My brain is empty today. All the crap going on in our government just disgusts me and what really angers me is the stupidity that's being perpetrated on both sides so I simply can't allow myself to muster the anger/energy to raise my blood pressure which is a bad idea for me anyway as y'all well know.
I just heard yet another congressman mourn poor old ladies living on 19K a year. If I got 19K a year, I'd think I was rich. Sigh. I get less than half of that so when I say that I'm poor, I'm not lying or exaggerating.
My son called early this morning and told me that he was headed my way but may not have time to see me. His best friend's dad passed away and he's just coming in for the funeral and will be driving back to Kentucky post haste. This touched me, too, because I knew Tommy's dad. I spent 6 years living in the same neighborhood, attending school, and graduating from high school together in 1965. We weren't good friends but when I think of him, the words 'funny' and 'pretty nice' -- mostly because he didn't tease me a lot. His son and my son have been best friends since their freshmen year in high school (the same high school as his dad and I did) when they began playing high school soccer 22 years ago. Tom Jr. calls me 'Mom' and my daughter 'sis' because he was an only child so he counted our family as his. My son called his mom 'Mom'. We joke that they needed two mothers. I guess I have to go to calling hours as much as I hate them. Eric can't stay long -- Jen and his boys are now in Kentucky and school starts this week -- and his swimmers are back to begin training -- not to mention that he and Jen are getting settled in their new home. I don't know if I'll see him or not but I do understand if I don't get a visit.
Hope y'all are having a great day!
Happy Blogging!!!!
Kay
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Thursday, December 23, 2010
It's a Tough Time of the Year!!!!
I've been trying very hard to be positive through this blessed season, but as y'all know, I haven't felt well at all for quite a while. I even did some Christmas shopping for my grandnieces and nephew and my neighbor's kids and drove up to Akron to deliver the former to my brother today and actually caught them home. I guess I'm spending Christmas alone and I think I'm okay with it given the circumstances. The good news is that they gave me a photo of my new grandnephew, Carter, Last night my left foot felt weird so I yanked off my sock and the top of my foot was scarlet and swollen. I immediately went and grabbed one of the frozen gel packs I keep in my freezer and put it on the area. This morning it was worse.
After I left my brother's house I headed to the walk-in clinic that is on the way home. Mercifully, they weren't busy and took me right away and quickly diagnosed my problem: cellulitis. For now I am to keep my foot elevated, keep lotion on it and take heavy duty antibiotics twice a day. If you click above on the link, you can learn about it. I am scared because it can be deadly and I hope we caught it in time. I will be seeing Dr. Maria on Monday for my six month checkup so that kills two birds with one stone and is probably a harbinger of yet another doctor's appointment. Do any of y'all know anything about this? If so, please email me here. I am scared.
After I left the clinic, I stopped at the grocery and got food for the holiday weekend and then headed to the pharmacy for my scrip. The biggest challenge when one lives alone is staying off one's feet so this not fun. I tried to call Michelle because want to set up a time for Bryce and Gracie to come over for cookies and presents and I need Bryce to help with a couple things, but she hasn't returned my call. Sigh.
I know it's a tough time for a lot of people. This video came in today and all I can say is: been there; done that; couldn't afford the T-shirt. We're hurtin out there, folks!
And this one is a hoot!
If I remember correctly (and I can't bet the ranch on that), this came out when I (and some of y'all) was a kid.
Wish I had better news!!!!
Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!
Kay
After I left my brother's house I headed to the walk-in clinic that is on the way home. Mercifully, they weren't busy and took me right away and quickly diagnosed my problem: cellulitis. For now I am to keep my foot elevated, keep lotion on it and take heavy duty antibiotics twice a day. If you click above on the link, you can learn about it. I am scared because it can be deadly and I hope we caught it in time. I will be seeing Dr. Maria on Monday for my six month checkup so that kills two birds with one stone and is probably a harbinger of yet another doctor's appointment. Do any of y'all know anything about this? If so, please email me here. I am scared.
After I left the clinic, I stopped at the grocery and got food for the holiday weekend and then headed to the pharmacy for my scrip. The biggest challenge when one lives alone is staying off one's feet so this not fun. I tried to call Michelle because want to set up a time for Bryce and Gracie to come over for cookies and presents and I need Bryce to help with a couple things, but she hasn't returned my call. Sigh.
I know it's a tough time for a lot of people. This video came in today and all I can say is: been there; done that; couldn't afford the T-shirt. We're hurtin out there, folks!
And this one is a hoot!
If I remember correctly (and I can't bet the ranch on that), this came out when I (and some of y'all) was a kid.
Wish I had better news!!!!
Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!
Kay
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Good News!!!
I have enough bees in my bonnet to keep me ranting for days but for now I want to brag a tad!!!! My brother called this morning to tell me that he's a grandpa again and that I am a great auntie!!! My nephew, Matt and his fiancee, Brittany, are the proud parents of Carter Alexander who weighed in at seven pounds, seven ounces at around two a.m. today!!!! Mommy and Carter and Daddy are doing fine.
Now I'm off to go take care of business -- not fun on the best of days but today isn't the best of days and the idiots have my blood pressure in a tizzy. Part of it is my fault (sorta) but we all know that stuff happens.
I'll be back later to scream a lot about what's happening in this country. If you're an elder American and your blood pressure isn't in a tizzy, you're a lot richer than I am!
Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!
Kay
Now I'm off to go take care of business -- not fun on the best of days but today isn't the best of days and the idiots have my blood pressure in a tizzy. Part of it is my fault (sorta) but we all know that stuff happens.
I'll be back later to scream a lot about what's happening in this country. If you're an elder American and your blood pressure isn't in a tizzy, you're a lot richer than I am!
Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!
Kay
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Updates and Mid-Week Random Thoughts
It's Wednesday and the middle of the week and the Kay is working on a serious case of tired from dealing with some frustration and lots of busyness. I do appreciate y'all coming by and your unflagging support. Things are not all skittles and beer these days. I'll spare you the gory details and just say that it will be all right once I get my head wrapped around the problem and a satisfactory explanation. Groveling is in order. (I'm joking here.)
* I appreciate your kind remarks on my new template. I've decided that I like it, too, although orange is probably one of my 10 least favorite colors so I may do a little tweaking here and there as I add things.
* Y'all who have hung out here for a while know that I love words so the first paragraph's reference to 'skittles and beer' set me off on a Google search to learn it's etymology. It's roots are in Merry Olde England. Skittles was a bowling-type game played in pubs and of course y'all know about beer. Thus, the phrase refers to a having a good time. My times these days aren't all good but I shall prevail.
Here's a clip from a movie y'all might recall that sorta sums things up in a mere 38seconds and yeah, everything will be all right:
* I've been to two workshops on fiber art at Lynda's gallery and it's really interesting. I'm not really very artistic but Lynda is thrilled with what I've done because I adapted the technique and added "dimension and interest" in her words. God forbid that I do anything by the book!!!
* Russ' Filtered News debunks the cries of "Socialism!" from the GOP and it's toadies at Faux News (talk about "lamestream media"!) very nicely. It's his usual well-documented commentary and, as always, worth a look.
* I'm working very hard at some projects that have languished far too long which is hardly making a dent in all stuff the I want/need to do. Hey!! It's a start!
* I was stunned and amazed at a genealogy site I tripped across that dealt with my forbears on my dad's side. It was truly interesting and I really learned a lot about our family history since we left Scotland. It confirmed what I had long suspected: I'm definitely a candidate for membership the D.A.R. since my great-grandfather (4-5 generations back) was General Washington's water boy at the tender of fourteen and his dad and older brothers all fought in the Revolution. However, I'm with Groucho Marx: "I don't want to belong to any club that would have me as a member." Still, there are a couple good stories that might make good blog fodder.
We'll see.
* I'm hoping to get out of town this weekend with my new camera and visit some of the historic sites in the area and maybe look in on what the Amish are up to these days but we'll see how things go. Either/both are great de-stressors.
* Here's a blast from the summer of '66!!!!!
I tried mightily to get around to visit y'all and hope y'all are having a great day!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!
Kay
* I appreciate your kind remarks on my new template. I've decided that I like it, too, although orange is probably one of my 10 least favorite colors so I may do a little tweaking here and there as I add things.
* Y'all who have hung out here for a while know that I love words so the first paragraph's reference to 'skittles and beer' set me off on a Google search to learn it's etymology. It's roots are in Merry Olde England. Skittles was a bowling-type game played in pubs and of course y'all know about beer. Thus, the phrase refers to a having a good time. My times these days aren't all good but I shall prevail.
