Saturday, December 11, 2010

DAY 217

It's been a long time since I posted anything here and a lot has happened. I have gone to Atlanta several times to keep the twins while their parents worked craft shows. Have made grapevine wreaths to take to the daughter. Finished a LOT of crochet for Christmas presents and made several mini stocking ornaments too.

Hubby and I worked on the house and finally got the ceiling in our living room finished (first stage).
We visited the twins and their parents Thanksgiving weekend and had a great time and we should be going back up there tomorrow for Birthday Party (2). Hard to believe that the boys are already two years old.

The ladies that I work with and I went to Thomasville Victorian Christmas last night and it was really fun. LOTS of people crowded into the main shopping area and food vendors everywhere. A Living Nativity was the highlight of the evening. The old structures are lovely and the hugh trees are a marvel. I had a wonderful evening, it was even cold enough for coats.

The night before that was our Company Christmas party at a mexican place called SurEstes in Valdosta. Good food and very crowded. We played a silly game where you had two teams and each team had to fill a pair of panty hose with balloons and make antlers for one person to wear along with a light up red nose and my team won. Yea!!!

There was also an election in the Social Club that I belong to, STARFLEET the International Star Trek Fan Association, INC. and I have been elected the new CFO starting January 1st. Boy there is a lot more to this than just balancing a check book. Had a conference call this morning that lasted 2 hours. Was scheduled for three but the phone battery died. Guess I will be buying a new phone this week.

Chatted with my son in Korea this morning. He is currently at Camp Red Cloud 15K from the North Korean border, but he told me he will be moving about 150 miles south of there very soon. And should be back in the states in June or July. Can't wait to see him. It has been a long time and last time I only saw him for a day before he shipped out. This mom misses her kids a bunch.

Well hubby is about ready to go to town for dinner, so I guess I better get off here and get dressed. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and a great Christmas, just in case it takes me a while to get back on here.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Day 159

Wow, tomorrow is October 15th. This month has flown by. I started it off with a visit to the grandsons in Atlanta. Their parents had a craft show and I went up to babysit. As usual it was a wonderful experience. However, I miss understood when my daughter said there was corn on the cob and fish sticks for their lunch. I actually gave each of them a section of corn on the cob. They looked at me like, "What ya want me to do with this?" and Micah never did try it. Once I cut some off the cob, he was willing to eat it, but he was NOT going to pick it up whole. Nathan picked his up and looked at it like it was something awful. I bit into it to show him it was ok, and he actually did take a bite after that, but he wasn't real keen on the idea either. Of course when MOM got home she explained that they had never had it still on the cob before. Duh!!!

On Sunday we all piled into the Truck to go yard selling. Atlanta has some really ritzy yard sales and the kids did really well. I just sat in the truck with the boys and we ate goldfish and sang the ABCs. It was bunches of fun. However, after that we went back to the house and Nate was sick. I guess I gave him too many goldfish and too much milk for the riding. I had to head back to Florida, so I wasn't there to help clean him up. Sure do miss those little ones.

On the following Tuesday, Hubby took me to Tallahassee for our long awaited dinner at Carrabba's. We had a wonderful dinner and it was a great start to our vacation. On Wednesday morning we were at the Valdosta Airport for the 6am flight to Atlanta. There we caught our connecting flight to Las Vegas and by early afternoon we were in our room at the Sahara Resort.

It was a really fun week. We visited Hoover Dam and saw the new bridge that is almost finished. Drove out into the desert to take pictures and went up on Mt. Charleston. It actually was snowing while we were up there. Then we drove the historic Route 66 to Oatman, California where the old mining town has been revived as a tourist attraction. They have mock gun fights in the streets and the noise brings the wild burros down out of the hills. These guys are the descendants of the burros that the miners turned loose when the town originally died. The buildings are mostly original (I think) and the burros just run loose in the town. They walk slowing down the middle of the street or right up on the wooden sidewalk. People feed them popcorn, carrots and such. They were really friendly and fun

The drive to get there was beautiful, but it certainly made me wonder how Route 66 was made. Some of the places where it runs are sheer drop offs and we saw several wrecked cars and trucks over the side that have been there for some time apparently. Another day we drove out to Red Rock Canyon and hiked up a Canyon to some caves. It was around two miles and most of it was up a rocky mountain side. We saw some ground squirrels, and birds, but the wild burros and horses eluded us that day.

