G'day all,

It is Friday morning and a long weekend coming up

Nice to see all the posts again this morning.

Glenda I must say when I read about your trials, I am grateful that this ending relationship is not quite as bad as your son's must have been. That must have been just the worst.
DS had a girlfriend in highschool for 2 years and then they broke up. Ex girlfriend went on to meet new boyfriend, son went on to meet new girlfriend. Both couples bought houses with their partners.........now both have split up for the same reasons, that little something for a lasting relationship wasn't there. DS has told me that former girlfriend has been very supportive and is on his mind a lot. The former girlfriend is quite a high profile netballer (will play for Australia in the Commonwealth Games in England) and rumours had been going around that she wants to get back with ds. When ds and now ex girlfriend were here for a visit, girlfriend and I talked at length about that and she said she felt secure in her relationship....of course now that has changed.
Netball girlfriend and her family have always remained our friends, we have gone to see her play in Melbourne and in Sydney, we have always liked her a lot and were pleased she had a new boyfriend etc.
Her father told me years ago that he had no doubt that our ds and his daughter will eventually end up together.......his prophecy may well come true, which will be even more devastating for current ex

Enough of this saga, sorry about going on about it.......

We have not planned much this weekend, wash the car at my sisters place, work function on Sunday and Monday is a jazz festival on where we live.

Have a great day/night/weekend all
Cheers
Maria

I am still around, just been kind of busy lately. My in-laws were here, they didn't stay with us, but we did see a lot of them. I don't know where the time has gone. We planted a little vegetable garden and I put in some flowers. One hour ago I had pretty Pink Blush Impatiens and now there are only stubs left. We have a little bunny living in the yard. He is so cute, but I wish he didn't dine on my plants. Apparently there is something called Bone Meal that we can spread around the flowers that will keep him away, but we don't want him to move out of the yard. He sure does make us smile.
I can recommend a good movie.. we saw Insomnia and really enjoyed it. Good acting, and a good story. Has anyone else seen it?
As for the Queen... I rather like her. We did see her in person way back in the 60's when she was here. There has been a great deal on TV about the history of the Queen and one thing I found interesting was why she never shows any emotion. When she was very young, her Grandparents Queen Mary and King George taught her never to show any emotion at all. It is only recently that she actually shows any warmth. I know that Charles upbringing was pretty sterile. I found it funny to see the Queen on stage with Ozzie Osbourne, at the Jubilee celebration at Windsor Castle.
Well, I'm doing some laundry and I had better check on the machines... bye for now...

But I fianally just have to take time and post. I printed out the whole last thread and took it with me yesterday so I'd have some good reading at lunch. Some one talked about a book Lightning? I think it was. About the lady with breast cancer. I read that a while ago and I too was so mad at the husband I couldn't even spit!

About Ds's and girlfriends. Remember we went through it lthis past spring. I was just sick over it. Both son and girlfriend were so upset. But are now moving on. DS has the ability to stay good friends with all his exgirlfriends. Now the exwife is a different story

We went on our trip to Chicago this past weekend. We had a wonderful time. The train ride was great. The taxi rides were scary. The rehearsel dinner was perfect. It was at an Italian resturant. I spent time looking for gansters. (It is Chicago you know ). Saturday DH and I went off on our own and went up the Sears Tower. Then we went to the Navy Pier to check out the Ferris Wheel. Wanted to take the boat trip down the river but there wasn't enough time. That afternoon we(wedding goers) met in the lobby of the hotel where the bride and groom had chartered 2 buses to take us all to the church. We felt a little safer in the bus than in the taxi's. The wedding was beautiful. Very traditional. It was a Catholic service so it was long , the church was beautiful. Then there were pictures of all the different family's on the steps of the church. Then back to the hotel for the reception and then the dinner and dancing. What fun The next day there was a breakfast for all of us with the bride and groom. Then it was back on the train and home. It was a whirl wind trip. We left early Friday morning 5:00 and returned at 2:00AM Monday morning. Needless to say I spent the rest of the week trying to catch up with everything that didn't get done because I wasn't here to do it. Then today I was invited to My daughters church to see the grandkids in ther Vacation bible school program. Cute. So even today was a rushing day. I had all these grand plans. I did get the cinnamon rolls made and baked a loaf of bread. Visited with my Mom and took her over a new jellyroll baking sheet I bought for her. And DH"s supper was only one and a half hours late. I'm so glad this day is done. I have a staff meeting tomorrow in St. Cloud so Saturday is already shot. No wonder I haven't gained any pounds back don't have time to eat.