Here's a clip from a movie y'all might recall that sorta sums things up in a mere 38seconds and yeah, everything will be all right:
* I've been to two workshops on fiber art at Lynda's gallery and it's really interesting. I'm not really very artistic but Lynda is thrilled with what I've done because I adapted the technique and added "dimension and interest" in her words. God forbid that I do anything by the book!!!
* Russ' Filtered News debunks the cries of "Socialism!" from the GOP and it's toadies at Faux News (talk about "lamestream media"!) very nicely. It's his usual well-documented commentary and, as always, worth a look.
* I'm working very hard at some projects that have languished far too long which is hardly making a dent in all stuff the I want/need to do. Hey!! It's a start!
* I was stunned and amazed at a genealogy site I tripped across that dealt with my forbears on my dad's side. It was truly interesting and I really learned a lot about our family history since we left Scotland. It confirmed what I had long suspected: I'm definitely a candidate for membership the D.A.R. since my great-grandfather (4-5 generations back) was General Washington's water boy at the tender of fourteen and his dad and older brothers all fought in the Revolution. However, I'm with Groucho Marx: "I don't want to belong to any club that would have me as a member." Still, there are a couple good stories that might make good blog fodder.
We'll see.
* I'm hoping to get out of town this weekend with my new camera and visit some of the historic sites in the area and maybe look in on what the Amish are up to these days but we'll see how things go. Either/both are great de-stressors.
* Here's a blast from the summer of '66!!!!!
I tried mightily to get around to visit y'all and hope y'all are having a great day!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!
Kay
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Happy Easter!!!!!!!
Happy Easter!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let us rejoice and be glad!!!!!
And to my Jewish friends who are celebrating Passover: Chag Sameach!!!!!
I'll be heading up to have dinner with my brother and his family armed with two pies -- apple and cherry -- for dessert and cute stuffed bunnies for my grandnieces, Brianna and Sarah. I hope they like them!!!!
And a lot of us recall this song from long ago . . .
Hope y'all celebrate well and long!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
And to my Jewish friends who are celebrating Passover: Chag Sameach!!!!!
I'll be heading up to have dinner with my brother and his family armed with two pies -- apple and cherry -- for dessert and cute stuffed bunnies for my grandnieces, Brianna and Sarah. I hope they like them!!!!
And a lot of us recall this song from long ago . . .
Hope y'all celebrate well and long!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Random Saturday Thoughts Amid Chaos
Don't be surprised if I'm not tracking well today -- it's been that kind of week. And if you have a quick fix for straightening one's sleep patterns, I want/need to know desperately!!!!!
* As usual, taking pictures didn't go well at the celebration last week. I dropped my camera and some are missing. I consider it a miracle that I have any at all and that my camera survived. We were disappointed that my nephew, Matt, wasn't in attendance but I'm guessing that he had to work. Here's a photo of Mike and his family after the ceremonies. Please note that we don't use the 'step' prefix in our family. Left to right: Shannon, my niece; Brianna, my adorable grandniece; Mike, my big little brother, holding Sarah, my other adorable grandniece; and Karen, my sweet sister-in-law. Mike loves little ones and looks forward to getting re-acquainted with his girls.
* All I can say about the healthcare bill at this point is what Andrew Sullivan has been saying for weeks: "Pass. The. Damn. Bill." Yeah, the public option would be nice but we have to start somewhere. And besides, the Senate is taking another look at the public option so it isn't dead yet -- unless it's just another cruel trick by our employees. Yes, they are our employees and I am not pleased with them and tell them, too. I recommend that y'all do the same.
* Wicked Politician of the Week: Senator Dan Riehl of California for his absolutely sick and twisted blog post. I think he needs to be fired or sued or both. And the Republican Party needs to do some talking to some of these venomous creatures in their party.
* Good Politician of the Week: State Representative W. Scott Oelslager for the interest he has taken in my dental/Medicaid woes. He does what our representatives are supposed to do: help his constituents. Isn't that why we elect them? And yeah, he's a Republican who is well-respected by everyone in our county.
* St. Paddy's was sorta nice. I ate my corned beef and cabbage like a good girl and washed it down with a wee pint which will hopefully will bring some good luck. Jeff called to wish me greetings of the day and to tell me that he and Shaughnessy will be back here by my birthday. Right.
* My needlepoint project was a waste of time. It looks okay but it doesn't work for the purpose I intended. Sigh. On the other hand, I enjoyed doing it which tells me I need to get to doing artsy craftsy stuff.
* Has anybody but me noticed how many old people are at the Teabaggers' rallies? And none have read the bill and all think their health care will be taken away. Excuse me? Did the Tooth Fairy bring their Medicare? She didn't bring mine. There's video here of the last Teabagger rally before the bill if your blood pressure can take it. I'm so tired of their crap, it hardly raised mine.
* From my Some-People-Have-Too-Much-Free-Time Department: Here's a video that left me laughing and marveling at the brain that produced it. Warning: it's a tad bawdy.
Hope y'all are having a great weekend!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!
Kay
* As usual, taking pictures didn't go well at the celebration last week. I dropped my camera and some are missing. I consider it a miracle that I have any at all and that my camera survived. We were disappointed that my nephew, Matt, wasn't in attendance but I'm guessing that he had to work. Here's a photo of Mike and his family after the ceremonies. Please note that we don't use the 'step' prefix in our family. Left to right: Shannon, my niece; Brianna, my adorable grandniece; Mike, my big little brother, holding Sarah, my other adorable grandniece; and Karen, my sweet sister-in-law. Mike loves little ones and looks forward to getting re-acquainted with his girls.
* All I can say about the healthcare bill at this point is what Andrew Sullivan has been saying for weeks: "Pass. The. Damn. Bill." Yeah, the public option would be nice but we have to start somewhere. And besides, the Senate is taking another look at the public option so it isn't dead yet -- unless it's just another cruel trick by our employees. Yes, they are our employees and I am not pleased with them and tell them, too. I recommend that y'all do the same.
* Wicked Politician of the Week: Senator Dan Riehl of California for his absolutely sick and twisted blog post. I think he needs to be fired or sued or both. And the Republican Party needs to do some talking to some of these venomous creatures in their party.
* Good Politician of the Week: State Representative W. Scott Oelslager for the interest he has taken in my dental/Medicaid woes. He does what our representatives are supposed to do: help his constituents. Isn't that why we elect them? And yeah, he's a Republican who is well-respected by everyone in our county.
* St. Paddy's was sorta nice. I ate my corned beef and cabbage like a good girl and washed it down with a wee pint which will hopefully will bring some good luck. Jeff called to wish me greetings of the day and to tell me that he and Shaughnessy will be back here by my birthday. Right.
* My needlepoint project was a waste of time. It looks okay but it doesn't work for the purpose I intended. Sigh. On the other hand, I enjoyed doing it which tells me I need to get to doing artsy craftsy stuff.
* Has anybody but me noticed how many old people are at the Teabaggers' rallies? And none have read the bill and all think their health care will be taken away. Excuse me? Did the Tooth Fairy bring their Medicare? She didn't bring mine. There's video here of the last Teabagger rally before the bill if your blood pressure can take it. I'm so tired of their crap, it hardly raised mine.
* From my Some-People-Have-Too-Much-Free-Time Department: Here's a video that left me laughing and marveling at the brain that produced it. Warning: it's a tad bawdy.
Hope y'all are having a great weekend!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!
Kay
Friday, March 12, 2010
Celebration!!!!!!
Today's post is on a happier note! This afternoon my beloved little brother, First Sergeant Mike, and the 762nd Transportation Company are returning from a year in Iraq. And the families and friends are gathering to welcome them home. Our family will be well-represented as Karen and I have been burning up the phone lines to make sure that everything is in order and we do Mike proud.
I took the picture above last summer when he was home on R&R. He's with his best girls: his wonderful wife and his beautiful grandaughters!!!!! Mike has always has liked babies. He was about 12 when my children were born and delighted in them and they in him.
There will be a gathering of the families to honor Mike and his company at a local middle school. In addition to Karen and I, her sister, her daughter and the girls and my nephew will be there. I had mentioned to my ex-husband that Mike was coming home and he asked if he could come. I said yes so he'll be there, too. Mike told Karen no party at the house afterwards -- he just wants to rest and then he and Karen are going to take a trip. I can't say I blame him and I told Karen we can party later whenever he's ready.
At any rate, it's going to be a great day!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!
Kay
I took the picture above last summer when he was home on R&R. He's with his best girls: his wonderful wife and his beautiful grandaughters!!!!! Mike has always has liked babies. He was about 12 when my children were born and delighted in them and they in him.
