Hello all!

Shad - Don't overdo w/ the spring cleaning!

Mel - That's terrible about Richie's tools being stolen! There's always something!

Happy - Glad you enjoyed brunch. Too bad they always jack up prices for the holidays. I'm happy your azaleas will bloom!

Annie - At least you didn't have time to get bored at CVS. Hope the boss's mood improves!!

Michelle - Yay to get a windfall just when you needed it and now you can go w/ the highly recommended painter! And nice that it's for escrow going down - your taxes are going down???!!! I wish! I received a notice from our mortgage company that we no longer need a mandatory escrow account based on our mortgage balance. Exciting! But if we choose to manage our own homeowner's ins. and prop taxes, that will require some discipline on our part. But on the positive side, we would get to earn and keep the interest on the money we save for it. Have to decide. I get so annoyed when they recalculate the escrow balance each year...but it's not their fault that taxes increase and require more escrow.

Ceejay - Sad to say, there are many more closets and rooms in my house that need cleaning and organizing, so you may be waiting a long time for me to come by and help you with yours. Depressing.

Well, my wonderful clock/radio/alarm did it's belated "spring forward" on Sunday at 2 am, and I never reset it to the right time before I went to bed last night, so this morning my alarm went off an hour early. I wonder if it will try to reset again tonight. (My clock radio automatically resets the time for DST, but it predates the government's change in the date that DST starts/ends. Anyway, I reset the clock and tried to sleep another hour, but didn't really get any sound sleep after that.

Nothing special going on at work, except that Jeans quarter is over and I'm back in my dress pants. They are a bit snug - I have gained back that 5-6 pounds I lost late last year. If at first you don't succeed....

Howdy from the land of gold. It's officially spring. Most of the trees are in bloom and there is a mix of fine yellow pollen and bird droppings all over the place. My car was clean for about ... 10 minutes.

Michelle - I'm so glad that some extra money came your way. It seems with service work that you get what you pay for. Less expensive painters (unless highly recommended) tend to scrimp on the patching or paint and it looks nice for 3 months and after they leave you notice things a couple of months down the road. Get in writing exactly what you expect them to do including clean up. We had our roof replaced and the guys (the most expensive) did an amazing job cleaning up. They even used these things that looked like carpet sweepers that had magnets to pick up all the loose nails and such. The painters came afterwards and they left a mess. We have holly bushes along the back part of the house - they pinch bad - there is a mess of plastic and paper bits they left for us to clean. They didn't pick up in the front either but it's easier to get around there so it's not so bad. DH said they did a good job on the painting and repair work - 2 guys were good, one was on the lazy side. Just got to watch them. I'm glad though that you found the funds - must be a load off your mind. And my dear, if you slept most of yesterday - heed it well - you are probably fighting off a bad thing and listen to your body. A few days without Zumba will only disturb you mentally

As for the cars - they pumped the 4 Runner up a bit for 2010 - it's more like a Dodge Ram truck. We didn't drive it so I can't vouch for the ride. We also did not drive the Highlander which is more like my 2002 4Runner in size. They tweaked that up a bit larger since it first came out too. That size is still good for hauling things around although too small to haul sheet rock. The Rav4 sits much lower to the ground - just a tad higher than a car - too low for me and while roomy inside just wasn't what we were looking for. DH drove the Mazda CX-9 and loved the smooth ride. It "slopes" towards the back making it difficult to see the back end - I prefer the more squared off SUV for that reason. Also the Mazda has a sloped front that is impossible to see the front end - didn't like that either. DH is considering the Highlander Hybrid though it's soooo much money. He said if we go down to one car it would make more sense. I think we will wait it out for now. Since we like the SUVs there isn't much wiggle room in price or stock so we can be patient. Bottom line Michelle, I think your DH will have to start shopping all over again when the time comes to look again

Annie - sorry you had such a hectic weekend. I can understand a big sale at Kohl's or JC Penneys or even maybe a furniture store but WHAT would people be shopping for at CVS on Easter? Last minute baskets and fillers? Or was it just that it was nice outside and people felt like shopping? What is cash high? Too much cash in the till? That's amazing in and of itself since it seems like most people are using plastic still.

Yesterday was the first time in my long and feeble memory that I did not have ham, hardboiled eggs, jelly beans or chocolate on Easter Sunday Not sure I missed them either.

