No Cow-erds
 

We all seem to be having a rough time of it lately. Even the cow-dogs. The hormone problem is exactly what my dog has, Kiwi. I'll talk to her vet about changing her meds. Isn't it horrible when our poor old dogs start to have major problems. That seizure had to be awfully scary for you. I'm sure the old girl was oblivious.

I'm trying to not let myself get too excited about this property. It is exactly, and I mean exactly what we've been looking for forever. The problem is, someone else has an offer on the place, but it has several contingencies, which involve the house, the well, etc. These ppl need to get a loan on the place, and it just won't pass all the banks requirements for a conventional dwelling. The house is barely inhabitable, w/ dryrot, a bad septic system, a well that doesn't pass their requirements, etc. Doesn't it sound like everyone's dream house? This is the good part - it has a beautiful old barn, a little creek, big trees around where we would build the house, perfect rolling pastureland, and 8 acres of woodland w/ huge Douglas firs and oaks. Perfect soil for gardening!!!! Now all we have to do is sell our place for enough $$$ to swing it. Which, cows, may be a long shot. But I just feel like this place has been waiting for us to come along. The guy who owns it is a sweet old guy, and I know he wants us to have it. OK. I'm delusional. :dizzy:

Sounds like my house!
 

Exactly what I live in, except we only have 2-3 acres, and there is no such thing as pastureland in Maine. Yep, barely habitable is just how I would describe it. Unfortunately the barn is not all that picturesque; it was an add-on by the previous owners who also installed the smaller windows in the house that are now falling apart and a number of other half-a**ed things. The only good things about our house are the proximity to the lake, the view of Mt. Katahdin (Climb this!) and the water (we have great well water). Luckily all those things will still be here when we demolish the place and build a new one.

Well, it's a beautiful day out for a change, so I ought to enjoy a bit of it before it ends. Tata :wave:

Kiwi

OK, I guess maybe I was delusional. I talked w/ a developer and here's the news. It would take about 180 days to get annexed into the city, minimum. It would most likely take up to 2 years to develop. Our dream property will be sold to some other person by then. Then the other bad news this guy gave me is that they are putting in a subdivision directly across the street from us. Which means traffic, traffic, traffic. So waaaaah :stress: That will teach me for even thinking about letting someone come in and bulldoze our 100 yr old barn, just so I can have the hacienda of my dreams. Maybe we should just do a Kiwi and bulldoze our house and build my new house here. You know. Right across the street from a subdivision and a city park.

I will do my house building vicariously with you, Kiwi. Your mountain is view is lovely. I'm jealous.

Well, that pic is a little misleading because it wasn't taken from our yard, but it's the same idea, probably just a little further away with more lakes in between.

Sorry to hear about the property. Geez if they're putting in a subdivision across the street, I'm surprised someone isn't eager to take your place off your hands! Although what do I know?

I'm so tired. I seem to have spent the past 6 hours on my feet in the kitchen. Actually I did sit down to eat dinner and watch an hour of TV or so. But I'm still wiped. I made mashed potatoes with fennel bulb tonight to go with wokked chicken and green beans. Never cooked fennel before--it was really good. Threw a bit of chicken bouillon in the cooking water and whipped the concoction without milk. Of course I added butter, what am I, a health nut? :moo:

I also spent a long time making dog food, then cleaning up the second giant p-puddle today from not catching the dog wanting to go out. Lord, if I'm like this when I get old, shoot me.... :idea: Do you suppose she would put up with having a diaper on?

Kiwi

I'm just coming by to say HI and to tell you that Herbie, the realtor, says people who build houses together often end up divorced. That's not sour grapes. That's plain old envy!!! DS's school was closed yesterday and today and maybe tomorrow because the electrical panel blew up. It actually caught a man's shirt on fire but he's ok. So, I'm taking vacation. I'm in that quick replay thing and about to run out of space. Love you all. I'm signing DS up at the Y today for swimming purposes. It's really inconvenient but he has to learn. I mean he can swim but not well. This quick thing goes on forever. 604 characters. Bye.