There will be a gathering of the families to honor Mike and his company at a local middle school. In addition to Karen and I, her sister, her daughter and the girls and my nephew will be there. I had mentioned to my ex-husband that Mike was coming home and he asked if he could come. I said yes so he'll be there, too. Mike told Karen no party at the house afterwards -- he just wants to rest and then he and Karen are going to take a trip. I can't say I blame him and I told Karen we can party later whenever he's ready.
At any rate, it's going to be a great day!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!
Kay
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Random Thursday Thoughts
I'm definitely in Cranky Old Broad mode today. My mind is on overload and I can't decide what to do next.
* From my tongue-firmly-planted-in-my-cheek-dept.: Sarah Palin has a new book -- I didn't think she finished coloring the last one. The good news is that more people are realizing what an evil she really is. Many thanks to the Alaskan bloggers for their continuing efforts.
* Is anyone but me getting sick of spam in comments? Is Blogger doing any thing about it? I have comment moderation enabled so I see them and can reject them. Last night FIVE spam comments came in for various products. And folks, all those comments in a Far Eastern language are spam. I copied and pasted a couple to Babelfish -- a translation program and some of them are selling things y'all really don't want.
* Ronni Bennett over at Time Goes By summed up extremely well what's going on in this country perfectly. Read it, weep, and be very afraid.
* My big little brother, First Sarge Mike, and his Company are coming home from Iraq next week! A celebration for him and his company is being planned! We are happy and relieved. It's been an ordeal for the families as well as the men and women who served and that not a single soldier was lost is an additional blessing. My sister-in-law has been to meetings to be briefed on potential problems (and some are pretty scary) and is a bit nervous but knowing my brother, I don't think she has a lot to worry about. The little boy who used to salute me and call me 'sergeant' when I told him what to do is one hell of a good man. And, like me, he is a survivor. I was a bit surprised when talking with my ex-husband last week and mentioned Mike's return, he asked if he could attend and I said that I didn't think it would be a problem. It's another worry off my mind.
* I'm trying to figure out all I need to do if/when I move. Needless to say, the lists are growing by leaps and bounds. I hate moving and am concerned about pulling it off without too many hitches and glitches.
* I checked the walkability score for the new place and it's 82!!!!! AND the list doesn't include a lot of places that I like that are convenient for me -- like my church which is right across the street and the galleries! The downside is I have no excuse for missing Mass! LOL
Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!
Kay
* From my tongue-firmly-planted-in-my-cheek-dept.: Sarah Palin has a new book -- I didn't think she finished coloring the last one. The good news is that more people are realizing what an evil she really is. Many thanks to the Alaskan bloggers for their continuing efforts.
* Is anyone but me getting sick of spam in comments? Is Blogger doing any thing about it? I have comment moderation enabled so I see them and can reject them. Last night FIVE spam comments came in for various products. And folks, all those comments in a Far Eastern language are spam. I copied and pasted a couple to Babelfish -- a translation program and some of them are selling things y'all really don't want.
* Ronni Bennett over at Time Goes By summed up extremely well what's going on in this country perfectly. Read it, weep, and be very afraid.
* My big little brother, First Sarge Mike, and his Company are coming home from Iraq next week! A celebration for him and his company is being planned! We are happy and relieved. It's been an ordeal for the families as well as the men and women who served and that not a single soldier was lost is an additional blessing. My sister-in-law has been to meetings to be briefed on potential problems (and some are pretty scary) and is a bit nervous but knowing my brother, I don't think she has a lot to worry about. The little boy who used to salute me and call me 'sergeant' when I told him what to do is one hell of a good man. And, like me, he is a survivor. I was a bit surprised when talking with my ex-husband last week and mentioned Mike's return, he asked if he could attend and I said that I didn't think it would be a problem. It's another worry off my mind.
* I'm trying to figure out all I need to do if/when I move. Needless to say, the lists are growing by leaps and bounds. I hate moving and am concerned about pulling it off without too many hitches and glitches.
* I checked the walkability score for the new place and it's 82!!!!! AND the list doesn't include a lot of places that I like that are convenient for me -- like my church which is right across the street and the galleries! The downside is I have no excuse for missing Mass! LOL
Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!
Kay
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Saturday Thoughts
I don't know who said, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions." but I know where I'm going!!!!! I had an ambitious agenda for today but I got interrupted with assorted others. I did get a start on a few of the things I had in mind and put a couple of them off for a few days. Such is life.
* My sister-in-law called and she sounded much better. It looks like things are settling there. She brought me up-to-date on things as well. The most important:
1) My mother fell and broke her hip and is in the hospital and will spend some time in a nursing home to recover. The good news is that my nephew has been living with her and was there to help when it happened.
2) My big little brother Mike, the first sarge, and his company are coming home sometime before the middle of March!!! It seems the Rolling Thunder chapter will be having (of which he's an officer) is planning a "Welcome Home" celebration in their honor and Karen says I have to be there -- like I'd miss it. We feel blessed because ALL of them are coming home which is a joy and a blessing as well as a tribute to his leadership.
* I actually got some major chores I've been avoiding done. The downside is I'm going to clean my 'miscellaneous' closet next. God only knows what's in there.
* I'm still working on a 'to do' for some other projects. I had found a workbook for one of my more esoteric (read: weird) interests on eBay and I did a couple of the exercises and I think it's going to be interesting and fun and helpful if I keep up with it and don't get distracted.
* Still fighting over dental work. Sigh. As far as I'm concerned, Medicaid sucks!!!
I don't think I'll ever smile again.
* And oh yeah, I saw Obama address the GOP retreat in Baltimore and he gets points for giving them hell in a fair and polite way. I respect that. However, I don't think it accomplished much but if his words sunk into a couple of the more reasonable ones, it could help.
* I actually cooked this week. It's a miracle!
That's about it!!!!! I didn't accomplish everything but I feel like I did something -- and that's a good thing!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!
Kay
* My sister-in-law called and she sounded much better. It looks like things are settling there. She brought me up-to-date on things as well. The most important:
1) My mother fell and broke her hip and is in the hospital and will spend some time in a nursing home to recover. The good news is that my nephew has been living with her and was there to help when it happened.
2) My big little brother Mike, the first sarge, and his company are coming home sometime before the middle of March!!! It seems the Rolling Thunder chapter will be having (of which he's an officer) is planning a "Welcome Home" celebration in their honor and Karen says I have to be there -- like I'd miss it. We feel blessed because ALL of them are coming home which is a joy and a blessing as well as a tribute to his leadership.
* I actually got some major chores I've been avoiding done. The downside is I'm going to clean my 'miscellaneous' closet next. God only knows what's in there.
* I'm still working on a 'to do' for some other projects. I had found a workbook for one of my more esoteric (read: weird) interests on eBay and I did a couple of the exercises and I think it's going to be interesting and fun and helpful if I keep up with it and don't get distracted.
* Still fighting over dental work. Sigh. As far as I'm concerned, Medicaid sucks!!!
I don't think I'll ever smile again.
* And oh yeah, I saw Obama address the GOP retreat in Baltimore and he gets points for giving them hell in a fair and polite way. I respect that. However, I don't think it accomplished much but if his words sunk into a couple of the more reasonable ones, it could help.
* I actually cooked this week. It's a miracle!
That's about it!!!!! I didn't accomplish everything but I feel like I did something -- and that's a good thing!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!
Kay
Saturday, November 28, 2009
After Thanksgiving Thoughts
I hope y'all had an excellent Thanksgiving!! Mine was quiet. I did my volunteer work at the parish and, as always, it was gratifying. Of course, we were busy as you-know-what so I was tired when I got home. I made myself a plate of turkey and trimmings and ate. Had some chest pains that scared me and put myself to bed for a nap. When I woke up, I felt better and I called my stepmother and we talked for a while. She was delighted. I guess none of her many nieces and nephews visited or invited her to share their holiday. I understand how she felt. I did promise her that I will visit come Spring. Ohio winters are not fun for driving.
* I have to get a new planner for the new year. My schedule is filling up with doctor appointments (and not much else) -- yet another sign that I'm getting old and decrepit.
* I had dropped off necessary paperwork at a state agency back at the beginning of October. I never was notified of the changes that were supposed to be made. I called several times about it -- but refuse to sit on 'hold' for more than an 45 minutes (and that does a nasty number on my blood pressure). On Wednesday afternoon I called in hopes that people were getting ready for the holiday and 'hold' would be short. I got lucky and got someone to talk to after five minutes on hold. The young lady checked and yes, I did turn in the paperwork (duh?) and said she was placing me on emergency status -- good stuff, right? -- and someone would call me on . . . Monday. I hollered a lot and will holler again on Monday prolly IF they call as promised. If they don't, I will be on the phone to everyone I can think of to scream and yell. It's been costing me money that I can ill afford and I am done with their baloney.
