GOT ONE LOAD OF WASH DONE AND NOW IT'S NAP TIME. :rofl:
HAND & HEAD ARE TIRED ALREADY. MEETING BEGINS AROUND 5 ISH.
I STILL CAN'T GIVE THE FINGER TO ANYONE!! TOO PAINFUL :lol3: ;lol3:
SO THE MAINTENANCE MEN & MAYOR ARE IN LUCK THIS WEEK!
HOPE EVERYONE IS DOING OK TODAY.:moped:





SHAD...THE PICS WERE GREAT. LOVE THE VIEW!
I ALWAYS FORGET ABOUT ANZAC DAY. SO SORRY.
AND HERE I EVEN HAVE AN AUSSIE CALENDAR!!!
I WILL PUT IT CLOSER TO THE COMPUTER!!
SO MANY YOUNG LIVES LOST & STILL BEING LOST:cry:

I BET THE SERVICE WAS BEAUTIFUL AT DAWN IN KINGS PARK.............
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...angarra_03.jpg





LAURA....HOW IS COAL DOING. THOUGHT OF HIM TODAY.





HAPPY.....40 FRASSING VOLUNTEER HOURS?!!? GOD BLESS YOU!!
THEY WILL LOVE YOU TO DEATH. HOPE IT GOES FASTER THAN IT IS NOW:hug:
WOULD LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT THE ITALIAN BEEF.
THE KIDS ARE THINKING OF USING A 5QT DUTCH OVEN FOR STUFF LIKE THAT. AND THEN JUST SIMER IT ALL DAY-KIND-OF.
SOUNDED DELISH....OIL AND ALL :hun:





MICHELLE.......SO GLAD YOU ARE RETHINKING YOUR JOURNEY AND HAVE A GOOD FRIEND TO HELP YOU OUT ALSO.
POSTPONEMENT WAS THE BEST THING AND I AM GLAD THEY DID IT. LOTS OF TIME TO CALM DOWN & RELAX.
SENDING QUIET VIBES YOUR WAY :yoga: GO IN PEACE TODAY!!

Afternoon
Not much is going on here.

Mel
Hold the fort at the meetings tonight.

Michelle
To bad your meeting was held back, but may you can have more ammo to deal with when the meeting is rescheduled.

Hi there ladies,

Today dawned grey, cool and rainy. Guess I should have spent more time outside yesterday...

DH has a tree stump in the yard across the way. Every time I see it, I think it's a critter. Today the yard is filled with turkeys and squirrels. DH likes the turkeys but not the squirrels - told him you cna't differentiate on who can eat here!

Talked to a former co-worker this morning. Did a little gossiping and it appears that karma is alive and well for some evil doers. Did my heart good to hear that I must admit. ;) I do believe in the "you'll get yours someday" it's just that you don't always get to hear when that happens and sometimes it's a long time coming. Just restores my faith that there is a balance in the world...

Mel - maybe your hand is resting but you can still mentally give the bird to anyone who deserves it - just blink your eyes instead :rofl: I guess you could use a dutch oven for the recipe - just a slow oven for 275 or 300 degrees for 4 hours or so. Here's the recipe:

1 thick chuck pot roast (about 2 inches thick), 3 pounds or more
1 jar of roasted red peppers in liquid
1/2 cup Zesty Italian flavor bottled salad dressing
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

My personal modifications after making this once: substitute -
1 pkg powdered Good Seasons Zesty Italian salad dressing mix
1 cup water

Wash the roast and put it in the crock pot. Add 1/2 cup liquid Italian dressing on top of roast or if substituting mix the powdered Italian dressing packet with 1 cup warm water and pour on top of roast. Drain the roasted red peppers (mine were in oil with garlic cloves), reserving the liquid. Place the red peppers on top of the roast. Add 1/2 of the reserved pepper liquid to the crock pot. Turn on the crock and cook for 6 hours. Beef is ready when soft enough to shred. When done, remove it from the crock place meat on plate. Take 2 forks and "comb" the roast to shred the meat and red peppers. Remove any excess fat if desired. Add 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (the stuff in a can, not fresh grated parmesan) to the liquid in the crockpot. Stir for a few minutes to make a light gravy. Add the shredded meat back in. Serve on Kaiser rolls, Italian or French bread. Add mozzerella cheese if desired to the sandwich. Also you can optionally add the following to the crockpot when you first start cooking if desired for extra flavor - wedges of green bell pepper (very thick strips so they hold up to the long cooking), chopped mushrooms, an extra clove or two of garlic. The Zesty Italian dressing has more flavor and gives the meat it's Italian Beef taste. I cooked it with the the liquid salad dressing which contains oil and the red peppers which were packed in oil and while DH loved it, it was a bit too oily for my touchy stomach so I'd try it again using powdered salad dressing, water and perhaps use the entire jar of marinade in the red peppers to cut back on the fat. It did make for a delicious sandwich even if I had to take 2 Pepcid's afterwards :lol:

Michelle - kudos to you for getting some help from the life coach in dealing with all the stress you have going on right now. Having been there before, I can say that I wasted alot of good health on being angry and stressed about the job situation. You already have enough stress in your life and like I said before, some times I think they set us up to be angry so then they can justify their bad decisions knowing it's human nature to be frustrated. It's great that DH was able to talk to you and keep a better perspective on things. It's good to have a calming factor like that. I hope that the life coach can give you some good goals to focus on. If that doesn't work, don't forget about "crushing" the head of the offenders with your thumb and forefinger from far away when they aren't looking - at least there is a small satisfaction in that :lol3:

Shad - sounds like you had a nice birthday. It's nice that you always participate in the Anzac Day celebrations - we should never forget those who have served in our safety. How nice that you got a little treat at the hotel - too bad they don't know you'd have preferred some fresh fruit over a chocolate cake. But the thought was nice. I'm still wishing you a happy birthday because while it might be over on your side of town, it's still your birthday here.

ok, I hear Doc Martin and I think of boots :rofl:

Laura - hope Coal is doing better today. That's wierd with your friend and the hip pain - but sometimes I think that's hard to diagnose. Then again, I think doctors don't always listen to the patient and I'm finding that we need to do more investigating ourselves. Pity because we sure pay enough for medical care. DIdn't the Hawks win the Stanley Cup last year or recently? Been a while since Chicago had any championships teams.

Ceejay - glad you had a nice time in MO. I thought about having a big party for one of our milestone anniversaries since we had a tiny, tiny wedding but then I got to thinking about how much it would cost (a far cry from the $2500 I spent on my wedding no doubt) :lol: Shame that the baby was fussy but sometimes I think it's good for Mom and Dad to get the baby used to other people from the get go just to avoid the "daycare drama" syndrome. Has it been a quiet storm season out by you?

Annie - sounds like you are busy with all kinds of work around the house. How is the firepit coming along. THink you'll be done before Shad gets her castle built? :lol: We had white crown moulding in the house in TN. Painted the walls with a gray primer and I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the medium gray looked against the moulding and the white ceiling. It's a good color although you rae probably going almost white with a touch of gray?

Ok, I have to get dressed and off to the library to return some books and pick up the one about the dog. Also ordered books 2 and 3 in the Girl with the Dragon Tatoo series for DH. They show "in transit" I know that if I go to the library today they will show up tomorrow. Doesn't really matter since the library is on the way home when we go to town - so not really out of the way to go there.

Happy hump day chicks - have a good one.

Good Afternoon all. Long meeting this morning followed by a box lunch with the attendees. Having trouble getting back in the work groove.