I had half a sandwich, some wonderful apple yogurt salad and a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup for lunch. The soup is rapidly expanding in my belly and putting me to sleep. I might try for a short walk outside - it's beautiful out but my foot is not comfy in the shoes I rammed it into and I need to go grocery shopping tonight so I'm trying to stay off of it. They had hot dogs and taco salad in the cafeteria today. A coworker and I were laughing - we were both trying to be good and made wiser choices. I'm sure the cafeteria lady will be confused if others follow our path and she is left with alot of food leftover today - especially since those are generally 2 sure fire sellers for her. Guess we are all worried about bikini season creeping up soon - NOT Actually 5 more weeks until vacation - I'll be happy just to have a little wiggle room in my capris.

Guess I'd better go for that walk as I can feel myself wanting to nod off. See yah.

It's been a frustrating day. I had to make seemingly easy changes to a report...that have taken forever. Arrrgh. And I have several more reports to change. I guess I'm in for a busy week...which will hopefully make the the work days/week fly by. I called the expensive painter to let him know we've chosen him, but got his voice mail. I'm not going to call the other painters and tell them nope until I get a confirmation from the guy we want.

Laura - I can't figure out if our property taxes went down or our homeowners insurance went down, or a combination. DH did get a letter saying that the property taxes went down, but he didn't think they went down by this much. Whatever, we're not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth. You have a good point about not including taxes and insurance in your escrow so that you can earn interest on it. DH and I aren't great savers, and it's just easier and less stressful to pay the extra each month. We may decide to change this eventually...but for now, it's probably best for us. My clock/radio/alarm did the same thing on Sunday morning! I woke up and it said 7:00, so I figured I'd get up and start on website stuff...then I went out to the kitchen and every other clock said 6:00. So I reset the clock and went back to bed.

Happy - Sorry to hear about your painters leaving such a mess. I'm sure this guy will be good. I just hope he hasn't booked up the entire spring and summer while we waited around to make a decision. Thanks for the input about the cars you're looking at. So are you saying I shouldn't do Zumba tonight? I think it will be a "gametime" decision as they say. My chest congestion isn't too bad right now. I'll see how I feel in 3 hours. I treated myself to a small piece of chocolate yesterday, but no ham, potato salad, eggs, jelly beans or any other fattening stuff. Hope you have a nice walk. I may go for a walk later after I get home, if I don't do Zumba. I also will start taking winter stuff down to the basement tonight. If I do it little by little, it won't be such a big job.

Happy...yep, cash high is too much $$ in the till. I wish I could have cash high in my bank account...lol. We get a lot of money orders too, I had a couple yesterday, not really big ones, but 160 ish and 180 ish. That always makes the register $$ go up. I am really sure, you are sitting around on Easter and think..I need a money order, I think I will go to CVS. Even Ole Sausage fingers came in TWICE yesterday. Even brought his daughter along the second time. I think he just wanted to look at me cause I didn't really talk to him. Couldn't if I wanted too, too busy. I didn't want to anyways. YIK! Good job on better food choices in the cafe. Be careful what they serve the rest of the week, it might be today's menu tossed into something else.

I may have to postpone my May vacation to the beach till fall as Tami's momma has taken a turn for the worse with her cancer.

For the heck of it I put all I have eaten today into FITDAY. OMGoodness, I think I need to stop. I am already at 1120 cals for the day. I don't really like to go over 1300 a day. Yikes...if I can just get past this evening. Evenings are h*ll on me and so hard to fight wanting to eat and munch. I have no control anymore. I need beat.

Thought about taking Hella for a walk tonight, it is getting cloudy and gray and not looking very good. I think it is supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow, I don't know, I can't keep up with anything anymore.

Laura...must be the days for alarm clocks. I forgot to even set mine last night. I took a Advil PM too, so that could of been quite a diaster. Lets giddy up on those 5-6 lbs gained back from last year, sister susan....you hear me? lol

Gotsta git before ole sour puss comes looking for me.

Good Day!!

Popping in to say hello, all is well in my corner of the world.

The landlord has been at the apartment today and I'm getting some things done that should have ben done along time a go. If the rent goes up so be it. I've decided it will be worth it. I'm anxious to see what they have completed. My next big item to ask for is a new refrigerator and stove. Let's hope the land lord is in a good mood when I ask about it.

It's one of those days, however I did find something at the fruit shop today. Here she is.


Note the name!

Happy - my car would qualify for your driveway but in my case it's not yellow with pollens, it is brown with dead bugs. I hope you will find the right car for you soon. I always find it a pain trying to buy a new car. Sometimes a man comes in handy. I might take the DS2 for my next purchase. He's a rotten shopper and is always digging into holes and finding scratches and asking weird questions. He's not exactly polite about things at times either.
Your garden is sounding like it will be lovely in a week or two. I'm sure we will be getting some photos to drool over!