* I have to get Brice over to bring up a few of the holiday decorations. Maybe it will cure my 'bah! humbug!' frame of mind. I simply can't get excited about holidays anymore. Some motivation might help.
* Dental work was denied and the dentist is resubmitting my claim. Need I say more?
* I sorta broke my Black Friday rule. I actually went shopping on today. However, I didn't go to the malls or The Evil Empire. I went to a Big Lots store located in an old, nearly empty shopping center. Surprisingly, it was a tad busy but manageable.
Unfortunately, I spent a tad more than I planned because they had some books I wanted really cheap! Books are always my downfall. I also bought some ornaments for my lil' Christmas trees. I hope they work. They will have red and silver baubles -- aka scarlet and grey -- in hopes that my Buckeyes win the Rose Bowl!!!!!
* I'm glad y'all enjoyed the old TV stuff -- I had a blast looking at it and trying to decide what to use.
I know I sound cranky and yeah, I guess I am. However, I do always land on my feet and I'll be all right. I'm just tired of not feeling well and dealing with bureaucrats. Hopefully, the docs will help with the former and that will make the latter easier. Pray.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!
Kay
* I have to get a new planner for the new year. My schedule is filling up with doctor appointments (and not much else) -- yet another sign that I'm getting old and decrepit.
* I had dropped off necessary paperwork at a state agency back at the beginning of October. I never was notified of the changes that were supposed to be made. I called several times about it -- but refuse to sit on 'hold' for more than an 45 minutes (and that does a nasty number on my blood pressure). On Wednesday afternoon I called in hopes that people were getting ready for the holiday and 'hold' would be short. I got lucky and got someone to talk to after five minutes on hold. The young lady checked and yes, I did turn in the paperwork (duh?) and said she was placing me on emergency status -- good stuff, right? -- and someone would call me on . . . Monday. I hollered a lot and will holler again on Monday prolly IF they call as promised. If they don't, I will be on the phone to everyone I can think of to scream and yell. It's been costing me money that I can ill afford and I am done with their baloney.
* I have to get Brice over to bring up a few of the holiday decorations. Maybe it will cure my 'bah! humbug!' frame of mind. I simply can't get excited about holidays anymore. Some motivation might help.
* Dental work was denied and the dentist is resubmitting my claim. Need I say more?
* I sorta broke my Black Friday rule. I actually went shopping on today. However, I didn't go to the malls or The Evil Empire. I went to a Big Lots store located in an old, nearly empty shopping center. Surprisingly, it was a tad busy but manageable.
Unfortunately, I spent a tad more than I planned because they had some books I wanted really cheap! Books are always my downfall. I also bought some ornaments for my lil' Christmas trees. I hope they work. They will have red and silver baubles -- aka scarlet and grey -- in hopes that my Buckeyes win the Rose Bowl!!!!!
* I'm glad y'all enjoyed the old TV stuff -- I had a blast looking at it and trying to decide what to use.
I know I sound cranky and yeah, I guess I am. However, I do always land on my feet and I'll be all right. I'm just tired of not feeling well and dealing with bureaucrats. Hopefully, the docs will help with the former and that will make the latter easier. Pray.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!
Kay
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Songs My Father Sang to Me
I grew up in a family that sang. My dad's family always sang at get togethers. After dinner, Aunt Eileen would sit down at the upright old upright piano with her brothers gathered around her and a medley of old favorite songs would begin with the rest of us joining in. (My best memory is my cousin Karen (age 2) mooing as we sang "Won't you Wait 'Til the Cows Come Home?" I (age 10) giggled.
My dad sang to me a lot. Unfortunately, I didn't get the singing gene and can't carry a tune in a bucket and rarely embarrass myself by letting anyone hear me sing. At age three it didn't matter and I had mastered a song my daddy sang to me a lot. One of my favorite cowboys, Gene Autry, sang this rendition.
I've written at Elder Storytelling Place about my Saturday drives with my Grandpa to see the horses as a toddler and his teaching me to sing this old, old song on our excursion around central Ohio. I chose this version because it was close to the way my Grandpa taught me. Why do people mess with good stuff?
A Favorite of my Grandma was this 1945 Ames Brothers tune that she always requested at song fests.
There were many songs throughout my life that I loved and bring back memories but the ones I learned from from my family mean the most and always bring a tear.
Thanks for joining me in my memories!!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
My dad sang to me a lot. Unfortunately, I didn't get the singing gene and can't carry a tune in a bucket and rarely embarrass myself by letting anyone hear me sing. At age three it didn't matter and I had mastered a song my daddy sang to me a lot. One of my favorite cowboys, Gene Autry, sang this rendition.
I've written at Elder Storytelling Place about my Saturday drives with my Grandpa to see the horses as a toddler and his teaching me to sing this old, old song on our excursion around central Ohio. I chose this version because it was close to the way my Grandpa taught me. Why do people mess with good stuff?
A Favorite of my Grandma was this 1945 Ames Brothers tune that she always requested at song fests.
There were many songs throughout my life that I loved and bring back memories but the ones I learned from from my family mean the most and always bring a tear.
Thanks for joining me in my memories!!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Friday, July 17, 2009
Yikes!!!!! The Best Laid Plans . . .
Someone wiser than I said that life is what happens when you're busy making other plans. My post today was supposed to be the next part of the tour of my house. However, the phone rang and my niece needed help with the girls 'cause Grandma was unavoidably detained so I was on the road heading north to spend the afternoon with Sara and Brianna. Can you tell that great-auntie is smiling? Of course, I had to stay for dinner and and hang out afterward so I just got home a bit ago. Man, do little ones wear you out!! Both are really good and we had fun.
Here is me and Sara. She's starting to grow like a weed and getting past her preemie stage. I think she's gonna be redhead like her mama.
Brianna, two and a half, is fond of catching toads. Think the family has another tomboy in the in the making? I say yes judging from that grin.
sooooooooooo the grand tour of Kay's castle will continue tomorrow (Sunday). Now I gotta get to bed if I want to be at the Farmer's Market before they run outta stuff!!!!!!!!! I am tired!!!! LOL
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!
KAY
Here is me and Sara. She's starting to grow like a weed and getting past her preemie stage. I think she's gonna be redhead like her mama.
Brianna, two and a half, is fond of catching toads. Think the family has another tomboy in the in the making? I say yes judging from that grin.
sooooooooooo the grand tour of Kay's castle will continue tomorrow (Sunday). Now I gotta get to bed if I want to be at the Farmer's Market before they run outta stuff!!!!!!!!! I am tired!!!! LOL
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!
KAY
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
A Few Random Thoughts and an Update
It's crazy here in Kay's wonderful world. All sorts of changes are happening. I'm sleeping 10-12 hours a day and therefore getting nada, zero, zilch done because I wake up sluggish and groggy.
* Tomorrow is new doctor day -- finally! -- and I have a whole list of issues for him/her to address. And I'm ready to go to war if they are not taken seriously. I'm also considering a change in doctors and am working to make that happen.
* I was in ER over the weekend. When I returned from Toledo, I fell on my front steps while I was unloading my car. My ankle hurt and I've been hobbling around but I ignored it and hoped that it would go away. It didn't, but I put off doing anything about it because I knew I'd be seeing the doc soon. I finally went to the ER and am now sporting a brace on my left ankle for a severe sprain. Needless to say, it's slowing me down a lot. The worst part is that this is my good ankle. Sigh.
* Tornado season is here and we're under a watch as I type this. In Ohio we just change the type of lousy weather to put us crazy -- or is that crazier? I looked at the map online and I think if one hits, it will be south of us.
* The picture below is of my baby brother, First Sergeant Mike (and yeah, we look a lot alike -- just like my dad.). It was taken as the Army Reserve's 762nd Transportation Company prepared to leave for a year-long deployment to Iraq. He has been in the regular Army and Reserves for over twenty-eight years and is a veteran of Desert Storm. He is active in Rolling Thunder -- an organization started by the Vietnam vets/motorcycle enthusiasts to honor those who gave their lives in 'Nam and to support our troops today and the issues of POWs/MIAs. (They're the guys who ride to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial every year on Memorial Day.) One of their members chronicled the 762nd's Departure and my brother here. I thought it a lovely tribute. Please pray to whatever God you believe in for their safe return to their families. [Notes: a) Mike and I don't have the same last name because my stepfather adopted him when he was twelve. b) There's more to come on this story. My world has more twists than pretzel!]
* Tomorrow is new doctor day -- finally! -- and I have a whole list of issues for him/her to address. And I'm ready to go to war if they are not taken seriously. I'm also considering a change in doctors and am working to make that happen.