We've lived through remodeling. Building a house would be a piece of cake. We're past the divorce age. We celebrate our 25th anniversary next month.:smug:

The ppl who are building the subdivision across the street are interested in our place, it's just that it would take too long to sell, and by then our new place would belong to someone else. We don't want to sell just for the sake of selling. We want to sell only if we can find just the right place to buy. It's the classic catch-22.

Anyway, I'm going to quit talking about this, because I'm making myself crazy.

Peaches! how scary! thank goodness there were no kids around when it caught fire. Why don't you use the gym at the Y when ds is taking his swimming lessons?

OOpppps! They're doing construction across the street and they just knocked down some power or phone lines. I'd better shut off my puter. See yas.

Wabby did you lose power with all that yesterday? I do wish you luck getting your dream place. How exciting to have acerage!.
Peaches I am glad that you are snaeaking in a vacation! How fun to get extra time with DS. I don't know when I get my DS 15 next. When school starts I kind of become a pain to him lol ya know Moms are unciool when there is a football game to attend. He lives with his Dad about 70 miles from me, so I have to beg for time at this age. Grrrrrrrrrrr.
Kiwok what is fennel bulb? What is the taste?
I just got over the flu today so I hope I am done being sick. Between strep and flu ya think I would be skinny? Heck no makes me eat more when I can. Hope to behave this time and start losing agin. Have set a goal for me so hope it works,
Daphne

Hi Kiwi and Brattie. Where's everybody else gone to????? Peaches is at the Y getting buff.

My power never did go out yesterday, so I got off my puter for nothing. And you all know I had so much more interesting stuff to tell you.;)

I just finished Patty Jean's House of Curl It was a delightfully tear jerky book.

Hi Babes
 

I've been a tad busy. Nothing important, mind you, but busy anyway.

Wabbit, the title of that book is very appealing. I may have to pick it up. Actually I want to read the new Fannie Flagg (she wrote Fried Green Tomatoes) book if I can find it.

Glad you're over the flu, Daph. :dance: I was just thinking the other day, I didn't know what I'd do if I got sick right about now. I've been spending an awful lot of time and energy taking care of my poor ol' dog, and the worse she gets, the less DH and DD help. Not that they're unwilling, they just get that stricken "I don't know how" look when I tell them what she needs. So if I find it tiring (which I do) to lug a 50 lb dog outside 4x a day and patiently coax her back in, I can just imagine doing it when I'm sick. Well, I just can't get sick. She had another seizure on Wednesday; haven't seen once since then, but you can't be there all the time.

On Wednesday (99c rental day) I rented a DVD of Amelie and tried to watch it on my computer's DVD drive. The drive didn't work, so we had to fiddle with it over and over again. DH got it working and I started watching the film, then it quit again. After about 50 tries, I got it working again and watched about 30 minutes or so of the movie. It's a lovely French film. Unfortunately it quit again and I couldn't get it to work ever again. So I took the DVD back. The next morning we discovered that our TV had died! DH didn't think it would be worth fixing it, so we hopped in the car after he got off work yesterday and went TV shopping. We ended up with a flat screen TV which is really cool. It's the same size as the old one (27) because it had to fit in the cabinet, but we decided to also get :wizard: a DVD player!! So today I went back to the rental store and got Amelie again. DH is going to spend the weekend on the sailboat as usual, so I will be luxuriating in the splendor of movie magic tonight. :cloud9:

Later gators. Have a great weekend

:df: Kiwi

Oh yeah, Daphne, fennel bulb tastes and even more, smells, like licorice. Raw, anyway. When you cook it, it's much more mild. I've never had it by itself, but it went well with mashed potatoes.

Kiwi

they wouldn't let me in!
 