Shad - Sounds like you had a nice ANZAC day and B-day. LOL, nice thought re the cake/ice cream - is Big T your co-worker??

Michelle - You're right, more time is good to work on your strategy and to practice at least appearing calm and collected. I hope your life/career coach meeting goes well tonight and gives you a bright outlook for what the future can bring.

Mel - No problems with Coal since Monday evening, so I think he's alright now. Still giving him his meals one half at a time. Poor guy doesn't like it, but he'll survive. I'm sure a dutch oven inside a low temp oven was the original slow-cooker, lol. Don't let the meetings get the best of you!!

Ceejay - No news is good news I guess. Hope you're week goes by quickly!

Happy - Yes, knowing someone got their just desserts can be satisfying. Unlike seeing a driver doing something really illegal and dangerous and only being able to say "Where's a cop when you need one!?" I think it's been a couple seasons now since the Hawks won the Cup. Re my friend's hip, she did have some herniated disks, so I'm sure that didn't help with the diagnosis. I texted her to see how the doc appt went and she's got surgery on 6/12, not as soon as she wanted, but at least it's scheduled. The hip problems caused one leg to be 1 inch shorter than the other. I just hope this surgery greatly improves her quality of life!!

Annie - Hope the colonoscopy went well and you're again clean as a whistle. Well, we know you were already if you did the prep right, haha, but I mean the no polyps kind of clean. :D

Hi Java, Hi Patty!!
===
Nuttin' much to report. The admin distributed our "absence reports" this morning and it turns out I've only taken two vacations days so far this year (plus one sick day). For Pete's sake, I haven't even used up the days I carried over from last year, let alone this year's floating holidays and vacation days! Time to take some time off!!! :carrot: I might just try and take this Friday or Monday off! However, this morning's meeting was a kick-off of sorts for a couple large and a couple small projects, so I will try to achieve good progress on data requests the next couple days before taking any time off. Otherwise, there are about 5 days I picked off the top of my head to take off over the next three months, and I'm sure there will be more.

I did a BE workout last night - my biceps are winning the soreness competition at the moment, and then triceps next. I think my quads will overtake both a little later...

Cheers!
:cheers:

Sorry guys, got taken out to dinner and only just got in. It's bed for me. I'll be back in the morning.

https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/im...OegCprFGPiObfg

:coffee: MORNING ALL

WE'RE CATCHING UP ON OUR MUCH NEEDED RAIN.
VERY HARD TO STAY AWAKE THIS WEEK.
ANNOYING ODDS & ENDS.
HOT WATER TURNS OFF IN CERTAIN APARTMENTS AT UNCERTAIN TIMES.
NO LOGICAL REASON AND WE'RE ALL STUMPED.
I LOSE IT IN MY KITCHEN ONLY. WEIRD.
PLUMBER IS RUNNING AROUND TRYING TO FIND A LOGICAL REASON :lol3:

TODAY'S MEETING SHOULD BE THE LAST OF IT. PRAYING HARD.
NOTHING NEW. JUST RESTING IN BETWEEN.
JEN AND I ARE GOING TO THE STORE TOMORROW MORNING.
SEE Y'ALL WHEN WE GET BACK AFTER LUNCH TIME:moped:




CEEJAY....NO NEWS CAN BE GOOD NEWS :hug:
ENJOY YOUR DAY!




HAPPY.......THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE RECIPE. JEN IS LACTOSE INTOLERANT SO MAYBE THEY CAN TWEAK IT. IT REMINDS ME OF ANOTHER RECIPE I READ SOMEWHERE. I'LL PRINT THIS ONE OUT.
HAD A LAUGH AT DH AND THE SQUIRRELS AGAIN:rofl:
I AM GLAD TO HEAR THAT THE RULE "WHAT COMES AROUND GOES AROUND" IS STILL ALIVE & KICKING:encore:
I ALWAYS TELL JEN....DON'T LAUGH AND CHEER TOO LOUDLY
LEST THE DEMONS HEAR YA AND SMACK US TOO!:lol3: :lol3:




LAURA......YOU COULD USE SOME TIME OFF JUST TO KEEP THE HEAD IN GOOD SHAPE.
GOOD LUCK WITH THE NEW PROJECTS.
HOPE YOU GET AHEAD SO YOU CAN HAVE THE DAYS YOU WANT.
I MLOVE LONG WEEKENDS & I DON'T EVEN RIDE A TRAIN EVERY DAY!!!
GLAD TO HEAR COAL IS DOING OK. WAS HOPING HE DIDN'T EAT ANYTHING TOO DANGEROUS:hug:




SHAD.....JUST FOUND YOUR POST....HOW NICE TO GET TAKEN OUT TO DINNER!!
HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT TIME:hug:

Hey guys...

Butt hurts, got internal hemrroids (sp), they took a biopsy of one place on my colon, couldn't tell if it was a polyp or just a fold in the colon. If a polyp, I will have to go back in a couple of months for removal. My personal opinion is that it is a fold in the colon since I had all that rearrangement from bariatric surgery. Other than that it looked good, (YUK) to me. Anyway, unlike last time...my body aches all over, I am tired and my belly is bloated. Guess age does make a difference. boo hoo hoo, whao is me.

May go home and through soup stuff in the crocker.

Will post more tomorrow.

hugs

Morning all.

Shad - Taken out to dinner - how nice. :)

Mel - What a bizarre thing with the hot water cutting out in random locations at random times. Never a dull moment!! Hope the meetings today go smoothly with no long-windedness making them go long. No :soap: allowed!! Yeh, been trying to keep an eye on doggy when he's in the yard to ensure that he doesn't eat anything out there. Gonna go out by the back fence this weekend (weather permitting) and rake out the last of the leaves accumulated there and clear out anything foreign or funky. I was pretty happy a few years ago that the neighbor's vines had been growing over into our yard and serving as groundcover in the soil below our row of arborvitae trees along the fence because they help keep weeds at bay; Now it's sort of a mixed blessing because one can't see what might get nestled in the vines for doggy to sniff out and scarf down. It's always something!

Annie - Sorry you're worse for wear after they rooted around inside you yesterday. :( Hope the biopsy comes back with good results. I say go home now and rest up so you can enjoy your long weekend. :yes:

Hellos to the rest of the gang! :wave:
===
Did a BE workout last night - deltoids, back, glutes and outer thighs. These are pretty quick workouts. Probably should double up on them, or add on some Pilates moves or hula-hoop time.

Going to ask the boss if it's okay to take Monday off work. Have a massage in mind. Also going to see if there's any reason I can't take a couple days off the first week of June - planning a weekend getaway with a friend.

That's about it. Better get to it!

Toodles!

Hi all,
Bright and sunny day out there - much nicer than yesterday's gloom although it's chilly. DH said it was actually snowing very early this morning. I missed it. Boo hoo. NOT. :lol:

Mr. Bear who we thought headed out showed back up again late yesterday. DH decided to sweep up the corn piles we put out for the deer - especially when the bear came back 3 times. So I had to stand on the deck and keep watch in the yard so Mr. Bear didn't surprise DH while he raked up his food. That was a first for me.

DH reminded me that it's about 3 weeks until my Mom and sister come to visit. I hope it warms up a little more by then. Also means I have alot to do to get ready for them. I want to finish this museum volunteer stuff so I can focus on the house again.

Laura - a getaway weekend sounds like fun. Better to spend the vacation time doing that instead of just hanging around the house.

