Hi all,

Can't tell you how many times I have sat down to post only to be pulled away on someone else's whim or schedule. I will be glad to have some peace and quiet. 2 more weeks.

Went to church for afternoon services and then stopped at the store for something for Mom and then picked up some Chinese food. Mom is driving me bonkers. She does not listen. She wanted a certain type of personal care item. We have searched all stores. I finally found her EXACTLY what she wanted and no, she has to search all the products. Complains about them all, except for the package I am holding in my hand (that she is ignoring) which is exactly what she wants. Then we got Chinese food - chicken was tough, not enough sauce, pineapple is not fresh enough *bonk, bonk, bonk*. Went to the casino last night - took her 10 minutes of roaming to find a machine, sat her down, showed her what 2 buttons to hit. Only those buttons. Walked away and went to check on her 2 minutes later she was gone. Found her roaming around, got her settled again. 10 minutes later she finds me, she totally ignored what I said to her and decided to mess with the buttons so instead of playing 25 or 10 cents - she made a 5 dollar bet and of course lost it. And she ADMITTED I told her not to do that but she did it anyway. So she got to play, DH made some money and I spent most of my time traipsing after her. She said she wanted to go home and eat her ice cream. Oh Lord Mel, I certainly feel for you and all you put up with those seniors.

I think I am suffering from no alone time. It's been constantly someone here talking to me and the only time I get to myself is on the toilet or unconscious when I sleep. And I need a bit of alone time.

Baby deer showed up, so did the baby turkeys. But the rotten gang of 5 male turkeys were bothering the turkey Momma so she only made one appearance.

Ooops - looks like thunderstorms are headed our way, I have to go take in the patio cushions - be right back.

Oh dear, Happy and I are having similar troubles.

MORNING GIRLS.
ANOTHER QUIET NIGHT. I COULD HARDLY BELIEVE IT.
BUT THE ONES THAT PULL THE ALARM THE MOST ARE ALREADY IN THE HOSPITAL!!!
LOOKS LIKE ANOTHER RAINY WEEK COMING UP.
THE TEMPS ARE TOO HIGH FOR MOST OF US.
I SEE A LOT OF THE PEOPLE STAYING INDOORS.
ONLY ABOUT 3-4 OF THEM ARE GOING OUT EVERY DAY TO SIT.
JEN SAID THEY HAD A GREAT CHINESE FOOD 4TH.
I AM SO GLAD THEY LEFT HERE.
SHE SAID IT WAS COOLER THERE. LESS HUMNID.
BUT SHE SAYS SHE'LL BE GLAD TO COME BACK WHEN THE DD IS GONE.
HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT DAY.






ANNIE.....SEEMS TO BE RAINING IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES.
WISH WE COULD SEND ALL OURS TO ARIZONA.
HOPE YOU GET TO SEE THE SUN SOON.
I BETTER NOT STICK MY TOES OUT IN THE RAIN!
I MIGHT LOSE THEM!!





SHAD...HERE I THOUGHT YOU WERE HAVING A GOOD TIME.
WORDS ARE FAILING ME RIGHT NOW. BUT I AM CRACKING UP. SORRY.
WE SHOULD HAVE EXPECTED THIS
OMG....I CANNOT BELIEVE IT.
I THOUGHT FOR SURE SHE WOULD KEEP HERSELF CONTAINED!!
HAVE A PIECE OF CAKE FOR ME....BUT NOT THE PART WITH THE BOOTS!




CEEJAY....WELL YOU CERTAINLY GOT A LOT DONE.
YOU CAN BE A LANDSCAPER WHEN YOU RETIRE!
SO WILL YOU BE SPENDING LABOR DAY IN MO?? NICE!



HAPPY......OMG!! I AM CRACKING UP OVER HERE AGAIN.
SO NICE TO HAVE SOMEONE UNDERSTAND WHAT IT'S LIKE WITH THE SENIORS
THE LAST PLACE I WOULD GO WITH THEM IS A CASINO!! LOL
CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MANY CAN GET LOST.
AND WHEN IT'S DEPARTURE TIME FOR THE BUS....THEY GET LEFT BEHIND!! ROFLMAO
THEN THE TOWN HAS TO GO AND GET THEM.
IT'S HAPPENED A FEW TIMES.
ONE RICHER SENIOR HIRED A CAR TO BRING HER HOME!!
HOPE YOU MAKE IT THRU THE NEXT 2 WEEKS!
STAY STRONG MY FRIEND
YOU AND SHAD CAN COMMISERATE ON THE PHONE!!!