In the evenings Hubby could be found at the Craps table in the casino. He did surprisingly well this trip. He actually left Vegas with winnings. He entered the slot tournament and won cash there as well. It wasn't a lot of money, but Hey, we won!

We visited the Fremont Experience, and had dinner at the Main Street Station Buffet. We also ate at the Palace Station Buffet a couple of times. Both are very good and we finally had to back off of the buffets or we would have to buy new clothes to come home in. lol. I didn't get to the Rio, once again. We just had so much to do. We visited the gambler's supply house and picked up some dice and chips to make things. We made several trips up and down the Strip taking photos and listing all the places in order as they fall on the street. We have often wondered when we get home, just exactly where something is in Vegas. So now we will know.

Hubby had a scratchy throat and coughing most of the week and when we got home he was out sick for the next 3 days. I didn't feel ill while we were in Vegas, but on the trip home I started to cough and feel poorly. I worked Tuesday and Wednesday, but Thursday (today) I just felt really bad with coughing, chills and a headache. So I didn't work today. I still don't feel really well but need to work tomorrow, it's Friday and we will be busy for sure.

As for the crafting, I managed to finish the afghan that was commissioned by my boss for her daughter's birthday in time. They loved it. I forgot to take a photo of it as usual. I had said that I was not going to take anything with me to Vegas to work on, but finally thought it would be a good chance to see if the airlines would allow my crochet hook on the plane. They did! So I managed to make a couple of hats while we were traveling. Since I got back I have actually made an apple, finished the strawberry, finished the stroller blanket for my daughter to give to a friend, made two more hats, and several cupcakes. I guess I need to ship these to my daughter as she has shows each weekend for the next 3 weeks. I have them ready to take to the post office, hopefully I can get there tomorrow on my lunch break.

That's about it from here for tonight. I am calling it an evening and hitting the showers.
More Later.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Day 141

Well, the weekend is almost over, and tomorrow is another work day. It has been a good weekend so far. I had to work Saturday morning, but it wasn't a bad morning. Then Hubby and I went to Taco Bell for lunch and home to work on my afghan that HAS to be DONE by the 6th of October. It is a birthday gift for my boss' daughter commission by my Boss. So I can't possibly not meet the deadline. The birthday is not until the 10th but Hubby and I will be in Vegas on the 6 thru the 11th so it MUST BE DONE by the time we leave. I don't have a lot left to do on it as I have feverishly worked on it most of the weekend.

Saturday night we did take time to have dinner at LOCO's with our friends who have been in England and Ireland for the past 3 weeks. They had a wonderful time and we hope to someday get to go with them. They invited us this year (again) but we couldn't make it (again). I do hope the next time they go, we can tag along.

My daughter has invited me back to Atlanta this coming weekend for the Highland Fall Fun Festival. I don't know if I am to watch the twins while she does the booth or if I am to go help with the booth. Either way works. I understand that Metal Man has to work at his REAL job that day so it could be either one. Guess I will be making another drive to Hot-lanta on Friday night and it will be alone again as Hubby has to work on Saturday so that we can go to Vegas the next week. I have several of the special request white dish clothes to take with me, but haven't gotten around to replacing any of the fruit and veggies that sold last week. Got to finish that afghan.

Speaking of work, I guess I better go make a schedule for this up-coming week. See ya around.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Day 138

Hi again. Bet you thought I had totally forgotten about this blog, well not really. I have been VERY busy lately. I went to Cartersville to the Roselawn Craft Show on the 18th and had a wonderful time. I got to spend the day before with the grandboys and the day of with their parents. It was a blast. Those boys are so smart and adorable.

