Just thought I'd start a new thread to break things up a bit.
I believe I've told you before that there are times I am so busy at work that I don't know if I'm coming or going. Yesterday morning was a good example of that. I start at 6 AM, by 6:15, I've taken the readings, have cookies in baking, dinner rolls proofing, doughnuts being frosted and muffins trayed. In the midst of this, I run to the office and get the bank and keys for the teacher's lounge. Run back, and turn the cookie trays, then go set up the register and unlock the drink cooler in the lounge. Run back to the office, put the keys back on a hook, run back to my station, pull the cookies from the oven and stick in more trays, finish frosting the doughnuts, then take them and muffins to the lounge. Somewhere in there I finish baking the cookies and start the dinner rolls baking. Then it's bagging cookies and more traying, make-up the Boscos, etc., plus do a small catering order. My whole morning typically goes this way, with added side trips. Yesterday it was helping out the cook who was totally swamped. All in all, not a bad day.
However this morning I could not find my house keys. I didn't have to use them to get in yesterday because of a bit of drama ( eviction papers being served to the folks downstairs), so the last time I saw them was yesterday morning, when I stuck them in my pants pocket... Apparently when I stuck the lounge keys up on the hook in the office I had also hung my house keys there! Ummmm...yeah.totally brilliant. And how was your day?
LOL, Val, you make me so glad that I am retired. I used to miss the hustle and bustle of work (that happened for about two minutes), but now enjoy being a 'lady of leisure'). In the beginning, I used to nap on the couch during the afternoon every day. That went on for about a month or so. I guess my body had to get rid of all the stress that had built up over the past 20 odd years. At times, I had been working 14 hour days, especially in our winter months. I Always got laryngitis/bronchitis in winter, so I guess my immune system was pretty low. Now that is all in the past, thank goodness.
In the beginning, I was at a loss as to how to fill my days. Then I was given a PC - internet followed shortly. Shenay came along too. Making things for Shen, and caring for her, and later, Angel, filled a big hole in my life.
Your episode with the keys made me smile. I thought it was just me that did brilliant things like that. Once, I came out of our local Spar with my groceries, looking for the car. I walked up and down the parking lot, but couldn't see it anywhere. I started to panic, thinking it had been stolen. Eventually, when I was almost in tears, Ray walked up to me and asked what was wrong. He had been off shopping in another part of the 'village'. I told him our car was gone - he thought I was bonkers, and let me to the car - my car, not his, lol. This was in the days before my Nissan hatchback was broken into and we had to sell it due to not being able to replace the large side window (they don't make parts for old cars like that any more).
BTW, did I tell you that Nicky has given her old car into Ray's keeping? It is a bright yellow Ford Ka. If I can find a way, I will post a pic. It is a nippy little car - light on petrol and easy to get into, and out of, small parking spaces.
Naw, I'm fairly sure many folks do 'brilliant' things, but just never tell us. Work really takes it out of me. Somedays, I battle just to still be up at 8pm. Apparently there is some sort of virus that is nearly nation wide. Many of the symptoms are flu like, only it isn't the flu. Many cases of pneumonia too.
Today is what I call a 'fooler' day. Bright sunny skies, looks gorgeous out, but in reality it's only 14F with a wind chill of 4. Not exactly the let's go out and play day it looks like.
Today started out as a lazy Sunday - a bit cloudy, so not so bright light to wake up early. I rolled out of bed at about 8:30 after listening to the radio for about half an hour. Ray forgot about Valentine's Day, lol, but it's no biggie. My brother surprised me with a video call from New Zealand, now That was nice. He and his wife were all excited to tell me about their new 'family'. Their youngest cat had kittens - four of them, but unfortunately, one died. I shall include a pic of Misty and her cure babies. They tell me their five-month-old Rottweiler (Lady) now weighs 26kg. She was only a little thing of 9 weeks, when we left.
