I am enjoying it.  

Rosco and I slept until 10 am.  Between the fireworks and steam cleaning the carpet last night we were both exhausted.  I'm still tired but glad I accomplished  what I set out to do.  I now have laundry for today.  

I also have a pork roast I was supposed to eat last night (wasn't hungry) and scallops that were going to be tonights dinner.  All is thawed and ready to be cooked. Anyone want to come for dinner?  What in the sam hill ever made me think I'd eat that food?  I've lost 21 lbs..doesn't that say something about my appetite?  Oh yeah, it may say something about the taste of wine totally turns me off so my alcohol consumption is just about zero...

What ever, I'm enjoying size 10.  I haven't worn a 10 since 1 year after the birth of Zoot!!  I also feel that my body will rally back when all this chemo is over so I'm not throwing away the large clothes!!

Have a nice day everyone and neighbor.......NO FIREWORKS ARE NEEDED TONIGHT!!!!!

 

Happy Birthday USA!!!

I've had a wonderful start to my day.  One of my sisters called and we had a wonderfully long conversation and I loved every minute of it.  Now I'm inspired to steam my carpets.  Thats all I had planned anyway.  I just have to keep Rosco from barking at the damn thing.  He runs back and forth like he's going to kill it.  Hell, its still in pieces in the hall.  Wait til I get the damn thing put together and turn it on!!!

To all the neighbors who felt the urge last night to shoot off thousands of fireworks....IT WAS ONLY THE FREAKING 3RD!!!!!  My poor doggie about had a breakdown and it was so close to my house I was getting concerned myself.  I need to see if I can find Rosco's valium and give it to him.  If I can't find that I'll give him Benadryl.  He was so scared last night.  Shaking like a leaf and hiding in my lap.  (He thought he was invisible!) 

Today is the usual for me but I've taken the medicine and I'll be fine when it kicks in.  Remodel my house is in my plans.   New area rugs etc.  After I clean the regular carpet.  

Have a good/safe day everyone.  TODAY IS THE FOURTH!!! (not tomorrow).  

What a nice day!!!

No, I didn't do anything I had planned.  Well, some of it but as far as deep cleaning etc.. PFFT.  I put on some ribs early today.  Let them simmer for a bit of a while.  about 2 hrs. Then I made barbecue sauce.  I used 1 bottle of  Jack Daniels No 7 sauce, and 1 can of Cambpell's French Onion Soup, honey, mustard, and a little red wine.  I was surprised how good it was.  I also cooked up an ear of corn, which was tough as hell but tasted good.  After Rosco and I ate that I am now sitting here with a vanilla milkshake, with a tiny bit of chocolate syrup in it.  It is wonderful.  Now I'm watching the Coca Cola 600 and sippin' on my shake.  I've got a fire going outside in the chimmy thingy and the blue lights on.  This is one of the best days I've had in a few weeks.  

Hope you all had a marvelous holiday and we must remember exactly why we're celebrating this day !!!!  So many to remember, God bless them

Might as well confess

I will not be awake at midnight tonight...unless the UT bowl game is still going on...and that's a big maybe.  A bunch of us are going to a golf "resort" and renting condo's, eating there, watching the game there and sleeping there.  At least we'll not be on the road at all.  Some of them are going up there to play golf today...............mmmmm.  I am going later this afternoon.  

I'm glad 2009 is over.  It was just a terrible year in so many ways.  When you wake up on New Years day sick, stay that way for 4 days...it kinda bodes what the coming year may bring.  I'll make sure that doesn't happen this year.  I don't have a gall bladder so hopefully that will help...

Everyone have a safe and happy New Year...take very special care and enjoy!

 
 

Had a great day...

First...When your grandchildren are coming by at 8am on Wednesday......Do not sit up until 2 am watching Dexter and drinking wine Tuesday night..  I was having such a nice time but good lord what a headache this morning.  It went away after the kids got here and we had a wonderful day.  I love having them around. All three of them. 

The dreadful things about my ex-hubby's house.  Evidently a homeless person set up for a place to live.  They found all kinds of indications that someone was living there  That place was unheated etc but I guess it was shelter.  THEN.  the great big tree next to the house, fell over on top of it virtually destroying the house.  Sad demise to the house they were raised in. 

