I'm still waiting.  And I am not doing it gracefully.

 Did I offend the mailman?  Is he holding my much anticipated package hostage?

My townsend #8 cutterhead isn't here yet.

Every day at lunch time I stalk the mailbox.  My little face pressed against the peep-hole in the door.  And yet every day all he friggin brings me are bills!  

How rude!

So for now, all I can do is continue........

The Bodyguard and the Hitman

Remember this movie? However the rest of this post is not fiction. 
Several years ago I went on a business trip to the Philippines.  It was part of a International Development Program we were involved in and I was lucky enough to spend 3 1/2 weeks there.   While it is an absolutely beautiful country with wonderful people, there is an element of danger.  There are parts of the country that have alot of rebel activity etc. 

As part of the agreement, we were provided with 24/7 bodyguards in the form of Philippine National Police Officers.  Myself and another co-worker were provided with 3 (heavily armed) guards and they stuck to us like glue.  Perhaps I was a bit naive, but I believed it when they told me that this was just a formality and wasn't really necessary.  It wasn't until well into the trip that I began to suspect that these guys were probably a major blessing.

One morning I woke up early and discovered an old mattress outside my door.  Apparently they slept outside our doors each night and removed the "evidence" before I got up.  I asked about it later that day and they didn't want me to know because I might worry.  (Duh!)  They were very handy in the form of pest control however.  Me, being a girly girl, was fairly traumatized by the lizards.  These were not the cute little geckos we are familiar with - there were some big-ass lizards around. 

My primary guard was Johnny and he was so sweet and good to me.  To the point of checking the public bathroom stalls for lizards.  (Yes - this was often necessary)    One particularly funny incident happened one evening as he walked me to my hotel room.  I closed the door, put down my purse, looked up and there it was ........ a giant lizard on the wall just inches away from my head.  (OK maybe not exactly giant - but still a lizard!)  Without thinking I let out a huge scream.   The next thing I know, my door is swinging open and Johnny is flying in with his hand on his gun!!!!   All I can do is tremble and point to the wall..... Here he thinks I am being murdered and all he sees is a lizard - which is as common to him as house flies to us.  He did kill it and then he mocked me mercilessly.  And of course the story spread to the other bodyguards.

While the country and people were generally wonderful, it is still a much different society and system than we are accustomed to.  Corruption and violence are sadly a common occurrence.  Today we received a news report from one of our contacts that on Sunday Johnny was the target of a Rebel Army hitman.  While attending an outdoor event he was shot and killed. 

It is one thing to read or watch news reports of this type of thing, but it is quite disturbing to actually know someone that is involved.   While we often complain about our governments and policies, we truly do not know how lucky we are to live where we do.

A Quiet Sunday

Not much exciting to blog about today.  We just finished a big Sunday supper.  I put a prime rib roast in the oven this morning.  I like to cook it really slow - about 6 hours at 200 degrees.  It makes it so tender.  Plus garlic mashed potatoes, carrots, turnip chunks glazed in brown sugar, yorkshire pudding (love these) and coconut cream pie for dessert.  

Now we are all just stuffed lumps in the living room.  Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I might be able to get the color stripe border finished on the rug tonight.  All that will be left then will be about 2 rows of hooking around the outer edge.  I'm waiting for my new #8 cutterhead to arrive to cut the wool for that.  It was shipped about a week and a half ago so it should arrive soon (I hope).  However, I always under-estimate the amount of time it takes me to hook so my completion time might be off by a day or two.  I can't hook tomorrow as it is my long, long day at work.

I didn't hand-make any Christmas gifts this year.  I usually do some but it seems like it was just Labor Day and now its almost Christmas.  Maybe if I want to make homemade gifts for next year I should start now!   However, I do want to try to make something small for my friend Carrie's Mom.  I am thinking maybe a small hooked pillow 12x12.   I have a couple of ideas but we will have to see how the time goes. 

Have a great week.

Holiday Shopping Fun?

Last night and this morning I couldn't think of what I was going to ramble on about today.  And then I went out shopping and the content of this post became clear!