Annie - so sorry to hear about your sore bum. I hope that's a fold too and not a sign of more trouble. Are you prone to potentially more issues after the surgery?

Mel - that's a real mystery with the water. How crazy - hope they find a fix. I didn't quite understand the lactose intolerance for Jen - could there be milk solids in the powdered salad dressing? Or is it the cheese at the end that's an issue? You don't really have to add the cheese it, it just thickens the juice from an au ju? (still good dipping the bread) to a slightly thicker gravy with an enhanced cheese flavor.

Shad - hope you enjoyed your dinner out. We're going out tomorrow and I'm looking forward to that.

Hellos to Ceejay, Michelle, Patty and Turtle. I'm off to get busy. :wave:

I DIDN'T WANT TO MISS OUR FRIDAY BIRTHDAY GAL WHILE I AM OUT IN THE MORNING.......................



http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/r...y_animated.gif


HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS HAPPY!!!
HOPE YOUR BIRTHDAY TOMORROW WILL BEGIN A WONDERFUL LONG WEEKEND OF CELEBRATION.:cheers:
HAVE YOURSELF A WONDERFUL FRIDAY :hb: :gift:

Since it is your birthday here today, let me wish you:
A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAPPY. :dance: :dance: :dance:

And lots more of them as well.

Dinner last night was interesting. I met up with the projects new training manager and we went down to the restaurant at the Motel. Dinner wasn't bad, but there wasn't an awful lot of it and very little choice from the menu. And my main wasn't hot, merely warm. As some of you may know, according to the food gospel of the martyr Joy, food comes in two categories - hot or cold. Not warm. Warm doesn't cut it. Still the conversation was interesting if somewhat stilted as if we both had something to say and didn't know whether to say it or not. Today should get over that shyness.

Annie - poor soul. Hope you are feeling better today.

Michelle - hope the meeting goes well. I have no doubt you can provide proof of your doings for reporting etc. Personal appraisals should be abolished (IMO)

Mel - talk to you tomorrow.

Laura - more projects coming up. Good luck with that. Hope you get a nice long weekend.

Happy - are you regressing back to childhood with the banging pots and spoons etc. Hope your birthday is a good one and you get or got a nice dinner. Karma eh. Gota love it.

Ceejay - thanks for the birthday wishes. Sometimes not much going on here is good stuff.

Hi to Mary and Patti - wherever they may be

Forgot to tell you. I took myself out to the Hunter Valley Gardens on my birthday. It was very nice. 60 acres of gardens based on styles from around the world and some interesting topiary as well. Will try to post some pictures when I get home tonight. I've just been asked to come back again next week.
Now have to go do travel bookings. The Big T must be sweating the small stuff. He rung me at 7.15am. He's not usually out of bed and thinking about work before 7 and he was already on the train at 7.15

Mel
That's weird that the tenants are having problems with the hot water in certain areas of the building. Does each apartment have their own hot water heater or does the boiler do it all?

Happy
So the bear loves to come and visit! Are you taking some time off for your birthday to do something special?

Annie
Hope there is only a fold in your colon, and ouch on the hemorrhoid.

Michelle
Your coach sounds like a fun and helpful thing to do. I've been thinking I'll get a health coach. Our insurance offers this for free. I need some one to be accountable to. Sounds like you are getting more planned for your next meeting.

Laura
Since we didn't get our sell back for vacations etc, I decided that I'd take all my vacation days this year. Glad you are taking some time to do some fun things this week end.


Shad
The garden sounds amazing. Did you walk the whole thing.

----
Went to the doctor today to find out I really was sick. After last night's bout of a deep cough I glad I went. It turns out I have bronchitis. I've coughed so deep last night that I've made myself sore. Told him that I was taking the b12 vitamin, he did my lab work today also. Yes, my doctor here is a lot more close but I really like this one better besides he's still over seas.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0jo8p2rxo...DESENHONAN.jpg
A QUICKIE NOTE

WHEN I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW THIS MORNINGI IMMEDIATELY SAW A DUCK SHAPED CLOUD....
THEN LOOKED LEFT AND SAW THE MOTHER LEADING HIM!!!:rofl: :rofl:
THIS IS NOT A PIC OF MY CLOUDS BUT A VERY CLOSE GOOGLED ONE.
VERY CUTE WAY TO BEGIN THE DAY!!



SHAD.....LAST NIGHT MY BOSS CALLED AND THERE IS ONLY ONE PERSON LEFT BOTH OFFICES.
2 ARE IN "SCHOOL" AND ONE CALLED IN SICK LAST NIGHT AT 9:30..
I WILL TRY MY BEST TO BE HERE WHEN YOU CALL BUT THE PLUMBER IS ALSO SCHEDULED FOR
TODAY AND SATURDAY (MY TIME) BETWEEN 3 & 3:30. IF I MISS YOUR CALL, I'LL TRY CALLING YOU AND IF YOU'RE HOME YOU'RE HOME.
I'M SO SORRY BUT WEIRD THINGS ARE GOING ON WITH THE HOT WATER AND THE TENANTS ARE FURIOUS.
LAST NIGHTS MEETING SAID IT BETTER BE FIXCED AND FIXED LONG BEFORE MONDAY & TUESDAY
WHICH WAS THE SCHEDULED "SEEK & REPAIR" APPOINTMENT. NO ONE EVEN KNOWS WHERE TO LOOK IN THE FIRST PLACE:faint:
I WILL RUSH EVERYONE AND TRY MY BEST TO BE HERE:hug: I JUST CANNOT PROMISE.
PS....ARE YOU HOME 2 DAYS????





:flow2: GOOD MORNING & SORRY GALS ABOUT NO PERSONAL FOR THE NEXT MAYBE 2 DAYS. HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT FRIDAY AND WEEKEND TOO. :hug:




:bday2: :gift: :hb: :woo: :balloons:
AGAIN MISS HAPPY......HAVE A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY!!

Happy Friday ladies and Happy Birthday, Happy!!!

A day full of meetings ahead, including the "big" one with the two directors. I'm going to do a bit more preparation for that one, and I'm fairly confident it will go well. Oh, and the meeting with the coach was SO helpful and positive. And conversations I've had with people lately have really helped diffuse my negative feelings and made me see this all in a positive light. And I am sure I can go into that meeting and convince the Directors and HR that I WANT to stay here, and am willing to grow by leaps and bounds to succeed.

Happy - Wishing you a wonderful birthday!! :hb: :hb: I hope the bear doesn't eat your cake! :rofl:

Laura - Good for you for deciding to use your vacation time! I'm taking Monday off to clean (fun, huh?). DMIL arrives on Wednesday.

Annie - So sorry to hear about your 'roids. I hope the pain eases up soon. And I really hope it's just a fold and nothing worse. Sending you much love and hugs. :hug:

Shad - I'm looking forward to seeing photos of the gardens. This book I'm reading "Following Atticus" is making me want to walk and hike out in nature more...but there's a part of me that's so worried that I won't be able to due to my back. I might just have to go for it...nature's beauty is so good for the soul/spirit.

Mel - Wishing you a great day and a hopefully relaxing weekend.

Tonight, I have to do report implementations, but it shouldn't take that long. Then I'll either go grocery shopping or start back in on cleaning DMIL's room. Tomorrow, I'm meeting a friend or two at a holistic health and nutrition expo at the fairgrounds near my house (5 min. away). It will be good to see my friends, and maybe I'll learn a thing or two. Tomorrow night, DH and I are going to downtown Milwaukee to see a performance. Sunday and Monday will be more cleaning/decluttering. The cleaning lady is coming at 9:30 (hopefully for no more than 2 or 3 hours), then a friend is coming over to help me with decluttering. I've taken Monday off to either (1) do more cleaning/decluttering; or (2) recover from the cleaning.