* I was in ER over the weekend. When I returned from Toledo, I fell on my front steps while I was unloading my car. My ankle hurt and I've been hobbling around but I ignored it and hoped that it would go away. It didn't, but I put off doing anything about it because I knew I'd be seeing the doc soon. I finally went to the ER and am now sporting a brace on my left ankle for a severe sprain. Needless to say, it's slowing me down a lot. The worst part is that this is my good ankle. Sigh.
* Tornado season is here and we're under a watch as I type this. In Ohio we just change the type of lousy weather to put us crazy -- or is that crazier? I looked at the map online and I think if one hits, it will be south of us.
* The picture below is of my baby brother, First Sergeant Mike (and yeah, we look a lot alike -- just like my dad.). It was taken as the Army Reserve's 762nd Transportation Company prepared to leave for a year-long deployment to Iraq. He has been in the regular Army and Reserves for over twenty-eight years and is a veteran of Desert Storm. He is active in Rolling Thunder -- an organization started by the Vietnam vets/motorcycle enthusiasts to honor those who gave their lives in 'Nam and to support our troops today and the issues of POWs/MIAs. (They're the guys who ride to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial every year on Memorial Day.) One of their members chronicled the 762nd's Departure and my brother here. I thought it a lovely tribute. Please pray to whatever God you believe in for their safe return to their families. [Notes: a) Mike and I don't have the same last name because my stepfather adopted him when he was twelve. b) There's more to come on this story. My world has more twists than pretzel!]
That's it for now. I still am trying to get things organized for some new posts.
I'm hoping to get back to a regular blogging/visiting schedule soon. Many thanks to all y'all who keep visiting. You have no idea how much I appreciate your comments.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!
Kay
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Update: She's Baaaaaaaaaaaacccccckkk!!!!
I am back home, I always love getting out of town for a few days and I always love coming home. I suppose that makes sense if you want it to and I do.
I had an excellent trip to Toledo. I skipped the Ohio Turnpike this time because I simply couldn't cope with driving eighty miles per hour surrounded by trucks too close for comfort. It's draining and I was driving during daylight instead of in the wee hours as I did when I used to head to Motown for weekends. This was better although it took a bit longer.
It was raining fairly heavily when I began my journey and that continued as I made my way to Greenwich, Ohio (don't blink) where my parents and grandparents lived when I was born.
I drove about town and it seems the house where our apartment was is gone. I didn't take many pictures as a result of the rain. As I left town, the rain finally stopped and I headed north to Route 20 to keep a promise I made to an old friend and make sure I got to Toledo at a time when the traffic was manageable. (The huge, very high new bridge over the Maumee River scares the bejaysus outta me! Can you say acrophobia?)
Route 20 is a nice drive through the northwestern farming communities. I call it the flatlands because it so flat. It was once The Great Swamp of Toledo and home to the Shawnee, Delaware (Lenape) and Ottawa Indians and where General "Mad Anthony" Wayne met the great Chief Blue Jacket at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in Maumee and claimed the Ohio Country for the United States. The road is dotted with farms and pretty small towns. When I got to Bellevue, I stopped and had supper with a sorority sister who lives in one of the fabulous Victorian homes on Main Street. These homes are really gorgeous and some of the owners have taken to using the "painted lady" color schemes popular in San Francisco instead of the white or greys I remembered from my childhood when we drove south to visit my grandparents. Again, I didn't take pictures because we yakked too much getting caught up and I needed to get back on the road. I promised Ellie I would come back and stay for a couple days later this summer.
As I drove in on Route 280 and glimpsed the skyline of Toledo, tears welled in my eyes and I got a lump in my throat. I haven't lived there since I was twelve but it will always be home. I got off the expressway at the exit for Ottawa River Road and in a few minutes I was wandering around my old neighborhood recalling the days when life was simpler and I rode my bicycle all over our hood. It's changed a lot. A lot of the landmarks as are many favorite places are gone -- like the Sugar Bowl and Kunkel's where we bought penny candy after school. And I drove by the house where I grew up. No one was home so I didn't get to see what had changed inside. Funny thing though -- the exterior still is painted the same way fifty years later. The big thing I noticed is how small everything seemed. It felt like everything had shrunk: the streets, the houses. the shops -- only the bay and the rivers seemed to feel the same. I guess God's creations have more stability than man's. And yeah, I took pictures a lot but I haven't uploaded them yet. They'll be in future posts after I've gone through them.
It was getting late so I went and found my hotel and crashed for the night after I called Barbara, my step-mother, to let her know I had arrived in town safely and she said that she and Anne (my step-sister) were looking forward to our spending the next day together.
After breakfast provided by my hotel, I checked out and headed to Barb's apartment in a nice senior citizens complex. (I think the apartments are too damned small --I'd die of claustrophobia -- and took issue with that what was supposed to be a computer lab was sitting empty.) My step-sister, Anne, age 63, is a hoot. She lives in Alamogordo, New Mexico and we hit it off just fine and exchanged addresses, etc., so we can keep in touch. I have a standing invitation to visit there. Barb's friend Dolly is simply that -- a doll -- and she was my hostess for the night as there wasn't room for Anne and I both to sleep at Barb's place. We spent the day talking and getting acquainted mostly and wandering around Toledo so Anne could see her memories. One of the reasons, I went a day early was so I could do my exploring on my own with as much time as I wanted as well as adding the stop in Bellevue.
Thursday night, we celebrated Barbara's eightieth birthday at the Amvets post with all her nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews and their spouses in attendance. Barb is the last of her generation in her family and it was nice to see such a good turnout. Again, I took pictures and told Barb that my birthday gift to her was going to be photos of the party and that I was going to have one of the cousins take a photo of her, Anne and I and have it enlarged and framed. I promised to send prints to Anne, too. One of the cousin's wives took a lot of pictures, too and she's emailing them to me and I'm emailing mine to her. Cool, huh? It was really a fun party and I have a boatload of new cousins with standing invites to visit.
Friday Dolly took us out for brunch and I headed south after we talked some more. The best part of my visit was when Barb gave me a 12" by 12" cardboard box. It was filled to the brim with pictures that belonged to my dad. It had pictures from my grandma of his childhood and even some of Grandpa and Grandma's childhood! It also had my parents' wedding pictures, his high school picture and mine, and more. I have to make a trip up north to Cleveland to see one of my uncles who might be able to tell me who some of the people in them are. And that. my friends, reminds me that I have to go through my own box of photos and write what/where/who on the back of them in case anyone is interested somewhere down the road. If y'all haven't done so, I recommend y'all do the same. I am going to have all these photos copied to CDs and will share many of them with y'all.
When I got home, I was supposed to meet Marcia downtown for First Friday and see the
Budweiser Clydesdales. I was soooooooooo tired that I simply couldn't so I unloaded the car and crashed. It was a good trip but it truly drained me so I'm going to rest and recuperate.
I hope y'all have been having fun and feeling fine and I am sooooo glad you enjoyed Nancy's excellent grooooaaannn on Friday!!!!!!!!!!! I thought it a truly great one.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
I had an excellent trip to Toledo. I skipped the Ohio Turnpike this time because I simply couldn't cope with driving eighty miles per hour surrounded by trucks too close for comfort. It's draining and I was driving during daylight instead of in the wee hours as I did when I used to head to Motown for weekends. This was better although it took a bit longer.
It was raining fairly heavily when I began my journey and that continued as I made my way to Greenwich, Ohio (don't blink) where my parents and grandparents lived when I was born.
I drove about town and it seems the house where our apartment was is gone. I didn't take many pictures as a result of the rain. As I left town, the rain finally stopped and I headed north to Route 20 to keep a promise I made to an old friend and make sure I got to Toledo at a time when the traffic was manageable. (The huge, very high new bridge over the Maumee River scares the bejaysus outta me! Can you say acrophobia?)
Route 20 is a nice drive through the northwestern farming communities. I call it the flatlands because it so flat. It was once The Great Swamp of Toledo and home to the Shawnee, Delaware (Lenape) and Ottawa Indians and where General "Mad Anthony" Wayne met the great Chief Blue Jacket at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in Maumee and claimed the Ohio Country for the United States. The road is dotted with farms and pretty small towns. When I got to Bellevue, I stopped and had supper with a sorority sister who lives in one of the fabulous Victorian homes on Main Street. These homes are really gorgeous and some of the owners have taken to using the "painted lady" color schemes popular in San Francisco instead of the white or greys I remembered from my childhood when we drove south to visit my grandparents. Again, I didn't take pictures because we yakked too much getting caught up and I needed to get back on the road. I promised Ellie I would come back and stay for a couple days later this summer.