My first stop was pleasant.  One of our churches was having a "Bethlehem Market" this morning.  Its a Rummage/Bake Sale and all the vendors (the church ladies) dress in Shepherds clothes.  I'm not a "rummage sale" kind of gal but I did very well scooping up goodies at the baking and candy tables!

Next stop was to head for the Mall.  On my way there I got to a set of traffic lights - I had a green light but luckily I was paying attention because some idiot just flew through the red light!  Didn't even blink..... It made me wonder - how can you drive with your head up your arse butt?

Next bundle of fun.....the Mall Parking Lot.  Seriously, they should have someone at the entrance handing out blood pressure pills before you are allowed to enter the parking lot.  Oh my nerves.  The cars are going every which way, nobody will give anyone a break to turn in, and if a parking space does open up - its like a stock car derby.  Its a free for all.   And then, if by some chance, a car does stop and left you through - sure enough a bunch of pedestrians will step out in front of you!  Arrrgh.....

The final insult......department stores that are full of shoppers with only 2 checkouts open.  In my line the old couple in front of me were quaint (NOT).  You could hear him yapping all over the store and his wife resembled Loretta Lynn circa 1970.  Big ass beehive hair-do etc.  The line is getting longer and then the girl finishes ringing in their order and he asks how much were the batteries.  The cashier checked the receipt $6.   OMG......He got all excited and yelling that they were on sale for $5.  He is insistent and loud and the rest of us are stuck waiting.  I heard the woman behind me tell her husband to give the guy $1 so we could get out of there.  I may have snorted out loud.  He is not leaving until she gives him the sale price.

So we wait for someone to confirm the price.  And he is still yapping.  Eventually the supervisor comes and tells him its the Energizer batteries on sale NOT Duracell.   Sooooooo, after all that fuss over $1 and making everyone wait - he decides to take them anyway for the $6.................... He is just lucky I didn't find a "special" place to put his batteries!!

Isn't shopping during the holidays fun??    I'm still plugging away on the Angel rug border and am patiently (not) waiting for my new cutterheads to arrive.  It seems like it is taking forever to get here.
Maybe Santa will bring me patience this year.....(not likely)

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American Blog Buddies

I hope you all wear your elastic waistband pants today!



Blame it on the moon

There is alot to be said about the old wives tale that people get a little "strange" during the full moon.   I know that Mom does get more restless and ornery during the days surrounding the full moon. 

And anyone who works directly with the public will probably agree that "customer service" can be an extra challenge at that time.  Much of my work week has been consumed with "Full Moon" issues.  Arrgh!!

I probably shouldn't confess all my stupid moments to you all but here is another doozy.  Tonight Millie had an appointment at the Beauty Parlour.  I scooped her up on my way home from work and dropped her off at the groomers.  She is usually there about an hour so I left her and went home to grab some supper.  As soon as I walked in the door at home I started looking around the house.  Auntie says "What are you doing?"    Me- "I can't find the dog".   She looked at me - like I was an alien and said "Uhmmmm, you just left her at the groomers!"    OMG - Duh.....Blame it on the full moon.  

Here she is - all prettied up after her appointment.  Now that the snow (white crap) has arrived I dug out one of her little winter coats.  Isn't she sweet??   

Its almost DWTS finale so I have to get settled in.

I hate it when this happens

  Oh how I hate it when this happens.   Today I had a list (in my head) of things I needed to pick up at Walmart.  I grabbed the cart and headed for my first destination - a cheapy rug for the porch.  The tiles get very slippery with the snow tracked in from outside and I don't need anybody falling.  Plus it keeps Millie's little toesie's from freezing in the winter.

Anyway, I head down this aisle and I hear someone coming behind me talking.  I keep walking.  Then I hear "Kim, is that you?"   So I turn around and this woman is talking away "Oh I thought it was you, how are you, blah blah blah......"   

Oh Crap - I have absolutely no idea who this is.  She is calling me by name and yapping away and I am at a total loss.  Could she have mistaken me for another Kim??  So I am standing there with a phony smile on my face, plus a combination of confusion, embarrassment, and just plain old HUH??   My little brain is spinning ---- THINK YOU MORON......who the heck is this??