My two cents on the water deal. Long before the bottled water makers were around doctors and dietitians were tell us to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day. My skin is better (Not full of wrinkles) it shines.My hair is better it also shines. And I feel better all around when I drink my water. Thats my 2 cents. And every body seems to lose weight better when they drink their water. I agree It keeps us full so we can't eat. I think that is a good thing.

I've got to go to bed.
Karen

everyone must have been having a good time. We went to a retirement party for my dil's mom. She retired after many years of teaching 8th graders. Yesterday I went to a luncheon. Tonight I am going to a dance recital for my niece's kids. It is always fun. Karen you sure had a good time in Chicago. My sil lives there in condo above Saks. One of these days we are going to go there. Trudy I am glad that you came out of hiding to visit. It is nice of you to feed the bunny. Maybe he can find something else to dine on instead of your flowers. Now the big mystery is, what does the Queen carry in her purse? I always have wondered. She always has one on her arm and it never looks heavy. I got rid of a lot of junk at a yard sale Saturday. My niece didn't let me know about it until Friday so I didn't have a lot of time to scrounge up much stuff. I am trying to declutter. There are just too many things around here that are useless. Time for laundry. Have a great Monday,

Hi Everybody We had rain most of yesterday and this morning we woke up to more rain. I don't think there is a bone in my body that is not aching this morning from the damp. This growing old is not the greatest thing.....of course the alternative to growing old is not so great either. LOL Saturday night we went to see the Princess in her Dance Recital, and needless to say she was a little doll. Those little munchkins get so excited, it's such a big deal for them to perform for their family and friends. I loved it. We gave her a long stemmed red rose, with a Beanie Baby Doll attached to it and her Daddy gave her a lovely arrangment of mixed flowers. I think she just smiled the entire evening.
Yesterday after church, DH and I went shopping for a new light coloured suit and sports jacket for him. I think we found something that we both liked except the suit jacket had a tiny little mark right in the front of jacket. He is going back to the shop today to see if they were able to remove it. Of course it was the only suit, we both liked and I think we saw every one in the city. He likes the two button suits and looks best in them, but 90 per cent of the suits now are three button and even four button ones. The choice is very limited.
Karen nice seeing you again. Sounds like you had a wondeful and busy time in Chicago. So you didn't spot any gangsters. LOL, I don't think they all look like Marlon Brando in the Godfather, LOL so that's likely why you missed them. I would have missed them too.
Peggy I wondered what the Queen carried in her purse too. I think I read once, where they actually reported what she had in those purses she carried, but I have since forgotten. I will have to ask the gals at Tea Time and see if they know and then we can pass this very vital information on to you. Probably a hanky!!!
Well the ironing is calling my name, so must run. Hope you all had a nice weekend.

G'day all,

Tuesday morning, back at work after the queen's birthday long weekend.

Trudy Nice to see you post How annoying to have your impatients eaten by a rabbit. Is it your pet, if it is I guess it is not quite so bad. I rang the person who does my garden at home (just to let him know of the upheaval in my home with ds and girlfriend breaking up) and he tells me despite it being winter my standard roses are still blooming! He has also planted some annuals I just want him to keep the garden tidy so people think someone cares, but he enjoyes pottering around and planting bits and pieces

Karen the wedding sounded wonderful eventhough the trip must have been exhausting.

Peggy isn't it amazing that we collect so many useless things in our life. When I get back home, I intend to have yet another 'cul' and just get rid of stuff we don't use. Living the way we do, makes you realise how little you really need to live comfortably.

Slavika Yes I know how you feel, I have been having similar problems, cannot stay in bed for long because my back aches so much, indeed the joys of getting old Sounds like you enjoyed the dance recital. Good luck with getting the mark from your dh's jacket.

Have a great day/night all
Cheers
Maria

Karen: Sounds like you had a fantastic vacation! Did you find any gangsters? The wedding sounded wonderful!

Trudy: Oh how cute a bunny! They do cause alot of damage, thats for sure. Glad you found away around it.

Peggy: I would like to know what the Queen carries to. Cant be nothing in there Course I carry the kichen sink in mine

Slavika: I bet the Princess was adorable. I never get to go t kids shows anymore. They are always so cute. But all the kids in my family are grown now and no fun

Maria: Lucky you with the long weekend. Did you do anything fun?

Have a great night all! Nothing new happening here

Karen - I am the one who was fussing about the Danielle Steele book, "Lightning". I was so angry and in such a bad mood while reading this book, but I kept thinking it would get better and it progessively got worse. Slavika said that her characters are rather weak and I agree. I vowed never to read another of her books, with their wimpy characters. I believe that love is something that has to be earned and can be killed through actions. Anyway, enough of my soapbox. I also agree about the water. Water makes you feel better and look better and keeps you for eating everything in sight. Chicago and gangsters, huh? If you come to Oklahoma, are you expecting Indians and cowboys? You will see them, just not riding to town on their horses, more like their pickups.