It has now started raining and they have opened the 'bowling alley' up stairs. I had better get off my PC before it gets any worse.
Here the weather can't make up it's mind. One day we're in the 30's, another the 60s, or somewhere between. Result: everyone catching colds or some other virus.
"Spring break" is next week, which seems early. Normally, it's the week AFTER Good Friday, not the week of it. Then it's just 2 short months until summer break.
Last week Thursday, it poured the whole day - non stop. It showed no signs of letting up and I was getting a little bit 'antsy'. We were to fetch our middle daughter and eldest granddaughter from the airport (coming up from the coast) the next day. The airport is about a two hour drive away, and on a normal day, is pretty busy with plenty of traffic. I was dreading what it would be like in the rain. Heaven smiled down on us, and the rain cleared up overnight, though the mist was like pea soup as we left home.
The flight was on time. Wild greetings of joy were exchanged and we set off home, chatting twenty to the dozen. Lol, maybe all the chatter in the car distracted my other half, but he missed the interchange on the highway - we took an extra hour to get home.
On Sunday we had a family gathering and had a "potjie" (stew cooked in a cast-iron pot over an open fire). I was told that if I didn't make dumplings to go in the potjie, there would be war, lol. At least there were rave reviews over the whole meal at the end.
Time has flown and Raylene and Gaynor have left to spend a couple of days with Raylene's mother-in-law, then on to spend a couple of days with Nicky and Shenay. I am going through 'empty nest syndrome' all over again!
Sorry about the delay in replying, Fergie, things here have been...well, they've been.
First, the nasty downstairs neighbors are finally gone, but they really did a number on the apartment and left it like pigs. We're talking broken floor tiles, damaged plumbing. I still haven't figured out how they broke the sinks. I mean literally the sink. They left food rotting in pans, garbage strewn... I think we have 20+ big bags of trash in the basement...
My brother, Kevin was also in hospital with water around heart and lungs. He then had a heart attack. He was back home for maybe a week. Today he started coughing up blood, so he's back in hospital.
I've also been working on a new website. Not much longer and we'll be going on summer break. 34 days left.
Gaynor is certainly an unusual name. Pretty though. I'm glad you got to spend time with them. :)
I know the feeling, Val, life just sometimes gets in the way.
How is Kevin doing? I know, it is so scaring when a family member starts coughing/bringing up blood - I have been through that twice with different members.
A new site? That sounds interesting, tell me more, please. I have knuckled down and been doing a bit more writing. I may need an edit and opinion from you soon, if you would.(?)
We just ended "Easter break" for the schools on Tuesday. Nicky also took a bit of leave because her boyfriend had his eldest son over from the UK. His youngest lives with him now. They took the 3 kids to a lot of fun places, naturally. Somewhere along the line, Nicky picked up a bug - by last Saturday, she started feeling grim. When we saw her on Monday, she was as sick as a dog. She is now 'enjoying' an extra week of leave.
Winter has hit us with a bang. In the past two days our temperatures have dropped by 12C. Two days ago I was still wearing shorts and sleeveless tops; I had to haul out my tracksuits in a hurry.
Last Friday we heard about a Husky Rescue Center which is situated not too far our house. It is being run by a couple that Ray has known for the past ten years. Saturday at noon, we took Shen with to investigate. We were very impressed with the whole setup, they even have a special pool for the 30 dogs to swim in. Shen has been invited to help walk, bath and groom the pooches on the Saturdays that she spends with us.
Kevin was diagnosed with pneumonia in the left lower lung. They gave him antibiotics and sent him home.
Currently, I'm working on the graphics for "Loss Mine", an old abandoned and haunted place. In theory (if I can get the coding to work, lol) you should be able to explore by flashlight. Spookier, I think, but I'm also trying to allow the user to turn the lights on if they wish.
Of course I'm more than happy to edit for you!
Spring is taking its sweet time in getting here. Most days the highs might reach 50, but the mornings are still in the 30s. Well, beats the negatives!