Mel
Glad you have had a good week end so far. Maybe the rain will keep the seniors calm this week.

Happy
Oh my, Sounds like you have your hands full.

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Back to work for me this morning. Didn't want to come in. I'm still tired from yesterday but got to look out over the yard this morning and it looks good. Still need to weed eat but I'll do that next week.

Morning all,

I was wondering what happened to my follow up post last night but then I remembered - I responded to personals and then hit enter and it came back with no page found. We have been losing our internet service quite a bit lately just another flavor of how the heavens are conspiring against me posting here.

I hope that no one thinks ill of me for my rantings about Mom. I love her dearly but 7 x 24 for a month straight is making me nuts. It would not be so bad if she would just listen instead of forging on. She takes her seatbelt off as we are driving down my road - if I should have to brake suddenly if a deer pops out of the brush she'd be in trouble, she has also opened the car door before I shut off the car - good thing I didn't pull up a bit more or she would have gotten whacked hard with the door - when I brought it up she said "ok, I consider myself PROPERLY CHASTISED". The safety issues just blow past her She is sitting quietly now watching the Sunday Church Mass on TV - I am asking God to give me more patience as I hear it in the background

Mel - glad you got a good night's rest. You are surely getting lots of wetness along with Annie. We got a dribbling of rain but really need more as the grass is so dry. I laughed at your casino story - one lady told me her Mom just up and boarded a bus one day - and they came by car with her She was panicked when she could not find her Mom, her Mom was confused because the bus took her to a different town than where they lived and she wasn't sure where SHE actually lived Another lady I was talking to Friday said her mom was fond of a casino slot machine named Zeus's Treasures except her mom read Zeus as Jesus so each time she would pull the handle she would say "Come on Jesus, pay me a big one!!!" One of the young girls I know was thinking of volunteering at the senior homes as she loved older people but then when she saw some of the reality of the sweet old ladies, she changed her mind. I'm sorry but I also laughed out loud regarding your comment about how it was a quiet night because most of the people who pulled the alarms were already out of the building Have a quiet day - get some sun if it peeks through the clouds.

Shad - sounds like your house is topsy turvy. I can't think of a combination that would be MORE INTENSE than part Italian part Greek. You poor thing - how did the party and the cake which baby probably could not have cared less about - turn out?? I hope the rest of the visit is less dramatic.

Michelle - sounds like you are having a GREAT weekend. You are the official fun queen!

Ceejay - you are vying with Annie for the best lawn in town. You sure were busy outside - bet you slept well. Isn't it nice to look around and see everything nice and manicured?

Annie - thank you so much for the magazines. I can't wait to make a cup of tea and pour over them Sorry the rain is interfering with your gardening work - you sure are getting more than your share of rain.

Laura - hope you are enjoying and extended birthday weekend and a fun and productive week off.

Ok, mass is ending, Mom's ready to talk again and the timer went off on my dog biscuits so I have to turn them over and put them in for another hour to dry out. Have a good Sunday all.

Happy Sunday ladies!

Yesterday was a lot of fun. First I dropped Santa off at day care so that he could have a fun day also. Then I went and had coffee with a dear friend who I haven't seen in roughly 15 years. He recently had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in his leg. The doctor is sure he removed all the cancer, but my friend will be undergoing radiation in a few weeks. He's very upbeat and optimistic about his prognosis. He mentioned that a couple of mutual friends are coming over for dinner and cards today and he invited me to join them. Should be a great time. Anyway, after coffee with my friend yesterday, I went to a workshop on self-esteem and self-acceptance for people who have been through difficult times. It was even better than I could've imagined. After that, my step-brother and I were going to see "World War Z", as I have been wanting to see that for weeks. But I got the showtimes wrong, so we ended up seeing The Lone Ranger with Johnny Depp instead...which we both also wanted to see. It was an excellent film. Lots of exciting action, great humor and Johnny Depp was, as usual, incredible!!

This morning, Santa and I went to the dog park, and tonight is the dinner and cards get together with my friends. I'm sitting at the patio table in the backyard, and Santa is sleeping soundly next to me. He has such a good time at the dog park, running, chasing and playing with the other dogs.