I haven't been on here much, so there is some news...it's pretty much decided...DMIL is moving in with us. :yay: :yay: Things have gotten REALLY bad with John's sister (mainly with her a**hole husband), and there's just too much drama. DMIL is nearly 81, she wants to enjoy whatever years she has left and not deal with that B.S. So we told her that her room at our house is always available. She's bringing two suitcases when she flies out here on Wednesday. And then in the late summer/early fall, DH will go back to CA to pick up the rest of her stuff. It's sad that things got so bad with DH's brother in law, but I'm really thrilled she's finally decided to move in with us. She just loves being at our house...where DH and I actually like each other (as opposed to DH's sister and brother in law), and there's not much drama, etc. And it will work out great because if we ever need a few days' break from each other (as can sometimes happen), she can just go stay with her sister (who lives 30 min away) for a few days. It'll be good that they'll have more time together during their last years. And since we pay to fly her from CA to WI once or twice a year, we can pay to fly her to CA when she wants to see her grandkids and great-grandkids. :D :dancer:

So Annie, DMIL is getting here on Wednesday for good, so keep the books coming! :rofl:

Anyway, gotta prep for meetings.

Much love and many hugs to all,

Mellie - You snuck in!! I don't care HOW many people are missing in the office....don't you DARE overdo it! You take care of YOU!!! :rollpin:

Goodluck today Chelle even tho you don't need it, YOU ROCK!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY!!!

:balloons::bday2::bday2you::hb:

Biopsy came back positive for cancerous causing, NOT CANCER YET, polyp. Didn't know there were some that cause cancer and some that don't till yesterday when Dr. Rogers called me....Anyway, I have to go back to have it removed in a few weeks. I am NOT looking forward to the prep part again. Let's just say I didn't make it to the toitie more than several times and God bless Curtis, he was a trooper and took care of me....he has to love me after that. Speaking of Curtis, he is painting the ceiling in the house (not bedrooms yet, will tackle that on separate occasion). Then we (he) will paint the walls. Firepit is done soon as I get a pix of it, I will post.

Need to get busy around here, kind of feel guilty chatting with you all while Curtis works....I have lil man from noon Saturday til noon Sunday....Sam and Chris are in a wedding then there is a h*llish reception afterward. So I am keeping monkey man....just kills me...haha.

Have a marvelous Friday/Saturday all.

Love, hugs, and prayers...luck to Chelle....Fun to Happy on her bd.

Morning all. TGIF! :carrot:

Happy - Hope you're having a fun birthday and taking a break from the volunteer data entry for the day. ;) Three weeks until your family visits - not long now. What sort of activities do you have planned??

Shad - The gardens sounded wonderful. :flow1: Looking forward to photos when you get a chance. Sorry your dinner out wasn't the best. I'm one of those who likes hot food to arrive on my plate piping hot - if I need to let it cool down a bit to eat, so be it.

Ceejay - Sorry to hear you're sick with bronchitis. I can't imagine how my allergies would be without my flonase. Well, sometimes I can. The other night I was exercising and I bent over and I guess I had some excess fluid in my nasal passages and it was just like when you get water up your nose when swimming and suddenly you get this pain in your head - ouch. That took me by surprise. Anyway, I hope you've got some good meds and are feeling better soon! :hug:

Mel - Well, I don't know how the office doesn't know about at least some of those absences ahead of time (sick days excluded) and doesn't come up with a better plan than giving Mel the warning that she's filling in for 3 employees!! That's ridiculous. Simply do not overdo it and compromise your health for the sake of the office chaos! I hope the plumbing issue gets resolved - what a disaster! Take care m'dear. Oh, love the duck cloud!!

Michelle - Good luck in your big meeting today!! Glad the coaching session was helpful and positive. A "don't overdo it" warning for you too Missy!! Glad you've got help coming to give you a hand this weekend. Enjoy the expo and the performance this weekend - you and dh really need to do something fun for yourselves. So nice for your DMIL to stay with you permanently and leave the bad situation in CA. Who needs all that drama and tension??

Hellos to Annie, Mary & Patty!
---
Not doing much right now except willing the day to go more quickly. Ready for the weekend, even if I have no big plans. Except I think we might be going over to a bday celebration Saturday afternoon, nothing big. The house definitely needs some cleaning that's for sure. I dropped an earring on the bedroom floor yesterday morning and didn't find it then, but noticed way too much dust and dustbunnies under the dresser and bed. Not sure what the dust ruffle is supposed to do if it's not keeping the dust out of there. Very tempted to rip that ill-fitting thing off the bed and jam it in the garbage!

I also want to make some soup this weekend. And I'm like a broken record - my wardrobe is appalling and needs to be improved. Of my entire stock of dress slacks, I have come to hate at least 4 pairs of them and the rest need to be replaced due to age. And the tops are just as bad. Very disappointed in the quality of the cotton sweaters I've purchased over the past couple years - lots of pilling. And I just don't know what to get for replacements - hard to find basic stretchy tops that can be worn under cardigans that aren't t-shirt fabric. A lot of the others are garish weird-sleeved things. Frustrating, but I have to force myself to really look. Maybe Sunday.

Okay, meeting in about 10 min, so off I go. Have a great weekend everyone!

Annie - Sorry you have to go through that again, but thankfully the test did it's job to detect that! :yes: Have a great weekend and enjoy your time w/ lil man!

Hi ladies,

Thank you for the birthday wishes. We are going out to dinner tonight to a nice steak place that should have decent white zinfandel so I'm looking forward to not only a nice dinner but a glass or two as well :hat: I'm going to try and finish up the data entry for at least one of the two sites today because I need to focus on getting ready for my family to visit in 2 weeks. DH went out and brought back sub sandwiches for lunch so I won't have to do any cooking today which is nice. :D

Laura - I really understand what you mean about the clothing. I used to like Coldwater Creek but they have outsourced their manufacturing and the materials are sooooo thin and cheap now. Also they have cute prints on their shirts but they do this cheap color blocking that creates white streaks where the fabric had folds in it - they call it "unique" and I call it tacky. I have already expressed my disappointment with Kohl's (sorry Michelle) - the fabric sizing or something makes them smell badly. I just bought some cotton blend pjs, washed them and they still smell bad so they are going back. At least Laura you have the malls accessible to you so you can try and find some place that might have clothes to your liking and price points. I did like Macy's but ONLY when they had a particullary good sale and I found their dress pants to be so freakingly expensive that I don't think I ever bought pants from there. Also with the dust ruffle - I'm not sure they prevent dust (which naturally drops from your bed and box spring) as much as just hides the dust from under the bed :lol: I think they used to fit better also. I just got 2 of them to cover the box spring on the new beds and they are the fitted box pleat type. When I put them on I noticed there was a bar at the end of the bed that stabilized the mattresses from sliding. I had to remove it until I have time to cut and refit the dust ruffles. I did notice now that not only do the dust ruffles slide about, but the mattresses do too. I will have to secure the dust ruffles with T pins and make slits in the front so I can put those bars back in place. What a hassle!