After what felt like an eternity but was probably only a minute she caught on to the look on my face.  She says "Its Helen".   OMG  its Helen!  We went to the same university (25 years ago) and she married a friend of mine.  His parents still live here and she and Steve used to visit us occasionally, but not for several years.   Last time I saw her she had long hair and now it was short short.  Thank God because that was the excuse I used for not recognizing her! 

Has this ever happened to you??  It is so embarrassing.   So after all that I was so kerfuffled I bought the wrong size rug PLUS I couldn't remember any of the other things I needed.  I came home with the wrong rug and toilet paper - thats all.    Duh!

But I did get a tiny bit of hooking done.  If I don't get going I will still be finishing this Angel next Christmas!  Remember, I wasn't happy with the border colors?  So the first colors are on the right and the new colors (more mottled) are on the left.

 I like it better, but I'm still not thrilled.  However at this point I'm just going to finish it and learn to like it.  Once I start fussing around with the colors I start to get frustrated and lose interest in the rug.  I'm very close to that point.

Hope you all had a great weekend.

I might have caught it

The Christmas Spirit.  The day didn't start with much spirit but I seem to have quickly caught up.

When I got up this morning I had a sore hip.  I think it is a bit of sciatica acting up.  I'm hoping that maybe it just the way I slept last night and it goes away.    And of course Auntie demanded decided that 2 rooms of curtains HAD to be washed and re-hung today.  I knew if I didn't do it then 1) I would have to listen to her all day or 2) she would climb up and try to do it herself.  And an 80 year old woman climbing up walls and ladders is just a broken hip waiting to happen.   So its done and she is so happy I guess it was worth it.

But as soon as I finished I raced out to do a little shopping (before she thought of more chores for me).   And I actually found a good number of Christmas presents.  It felt good to get a little progress  made.  I was starting to feel the pressure of being behind schedule. 

Tonight was our Santa Claus Parade.  It was cold and we had a little snow falling so we decided not to go.  Mom and Auntie couldn't stand outside for that long in the cool damp weather.  But then, just as we finished supper the phone rang and it was Harolds wife.  Their house is right along the parade route and she invited me over.  I thought maybe she was feeling sad, because he loved Christmas so much and they always had a bunch over to watch the parade each year.  So I went over and lots of other friends were there too.   I guess we all had the same idea.  We broke out the hot chocolate and Baileys, bundled up and watched the parade.  I think my first mug was more Baileys than hot chocolate!  Gotta love the way Sandy mixes a drink!!  LOL

It was a good day.   Except I haven't hooked any all weekend. 

Laughing again

OK There is nothing better to perk up your spirits and put a smile on your face like a

ridiculous old man who thinks he's a "Player." 

I just got back from the grocery store.  I'm walking down an aisle and this is (almost) what I see coming towards me.   It is a father of a guy I went to elementary school with!!   I heard a few months ago that his wife put him out and a co-worker told me he was trolling the internet dating world.  In fact, once he left a voice mail on her phone and almost ordered her to call him back at precisely 7:30pm.

I'm guess you can figure out that she didn't call him back, but she did play me the message and we laughed like fools.

He's got a fedora hat on and he is walking along like he thinks he is God's Gift to Women.

So as he gets up to me he says.....

"How you doing..."  and THEN he winks at me.

OMG, OMG   Seriously, I threw up a little in my mouth!!! 

But the crazy old fool did make me laugh.  I'm still laughing.  YUCK

Many, many thanks again for the comments on my previous post.  It helped.  Today was a better day.

And for those of you who think the Christmas season starts too early.....our town's Santa Parade is tomorrow!  LOL

Trying

Some days are more trying than others.  Today was nothing special or out of the ordinary for me, but it seemed to be exceptionaly trying.  Perhaps it was the headache or the tiredness.  Not even the result of poor sleep - just tired all around - physically and emotionally.

I try not to dwell on things.  I have made a conscious decision to put my family first.  And at times I feel like I am required to make excuses for my choices - even to my friends.  My decision to care for my family is one I will not apologize for or justify.  I could make it go away with one phone call, but that is not me.

