Hey all,

Just a quickie here. Sorry..........My back is still sore, but since we got rain lastnight and today it seems better, like no so much "pressure" you know what I mean? Anyways I can now move around a bit more, cannot run any marathons or anything yet, but at least I can now get up and walk to the bathroom without being hunched over like a 90 yr. old woman and in pain! lol.

I was also able to even throw in a load of laundry so we have clothes to wear to work! lol. Its the small things in life, right? lol.

I did not however take my medicine, the new medicine my dr put me on, as it is I'm in enough pain I don't need to feel nausious on top of it all. So tomorrow I will start taking it again. Even though it does decrease my appetite, right now I'm concentrating on my back.

I do know one thing, on our "days/nights" off this next week, we aren't doing a thing! Well I guess I should say that DH is not doing a thing for anybody else! As it is he is in pain as well, from helping our friend move. He did go into work tonight, but said he may end up leaving early. So I'm going to tell him that if anybody asks him to help them do something, just say NO! lol. and he can even blame it ALL on me if he wants. He needs a break I think to do the things he wants to do. I don't care if they think I'm a "witch", he is more important to me than what other people think of me. lmao.

Well I hope you all are doing well and I think we're supposed to get hit with the bad weather tonight or early tomorrow. So I'll let ya know!

Hi ladies,

Cristi - thank you for the card, and especially for the pictures. They are all so good of you and Vince! I really should get mine and Neal's done like that. Hope your new fan stays put. I bet it will now that V took care of it. I'm glad you're enjoying Josh, and had to laugh about the BBQ restaurant story. What restaurant is that, anyway?

Sassy - somehow I really doubt that your friend really bought those sheets at Macy's, unless she got a really good sale. I remember the days being strapped for money, when I was a single mom, and expensive sheets would've been last on my list of things to buy. Maybe she got them 2nd hand and just didn't want to say that. Or there could be another explanation. But if she DID do that, I'd be mad, and wouldn't loan her anmore money either, lol. Awww, I'm so sorry you're having such a bad time with your back, and hope the day off helped.

Julie - thanks for the Christmas card. That was real sweet of you. It's good to read that you're getting the Christmas spirit this year, Jules.

Sue - are you getting the predicted snow yet? It's supposed to be north of us, and I think you're to get an inch or 2, right? I wish it was snowing here! I can barely wait! Just think, you won't have to worry about snow after 2 more weeks. YAY for your weight staying at 168! That's great, Sue.

Liz - hi. Try to not implode before Christmas.

Hello to everyone else reading this.

Well, I didn't have the flu after all. Whatever it was left as quickly as it came. Woohoo for that!!

We had Makenzie over for supper, because she's the one DGD who likes fish, and we had baked salmon. She totally entertained us and we hated to see her go when she had to leave. You'd think I'd get enough of the kids, but I don't. Neal and I are going to take the oldest 3 to see Charlotte's Web when it comes out - won't that be fun?

Gotta run, take care!

Jane- They keep changing the predictions..so I don't know what is going to happen. We thought we would waken to snow and ice, then they said it wouldn't even be freezing in the morning. DH bought a snow shovel yesterday thinking it would snow today...lol.

I couldn't walk due to rain so I did 15 or 20 minutes of exercise indoors. DH told me I should just go to his shop and walk around and around. HAha.
Got the laundry done and sweeping too..will iron tomorrow.
Didn't start reading yet as my shows were on.

Hi Jane -- Yeah I really do think she did buy them at Macy's and nope no more money from us.

Hi Sue!

Hi Michelle -- Big

Sassy--my brother is one like your hubby that does for everyone even if it kills him. He's a big teddy bear at 6'6' like yours. Sometimes I think people take advantage of their big hearts and kind spirits. Glad you are feeling at least a little better.

Jane--we are having broiled salmon and salad tonight. I love Charlotte's Web, a coworker said she's taking her girls to see it and I could tag along if I want!! Teri (DD), Alicia (DS's gf) and I are planning to see Holiday together. It has Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black. My son loves Jack Black but he said that he would stick with the Tenacious D comedy and let us have our chick flick. How are Katy and the new boyfriend?

Sue--temps are still going to be in the 60's here with the warm spell we are having but unfortunately the temperature will drop at least 20 degrees when that storm moves in that is giving you snow. We are suppossed to have really bad thunderstorms when the two collide.