Annie - sorry they found a polyp but so glad they found them early. I don't think people understand how those little buggers are innocent when they first sprout but can and quickly turn into trouble if left unattended. That's really a bummer you have to go through the clean out again. The pharmacist told me to reverse the stuff - do the liquid first and then take the pill. I think the pill is the one that gives the horrid cramping and such. Also eat light the day before the clean out - no spicy peppers for you :nono: Seriously, hope it's not too bad for you :hug:

Michelle- that is great news about the DMIL. It's too bad that the family is having problems in CA but I know how much you enjoy having her and it's so great that she has a home with you! And it's nice too that she can go visit her sister periodically so that you can all get a break once in a while. Particularly since you and DH don't do the get away vacation thing. I'm glad you got some help with the house too. Breathe deep, what needs to get done will. I am wishing and hoping and praying that your meeting with the directors goes well. Keep it positive sister! :hug:

Shad - thanks for the birthday wishes. Sorry your dinner was mediocre as was the conversation. At least your salad didn't blow into the sea :lol: I hope this stint goes well for you. Hunter Valley Gardens sound lovely - that's plenty of space to roam around in and admire the plantings. Can't wait for pictures.

Mel - I'm ready to put on my "Don't mess with Mel or I'll mess with you T-shirt" and join the rest of the Worldies in doing battle with your goofy office people. Be on your guard and don't let them take advantage of you! I loved, loved, loved the ducky cloud!!!!!!!!! That was a great day brightener. I hope your day goes smoothly.

Ceejay - bronchitis on top of all that schmutz in the air down there is NOT good for you. Please take care of yourself and make sure you get your rest. Avoid going out as much as you can and feel better lady :hug:

I've got to go finish a few things before I go get ready for dinner. DH is outside mowing for the first time this season. Newly cut grass smells so good. I just hope he's not cutting too much - we can't feed the critters while the bear is out so all they have is the grasses and whatever bugs or such are in them. But he is frustrated with our naturally yellow lawn of dandelions and I fear he's mowing like there's no tomorrow :dunno:

Hi everyone -

My meeting with the directors went "ok"...not great...just ok. Nothing's changed. I said my piece and tried to make it positive...but it still sounds like they think I'm completely underperforming. I'll probably get my improvement plan next week, which I will work hard to complete to perfection and beyond. And also keep other options open. :faint:

Anyway, I've gotta get to a project meeting. Have a great weekend everyone!

Much love,
Michelle

Happy
Happy Birthday

Michelle
:hug: I was hoping the meeting would be more in your favor.

Annie
I've had a few polyps in the past. Nothing has become of them yet. Sorry your having to go through this again.

-----
I've had a good day, except for locking myself out of the house.

Good morning ladies,

Quiet day here I see. I had a nice birthday. We went to a nice steakhouse restaurant and both of us struggled with the menu. It's been a while since we were at a "nice" place so many things looked good. We figured we should eat steak at a steakhouse but I am totally a fish girl - we make great grilled steaks at home. They also had some nice looking pasta dishes too. I finally decided on the crab stuff walleye fish fillet with a lemon dill sauce - delicious. DH tried the Friday fish fry which was a broiled haddock fillet and setting this restaurant apart from the usual Friday Fish Fries, this one also came with a delicious piece of baked chicken. We enjoyed our dinner and left stuffed. I wanted to go to the casino as is usually the tradition on my birthday. I spent a few dollars and had a good time. DH had some luck on the craps table which covered his initial investment and left us enough for our weekly allowance and a few bucks extra. We finished off the evening picking up a Dairy Queen ice cream "cake" - chocolate and vanilla ice cream with a thin layer of chocolate cookie crumble separating them. It was yummy but I sure do wish they'd make smaller cakes. Good thing I have a big freezer to store it in.

Today is odds and ends day. Still working on the museum stuff, have laundry and house cleaning to do. I also picked up the Atticus book which I have to put in a more prominent spot so I remember to start reading it at night.

I'm sorry your meeting did not go as well as you liked Michelle. I was watching the news show 20/20 and they were interviewing an ex-HR person who wrote a book - Corporate Confidential which details the things companies do to employees when they make decisions to "do stuff". Kind of eye opening. Since they insist you must improve your performance, I think you would be best to dust off the resume and start looking in earnest. I'm so sorry you have to deal with this right now, you have my support and sympathies. :hug:

Oh no Ceejay - how'd you get back into your house? I've done that before and I'm so anal about it I either pin a key to my clothes or wear one of those stretchy wristbands with a key on it if DH is out of town.

Hope the rest of you are having a good weekend. Talk to you later...

Morning all,
Yesterday became a bit of a blur since the phone rang incessantly - all people looking for donations or wanting me to buy raffle tickets. None of which were happy about my reply. And then since DS2 has kept the house relatively clean and tidy and it was raining hard, I caught up on a bit of tv and dozed somewhat. Then I decided since it was rainy and cold, I would clean out my wardrobe and the spare room. Everything takes longer than expected and I don't notice a lot being thrown out either. Better change that.
Finally I saw my travel agenda, and had a spat about that. Don't mind the flight and car, but had requested a 1 bedroom apartment staying at the place where I was last week - which was nice (169.00 per night). Now I have a 3 bedroom apartment in another part of town at $465 per night. WTF. The project manager tells me the mine has houses to rent and he will source out one of those. God knows what shape they will be in if they have been rented by miners in the past. Think I might consider just booking my own stuff from now on in and forget the 'corporate travel company' who are only in it for the commission. Will raise the matter with the BigT next time we speak.

Mel - I did try to ring yesterday, but you were not there. I got up at 6.00am this morning to try again only to find some clod aka Shad or Me forgot to recharge the phone handset last night. So I am waiting for a little while before I try this morning. If you are not home, you are not home. We can reschedule for next weekend. No worries

Happy - glad to know that you had a good birthday and ate more than your fair share. I had steak for dinner last night as well. It was a nice juicy tasty steak ever so slightly on the rare side. Sounds like you have some decent eating places around your new abode.

Michelle - Sorry, have to agree with Happy. Think they are trying to get you to go without making you redundant and having to pay out the redundancy pay. Are there any others with the same sort of problem? Get your cv up to date and start seriously looking. It's not going to be easy, but even if they decide you are now 'up to scratch' you will never feel safe again. Totally unfair, but that's business these days.

Ceejay - locking yourself out of the house. Did you burglarise it to get back in? Or do you have a hidden key?

Laura - I can totally agree on the quality of clothes these days. It's difficult to find a decent top for work purposes much less going out stuff. And I have noticed that when buying trousers the legs are not always the same length and even worse the short leg length is getting longer - or I am getting shorter because now I have to take them up. Or maybe they are now being made for 6-10 inch heels and my heels are less than 3. Can't say I have noticed a strange and chemical smell, but that might be from the manufacture of the fabric since just about everything is synthetic. I may just have to go to the designer shops and pick up a couple of business and good wear rather than go for lots of cheap stuff. I had to do it for shoes, why not suits, jeans and pants. But then again, I am not a size 2 or even 6 so maybe there is nothing out there for me.

Annie - not good to hear that the results were not as good as expected, but at least it wasn't the BigC. Good on Curtis. Painting ceilings is a tiring business whether you are up a ladder or scaffolding or standing on the floor using an extension roller. You still have your head straining backwards to look up and sometimes your mouth open as well to catch the drips :rofl:

Better go check out the charging phone and then back to the bedroom to clean out some more. It's a cruel world in there.

Hunter Valley Gardens
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b118/gunbo1/019.jpg

Doesn't seem to want me to add more. Back later to do it again.