Hi darlings! Boy, am I pooped. Just had to use my feminine whiles to persuade the skinnier-than-me teenage male employee at the local discount supermarket to help me lug two boxed computer desks out to my car. I *told* dh they'd be too heavy for me, but he just said "You can put them in the shopping cart." Yeah right. So I batted my eyelashes at this poor soul (who had bright yellow hair) and he did all the work. We don't have bag boys and parcel pickup and helpful staff here so I was really surprised. I think I'll e-mail the head office and tell them to give him a medal. So now I have two huge boxes in my car and they're staying there 'til dh gets home. Hope no one steal 'em.

Kiwi, Amelie was really popular here but I haven't seen it yet. I just love our DVD player. Afraid to admit I watched American Pie 2 the other day and laughed all the way through it. It reminded me of my high school/university transition. I'm so shallow.

Hey Wabby, hey Daphne, hey Peachy!

The parental units flitted off to Guernsey in the Channel Islands last Tuesday for two weeks and we haven't heard a peep so I'm assuming they're still alive. I sent off a letter to their hotel today and the genius at the post office said "Uh, WHERE is this going to?" Guess I'm the only one in this town who sends letters to exotic places.

Have a fantastic day, cows. I have no idea what I'm making for dinner.

Hi Sugar et everyone else
 

Amelie was so good, you should definitely see it.

Hope your parents have a good in Guernsey I. Do they have a lot of Guernsey :moo: :moo: there?

Speaking of lugging things, you would not believe how heavy that new TV was. The salesman said over a hundred pounds. We had a good time getting it inside. I think it slightly warped our TV cabinet. Hope it doesn't fall down :eek:

So where is everyone else? I have to go out and run by the vet's office. I'll be expecting posts by the time I get back. By the way, the doggie is hanging in there. No seizures since last Wed., not walking any better, but hungry as a horse from the meds. Pretty soon I may not be able to pick her up to get her outside, so she'd better improve that gimp leg soon.

DD had to play (in the band) in her first pep rally today! :lol: Does that bring back any memories? :twirly:

Gotta run.
Later gators
Kiwi

Hi everyone. OK now Kiwok where do I buy fennel bulb? Geesh I am such a geek in the kitchen noting but garlic and onions for me!!!!
SugP I love American Pie 2. I took my DS15 to see it. We laughed so hard especially with the super glue. Not a normal thing to take a kid to but he gets to chose the movies.
How do all of you learn about such cool books? I seem to stick with Stephen King. I am sure my Chruch would be horrified to learn that I have most of his books in hardback!
My manifold broke on way to grocery store today. DH is my hero and rescued me by tyin it up and making the call to get it fixed. Tomorrow at 3 I get to drop it off. He wanted me to call the places and he made forst call, geesh I would not of know what to tell them. It was more complicated explaing it to them then DH said!
I am back OP today, yesterday was my B day and I was a piggy! Back OP today and all week. Hi to everyone else!
Brattie
Wabby I like that name that you changed me to. Brattie suite me. Thanks!

I'm recovering from the weekend. DH's oldest brother and spouse, and his daughter and 2 adorable grandchildren were our houseguests for the weekend. Lotsa fun, but whew! I'm tired! They live in Austin, TX so we don't get to see them very often, but we make up for the frequency of visits by the intensity.

Brattie, I find my books by checking out book discussion groups on the puter, also by paying attention any time anyone talks about a book they read that they just love. Also when I find an author I like, I tend to read everything they've written. Happy belated :hb:

Sugar! thanks goodness that you exude feminine charm! I remember the days when that used to work for me.:s:

Kiwi, are you doing a movie marathon with the new tv???

Well, in that case..
 

Hi Brattie! I always try to get DH to call about any car trouble I have, too. I've been burned too many times. And my mind is just a sieve when it comes to stuff like that. I've been reading a really good Steven King book -- not a novel; it's called On Writing and it's mostly advice on how to write. But it starts out with a long section about how he became a writer. Very interesting. I also have Hearts in Atlantis sitting around that I haven't read yet. Have you?

I'm making hamburger soup for dinner. Oh, I got the fennel at the grocery store. Probably any store with a good produce department would have it -- we live at about the end of the supply routes, so if we can get it, anyone can!