Cristina--DH and I are not real big footbal fans--we do watch the superbowl some years but that's about it. DD's new guy is a big Cowboys fan. DD actually is a Steelers fan and has really gotten big into football since watching it on campus with rather large groups of people. Her new rommate and roomates boyfriend are big football fans too.

Liz--I want to hear the Lowes story too!! My son loves to go to the museums in DC, we like to go to Inner Harbor & museums in Baltimore too. He goes to a friends family home in Annapolis too. I grew up in Washington County MD near Sharpsburg/Antietam Battlefield and now live I live between Harpers Ferry WV and Berkely Springs WV.

Well I got to go get started on my Friday errands and I even have to go to work for a few hours. Hope everyone has a good day.

Hello ladies...

Nothing much going on...trying to dig ourselves out, lol! We got 6 inches of snow, I think...may be a little more. It's a lot though and will take a while to melt. That's the part I don't like...the melting/freezing part. It's a mess, ICK! I took pictures and when I get the roll finished and processed I will share.

Jane...you are welcome! Glad you guys had a nice time with Makenzie. I wouldn't think any grandma would tire of having the grandbabies around. I can't wait to have some!

Jules...hope you have a good day and get all your errands done.

Sassy...hope your back gets to feeling better soon.

Sue...glad the scales didn't move up.

Michelle...lots of hugs to you missy. I'm sorry you are having a hard time, which it is totally understandable. It's never easy losing a loved one and takes time.

Nothing much going on with me today. Going to shovel all the snow off the deck and get some house cleaning done. Not going out in this mess at all. I did run to McDonalds this morning to get me and Josh breakfast...kind of fun driving in the snow turning the corners when no one is around, lol. Then I put my neighbors paper by her garage door so she wouldn't have to walk out in this mess. I'll have Josh shovel her drive way a little later, unless her grandson comes over to do it.

Have a good day ladies!

Good afternoon.

Jules, I live in Ellicott City, MD now and lived in Greenbelt for 25 years. Can you believe it? I've lived in VA and MD areas since my junior year in high school, and I can't begin to tell you how long ago that was!

Here goes....

First, Our house was built during the 1850s and when it was sold, an architect bought it and was going to keep the existing walls, etc. and entirely redo the inside. Unfortunately, the house was in such bad condition, he razed the whole thing, leaving the original foundation walls. It is a very open home with cathedral ceilings, and the master bedroom is downstairs, which uses some of the foundation walls. The bathroom is very angular and difficult to get large items in and out. The only way we could get the washer/dryer out and the new ones in was to lift the w/d over the bathtub and up the stairs. Lowe's showed up and saw the situation and told us they needed to have 2 crews (or 4 men). We said, okay. We were told the delivery would be the next week to give them time to get the people to deliver the w/d.

The next week we get a phone call and are told the delivery can't be made because the guy's crews just didn't show up. He said that he wasn't going to lie to us, they just didn't feel like coming in. The manager told us that the next day, Sunday, he would see if we could get the delivery. Sunday, a call and no go. Still not enough people to get the thing delivered.

By Wednesday we finally get a call that there are two crews available and the delivery will be made. They show up about 7 p.m. and struggled to get the old w/d out and over the tub. Done. The new w/d were stacking but two separate pieces, so no problem. The manager tests the dryer and it is dead, dead, dead, Deader than a doornail! So, we have to, you guessed it, reschedule for a new dryer.

After many other phone calls, we are told the thing can finally be delivered about a week later. Again, we get a call that the dryer is on the truck and we will be getting the delivery. By 6:00 p.m. no dryer. Another call, the truck is on the way. Another call, no they can't deliver it because the truck is in an accident.

DH was livid. He called the "customer care" desk, which was totally unhelpful and uncaring. He told the lady at customer care to contact the regional manager. She said he is on the road and won't get back to us until 3-4 days. NO! DH said, Take this down. Does he have a cell phone? Call him on the phone. Tell him to call me within a reasonable amount of time. He finally contacted the regional manager and said something has to be done.

The next day the new, working dryer was delivered and installed.

To end this horror story, DH told regional manger that we should get something for all our inconvenience. We ended up with a 4-year warranty for free! I finally paid the bill and it is over, I say over.

I will say the w/d do wash much better than the old set we have.

