Yellow Rose's Garden

Oh, wait, wrong mind!

Tom's bathroom could do with a coat of paint and/or new wallpaper. The new shower curtain and lovely fluffy bath carpet have made a huge difference. I have one of those slim Rubbermaid cabinets with two drawers in there that houses first aid supplies, large items like hair straightener and hand cream. Also dumping old medications, other outdated items, and cleaning up the containers under the sink have made a major difference in the clutter level. Two of those cloth bins neatly filled with personal care items can be pulled out in one shot have made a huge difference from having things all over the place! On the counter there are three plastic trays, one for shaving gear, one for tooth care and a third for the things used everyday like hair gel. Saves things from being knocked into trash can or toilet.

Current audio book is Beowulf; scratch that, finished it at 3 AM! Current movie is The Turn of the Screw. Watched Meet Me in St. Louis on Monday.

Tom has two weeks off from school, so, I'm thinking that'd be a good time to get his closet and room organized. Naturally, he doesn't, but we'll see. This is just one of those, something's gotta give situations.

I need to get out on Thursday to do some mail drop offs and a library drop off. Seems a few overdue items have been wandering about my house. Also need to get measurements for linen closet shelves to determine what size storage containers I can use in there. I want to clean that out next week and possibly get Tom's closet done.

Here's today's something awesome. I planted white star jasmine in my yard several years ago. That I can recall, they never bloomed and were just leaves. I have yet to peek at the rest of the fence, but it seems at least two of those plants are not only alive but thriving and I'm tickled! The morning glory that I had dropped between the fences took root and is running wild in the chain link! This is good thing because the morning glory is leaving my jasmine and Blaze of Glory roses alone while filtering out the weeds and whatnot trying to grow between our chain link fence and the neighbors' privacy fence. In fact, I think the morning glory being so blasted stubborn and guarding against the weeds might be why the jasmine has started climbing the fence! I'm seriously consider trying to root some morning glory for the other side of the yard!

Morning glories can be invasive plants, so I have some advice to offer. DO NOT plant a morning glory anywhere you might want to be digging it up. Simple reasoning here. While those vines are quite slender and delicate the roots once set are as tough as old tree roots and might require professional removal. Train them to wrap around a trellis, lattice, etc. They are cooperative that way. We have two pillars out front and I always wanted to have the vines growing up them. The plant had other ideas and ran wild since I wasn't able to care for it properly.

For the first time in about week, maybe two, I slept well.. maybe well isn't the right way to put it. I slept hard, out cold, dead to the world. I went to bed about 4:30AM. I woke up to the somewhat harsh music of a hail and thunderstorm about 7:30. I remember shutting down all the computers and unplugging the modem, etc. I went back to bed. I don't remember dreaming. I do remember rolling over to find that it was about 3:30PM.

I have a bunch of comments to reply to. For now, I want to send out a general message of thanks to you lovely people (especially mirrored_owl and rachaelwynter ) that took the time to offer comforting messages and virtual hugs. They mean a lot. :)

I talked to Liz last night. Tuesday, I had called and let her say whatever it was she needed to say to Shottie. I told her it might sound silly, but it was something I needed to do. She said it wasn't silly at all. Liz called Wednesday, but I had been napping. She told me something last night that took a bit of the sting out of this loss. Shottie outlived all of his littermates (5 or 6 in that litter) by years. She actually said brothers and sisters, so that would mean the pups from his mother's first litter as well.

The kitchen is filled with these wonderful smells, Tom is cooking.

7:11 PM

Tom made salmon for dinner. It was good. I'm not much of a fish person and I liked it.

Thursday, we went up to Heights. Bed, Bath, and Beyond as well as Target were on our list. We bought new towels, shower curtain, and a carpet for Tom's bathroom. We went with dark blue for the towels and carpet. The counter is a light blue, this stuff will work. I got white plastic trays to reduce the clutter on the counter.

I think it's about time to clear out that bathroom and the linen closet. My daughters have some of their twin sized sheets, but there are still some in there that have flowers and what not for girls on them. Need to see what they want to hang onto and clear out the rest. I think my old towels are going to be going to the vet's office or something.

Target has a selection of Archer Foods and their store brand, Market Pantry. It's decent stuff.

Not much else to say right now.

Every so often, I get bogged down in things that are not so important in the grand scheme of things and forget, to paraphrase Reba McEntire, that there's life out there.

Sometimes, I feel the need to say something and, yet, can't find the words. I retreat to my quiet places; books, craft work, etc. This is becoming one of those times. I don't want any hard feelings with anyone, but in some ways I feel let down. It's not exactly anyone's fault, I just feel left behind. It's mostly my fault, I moved on, but only part way.Sometimes, we say things are fine, but they really aren't. There's the little voice in the back of our minds that says, "it's no big deal, I can do this," but the reality is even if there's no blame to be laid and things are just not what we hope, we are better off removing ourselves from certain situations. In order to fix it, we need to clear our minds, and let go for a while. Sometimes, we have to be selfish and take a few steps back to get a look at the bigger picture of things.