==========================

Shad - Thanks for posting the pictures of Sophia! She's beautiful!! She's got the loveliest eyes!! I guess sophia's mum can be a bit trying? I sometimes wonder at people putting so much expense into an infant's b'day party...they won't remember it anyway. I hope the cake was finished without further incident and met the exacting specifications. Oh dear, if her idol is Kim Kardashian, that explains A LOT...about the spending, the insistence on perfection, etc. Poor DS, Poor Sophia, Poor you. I had no idea that they were staying another 2 weeks. Hang in there, my friend.

Mel - Glad you got a good night's sleep Friday night. My job situation is going okay, but the learning curve is still steep. No resumes out there. Just kind of taking a break right now and will continue to focus on the job I have.

Annie - Sorry that you're getting so much rain. I hope it doesn't do too much damage to your wonderful garden. Sorry that your sinuses are giving you fits. I actually do my laundry on work from home days. I figure it's just a short break to start a load, and another break to move it to the dryer. It's all good. As for melting in the rain...if I haven't melted by now, I think you're safe!

Ceejay - Hope you are enjoying your weekend off. Good on ya' for getting so much done. So nice that you're going to MO for Labor Day. I don't even want to think about it being so soon. But at least I don't have to worry about the four letter "S" word here that comes during the "W" months. LOL

Happy - Sorry your mom is driving you bonkers...but do try and cherish every nerve-wracking moment. I know exactly what you mean though. My ex-DMIL was the same way! My ex and I got tired of taking her out to eat because all she did is complain. You and Shad both have your hands full! Ok, now that I've read your next post...my ex-DMIL doesn't remove her seatbelt...nor open car doors before the car is turned off. I can understand about no alone time. When I first got here, I'd watch TV with my stepmother and her boyfriend and my step-brother. Now I don't do that as much. I go in my room and watch DVDs on my computer or read. I hope they don't think I'm rude. Does your mom go to bed early? Can you get some alone time then? So sorry to hear about your umbrella. That must've been very scary. Glad it didn't break the patio door/window! You make dog biscuits? Please share the recipe.

Laura - hope you're enjoying a wonderful birthday weekend!

Gotta go...lots to do.

Much love to all,

Afternoon all. Just a quick hello. Thanks for all your birthday wishes. Bf's mom took bf & I to lunch at Big Bowl, a nice Asian restaurant. In the evening we went to our village's fest & saw a band that I like a lot. That was fun. Probably drank too many summer shandies...but I still got up on time to go to Jazzercise class on Saturday morning.

Bf & I got massages yesterday - that was nice.

Did some reading this morning, then some gardening. Still haven't had lunch yet, so it'll be more like an early dinner when we finally get around to it. Eating out...doing that way too much lately. Scale will tell all...

Will be catching up on personals later or tomorrow. Hope everyone is having or had a good weekend.

Michelle
Now I really want to go see the Lone Ranger movie. It's good that your friend has an optimistic attitude about the cancer removal.

Happy
Hang in there with your Mom. Count her as a blessing even though it is a little rough going right now.

Laura
Sounds like your birthday week end has been good so far. Enjoys the moments.

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Work has been quiet today.

Morning all,
Yesterdays party went off okay. It was good for DS1 to catch up with all his great friends and their families. I just love his friends. What was funny was that once the birthday girl was all tarted up and we had made yet another visit to the shops, the DP of DS1 calmed down and told everyone how much hard work it was to have a one year olds party. Between that and my ex muttering away about the partners of both boys, I had to go into the bushes and have a long laugh - over here we call it cracking up big time - once I had got passed that I was fine. The baby was good for everyone and the other four children were lovely.
When I tallied up the jobs, M had made the cake on the Saturday and put the kids stuff in party bags, put cream on the cake on the Sunday, had a shower, washed her hair, set my hairdryer alight. got dressed and given about 1000 contradictory orders and dressed Miss S in her party dress. Saturday DS1 had changed and fed the baby several times, got the groceries for the party, and on Sunday, got the baby up, changed, washed and fed her, changed the nappies, cleaned up after Miss S chucked up over the living room rug and cleaned up the child, had a shower and got ready, packed the car. Changed the baby again at the party and helped cook the food.
As for me, I had the break on the Saturday when they were out and tidied up the house and did some washing and cooked dinner. Sunday, I chopped onions, made the salads, grated carrots and cheese, made some cupcakes, checked that we had candles, candle lighters, first aid, sunscreen, packed the food, watered the garden and soothed the cat and wrote the birthday greeting in icing on the cake. Found the picnic rugs and the soccer ball to play with the kids. At the party, I put the food out, cooked, played nurse when one of the kids got a cut on his foot.
DS2 bought the ice, the chilly bin (to hold the ice and keep her champagne chilled), brought the tables and chairs and set them up. DS1 and DS2 set up the party decorations. All the other parents there helped with that as they arrived. They blew up balloons and tied them with string and hung the banners etc.
At home again, the 4 of us (2 DS's, ex and me) put away the picnic stuff, cleaned the utensils and plates, washed the rugs (after baby had upchucked once more all over the rugs, sofa and herself) and DS1 got the baby to bed.