Glad to hear that it was something as 'mundane' and treatable as pneumonia wrong with Kevin, but enough to give everyone a fright. Thank heavens it wasn't anything worse.
"Loss Mine" sounds intriguing. I wish you luck. You just know I will be visiting, once it is up and running, don't you?
Thank you for agreeing to edit for me. It will be about a very scary time of my life, absolutely true story. Still deciding whether to submit it to 3 Paws or not; I will let you be the judge.
Shen has just returned from the Husky Center. Ray dropped her off at 8 and fetched her at noon. She burst into the house, all grimy but bubbling over with news and excitement. Marley is the name of the dog she had to care for today. "So much fun", she claimed. Hmm... I hear an encore of the event coming on.
I had less fun this morning. I had to pay an emergency visit to the dentist. Last night I bit into a 'soft' caramel, then found I was chewing more than I bargained for. One of my crowns had come out.
Hmmm...not sure why, but lately I haven't been receiving notices when someone posts in here. Fergie, I got your story, and think it's a good candidate - go ahead and post it!
Sounds like Shen is having fun. I think volunteering at the animal shelter is a good thing. Shen's what age by now? 10 or 11?
Not sure if you've ever been to visit Trespauze Manor, my haunted house adventure. http://trespauzemanor.com/ Once I've gotten Loss Mine together (someday, I'll tell you just how much I hate coding. lol) I'll have to revamp the front page, so that you can access both from there. My long distance goal is to have several 'virtually haunted adventures' gathered there.
Shhh..I've a dental appt. on the 19th. (Refusing to miss work to go, so earliest they had.) I suspicion a back tooth is either broken or developed a cavity. Well, at least it's the lower jaw, for some reason the shot doesn't hurt as much given there.
Thanks Val, I have posted my story. At least it has a happy ending.
Shen is 11 now, will be 12 in August. Nicky is extremely proud that Shen is doing volunteer work at the shelter, and a bit jealous, I think. Nicky does a lot of 'behind the scenes' work for shelters; animals are her passion. She has expressed a wish to come through and join them one Saturday in the near future. I also think it is a good idea for Shen to do volunteer work; it will teach her all sorts of good things. Did you notice how she has grown? Taller than me now.
Yes, Val, I have visited Trespauze Manor on a couple of occasions. You did a good job revamping it too. I can't wait to view Loss Mine. If you are wanting to have more haunted adventures, how about an abandoned mental institution? I have seen pics of some really creepy places.
It seems we are all having teeth problems at the moment. While eating a sandwich at lunchtime, Ray broke one of his remaining incisors. *Sigh*! Gosh! More money for the dentist, just when we are extra broke this month. All sorts of things are eating into our monthly allowance. I think having an injection into the back upper jaw is more painful because is into so many more muscles - and it is closer to the brain, lol. I will keep my fingers crossed for you;hope it is only a cavity.
Once, when I was having work done on my front tooth (don't ask) I told the dentist, it felt like he was trying to inject all the way up to my brain. Honestly, I could feel that 'little pinch' inside my nose! He replied that he was! lol
I've thought of a mental ward too, as well a hospital, circus (especially the Fun House), theater, and others. Graphics are very time consuming though, as well as the research I put in. Loss Mine, is taking a while. Probably because I've never actually explored one, I've been making do with YouTube videos or sites on the web to try and get the 'feel'. I've lost count of how many preliminary drawings I've done and trashed.
How is Loss Mine getting on? More time to work on it now that Summer Break is here? Or are you doing all those back-breaking chores that you usually put off during school times?
We had our eldest grandson, Kyle, up from the coast for a week. What a character he is! So full of life and fun. Quite the Casanova too. Well, he is young and single, and being easy on the eye doesn't hurt either. We held a farewell braai for him at Nicky's home. Nicky's friend brought along a young woman that happened to be visiting her for the weekend. By the end of the day, she seemed absolutely smitten by Kyle - they landed up going dancing that night.