Shad
Unfortunately I had to break and enter my own apartment yesterday and today. Not sure why the key works before I leave but not when I come back!!!!!! I'm wondering if the land lord left me the right key!!!!!
Hope you get things straightened out for you living arrangements.

--------
I did accomplish a good cleaning of the living room. And rearranged a bit too. Still need to pick up a few bits and pieces of junk.

Think I'm going to stay at home more on the week ends to get some things done.

MORNING CHICKS


THIS HAS BEEN A TERRIBLE FEW DAYS.
FRIDAY WAS FILLED WITH WHINING WORKERS,
THE PLUMBER ON THE HUNT FOR LEAKS,
A TENANTS FAMILY MAKING ACCUSATORY STATEMENTS THAT THEIR MOM'S JEWELRY IS BEING STOLEN, (we were all questioned) AND
A NEIGHBOR, RITA, ANNOUNCED SHE HAS PANCREATIC CANCER.
HOSPICE ARRIVED TO SEE HER THRU IT. SHE WANTS TO DIE HERE.
THE OFFICE ALREADY KNEW IT.
THE BUILDING IS HAVING A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN.
THEY WANT HER TO GO DIE AT THE HOSPITAL. :faint:
WHEN IT IS THEIR TIME I HOPE THE REMEMBER HOW THEY'RE ACTING.

SPENT MOST OF SATURDAY AGAIN WITH RITA AND THE PLUMBER.
I HAD TO CANCEL MY C-SCAN FOR TOMORROW.
MY WRIST IS STILL A BIT WONKY FOR MOVING ABOUT.

I WILL COME BACK WHEN I'M IN A BETTTER FRAME OF MIND:dizzy:
LET ME GET SOME COFFEE AND WAKE UP. BE BACK SOON:moped:

I FORGOT TO SAY THAT FRIDAY AT WORK WENT VERY WELL.
THE WOMAN DID EVERYTHING THAT CAME INSIDE THE OFFICE.
I FIELDED THE TENANTS AND OTHER STUFF OUTSIDE IN THE LOBBY.
SHE IS SO EASY TO WORK WITH.
SO THE DAY FLEW BY "OFFICE WISE".
THE MYSTERIOUS HOT WATER IS BACK AGAIN.
IT WAS A VALVE. YAY MEL!!!
SOMETIMES MEN DON'T THINK!!
A FEW MINOR LEAKS ARE FIXED BUT THERE IS STILL A DRIP COMING DOWN FROM ONE OF THE APARTMENTS IN A CORNER. :cry:
HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT DAY....INCLUDING ME:encore:




HAPPY.....YOUR DINNER & DAY SOUNDED VERY NICE.
NO COOKING IS ALWAYS A WELCOMED TREAT!!
DID YOU SHARE YOUR BD DINNER WITH MR BEAR?!?!?
I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO SEE HIM IN A PARTY HAT!!:gift:
TIME IS FLYING BY!! HOPE THE FAMILY FALL IN LOVE WITH THE HOUSE AND HAVE A BREAT TIME.






SHAD.....I AM VERY SORRY ABOUT SCREWING UP THE WEEKEND.
GLAD YOU HAD A NICE DINNER. HOW DID THE AWKWARDNESS GO??
DID IT LEAVE LIKE YOU THOUGHT THE NEXT DAY??
60 ACRES OF GARDENS MUST HAVE BEEN GORGEOUS!!! THAT WAS A NICE PRESENT TO YOURSELF.
LOVED THE BENCH BY THE FOUNTAIN. I COULD HAVE USED THAT PLACE TO RELAX!!:beach:
SO THE BIG T WANTS YOU BACK AGAIN NEXT WEEK....LOL...IS THAT BUSINESS OR PLEASURE?? :belly:
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE HOTEL DRAMA. BIG DIFFERENCE IN PRICES.
CAN'T ONE OF THE MINERS PUT YOU UP?!?!?:rofl:





CEEJAY.....GLAD THE DR CAUGHT THE BRONCHITIS.
HOPE YOU ARE FEELING MUCH BETTER BY NOW.
TAKE THOSE MEDS AND TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF!:hug:
GLAD YOU GOT BACK INTO THE HOUSE!! BUT WHAT'S WITH THE KEY NOT WORKING????
WHAT A WEEK THIS HAS BEEN ALL AROUND!!:dizzy:





LAURA....I HVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT MOST DOGS WILL EAT ANYTHING.
I CAUGHT ONE IN THE BUILDING FRIDAY EATING A TISSUE WHILE HIS SENILE OWNER WAS YAKKING AWAY TO ANOTHER MAN. :lol3:
THE WEEKEND GETAWAY SOUNDS GREAT. HOPE YOU GET THE DAYS IN JUNE OFF:crossed:
TOODLES TO YOU TOO:wave:





ANNIE....SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE PAIN AFTER THE TEST.
SORRY I WASN'T HERE TO SEND YOU A HUG.
HOPE THE REMOVAL OF THE POLYP GOES WELL.
WILL BE THINKING OF YOU THAT DAY FOR SURE.:hug:






MICHELLE....I AM SO GLAD THE DMIL WILL GET AWAY FROM THE DRAMA .
STUFF LIKE THAT IS TERRIBLE AT HER AGE. POOR WOMAN.
THANK GOD SHE HAS YOU & DH TO TURN TO.
CLOSER TO THE SISTER WILL BE SO NICE TOO. :hug:
I AM VERY SAD TO HEAR ABOUT THE MEETING.
JUST TELL YOURSELF IT IS WHAT IT IS AND GO TO THE NEXT STEP.
THEY'LL BE IMPRESSED WITH YOU WHEN YOU GET THE PLAN GOING. WAIT & SEE.

Morning every one.
Back to work for me. Things are quiet so far and hope they stay that way.

Mel
Hope the rest of your week end is quiet.

Happy
I saw the video of the bear on FB. That would have been an awsome sight. Please be careful, that bear is bigger than I thought. Glad you enjoyed your day.

------
Had a bit of a rough night when I went to bed. I slept on three stacked pillows due to wheezing. This morning I'm a lot better. To be on the safe side, I didn't lock the front door this morning but did set the ADT alarm. I gotta figure out what is going on with the lock. I know that they put it on upside down.

Good Sunday morning ladies,

Looks like we have some nice spring weather in the week ahead. DH and I will set out in a bit to go for a drive and do something together. We have noticed some very large but gnarly trees that have alot of character in them. I pointed out one when we were travelling last week and DH agreed and said he's been noticing them too but did not make mention of them. So we will go look for some interesting ones to photograph.

I finally finished my data entry for the museum for just one of the two public calendars I was asked to work on. I submitted 146 entries over the past week, about 20 hours of work and each entry has to be approved by the chamber group. As of today I see 3 entries approved and on the calendar. I have a feeling this group is not as on the ball as the museum. I just don't want to waste all this time for nothing. And I have yet another website to submit updates too - that one's event entry process is even more complicated than this one. At this point I need to focus on getting the house ready for company as I don't want to do my usual wait until the last minute and go bonkers.