Would someone please explain how M was so exhausted at the end of the day that she had to lie down on the couch and watch the REAL housewives of New Jersey???? plus the other five stupid sessions that followed (Miami, New York, Illinois) etc. oh and yet another dose of the useless Kardashians.

Okay rant over, they will be up soon so I had better go and sort out the laundry, figure out what they did with the left over food (it must be refrigerated somewhere) and work out what to do with it all.

Sorry about the lack of personals, but I will try to get back to them asap.

GOOD MORNING CHICKLETTES


YESTERDAY ENDED UP A WORK DAY.
ONE MAINT. MAN AND I.
PRECAUTIONS FOR THE CITY HEAT.
WE TOOK TURNS AND HE LEFT AT 10 PM AND I WENT TO BED.
NO BLACKOUT THANK THE LORD.
3 PEOPLE ACTUALLY SAT OUTSIDE DURING THE DAY.
THEN WENT BACK OUT AFTER DINNER.
I HAD 2 A/Cs RUNNING. IT WAS BRUTAL IN HERE.
TODAY IS A DAY OF REST AND THE OFFICE CAN WATCH THE "KIDDOS".
MAYBE A GOOD TIME FOR A MELIDAY


HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT DAY.




SHAD....WHEN JEN COMES HOME SHE CAN READ ABOUT YOUR KIDDOS VISIT.
AFTER THEIR "DD" LEAVES THAT IS.
SENDING YOU GOOD THOUGHTS FOR NOT SMACKING ANYONE ALONG SIDE THEIR HEADS!!
YOUR SOAP OPERA IS SO MUCH BETER THAN MINE RIGHT NOW!!
I ALMOST DIED WHEN YOU SAID SHE WAS EXHAUSTED!!! OMG TOO FUNNY.
AND THE TV PROGRAMS!! EVEN FUNNIER.
SORRY BUT YOU CRACKED ME UP AGAIN TODAY




CEEJAY...GLAD YOUR JOB WAS QUIET.
YOU DID SO MANY THINGS AT HOME MAYBE WORK IS EASIER!! LOL





LAURA...GLAD THE BD WAS SO NICE.
I WILL HAVE TO LOOK UP SUMMER SHANDIES!!




MICHELLE....YOU HAD A FULL WEEKEND I SEE.
GLAD YOU GOT OUT TO SEE A MOVIE.
I AM VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR FRIEND AND HIS LEG.
WILL SEND HEALING THOUGHTS HIS WAY.
HOPE THE WORKSHOP HELPS.
JUST KEEP REMEMBERING YOU'RE A GOOD PERSON AND CAN DO THIS!!





HAPPY.....SOON YOU WILL GET OVER TRYING TO CHASTISE YOURSELF.
WELCOME TO THE LAND OF THE BLUE HAIRS!
THEY ARE ENOUGH TO DRIVE YOU CRAZY. SO DON'T FEEL BED.
IT'S LIKE DEALING WITH SOMEONE ELSE'S KID CAUSE YOU CAN'T SPANK THEM!!
DO NOT APOLOGIZE FOR LAUGHING AT MY POST.
I WAS LAUGHING WHILE TYPING IT.
AND IT IS TRUE...ANOTHER ALARM FREE NIGHT...THAT'S 3 IN A ROW.
IT'S NOT A FUNNY KIND OF THING BUT IT'S THE IRONY OF IT THAT CRACKS ME UP.
THEY JUST BRING SO MUCH ON THEMSELVES AND THEN WON'T TAKE THE BLAME.
"KIDS"....WHATCHA GONNA DO WITH THEM??!!??!!