Shen isn't coping too well at the moment. Every year around this time, she loses it a bit. So much so this time that Nicky got her in to see a psychologist. We are hoping that professional help will give her the 'tools' to cope with the loss of her mother. On the 6th, Angel's anniversary, Karen (same friend that was at the braai) fetched Shen from school to take her for lunch and distract her for the afternoon. That evening, Nicky and Shen lit a candle for Angel and burned a letter that Shen had written for her mommy. Nicky says that there were no tears this time.
We have had unusual knocks and other sounds in our house for a few days. It started on the 4th and carried on every day till the 7th. Makes me wonder.......
Loss Mine is going fine, Fergie. Slow, but...it's going.
Poor Shen. I don't think death is ever easy to cope with, much more for a child. Angel hasn't been gone all that long has she? Seems to me it would be only 3 or 4 years. Maybe 5.
Then too, with Shen being sensitive, it's possible she also picks up on the added sadness you all feel around that time. Hopefully a professional can be of help.
Earlier up in 'hi! How are you?' thread I posted the following: "Something is going on with the roomie. What ever it is isn't good. At times it's as if he is possessed or something. Don't get me wrong, I don't fear him, but there are times I fear for him, if that makes sense.
His frustration level is almost nil lately. If something doesn't go right, he throws a tantrum like a 2 year old throwing things, being destructive, and making that high pitched whiny screaming they do. Friday he was screaming at his cell because it wouldn't connect to the internet. Ended with a broken phone, because he threw it on the floor rather hard. If I ask a question he gets all defensive. And he is always going to the dark side of the moon with his reasoning, all gloom and doom. Typical teenage drama queen angst. It's been going on for a few weeks now. Not sure what to do about it. "
So last Saturday, he went to visit a friend in another town, for 'a bit'. I haven't heard a peep since. However, I figure he'll put in at least an appearance soon as his allowance check has come.
I know he's dealing with some issues. His grandmother passed not long ago around Thanksgiving time. Shortly after, he took up with this girl. I've only met her maybe two or three times, but she set off my internal alarms, big time. Of course it turned out my instincts were right. I won't go into details, that's his story. But it broke his heart. Then his bio-mom was being her usual stupid self, just adding more frustration. Poor guy.
Val, concerning your roommate; you said he was 'slow', could it possibly be that his hormones are 'slow' too?
I am sure we all know what it is like with an overload of hormones that we don't know what to do with. Just an idea on my part.... Also, does he have a thyroid problem? I have heard that can cause problems like this too, not sure how accurate that info is. Personal issues, grief included, can play havoc with someone who is juvenile.
I hope for your sake that this is just a phase he is going through, and not the beginning of a new trend.
Money, or lack thereof is a big pull, I am sure you will see him soon.
I agree, Shen is a sensitive child - always has been, especially since her mother's passing. She will dissolve in a puddle of tears at the drop of a hat.
Well, the roomie is back, and more like his old self. He was gone just over a week. Yes, part of his problem could be hormonal, but then, too, I think a large part comes from the negativity from supposed 'friends' and family over the years.
You know the type, as long as they get what they want they're your pal, but the moment they don't you're a horrible person. His bio-mom belittles and threatens to get her way. Her favorite threat is going back on drugs. She tried that with me once. I looked her in the eye and said, "That's YOUR choice to make - don't try and place the blame on anyone else. You do, and it's no one's fault but your's." Certainly didn't make her happy but she shut up about it.
As far as I know there's no thyroid problem, but he does have self-esteem issues.
I hope the situation with your roomie has improved Val, I have my fingers crossed.
Nicky took Shen to the eye specialist last week. *Sigh!* Bad news! She has only 5% vision in her "lazy eye" now, so it is back to patch-therapy. Store-bought stick-on patches work out quite expensive in the long run, as they can only be used once. We have decided to do our own thing - make our own, but make them fun to wear. I am posting the results so far.