Mel - got your message. I'll try again tomorrow and if that is no go, then Friday. Any wind in the States is not due to us okay!

Annie - I knew you would be flat out over Easter. Why do people feel deprived if the stores are closed for 1 day.

Michelle - I hope you are less stressed and flustered now. Nice going on the cheque.

Laura - gotta love clocks that do the double take. Hope you get it fixed soon.

Ceejay - Hope the landlord comes through for you. All appliances should be updated in 10 years. There is tax benefits to this as well. Well at least there are here.

I think that is about it for the moment. I need to go and finish dusting and sweeping in the hall. 4 rooms down and 5 to go. Need to get the DS2's room done before he gets back.

Oh yes someone asked where he has gone. I think it is to the Pub!!!!! He is actually in Western Australia. Went over there for a friends big 50 party. I'm not sure if he has been sober since he landed.

GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY TUESDAY.
CLOUDY AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE ON THEIR WAY.
I COULD USE A CLOUDY DAY.
WE HAD A BAD SHOWING WITH THE CENSUS PAPERS BEING RETURNED. SO NOW THERE IS A CENSUS CLASS EVERY DAY THIS WEEK AND POSSIBLY NEXT. I HAVE 4 DAYS THIS WEEK. LATE AFTERNOONS AND DINNER HOUR. SO FAR SO GOOD BUT I COULD USE A TRANSLATOR
NOTHING ELSE IS NEW. RICHIE SAID IT WAS GOOD TO BE BACK AT WORK AND I COULD SEE HE WAS EXHAUSTED. IT'S A PHYSICAL KINDA JOB. BET HE SLEPT GOOD!! I WAS JUST GLAD THESE "METAL SHOPS" STAY OPEN ALMOST 365 DAYS A YEAR. RICHIE SAID HIS BOSS LIKES TO CALL THEM "PROBLEMATIC" EVERY TIME SOMETHING GOES WRONG AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN WORSE ON THE FIRST DAY BACK ALLS WELL THAT ENDS WELL.
HAVE A GREAT DAY

HAPPY~ SOUNDED LIKE A PERFECT DAY. GOOD FOOD AND A NAP! 5 MORE WEEKS UNTIL SUN & FUN BET YOU CAN'T WAIT!! I THOUGHT CAFETERIAS WERE GOING TO BE FORCED TO COOK LEANER AND MEANER FOODS? DIDN'T I READ THAT SOMEWHERE?!?! NOW I WANT HOT DOGS...BEEN HANKERING FOR ONE FOR WEEKS NOW!

ANNIE~ SORRY THE BOSS IS BEING A PITA!! HOPE THE DAY WENT BETTER LATER ON. CVS MUST HAVE REAPED THE EASTER REWARDS OF THE YEAR!! TIME TO ASK FOR A RAISE

MICHELLE~ WOW! CONGRATS ON THE CHECK!! GREAT NEWS. AS FOR ZUMBA....WHEN YOU HAVE FEVER AND CONGESTION IT IS A GIVEN TO HALT EXERCISE! I CAN SEE I NEED ANNIE TO PAY YOU A VISIT AND STRAIGHTEN YOU OUT
PS: GET WELL SOON

LAURA...NOW YOU MAKE ME WONDER IF JEN STILL HAS THE CLOCK/RADIO THAT DOES THAT. TAKE A NAP AT WORK AND NGET THE HOUR BACK!!

CEEJAY~ YOU ARE WORTH IT!! HOPE THE WATER HEATER AND A/C WORK GREAT. PERFECT TIME OF TH YEAR TO GET IT ALL DONE TOO. THOSE ARE ALL BIG TICKET ITEMS. HOPE YOU GET THE STOVE AND FRIDGE ALSO. WILL THINK GOOD THOUGHTS!!

SHAD...SORRY IT WILL NOT BE TILL FRIDAY. WORK GOT IN THE WAY. BUT I KNOW FOR SURE FRIDAY IS GOOD. HOPE THE DS IS AT LEAST HAVING A GREAT TIME EVEN IF HE WON'T REMEMBER IT ALL LOVE THE FLOWER AND THE NAME!!!! LOL

Good Morning and Happy Tuesday.....

Windy-er than snot today. 40-50 mile per hour winds. I feel like the Wizard of Oz. It IS sunny tho....

Baby girl stopped by last night to give me an Easter present...two little Gnome candles. Not sure of the connection to Easter but hey. She and Chris, her boyfriend, lucked into homemade chicken parmesan over angel hair pasta. Brownies for dessert. They were stopping by before heading to a downtown pub to watch the Butler BB game. Indy has been nuts...