I cannot be the same person everyday.  I do not always have enough left to be happy, perky, funny, helpful or even compassionate everyday.  For those who choose to judge me on that merit - too bad.  

None of my friends or co-workers know the whole story of each day.  There are very few who I choose to share little bits with.   I figure that unless you come here and live it for awhile - do not judge me.

I find it odd that if you are caring for a sick or disabled child it is more readily accepted but it you choose to do it for a senior citizen it's questioned or judged. 

Some days this makes me bitter.  This will pass, I know.  Today I just felt the need to vent and get this off my chest.     I apologize for the depressing post.  Maybe I should have stayed off the computer tonight. But I think I feel better just putting it out there.    I will be better tomorrow.

Some ups and downs

Today was full of ups and downs.  I suppose if you were a "glass half full" kind of person, that would mean Balance.

On the "up" side, last nights episode of DWTS was great.  Brandy got the boot and sent home.  (OK, I admit I cheered a teeny little bit) So next week will be the finals and for the first time I really don't care which of the final 3 win.  I like all of them.

Remember to vote on my little poll up in the corner.  

Jennifer was my preference but Kyle and Bristol have won me over with their attitudes.    The only question left is - What will I do on Monday nights now?   More hooking time I guess.

Speaking of hooking, I did get to Corinnes for more wool.  I managed to "trade" some so that was a bonus.  Here is what I picked

To be honest, I haven't looked at the colors next to my rug yet.  But maybe tomorrow night I'll cut up a small amount and hook another section of border for comparison. 

The last "Up" part of the week was getting a secret tip from a dear blogger buddy.  She pointed me in the direction of a new original townsend cutterhead size 8.   It is on its way to me!  WooHooooooo!

This is the "down" part........ another trip to the Orthodontist today.  When I left they handed me a fistful of Advil with a warning that I would probably ache for a few days.  

They were not wrong.  I know its just temporary but it is making me a little crabby.  Plus that means about 2 days of eating mush.   Maybe my new cutterhead will ease the pain! 

Double Trouble

Same name confusion strikes again!  There is another lady in town with the same name as my Mom.  They have known each other forever and many years ago they both volunteered on alot of the same committees.

There was always some funny mix up over the years and they always teased each other about it.  In fact many people who worked with them created special nick-names for them  - Salt and Pepper.  My mom was Salt.  (Obviously both ladies had a good sense of humor and this was long before political correctness became so rampant.)

Mom has been receiving respite home-care for about 2 years now and recently this other lady must have started also.  We have had 3 instances in the past 2 weeks when a home care worker has arrived here and been at the wrong house.   The workers are used to coming here for Mom so when they see the name on their schedule, they don't think to check the address.  This evening 2 workers walked in after supper.  I looked confused and didn't catch on right away.  They said they were going to get Mom ready for bed???  Yup - they were supposed to be at the other ladies house.  

Oh, and I just came back from Corinne's house.  After reading my last post about the wool, she suggested I TRADE the wool!   Great idea, right??   Except I already cut up half of it!!!   But I did trade the un-cut halves of pieces.  So it wasn't a total loss.   I'm sure I will find a use for those worms.  Hahaha

I don't have time to check to see if I like the new colors tonight.  Dancing with the Stars semi-final starts tonight!   That requires my full attention.   Go Jennifer!!

Weekend Update

Another weekend has come and gone.  It seems like Mondays roll around quicker each week.  I did get out alone Saturday morning to start Christmas shopping.  I didn't get much done but at least its a start.  Mostly what I bought were things that are not available in my town.  Typically I do try to shop at home whenever possible.

I needed coffee for my Keurig machine, and I stock up whenver I get to Moncton.  I spent a lot of time in Chapters.  I can browse bookstores forever.  Left with a few Christmas gifts.  Auntie has been wanting a Paula Dean cookbook and I found one.  Its kind of a win-win gift because I am a cookbook nut too. 