Last night we had a few drops of rain - enough to dirty the car. We were 'promised' rain today but, although it is cloudy, none has materialized. Snow has fallen on our nearest mountain ranges, so we are getting blasts of icy winds off that. Not a day to be outdoors......
How are you making those patches, Fergie? I for one, think they look pretty cool.
Jerome is still having 'tantrums' now and then and whining when he's tired. I think I told you about his girlfriend? He's always in a tizzy over her. She's still doing stupid stuff, that makes me wonder if she enjoys the drama of being ill. Although this time she might stay clean for awhile because her dealer (ex boy friend) is in jail.
It's been flippin hot here. Heat index in the triple digits. Makes it hard to concentrate.
Anyone know some good cheap ways to deal with bedbugs? Jerome brought some home from his bio mom's.
Gosh Val, I only know of one way to exterminate bedbugs - fumigation. Unfortunately it has quite a few drawbacks. You have to vacate your home, taking pets with you, for at least a number of hours. Don't know if they have invented a quick-fix solution in the interim, but that was the way it was done in the 60's and 70's out here in SA. Pesky critters, those bedbugs - lay eggs all over the show, usually in cracks and crevices where they can't be seen. Hope you find your solution soon, the bites are painful and unsightly. Had one, only once.
Some folks like being drama queens! They crave the attention, obviously feeling insecure. I have had two of those in my life, both deceased now. The problem is, when there is something seriously wrong, you only find out when it is too late.
I didn't make those patches, Val. It was Nicky's ingenuity at work. I am still scratching through bits and pieces to see what I can make. I also want Shen here to be able to make a template - something that will fit snugly without any chaffing. My specs (and face) are a different shape to Shen's.
We did get our rain yesterday, plus a hail storm. I am posting pics of the hail, taken from our PC room window. During the night it stormed - in the 50 years I have been living in this area, we have never had a thunderstorm like that in winter. About 20 miles away from us, a tornado was captured on video yesterday - also something very rare for us.
BTW, I have a lily type flower growing in my garden. Ray brought it home from somewhere or other and planted it. We would like to know what it is, if anybody knows. Posting a pic of that too.
I did find some natural stuff that works pretty well. ECO DEFENSE BED BUG KILLER, and a mix of bleach and water. You're right about those pests getting everywhere, Fergie. Fortunately, I think I caught it early enough it isn't too severe. Only time will tell for sure, I guess.
I googled that flower and didn't find a match. I guess it could be a hybrid of some sort. If you'd like I could pinch the pic and ask around FB. Someone there might know.
Sounds like you're having Illinois weather. Right now we're having extreme heat. The index is in triple digits. So hot I passed out for a few minutes yesterday. (Bonus of not having air I guess.)
I'm waiting to hear if I still have a job, and if I do what I'll be doing. For the first time ever, the school board split the contract between 2 vendors. We lost the grade schools (13). So, that's like 36/40 positions. It was decided the only fair thing was to have everyone rebid for their positions, those that don't place will be laid off. Those who fail to submit their bids on time will be considered as resigning. They also decided to use double seniority to determine who gets what in the case of tied bidding. That means number of years in that position, and then years with company. I'm one of the few that qualify to bid for more than 1 position. Even so, it's not a sure thing. And, I know the main powers that be are pulling for me. Still doesn't make it a sure thing. Have I ever told you guys how much I hate question marks?
I am glad you have found something effective to eradicate those pesky bugs, Val.
OMW, if I were you, I would have ulcers by now. A double worry over work. At least you have a better chance than many others of securing a job, it is still a worry. I shall keep you in my prayers.