At the show we sold several pieces of crocheted fruit and veggies so I have to remake those. I also have a special request for white cotton dish clothes. So I have been busy on my lunch break at work making those. I have about a half dozen completed so far. I also thought that crocheted hangers for flower pots would be nice and am giving those a shot. Haven't actually completed one yet but I am working on it.

At work I have had a training conference call and had one of the tellers out sick for a full day, another had physical therapy 3 days this week and a third had a doctor's appointment today.
I had to cancel my doctor's appointment due to it being impossible to get the blood work done. However, I got screened at the craft show and everything is good except the cholesterol which was several points above where it should be. So I started taking the meds again.

I also realized that the commission afghan that I need to get finished by October 10th was no where near done and time is running out. So I am feverishly working on that in the evenings. To complicate matters the green yarn that I selected to make this one apparently has been discontinued. I can't find it anywhere in town. So I compromised and picked up a lighter shade and am doing strips of that on either side of the darker green center. I think it is going to be fine, but it really upsets me that I can't find the right matching color. I guess that should teach me to buy it all at one time. Then I have another that must be done before Christmas. Boy, I sure am working a lot for someone who just does this for a hobby. lol

Well, it is late and I really need some rest, so I guess I will say goodnight to all. Pleasant dreams.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Day 127

Well this has been an interesting month. I think I mentioned last time that we are house hunting. Well we looked at a house that would have been good for me. It was one mile from work by the road and more like a half mile or less if I walked. It was brick, with a half acre yard partly fenced. NO TREES at all. Very few flowers, BUT Apparently the roof leaked at one time (or still does) as there are stains on all the ceilings and mold and mildew everywhere. With my allergies and Hubby's extreme dislike of mold, NO WAY. Too much expense and work for what they are asking. Guess we will keep looking.

Meanwhile, we have an air conditioner that has gone out and the water heater died. So this weekend has been spent ripping out the old water heater (trailer type 20 gallon) and replacing it with a new 40 gallon. But that requires all new plumbing and electrical, so hubby has been VERY busy.

I, on the other hand, have managed to make 6 soap bags. My daughter has a friend who makes and sells specialty soaps. She asked if I could make some cotton yarn bags for the soap to fit into that could be used as wash mitts. So I have made 6 to see if they will work. I will take them to Atlanta next weekend when we go up for the show. I am also about half finished with a flower baby quilt/afghan. It is in coral, yellow and variegated pink, green, yellow, white; you know, baby colors. I hope to have it done by the weekend.

Since I am using materials on hand, it has become a bit of a challenge. But when we visited my sister this past weekend in Tennessee, they had a huge stash of yarns left over from brother-in-laws mom. It was almost like Christmas in September. While we were up there we took the inlaws to dinner and drove through the park to Cades Cove. That was fun but we didn't see any wildlife on the trip. Never been to the Cove when we didn't see ANYTHING before.

On the way home we stopped at Clingman's Dome parking lot. They have totally reworked it. The restrooms are now a shop and they built new restrooms right in the parking lot. So you don't have to walk part way up the trail to get to them anymore. It was a really nice clear day and Hubby got lots of good pictures. But we had to hurry home to get ready for Monday.

That's about it for now, except that we have to get our house back in order and get ready for the Grandson's next weekend. Really looking forward to seeing everyone. Have a great week.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Day 115


Well, the month of August is gone. September dawns bright and early tomorrow. And the next day is Hubby's 50th birthday. Most of our friends gave him birthday wishes last Saturday evening since many of them are in England, Ireland, and Scotland for the next 2 or 3 weeks. It was fun and I surprised him by inviting a couple that he hasn't seen in a while.

Tomorrow is Cleaning day at the Dentist for me and I also have an appointment to get my eyes checked. I took the whole day off from work, so hopefully I can get some house cleaning done also. Hubby and I did the yard work this past weekend and boy am I still tired. We have a very big yard. I still have a flower bed or two that need weeding, but I just haven't had the time.