Shad
As my mom used to say when my sis was home. There's never a dull moment. glad you got to laugh about some things. Was the excitement to much for the little one or did she have a stomach bug.
Between you and Happy I've been laughing through out the day.

Mel
You definitely deserve a Meliday day.
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We had a street fight last night just down the street from my house. Heard all the commotion going on. I had the lights out but watched from my camera. These were little guys too and my neighbor's grandson was probably the ring leader. I heard him out shooting his left over firecrackers. I kept asking myself where was the police but they finally got there, 3 patrol cars. This was around 10 p.m. Those kids should have been home in bed. I should have called the police myself. But there were other cars stopping and getting involved so I'm sure one of them made the call.
More later.

Good morning ladies,

Last night's dinner and cards with friends was a lot of fun. And Santa was well behaved, especially for being in a new environment.

==============
Shad - I'm glad you got a good laugh out of DP's comment about the hard work she did. I might've wrung her neck or smacked her upside the head. You're handling very well! I wonder if when she watches the REAL housewives and the Kardashians, she believes that is REALLY how housewives throw parties and should behave? It sure sounds like she is modeling herself after those women.

Mel - I got a laugh out of the sunscreen and bacon cartoon! Glad there were no blackouts. Crazy people that sit outside in the middle of the day during a heatwave! I hope you're getting a good rest today. You've earned it.

Laura - Your dinner at the Asian restaurant sounds yummy...as do the summer shandies.

Ceejay - There's sure never a dull moment in your neighborhood. I'm glad the police finally came and put an end to the kids' nighttime antics.

Big to Annie and Happy.

I've got lots to get done today so gotta go.

Much love,

Good Afternoon Chicklets....

Just got back from the finanace guy. Started a ROTH IRA for retirement. That with my 401K I already have, I am quite proud of this ole girl (me). I plan on contributing the max each year that I am able to. C is going next week to open an IRA in his name.

Spent yesterday at dad's house. Mulched and weeded, sanded a wall to be painted and loaded my truck with trash bags to sit by my curb as we have unlimited pick up. Dad had 10 bag limit. I was very sad last night when I layed down in bed and cried just a bit. C was so sweet and just babied me, which just made me cry more, so I told him not to baby me anymore so I could stop crying. lol

Got new area rugs for the living room, entry and hallway. They look fabulous, Samantha helped me pick them out. I took the old ones to Goodwill plus a few other items.

SHADDIE....the laziest ones always claim to do the most. Glad the party was great for Ms. S. What a sweetie.

CHELLE...I must say that I am so proud of you for getting out and doing things. You seem more active in CA than you ever did in WI. You Go Girl!

CEEG...the lil b*st*rd kids, where are the parents/grandparents. I say stick a firecracker up their arses and light it.

MELLIE...glad you had a fairly mild weekend with the seniors. That is a blessing in itself.

HAPPY...you are very welcome for the mags. That is how I recycle, forward them on to someone else to read or take them to the hospital waiting room.

LAURA...glad you had a wondeful birthday celebration.

That about does it for me.

Hugs

Annie - I am so proud of YOU and C for doing the ROTH IRA stuff! Good for you!! And well done for getting so much at your Dad's place. So nice that C comforted you when you were crying. Sending you big hugs, sista. Please post pictures of the new area rugs. I've love to see them! As for me getting out and doing stuff, I didn't do much in WI because either my ex wasn't feeling well or I wasn't. Now I've got all my wonderful old friends around me and it's fun finding activities that will keep Santa happy and me happy. D, the guy I've been dating, just got back from Tahoe last night (the trip I was debating about going on). Hopefully, we'll be able to work out our schedules so we can see each other this week. He's a very nice guy. Like I've said...I don't know where this is going...or even where I want it to go...but it's nice right now. Just taking things a day at a time.

Good for you CHELLE...one day at a time is all we can do. Funny you should say that. Last night I just kept saying to myself, tomorrow is another day and I will not feel this sad. Sure enough, tomorrow came, and I am not sad. I think when you are around healthy, happy, fun people, it impacts your way of life also. Positive minds create positive outcomes. Keep up the good work on you and Santa. Hugs