Tah :wave:
Kiwi

Oops, I posted practically on top of yours, Wabbit! To answer your question, I spent most of the weekend on just that one DVD -- it had so much extra stuff on it, including the director commenting on the whole film, so I actually watched it twice. By the time I was done watching everything, I'd about had enough! We also watched Panic Room Friday night. Pretty good suspense (bloody, though!)

And Happy Birthday, Brattie! I actually read right through "yesterday was my B day" thinking it had something to do with WW :doh:

Kiwi

todays lazya cows become tomorrows meatloaf!!!!Be careful whom you follow,for many a cow has followed the herd into the butchers's truck....these are a few cowisms i just ran into----things are hectic around here----my sis is having a hard time with the kiddies---they are still all mixed up and sad and acting out---anyone who prays,send some our way----xoxoxo cow cow

Hi Bagz
 

Poor babies, I really feel for them and their mom. Losing a parent is horrible enough for an adult, for a kid it is so bewildering I just can't imagine. We have lost 3 brothers-in-law in the past 10 years or so, all with kids. All I can say is thank goodness for extended families; they make all the difference.

Gotta go drive DD to her guitar lesson. It's a gorgeous day for a change. Maybe I'll spend some time outside first. Why, I could pick up dog poop, that would be fun!! :cb:

Kiwi

Bagzie, although I'm a unchurched heathen, I'll send some prayers up for your sis and her kiddos. It must be a nightmare for your sister, having to be strong for her kids, when she has grieving of her own to do. She's lucky she has you for a sis.

Kiwi, you are the most dedicated dog mom. DH just runs over the doggie doo area w/ the riding lawn mower and it vacuums that stuff up.

I bought an old Mary Chapin Carpenter cd on half.com. I'm groovin' w/ Passionate Kisses Do you remember that tune?

It's just another perfect, sunny day here in my pacific wonderland, right Brattie? :cool:

Oh Wabby wasn't it a beautiful day today? I love days like this and for the NW it is amazing! I did some bad emotional eatting today. I was bummed when I found out what it takes to get a in home day care license. I won't be able to do that.
Baggz you and your family are in my prayers tonight and as long as you want them. I never did tell you how sorry I am for all you have been through. I hope that your sister can find some happiness soon. No matter what it takes Ihope she and the kiddies find it.
Have to go but wanted to say hi!
Brattie

Hi! I'm still here!

Bagzie, I feel so bad for the little ones. When I was growing up, I never knew anyone who had just lost a parent because they would transfer families elsewhere. It was strange for us, and I'm sure it was strange for them, because not only did they not have their parent, they also lost their friends. I'm glad the little ones have their extended family. It won't fill the hole, but I hope it will eventually help them heal. And I'm glad your sister has you.

Hi to everyone else. I just don't have much to say right now. Just tired. Been trying to squeeze in some reading. I just finished "Thief of Time" by Terry Pratchett. Not one of his better ones, but fans of the Douglas Adams/ Neil Gaiman school of fantasy would like it. Now I'm rereading "To Kill a Mockingbird."

DH and I celebrated our anniversary weekend this weekend. Eight years! Wow! It sure doesn't feel like it.

I remember
 

Passionate Kisses. At least the chorus.

Who's going to start a Member Journal? Seeing as how I just started a Diaryland journal, I don't know if I can be bothered. Not that I would write word one about exercise or weight loss (or gain) in Diaryland. Anybody could be reading that :lol: Maybe I could start a really maudlin How Fat I Am journal here. Might be fun. Could it possibly be motivating? :shrug:

I got the most hilarious spam in my hotmail today. It was entitled
Our Brides Treat Their Husbands Like Kings, so of course I had to read it. Here's the copy:

Explore the world of beautiful Russian woman

Browse FREE PICTURES submitted by Lovely young Russian women seeking love and a better life.

Everything you've dreamed of
Unspoiled, Available, Eager
Think of the world through the eyes of beautiful young Russian women with few prospects in their homeland. They're eager to meet and marry the regular, hardworking guys they've seen on TV and in the movies. And they're just as eager to be loving, devoted companions, free of the attitudes and neuroses of typical American girls.