I got a ton of hooking done too.  I finished the angels dress and the background and just barely started the border.  And guess what.........I am not loving the border colors.  I will have to change them.  The colors are pretty but are not giving me the look I want.  I guess another trip to Momz Wool shop is in order.  I will need to pick shades/tones a little darker and duller.    Darn it all - I will have to buy more wool!   So apparently every rain cloud does have a silver lining!  hahaha

After I pick the new colors I will post a before and after picture and see if you all agree with me. 

I hope your weekend was relaxing.

I plead temporary insanity

I'm not sure what happened but at some point today I must have temporarily lost my mind.  It all started out so innocently.  Mom had to have some blood work done at the hospital, so since I was off work to day I decided to take her myself and spare Auntie from trying to take her next week.

Plus, it has been awhile since Mom has had her blood taken and where she  has deteriorated mentally quite a bit, I was very concerned that she might freak out with the needle and dear Auntie isn't as good at controlling her as I am.

So we got up early and headed to the hospital.  Luckily we had a lovely technican.  She was so kind and patient.  It did take awhile and she did fuss a bit but overall Mom did pretty well.   One of the things they were testing for required that Mom not take her anti-seizure medication this morning.  She is very regulated and I was very anxious that she take it as soon as possible.  I had brought it with me and as soon as we were done with the needles I took Mom to the coffee shop in the hospital so we could get a drink for taking the pill.

I was looking at the cooler trying to find a small container of milk, plus trying to hold onto Mom who was doing her best to escape.  The lady working knew Mom but hasn't seen her since she declined.  Once I explained my problem she grabbed a small glass behind the  counter and filled it with milk.  And then she refused to take any money for it!   Its so strange - but when people do any small act of kindness towards Mom - I get all teary.  It was just a half glass of milk, but at that stressful moment it was such a kind gesture that it touched me.

This is about the time I went temporarily insane!  We went home and I suggested that we all jump in the car, drive to Moncton (45 mins away) for lunch and then start a little of our Christmas shopping. 
WHAT THE HECK WAS I THINKING???

After we started out I begn to have flashbacks from the last time we tried this.  I vaguely recall vowing never to do it again.   Yup, temporary insanity for sure!  It is impossible to shop with Mom, especially now that the stores in Moncton are extremely busy.  Someone has to physically hold on to her or she is gone.  She can move quickly if you turn your back. And even when you hold her arm, she pulls and pulls.  After 2 stores, Auntie looked at me and said "Lets pull the plug".

I'm going to go back tomorrow alone and get a little done and then some day in a few weeks I will arrange for a respite worker to stay with Mom and Auntie and I will try again - alone. 

Time to hook.   Later! 

Don't shop hungry

I'm sure you have all heard this expression "Don't shop while hungry" and maybe even experienced it.  Its so true.   Another take on that theory is "Don't go looking at wool on payday." 

Last night I stopped at Corinnes (Momz Wool)  to pick up a piece of wool.  AND came home with 5 pieces of wool.  Yes, I have a problem!  But at least I have everything I need for a weekend of hooking.
These colors are intended to form the  border of this rug.

Not only am I a wool addict.  I am also a Christmas music addict.  I figure after November 11, its fair game for Christmas.  The ipod will go all holiday tunes tomorrow.  Faa laa laa laa laa........

And here is my Christmas cactus blooming.   We almost lost this plant so I am pleased it is coming back.  It was much larger but I waited too long to re-pot it and a couple of large chunks fell off.  (I don't have a very green thumb)

Dry pavement and reliable internet - at last

What a week.  First and most excitedly - I saw "dry pavement" today for the first time since last Friday!  It may not sound like much but we have been getting awfully soggy here on the east coast.  And the forecast is saying 5 straight days of sunshine ahead!!!!  Yippee.

Last Friday the weather was at its wildest and our phone and internet have not worked properly since.  The phone was full of static and would sometimes just disconnect calls.  And the internet has been on and off.  It almost seemed like it depended on which way the wind was blowing.  The repair guy finally arrived today.  The storm damaged the wires connected to the house and also the utility pole across the street.   It was driving me crazy without internet on-demand.   Apparently it DID matter which way the wind was blowing the loose connection.  We had a good laugh over that one.