All of us are headed to Alabama tomorrow for Christmas.  I can't wait.  I have to somehow get all the Christmas presents into my car and maybe have room for Rosco and me.  That is going to take some doing.  

Its a wonderful time of year even if its cold.  I'm hoping like heck that supposed ice storm that is brewing ends up being only rain.  No one needs ice on top of last weeks storm.  I'm also hoping that we can all get to Alabama tomorrow before the rain hits.  Traffic will be a nightmare I'm sure.

Once again to my readers, have a lovely Christmas Holiday

 

Happy Independence Day

I love this holiday.  I love the fact that I was born in this country and that we can celebrate that wonderful fact every year.  I love the fireworks, friends, doggies and food.  What more can there be on this day....Of course most of all the wonder of the people who fought so hard to win our freedom and keep it.  Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!!!

Sometimes things just work out.....

Christmas was going to get hectic this year.  I was off 1/2 day Christmas eve and Christmas day BUT had to work Friday.  Everyone else was going to my daughters and I would be late Sat am (I'm terrified of driving in the dark by myself).  The Xzhibit was going to ride with me Friday night .....NOW.   We're closed Friday........we can go anytime.  I am so happy excited and just plain thrilled.  We're actually closed Jan 2nd too,  Thank goodness I had the time so I can get paid for those days.....  Whoooooo

It's Thursday!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.  Its supposed to be beautiful here today, hope the same holds for you too.....

Happy Fourth Everyone

I haven't died but I've been sick.  I finally went to the Dr yesterday and so I'm not doing much.  I'm going to the store to get Maxi and I something to eat this weekend and then it'll be us and the couch.  I just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful Fourth.  Be safe too.

Happy Memorial Day

Thanks to all who have, are and will protect our country. This is your day

Still ok....and its FRIDAY!!!

1- Its Friday
2- I don't go back to work until Wed. next week.
3- Just spoke to MissZoot 
The one everyone cares about is Zoot.  She sounds tired and a bit uncomforable but better than yesterday,  Having never had a"C" section I have no idea how it feels but there must be a good reason you stay in the hospital that long.
AndyZ is doing fine so, I've indluded a few pics of AndyZ meets NikkiZ,

 

Have a nice weekend everyone. If I see more pics I'll post them

My Mothers Day Gift

This is the gift my son and his fiancee sent me for Mothers Day.  I took it with my cell phone on Wednesday. I've been out sick since then so for right now its the best one I have.  My plan is to go get it over the weekend and bring it home.  I love it. I just hope people at work are watering it for me.  Isn't it beautiful?!!!!

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO

Happy Easter!!!

OH YEAH, and GO VOLS!!!!!

ITS MY BIRTHDAY YAY!!!

I lot of people complain about another birthday but....lets face it the option just plain s*cks..Every year I say a special thanks to the Lord for keeping me here when I was knocking on his door.  No...I don't whine about birthdays any more
And...what am I going to do...I'll quote my sister..  Start out the day glad my feet are on the right side of the ground and go to bed early.  And thank God one more time for another Jan 23rd....

ITS 2008

Happy New Year everyone.  I'm on the couch watching UT Football.  They're doing ok but not great.  I don't have a lot of confidence just because we don't do so well in bowl games but we'll see.
I carried on a tradition last night that I swore wouldn't happen.  I have a very dear friend who now lives in North Carolina.  I haven't seen her in 7 years.  She has no email. She doesn't even have a computer so keeping in touch has been me calling her from my cell (I have tons of minutes) and no..she doesn't have a cell phone either.  We have talked on the phone every New Years Eve,  The only year we made it to midnight was 2000 because we wanted to make sure the world didn't explode.  BUT.  even if we're not up until midnight we usually make it til 11 or so and we both drink plenty of wine while we're talking.  YEP.  we did that last night.   I think my phone was going out about 11:15 but I really don't have a detailed memory of anything after about 10.. Soo  I'm a bit of a drag today.  But I really enjoyed last night catching up etc.  She'll never get email or a cell phone.  Set in her ways but we have a tradition and by god we stuck to it last night and oh goodness did I wake up with a headache/wineache this morning.!!!
So.  I decided that I was going to make black eyed beans and hogjowl but by god this year it was going to be good.  It's even got rotelle in it.  I just tasted it and.......I think they're better in Texas caviar but they didn't taste too good a few minutes ago.  Maybe more cooking?  I hope so because its dinner. 
Happy New Year everyone.  I hope 2008 is a wonderful year for all!!