I am also waiting to call my sister. She called last night when I was in the shower. Mom is at her house right now - was diagnosed with attrial fibulation ? - irregular heartbeat last week and the doc wanted Mom to wear a heart monitor for a day so they can see the extent of the issue. The hospitals in the inner city where Mom lives are crap so she went out by my sister. Mom was on 2 kinds of blood pressure meds and the doc told her to try and get off the second one. Apparently when your body depends on b/p meds, any slight disruption sends the pressure in a herky jerky roller coaster wave. DH confirmed this himself. Last night Mom's pressure got really high and she asked to go to the hospital. I think Mom has sort of hit a bump on the health meter. She has 6 natural teeth left in her upper mouth, dentist said they are all in various states of decay and need to be pulled as she is starting to have problems with frequent abscesses. She only has sight in one eye due to macular degeneration and that good eye has a cataract that needs to be removed. She has diverticulitis which makes eating a challenge and her stomach is giving her more and more problems. Although still fiesty mentally she is getting more fragile as the years pass and her legs are rather weak now. She can make it across the road to the grocery store but can't stand for much more than an hour's shopping trip. Which also means she no longer can "hop the bus" to get about the neighborhood or go to the doctors since the bus schedule is slow and infrequent. I think she will be ok today - I would be more nervous had I not seen this with DH - it's just hard to get it stabilized again. I wanted to wait to call over to my sister's until 10 in case she spent a long night in the emergency waiting room. I told DH last night that I think my Mom is a sheet of paper width's away from having to make that decision that she can no longer live on her own. This is going to be a battle royale as she hates to give up her independence but I know she is worried about something happening when she is home alone. And the hospitals they would take her to are not ones that would give her good care. We shall see...

Sorry to take up so much time prattling on here.

Shad - I cannot believe that they expect you to pay for a 3 bedroom flat for one person! When I was working we all hated using the corporate travel agency - many of us felt we could get better deals on our own. Hope to see more pictures from the gardens you visited. Did you get outside after all?

Ceejay - scary thing with the wheezing. Is it allergy related? I always have one of those over the counter inhalers (Primatene Mist), some Breathe Easy Tea, an assortment of allergy pills and a hot shower with lots of steam for those nights when the wheezing gets to me. If this is related to the bronchitis, be careful - sometimes it warrants getting a breathing treatment at the emergency care if things get too tight and you keep coughing and coughing. I know how miserable that can be. And good golly Miss Molly - had to sleep with the door unlocked? :yikes: I would be piling a big piece of furniture in front of it. I hope they get that fixed pronto!

Mel - I'm glad there is one person in the office who had a cool head and was helpful. They will probably fire this person. Haven't seen Mr. Bear in a couple of days - he was last seen walking southeast so maybe he's coming to visit you! I hope you have a good day today. :D

Michelle - sorry about the meeting, I was watching the tv show 20/20 Friday night. They had a woman on who wrote a book called Corporate Confidential. She was once an HR executive who found ways to support and execute the dirty agendas companies come up with nowadays until she tired of it and now decided no doubt to make her fortune "exposing" these secrets and going on the talk circuit. But it was interesting to listen to her. It's a shame how they steam roller good people. I'm sorry this is happening to you - you certainly don't need the stress.

Annie hope you are having a good weekend with your "babies" big and little ;)

Hi Laura - is it time to get the bike out and hit the trails?

Ok, gotta go call my sister now. Have a good Sunday chicks.

Morning all- barely, LOL.

Happy - Glad you had a nice bday dinner - yes, I suppose I'd get the steak at a steakhouse, but since fresh fish is plentiful up there, the fish makes sense as well. Mmmm, ice cream cake! I hope your mother's BP gets stabilized quickly. This has happened to bf's mum as well, and I agree, it seems to take a bit of time. So have you been laying the groundwork for your mother to change living arrangements, or is this the beginning? Good luck with that. Re the dust ruffle - yeh, these new beds that don't have traditional box springs cause problems with the dust ruffle. I don't think our bed's platform allows the ruffle to be pinned to something to make it fit better. But I do need a ruffle - I have a couple under-bed boxes to hide. No, not bicycling weather yet. I'm not even riding to the train station yet!

Ceejay - Sorry the wheezing was bad last night. My allergy/asthma doc gave me a Rx inhaler to use as needed, which luckily isn't frequently. Maybe your doc should do the same? Hope work is staying quiet for you.

Michelle - Sorry your meeting didn't have the best outcome and that you're subject to the improvement plan. I hope this is an earnest plan to help you improve and retain your job and not just a CYA exercise needed to document your file for termination. Good you're looking at other options.

Shad - Nice photo - that looks like a nice place to sit and relax and be calmed by the sound of the fountain. What a PITA w/ the lodging - hope you find a more appropriate space. Glad you got a bit of down time at home this weekend.

Mel - Sounds like a mixed bag the past couple days for you. Glad the office employee was helpful and the hot water issue was resolved! So sad about Rita - I hope she gets to stay at home, but the building is thinking of their liability with her staying there in her condition.

Hellos to the rest of the Worldies! Hope you're having good weekends!
---
Sad news - my friend's father passed away yesterday morning. She's now lost both parents and her husband in the span of about 6-7 years. I think she thought her dad would have more time... :(

Saturday I purged a huge stack of catalogs and brought themin two trips out to the recycling bin in the garage so bf wouldn't have to hoist the heavy "intermediary" bin we keep for convenience right out our kitchen door in the 3-season room. After that I got out for errands, then returned home to make some Italian veggie soup. Then it was a dog walk, and w/ bf a birthday gathering with friends of the family.

Spent some time w/ the papers this morning, then two BE workouts and a couple loads of laundry. The backlog of bedding and towel laundry has now been worked down, but there's still a load of rags (mostly paw-wiping cloths) and dish towels to address.

Definitely getting to the library today to pick up the next Doc Martin dvds - series 4 I think - along with the "Cardio-Free Diet" book. Well, I stopped at two stores during yesterday's errands and tried on some tops, but it was no-go for any of them. That means more shopping. Bah. I think I must really be out of step with the times because the more loud, garish prints, sequined and bejeweled or otherwise decorated, butterfly sleeved and no-sleeved stuff I see at the stores, the more i want a simple solid colored stretch top to wear under a cardigan or blazer. The tops I see are inappropriate for the workplace and the sleeveless ones would definitely require something worn over them to be presentable and to keep one warm in the AC'd summer office. Perhaps I need to give those alleged no-iron button-down blouses a try after all.

Okay, enough whining about my wardrobe woes, off to have another spot of tea. And it's not morning anymore, so good afternoon to all of you, and everyone enjoy the rest of your day.

http://www.7-star-admiral.com/0002_r...d_love_ani.gif

IF AT ALL POSSIBLE....YESTERDAY WAS WORSE THAN FRIDAY.
"Hello, my name is ______ and I have permission from the office to move in on a Sunday." WHAT????:?:
BIG FOUL UP.....AND ANOTHER FOUL UP WITH THE GAS & ELEC COMPANY.
THEY WERE TOLD THE WRONG APT # BY THE TENANT TWICE!
THANK GOD MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR FOUND THE GUY THE 2ND TIME AND BROUGHT HIM TO ME. :faint:

I WOULD SAY THEY FINISHED UP ABOUT 7:30 LAST NIGHT.:mad:
some TENANTS HAD TO GET INTO THE ACT AND A SCREAMING MATCH WAS HELD IN THE LOBBY. WTF??? WAS THERE A FULL MOON LAST NIGHT???:(
TOLD THEM ALL I AM NOT TAKING SIDES...JUST HERE TO RUN THE ELEVATOR AND GET THE ELECT COMPANY OUT OF HERE SO I CAN GO TO BED!!
Ahhhhhhhh....THEN THERE WAS SILENCE.

TALKED TO THE BOSS AND SAID IF THIS CRAP CONTINUES I AM OUTTA HERE AND THE KEYS WILL BE ON HER DESK ALONG WITH THE CEL PHONE.
THERE HAD BETTER NOT BE ANYMORE SURPRISES.