As I drove in on Route 280 and glimpsed the skyline of Toledo, tears welled in my eyes and I got a lump in my throat. I haven't lived there since I was twelve but it will always be home. I got off the expressway at the exit for Ottawa River Road and in a few minutes I was wandering around my old neighborhood recalling the days when life was simpler and I rode my bicycle all over our hood. It's changed a lot. A lot of the landmarks as are many favorite places are gone -- like the Sugar Bowl and Kunkel's where we bought penny candy after school. And I drove by the house where I grew up. No one was home so I didn't get to see what had changed inside. Funny thing though -- the exterior still is painted the same way fifty years later. The big thing I noticed is how small everything seemed. It felt like everything had shrunk: the streets, the houses. the shops -- only the bay and the rivers seemed to feel the same. I guess God's creations have more stability than man's. And yeah, I took pictures a lot but I haven't uploaded them yet. They'll be in future posts after I've gone through them.
It was getting late so I went and found my hotel and crashed for the night after I called Barbara, my step-mother, to let her know I had arrived in town safely and she said that she and Anne (my step-sister) were looking forward to our spending the next day together.
After breakfast provided by my hotel, I checked out and headed to Barb's apartment in a nice senior citizens complex. (I think the apartments are too damned small --I'd die of claustrophobia -- and took issue with that what was supposed to be a computer lab was sitting empty.) My step-sister, Anne, age 63, is a hoot. She lives in Alamogordo, New Mexico and we hit it off just fine and exchanged addresses, etc., so we can keep in touch. I have a standing invitation to visit there. Barb's friend Dolly is simply that -- a doll -- and she was my hostess for the night as there wasn't room for Anne and I both to sleep at Barb's place. We spent the day talking and getting acquainted mostly and wandering around Toledo so Anne could see her memories. One of the reasons, I went a day early was so I could do my exploring on my own with as much time as I wanted as well as adding the stop in Bellevue.
Thursday night, we celebrated Barbara's eightieth birthday at the Amvets post with all her nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews and their spouses in attendance. Barb is the last of her generation in her family and it was nice to see such a good turnout. Again, I took pictures and told Barb that my birthday gift to her was going to be photos of the party and that I was going to have one of the cousins take a photo of her, Anne and I and have it enlarged and framed. I promised to send prints to Anne, too. One of the cousin's wives took a lot of pictures, too and she's emailing them to me and I'm emailing mine to her. Cool, huh? It was really a fun party and I have a boatload of new cousins with standing invites to visit.
Friday Dolly took us out for brunch and I headed south after we talked some more. The best part of my visit was when Barb gave me a 12" by 12" cardboard box. It was filled to the brim with pictures that belonged to my dad. It had pictures from my grandma of his childhood and even some of Grandpa and Grandma's childhood! It also had my parents' wedding pictures, his high school picture and mine, and more. I have to make a trip up north to Cleveland to see one of my uncles who might be able to tell me who some of the people in them are. And that. my friends, reminds me that I have to go through my own box of photos and write what/where/who on the back of them in case anyone is interested somewhere down the road. If y'all haven't done so, I recommend y'all do the same. I am going to have all these photos copied to CDs and will share many of them with y'all.
When I got home, I was supposed to meet Marcia downtown for First Friday and see the
Budweiser Clydesdales. I was soooooooooo tired that I simply couldn't so I unloaded the car and crashed. It was a good trip but it truly drained me so I'm going to rest and recuperate.
I hope y'all have been having fun and feeling fine and I am sooooo glad you enjoyed Nancy's excellent grooooaaannn on Friday!!!!!!!!!!! I thought it a truly great one.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Thursday, February 12, 2009
More Nostalgia . . . My Sister and I
My sister Debbie was born in 1950 when I was three. It took a couple weeks for me to stop calling her my baby brother as my dad had kept telling me throughout my mom's pregnancy that they were getting me a baby brother to play with and, on her birth, I soon found out that she was a sister and that as a playmate she was pretty much a washout. Even when she got older we were not soul mates but we mostly got along unless my mother got involved and she reverted to "mama's girl". Fortunately, my dad seemed to prefer me. I looked like him. Right now I can look in the mirror and I see my Aunt Eileen who my mom hated and said was ugly.
Deb liked dolls and girlie stuff. I liked games and books and sports. She was my mother's perfect child who never sassed or misbehaved and always got straight As. I was a rowdy lil' hell-raiser who spent a lot of time day-dreaming (or chatting with my classmates) but still got mostly As except for math (which I still hate to this day). She was the pretty one. I was too tall, too gawky, and too skinny. Debbie always had a boyfriend -- even in kindergarten. I didn't date until I went away to college and even then rarely "went steady" with anyone and that still hasn't changed. Still we were sort of friends. She was maid of honor in my wedding. I taught her how to cook.
She died on Thanksgiving Day in 1972 in a small plane crash that also took the lives of her boyfriend, his younger brother, and his brother's girlfriend. Three days later I gave birth to my son -- my mother's first grandchild. Talk about difficult. I was just glad that he was a boy. My mother never recovered from her death and I really believe she resents that I'm alive and her favorite isn't. My brother who was born when I was fifteen and she was twelve was too much like our dad to reach favorite status. To listen to my mom, my sister was a saint. It's really quite sad that she didn't appreciate our strengths but oh well . . . Mike and I are survivors and tough enough to get through without mom's dubious blessing.
While I was waxing nostalgic about my lost youth, I recalled more differences between us. In 1962 when the British invasion began she hung a poster of the Beatles in our room to my chagrin.
I retaliated with what Mom called an ugly photo of The Stones. I never said they were pretty but I liked their sound!!! Still do!!!
1962 was also a big year for medical shows and Debbie taped a photo of Dr. Kildare
on her side of the mirror over our dresser . . .
. . .while Ben Casey glared at me as I combed my hair in the morning.
Both of these instances showed her propensity for pretty while I appreciated (and still do) intensity. Hard to believe we grew up with the same mother. Then again, in high school my son liked Rap (he has since recovered) and Kate was into jazz and classical. (Guess which one was asked to turn her stereo UP? LOL)
Thanks for letting me share these memories with y'all!!!
AND what about y'all? Stones or Beatles? Kildare or Casey?
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!
Deb liked dolls and girlie stuff. I liked games and books and sports. She was my mother's perfect child who never sassed or misbehaved and always got straight As. I was a rowdy lil' hell-raiser who spent a lot of time day-dreaming (or chatting with my classmates) but still got mostly As except for math (which I still hate to this day). She was the pretty one. I was too tall, too gawky, and too skinny. Debbie always had a boyfriend -- even in kindergarten. I didn't date until I went away to college and even then rarely "went steady" with anyone and that still hasn't changed. Still we were sort of friends. She was maid of honor in my wedding. I taught her how to cook.
She died on Thanksgiving Day in 1972 in a small plane crash that also took the lives of her boyfriend, his younger brother, and his brother's girlfriend. Three days later I gave birth to my son -- my mother's first grandchild. Talk about difficult. I was just glad that he was a boy. My mother never recovered from her death and I really believe she resents that I'm alive and her favorite isn't. My brother who was born when I was fifteen and she was twelve was too much like our dad to reach favorite status. To listen to my mom, my sister was a saint. It's really quite sad that she didn't appreciate our strengths but oh well . . . Mike and I are survivors and tough enough to get through without mom's dubious blessing.
While I was waxing nostalgic about my lost youth, I recalled more differences between us. In 1962 when the British invasion began she hung a poster of the Beatles in our room to my chagrin.
I retaliated with what Mom called an ugly photo of The Stones. I never said they were pretty but I liked their sound!!! Still do!!!
1962 was also a big year for medical shows and Debbie taped a photo of Dr. Kildare
on her side of the mirror over our dresser . . .
. . .while Ben Casey glared at me as I combed my hair in the morning.
Both of these instances showed her propensity for pretty while I appreciated (and still do) intensity. Hard to believe we grew up with the same mother. Then again, in high school my son liked Rap (he has since recovered) and Kate was into jazz and classical. (Guess which one was asked to turn her stereo UP? LOL)
Thanks for letting me share these memories with y'all!!!
AND what about y'all? Stones or Beatles? Kildare or Casey?
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Sunday, Sunday Random Thoughts
It's been a tough couple weeks with all the upheaval with my job, the medical tests and assorted other nonsense. I think the operative phrase is above. I have been sleeping a lot and really on a downer. The list of those who have managed to annoy me is too lengthy to list and would bore y'all anyway so I'll spare you that and just share a couple things that have caught my attention.
* It's sunny and in the 40s in Ohio!!!! The ice on which I've damn near killed myself is gone and I'm going to give a big fat raspberry to our city's street department for their horrible disregard for our 'hood. I'm thinking I'm going to be at city council Monday night to kvetch. And Miss Ruby is going to get a much-needed bath!