Cristina--six inches of snow!!! Does Josh like snow?? I got your beautiful card today, what a nice looking couple you are!! So sweet of you to move your neighbors paper closer.

Liz--I know where both those places are. My DH's Dad lived in Olney and worked at Shady Grove Hospital before moving to Indiana and his step-grandparents lived in Takoma Park area. What an ordeal you went through for your new washer and dryer!!

Well, going to go make supper.....

Hi ladies,

Sue - so how much snow did you end up getting? We only had high winds, and freezing temps, with the wind chill below zero. What a change from earlier this week!

Michelle - thanks for the well wishes, but so far, I'm just cold, but no snow. Cristi (and maybe Sue) got it all. tee hee

Sassy - I don't blame you a bit for not loaning that friend any more money. She needs to get her priorities straight! You and your DH have been plenty good to her and her family. Hope he just stays with you this weekend, and you can enjoy each other.

Cristi - oh! I want the snow.... send some to me! Aww, you're a good neighbor. Glad you're having fun, Cristi.

Julie - I'd like to see Holiday, too. I read a book by Maeve Binchey where a woman from the USA and one from Ireland exchanged houses for the summer, called Tara Road. That was a good book. I'd also like to see The Nativity Story, Unaccompanied Minors, and a couple other movies. Lots of good ones in December! Katie and Clint are just so cute together! When he looks at her, it's like a cartoon character that has those bouncey heart coming from their eyes, you know? She's learning more and more about cooking, and has been getting some of my recipes. It just doesn't seem possible that she's almost 20! What happened to my Baby?!?

Hello to everyone else reading this.

Well, here's some news: Mary and Dale are divorcing. I'll be babysitting a lot until a daycare can take the children, which will be around the 15 of Dec. I think I'll still be able to get on here the same as usual, but we'll see. I hate to see a family break up, and I've kept my mouth shut, (that's been very hard at times) but it's for the best that she's leaving him. Just keep her in your prayers, if you would, ok? She's really stressed right now.

Have a good weekend, chickas!

Jane--I feel for Mary & Dale and the kids. So sad, especially around Christmas it's good they have you and Neal for support. Divorce is devastating. When Teri and Marshall split up even their friends were devastated because nobody saw it coming--everyone thought that they were the perfect couple and happy together. It hit me hard too because I did love him and welcomed him into our family like he was a son.
Teri and Nick are in that lovey dovey stage right now. They are even talking about moving in together next summer. Teri has been running away fast anytime a guy starts hinting towards a committment but not with this one. She is even talking about kids which is something she has always said she wasn't sure if she wanted and Marshall couldn't have kids.
I know what you mean about the hearts coming from their eyes. Then there is the grin that can be wiped off either of their faces. When does Katy turn 20? Teri will be 20 in June. They grow up so fast!!
Ryan and Alicia are really happy still. They have so much fun together. Ryan is working for a friends Dad's company doing all aspects of building a home--he says when Chris is done with him he will be ready to start building a home on our property for him and Alicia. It's local and he says he definitely does not mis the long commute to the job he got laid off from. Alicia started at Citibank in customer service after her compnay told it was closing her jobsite. he has to drive farther since it is just outside Hagerstown, but the starting pay is $2.00 more an hour with lots of benefits and chances for raises.

Hope everyone has a great day. Nothing much planned today. The weather temp has dropped for the upper 60s/lower 70s to the upper 30s/lower 40s. The wind was really gusty last night. Nick and Teri come over tomorrow.

'Morning ladies...

Nothing much going on today, just trying to stay warm. Thought I would start the day on the computer before getting to my chores, lol. We are supposed to go to Cowtown this evening but not sure after all. They are having their Christmas celebration...it's that old western twon museum. But with the snow and cold I'm not sure it's a good idea. The snow is melting which means it will be a muddy mess. Anywho...we'll see.

JANE...lots of hugs for your family and especially Mary and the girls. I agree, divorce is never easy and especially during the holidays. But they have to do what is right for them. Glad to hear Katie is happily in love. Oh, and you can have the snow...too bad I can wiggle my nose and it be there instead of here. One day of snow is good for me.