I'm thinking about getting one of these for the backyard. With the warm weather coming it will be nice to sit outside. It has overhead cover, so I'll be able to read or do my needlework without being sunburned easily. With my skin, that can be happen easily and fast.

Reading Drums of Autumn. Listening to I've Hear That Song Before and Just a Guy. Have several library books to read including a Robert B. Parker western. So, yes, my time will be occupied. I need to read to stimulate whatever stories are rumbling in my head and just not popping, yet.

Been playing Yoville and a few other games on Facebook. They pass the time. Going to start playing Sims 2 again. Maybe let a few of the families run amok!

For the DM people, I plan to have a character at the party Friday unless the other half wants to do something. After that, I'll be taking a break from public play there, I have no idea how long.

Much thanks to elf_fu, mistralwind, blackhilllife, and chelle_liz for the lovely cards! :)

I succeeded in transferring the files on the Zip drive to Kevin's old Gateway. Next step is transferring them to CD or DVD. Then I can get back to writing. That might wait until after the holidays, but it's all good. Seems the Gateway and XP don't mind that old Iomega or my LightScribe DVD.

Between now and 30 Dec, I need to square away any AOL Pictures files that I have hanging around before they shut that part of the service down.

Took a ride over to the nursing home to drop off a pile of books, etc. Got groceries including a small ham for Christmas dinner. They had a meal deal that included a pile of free extras. HEB does that for Christmas and Easter. I still have Christmas cards to write and mail. Most are ready to go. Tom needs to get thank you notes written and off to his grandparents. He needs to put together the necklace for his grandmother and get it rolling.

Was outside today wearing a t-shirt and jeans. It was about 40 out there and felt wonderful to me. Yes, I'm sure the neighbors thought I was nuts being dressed that way while running in and out to load up my car, toss trash, and sing Christmas carols, but that's ok. Where I grew up, (Scranton, PA) 40 this time of year is WARM. I did, however, wear a coat when we went to run our errands.

The cold made me grateful to be alive and very grateful that I have a warm house! It's 9:30 PM and about 32 out there, now. I'm in my lovely warm sweats!

So, Tuesday's agenda is as follows:
Finish cards
Tom needs to make the jewelry and bookmark.
Post office
Wal-mart
Local hobby store
Drop off cards for Gabe and Vincent

I'm going to make a pot of tea then see what mischief my Sims can get up to.

This is our 28th wedding anniversary. Kinda makes me wonder where the time went!

We were invited, last minute, to attend a wedding tonight. It's informal, we are at least going to go and see them get married. It's at the local American Legion hall.

Bagging and tagging Aug 2006.

Gave out candy for trick or treat

( Quizzes and Lists of stuff to do )

Saturday, we made a trip to Austin. (We go, maybe, twice a year anymore.) Dragon's Lair and Half Price Books were the main stops for the day. We came home with a shameless haul. My birthday isn't until next month, but I already got my gift from my husband. I've had my eye on the Chronicles of Narnia unabridged audio CDs for some time now, but they list at about 75.00. Half Price Books had them for 35.

Sunday is likely to be busy. The dog needs a bath as he's going to the vet on Monday. Nothing serious, an allergy shot. He does apparently have a touch of arthritis. In a nine year old dog, that's not all that rare. Monday, we also need to get Tom's school books squared away. His online classes begin at the end of the month.

Normally, I do my cleaning on Monday, but with the appointment scheduled, I might crank up Sims 2 in the afternoon and do the pick work during my loading times. Just basic stuff like laundry and dishes. Since we went out today, the yard was put on hold again. So, I might get that done after we get the dog home on Monday. Might have time for some of it after I get done inside. Have to wait until 4 PM or so when the sun is lower and the heat isn't so much.

Seems funny to be discussing heat when much of the US is getting colder and preparing for snow or, in at least one place, has already had it! I'm very much looking forward to the delivery and installation of our new back door. I think it will be nice to be able to sit out on that little cement slab that's supposed to be a patio and have natural light for reading and maybe needlework as well. I have a small folding table that can be hauled around easily. I've been discussing an awning or some other type of overhead cover for the patio with the other half. He wants one of those porch swings. I can deal with that! I still want overhead cover because the back of the house is in direct sunlight most of the day; in summer it gets very hot. This IS Texas after all.
( Read more... )

So, I spent Sunday sleeping, except an hour, I think. Late Saturday night was not pleasant. I think I won't be going to that Mexican place again anytime soon. Kevin didn't get sick, so we aren't 100% certain it was the food, but better to not take the chance again.
( Read more... )

So, today, well later today since it's about 2 AM, I go over with my youngin to get him registered for his second semester of college. His last three classes went well. I'm particularly pleased with his grade in English Comp, an A. Why does that make me happy? My son has always had a creative mind and has a wonderful way of expressing himself with the written word. Mostly, I'm overjoyed that in an age of UR, 2B, and other short cuts brought on by internet usage and text messaging that my son has a very good grasp of proper spelling and grammar.