LOTS OF REPORTS TO MAKE AND A TENANT'S SON IS PRESSING THE "STOLEN ITEMS" ISSUE.
I HAVE WASH IN THE WASHER RIGHT NOW AND WILL BE BACK LATER TO CATCH UP WITH YOU GALS.
HAVE A GREAT DAY....LOTS OF SUN HERE FOR NOW :sunny:

Hi everyone -

No time for personals...I'm taking the day off to get some website work done and more cleaning done, and also to rest my back from the weekend's cleaning. I did hire help to do the floors so that was good.

I'll be back online later this afternoon.

Once I get back to work tomorrow, I'll be super busy playing catch up.

Love,

Good morning ladies,

Last day of April. Been at the new place 6 months - time is really flying by. My Mom is doing ok, in the hospital for a couple of days so they can stabilize her. Docs in ER said they should not have left her with no follow up after her own doctor changed her meds and found the heart fib issue. I'm just very grateful that she did not have a massive stroke which is what could have happened if left unchecked. I told her she NEEDS to let us know when she is feeling twinges or aches or anything unusual so it can be addressed. Let the doctors tell her it is nothing of concern and no one will think she is a hypochondriac nor is she bothering anyone. :rolleyes:

DH and I went for a really nice long drive yesterday scoping out some ATV trails. We went deep into the forest area north of us and then tried to find some place to eat. Several places we stopped at were closed - this was "cleaning weekend" - many of the lakeside resorts open next week for the seas

on and everyone is getting busy cleaning out the cabins and such. We also by chance stopped at one place advertising pontoon boat rentals on a big lake and met the most adorable couple who own a small 4 cabin resort on the lake. Very nice people - they showed us around and we talked with them for almost an hour. They have a gorgerous place full of bird calls (very busy feeders), and the peaceful sounds of water lapping on the shore.

We wound up coming all the way back to town for supper - just a burger and fries at a local place and the fries talked back to me all evening long. They weren't THAT good either :lol:

Today dawned rainy and dreary but the clouds are breaking up and it's getting sunny again. We are supposed to have a nice week with a chance of rain the next few days. Who knows what that will bring. Time to get started on the garden and I need to focus on getting the house ready for company.

Michelle - hope you have a productive day off. Glad you got some help with getting the house in order. You're too right about running like mad trying to get caught up after a day off. Have a good one.

Mel - the more I see of my Mom, the more I don't envy you with a building full of them. I think they require more upkeep than 3 year olds! Good for you for standing your ground with the office. I will join you in a laundry fest shortly. Left overs for dinner this week - how about you?

Ceejay - how are you feeling with the bronchitis?

Laura - sorry to hear about your friend's Dad. :cry: Sometimes I wonder how people find the strengths to carry one when they have such sadness one right after the other. Especially hard too when you hear a diagnosis and they are gone quickly - you don't even get a chance to process the news before you have to deal with that blow. I agree with you on the clothes assessment. I think the classic look has gone away in favor of the younger, more "bright and breezey" look - especially for summer. I have always favored bright colors but it's too garish even for me. And I don't think people dress up for work much any more either which makes it even more difficult. I would tend to agree that spending a bit more for classic, well tailored clothes would be far better than at today's department stores. I have been trying for the last 10 minutes to remember the store I want to recommend and it just eludes me :mad: TALBOT'S. That's it. But they and Jones New York are both super pricey - but that's always been the way it is. I would occasionally shop Marshall Field's when they had good sales and I have to say - the better made clothing really does fit and hold up so much better.

And I didn't give much thought to the pants being overly long until Shad mentioned about the sky high heels that are in fashion right now. I HATED it when platform shoes were in style - had to hack off half of the length of my pants. Can't imagine what they are like now. :dizzy:

Anyway I have babbled enough. Hellos and Happy Mondays to the chicks who have not checked in yet. Will catch up later. Bye now...

The internet is slow today for some reason.

My bronchitis is getting better but seems I still have a lot of drainage to contend with and it's leaving a lot of congestion in my throat. Used Vapor Rub last night and it seems to have lossened up some of the congestion in the bronchial area. Also used the humidifier and put it directly beside the bed. I may call the doctor again for another appointment even though he said it would take 14 days to get rid of this.


Mel
Remember to put a note on the door.

Happy
Sad to hear that your mom is having some health problems. Will she still be able to come for a visit. Concerned about my aunt and uncle, they haven't called in a couple of weeks. She was to have minor procedure done. Think I'll call her tonight.

Michelle, Laura and Annie: hello :wave:

OH CRAP......I LOST MY POST.
SOMEHOW I CLOSED DOWN IE!!!!!!!!!!!! :tantrum:
JUST KNOW MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU.
TIRED AND GOING INTO THE SHOWER.
I HAVE A LOT OF JUNK TO CLEAR AWAY TOMORROW SO
I AM POSTING TONITE.
HAVE A GREAT EVENING. GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE.



CEEJAY I HOPE YOU GET BETTER SOON. ONE OF OUR MAINTENANCE MEN MUST HAVE PUT YOUR LOCK ON....UPSIDE DOWN IS ABOUT THEIR SPEED:rofl:


HAPPY, YOU CAN VOLUNTEER AFTER THE MOM GOES HOME!!
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE GNARLY TREES.
I LOVE STUFF LIKE THAT.


LAURA....IT'S THE TENANTS DON'T WANT HER DYING HERE. THE OFFICE IS FINE WITH IT. LOL I NEVER THOUGHT OF GETTING THE DOC MARTIN TAPES FROM THE LIBRARY...DUH!! THANK YOU FOR THE IDEA.



MICHELLE, HOPE YOUR BACK IS FEELING BETTER AND YOU GOT EVERYTHING DONE YOU WANTED TOP DO.

Morning all,
Notice I did not say good!!!!!

Everything seems to be going to **** in a handcart round here. Think I will have to stop asking questions since I don't like the answers I am getting.

Happy - sorry to hear about Mum. It happens but that doesn't make it any easier. If she has to go into care, will you or your sister look after her or will you source a care home?
That lake and its birds sounds really nice. Good place for a visit.
I don't pay for my accommodation, the project pays for that, but that is no reason to waste the travel budget. I am currently checking out other places to see what is available. There may even be a one bedroom place in the complex available. The way that the corporate travel place works is that they don't care a fig about what it costs since the more it costs, the greater commission they get. I may yet get to book my own flights and accommodation and just charge it back. Easier all round and I don't get stressed with the small stuff.

Michelle - hoping that you manage to get all you want done before going back to work. Seems like a real hamster wheel that you are on.

Mel - You are sounding like I feel today. Everything I touch turns to cr*p. We will catch up at some stage soon.

Ceejay - It's always fun breaking into your own house. Even worse if you have alarms set and they go off.

Laura - Clothes, I just hate buying them these days. Nothing seems to fit right and I am not that big - bigger than I want to be but.........
Sad to here about another death in the friends family. Poor thing. She will be feeling really bereft now.
I liked Doc Martin most of the time, and especially since I had been to the little town in Cornwall where that is filmed. However it got a little unbelievable towards the end and I am presuming there will not be another series. But don't worry, the Brits will come up with something just as good in time. I do like their comedies and comedy/ drama programs. They always think outside the box.

Annie - probably busy or snowed under. :wave:

Time for Patty and Mary to make their monthly appearance.

And saying that, it is probably time for a new thread. Annie had some sort of title for it. I had better go back and look.

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