Trudy - You are definitely a bunny-lover! I would not be happy to have my flowers mown down by one of the little furballs.

Slavika - I have one of "those" age-related conditions. The first 2 steps I take are painful, and then just fine. My sister thinks I need to use Vioxx, but it is so expensive. I think I can deal with 2 steps easier than a medicine I can't afford. But ain't life grand! Our little Austin will be 1-year-old next week. His parents are the stereoptye first-time parents. They have both told me how they have a little walker at their house. We dropped by on Friday to see the little walker and saw the little crawler, but the cutest little crawler! Remember when we wanted our kids to hurry up and do things?

Good luck to everybody in the uncluttering of their lives! Someday!
Glenda

Glenda that year sure has gone fast. Can't believe that Austin is going to be one. Nothing very exciting is going on here. We went to my niece's girls dance recital last night. It was fun - not ever having any girls to do that stuff with. The oldest is in high school and she is really good. Wish I could do that stuff and look like her. Even my dh enjoyed it. He likes to watch the little ones-they are so cute. Spent the afternoon cooking. I made a Mexican Chicken casserole. It is so good-just makes a lot. Slavika how was tea time today? Did you solve the world's problems? Lily-working hard? Maria you have been sort of quiet-you must be busy. Wonder how Ann is doing. Enjoy the evening,

G'day all,

Quite a warmish winter day here with the temperature going to 23 before a change.

Peggy mentioned I have been a bit quite, that is probably true, I have had a lot on my mind with one thing and another. I worry about our ds and the resolving of their assets etc. The last few days we have been busy discussing/organising/coming to agreement etc. in financing a house for our dd and her husband. We would like to help them out and we will but at times one wonders when will it ever end.
DH is leaving for HongKong this week for 10 or so days. He wants me to go but I have decided I will stay here and perhaps go with him when he needs to go again in 6-8 weeks time.

The positive is that I have run out of perfume and I will put in an order for my usual (Narcisse by Chloe) but.........I will get dh to check out the price of the parfume mentioned here (I will have to go back and check the name again ) if there is not a great deal of difference, he can treat me! If it was good enough for Princess Di.........
There used to be quite a saving buying things duty free but that has all changed, so we'll see.

Glenda that is unreal that little Austin is almost 1 year old, we never cease to be amazed at how times flies, a few more months and we are outta here
I must confess when I think of Oklahoma I do think of cowboys and Chigago does conjure up images of Al Capone or 'The Untouchables' with Robert Stack! Canada I think of having clean, crisp blue skies, magnificent scenery and rather chilly weather.

I must be off as I am organising a big meeting here today

Cheers
Maria

Glenda: Doesnt seem like a year has gone by. Austin must be getting big!
Is he walking?

Maria: Good idea to get DH to buy you that perfume! Mine would laugh at me and the price. He does buy me Channel 5 every now and again. But thats still cheaper than Princess Di's

Peggy: Mexican Casserole sounds good! Freeze it. I find that just about anything freezes. Makes for a quick dinner to. Yes, Im working hard. Will it ever end?

Later!

Hi Everybody Had my day out with my friend and I bought the young Prince a pair of shorts that have a million pockets in them and a bright yellow golf shirt for when my DH takes him to the golf course. I know he will like the outfit. I also bought myself a couple pairs of shorts. Nothing too exciting about them, just ordinary walking shorts. We had a nice lunch. I always say I won't eat too much and I do anyway.
The day turned out to be nicer then thought. The forecast was for more rain but we had sun. It was nice.
Peggy one of the things we discussed at Tea Time yesterday was vandalism that is caused by young people (under 18) who when caught don't get much more then a slap on the wrist. The husband of a friend of mine had the side mirror ripped off his car and the gas cover stolen a couple of nights ago. I think the bill was something like $480.00. The mirror is shipped in and then it has to be painted the colour of his car. THAT COSTS $80.00. Can you believe it? A short while ago, someone went into one of the cemeteries in our city and knocked down a whole bunch of the head stones. WHY
On the lighter side we also discussed whether there was such a thing as "Love at first sight". What do all you gals think about that? Maria once again, you have a whole bunch of things to think about and decisions to make. Is your son going to continue living in your house on his own? I forget Maria, is he still at shcool?? Glenda I don't even know your little Austin, and I can't believe a year has gone by. It seems just a short while ago you posted when he was born. Well, DH is at a dinner meeting and will be home around 7:00, so I didn't have to make any dinner tonight, but now I must go and find something for myself to eat. Night all.