Shad...That is a lot of rooms for one person to live in, let alone clean. You need the cleaning fairy to stop by...

Ceejay...when you get all the new stuff, you will feel like you live in a new place. Notice I say WHEN and not IF?

Heys to the rest of you. I will drop back later.

Love and hugs.

MELLIE...you old sneaker inner you....Census classes?? did I miss something?

ANNIE...JUST FOUND YOU IN MY MAILBOX...YOU SNEAKED IN TOO! YES...THE GOVT 2010 CENSUS PAPERS? ISN'T THE WHOLE COUNTRY FILLING THEM OUT? ANYWAY..THIS STATE IS. THOSE KIDS REALLY GOT A GREAT MEAL AT ANNIE'S DINER!! WHICH REMINDS ME OF A FUNNY STORY...I HAD A CB RADIO AND SO DID MY BF....WHEN HE WAS ON HIS WAY ONE NIGHT I ASKED HIM TO COME TO MEL'S DINER AND EAT HERE( and not at the dinner table) ;rofl:

Happy Tuesday ladies -

April showers bring May flowers, and we're having our share of showers this week. We had thunderstorms last night, and more coming today and tonight. The grass and the bulbs will enjoy it, even if the doggies do not. I say, as long as we don't have to shovel it, it's okay by me.

I did 1/2 hour of Zumba last night, and that was enough. Then went home, showered, ate and watched TV with DH. I'm planning on doing another 1/2 hour Zumba class tonight, but I think I might skip the hour long advanced class tomorrow evening and tackle spring cleaning in one or two rooms instead.

I called the painter we selected, and he's going to come out this week to look at the specific sizes of wood he'll need to get for the carpentry work. A soffit board has rotted, and some of the fascia has significant woodpecker damage, and a lot of the repair is out of DH's reach due to his knee. The carpentry work was included in his estimate...so I'm not worried. As for when they'll come out and paint...Mother Nature really factors into the scheduling. He said the carpentry work has to be done first anyway.

Annie - So sorry to hear about your friend's mom. My thoughts and prayers go out to them both. Hope you have a better day at work today. As for nighttime eating...I struggle with that too, and I don't even work nights...so I'm not sure if I could give you any wisdom. I usually allow myself one fat free, low cal treat after dinner and maybe a piece of fruit and after that, I'm done. So you've got the sun and wind? That was what we had over the weekend. I think our t-storms might be bypassing you to the north. How nice of your DD to give you Easter Gnome candles. The Easter Gnome is the "secret assistant" to the Easter Bunny. You didn't the Easter Bunny could decorate and deliver all those eggs and candies himself did ya'? If you're on a first name basis with the cleaning fairy, send her my way please, okay?

Ceejay - Glad to hear all is well and that the landlord is fixing stuff for ya'.

Shad - Love the "Joy" flower!! She's beautiful! As for DS2 being a rotten shopper...it sounds like he'd be a great car shopper. You don't need to be overly polite when dealing with car salesmen. It's their job to answer your questions and address your concerns. Yes, I am a lot less stressed now that we have the money for the painting. Now we're going to save up to have Doppler's cataract removed sometime this summer. Sounds like DS2 is off on a wild holiday. At least he'll have a clean room to come home to.

Mel - Bummer that you had a poor Census return, and now a census class every day this week? Don't overdo it, Mellie. I'm happy that Richie is glad to be back at work. Please don't come after me with a Mel. I did Zumba but took it kinda easy and went home and rested. Actually, I'm feeling a little better today and much less congestion! I'm relieved to hear that you and Shad are gonna discuss and right the world's wrongs on Friday. Thanks to both of you for taking care of this for us!

Here's to a great day for all of us!

to everyone!

Love and hugs,

MELLIE...you are a hoot...Mellie's Diner...I knew what you meant, no explanation necessary! Sick minds think alike. Yes I filled out my Census form and mailed it back weeks ago. I thought you meant actual Census classes. I get it now, duh. Some mornings I am slow. Must be too much blonde dye...

Ceejay...it is nice enough here not to have the heat or air on. I like it that way, makes for cheaper electric and gas bills. Have even opened windows some days. I am lovin' this weather.

Chelle...it rained, thunderstormed and had tornado warnings all night long. Supposed to get more rain later today and tonight also. I am with you, as long as I don't have to shovel, I will take it. Glad you got some Zumba in even tho you feel like poo. Nasty ole congestion, I still have some lingering from my cold of two weeks ago. Sometimes the upkeep of a house is so annoying and think I might of been better off in an apartment.

Have a great day all.

loves and hugs