JULES...Josh used to like the snow. I thought for sure he would be out playing in it like he always has before. I think he is used to the heat/hot in Iraq he wasn't ready for this cold or snow...neither was I, lol! Sounds like Teri is happily in love as well. I really am happy for her and I hope he, Nick is the "one". You are welcome for the card and picture. I liked the way they turned out except that our faces looked red. rather pink. I think it was a combo of the shirts and it was sooooo hot in that little room.

LIZ...around here Lowes are the ones to go to...Home Depot has the idiots. But glad they finally got your washer and dryer in, geez...what an ordeal.

Well, ladies....I am going to spend some time on the computer before getting some work done around here. Need to do a couple loads of laundry for sure. V will be home by 2 and then we'll decide about later. I love going to the place but not sludging thru mud. The cold I can deal with and have before. Anyway...

Take care ladies and have a wonderful day and weekend!

Morning ladies....It is so cold. Thank goodness the sun is shining. I doubt I will be walking today with that darn wind blowing. I usually do walk in the winter if it is calm, but I can't stand the wind.
We haven't been doing much. Just chores around the house and getting things ready for leaving. Yesterday I made chili and DH baked bread. Today I am starting to get clothes out and ready to pack. I know we have over a week, but things always sneak up on me. Plus we have something to do almost every day next week.

Jane- We didn't get any snow, well, I saw a few flakes. But man the wind was fierce. Our power was off for 2 hours around mid-day. They sent the kids hoome early from school. Lots of branches down and some minor damages locally. BUT the important thing..no snow! (sorry, since I know YOU want snow) I'm so sorry to hear of Mary and Dale divorcing. That is always a sad situation. She is so lucky to have you as I know she will have some hard times ahead. Both of my daughters have divorced and both have come out better and stronger. One of mine I did not see it coming until the last few months before the divorce and one I did from day #1. We just have to be there to lend a hand and moral support and be quiet! LOL.

Jules- Isn't it fun watching when your kids do fall in love? I've been through so much with ours...marriages and babies, old loves and new loves. Now I have a 20 year old grandson who is getting serious over a girl...doesn't seem right!! I hope you enjoy your week-end and don't get this darn cold weather we have. Brrrrr

Liz- Wow, your Lowe's story tops anything I've heard about them lately. We had some hassels with them when we were building the house as we spent big bucks there. We had a super nice salesman and he actually got us some discounts since we bought so much. On one huge order some of the items did not ring for a discount and DH had to spend lots of time trying to get that straight. Of course our salesman was off right then and no one else knew anything about it. We did finally get things taken care of. On another day the salesman called and told us he would get us a gift card to cover an amount we were over charged, but when DH went back they just took care of the charges. I know there is sometimes nothing they can do at the register without a supervisor, but it is an inconvience. Thank goodness we got everything delivered okay!! And I love my light fixtures and appliances from Lowe's. Everything just seemed to go together right! The pedestal sink was one of the lesser expensive, but looks like a million! We are very happy.

Oh gosh I didn't mean to write a book..

Hey hi to Sassy, Cristina, Michelle, Marti, MaryKate, all you JL's...have a fun WE.

How many of you ladies have hubbies or sons who are big guys? Just curious as I read Sassy and Jules do... My hubby is only 6 ft., but our son is 6ft. 5in. DH's son is 6ft. 8 or 9 in. All three are stocky built. My DGS's are both 6ft. 2in, but slender.

Hi ladies,

Julie - Katie turns 20 in March. We spent her last bd with her at Walt Disney World, so that will be hard to top, lol. That "lovey dovey" stage is cute, isn't it? The real world comes at the kids fast enough, so I'm always glad to see a couple like that.

Cristi - hope you have fun at Cowtown, if you decide to go after all. I've been doing laundry, too. Never any end to it, is there?

Sue - your chili sounds good, and homebaked bread sounds even better. I usually pick some up when we go to the Amish restaurant and bakery. Neal is just crazy about the heels. Too bad I can't buy a whole loaf of heels, lol.

Where's Sassy? The place is just too quiet when she doesn't check in!

Hello to anyone reading this.

Thank you for all the hugs and well-wishes for Mary.

I've been working on some crafts, and have a meeting in town afterwhile. Need to stop by Walmart for some salad mix. We always need something, right? As soon as I get back from the store, I think of something else for the next list, lol. I'm not sure what Neal and I will do this evening.... maybe rent a good movie or play 500 rummy. Party animals - that's what we are, just a couple of party animals!

Have a weekend!