On my list for today is a quick pick up of the house (since I cleaned up fairly well today).
More laundry. ~It's the job that neeeeeeeeeverrrrrrrr ends~
Post office run to drop off some bills and a package that needs mailing.
Do a drop off at the cleaners.
Clean up my desk area.
Pick up Rice-a-roni Asian style rice. That stuff plus almonds is excellent with stir-fry!

I tested out my leaf blower on the front entryway. Oh, yes... very nice! I can't wait for the weather to cool off so I can get in the yard and work again. Hells, I want that new back door!! Then I can get in and out without leaving the sliding door open and work out there as I please!. What idjot made those sliding doors without a decent handle on the outside, anyway?

I've been rediscovering a lot of old favorite things, especially comfort foods like Vegetarian Alphabet Soup! It brings back memories of winter days in my great grandmother's kitchen, she lived next door. In PA in the 1960's coal was still used in some kitchen stoves.

More later.

When I wrote later, I didn't mean a day later! Oy, it's Aug 27, 2008 at about 10 PM.

Made chicken stir fry for tonight's dinner. No complaints, not a single one. Not sure if Thursday's dinner will be sausage or pot roast.

Caught up my laundry. Finished a couple of pieces of writing. Started working on another.

Friday, we are suppose to check out the new Barnes & Noble and the Super Target near there. There's a Bed, Bath, and Beyond over in that shopping center, but I don't think I can get the boys to go in there. Friday, I should be able to pick up the new Sims 2 EP. So, if I'm not around this weekend, and it's a three day weekend, that's why. I'm lost in Sim City neighborhoods!

Thanks going out to elf_fu, isis, and ldygwynedd for the awesome post cards! :D

In the news:

Yesterday, another comedian passed on, Bernard McCullough, he was better known as Bernie Mac. He was fifty years old and died from complications of pneumonia in Chicago. Like the late George Carlin, Bernie Mac used colorful language, but underneath it he made a whole lot of sense.

Today's news entry for the strangeness file is ::drumroll:: Bernann McKinney, who recently had her face plastered all over the news with the cloned puppies of her dearly departed pitbull, is suspected of being Joyce McKinney, who, in the 1970's, unlawfully imprisoned a Mormon missionary and forced him into having sex with her. She, along with her accomplice, skipped bail.

Things are status quo in the household at the moment. This is good. ::knocks wood::

I feel physically tired, but my brain is in overdrive hence the weirdness!

Started bagging and tagging January 2006.

Saw Mummy 3. I liked it. Starts slow and quite bluntly there's not much on screen chemistry between Brendan Fraser and Maria Bello, but it's got action and some of those one liners that the first two films had! I have always liked him in the role of Rick O'Connell, a real guy stuck in an unusual situation. Don't get me wrong, there's wrong with Maria Bello's acting, the pairing just doesn't pack the same punch as Fraser and Weisz. Jet Li was quite good, but I would liked to have seen more of him doing what he does best. As in the previous films, John Hannah, is the comic relief, he delivers well! Luke Ford did a decent job as Alex, not hard on the eyes. Michelle Yeoh kicked ass.

Seems I have a lot of catching up to do around the house and in my LJ reading since I spent a great deal of time snoozing last week. I think I'm finally over whatever it was that knocked me on my rear and then caught the husband and son several days later. Thank you much to those that posted well wishes! :)

The Sims 2 fans might want to take a gander at this, the Apartment Life EP preview. It looks like it will be a lot of fun and somewhat of a mini preview of the Sims 3 concept of a larger scale area to work with. As I acquire new EPs and stuff packs, I sometimes dump similar things that are custom content. For instance, spiral staircases are coming back! Woot! That means I can dump most of the ones are custom content and roll along! They finally get ceilings!! No more pictures with the sky peeking in!!
( Spoiler )
So, what I'm wondering is... can we do apartment lots for University?

I have considered packaging up all the houses I have in play, dumping the custom content in the download bin and then reinstalling the house packages so only what I'm actually using loads up, but that might be more trouble than it's worth.

So, depending on what all is happening today (Sunday), I might unplug from the net and fire up Sims 2, play until my head drops, then get a good night's rest so I can get started on the dreaded household tasks for Monday. On the other hand, I might get some writing done. There's food in the house, so other than going over to Wally World for a few minor things, we're in pretty good shape. ::again knocking wood:: I need to check on the white wine supply. Might do the Fight Night thing in RoH, not sure.

I've been trying to confine my complaints about RP to filtered or private LJ entries. Seems to be working out well. Those that want to read can read, those that don't can flee past quickly! On the good side of things: I have managed to get eleven pieces of varying lengths publicly posted.

More later.