I did enjoy my little wino night Monday.  I have to say, The Big Bang Theory is even funnier after 2 glasses of wine.  I love that show.   I think its good for the head to watch some mindless comedies and just laugh.

I am now officially on a little mini vacation as I have taken Friday off, so I'm free until Monday.

I hope everyone takes some time tomorrow to stop and remember our veterans and service men and women.

My day

This is how my day at work has gone....totally in

the crapper

This is how I plan to end the day....

Nuff said.....

Two by two

And the rain just keeps on falling.  I'm sorry for those of you who really need it however we have had plenty for days, and the forecast shows so sign of it ending for at least 3 more days.

I swear, if I look out the window and see animals walking by in pairs ---- I'm outta here!!!

I have been chilled since Friday.  The dampness just goes right through the bones.  Today I put a soup on.  Its an old favorite of my Grandmother.  She called it "bean soup".  Its not quite a soup and not quite a stew - something in the middle.   Beef stewing cubes, potatoes, turnip, carrots, and yellow eyed beans.  Perfect for a damp dreary day.  We are all still hanging on to the congestion and coughs from that cold so i seemed like a good idea.

Even poor little Millie is sick.  She threw up on her blankets Friday afternoon but I attributed it to the weather.  The wind was howling and she was kind of jumpy.  But she has done it 2 more times, yesterday and this morning.  All her many many blankies are in the wash now.   She either caught it from us or from Weaverpats cat Deiter!!  (Well, she was on my lap while I was reading Pats blog)  LOL  Hopefully they will both be on the mend soon.  Millie is quite the little drama queen when she is sick.

A little more progress on the Angel rug, but no point in showing it again yet.  Just filling in the dress and working a bit of the background in.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

Wet and wild

Yesterdays weather was crazy.  High winds and torrential rain.  The weather girl on the news last night reported that we had more rain fall in 1 day than in a typical month!  And the drive to work in the morning was treacherous to say the least.  Almost like an obstacle course.  It was compost bin pick up day so the empty carts were all lined up curbside and of course they are on wheels.  The wind was just whipping them around.  I had 2 fly out in front of me, plus all the wet leaves down on the roads were so slippery.  Then there was the odd branch or tree limb soaring through the air.  Definately kept me on my toes.

Then it was off to the Doctors office to get some of my test results.  Thyroid, sugars, blood pressure, cholestrol etc.........Perfect!  Not too shabby for a middle aged gal who doesn't exercise and eats cookies and junk food!!!

We had scattered power outages and phone service interruption.  So no internet until this morning!  What a long evening not being able to stalk all your blogs.

Gotta run to the grocery store and stop at a local Christmas Craft Show this afternoon.  

Take whatever you can get

A compliment is a compliment.  Somedays you just have to take what you can get! 

Today I had another test at the hospital. About 10 years ago I had a hemi-thyroidectomy and I am supposed to have it checked frequently.  I was well overdue for an ultrasound so today was the day.  I was a little nervous.

However, I had to laugh out loud when the technician announced that I had the "prettiest half thyroid she'd seen in a long time"!   Look Ladies - a compliment is a compliment, Right! 

A few more tests upcoming in the next few weeks and them hopefully that's it for another year.

Today I managed to get back to work.  I guess I was a little premature in saying Saturday night that I was feeling better, because Sunday and Monday I sick as a dog again.  However I woke up this morning and got the day in.   You know I was really sick because I didn't even hook all weekend.  Just layed around and moaned!

I need to have a small Dancing with the Stars rant.    Last night Taylor Swift performed.  Now I don't mind listening to her, but she always stands like she just got off a horse!!!

OK,  maybe she wouldn't need to write so many break-up songs if she learned to close her legs.........I'm just saying!   LOL And Rod Stewart performed as well - Yeah, he's still got it!!

My final thoughts.........Brandi has GOT to GO.  She is no actress - her fake looking making herself cry shtick is getting soooooo old.    Blahhhhhh

Tonight I'm back to the Angel rug.  I'm kind of regretting starting a larger project.  I really enjoyed the smaller ones but I'll get this one done and them try a few more little guys.   I'm anxiously awaiting the Townsend cutter replacements as I want to try some larger cuts.