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE!!!

I'm home...Yesterday I took down all of the Christmas decorations so that's done.  I just balanced my checkbook, and got some movies. 
Thus, for this New Years Eve, I'm going to watch movies and go to bed early.  Boy Howdy!! aren't I fun? 
How about you?  Share it with me so I can live vicariously through you....hehehe
Be safe everyone and have a wonderful New Year

TGIF

Last sort of "holiday" weekend.  I know its only 2 days then work 1/2 day Monday and then all day Tuesday.  I'm not doing anything special as a matter of fact Maxi and I may just sleep.  We're both a little off so to speak,.
I think I'm going to take down the Christmas decorations Sunday while I'm watching football. This is the reason that I always hesitate when it comes time to put the darned things up. 
What is the longest time you have ever left them up?  There was one year I finally took it down on Valentines Day....It only happened once that long but whats the longest for you?

The day after

I'm back.  Made it back yesterday morning.  I hope your Christmas was as nice as mine.  I love visiting my family and staying with my  sisiter.  It did take most of the day to do the laundry etc and then I just hit the couch,  I watched AR last night too.  I fell asleep Sunday night and missed it.
Now I have to go to work.  ick.   This whole week off would have been nice. But everyone else worked Monday so I can't complain.. too much
I'll post some pictures soon..
Have a great day

Off in a bit

Maxi and I are leaving in a little while.  We're leaving to go see the sibling side of the family and have a great time visiting.  I'm wishing all of  you a very Merry Christmas now because I don't know how much Internet access I will have while visiting.  I'll be back Christmas morning.... 

CRAPPY GIFT AND..,

And just look at me....

You Are Socks!

Cozy and warm... but easily lost. You make a good puppet.

What Crappy Christmas Gift Are You?

Thanks Deb!!

Have a wonderful day everyone!!!

Happy Fourth

Happy Fourth of July. To everyone.  And to anyone who can see no reason to celebrate this day......remember this.  This is the reason you can live here safety and free.  Don't ever forget that!!!

BY THE WAY!!!

HAPPY MAY DAY!!!!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!

Easter....or so they say!!!

That blue crap is snow darnit!!! It is NOT supposed to snow in f'ing APRIL!!!

And just in case you were thinking its not too bad....Have a gander at this!!!  I feel like I should be watching football!!!

My brain doesn't know how to deal with this cold crap..I'll do my errands and then hit the couch and watch the NFL network.............. Kidding folks, I'll watch the Masters. It's at least pretty! Have a great day.

What to do....

Well, I'm not a resolution type of person. I usually make them and then break them.  The only time I kept one was, 2002...I, as usual, made the "stop smoking" resolution.  The only reason I kept it was a 3 week coma and enough sense when I woke up to realize I didn't need to light a cigarette.   Strong huh?  But I'm still not a smoker so that's good.  Glad I kept that one...I'm going to make some changes in the way I live.  I'm not going to list them other than the one to grow my hair a bit.  See, when you have an aneurysm and they have to do "things" to your head, you wake up bald.  I learned to live with very very short hair but now, I'm thinking I want it a bit longer.  As a matter of fact..I just curled it.  I think I feel better "doing" my hair so.....We'll see how long this goes on.  I'm not sure where I'm going with the "do" but I'm going to experiment for a while.  The other things.....Maybe later maybe not.   
I hope you all had a wonderfully safe New Years Eve.  I only made it until 11:30 pm or so but I tried.  Of course, now I'm dragging. 
Vols play in 1-1/2 hrs.  11:00 am ESPN  Outback Bowl against Penn State.  GO VOLS.
If I'm reading this right on the Bowling for Bucks I won last nights game.  Miami was favored to win by 3.5 points.  I took Nevada so since Miami won by 1 point so I get this one right?  Since they didn't beat them by 3.5 points or more?  I hope so and if it is I'm 7-5 in the bowl games.  Today could really really change that too..
Football / movies day folks............