I have been spending a lot of my spare time looking on the internet for a house in the Valdosta area. We would like to get a "cheap foreclosure" and move closer to where we both work. But the one we found that we both are willing to take a really good look at, seems to already be "under contract". However, the sign in the front yard does not say that, so I am hoping that it is still available. It would require a LOT of work, but it is something we could possibly do. Please say a little prayer that we can find a bargain.

I finished the baby quilt that I was working on and took it's picture. I have tried to put it on this site but am having a bit of trouble. I will try again. Well, as you can see, I succeeded in getting the picture on the page, just NOT where I wanted it. I seem to have a bit more studying to do about this blogging thing. Anyway, maybe you can get an idea of what the quilt looks like and let me know what you think.

Looks like we might be heading to the mountains this weekend. Hubby has Saturday, Sunday and Monday (Labor Day) off. I have to work until noon on Saturday, but we just might head for Douglass Lake after that. We haven't been up to my sister's house in a while.

It's late and I am tired, so it is off to dream land for me. Hope you have a good night also.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Day 110

Wow, where has the week gone? It's already Thursday evening and I can't believe it. For one thing, I have to weight tomorrow and I am not looking forward to that. I have been bad this week. Cookies everyday. Yup, left overs from the Customer Appreciation Week at the Bank. So I have partaken of them daily this week and I KNOW it is not going to be good. I knew it when I ate them but I ate them just the same. I also have a doctor's appointment on the 29th of September so I better whip myself back into shape quickly.

Speaking of doctor's appointments, I have an appointment to get my teeth cleaned and my eyes checked on the same day. September 1st. Guess I will just have to take the whole day off from work, oh Darn!!! Then on September 22nd I have to take the morning off to go to Tallahassee for blood work for the appointment on the 29th.

Another appointment I had recently was for a hair cut. I have this awesome hairstylist and he told me Tuesday afternoon (after he was done cutting my hair, go figure) that he LOVES to play with hair and work miracles on people. I had picked out a style that my hair was just not quite long enough to do, but he tried and in the end we did something a bit different than what I thought I wanted. It isn't too bad, but my hair is just not as thick and doesn't have the body it used to have and that makes me very sad. I just can't imagine how I am going to look bald and if it keeps coming out at the rate it has the past 5 years, I will BE bald in 5 more. I am going to mention this to my doctor next month. See if we can't do something about it in time to prevent the worlds worst from happening.

I finished the baby quilt for the online store. I found the mint green and it turned out very nice if I do say so myself. I showed it to some of my fiends recently and they complimented me on the color selections. There comment was that they would never have thought to put those colors together, but they were VERY Pretty. I should be able to get a picture of it on here very soon, as Hubby presented me with a new digital camera last night that I can actually download the pictures directly into my computer. Once I finish reading the handbook and install the software, it will be pictures for the Blog!!! Can't wait. But I want to be certain that I know what I am doing and not mess up both the camera and the computer. If anyone could do that it would certainly be me.

I restarted on the special order afghan that has to be finished by Oct 7th. I have succeeded in getting one full skein of yarn reworked. This time I am working along the long side of the piece rather than the short side. So it will have a lengthwise pattern rather than the width-wise one I had before. I think the new pattern, while more simple, will be softer and more cuddly. I just hope they like it.

I also started on the soap bags that my daughter requested. I am not entirely certain what size to make them as I don't have any measurements. But I figure that a regular bar of soap should be about the same size. The first one is a variegated cotton yarn with blue, tan, brown, and green in it. I also have a red, white, and pink variegated yarn for another one. I am working on these at work on my lunch break as they are MUCH easier to transport to and from.

I looked at the Etsy.com site the other evening and boy there is a lot of stuff to read there. I want to be certain that I understand all the regulations and requirements before I jump in. But I have to admit that after a full day of working on a computer and with LOTS of paperwork, I don't have much interest in digging into something like this. So it will probably be a while before I open an Etsy store.

Well, I guess that will do it for me tonight. Hubby will have a birthday on September 2nd and it will be his big 50. So I am working on a few ideas for that this week. Later