* Speaking of city council, I'm dropping some research off for my councilman. Our idiot mayor (who proves The Peter Principle) wants to install those traffic cameras from Redflex. Y'all might be familiar with them. If you go through a light on the yellow, a month later you might get a $100 traffic ticket in the mail AND if you elect to question it, they slap and extra $20 on it. A right-thinking supreme court judge in Minnesota declared these cameras unconstitutional and now the city of Minneapolis has to cough up 2.6 million bucks to the 14,000 drivers who were fleeced by this scam. Whatta guy! I don't want "Big Brother" watching me and I suspect they can use these for purposes more nefarious as well. Do you have or did you have these in your town? I have visions of a rash of rear end collisions because people don't want a ticket. Sigh.
* I'm going to physical therapy twice a week. It makes my arm feel better but I'll be damned if I think it's solving anything. I keep forgetting to do my exercises so I'm not helping things much.
* I got the DVD of a film called "Mozartballs" which features two of my good blogging buddies, Steph of Incurable Insomniac and Lynette of Shades of Life in F Major. I really loved it. And I still haven't figured out why it struck a chord (no pun intended) in my soul. I need to watch it again. The website is really well done and I recommend you take a look.
* I went to our monthly First Friday event this past Friday night. I didn't have fun. Marcia invited a friend to join us who really didn't seem to like the arts so we wound up drinking. Argh! Now I'm not averse to quaffing a brew or two when I go there but I am there to see what's going on at the various events that are featured. If I had met them instead of riding with Marcia, I could have done my usual thing and gone a-wandering. Let's just say that I learned a lesson.
* Word is that I won't be working after June. Sigh. I did, however, have an epiphany while talking with a prospective employer on the phone the other day. I realized that I will be able to manage. I have survived on less than I'll have so I just crossed that off my worry list. I felt better with that realization. If I can get a couple days a week somewhere, I'll be delighted. If I don't I'll have more time for other projects that are languishing -- or find some new ways to waste time.
* Yesterday (Saturday) was my dad's birthday. Had he lived he would have been eighty-four. He's been gone for twenty-four years. I called my stepmom as I knew he would be very much on her mind. She was delighted and we had a nice talk about him. Both of us swear he's watching us. It's really weird.
* Just a caveat: please don't put groaners in comments. If you wish to have a groaner here, please send it to the email addy in the side bar. I'm trying to keep this feature afloat for y'all and it detracts from those who make the effort to support it. Thank you!
Well, enough kvetching for today. I'm off to get the Sunday paper and see if Lynda and Mike are around. AND I'm going to try to get around to see y'all when I get back. I do apologize but I've been exhausted and have to force myself to do anything.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!
Monday, February 18, 2008
How I Got to Be Me -- The Young Years
This post was moved to my new "How I Got to Be Me" blog. It is a private blog and if you are interested in subscribing, please drop me a note at the address in the sidebar and I'll be delighted to have Blogger send you an invitation.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Random Saturday Thoughts -- Cranky and Otherwise
It's Saturday and the Kay is feeling a bit cranky after a week of feeling lousy and marveling at the idiocy she sees around her. My best soap box is going to be in the shop for repairs at the rate I'm going. Good thing there's a spare in the closet!
* Today is Groundhog's Day and Punxatawney Phil didn't see his shadow. That means six more weeks of winter! Sigh. Many years ago, in my crazy misspent youth, a buddy and I were having a drink after work and realized that the next was February 2nd and took off for Pennsylvania for the festivities. We had fun. I miss that kind of spontaneity in my life. Today also is the anniversary of the birth of my paternal grandmother. She would have been 103 today. As it was, she lived to age 98 and we were blessed to have her so long. I miss you, Grandma!
* Recently I attended a grass roots political meeting and a woman I know vaguely asked me which political party I supported. I laughed and said, "Neither! I hate everybody!" She informed me -- obviously having no sense of humor -- rather rudely that "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." I was good. I didn't slap her although, for a split second, I thought about it. I simply ignored her -- mostly because I was on the committee sponsoring the event and to do otherwise would have been tacky. I also didn't tell her that what I do stand for is above and beyond her blindly swallowing her party's line. I stand for the Constitution of the United States of America. That gives me and all y'all the freedom and the huge responsiblity of voting for the candidate who we feel will best serve and preserve the principles of our Founding Fathers and ultimately, us. In the forty years I've been voting, it's become more and more difficult to choose such a person as the candidates from both parties seem to only have a nodding acquaintance with that fine document. I refuse to be a "one issue" voter or choose a candidate based on race, gender, or good looks (my mother has been known to do the latter).
* I saw the film "Mad Money" last weekend. I won't say it's Oscar material but it was funny and I loved seeing Diane Keaton looking great -- lined face and all. I really respect her. She is aging wonderfully and gracefully with no pretensions. I looked around me in the theater and noticed that the bulk of the audience were elders. It was the same when I saw "The Bucket List." Maybe Geezer Flicks are "in".
* This week marked the thirtieth anniversary of a pivotal event in my life. It also marked the ninth anniversary of another new beginning for me. Those will be discussed at a later date. It hit me that January isn't the best month for me. Maybe I should just pull the covers over my head on New Year's Day and not surface again until Ground Hog's Day.
* The video below is from the Hannity & Colmes Show on Fox. If ever I saw anything that speaks to why no one with a degree of sanity should vote for Hillary, this is it. Anne Coulter, who defines the term "venomous bitch" and thinks that Jews need to be "perfected", states that if John McCain is nominated, she will campaign for Hillary Clinton. Does that tell y'all anything? That anyone takes this woman seriously astounds me and tells me how miserably low our collective I.Q. has dropped. And yes, I know allegedly intelligent people who think she's great. And yes, I do agree with her that John McCain is a damned fool. If it's a Clinton vs. McCain ticket, I might just stay home in November as there's no option for voting "NO!" Where is Pat Paulsen now that we need him? (Rant mode off)
Closing on a very positive note (pun intended), tonight I'm attending our local Symphony's 70th Anniversary celebration concert. I'm quite excited as I get to,what my daughter would call, "get ragged down" and the programme is "Greatest Opera Hits." Y'all may not know it but the Kay enjoys opera immensely and this should be a treat because I'll be hearing some of my favorite arias. The downside is figuring out what I'm going to wear as glitz doesn't tend to be warm. Afterward, I'll probably join my old friends, Fred and Nancy -- two of the very nicest people I know -- for a late supper. They are pillars of the symphony and were delighted to discover I'd bought season tickets this year. It should be a fun evening.
Happy Blogging!!!!!
Kay
* Today is Groundhog's Day and Punxatawney Phil didn't see his shadow. That means six more weeks of winter! Sigh. Many years ago, in my crazy misspent youth, a buddy and I were having a drink after work and realized that the next was February 2nd and took off for Pennsylvania for the festivities. We had fun. I miss that kind of spontaneity in my life. Today also is the anniversary of the birth of my paternal grandmother. She would have been 103 today. As it was, she lived to age 98 and we were blessed to have her so long. I miss you, Grandma!
* Recently I attended a grass roots political meeting and a woman I know vaguely asked me which political party I supported. I laughed and said, "Neither! I hate everybody!" She informed me -- obviously having no sense of humor -- rather rudely that "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." I was good. I didn't slap her although, for a split second, I thought about it. I simply ignored her -- mostly because I was on the committee sponsoring the event and to do otherwise would have been tacky. I also didn't tell her that what I do stand for is above and beyond her blindly swallowing her party's line. I stand for the Constitution of the United States of America. That gives me and all y'all the freedom and the huge responsiblity of voting for the candidate who we feel will best serve and preserve the principles of our Founding Fathers and ultimately, us. In the forty years I've been voting, it's become more and more difficult to choose such a person as the candidates from both parties seem to only have a nodding acquaintance with that fine document. I refuse to be a "one issue" voter or choose a candidate based on race, gender, or good looks (my mother has been known to do the latter).
* I saw the film "Mad Money" last weekend. I won't say it's Oscar material but it was funny and I loved seeing Diane Keaton looking great -- lined face and all. I really respect her. She is aging wonderfully and gracefully with no pretensions. I looked around me in the theater and noticed that the bulk of the audience were elders. It was the same when I saw "The Bucket List." Maybe Geezer Flicks are "in".
* This week marked the thirtieth anniversary of a pivotal event in my life. It also marked the ninth anniversary of another new beginning for me. Those will be discussed at a later date. It hit me that January isn't the best month for me. Maybe I should just pull the covers over my head on New Year's Day and not surface again until Ground Hog's Day.