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy New Years Eve..

Good god...Its rainy and dreary as hell here today.  And I thought I'd be up & at 'em this morning.  Slept until 8:00 am and now want to go back to bed.. Its 8:16 am.  So, what are you doing for celebrating tonight.?  Me, nothing.  I'll tell you how busy my life is...I watched the Giants game last night.  Heck, I know Giants fans who didn't even know they were playing!!
So. Giants made the playoffs.  As a matter of fact they played pretty well last night.  At least Tiki did. 
As far as Bowling for Bucks.  I'm 6-6 now.  Thanks Georgia.
Coffee is weak this morning..Just saying.  I may be back later, right now I'm going to medicate myself and hope I feel better.....Happy New Years Eve..!!!

OOPS

EEK!!! And that strand was dead!! Damn lights..

Whooooo....

AFTER CHRISTMAS RUSH   :)
I've wanted this little guy since Thanksgiving but I refused to pay 32.00 for him......Now 16.00...That's just fine!!!

Don't like this...

I'm torn here.  My son is gone.  On his way to the airport and it may be a year before I see him again.  I'm trying not to get self centered etc and down because.  He was here after all and he didn't have to come in so....I know I need to be glad.. I just know I'll miss him a lot.  We don't get to talk on the phone much either so....I'm glad and I'm sad and I'm a bit lonely.  I also have a cold or something and feel like crap....If I didn't I'd at least be driving him to the airport.  It's a total of 6 hrs there and back and I was a little doubtful about my cold and me making that so he's with his dad. 
We did have a nice Christmas.  Quiet...and he got me both Spiderman movies for Christmas and we watched them both.  I love Spiderman.  I'm not sure that he was thrilled to watch them, but I also think he was terrified that I'd insist we watch football so Spiderman was fine...hehehehehe.. 
I did talk to Zoot and they had a nice Christmas too. Their family Christmas is Saturday when LilZ comes home. 
So, all in all it was a lovely Christmas.  I'm just a little sad and I can't even go shopping...I'm afraid the mobs will kill me.    or I them..hehehe
Have a nice day folks.  Happy day after Christmas

Merry Christmas

There is so much to be happy about.  I've got two of the most wonderful children on this planet.  They love me despite the fact that I sometimes treat them like they don't.  I really know that they would never hurt me. I do know that but sometimes I get selfish and childish and get to thinking dreadful things.  I do know better, now all I have to do is start acting it...I'm spending tomorrow with my son.  I haven't seen him in a year.  We spent yesterday together and went out to dinner.  Tomorrow I'm cooking dinner and we'll spend the afternoon together.  It will truly be a lovely Christmas.  My daughter is spending the eve and day with her in laws and that is a good thing too.  One year, we'll figure this Christmas thing out but she doesn't live that far away so visiting isn't as difficult as it could be..I don't really know what all I'm trying to say other than, despite some odd things that go on in my life, that sometimes cause me more distress than it should...........I have so much to be thankful for and I try to remember it every day.  Some days I don't do such a good job but I really, never forget.. 
Have a Merry Christmas everyone.!!!!!!

Thanks Deb

A very Merry White Christmas!!!

Thanks Deb..!!!!!

Sunday???what??? confusion

You know, I'm ticked off now. I had such a great post and once again Firefox froze and I lost it.  I couldn't even get the save button to work...
Merry Christmas Eve everyone.  I may post later but right now I want to kick this darned computer....I must go find some Christmas Spirit before I try to spread it!!!  Me and my cold/flu will be back later..

AWWWW.....

Merry Christmas thought...

My Little Tree

MY LITTLE TREE

My tree

My tree through the window

Home and Safe

I'm home.. Maxi and I just got here and unloaded the car.  Now  all I have to do is put it away and wash the clothes.  We had a wonderful Thankgiving.  Visiting with all of my family members and laughing and joking was just so much fun..  I hope everyone else had wonderful holidays too.  I'll be back later, I'm really beat...

Doggie "P" break

On the way home this morning

Little Christmas guys

Beautiful Backyard

My sisters beautiful backyard