*Sigh*! An attempt to steal our old car was made last night. Our '83 Mercedes is housed in a car-port next to our boundary wall. Ray got up at 6:30 this morning to get petrol at the pumps as there is a strike on the go. They are warning folks that the pumps may run dry within the next three days. He was surprised to find that the car door was unlocked as he knew it was secured before we went to bed last night. The door lock was broken, plus the ignition lock is totally messed up - can't even get the key in. But, get this, the steering lock was still in place, in perfect condition; the motor gate was still locked too. What would they have done if they got the car started? Dumb idiots! It's going to cost a packet to repair the car, an amount which we just can't afford.
Well done Val! Thanks for sorting out my 'mystery' flower. I did try googling it, but not having a name, had no success. Hmm, it looks nothing like wild garlic, which we also have growing in a pot. I also have another unusual (for me anyway) flower in the garden, which Nicky was able to identify - a Spider Lily. Posting a pic of that.
Well, at least with the spider lily, you can see where it got its name!
Was a bit cooler today (low 80s), but I think my brain is still fried from the heat. I just can't seem to maintain focus on anything.
I swear I couldn't catch a break if it was tossed to me underhanded in a basket. We're suppose to be sharing the lawn work (take turns mowing, etc.) but Jerome has been such a lazy bum that the guy downstairs has ended up doing it every week. Which makes me feel guilty, as it isn't fair. So I struck the deal he takes care of the yard, instead of splitting the trash bill, I'll continue to pay it. So what happens? They increased trash pickup payment! *SMH* Today was the last day to turn in bids, so I should hear something soon.
I hope you have had good news by the time you read this, Val. I hate being kept in suspenders, LOL. Tough luck with the trash bill, eh? Here, we have been told that the price of petrol is coming down by almost a rand, from next week. What a joke! Now, if only it was available - many petrol stations have run dry already, due to the strike.
Here, our temperatures are ranging between 29F (night) and 52F during the day. It is said that it should be a few degrees warmer on Wednesday when most will be going to the polling stations to vote; it has been declared a public holiday. We are praying for a change of government, even if it is only municipal government, it would be a step forward.
Nicky did a 5km walk for charity, along with friends and her two dogs. I am posting a pic or two; she is the big girl wearing shades - all pooped out after the walk.
I guess financial woes is a common world wide thread. I wasn't aware of the strike you are experiencing. Is it just the truckers or what?
Yesterday was Jerome's birthday, so I treated him to a BBQ ribbed dinner. That's something we haven't had in a few years. Tasty as I remember, though, and it made him happy.
Nicky is sweet looking, thanks for sharing those pics!
You suspenders will be worn out soon, Val. Hope it isn't much longer.
It is just the truckers on strike at the moment. Only fuel truckers. There is always some sort of strike on the go here in SA, we are so sick of it. They strike for higher wages, the wages go up, but then so does the price of the commodity. Then it's back to square one.
Say happy birthday to Jerome from us, please. BBQ ribs sound tasty. Did you make it at home? Ray has just ordered some deboned ribs for us at a ridiculously low price (can't let a good bargain go by). We shall have to try different ways of cooking it.
Nicky is basically a sweet person with a heart as big as Texas. But, don't get on the wrong side of her - she has a tongue as sharp as a hunter's knife. Also, don't touch Shenay, or her dogs - she would fight till her last breath to protect them. Lol, I love my daughter!
No, we had the ribs delivered. Much too hot to turn on the stove, or to stay out very long.
The same thing happens here. If we get a raise in minimum wage, all the prices go up. So no one really gets ahead. It's a round robin.
Like I said on the other thread, I did get my position back, but we got cut to 7 hours instead of 8. But 35 hours is still considered full time. A bonus (for me) is that our cook will be with me, so we'll at least know each other, and she's already said she could give me a lift to and from. Which is great as I was not relishing the 3 mile hike one way. I may have to give her a bit of gas money, but it'll be worth it.
Ummmm...yeah.totally brilliant. And how was your day?
Well, at least it's the lower jaw, for some reason the shot doesn't hurt as much given there. 