* The video below is from the Hannity & Colmes Show on Fox. If ever I saw anything that speaks to why no one with a degree of sanity should vote for Hillary, this is it. Anne Coulter, who defines the term "venomous bitch" and thinks that Jews need to be "perfected", states that if John McCain is nominated, she will campaign for Hillary Clinton. Does that tell y'all anything? That anyone takes this woman seriously astounds me and tells me how miserably low our collective I.Q. has dropped. And yes, I know allegedly intelligent people who think she's great. And yes, I do agree with her that John McCain is a damned fool. If it's a Clinton vs. McCain ticket, I might just stay home in November as there's no option for voting "NO!" Where is Pat Paulsen now that we need him? (Rant mode off)
Closing on a very positive note (pun intended), tonight I'm attending our local Symphony's 70th Anniversary celebration concert. I'm quite excited as I get to,what my daughter would call, "get ragged down" and the programme is "Greatest Opera Hits." Y'all may not know it but the Kay enjoys opera immensely and this should be a treat because I'll be hearing some of my favorite arias. The downside is figuring out what I'm going to wear as glitz doesn't tend to be warm. Afterward, I'll probably join my old friends, Fred and Nancy -- two of the very nicest people I know -- for a late supper. They are pillars of the symphony and were delighted to discover I'd bought season tickets this year. It should be a fun evening.
Happy Blogging!!!!!
Kay
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Random Thoughts After Christmas and an Apology
Christmas is over and I've had/have a lot to think about as 2008 approaches.
* Christmas, as it has been for quite some time, was difficult. It makes me cranky that I don't really enjoy it much anymore. However, that doesn't give me permission to take it out on y'all. I am truly sorry for my unattractive, whiny vents on Wednesday and Thursday. I try to hold myself to a higher standard than that. Thanks to my good buddy Xtreme English for her no-holds-barred reality check! And thanks to all y'all for your support.
* Christmas Day was nice. Volunteering was, as always, gratifying and it's always a pleasure seeing how many are willing to come out on the holiest day of the year to help those less fortunate. A few of my cronies came by for Kay's Killer Eggnog and snacks and general insanity. Godaughter Emily and little Matt, age two, were here to deliver and collect gifts. He liked his toys but as usual he played with my chess set mostly. We all are wondering if we have a prodigy on our hands. I think it means that Auntie Kay had best dust off her rusty chess skills so in another years or so she can teach him to play.
* My son still hasn't returned my call. I am not going to call him. What I am going to do is do some heavy thinking about who I want to handle my affairs when I can't any longer. I had thought my children would be best for that but re-thinking is in order. People who won't return calls are not good candidates to count on for assistance whether I'm dead or alive. I have a smallish life insurance policy that is (hopefully) enough to cover a small, not too fancy funeral. Currently my son is the beneficiary and has instructions but I'm going to change that. Can you blame me?
* I actually had a date of sorts last night. A gentleman, who I went out once or twice with before The Man intervened, called and asked me out. I agreed to meet him for a drink. He is nice enough but boring which I had forgotten. It hit me that I was in one of last places I wanted to be so I made my excuses and took myself out for a steak dinner at the pub that is our local answer to Cheers and hung out with old friends -- infinitely more interesting and more fun. Hanging out with friends beats the hell out of dating I've decided -- it lasts longer and is simpler than dating.
* I gave up New Year's resolutions years ago but this year I feel compelled to make some. After a less than stellar year in most ways, I think I have to take a step back and decide how I'm going to spend the rest of my life -- however long it lasts. I'm working on the list.
* Are y'all like me? Do you get ideas for blogs and not write them down and then kick yourself 'cause you can't remember what you wanted to write about? I am implementing a new practice. If I get an idea while I'm doing something else around here, I pull up my dashboard for a new post, add a sentence or link about it and save it as a draft. I think it will help a lot.
* The queue for The Friday Groaner is nearly empty. Contributions are required if y'all want to continue the insanity.
* Tomorrow's blog will have a suggestion on how to zap our Congress Critters re: the Thought Crimes Bill (HR:1955 and S.1959) and I hope y'all will join me in my effort. It's just an idea I had that might bring a bit more attention to it.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!
Kay
* Christmas, as it has been for quite some time, was difficult. It makes me cranky that I don't really enjoy it much anymore. However, that doesn't give me permission to take it out on y'all. I am truly sorry for my unattractive, whiny vents on Wednesday and Thursday. I try to hold myself to a higher standard than that. Thanks to my good buddy Xtreme English for her no-holds-barred reality check! And thanks to all y'all for your support.
* Christmas Day was nice. Volunteering was, as always, gratifying and it's always a pleasure seeing how many are willing to come out on the holiest day of the year to help those less fortunate. A few of my cronies came by for Kay's Killer Eggnog and snacks and general insanity. Godaughter Emily and little Matt, age two, were here to deliver and collect gifts. He liked his toys but as usual he played with my chess set mostly. We all are wondering if we have a prodigy on our hands. I think it means that Auntie Kay had best dust off her rusty chess skills so in another years or so she can teach him to play.
* My son still hasn't returned my call. I am not going to call him. What I am going to do is do some heavy thinking about who I want to handle my affairs when I can't any longer. I had thought my children would be best for that but re-thinking is in order. People who won't return calls are not good candidates to count on for assistance whether I'm dead or alive. I have a smallish life insurance policy that is (hopefully) enough to cover a small, not too fancy funeral. Currently my son is the beneficiary and has instructions but I'm going to change that. Can you blame me?
* I actually had a date of sorts last night. A gentleman, who I went out once or twice with before The Man intervened, called and asked me out. I agreed to meet him for a drink. He is nice enough but boring which I had forgotten. It hit me that I was in one of last places I wanted to be so I made my excuses and took myself out for a steak dinner at the pub that is our local answer to Cheers and hung out with old friends -- infinitely more interesting and more fun. Hanging out with friends beats the hell out of dating I've decided -- it lasts longer and is simpler than dating.
* I gave up New Year's resolutions years ago but this year I feel compelled to make some. After a less than stellar year in most ways, I think I have to take a step back and decide how I'm going to spend the rest of my life -- however long it lasts. I'm working on the list.
* Are y'all like me? Do you get ideas for blogs and not write them down and then kick yourself 'cause you can't remember what you wanted to write about? I am implementing a new practice. If I get an idea while I'm doing something else around here, I pull up my dashboard for a new post, add a sentence or link about it and save it as a draft. I think it will help a lot.
* The queue for The Friday Groaner is nearly empty. Contributions are required if y'all want to continue the insanity.
* Tomorrow's blog will have a suggestion on how to zap our Congress Critters re: the Thought Crimes Bill (HR:1955 and S.1959) and I hope y'all will join me in my effort. It's just an idea I had that might bring a bit more attention to it.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!
Kay
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Family and Politics
This morning I called my son. It's his birthday today. It's hard to believe that he's thirty-three already. It seems like just yesterday that I was that he was still my little boy. I teased him that he's getting old and I'm not. He was not amused. Our relationship has been a bit strained since the divorce (gross understatement) and we had a pretty good conversation for a change. Maybe he's mellowing.
He let my darling Drake and Connor talk to me. Drake is five now and is quite the delightful little conversationalist -- just like his daddy was at that age. He told me all about how he loves kindergarten. Connor is three and he thought he was talking to Grandma Carol instead of Grandma Kay until I explained. He is quieter than Drake and never has much to say. They remind me of my son and daughter who look like my ex's family with my coloring. Drake looks and sounds exactly like his daddy -- we joke that he's daddy's clone. Connor looks like my Kate and, like her, is his own little person. I told Eric his work is cut out for him!
My children grew up in a home where politics were discussed openly and freely. They knew that their dad and I never failed to vote and we stressed its importance. They also knew that we weren't afraid to stand up and be counted on issues. I remember having interesting, intelligent conversations on politics and government as they explored their beliefs in high school. Their dad and I are mostly independent -- we don't believe that either party has all the right answers. My son is pretty much a die hard Democrat and my daughter calls herself a Republican but not a conservative but both are interested in what our government is doing.
We talked a bit about the upcoming presidential election -- both of us are unhappy with most of those running -- and I mentioned the Thought Crimes bill. Not surprisingly, he hadn't heard about it given that the media is ignoring it and I told him about it and the Senate Bill number (S.1959) and asked him if he remembered the book 1984. He answered, "Of course -- you know I read it and I still have a copy of it." I told him that Orwell just had the year wrong. He said, "Oh hell, Mom, the House will never pass that!" When I told him that they already had -- resoundingly, he grew quiet but I think he'll be checking it out and will as appalled as I am. I'll be interested to see what he says.
I asked him to email me a list of some things the boys are wishing for from Santa so granny can choose well and I'm going to send him some links on the bill. I'll be interested in seeing what he thinks.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!
Kay
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