Post a FREE ad -- then see the girls who write to you.
******************************

Are You a U.S. Man
Interested in meeting
a Russian Woman?

Click the picture to see more->


Isn't that a riot? There was a picture of some blonde girls posing like Charlie Angels.

Bye
Kiwi

That's what scares me...
 

...about starting an on line journal, Kiwi - the fact that someone might actually read it!

Actually,quite a few Russian girls come over here and snag themselves short, balding German husbands. Hilarious that they would send you that spam.

Happy Belated Birthday Brattie and Happy 8th Anniversary, Cherry!! I know it's your birthday soon, Cherry, but I always forget when it is.

I know you don't really want to know about the ongoing saga of my stupid back molar but I'll tell you anyway. Turns out I don't need a root canal after all but it's STILL going to cost me 380 smackeroos:eek: to get it fixed. Dang. Good thing someone in the family has a job:lol:

Tomorrow is the last day before a two week school break. Yay! As much as I like having both babies in school, I hate getting up at 6:15 every morning.:dz:

Bagzie, darling! You and yours are in my thoughts every day. I guess it would be surprising if the children *didn't* act out but it must be so stressful for your sister. Wabby is right, thank goodness she has you for support.

Off to clear off my horizontal surfaces right now. Started reading the FlyLady e mails again (Wabby! Did you see she's coming to Portland and Vancouver!?) and I hate to admit it, but they work.:o

Morning all! Am I the only one here that watched BB3? Lisa won waaaahoooooo. It is a dumb show but I like it I also like the Anna Nicole show that is really funny.
How do I get the Fly Lady e mails? Wabby are you going to go see her? Vancouver is about 45 minutes for me tell me more about her.
Cherry Happy Late Anniversary! Happy Early Birthday if I forget.
I want to say thanks to all of you for the Birthday wishes I love attention! :)
Kiwok did you reply to the e mail? What would happen if a lesbian wanted a Russian wife? I am in a weird mood today huh?
I need to go to the library and get a book I think.
Whoever was reading Hearts in Atlantis it starts out kinda slow and took me 3 tries to finish it. It is a great book and I didn't want to put it down, I read during work breaks even.
OK I have a zillion things to do so have a great day all!
Brattie

I'm going to keep an eye on DH. He's a short balding italian. :lol:

Sugar, I need to go to the dentist, but I know as soon as I do, it's going to involve pain and money. :yikes: I haven't heard that the flynag is coming to Portland. I stopped the daily emails when I went on vacation, and I enjoyed not being nagged so much I never started her up again. Of course my house is now a sty, but I feel so much calmer.:dz:

I started an online journal at one point, but my life was so boring it got embarrassing so I stopped. :o

Brattie, flylady is a free nagging system to get us off our keysters and make us clean house. Kind of voluntary brainwashing. Go to www.flylady.net but be prepared for a zillion emails a day telling you to do stuff like shine your sink. What is BB3? Am I missing something?

No time, but wanted to say I watched Big Brother 3 and hated Danielle (nobody "deserves" the money, girl, not even your sacred family), thought Lisa was adorable, hope she and what'shisname live happily ever after.

bye
Kiwi

OK Wabby I am on the FlyLady list now! As if I don't receice enough junk mail a day. Big Brither 3 had 12 house guest that get voted off each week. They have cameras on them 24/7. Danielle was a good player in the house but she was nasty in the Diary room. She lied to all the house guest but Jason and made evil and cruel remarks about all of them but Jason. Last night was the final show and the former houseguest got to vote the winner. It was a 9 to 1 victory for Lisa. Danielle kepy saying she needed the money for her family. Well duh who doesn't need money for their family? It irks me that she still get 50 K and the $750 a week for being in the game. Lisa was sweet, beautiful, considerate, compassionet, etc. I am glad she won. OK I am really a geek now huh? It was just nice to see someone sweet win. Good guys don't always finish last!
Daphne