G'day all,

What can I say, life is not getting any easier. I received a call from dh's sister that s-i-l with lung cancer is not expected to last the day
Not sure what we will do, I have spoken to dh and suggested rather than put us under a ridiculous amount of pressure and stress, to send flowers etc. instead of trying to get home. It probably sounds very callous but we are not particularly close to dh's brother and his wife. It is extremely sad however if it had not been for dh's sister, we would not know much at all. We have sent flowers, cards, letters and dh has tried to ring his brother a number of times, we are at a loss what more we could have done.
Obviously if we had been home we would have attended the funeral but being a long way from home, dh leaving for Hong Kong etc. perhaps for our own sanity it may be best to send flowers.

DD rang last night and it now seems that the easiest way for her to buy the property is for US to buy it and they make the repayments to us. Something else we now have to try and arrange if their offer is accepted.

Slavika my son has just turned 28 and he has a 5 year contract as a sports co-ordinator at a High School in Adelaide. He will continue to live in our house.
Your conversation at your tea time reminds me of a court case that is soon coming up involving my son.
He and 3 other teachers took Yr 11 and 12 students on camp at the beginning of the year. The second night at camp 5 students were send home for smoking dope and a girl was send home because she was found in one of the boy's tents with very little clothing on. Of course the rumours immediately went around that the girl was sent home for having sex, it was probably what she was doing but the reason for her to be sent home was because she was in the boys tent. She is now sueing the 4 teachers and the education department for defamation of character. I cannot think of an appropiate 'smilie' here. It is just unbelievable, the amount of time the teachers are now having to spend on a defence in court etc. is just ridiculous.
No wonder we are so short of teachers, kids seem to be able to get away with all sorts, who would want to be a teacher.
The education department is very supportive of the teachers involved, which I guess is good but really they shouldn't have to through this in the first place.
Last month some kid who had arranged a fight with another kid, was knocked unconscious during the fight, now 5 years later he has successfully sued the school for not supplying adequate supervision and not stopping the fight that he had arranged in the first place .

We are having a huge public debate about everyone sueing everyone making it almost impossible for some public places to remain open because they cannot afford the insurance or the insurance companies will not touch them.
We used to think that this was an American phenomenon (Hollywood stars etc), we are now the second most litigious country in the world Something to be proud of, I don't think.

Not the most light hearted post I have ever posted............

Cheers
Maria

I saw it last night and loved it. I just finished the book. They are some crazy ladies. Maria you sure have a lot on your plate right now. You just do what you can and I think people will understand. I am getting real tired of these lawsuits. It is time for people to take responsiblility for their own actions. I feel for your son. Teachers seem to have their hands tied. I hope that it works out in his favor. There was a teacher in the US somewhere that caught her kids cheating but the parents raised such a fuss that the school board backed them. What kind of example is that? Slavika I guess there is vandalism everywhere. My dh parks his truck on the side street [we live on a corner] and he is always getting eggs or a broken mirror. This is the time of year when school is out that a lot of the stuff happens. My son had a Firebird when he was in college and some idiot came by 3 times one night and bashed it with a brick. We were never notified of a court date and he never had to pay restitution. The damage was over $2000.00. He was drunk and was driving around bashing in cars. I heard yesterday that one of the darlings of a local couple was arrested for breaking in and tying a family up. They were stealing-supposedly have a cocaine problem. You never know. Have to go figure out how to wrap a milkcan. I painted cows on it for my sil's 60th birthday party Saturday. She has a small farm with cows. I guess it will go in a big garbage bag since it is so big and awkward. {I bet you all want it. I know that I am glad to get it out of my garage. I have had it for at least 30 years.

Girls, you all make it so interesting to talk, I don't know where to start. About vandalism: it is the single most unworthy thing that anybody can do. What is the motive? Nobody wins and everybody loses. And, as always, buying a kid out of anything just leads to bigger and better things. Today, trashing a car--tomorrow, tying somebody up and stealing from them; the next time, up on charges of murder. Why can't parents see that?

And Maria - I have a son who is a coach-teacher. I taught school years and years ago. He has told me how teachers have to protect themselves by just covering themselves in all sort of situations because of students possibly suing them. I used to be able to hug kids and talk to them alone. Now that is all a "no-no." Then I have another son who is a lawyer (baa-hunbug!) who likes the litigation thing.

Maria - probably your solution to your sil's funeral is the best one. Too bad you weren't closer, but that is the way it is. Hope your son can get disentangled easily.

I am having something happen in my life that is not easy too. My beloved boss is leaving us unexpectedly and taking another big position at our university. We are going to have an interim VP and do not know what to expect. Too many changes and I don't do well, but have to get through this if I want to eat. You know--LIFE.
Glenda